A/N: Hope you all enjoyed the last chapter! I'm trying my best to keep updated as frequently as I can, the reviews really help keep me going! And in response to a few key reviews, yes this story will have smut ;) I just wanted to build the relationship a bit before diving right in haha but it is coming soon! Thanks to all of for sticking with me and enjoying the story!
The next couple of days passed in somewhat of a blur as I tried to figure out what exactly I was going to do about the current situation I found myself stuck in. I'm pretty sure Rick noticed my mood had grown fairly sullen but he never said a word. As far as I knew he was completely unaware that I had overheard his conversation with June, and I was on the fence about whether or not I should say anything. It was Friday, and that meant another recreation day. I stared in the mirror in my bathroom and noted the darkness under my eyes with a frown. Nothing a little makeup couldn't fix but still, the lack of sleep was also making me feel pretty loopy. I should have been excited about today but instead I was filled with dread. A part of me wanted to tell the team what I had heard but another part worried if I did it would be reported back to Waller. If there's one thing I had learned it was her eyes were literally everywhere.
An hour later I was feeling much more confident with a bold smokey eye and a feeling that just maybe I could face the day. I was finishing straightening my hair when Rick suddenly barged into my room without even knocking.
"Hey!" I said crossly. "What's the big idea?"
"Change of plans," Rick replied severely. "Pack a small bag, we're headed to Gotham City."
I stared at him open mouthed, words completely escaping me. He was joined by June, who gave me a sad look as she entered. Without saying anything she quickly helped me pack some essentials into a small carry on suitcase as Rick paced back and forth. Satisfied I had everything I needed I cleared my throat and uttered a small 'thank you' to June before turning my gaze to my brother.
"Well I'm ready. Mind telling me what this is all about?"
Rick grabbed my suitcase for me and simply shook his head. "Now's not the time, we have a plane to catch."
"I don't suppose you'd like to be reminded that I hate flying?" I pointed outas we all made our way out of the apartment. "Seriously, also love being left in the dark. What happened to no secrets Rick?"
"Please Mal," June said with a pleading look as she wheeled her own luggage alongside mine. Rick was looking tense and was purposely avoiding catching my eye. I bit my lip and gave the doctor a short nod. She looked relieved which is something I only wish I could have been feeling at that moment. Instead my stomach churned at the thought of going to Gotham City, and what would be awaiting me there.
We took a private jet, which luckily got us there in plenty of time, thank the lord. Heights were not my best friend, and every time I had to take a plane somewhere I became an absolute nervous wreck. I had tried repeatedly to talk to Rick but I may as well have been invisible. All June did was give me worrying looks and then pretend to be asleep whenever I gave it a shot asking her. I couldn't figure out why they wouldn't just tell me, I would be finding out soon anyway. Then as I watched Rick more closely I realized he was just too plain afraid to tell me. As much as I hated to admit it, my brother was one of the toughest people I knew, and seeing the one and only Rick Flag afraid, in turn made me undeniably afraid.
As we touched down I looked through the tiny window at the unfamiliar surroundings. I had never been to Gotham before, but the city seemed unnaturally dark. Sure it was nighttime, but I saw it as dark in a whole different sense. No, this place seemed downright evil. This thought was ultimately reinforced as I stared up at the building we were about to enter half an hour later. It looked incredibly old, and if it weren't for the few flickering lights peeking from it's upper windows, I'd be inclined to think it was abandoned.
"What is this place?" I asked June as a guard handed me my suitcase from the back of our ride.
"It's where we'll be staying temporarily," she answered simply. "A private base of Amanda Wallers design, it may not look like much on the outside I know, but just wait."
I had been sceptical at her words, but the moment we passed through the entrance into what had to be a lobby, my eyes widened in surprise. While the outside looked depressing and shabby, the inside was clean and modern, with sparkling tile floors and sleek black furniture. An obscenely large chandelier sparkling with intricate diamonds hung from the ceiling. I could only describe it as five star, somewhere you'd find the rich and obnoxious. I quickly got over the shock of the surprising interior however, when my gaze settled on the scene before me. The lobby was spacious, and standing a couple feet away from us with armed guards surrounding them, was the rest of task force X. They all looked on edge, but as soon as I made eye contact with Digger, my nerves relaxed and I smiled at him. He seemed to appear just as relieved at the sight of me and as the others took notice of our entrance their expressions turned to mostly confusion.
"I see you all made the trip safely," a voice spoke up. Cue the entrance of one Amanda Waller. As soon as she appeared through one of the doors behind the large reception desk the whole teams mood went cold and I could almost feel the tension in the air. Rick stepped forward to meet her and she gave him a curt nod.
"Colonel," she said smugly. "Ah and Ms. Durnin. This is already going much more smoothly than Midway. Glad to see your little team is on it's best behaviour."
"I'll show you best behaviour honey," Deadshot's voice rang out and I looked over in time to catch him sending her a rude gesture.
"Watch yourself Lawton," Waller said with a warning. "Best to keep calm and not lose your head, if you know what I mean," she added, giving her neck a quick tap.
"Ah not this shit again," I heard Digger grumble.
"Yes, this shit again," Rick snapped at him.
"That's enough Flag," Waller interrupted. My brother clenched his jaw but remained quiet as June wrapped her arm around his tightly.
"Now I'm sure your all dying to know why you've been brought here," Amanda began, taking small steps toward the team. Killer Croc eyed her warily and I was dismayed to see they had strapped a Hannibal Lector like mask on him.
"Not exactly a tough puzzle to solve," Deadshot replied. Waller gave him an amused stare and seemed to wait for him to continue.
"Well...it's Gotham city right? This must have something to do with Harley."
"Good guess Mr. Lawton, and yes I suppose in a way you are correct. But this goes a bit beyond Ms. Quinn alone. However, there will be a time and a place for further briefing. Tonight, enjoy the hospitality I have in store for you."
"Hey, hold on, you can't just leave it like..." Deadshot started to say angrily but he was cut off by the Captain.
"Hospitality?" Digger repeated curiously, a grin starting to form on his face.
"This building was formerly a very successful hotel some 20 odd years ago, now it serves me whatever purpose I may need it for during extensive trips to the city. I'm allowing each of you to have your own room, on the same floor for security's sake, but don't for one moment think I won't be alert to every move you make. I'm being unnecessarily nice here and letting you all have a little bit of freedom but cross me or any of the guards watching your sorry asses and you'll find your head gone faster than you can shoot a bullet." This last sentence was directed towards Deadshot, but he merely chuckled and shook his head in disbelief.
"Your guards will show you to your respectful rooms," Waller continued. "I suggest you all get some rest."
Amanda Waller turned to my brother. "Flag, come with me."
"Yes ma'am," he said and moved to follow her. He stopped for a second to give me a stern look. "Behave Mal."
I crossed my arms and glared at his retreating back. An entire plane ride of the silent treatment and when he finally acknowledges me all I get is a warning? Pffff, screw that. I was startled out of my thought as June gently placed her hand on my shoulder.
"I'm going to stay and wait for your brother. You should probably follow the team," she said nodding to where the guards were beginning to march the team towards the elevator. "Waller put you on the same floor as them."
I responded by giving her a funny look at first. "I'm sure Rick was super pleased by that."
"We won't be far away," June replied giving me a small smile. "Teams got to stick together right?"
"If you can call it that," I muttered, hardly believing she had the gall to imply she was one of us. Then again, I wasn't even sure I belonged one hundred percent. Sighing I gave her a small wave and pulled my suitcase along behind me, rushing to catch up to the guys. Guards were already escorting Diablo and Croc into the one elevator, while Captain and Deadshot waited with three other guards in full gear.
"Well hello darl," Digger welcomed with a cheeky smile as I joined them. I blushed and stood a little closer to him than I probably should have. Being in such close proximity to him made my heart flutter and I couldn't take my eyes off how good he looked dressed in his normal attire.
"So you got dragged into this mess too huh?"
I looked up to see Deadshot giving me a somewhat suspicious look.
"Apparently," I answered, face turning sour. "I don't really know any more than you do." I went with the lie, sue me. I don't think Deadshot bought it however, not with the way he was eyeing me, and I tried to keep my cool. Finally after a few tense moments his shoulders relaxed and his expression changed to one of pity.
"Well for what it's worth I'm sorry you got put with our lot." His words seemed genuine and I rewarded him with a small smile.
"You know I'm glad ta see ya lovely," Digger spoke up, while reaching over and giving my hand a quick squeeze. The guard standing closest to us gave him a nudge in the back with the butt of his gun as a warning and I could see how badly the Captain was trying not to lose his shit.
The mood was disrupted as our turn to take the elevator finally came and as we all boarded with guards in tow I noticed the Captain was sticking awfully close to me and I in turn was having an awful lot of trouble concentrating. It wasn't an overly small elevator but tight enough quarters that as we got on he was able to press up against my back without attracting the others attention. I carefully took a step back and slid myself against his side. He looked down at me with a shit eating grin and his gold tooth glinted in the elevators fluorescent light. The whole ride up I was busy trying not to be turned on with the way he seemed to loom over me, one hand sneakily sliding across my lower back. As his arm lifted and I found myself partially tucked into his overcoat I couldn't help but peer down and notice the head of a horned stuffy sticking out of his inner pocket. I grinned evilly and casually slid my arm around his waist underneath the heavy jacket. He looked taken aback for a moment but finally responded by giving my ass a squeeze. I stared ahead, trying to keep my composure and when Deadshot looked over his shoulder at me curiously I gave him the most innocent smile I could muster. I was almost relieved when the doors finally opened and we were all able to get off, a certain plushy pink momento now resting safely in the satchel I kept slung across my body. Sticky fingers you could say, a blessing and a curse.
"Ms. Durnin," a guard with a very unfriendly face grabbed my attention and promptly handed me a room card. "You're in room number 513. Colonel Flag will be in 515 if you need him." And with that he turned his back to me and gave Digger who was standing close by a shove in the opposite direction.
"This way Aussie," he ordered making Digger scowl and clench his fist. The guard raised his gun threateningly and my breath hitched. The Captain glanced in my direction and after spotting my worried expression to my surprise he shrugged and went with no complaint. I pretended to fiddle with my suitcase outside my room as I watched which door they guided him into. It looked to be 510 and I mentally saved that tidbit of information for later. The room I entered matched the rest of the hotel fairly well, all done in extremely good taste and fashion. But at that moment I was more concerned with flopping into the king sized bed and snuggling deep under the covers. I smiled as I clutched a small pink unicorn to my chest and dropped off into a dreamless sleep, worries fading with my exhaustion.
