Franky, My Dear

by TheOfficerandGentleman

Fiona Frost sees Franky as a sleazy, short, repugnant man whose only redeeming quality being his information. However, that soon changes when her mission fails and she has to take refuge with him.

Franky, My Dear

---

It was supposed to be an easy mission, a simple in an out in a few minutes. She had to go collect information from an insider to the Westalis bureau.

It was a set up from the start. She grew careless, overconfident, dropped her guard and now she had the entire East's authority on a grand scale country threat lockdown.

Codename Nightfall, Fiona Frost was in an alleyway. She stayed hidden from all the police sirens that grew closer by the second. She clutched the bleeding wound on her side. It wouldn't stop. She was scared.

She hated that. She hated showing any emotions. Things were always in control so she had no problem maintaining her ice-cold apathetic demeanor that gave her name.

But now, the walls were closing in. She was compromised. The woman's soft pink hair hung low. The gun was shaking in her other hand.

"I'm sorry Twilight." Fiona wished she could have seen his face one last time. Maybe hear him finally say that she's the superior wife, and that he should have chosen her as his spouse for Operation Strix.

A small chuckle. She was still in denial.

It is what is. She wasn't going to compromise him, no matter what.

Fiona turned the gun to herself. The barrel was against her temple. There was no point in crying.

CLICK!

She had already used all the ammo on the bodyguards for her escape, leaving nothing for her.

Berlint police cars close came to a screeching halt, the doors were opening and shutting. The radio frequency also grew more audible.

Fiona's eyes widened. She did the next big thing and ran, ran as fast as she possibly could with her injuries.

Nightfall used the huge nighttime crowd that just got out of work to stay out of the police's sight. That way the agent used her sleek skills to maneuver past them.

Occasionally, Fiona would also use kiosks to assure that she wasn't being followed. However, she was growing wearier the further she pushed herself.

Frost had heard the east Ostania had a General. A young buck that would exceed to such severe torture anyone else looked like angels in comparison. She knew she wouldn't budge any information but she wasn't willing to risk anything if her Loid's life could be jeopardized.

She was planning on pulling herself, even if it's on her pinky. Fiona was swaying back and forth, the dizziness was getting worse.

Had they not barricaded the streets. Damn it. Her teeth were grating in annoyance and pain.

Fiona sighed, keeping her composure. There was one more alternative; it wasn't very textbook definition of conduct. However, desperate times...

She'd much rather chew cyanide. If she had any…

A man with a dark afro took a swig of his cigar. It was finally time to close shop.

Frankie puffed the smoke out. Yes, business has been good in terms of espionage and finely cut Cuban cigars but it was all missing something...

He sighed, placing the money of the cash register to the safe.

Truth is he felt like a side character that was only there for comedic purposes. He needed more. He needed a woman.

Again, the man sighed. The smoke of the cigar fogged his glasses. He was in nature, a hopeless romantic. Doomed to be a best man, never to be the groom, always to be friendzoned. "It is what it is."

"Ahhhh wait...guy." A woman's voice had spoke behind him.

Probably some lucky shmucks girlfriend he thought. "Yeah...I'm the guy but I do have a name you know...Frannnnnnnnkkkkkkkkkkkkkyyyyy. It's not rocket science."

He turned around to see an all to familiar face. "Wait...Nightfall. What are you doing here? You're bleeding!"

Fiona fell forward and collapsed straight into Franky's grasp. "Franklin your information...was faulty. You worm..."

"Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit!" Franky cussed. An unconscious enemy of the state, which he aided by leaking, classified intel on was on the front of his doorstep.

Sirens were getting closer to his tobacco shop. So he started to clean up his mess. He opened the trailer security gate and the main door. He carried Fiona bridal style towards the main sofa. That'll account to the most action he'll ever get with a girl. He joked.

Franky shut everything behind them so it gave the illusion that the store was closed. He even turned on a flashlight.

"Okay, take off your jacket." Franky instructed.

"I'll kill you!" It wasn't the first time a woman had looked at him with such disdain.

"Will you quit it." Franky had enough of this. "Listen I had no idea my info was faulty so quit this blame game! I'm trying to make amends! I could have thrown your pretty ass to the east hounds but I didn't! My ass is on the line too, don't you think I know that lady!"

She gave him a disgusted look; her body was drenched in sweat. Fiona started to remove her jacket.

KNOCK!

KNOCK!

"Berlint Secret Police! Open up!"

Franky's heart came to a stand still. He forgot one single detail, the blood drops. Fiona left a trail that ended right at his store.

Fiona in her tank top, clutched onto her side wound.

"Stay here." Franky instructed rolling up his sleeves. He whispered. "Do not move."

He opened the door but the security barrier remained. "Officer, thank goodness you're here! There's this crazy woman!"

Fiona's blood froze as she whispered. "You bastard..."

She crawled off the red sofa and grabbed the letter opener.

"I locked myself in! She was shaking the gate, waving the gun around like a mad woman telling me to open up! I was scared for my life! "

A man stood at the opposite of the barrier. He had short black hair and red eyes, dressed in a decorate uniform.

Franky knew the man. He was Yuri Briar, brother of Yor Forger and in law of his client Loid Forger. Of course he knew him. He'd be a lousy informant otherwise.

However, it was important that he didn't know that he knew.

"Sir, does she by any chance have short lavender hair, a slim built and a possible gun shut wound?"

"Ooooohhhhh that's her all right. She looked absolute worse for wear! She couldn't have gone far!"

Then there was no doubt. Yuri gave order to soldiers "Spread out. I want eyes and ears all over the plaza! She couldn't have gone far!"

He gave a warm friendly smile to his patriot. "Thank you for your contributions citizen. We shall clear the area and let you know when it's safe! Please lock all the doors!"

Yuri took off, giving Franky a brief respite.

Bye Bye you sister complex having weirdo!

He bought them zonetime. He closed the door.

But it wasn't as well received, as he perceived. Franky's back was pushed against the door handle. He was reeled up by Fiona's brute strength. A letter opener was pressed against his jugular vein.

"Will you relax already, they're gone okay? I handled it!" If circumstances had been different, a sweaty slim girl wearing a tank top rough housing him would have been an alluring sight.

"A little appreciation next time! Thank you Franky?"

She gave him a cross look. Maybe, in hindsight, thanking him for clearing up a mess he made isn't so ideal.

Fiona was shaking in pain. Eventually, she gave out on her stance and dropped to her knees. She let coughing Franky free.

Franky stayed, holding her shoulder. "Let me help..."

He placed her back onto the sofa. "I was in the Ostania army, as a combat medic. Not sure how a rusty deserter like me will hold up but I promise I'll do my best!"

And she's supposed to be satisfied with that? She felt her eyes getting sleepy. Too late for any final swan songs in either case. Fiona wished she could only see Loid one last time before fading to nothingness.

Fate had other plans.

To her surprise she woke up the very next morning, relatively alive. A bandage was around her hips. Pain had also subsided too for the most part.

The "blanket" that was over her was a striped shirt. The scent of the tobacco and whiskey reeked all over it. Others may have been repulsed but not her. If anything it was...comforting. Dad. Fiona sighed as she slept more.

Minutes maybe hours had passed before she woke again. It was only much later when she finally came to her senses. That cloth she clung to like a child with a teddy bear, that very same striped shirt with the cologne, was none other than Franky's shirt.

"Good morning.." Franky was sitting across. "You're finally awake."

He was sitting on a couch with a cigar between his thumb and index finger. "And your fever dropped too. Thank God. I was worried. We didn't have any medicine here, 'cept for liquor."

He looked worse than her now. As if we were holed up here for days and haven't slept. "Before you asked, yes my stitching was a major success. I still got it!"

Franky had a proud look.

Her face looked plainly towards him. Behind that facade mask she was grateful. "Thank you Franklin."

Franky scratched his 12 o'clock stubbled beard. He didn't have time to shave either. "Hehe don't mention it."

Yet somehow despite her initial reaction she couldn't find herself to push the shirt off her like she would have. Instead, Fiona had brought it closer to her nose. It smelled nice...

Franky drunkenly and exhausted made his way up his two feet. "I'll go get us some food. You need to eat..Stay put."

About half an hour later he came back with a bag full of take-outs. "Hope take outs are all right Nightfall. Chicken and chips."

She pondered. It certainly hasn't crossed her thoughts but she wasn't vehemently against the idea.

The greasy crispy chicken was in her hands. She took a bite and was immediately encaptured by the taste. It was unlike any MRE's she has ever had.

Fiona ate it in an unlady like fashion. She didn't care if Franky had witness or said anything. In fact, he best not say anything or else...

Franky smiled, eating his curly fries. He didn't mind. "The honey and mustard works great with the crispy skin."

Fiona took her chicken breast, dumping it in the yellow sauce. True to his word, it was.

"Is the coast clear?" Fiona asked between bites.

Frankie ate his chicken drumstick. "Far from it. You're the most wanted lady in the country, Nightfall. There's wanted posters of you as far as I can see. Police are asking all woman to provide them IDs so you can forget about trying disguises."

A small chuckle from him as he reminisced. "It won't work like last time."

Oh by that, did he mean when he enforced some awful dress code that makes her look like some tramp? Maybe so he could fulfill some deviant sexual fantasy?

Then again, he did pull through promise to get her papers. He saved her life by pulling her head down. He lost a valuable contact because of her recklessness. Yet he still kept his business open for her.

She kept eating her food like a boar. Why was she so fixated on him all of a sudden? Maybe she

They finished their meals. She adjusted herself so her back would face him as she rested. Since she was going to be here for a while Fiona didn't want to look at the source of her problems.

He was probably too busy staring at her ass to even care. Pervert.

Fiona felt a strong comfy texture over her bare shoulders.

"Also, got you a nice blanket to keep you more warm."

Well if this was his way of righting his wrong then it's a start. She curled up even feeling the warmth. Franky was so nice...

"Errrr anywho get some rest. I'll call Twilight, he'll have better advice on what to do next."

It made her upset. "You're going to drag Loid in your mess!"

To which Frankie immediately defended himself. "As it happens to be, he owes me a favor and police won't be looking for anyone matching his description, so pipe it down would ya."

This was getting on his nerves too. He got out a pack of Camels out of his chest pocket.

Frankie lit a cigarette. His head held up high. "Besides don't you have a thing for Lottie anyways."

"I do not." She was a terrible liar. Everyone who worked at the Psychiatric Hospital knew.

"Uh huh" Franky took a long drag of his smoke. It had less to do what is said and more about how it's been said.

She looked over her shoulder, analyzing his smug suspicious behavior. "What?"

"Oh nothing!" Franky insisted while taking puffs of nicotine. This internal little conflict was none of his concern.

Aside from the fact that her poker face was undetectable, Fiona had no idea how Franky came to that conclusion.

However, this was Franky they were talking about here. She's pretty sure the perv could find dirt on a termite.

What sort of agent is she? How could she have been so easily deductible? She felt ashamed.

"Don't call him." Fiona insisted.

But his fingers were halfway done with the dial tone.

And by the time she could have jumped up, it was too late. It was already ringing.

"Yeah, we've hit a bit of a snag. That's right doctor, uh huh. No, I would not have called if it weren't serious. Same place? Good. Great! Bye!"

Franky hanged up the old dial phone. They refrained from any keywords, should the line be tapped. "See? Nothing to make a mole over!"

Loid was a psychiatrist so these sort of unexpected emergency visits shouldn't be out of the ordinary.

She didn't want Twilight to see her so vulnerable. She could live with disappointing herself but not him.

A knock on the wooden panel door again. Franky

Instead Franky faced Yuri the second he opened again. What you again? "Good morning Officer. How can I help?"

"Please forgive my intrusion again citizen. I saw you were still holding fort down in your shop so I just wanted to notify you this area is safe. You can go now."

He had a smile that was faker than a counter fit note. He was watching him astutely.

"Thank you officer for your concern, but I'll be fine right here." Franky returned his smile with a bootleg one of his own. "I already went out earlier for food

His red eyes constantly tried to look into the store, trying to find something.

"Is everything all right Sir" He pried.

Franky wondered what had given that away. His wrinkled shirt, the bags under his eyes or the fact that he was smoking like a chain smoker?

"No officer, far from it." Franky bluntly confessed. "My PTSD has been kicking in ever since that woman had a gun on me. You know what my problem is!? It is women! They're all an ungrateful bunch who only care about looks and how big your wallet is! Do you know how many times I've been rejected? First off, it started when I enlisted in the army and…"

Bewildered he looked on. The pettiness was just sad. The conversation was starting to make even Yuri, a strenuous interrogator uncomfortable. Honestly he was starting to regret for even asking

"Well if it isn't Yuri!"

The informant had to compose himself in order not to showcase any relieve in front of Yuri.

A well-dressed blonde man had intervened. His blue gaze was staring directly at Franky's hindrance.

'Took you long enough Twilight!'

"Lotty!?" He gasped. His shocked state immediately converted hostile. "What in Sam blazes are you doing here!?"

Loid remained unbothered, smiling. "Why, I'm just here to see good ol Franklin over here."

Yuri's shifty eyes went to Franklin then the man in question. "What's your relations with this man?"

"He's my client of course."

"And what seems to be his problem? How do I know you're not making this all up!"

"You know I can't divulge patient client confidentiality information, Yuri." He gave his brother in law a nice warm smile.

"It does when it involves National Security!"

"National Security?" It was so preposterous, Loid had to force himself to whisper."Yuri, the only danger he is to himself."

The red-eyed officer growled "Fine but I got my eyes on you Lotty!"

"I expect nothing less from you brother." Loid calmly waved towards his in law.

"And I'm not your brother either!"

"I have a marriage certificate that says otherwise!" He still bragged over the marriage papers he and Yor had.

"I'll get to City Hall and deem it null and void! Just you watch! Once I catch the enemy of the state, that is Agent Twilight!"

"Goodbye Yuri!" Loid kept smiling and waving. "Please come visit on Sunday. Yor will be making your favorite!"

Yuri kept yammering like an old man yelling at clouds of in the distance.

"Lotty! Loid! If that even is your real name!" It was barely audible with how far he was.

Once the coast was clear, Loid dropped the act.

'What a pain.'

"He gone or what?" Franky squeaked the door open more.

"Hmm... for now." Loid spoke. Yuri was too persistent to give up on his hunch. "Nice play trying to stall him."

Franky blinked. "Play?"

Loid walked in and his informant quickly shut the barricade and door behind them. "We don't have much time. Is your brother in law always this much a pain?"

"I guess you can say that." He didn't even know the half of it.

"Well you sure know how to pick 'em." Franky already had another cig in his mouth. "Nightfall's in the next room."

"Is she badly hurt?"

"Well she had better days but she'll live. I patched her up good."

"Thank you, Franky." Loid replied.

"Think nothing of it." Franky brushed it off. A smoke path followed them like a trail.

It reminded them both of they had met, two opposing sides on the battlefield.

Internally, Fiona was beyond smitten when such a cultivated gentleman walked in. His short wavey blonde hair and blue eyes were like an ocean.

But she wasn't his so alas..

"It's your shitty information!"

"Hey my insider sources are always credible!" Franky was offended. If there was one thing he was always reliable on, it's information.

If she wasn't going to believe him, and understandably so: Loid would at least vouch for him.

"No this sort of ploy strategy has always been a part of information warfare. They intentionally release misguided info to find who leaks the confidential."

This almost makes up for the time he had him cross dress for the interview at Eden's Academy. Almost.

Franky leaned his back against the wall. He dragged that cigarette hard

But then it hit him. Loid explained, "If that's the case, you're not the only one compromised Nightfall, so are you Franky."

He nearly swallowed the cig sponge he nibbled on.

"Wait...what?"

Loid's gloves were on his chin as he pondered. "Hmm.. this is indeed much worse than I anticipated."

Franky was having a near panick attack. "Shit! Loid what the hell do we do!?"

Loid kept calm and so had Fiona. Franky was stressing out enough for both.

"World peace is in jeopardy. I still have to keep my cover." He was

"I have to play the role as a defenseless psychiatrist. Make it convincing," Loid already slightly loosened his red tie. "Hit me."

Franky wouldn't even hurt a fly. It's why he didn't mend well in the war. The fro' haired man had an eyebrow raised. "Hit you?"

"I discovered you were harboring a fugitive. She held me at gunpoint and threatened my life. Me, being a true Ostania loving patriot, refuses to comply with terrorists. We get into a tussle and you two have the upper hand."

Franky balled his fist. He was even pacing up and down like a boxer. He took another puff of nicotine for courage and flicked the mouthpiece across the room.

"Just one swing" Franky swung his arm. His fist connected with Loid's face.

And it was as soft as a cushion. This wasn't going to work out.

Loid dramatically flung himself to the display cases for cigars. The glass shattered as he collapsed onto his stomach. He just laid there motionless.

"Agent Twilight!" In her mind numbing pain, she sprung to her comrade's aid. "What did you do!?"

"I barely touched him!"

Loid started coughing. His face had several cuts. "Take my car keys.. go far north into the mountains. Call Sylvia once the coast is clear...survive you two.. ugghh"

He was out cold. Franky cautiously checked his pulse. Immediately he felt relieved to feel his heart beat.

Fiona grabbed Loid's shoulder holster strap and threw it over her bare shoulders. Agent Nightfall was wearing a blank tank top and fitting jeans. She was ready for war.

Fiona pulled the pistol's slide and hammer back. She had two extra ammunition clips.

"Girl are you bionic or what?" She was literally shot last night.

"Ready?" Fiona asked Franky.

While he certainly didn't want to be part of this life, tonight was the first day of the rest of his life.

He sighed. "Ready. Guess I don't have much of a choice."

Fiona exited the tobacco shop. Frankie closed shop on what could very well be the last time ever.

She had her gun trained at all time. They weren't going to be caught off guard again.

The Berlint plaza was empty and quiet with only the sound of the humming night-lights and the occasional flickering store signs. There was hundred of stars over the city.

Had this been under different circumstances it would've made an ideal romantic stroll.

"Keep up or I'll leave you behind." She said coldly. Fiona eyes didn't leave the iron sights of her gun.

Franky followed closely behind the stoic woman. She aimed right, followed by left. She then took cover and peaked around the corner while Franky was hugging the wall besides her.

Once Nightfall verified their path as clear, she dispersed from her position but her trigged happy finger stayed vigilant.

Frankie remained behind her. He was walking backwards and watched her back, since it was his ass on the line too.

It was quiet, too quiet. Their footsteps were echoing in the distance.

Usually the coffee store would still be open for insomniacs, workaholics, college scholars procrastinators who had an assignment overdue but even they were closed.

No, something isn't right! Franky's paranoia was increasing. His eyes were frantically looking for anything else out of place. He was sweating profusely. It felt like his shirt was sticking on him.

Two red globes eventually caught his attention. It peaked from the men's bathroom hallway where they had passed a few seconds ago.

It jumped out.

"Fiona!"

BANG!

BANG!

Nightfall's reaction time was unparalleled. She turned around and fired two shots, hitting and killing the target. Smoke came out of the target.

It happened so soon; Franky could barely process the event. The person laid there dead. It wasn't some on duty cop but a soldier fitted for war, heavy armor and a gas mask with red lenses.

The only noise that came from him now, were radio chattering, demanding where the shots originated.

"Shit! This is bad! This is real real bad!"

Fiona didn't even as much as flinch. "They know we're here. Let's shake a leg!"

They kept moving forward but at a quicker pace. Franky's heart was jumping in his chest.

Two more soldiers popped out of the "Employees only" door. Fiona shot the first through the neck, he was gasping for breath behind the mask. The second received a shot through the red eye lense. It painted the silver door with blood splatter.

Fiona holstered her pistol and knelt down. She acquired a pump action shotgun from the downed enemy. There were more red shells on the side of the gun for quick reloads.

Nightfall stood up, walking into the restrictive area. Franky followed her. His stomach turned more and more with every body they passed by.

Fiona walked like death in the hallway.

Another soldier appeared at the end of the hallway, aiming his assault rifle at Fiona.

BANG!

She responded first. Fiona pumped the shotgun handle. He was dead or so she thought. He was coughing severly, clutching his bleeding side.

"No, wait!" His voice echoed through the mask. "I have a family-"

BANG!

Fiona shot him up close. The spatter was so immense; her short lavender hair was painted by his blood.

She pumped the shotgun handle.

Franky saw everything by briefly overlooking her shoulder. He saw enough.

"You didn't have to kill him. He surrendered!"

Franky disliked that.

"If you have a problem, stay and die with him. I don't have time to deal with dead weight."

She didn't even bother to give eye contact. She only met him halfway. The blood drops falling off the strands of her hair. Her face showed no disgust or regret. Remorseless

It's not like I have a choice. Franky would remember that.

They made their way down a flight of stairs. Fiona kicked the door open. It was a large packaging area. Moving conveyor belts was carrying the huge boxes. Machine lights were loudly humming as it transported the cardboard in various directions.

A soldier waited by the doorway to ambush Fiona. He attempted to rush and apprehend the foe. Bad choice on his behalf.

BANG!

He took a shotgun shell to the knees.

Fiona pumped the handle once again.

BANG!

And then he took one to the head. She pumped the handle again.

"Get down!" Once again, Franky had her saved, this time by dodging past flying bullets and spearing her out of harm's way.

Three soldiers had their gun trained at the west agent and informant. They released a barrage of gunfire at the boxes.

Fiona slung her shotgun behind her back, pulling out Loid's pistol. She returned fire.

BANG!

Nightfall hit the far right one. He stumbled forth, pressing all his bodyweight against the hand railing as he fell over. The conveyer carried the man to inside the machine. He yelled in pain as a sickening bone crunching noise was heard.

BANG!

The center one was hit. He rolled down the steel stairs that gave him overwatch.

BANG!

BANG!

The last remaining of the trio hung over the railing like laundry day. Such a flare for dramatic.

An empty pistol clip fell to the ground. Fiona sighed and reloaded it with a fresher clip.

"We need to get a move on. Reinforcement could come any moment."

Don't have to tell me twice!

Frankie stayed seated on the concrete floor after his big save. "Oh and Franky..."

He looked up. Did she just call me by my first name?

"Thank you for...saving me."

A small smile formed on the broker's face. "Hehe don't mention it."

"Now get your ass up or I'm leaving it." That tender moment, if you would even call it that, was short lived.

In any case, he sprung up from his feet and Franky picked up the two-way radio of one of the soldier's. That way they could be one step ahead.

Meanwhile another poor soldier was killed, this time beaten to death by the stock of the shotgun.

Fiona just stood there normally. As if she haven't clubbed a man to death and violently slaughtered close to a dozen heavily trained special forces.

"Umm..the parking area should be right here outside. I'll open the door for us."

Franky side walked past the dead enemy..

He carefully lifted the garage door, enough so that Fiona can peak through, if there were any ankles that needed any shooting at the opposite side.

Once she gave a nod. He flung it fully open. They were back outside in the nightlights but now the sounds of sirens were filling the air.

Franky and Fiona made a run for it to Loid's car, leaving a trail of bodies in their wake.

The secret police made it no longer a secret that they were hunting them, since apprehending them in discretion to maintain civil rest was no longer an option. They spoke loud over the radio.

Fiona chucked the keys to the short man. "You drive, I'll cover us with suppressing fire."

It was a family car, certianly not built for a getaway vehicle. And if stealing this helps Loid maintain his cover so be it. "Beggars can't be choosers."

They open the car doors and climbed in. Fiona was reloading her shotgun while Franky gave a few dials of the ignition. After a few attempts, the engine roared to life.

Franky turned the gear to reverse and released the handbrake. He looked back and put medal to the pedel. The family car's wheels were skeeing as it drove back.

Quickly, he turned to first gear and drove off towards the security barriers that were raised aloft.

A soldier ran out of the security guard house. He loaded his rifle and aimed towards the bonnet and windshield of their speeding car.

Before he could fire a shot, Franky drove over him. It felt like a speed bump. If speed bumps included bones breaking.

"I just killed him!"

Well.. Fiona looked back with a complete indifferent gaze. He laid there in the middle of the road. His legs and arms were in positions it shouldn't be to put it lightly.

"If that didn't kill him, he's going to wish you finish the job."

"That's terrible! That is a human life!"

By now, Nightfall has killed more people that she could possibly count. It doesn't even make her flinch.

Franky kept driving in panic. "I think I am going to be sick!"

Fiona focused on her driver. "Count to 4, inhale. Count to 4, exhale. Take deep breaths."

His hand gripped hard on the leather steering wheel. He followed her instructions and slowly, he felt his breath coming to a normal rhythm.

She was so close to him. Fiona's perfume from last night still lingered on her neck. The aroma made him feel safe and calm.

"It's an eat or be eaten world out there Franklin. You did the right thing." The agent assured him.

That hasn't stopped him from being upset at himself however. He stared at the road. "It doesn't have to be."

There was a slight melancholic expression on her face. "Well it is."

Franky continued to drive. "Promise not to laugh but I kinda always envision a future where there's peace between both nations."

They were inconspicuously hidden in a traffic jam due to heightened security. Car horns were frantically hooting.

He sighed. "Maybe it's my childish naivety, I know, but that's what I still strive for."

"Ironic cause that would mean no war, no job for us." Franky smiled. "But you know, maybe Loid could really be a psychiatrist I could still own the tobacco shop and you Fiona..."

In his imagination, he saw Fiona opening up a flower shop. She had a colorful dress and in her short pink hair was a flower. She had a smile. She was actually smiling.

He shook his head. "It's stupid really."

Fiona looked away from him. Maybe, he doesn't see me anywhere in his future because there's no place for someone like me there, a cold-blooded agent.

Franky's fingers were lightly tapping on the steering wheel. He turned on the radio as words of their deeds hit every live studio broadcast.

"On second thought." He turned the car radio off. "The road rage is better."

Fiona's head rested on the passenger's window. Her fatigue was finally catching up to her.

Maybe I'll have sweet dreams of Twilight. She thought. It would've been ideal form of escapism for her.

Something had caught her eye at the review mirror however. In the long cue of cars, police officers were slowly creeping between and on their way towards them.

They were getting closer and closer to them by the second.

"Franklin put your car in reverse and wait for my signal."

Franky swallowed his fear and obeyed her instructions. His muscles tensed up when his eyes saw their police caps.

"Shit..." He whispered.

"Wait for it..." Fiona's head sagged lower in her seat.

"Shit. Shit. Shit." A sweat drop rolled off the rim of his glasses.

"Wait... for...it." He saw in the corner of his vision how Fiona slowly reached for the holstered pistol on her hip.

"Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!"

A police officer had his gun ready, stopping by the boot of their car.

"Now!" Fiona yelled. Franky stomped on the accelerate pedal. The man's eyes widened when he saw the taillights brighten.

The middle of his waist was crushed between the bumper of Franky and Fiona's car and the car behind's front bumper.

He tried to wiggle out between but to no avail. The officer of law could only yell in pain..

BANG!

BANG!

His life was snuffed out. Fiona's barrel was smoking.

"I'll cover you, drive!"

Franky switched to first clutch and drove off into the opposite lane. Cars were swaying past them, missing them by an inch. As if that wasn't enough, the back windshield shattered as bullets flew past him. He could feel how one grazed his afro and the other nearly his earring.

"I don't wanna die!" He was scared shitless.

Meanwhile, Fiona stuck out so casually out of the car window. She rained fire on pursuing Berlint police and military vehicles.

Her bullets struck some. Others were hit by incoming traffic head on.

Franky took a sharp turn. Fiona clutched onto the surface of their car, nearly losing her balance. If those thick glasses could see through the roof he would have saw an annoyed glare.

"GET OUT! MOVE IT! TWO HOMICIDAL MANIACS COMING THROUGH!" Franky punched the horn as the sedan drove into the market junction.

Ostanian's and Westalis (those who illegally crossed the border) merchants gathered in unity to sell goods to make ends meet ran from their stalls as a family car drove drove into their good. Chickens and goats accompanied them.

Fiona continued her anarchy. But with Franky keeping a faster driving pace, it was harder to hit a small moving target.

They drove into a long underpass. That should make harder for the East government to track them without having air superiority.

It didn't stop the ground forces. As two police cars drove with them into the dark corridor.

He was starting to get more annoyed. "Are you kidding me? Do these guys ever give up?!"

With his crazy swerving, it was too much of a risk to hang so carelessly outside. Fiona sat back in her seat, aiming close to Franky's window.

"Move your head!"

Franky's head lean forward but his afro hair was still in the way.

"More!"

"Huh?" Franky was flabbergasted. "Lady if I move another inch I'll be kissing my teeth when this air bag comes out."

"You're useless." Nightfall expressed. She pushed Franky's rear back on his driver seat. She then proceeded to climb directly over him, straddling his lap.

Franky was beet red. "Uhhhh Fiona I don't think this is the time for..."

Their position, with her hovering on him hasn't bothered her one bit. "Don't flatter yourself and it's codename Nightfall to you"

"Right...my bad hehe." Franky laughed nervously. It was getting harder to drive in more ways than one.

She opened the sedan window and pulled out the pistol to deal with the last remaining pursuers they had.

After a few unsuccessful shots her gun ran empty.

"I'm reloading."

But it was hard to reach towards another clip on account that she held onto the leather seat for support with her non-shooting hand.

And both Franky's arms were at her sides. The ammo clip was on his far right.

She sighed and rolled her eyes over. "Could you.."

"A bit busy now!" He couldn't see a thing aside of her cleavage. Not that he was complaining mind you but he was going by a Hail Mary.

"Uggh you don't need both hands to steer!"

"Fine, ya big baby!" He reached out only to grab her butt.

"Really?" If she didn't need him for driving, she would have pistol-whipped him.

The car was screeching as he tried to grab the swinging pistol clip. "Quit judging you're not the one multi tasking here!"

This time he grabbed her chest, even squeezed it too, all accidental of course.

"I'm going to kill you."

They said third times the charm. He only grabbed her ass again.

"Sorry!"

After a few more failed attempts, he finally grabbed the clip, carefully; he gave it as a peace offering.

Fiona gave him the most visibly disgusted face she could ever muster. She resented this man with every fiber of her being.

They were in a life of death predicament, but Fiona wanted him to know his very existence repulsed her.

She was willing to risk her life for those extra few seconds that's how much she hates him.

Fiona loomed over him. Her presence contrasting from the dark shadows to the bright lights of the underpass tunnels.

CLICK!

Without moving a muscle, Fiona's empty pistol clip fell out of her gun but her gaze hasn't left Franky.

Franky inserted it for her.

And just like that she stuck her head out, firing the gun to the chasers.

She grabbed Franky's head, crushing his head with her biceps.

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

The front car was hit by three bullets. It flipped over as the metal box rolled multiple times, crashing its own allies. Car pieces were flying everywhere but it showed no signs of stopping any time soon.

Eventually, it stood balancing on two wheels before laying down on its side, blockading the driveway behind them and giving the two escapees their perfect getaway.

Fiona rolled back to her respective seat, not saying another word.

"And that's all she wrote." He was watching too many spaghetti western and golden oldies. And thought, it would be "cool" to give a one liner of his own.

"You know I think we make a pretty good team!"

The fact that Fiona hadn't holstered her gun properly explained that they weren't on the best of terns.

Franky could only sulk as he drove away. His amazing repertoire of swooning women never ceases to amaze him. The family sedan disappeared into the half moon with only one question in mind.

How was he going to fix something that's beyond broken at that point?

"Oww.." Loid flinched in pain as the paramedic placed a bag of ice over his head.

"Please don't move Mr. Forger, you'll tear the stitches!" Warned the concerned medic.

"My mistake, I guess I am not used to this kind of strenuous activity and brutality."

He seemed very apologetic and downtrodden when infact everything went according to his plan.

"Damn straight you aren't, Lotty! What were you think? Oh, that's right! You weren't! Didn't I tell you to leave this thing to professionals!"

Yuri came marching to the back of the ambulance Loid was perched on.

"You could have gotten yourself killed you idiot! Do you want my big sis to cry YOU BIG DUMMY!"

He frowned, "Of course not Yuri, please forgive me!"

"You're not Bondman, Loid! It's real life and real life has consequences."

"It's my line of work Yuri. Sometimes my patients get out of hand."

"That's it. From now on you'll be working in the government branch offices. There is armed guards there, you'll be safe and I'll keep an eye on you!"

"Oh I figured you worked for the military!"

He was about to ask what gave it away when the dead give away was the fact that he worn his green uniform the entire time and their discussion was basically an admittance. He was so worked up he missed those details. He was a psychiatrist it was his job to read people.

"But don't worry, your secrets safe with me. Yor would be vey proud of you."

He cleared his throat. "Hmm..that's right!"

"LOID!" Quickly, Yuri scuttled away into the busy crowd upon hearing a familiar voice.

Yor Forger came running to Loid's aid. She immediately embraced him tightly while the man in pain received a face full of red jersey material, just as a wife should.

"We came as soon as we heard! Are you alright!?"

"Papa is Bondman!" Anya proclaimed. She was still dressed in her pajamas but with a normal jacket over. The small adorable girl clutched her chimera plushie in her hands.

He was handing out apologies left and right. "I'm sorry for making you two worry. These are nothing but-"

"Ma'am, your husband is a hero! He fought against two right wing terrorist!" Said the medic.

Yor was shocked. "Dummy, what the hell is wrong with you!?"

Like brother like sister.

She mushed his bruised cheeks together. "You could have made me a grieving window and Anya fatherless!"

"I am insured and Anya would be in good hands with you."

Yor grabbed his tie. She wasn't playing. She knew this was a role

Yor gave him a deadly glare she gave "Make no mistakes Loid Forger, We will be a whole family. Don't ever play hero again."

Her sweet scented breath was on him. "If you do I'll stab you seven hundred times. You'll be dead dozen times before you hit the ground. Do I make myself clear?"

Somehow she scared Loid more than any of his other deadly predicaments could have. "Crystal clear, ma'am."

Yor let go, clasping her hands. "Very good then my dear."

Anya had a shocked expression upon hearing her mother's thoughts. Assassination!

Yor leaned down and kissed her husband's cheek. She gave him a nice warm smile too. "Anya needs a father..and...well I need you!"

Which made Loid blush. She was good, too good.

They kept gazing at each other's eyes, neither party wanted to look away.

Until a rumbling noise distracted them. They looked at Anya.

"Anya wants a midnight snack!"

The forest was cold and dark. Millions acres of never ending trees were branched out over the hills. Night crickets were chirping, owls were hooting and wolves cried in the moonlight.

The night was still young and it was dangerous for anyone to be outside when nocturnal animals were at play.

Fiona was resting her head on the window. Finally she was busy catching up on good rest while her partner in crime was inside the phone booth discussing their escape. A small flickering light pole was on the streets. Moths were flying over it.

Franky exit the booth in a relatively happy mood as he whistled and swung a keychain over his finger.

He climbed in the car. "Great news! Looks like we won't have to camp out in the car!"

Fiona felt relieved.

"Good ol' Sylvia gave us the keys to a cozy little cabin safe house a bit more north of here! She had it hidden in the booth" He jiggled the chain further.

She wasn't in the mood for any talking. But the fact she was rubbing her bare arms subconsciously spoke more that enough.

"Oh you're cold. Let's see if there's something in the back for you."

He rummaged in the back. It was a huge mess. "Damn, Loid! You should tell your wife. She lives like a bachelorette."

Franky looked at Fiona. "Uh, no offense!"

Her face looked bitter. She just wanted this to end.

He realized that there wasn't any more left. He was wearing the only warm thing. It was a "My Child Enrolled in Eden's Academy" hoodie.

"Here." He zipped it down and took it off. "You need it more than I do."

"I don't need it."

Franky smiled. "Your poker face is horrible, ya know!"

He threw it over her shoulders, her arms went through. It was a big hoodie fitted for warmth and comfort.

Franky even zipped it up for her. He reached out for the seat beat and even clicked it in for her.

"We should be there in a hour." The engine roared to life as Franky took them to their destination.

Fiona isn't going to lie, she feels infinitely better with the hoodie on. Too bad that her Loid's smell was completely ruined by Franky's on the hoodie. She lamented.

However, she brought her nose closer to the collar of the hoodie. I don't hate it.

While calmly driving, Franky turned to her. It was a concerned look. He was genuinely concerned about her.

She felt her eyes automatically being drawn too. He gave her a nice warm smile before turning his attention back to driving.

The agent felt her heart leaping more than it usually should. What's that.. She wondered. Fiona had written it off as lack of sleep before her eyes drifted back to slumber. The drive was smoothing enough.

The family sedan wasn't built for the tough off road terrain that the forest was grown on but with perseverance the handler had risen to the occasion. And he did so without waking up sleeping beauty next to him.

"This calls for a smoke!" Franky pulled a cig out of his pen pocket, lightning one up. He smiled victoriously. Infront of him was a small but cozy cabin. A safe haven for the two until the agency gives them their new identities.

'Everything will be all right.' He blew the smoke out slowly, savoring the moment, before he coughed.

"This shit is going to kill me." Franky warned himself.

"Hey Fiona, we're here. Wakey wakey."

Nightfall's eyes awoken from her deep sleep and to her amazement they got here in one piece. Maybe, she will admit that she underestimated Franky.

But that day wasn't today. She gave the man who was smoking on odd look.

"Those things will kill you, you know?"

He had a toothy grin with the cig nibbed between his teeth. And like that she dug into his pocket and took out a cigarette too. "Eh whatchu gonna do."

Fiona placed it on her mouth. "You going to light a girl up or what?"

Frankie sat there blushing as he smoked. The man was frantically on search for his lighter on him, completely forgetting its on the dash.

"Like this.." Fiona grabbed Franky by his wrinkled shirt. The tips of their cigarettes were grazing. Fiona kept them together until hers was a flamed too.

Franky's face got redder. It certianly wasn't what he was expecting. He hoped that the night was still dark enough to hide his blush.

Fiona blew the smoke in his face. "Thank you Franklin.."

She climbed out of the car without saying another word. With her hands tucked in the hoodies pockets, Nightfall continued to smoke as she walked to the cabin, leaving a very flustered Franky to process before he joined her.

The door to the wooden cabin creaked loudly when Franky opened it. They saw a double sized king bed the moment he flicked the light on.

Well this is going to be a problem hehe.

"It's not much but mi cabin, su cabin."

Fiona plunged face first on the bed before any further arrangements could have been made about where to sleep.

Fortunately for him, the sofa by the window would suffice more than adequately. He grabbed the pillows on his would be side of the bed and placed it on the armchair

"What are you doing?"

"I mean... what does it look like? I'm getting ready for bed."

"This bed is big enough for both of us.." Fiona spoke, looking towards her empty side next to her.

"Franky, I've slept with my targets before I am sure I am fine with it."

Franky felt embarrassed over how his experience (or lack there of) was making it all the more awkward. He grabbed his pillows and placed it back at its original place. He sat right at the edge of the bed, twiddling his fingers nervously.

Franky laid his very tensed up back on the soft matters, immediately noticing how Fiona laid on her side; noticing him noticing her.

"No funny business like in the car okay." Was the only exception she had.

Being awake for more than 48 hours, he didn't even have an ounce of energy to correct her of his accidents.

He gave half a smile. "Deal."

Franky placed his glasses on the nightstand beside him. He turned towards her again. The bed was like a magnet bringing the handler to his sleep.

"Goodnight...Fiona."

He finally fell asleep as soon as those words had left him. Franky couldn't have cared if he had not a duvet on him.

Frost focused on the complete oblivious man. This man-child could have gotten me killed.

She remembered on the first time they met transpired. He made me wear some heifer bimbo disguise for his sick deluded fantasy. He pulled through with my request eventhough he lost a big shot contact. He also saved my life.

His shoddy info almost killed me, but he wouldn't do so on purpose. He gave me shelter which exposed him as the mole. He risked his life for me and treated my wounds. He fed me really greasy but tasty chicken.

Fiona was caught between a rock and a hard place. Agents are told to think with their heads not their hearts, and she was deep down using the latter.

The nights were especially cold despite it not being winter. His teeth were chattering.

"You idiot you could get sick.." She threw the blanket over them both. He had a satisfied grin on his face.

Her ice-cold heart had this tinge of warmth as she recalled how he also handed his jacket without as much as a second thought to her. So she was only repaying the gesture back by keeping him warm too. Consider it professional courtesy.

All this overthinking gave her a migraine. She turned the lights off and climbed back in the bed. Fiona crawled closer to Franky.

Eventually, both of the most wanted people in the country were sound asleep.

It was past twelve in the afternoon when Fiona woke up. She somehow managed to roll towards the place Franky had slept.

Warm sizzling strips of bacon were placed on the frying pan. Eggshells were cracked open.

He was even whistling a tune from one of the toons he watched with Anya while doing so. Franky could cook?

Fiona wanted him to know that they were only business partners. And once everything was resolved they'd go their separate way.

"Let's set things straight, you don't like me and I don't like you."

He smiled. "I like you."

Somehow that made her heart beat faster.

Franky blushed at what it implicated "Well if you're not being a pain in the butt."

Says the one who grabbed my butt. She rolled her eyes. Semantics. "Fine. You like me but I don't like you so-"

"Well maybe if you get to know me, the real me, you'll like me too."

"You don't talk to woman much do you?"

"No, truth be told, you're the second girl I talked to the most. First being my mom and third being Yor. Other women don't give me the light of day" Franky had a shy smile.

I'm starting to sense why.

"Franklin, you have a horrible first impression, your second somehow manages to be even worse! Don't even get me started on your third impression."

He sulked which may have earned a sympathetic girl

"You always pull through despite the circumstances however. You may have bad luck in every aspect of your life but you don't let that define. You

Fiona chewed the last piece of her toast. "Happy"

"Boy geez!" Franky rubbed his afro. He had his head down so no one could see his very red blush. "I think this is the nicest thing a girl has ever said to me."

He certainly didn't want het to go upraised. "Well you Fiona-"

She cleared her throat.

"Sorry. Codename Nightfall, you are a total badass, even more than I could possibly hope to achieve! You're resourceful, strong and smart and...really beautiful!"

Her heart was beating at an unfathomable rate. No..this can't be. I refuse it. I'd rather die than admit it!

This has to be some deep state brainwashing technique he used on me! There's no way such a short, repugnant man can ever take over my Loid's mantle. Yeah, that has to be it.

"Fiona, you okay?

"I'm fine..." But also in her line of work everyone, even Twilight with his status, is seen as exposable. It was rare to be treated as invaluable.

He even had the gall to sway her pink bang hair away from her eye and press the back of his hand on her forehead.

"Your temperate seems pretty normal too." The notion of a girl having such feelings towards him was alienating so he assumed she was coming down with the flu.

She continued to gorge down her breakfast in bed. Surprisingly, it was very good.

Franky tended to the dishes while she read a book. There was quite a selection to choose from despite being a small rack. It was the ideal way for people who were hunted down by the authorities to pass their time.

Fiona turned the pages while watching at the corner of her eyes how Franky was sweeping the floor. Must have been awhile since the last agent had to use it.

He opened the door and window to make it as less dusty hazard as possible. Franky was again whistling some upbeat spy song while holding the broom.

"Hmmm..." He pulled out the cigarette, lit it up. His stature had changed upon the revolution that the camels pack on his pen pocket was merely paperweight now.

"Shit! This is my last one." Franky cursed. "Oh well, I'll head to the nearest town so no biggie."

"Sylvia said no leaving the area." Fiona added, turning another page.

"Come on, it's a backwards town." His face looked immediately distressed while smoking. The idea that it'll be his last smoke in a while upsetting him. "I'll be in and out before you know it

She was willing to throw the hard book. "Franky Franklin, I will chain you to this bed. You're not jeopardizing us again."

"Ohhhh kinky!"

Her eyes narrowed. Poor choice of words.

So hours felt like days, days felt like weeks, a week felt like a month. The stubbles that resembled close to a goatee turned darker to a 12 'o clock. His hands were shaking from nicotine withdrawal.

"Nightfall?"

"Hmmm..?"

He was on his hands shaking. He has cold sweats. "Tell...me...a..story."

"I need to bum a smoke so bad. Just distract me please!"

She slammed her current book closed and sighed. He wasn't kidding. He did look like shit.

"Two years ago I was married to a Sheikh.

With all his current side effect Franky was more focused on the girl now.

"He was a cruel ruthless fascist dictator who had the title Iron Heart. Iron Heart had no problem silencing anyone who would question his leadership."

"Iron Heart was lonely. He lived in a tall, it was as cold and empty as his heart."

Franky totally enthralled. Fiona continued. "Now, Iron Heart, still yearned for that deep connection. No matter now how much his sociopathic tendencies had shown."

"Problem was that no one loved the Sheikh except for his money. Only the really brave or the really stupid tried to go after him. You are what you attract after all."

Fiona simply stared at the ceiling."They had auditions for his "ideal wife". WISE approached me, much like they did with Agent Twilight now, and said; "Hey, you're going to play the part of the wife."

He chuckled a bit. "How did that work on you Frost? Gave him the cold shoulder?"

Franky laughed at his own joke before going in a series of violent coughs.

"I didn't offer myself on a silver platter like the others. I showed standards. There were lines I wouldn't cross."

"Oh boy imagine the look on his face!"

"It was a blind gamble but it worked. He wasn't paying attention until I spoke. I guess the unyielding type enticed him. Made him more determined to break me."

Franky felt a cold chill running down his spine. "Nightfall he didn't..."

"He did..."

He adjusted himself in an upright position. Shit.

"He forced himself on me. I had no choice to accept it for the betterment of the mission. I endured that monster for two months and 16 days until.."

"I received a new briefing. The Sheikh's recluse brother was the intended target all this time. He was a pretty big weapon trafficker for a group that wanted to ignite war between the east and the west again. Iron Heart was merely a symptom, not the disease."

Fiona didn't look proud of herself. "All I had to do was wait. Just a few more hours for this meeting but.."

An old sleeping man was startled when a muzzle of a silencer was jammed into his mouth.

The last thing he saw was Fiona's soulless eyes staring right through him.

PEW!

"I broke him. The End."

An uncertain look was on Franky's face. He reached out. He wanted to but he couldn't touch her. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's in the past."

Franky was hugging his legs."Just because it's in the past doesn't mean the past is through with you."

He continued. "But talking about it, confronting them like you did just now, that's a start. I'm proud of you Fiona."

"I'm not strong Franky. The mission fell through because of me. This war is still ongoing because I couldn't keep my emotions in check."

"You acted out because you're human, Fiona. Not some robotic killer. You're flesh and blood, you bleed and you feel. That's the issue with the east AND the west. Their governments are too invested into what constitutes for an ideal soldier that they have forgotten that everyone has an heart. You can't remove that very foundation"

He wasn't done. "You say that you aren't strong. In truth, you were strong for too long. I don't blame you for what you did. Heck, I wish I could go back in time and strangle him for what he did to you!"

Franky even made strangle motions with his hands to emphasis his next course of actions at the already dead person. He stopped when he saw how intently Fiona had focused on him.

"Sooo...you know. You're really cool. Like Bondman but like a super cool chick and real too!"

"Back there you called me Fiona."

"Must've slipped my brain. Sorry Fi-I mean agent Nightfall."

"No, I...like it. It's fine but only when no one's around okay." A small smile started to form. "Thank you Franky."

She even started to call his name not so formally, which made him blush too. "Don't mention it."

Franky's hand was on the nape of his neck, smiling ear to ear. Fiona was biting her lower lip.

And so opening up made amends, exposing their weaknesses and insecurities to one another. A new bond was staring to form. One that Fiona may have been uncertain of.

After all, Twilight, her mentor, was her everything. This was a downgrade at such an astronomical level.

They watched television together. It was an old box with dial tunes for the channel and volumes. A VHS machine was integrated right on top of the screen. Wooden panels were built around it.

It was an old grey black and white romance movie. Fiona and Franky stared with great interest.

The male actor grabbed the actress in a heating moment of passion, proclaiming. "Frankly, my dear I don't give a damn!"

He left her without another word.

"Oh man, what a classic movie!" Franky said. A sudden thought had crept on him. Is this a...date?

He dared not to think it aloud. But if this was the case, this was the furthest he has ever been to receiving a real date. Closest one was when he was at a dog park and brought Bond with him. Both of them were rejected that day.

Fiona was eating ice cream. "What's on your mind Franky?"

The only source of light was from the television screen, which helped shield, his blush. "Oh it might be trivial..but isn't this like a well y'know, hehe..a date."

"A date?" She's been on few but merely on business but never on her own personal interest. "I actually haven't thought about it that way."

He was trying to save face. "Must be just me then my mistake!"

Fiona took another scoop and ate it. "Do you want it to be?"

Vinny Vinatra's music was playing in the background. "I mean you wouldn't want it to be with me anyways."

"You didn't ask me so how would you know?" Fiona's face remained expressionless.

He turned to her. He figured he might as well go for the kill. "Fiona, do you want to go on a date with me?"

Franky shut his eyes, preparing for the mother of all rejections and slaps. Only it never came..

"Okay." Fiona said boldly "Get another scoop before the ice cream melts."

The spoon was still in her mouth. Franky scooped some too and ate. It was a mixture of vanilla strawberry.

An empty tub of ice cream and credit scene roll later. Franky wiped his tear. "This movie aged like fine wine. I'll never get tired of watching it."

It was Fiona's first watch. "Not bad. Not bad at all, Franky. This was a good date."

A small barely visible smile was on her face. She may have had a bit too much fun seeing him flustered. His two index fingers were fidgeting.

She decided to pull the critical strike. "Let's do this again, okay?"

Fiona stood up, walked past him and playfully ruffled his bouncy hair. "I'm going to bed now. Don't keep me waiting."

Needless to say it didn't take long for Franky to turn every electronic devices off and get into bed.

"Goodnight Fiona.." He has never felt this way before no so strongly. "I'll make popcorn for us next time. It'll be like we're really at the cinemas!"

She observed him with such great mystery. It was hard to say what she had thought since she was such an enigma. "I'd like that a lot Franky."

They both fell asleep, looking at each other. They grew closer and closer by every day.

The next day Fiona was the first among them to wake up. She was finally at her full optimal self and the agent felt so confident of her abilities that she could storm out of the cabin and wrestle any wild life creature.

Don't judge her. She had already done that when practicing for her tennis re-match with Yor.

But first she wanted to pay her dues. Fiona walked into the kitchen, tied an apron over her waist and a bandana over her head. She was going to cook up a storm.

With oven mitts in her hands, Fiona offered her hearty breakfast to the sleepy Franky. He was rubbing his eyes, wondering what all the commotion was.

To put it bluntly, it was as edible as Yor's food. He was also certain he saw something moving on the plate too.

So Franky Franklin did the most honorable thing.

He ate the entire thing with a smile. Not even once did he make any belching motions or disgusted expressions. Seeing the shy smile on the agent almost made it worth it.

Franky laid dead on the floor. A purple aura was hovering over him.

It was too beautiful of a day to spend all cooped up in the cabin. All the clean fresh air was the ideal ailment for Franky's upset stomach.

There wasn't anyone else for miles except the two of them.

The ex-handler took a quick smell of the mountain air. He missed the convenience of the cities but nothing would beat this view.

Franky had his hands tucked in his pockets while walking down a hill of bright green grass. "You coming Fiona?"

"This is stupid. I look ridiculous." Obviously his enthusiasm wasn't shared.

"That's impossible!"

She was in a long white summer dress. A long matching color hat.

And here she was back to dressing how he had wanted. Although this one didn't make her feel like she was working street corners for lint.

The white silk material was soft on her skin and made her feel elegant but these wooden heels made her ankles buckle. Each step was a pain.

Overall it just didn't feel like it was for her.

"Pretty neat huh?!" Franky exclaimed. You could have yelled and your echoes could have been heard for days. Mountains were in the distance.

Fiona prepared the picnic mat and basket along with the flask. "Go ahead and play Franky, it'll take me a while to set everything up."

"Hey I'm not some kid you know." He was certainly apprehensive about it.

"I've seen how you baby sit the adopted Anya child before. You really are a child in heart."

Franky crossed his arms. "Anya doesn't have a play mate so I figured I'd fill that role."

Still as childish as he could be, the extent he goes through to put a smile on a girl that experienced so much hardship was admiring.

And that made her cheeks warm up all the more for some unfathomable reason. She wondered what that would be.

"Oh right while we're here I made you something"

Fiona's attention went away from her book while Franky's hands were behind his back. "It's a surprise tho so you gotta close your eyes."

"I'm not going to close my eyes."

"Wait...why?" He stammered. "You're going to ruin it!"

"Can't realy ruin the surprise if you already know what it is." She caught a glimpse of it earlier

Franky gasped. "You were peeking! You spoil sport!"

"You're a difficult character to miss Franky. Besides you were pulling flowers and cursing under your breath the entire time we were here."

He looked disappointed. All his hard work had gone to waste. Heck now he didn't even wanted to give it to her anymore.

"You can still give it to me." Fiona said.

"Nah! It's stupid!" He rejected the said suggestion.

"I didn't say you can not not give it to me okay. I only said I won't be closing my eyes."

"Can't you just like pretend you don't know what it is? Please."

"I'd be a pretty incompetent agent if I played along. I'll have to decline."

Oh for the love of...

"Can you pretend you're not agent who has no idea what's going on."

She pondered for a bit. "That would be more than sufficient."

His optimism and smile had been restored. Fiona finally closed her eyes as Franky approached her. His heart was beating like crazy as he got closer. She's really beautiful.

Fiona kept her promise. She felt something heavy and yet light being brushed on her lavender hair. Franky kept adjusting it.

He took a few steps back, admiring it. "You can open your eyes now."

Her hand was going up feeling the soft petals.

"It's a flower crown." He smiled and laughed nervously.

"I just wanted to show you how much I appreciate you, Fiona. I know we had a rocky start and well.."

He was observing her first. "Consider it a small token gesture until our bank accounts gets unfrozen."

Her fingers kept trailing up and down the different patterns of various flowers, familiarizing herself with each one. A glimmer was within her eyes.

She didn't like it.

She loved it.

A young child was crying her heart out. An entire city block was reduced to ashes. She was injured and tired and just wanted to go home. It's gone now.

An injured blonde father covered in dust, with the only exception being his crystal blue eyes placed a flowered crown over the lavender haired girl's face. He cupped the sobbing face

This.

She wouldn't trade this for all riches in this world. This was more meaningful than all of the countries royal heirlooms, karat diamonds and gold bricks combined.

Fiona's violet eyes were watering. She had to use every will power in her body in order to prevent herself from crying. She wouldn't. She promised that.

Franky saw more than enough by looking in her eyes. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.

She looked at him. There was no mistake about it. She was falling hard for Franky.

"Thank you Franky."

The sun was slowly setting. Their 'outang' like Anya would say has ended. It merely consisted of them sight seeing in silence while enjoying a warm drink and food. While also occasionally giving each other glances.

They entered their safe house. On a lighter note, Fiona was still wearing that flower crown, so she had to love it. She didn't say much beyond thanks but his low self-image kept hassling himself now. Maybe, she only did so out of pity.

Damnit! He cursed his self-doubt.

"Franky could we watch another movie?"

"Uhhh..yeah. It's way too early to hit the hay. I don't see why not"

A smile formed on the corner of her mouth. If this was an act, he was falling for it. Hard.

They watched another classic romance on VHS cassette. Franky wasn't familiar with this one so it was as new to him as it was for Fiona.

The two were huddled up on the old pre war sofa. She was still wearing the crown too.

And so the old countdown had ended while jazz tunes filled the background.

Fiona kicked the high heels off and got more comfortable. Franky leaned back but his heart was racing with the agent besides him.

It had a man and woman argue at each other, finger waggling included for emphasis.

"Hey look Fiona! That's us!" Franky had hoped his comedic value would break the ice.

Until the arguing man and woman grabbed each other and started sucking faces.

"Oh.."

"We're kissing?" Asked Fiona.

"Yes! I mean no! I mean like before that, the whole getting at each others throats over anything."

"So it's possible for even us...to get together?"

He scoffed. "I mean anything is possible but you deserve way better than me."

Older her would be inclined to agree especially with men like Loid. However.. "What if I decide you're the best?"

I'd say you need glasses like me.

"Well I'd say you are having a bad case of the cabin fever. Once you're not in this predicament anymore, you wouldn't stand the sight me."

Their eyes were glued on the TV screen. "Stop selling yourself short."

He scoffed. "I am short!"

She played with his floofy hair that alerted him. "Some girls are attracted to a guy's character, not his appearance."

"Well missy I'm ugly, inside and out!"

She went closer to him. "Hmm...really because the guy I saw today, I like him a lot."

Neither was focused on the movie. It was merely something that played in the background. She bit her lip as a deep shade red flourished her cheeks along with the assortment of flowers over her head.

He wanted to pinch himself to assure he wasn't dreaming. A girl actually liked him back!? Melissa McBride eat your heart out!

This was it. It was perhaps the closest he will get to "score". If he didn't take advantage of this situation literally right now, he'll die a virgin in this war.

Franky shut his eyes and puckered his lips. Fiona smiled and returned the feelings by leaning her head forward. Her arms went around his neck.

Until a thought had crossed his mind. Was she thinking of him or Loid? His heart dropped. Perhaps this was a simple heat of the moment. Where he was the only person she could have confided in.

Her lips were getting closer.

Truth is, he was falling hard for Fiona. Not your average run of the mill prior crushes but serious love. He was in love her.

So much that he didn't want this, even if this means he'd remain a virgin.

Their lips were literally centimeters apart.

"Fiona.." He stopped.

Fiona opened her eyes. A tinge of disappointment was written on her. "What's wrong?"

Despite the fact that Franky pulled the brakes on their kiss, it hasn't stopped him by wrapping his arms around her lower back, pulling her closer.

"I think I'm in love with you!"

Fiona's heart was racing too. No one has ever said that. Not once during her undercover arranged marriage or even during a semi fling at an academy. She was always deemed "too cold" to approach let alone to love.

"Franky..." The last couple of weeks were some of the worst and best and ultimately most interesting time of her career. "You love me?"

She wanted to hear it again as confirmation. It was music to her ears.

"I do. I love you Fiona Frost! I love you so much. I don't want you to feel like I am using you."

"You really think that?" She cupped his cheek.

"I don't want you to feel as if you're indebted to me. I don't want anything in return. I do all these things because I want to...see you happy.."

Franky's entire face was as red as a reindeer nose.

Fiona was shocked. Someone prioritized her wants and needs before anyone else's. It was redundant to always hear what was expected of her.

"Soo..I don't want you to regret this. To hate me after.."

Fiona's breath was on him. She certainly had not preordained this. Quite the complete opposite. She was expecting him to fold like origami.

His words just made her want him all the more, in a massive turn of events.

While she was planning on giving him "pity sex". She hoped it would ease the tension and her strong feelings she was harboring for the informant. Besides, losing and taking virginity was no big deal for her.

For Franky, however, it certainly was.

Without another word, the flower crowned agent crawled off him. She rubbed her arm nervously.

Franky adjusted himself back to his seat. If this was his last and only attempt then he certainly blew it.

Their attention darted back to the television. Neither had any recollection of what is going on in the movie.

"Hehe I'll restart the whole thing!" Franky stood up and reminded it. Awkward.

The entire movie was watched in silence after. Franky prayed that the scene where he compared them would end up quickly. Fiona's eyes would quickly shoot at him as he swallowed.

The couple despite all their difference ended up together. Showcasing that love conquers all. Fin. The curtains closed and the credits rolled. Not a word was said as they stood up and got ready for bed.

And so they laid on the same bed. Fiona and Franky's backs were facing each other. The two were in their own little world.

"Goodnight Fiona.."

Fiona hugged her pillow. 'He loves me. He said he loves me!'

"Fiona?"

"Ohh.." She came to her senses. "Goodnight to you too Franky. Sweet dreams."

She hugged her pillow even more affirming. He loves me! I love him! I love him! I love him! I love him! I love him! I love him! I love him!

Sylvia Sherwood, their handler, finally made contact with Franky and Fiona since they were exposed as Westalis moles.

The well-dressed maiden was pacing up and down, discussing what their next plan of actions was. Her tired eyes focused on the two.

On the table were documents, new passports, identifications, green cards and tons of money for their new lives.

"Did something happen that I should know?"

Despite sitting next to each other, Fiona and Franky wouldn't look at each other.

"No." Agent Nightfall bangs tried to shield her blush as she responded to her superior.

"Not really much." Franky had a smile on his face, his face lighting up.

In either case, in a few hours, they shouldn't be her problem anymore. Sylvia sighed. What a pain.

"Tomorrow night, a motorcade will pick you up and take you to a private plane. The pilot has been instructed to take you as far as possible away from all of this. A nice sunny Caribbean island. Please read the documents with all your contents should you have any further questions."

She felt like she was getting too old for this.

"Anywho before I forget, Agent Twilight told me to give you this." Two masks were slumped on the desk. "Figured, a night out would do you two favors. Just be cautious."

"Is he allright?" Fiona asked with concern.

Sylvia smiled. "Very much so. Just a few scratches and bruises but besides that he's just fine. His cover is still intact, thanks to everyone's quick thinking."

While Fiona was relieved to hear Loid was fine, those strong feelings that resided within however felt..diminished. She still deeply cared for him obviously.

But the person who sat besides her now was harboring those feelings. He stole her heart like a phantom thief.

I want it back! Fiona screamed eternally. She kept a straight face at the table. Stupid Franky! I love you!

Franky was sweating like crazy. Man I messed up big time!

Meanwhile Sylvia didn't have time to decipher but there was definitely something going on. "I'll leave you two to your quarrel."

The stylish dressed femme fetal strode towards the door. Her long hair and trench coat trailing behind her.

She stopped by the exit." Thanks again for your contributions agent Nightfall and Franky. We're one step closer to world peace thanks to you. Best of luck to you both."

Sylvia added with a smile. "One more thing, try to get along you two."

Sylvia took her leave but not before rubbing her sore arm. Disarming that foe with her belt had left an ugly sprain on it.

The duo was left alone with all awkwardness that was included. They still haven't spoken a word. Only idily sat by each other for a few minutes.

Waiting, praying for the other to speak finally.

"Do you-"

"I think-"

Franky and Fiona spoke simultaneously. They finally looked at each other.

"You can-"

"No, I ins-"

Their sentences were interrupted again. Neither knew how they should approach it.

"Ladiesfirst!" Franky spurted out really quick.

And they said chivalry was dead.

So with a strictly profession look, Fiona cleared her throat. "About last night, I apologize for forcing myself on you."

"Oh it should be me saying sorry!" Franky assured. "The thing is I am virgin okay!"

In actuality, she couldn't care less. Fiona would rather have sweet albeit clumsy love making with someone who gave a damn about her than to lament her first time; old wrinkly politician target whom forced him on her. She twisted his neck.

"Iiiiiimm making things worse aren't I?" He certainly hoped not.

"No!" But the misconceptions wasn't helping.

"See! You're mad! Imagine now if we did do it!"

This was starting to feel hopeless. I'm mad we didn't do it now! "Can we put this behind us? Forget it ever happened?"

"I don't want to forget someone as amazing as you, Fiona."

Fiona's face was burning up like a kettle. Steam was coming out of her ears. Her flower crown rose up over her pink hair.

He stood up, chair creaking behind him. "I want to make it up to you. I want to own up to my mistakes. All the woman who rejected me were red herring to my mistreatment to them."

Franky grabbed both of Fiona's hands. Their fingers interlocked. He was at the very same proximity they were last night.

"Fiona." They way he said her name sent a tingling sensation down her spine. "Will you go on a date with me?"

His hands were nervously sweating. Whatever little self-esteem he did have left; Franky mustered it all up to ask her out.

Rejection felt like his middle name. If he expected disappointment, he'd never be disappointed. That was his motto.

That way the rejections will hurt a lot less and he would be just be in time for the newest Spy show, Anya got him hooked on it, instead of his would-be-date.

This wasn't one of those cases where he'd convince himself it is what it is and drown his sorrows with a drink. Franky felt like crawling under a rock, shriveling, and just dying if he was rejected now.

The usual response he would receive would differ between utter disgust, complete embarrassment (over the notion someone below their league would even ask), or annoyance. His favorite being, "Oh, excuse me. I left the stove on."

Instead, he was met with surprise. Fiona blinked a few times. "Okay."

Besides, what's the worst that can happen?

Long silky blonde wig, leopard pattern dress, and fashion accessories around her wrists while she had high heels on. Fiona didn't like the whole get up disguise. But wanted felons can't be choosers.

Franky looked like a disco star with his prominent fluffed up afro hair, white and blue glittering suit. Black shades at night of all times. It was the most conspicuous thing for the two of them to wear.

The country folks gave them odd looks as they walked by. They were definitely not from around here...

A candle was lit in the centre of the restaurant table. Fiona and Franky sat down. They stuck out like sore thumbs but not in a dangerous criminals kind of way.

And it was nice to finally be outside. Cabin Fever was getting to them.

Franky pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking from his attempts to contain his laughter.

Fiona was not amused. She whispered. "This isn't funny. They're looking at us like we're straight from the circus."

"You're right. It's hilarious!" He placed his hand over his fake goatee stache in order to muffle his laugher.

She jabbed him under the table. "Stop it."

"Hey, the only one that looks like a clown here is me." He mouths to her. Franky picked up the menu. "Not you, Fiona, you are beautiful."

Fiona was blushing behind her own menu. "So you are into this sort of thing."

"Well I won't say I'm not into it."

Still a compliment is a compliment so she took it as it is. Franky didn't choose it from the wardrobe; it was WISE fault for not giving any alternatives.

They weren't going to let this ruin their first night out in ages. Franky and Fiona spent the long duration of the night there. The candle was melted past the halfway point. Everyone else's chairs were laid on the tables except their own.

Throughout the evening, they've indulged in a wide variety of wines and pizzas, as evident with all the glasses and plates. Closing time was approaching but they weren't ready to call it a night just yet.

"So, you're telling me that you never tasted pizza until today?" Franky asked.

Fiona nodded, taking a bite off slice of her own. "Mmmm..never had a chance to. I missed out big time. It's so delicious."

"Girl, "missing out" doesn't even begin to describe it! We gotta fatten you up!" Frank enthusiastically took a bite of his own pepperoni cheese. "What's your favorite?"

Fiona took another bite, savoring the flavor of her current one. "I like this one..."

"But why?" Franky looked affronted. "That's the worst one!"

"I love the combination of sweet and saltiness. It's the perfect blend."

"Pineapples don't belong on pizza. They belong on a cold dishes!"

"Not my fault you have a pallet of a child."

"It's an insult to the Italian cuisine gods."

Fiona didn't care. She was too busy enjoying it. "If enjoying pineapples on pizza is wrong, then I don't want to be right."

To add insult to injury, Fiona even offered Franky her own slice. "Mmm..wanna bite?"

"What? Why? Get it away from me. You're giving me a headache!"

"Pfft! Shuddup! You're the headache!" Fiona said between mouthful of chews. "Refill my drink. My glass is looking a bit empty."

Franky in a drunken state grabbed the bottleneck of the wine. "Maybe we had enough!"

In her career, Fiona built a tolerance towards alcohol. No matter how much she consumed, she wouldn't give any classified intel and would still fight in any condition. (truth serum, severe interrogation techniques alike)

"Less talking, more filling!" She extended her wine arm while still eating a pizza.

Franky poured some on the table by accident. "A bit tipsy hehehe."

He filled the glass and sat back down. He was drunker than a boozehound, that's a given.

Fiona took a swig and took a bite of the stringy cheese. Maybe it was the alcohol finally talking to her but she found Franky to be quite attractive.

"Why are you giving me that look? There's something on my face, isn't there?" He gave a skew look as he attempted to swat whatever perceived thing there was.

It nearly made wine spurt out of her nose. Her, Fiona Frost, the agent whose default expression was an indifferent blank face, was about to break code.

Her pursed lips were shaking. It was inevitable. The sight of the drunken Franky slapping himself in order to get rid of something that isn't there was too hilarious.

"I spy with my little eye, are you about to laugh, Fiona."

She wasn't ready to give him that self-satisfaction. "...No."

"Come on!" Franky coached her on. "Just little laugh!"

Fiona shook her head.

"A tiny laugh?"

Not even that. She wanted to deprive him of any personal enjoyment for her own amusement.

"I... will make you laugh even if its..the last thing I do." Frank held the corner of their table. It felt like he had sea legs.

"By... tickling you!" His hands were out.

"Franky, I swear, if you touch me I will kick you so hard in the balls that you'd taste your testicles."

That didn't persuade him to leave her alone. "Bleh, some guys are into that sort of thing..y'know."

"Want to find out?" Fiona pulled her leg back under the table, ready to deliver a devastating kick.

"Here comes the tickle monster!"

Franky tripped over the table leg, falling head first on the tile floor. He was so intoxicated he barely moved an inch.

"Franky!" Fiona sprung to his aid. He just laid there motionless

Franky groaned, his nose squashed by the concrete "Owwwww! I think we drank too much."

Okay, that was pretty funny. No matter how badly she reserved herself, her insides were shaking. She bit her finger to not laugh. Her eyes were watering as she snickered.

It was futile.

Fiona let it all out. All the chains that held her emotions throughout the years had finally shattered. Fiona latched her stomach

For all the times she didn't, she couldn't and wouldn't. She laughed her heart out.

Even if it's at the extent of his own detriment, Franky smiled through the pain. Mission successful!

Fiona had a lot of catching up to do.

Needless to say that Fiona and Franky came back to their cabin in a complete disarrayed state. If there had been a planned ambush they'd be in serious problem.

But at the same time, they had to unwind. They were certain that both of them and the agency sufficiently covered their tracks.

For the most part.

Fiona, bottle in hand, took a long swig. She was much taller than Franky, she literally hung over him for support.

Franky tried to support Fiona and his own weight.

One couldn't rely on without the other's help. Together they were as strong as an anchor hoisting each other up.

Fiona hiccupped, her speech slurred. "Do you know what would be real fun!? If you like pick me up..like a bride and carry me...and stuff."

"Yeah like couples do!" He was in the same drunken state. "I am Bondman and you...you my sweet plum is Princess Honey!"

Fiona jumped in Franky's arm. He almost forgot to grab her as he stumbled backwards again, almost back outside again.

"Ohhhhhh take me to your castle Bondman! Show me your silencer!"

Franky made biting motions towards her. She gritted her teeth in response. "I'll do more than that my princesses! I'm going to show you all my gadgets in my trench goat."

She was swooned. "Bondman how dirty of you!"

"You haven't seen nothing yet my kitten!" He had a hiccup.

Franky threw Fiona on the bed who simply looked back and seductively beckoned him towards her using her finger. "I'm so sorry Bondman but your princess is another castle. The League of Evil took her"

Franky was swaying back and forth. "You're not going anywhere baby! You are mine! You're mine!"

He tore his shirt, buttons were sent flying. Fiona covered her mouth, the pupils in her eyes shape shifting to hearts. "Bondman, you're so astute!"

Franky crawled towards Fiona, even on all fours he remained unstable and dizzy."Like what you see... baby!?"

"Infiltrate me bondman! Give me little spies. Make me yours!"

They faced another. His ditzy face changed towards a serious one. "Uhh..I love you."

Was he speaking as the illustrious Bondman or as Franky Franklin?

"I love you too." She remained vague. If he could do it so can she.

Two could play at that game.

Fiona's lips touched Franky's. Somehow he didn't think he would imagine his first time like this, reciting some weird adult version of Spy Wars.

Not that he hated it. He kissed her back. He had a lot of catching up to do. For the next few days they still had each other and he intended for every single moment to count.

They next morning Fiona Frost woke up with a head splitting head ache. Any slight movement, any noise, any light no matter how dim it was gave her a migraine.

She remained motionless, lying down on her stomach.

Fiona tried her best to recollect her memories but to no avail. Her lavender hair was messy too. Franky probably had a good view of her ass too.

"Morning." She groaned. "You perv."

No response came.

Maybe he's in the kitchen. Fiona was hoping that he was cooking up a storm. Fatty foods will combat this awful hangover of hers.

With a lot of effort, she got dressed. Fiona wore a dark purple turtleneck and beige pants with mountain boots. It was too nice of a day to spend it inside. She was thinking of going on a hike with Franky after breakfast.

"Ahhhh like a date. Franky I love you! I love you! I love you! I love you!" She no longer used her inside voice.

Realizing that, the ex agent cleared her throat. She had a quick glance to reassure herself she looked presentable. Fiona combed her hair with her fingers.

"Good morning Franky.." She went into the kitchen. No one was present. There was this eerie quietness "Franky?"

The bathroom door was open. He wasn't there. "Franky?"

She opened the front door and was nearly blinded by the bright sun. He wasn't outside either. "Franklin!?"

Fiona was getting worried now. "Franky Franklin!?"

Franky wouldn't leave me like he left me. Stop worrying. Fiona walked back into the cabin. A somber look on her face.

She was all alone.

CLICK!

Or so she thought.

Fiona heard the gun load. Her entire body in a sense of irony froze.

"Well, well, well if it isn't Fiona Frost." She recognized that voice from before. "...or do you prefer Agent Nightfall!?"

It was Yuri Briar. He had a handgun aimed at the visibly distraught girl.

"You agent whore of the WEST! You're going to pay for what you did to my brother in law. You hear me? You and that traitor Franklin!"

Franky was driving up the hill that led to the cabin. He knew it was risky but he heard Fiona mumbling in her sleep over a headache. There wasn't a single aspirin in the house.

For his darling Fiona it was worth it and he even managed to get some extra ingredients for tonight too.

He stopped the car. Franky grabbed the brown paper bag. Today's forecast represented his current mood.

"Is someone's head feeling cranky?" Franklin joked as his head popped in.

Fiona was surrounded by dozen of Ostania soldiers armed to the teeth just like they were in Berlint's plaza.

She looked up. Her face was bruised and yet she only cared about one thing. His safety.

"FRANKY RUN!"

THWACK!

It was the last thing he saw before fading into unconsciousness.

Yuri, who snuck behind him and whacked him on the head, holstered his gun. He looked pleased.

"Since everyone is here, let's get this party started." His red eyes glowing with sadism.

Hours had passed. It was already nighttime and it yielded no results for Yuri.

"For the last time, I don't know where he is."

"But he trained you! You know the real identity of Agent Twilight. If you don't know where then tell me the who!"

Fiona remained tight-lipped, holding onto the unconscious Franky who laid on her lap. Despite her injuries she stayed true to her convictions.

Yuri knelt down. Maybe a more sympathetic approach would help garner information on Twilight and Operation Strix.

"Listen Fiona, the west has abandoned you and Franklin. The rescue cavalry isn't coming. Help me please."

She gave him a rebellious glare. "This is bigger than me, bigger than you. I don't know. Even if I did, i won't tell you a damn thing."

Yuri sighed. "But is it bigger than him?"

The gun was resting on the sleeping Franky. Her cold determined gaze converted to a wild animal that was cornered.

"I know this is a hard pillow to swallow but you're going to die Fiona, you and Franklin. I need an ideal world for my big sister to grow in. It involves the enemies of Ostania crumbled to dust."

He continued, "But I'm not unreasonable, you get to decide how this story ends. You get to go out on your own terms."

Yuri smiled. "That's more than a woman in your position could possibly ask for!"

He could smell the self-doubt. Yuri Briar broke Nightfall and soon enough Twilight will be next.

"Well Fiona..." Yuri gave the ultimatum. "...what'll it be?"

The defeated Nightfall gazed at the injured informant. He was slowly regaining consciousness. He saw her hurt expression through his broken lenses.

They were looking at each other, looking for their answers.

Older Franky would have cowered in fear. Not this Franky however. Despite half his face bleeding, he had a look of rebellion on him. He furrowed his eyebrows.

He didn't say a word. He merely shook his head. Franky Franklin knew what he signed up for and so did Fiona Frost.

She couldn't be prouder. She gave him a sincere smile.

Before she looked up and shot Yuri with eye daggers. Her words were spewing venom. "Go to hell."

The soldiers surrounded the duo, loading their rifles.

"So be it, goodbye codename Nightfall. There will be no final serenades."

Yuri pulled the hammer of his handgun back, his finger on the trigger.

BANG!

They closed their eyes, accepting their fate.

Only the bullet never came from any of the Ostanian soldiers.

It shot through the window, which formed a crack and went directly towards Yuri's dominant hand at the speed of sound, disarming him.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Even with his strong threshold of pain he couldn't ignore it.

"SNIPER!" One of the masked soldiers yelled.

BANG!

A headshot took out the yelling soldier. The window shattered completely.

BANG!

Another soldier fell. Another headshot.

BANG!

"Spread out! Don't just stand there you idiots!" Yuri yelled, clutching his injured hand. The nine remaining elite soldiers spread formation, opening fire outside.

BANG!

Loid Forger laid prone from a high vantage point gripping a high-powered sniper rifle. In the dark of night he wore black clothes and gloves. Over his head was a balaclava that covered his face, accompanied by blue-eyed night vision goggles. Just like he did when he stole the jewelry back from the warehouse.

He took a deep breath, aiming down the sight of his scope.

BANG!

The soldier besides the crawling Yuri took the fall.

A pissed off Fiona jumped on the elite soldier's back. He fired blindly in the air, ridding the ceiling with bullets. She grabbed his mask and...

SNAP!

Broke his neck.

Using his left hand, Yuri took a hold of his dropped gun and aimed it at Fiona. She used the soldier's body as a human shield. However, the secret police officer had no problem using friendly fire.

Yuri was in Loid's sight. He was going for the headshot. His trigger finger was hesitating. The image of a grieving Yor over a dead Yuri stapled to his mind. He couldn't do it.

But he realized not doing so might lead to Fiona's death. Loid cursed under his breath.

BANG!

The shot went through Yuri's shoulders. He collapsed on the floor.

"Stay down Yuri." Loid warned. He really didn't want to shoot him again.

Fiona took the downed enemy combatant's submachine gun. She rained fire on the two elite's who were distracted by Loid's sniper. Their bodies shaking as if they were having seizures from the incoming fire.

To Fiona's dismay her gun ran empty. A soldier appeared out of the kitchen.

BANG!

Down but not defeated, Franky found the resolve and crawled towards the soldier's body. He pulled the pistol out of the deceased's side arm holster and shot the guy who posed a threat for Fiona.

He loathed violence and wanted badly for there to be peace between the east and the west. But even he came to the actualization that you couldn't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

Franky discarded the gun, gritting his teeth. Fiona rushed to his aid.

He groaned. "Just leave me Fiona. Save yourself. I'm just dead weight!"

Fiona scowled, mad at him for thinking that way and mad at herself for thinking so once upon a time.

She dragged him by his arm. "Not an option. We are leaving together!"

With his arm around Fiona's neck for support the fierce girl made her way out of the burning cabin. The entire ceiling collapsing behind them.

"Not...far!" Fiona was out of breath.

An elite soldier ran towards them.

BANG!

Fiona and Franky looked back. He was quickly snuffed by Loid's watchful eye. She could sense her mentor.

"Agent Twilight..." This might be the last time she ever sees him.

This will be as far as he goes. Loid stood up, slinging his single fire shot snipe over his shoulder. He gave them one last look from afar.

"Good luck you two. I wish nothing but the best for you both."

Maybe he'll see them again when Westalis and Ostania established peace together.

Loid climbed in his off road vehicle, driving into the darkness of the night. His mission was still in Berlint.

Franky could feel his presence too, like a guardian angel. "See you Loid. You magnificent bastard! Say hi to Anya for me would ya?"

And with that Fiona placed Franky inside the damaged vehicle. "Stay put. Our transport should be her any minute. Tell them to hold on for me."

"Wait ahhhh!" He pleaded. "Where the hell are you going?"

She stopped in her tracks, slowly turning towards Franklin. The fire from the cabin grew so big that it was illuminating her lavender hair and irises.

An injured Yuri ran for his life along with the last remaining force.

Fiona Frost showed Franky the true fire that resided in her violet eyes. She was going to do what an agent of WISE was trained to do, kill an enemy of the state.

Kill the secret police.

Kill Yuri Briar.

Consider it her final, last mission.

Frank nodded for Fiona as she took her leave.

Fiona took a hold of an axe that was lodged on a tree stump. She hid behind the cabin for cover.

Slowly, one deserter wanted to seek retribution for all his fallen comrades. Vigilantly, he aimed his assault rifle. He wasn't going to be caught off guard.

SCHLING!

Fiona appeared out of the cover, slamming the axe into his body armor. His eyes widened in shock through his mask. She kicked him off the slope as if he were nothing.

Fiona picked up the discarded assault rifle. It had a suppressor attached, giving her the element of surprise.

Now the hunted has become the hunter.

"WISE SLUT!" Yuri cursed her name. The soldiers hoisted him up every opportunity they could find. He was losing blood at an astronomical level. However, he could not rest. "Whoremonger!"

"How far till we reach the mines!?" Yuri's patience was wearing thin.

"Uh not far sir!" The soldier's voice echoed inside the mask. "Just few more clicks out."

"Good!"

Fiona skid down the hill gun trained at all time. She could hear the commotion. They weren't far.

It was dark in the forest. However the moonlight piercing through the branches helped paved the way. A wolf was howling at the moon.

She continued to venture deeper into the forest. Her eyes were observing every single a minute detail while looking through the rectangle sight scope.

For instance, a much brighter light ahead through all the tree lines was clashing against nature's light.

Fiona took cover behind the closest tree and waited. She could hear the leaves crackling under someone's feet and overheard the radio chatter as they got closer and closer...

PEW!

She shot the soldier that ran into her field of view.

Fiona continued forth, anticipating for anyone to jump out of the bushes, Her mentor Twilight always said proceed with caution.

Two more soldiers were infront. The remaining ones were being used as cannon fodder for Yuri's escape. The longer she stayed, the more she was playing into his plan.

PEW!

She killed another.

PEW!

The next shot only successfully grazed the soldier. He was yelling for reinforcement. "Its Agent Nightfall! She's here. Open fire! Open fire!"

The deep calm of the forest was introduced to loud unsuppressed automatic fire. Fiona took a dive behind a tree. The bullets collided making tree barks fly everywhere.

"I don't have time for this!"

PEW!

She returned fire. The previously stubborn soldier finally fell but at a cost. Now everyone knew where she was.

Fiona ran past him, picking up the magazine belt he had. Time was running out.

Nightfall was at a much faster pace now. She could hear the chatter of a larger group, which meant she was getting closer to her target.

An enemy popped out of the bushes. He thought it was a wise idea to play hide and seek.

PEW!

Bad choice on his behalf.

Another soldier attempted to charge at her in order to slow her down. She threw the large man over her shoulder. Fiona crushed his face with her knee while aiming with her free hand.

PEW!

A machete wearing elite charged towards a busy Fiona. She managed to swing her gun just in time so that the stock of the gun would connect with his jaw.

With lightning quick reflexes, Fiona flipped the gun quickly back so he could look down the barrel of the gun.

PEW!

She was getting exhausted. She was this close to his finishing line. Fiona pushed herself a bit more, climbing over a steep hill. She was sweating profusely

"There it is…" She told herself.

In front of Fiona was a huge mining area. The spotlights were bright enough for a sport stadium. There were tons of machinery and construction vehicles. It wasn't abandoned.

She saw him.

Yuri was stumbling, running towards a tall yellow crane in the center. His last cronies were following close to him.

"At the top of the crane, they'll have a flare gun in case of emergencies. Red flare is medical and blue is for police." Yuri explained.

"Get me to the top and we'll have the cavalry here in no time!" Despite his blood loss, Yuri smiled albeit as a total psychopath. "They won't be leaving this country alive!"

"Sir codename Nightfall is over there!" The soldier warned.

Fiona stood like an angel of death over the hill. Her gun she was wielding like a scythe.

Yuri's blood was burning. "Damnit! Why won't she die!?"

He gave them a stern look. "Hold her down as long as possible. I'll call for help!"

He'd have preferred if they killed her but for these idiots it seemed like an impossible task. "Go! Go! Kill Agent Nightfall!"

Fiona slid down the long slippery hill. Everyone was alerted of her presence.

She crouched behind the pick up truck. A heavy barrage of bullets were hitting against the metal.

Fiona returned with hail fire of her own.

PEW!

PEW!

PEW!

A first soldier dropped, followed by a second and lastly by a third. She rolled over the bonnet, dropping the empty magazine. Fiona replaced it.

PEW!

PEW!

An unlucky soldier ran straight into Fiona and received two shots in the chest. She walked over him and made a quick sprint towards the executive office cubes.

She peaked across the corner. Her head pulled away quickly when she noticed a running shot gunner heading her way.

BANG!

A part of the outside office wall flew off. Thinking quickly, Fiona dropped on the ground, she placed her feet against the wall to boost her.

PEW!

PEW!

She slid on the muddy ground, past the enemy. Fiona delivered two shots. One in the leg and the other a devastating headshot.

Two more enemies tried to ambush her. Fiona quickly sat upright and rained fire.

PEW!

PEW!

PEW!

Another attacked her six.

PEW!

While laying down, Fiona flung her gun backwards and shot him while looking upside down. Time was running out.

Fiona jumped up. A new adversary attempted to kill her. The bullet simply gave her a flesh wound on her cheek

On his poor judgment, he took cover behind the paperweight wall.

PEW!

PEW!

Fiona could only see his hand as he dropped his gun. The wet and muddied terrain made it hard for her to hold onto her piece. She was going to be in serious trouble when she needed to reload again.

But she remained resilient. One more enemy jumped out.

PEW!

PEW!

PEW!

Three shots to the chest. He was dead too.

The last of all the cronies sat on the stairs. His fully automatic submachine gun spew bullets the second he caught as much as a blur. To his determent, his ammo ran out faster.

PEW!

PEW!

Fiona fired blindly out of cover. Luckily for her, a bullet hit him. The soldier rolled down the stairs, landing by her feet.

Then there was one.

Yuri Briar.

He was almost halfway up. Shit!

Fiona ran towards the tall crane. She took ahold of the ladder and started to climb. Time is of the essence.

He cannot under any circumstance reach the glove box that had the flare gun. She had to kill him and fast.

Yuri was starting to climb slower, hopping in one leg while his good hand took hold of the metal. Fiona was starting to gain up.

She was getting faster. It felt like it was taking forever however, that was how abnormally tall the crane was.

For every couple of steps, he took intermissions. It was a heavy toll on his body. Fiona was past the halfway point now. She was starting to close the distance.

And it was starting to make Yuri panic.

He hopped again, feeling the cold wind hugging his face. He was too high to give up now.

High in the sky, Yuri reminded himself why he chose this career. Because he wanted to create a better world for Yor Briar and so help him, even if it kills him, he'll do it.

Fighting through all pain and exhaustion, Yuri gritted his teeth and climbed like no man who was ever shot twice limbed before. Her smile alone was more than enough motivation for him. He was closer to his goal too.

Yuri reached the top.

"SHIT!" Fiona cursed. It might not be too late. This must be how Twilight must have felt when he stopped the nuclear missle from launching with only one second remaining.

Fiona pulled herself up. She finally reached the top too.

The next thing Fiona felt was a devastating kick. It knocked her off her feet. Her rifle slid off the platform and down the crane.

She tried to grab it but she was too late. Fiona could only watch helplessly as it descended towards the ground floor, leaving her unarmed.

"It's a long way down." Yuri said.

He stood strongly infront of her. It was like he was either running on adrenaline or sheer will power.

Yuri gave her a cold face. "You could have left, ran away with Franklin and yet you insisted on following me here and risk your life further. Why?"

Fiona was still dazed. She spat blood out of her mouth. "….You managed to track us down with barely any bread crumps. If you did it once, you can do it again."

She used the yellow crane bar for support to stand. "I don't want to watch over my shoulders the rest of my life. That's no way to live. I want to live!"

"You're right." Yuri said. "I'd search the very ends of the earth for you and Franklin. I won't stop until you and Twilight are executed for your crimes."

"Then you now know why I can't let you live."

"Absolutely. You're a western whore of the state who kills for God and country. You don't know any better."

"This isn't just for WISE, I'm doing this for my Franky!" A blush appeared on her face.

"So be it. This war will be going on long after this confrontation. But let's put an end to our chapter." Yuri commented.

"Now enough talk!" Yuri entered a fighting stance she never knew existed. "Let's end this."

Fiona nodded, balling her hands into fists.

For once they were in an agreement.

Yuri swung his feet to perform another roundhouse kick. This time Fiona blocked it.

Going on the offense, Fiona delivered two jabs. Yuri blocked them with ease before getting the wind knocked out of him by Nightfall's uppercut. Her fist collided on his chest.

He stumbled a few feet backwards, trying to catch his breath.

Fiona wouldn't allow him. She charged at Yuri, throwing a barrage of punches, slugging his stupid face. One on his stupid eye socket, one on his stupid nose, one on his stupid jawline, one on his stupid chin and one on his stupid loud mouth.

Yuri grabbed her fist and pulled her towards him. He delivered a brutal headbutt that sent Fiona's back on the platform.

He grabbed her by her lavender hair, punching her in the stomach not once but twice. Yuri let go of her, only so he can deliver another impactful swinging kick.

Fiona attempted to crawl away. He lifted her and placed Fiona in a chokehold. She swung her elbow back, hard. She connected with this ribs that Yor broke. Fiona did it again, knocking the wind out of him.

Yuri was hunched over, clutching his side. Fiona grabbed his short black hair and swung him over her head. Once he was down. Fiona locked her legs around his goof arm and…

SNAP!

Fiona smirked sadistically. Now he had to fight with one had that was shot and the other that was broken.

They both stood up on their own. Allthough, neither of them could stand upright anymore.

Fiona punched Yuri's face. Yuri followed it by punching her directly on her cheek. She swung again, hitting him on the bridge of his nose. Yuri punched Fiona In the mouth. Neither of the Westalis and Ostania loyalists were willing to back off.

Using his head, quite literally, Yuri attempted another head butt. His actions were cancelled by Fiona's strong punch.

Giving him a taste of his own medicine, Fiona pulled her head back. Her strong forehead connected with his nose. Both tried to catch their breath and never let the other out of their sight.

Their fists connected, parrying their attacks and so did their kicks. No one was willing to give up.

Fiona lunged herself in the air using the crane's bar as a propeller. She was in mid air and gave a superman punch of her own. It broke through Yuri's defense, leaving him completely vulnerable.

Just like before, she left punches after punches. She hated to admit it but Berlint really knew how to pick and he was only 20 years old too.

However, every man had its limit. Yuri finally reached his. He fell to his knees. Fiona gave him one last punch for good measure.

She hoisted him up by holding onto his bloodied and filthy officer uniform. Fiona was about to deliver the killing blow when.

She just stopped. She took a minute to absorb the quiet and the smell of the cold fresh air.

She couldn't do it, at least not anymore.

Fiona learned to let go. She leaned her back against the bars to rest. Yuri was gasping for breath.

"Finish…. it." He managed to utter.

"…..No."

"Finish it!" He said more audibly.

"I said finish it!" Yuri yelled. "This isn't over!"

"It is over! I am finished with you!" Fiona screamed. " You told me you had a sister, right? Go spend time with her. Don't take this opportunity for granted."

"Get back here! WE ARE NOT DONE!"

The injured Fiona walked away. "Goodbye Yuri Briar! I don't want to see you again. If I do, you'll find me to be a lot less charitable."

"Don't squander this." She left him with these departing words. "War is a fool's game."

Yuri Briar was left alone on the platform with nothing but his thoughts and all the constellation stars if they had not been fogged by the searchlights.

Her war has ended.

The sun was slowly starting to rise over the trees. Nightfall has ended.

Fiona walked past the debris that was once their cabin. It was nothing but rubble now. A sad expression was on her face. The birds were already awake and singing.

She sighed as she continued to walk.

"FIONA!" Franky was running towards her, ignoring any of his own injuries.

He hugged her tightly. He was short enough to end by her chest. His words were muffled by her jersey. "I was worried sick about you."

She smiled, hugging him back. Her hand was combing his afro. "It's okay. I'm here now."

They stayed in each other's embrace for a few minutes, before breaking the hug. She was covered in mud and bruises yet she remained beautiful.

"Is it over?"

"It's over." She assured him.

Franky groaned. "Man I could so go for a smoke right now."

"Thought you might say that." Fiona dug into her pant's pocket and took out a crooked cigarette. "I took one from these soldiers."

"You are amazing babe! I love you!" He quickly placed it in his mouth.

She smiled, hands behind her back as they walked together. "I can get used to hearing that."

"You know I'd tell him that these could kill him." Franky joked, while chewing on the cigarette sponge. "But you know hehe."

The two were walking together, hand in hand. The transport detail was waiting down the road. Sylvia Sherwood like the femme fatale that she was, was waiting by the car.

All the destruction didn't surprise her. She only gave them a tired look. "I leave you two for a couple of hours and this is what I get back to?"

"Hehe…Sorry." Franky laughed nervously.

She could only sigh. "Just get in."

"No rest for the weary." Sylvia said.

Yuri Briar was rescued by the paramedics, they noticed a red emergency flare for medical emergencies was used and responded swiftly. Allthough, it was too late to do anything for the other Ostanian soldiers. He was lucky to be alive.

He was eventually in the care of the Forger's who insisted that he stayed with them until he was fully healed. Yuri laid on the sofa at the living room with a full body cast on him. Anya would seize this opportunity to draw all over his cast. Whether, it was a cat, a dog, a chimera or just Bondman, honestly, it was hard to tell.

Yuri Briar would bring him his soup but tripped over her own feet, throwing the hot scalding soup all over him as she apologized profusely.

Fiona Frost and Franky Franklin disappeared into a neutral country, enjoying umbrella drinks and each other's company.

She announced her pregnancy. Franky told her she was no longer Princess Honey so she won't have to play that role anymore to which she said that this was as real as it gets.

A new war has begun. A war based on parenting.

---

Author's Note: Thank you so much for taking time out to read this incredibly long one shot. Somehow, I managed to make this my longest story ever, surpassing even an early story of mine. I wanted to make it feel like a cinema experience, one sitting kind of deal. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it. I'm just in time for season 2 as well!

On the likely off chance that Endo focuses more on these two in the foreseeable future, I would be beyond happy. I love Fiona and Franky's little special bonus chapter in the manga and yes, that small itty-bitty part was enough to inspire me to write this! I just hope I did the characters justice.

As for what the future entails, I believe I've fully explored Franky and Fiona for now. I'm not expecting much interaction from this story. But even if only ten people have read and enjoyed it, I would be happy. It's good practice for my writing in hindsight too so I don't feel as if it's all been in vain. I will be focusing on Damian and Anya next. Sherwood will also be a likely candidate

Anyways I'll end this now before my afterthoughts end up as long as a Metal Gear Solid cut scene. Thanks again for reading!.

Aidan.