Chris lifts her hand to knock on Luca's front door. Street had texted a while ago that his roommate would be out to spend some time with his father. When he opens the door and smiles softly at Chris, she again can feel the butterflies, she managed to keep in check for so long, take off.
Street steps to the side and motions for Chris to come in. After he has shut the door Street turns to the sofa, expecting her to sit there just like normal and waiting for him but for some reason Chris still is standing in the middle of the room, fiddling nervously with her fingers.
"What's wrong?" Chris feels his fingers on her hands and hears a low quiver of fear.
"I am scared, if you can believe it. Tomorrow…" she presses her eyes shut and takes a deep breath to keep the tears that threaten to spill, at bay. "What are we going to do tomorrow?"
Street entangles their fingers and softly tugs on Chris' hand to get her to sit on the sofa with him.
"You heard Deac. Tomorrow, we go in and he'll give out our new assignments. He has final pick on who to keep, and my money is on you!"
His smile brings back the flutter in her stomach and the way his fingers slowly trail down her cheek and jaw make Chris burrow her face against his palm. Savoring the contact.
Chris is jumpy and worried the whole evening and it takes all of Street to try and keep her from spiraling.
The next morning the air in the locker room is tense. Every officer in the building knows that today is the end of an era. Even if it was barely 5 years but this team had made an impact and an impression. Luca, Chris, Street and Tan stand together in the motor pool waiting for Deac to come down with their new assignments. When Deac finally stands in front of them Tan can see Chris and Street sharing a glance. He wonders how they really feel about this forced split of the team. He had only seen them alone together that one time when he maneuvered Luca outside.
"Okay, this isn't easy for me, but we, Hicks and I, took great care to find a spot for each of you that is suited for your career path," Deac starts but Tan barely hears it all. Behind Deac, almost concealed by the shadow of the pilar walks in a familiar figure.
"Hondo?" he blurts out and everyone turns to the doorway.
"Man, where were you?" Luca asks what is on all their mind. "So, this 20squad split up nonsense is off the table, right?" the man continues and looks around.
Tan takes a glance to Chris and Street and for a split second he can see the disappointment on their faces. In a way he can understand that, but he can't deny he'd love to stay with this team even if he has found a fantastic spot with Rocker for now.
All eyes have settled on Hondo and Deac. The sergeants share a glance and Hondo defers to Deac with a nod.
Tan moves over to Chris and shares a look with her. He can see the worry and confusion on her face now. After a glare from her he focuses back on Deac.
"Okay," the grey-haired man takes a breath, "I got the option to keep two of you on this team. My team. Tan, Rocker requested you stay with him, and I agree." Luca starts grumbling and Deac sends him an apologetic look while saying "let me finish first. Street, they are giving Stevens command of a team and for some reason he wants you,"
The group chuckles, and Tan hear Chris's breathing stop, so reaches over to squeeze her hand.
"Luca and Chris, I'd like you to stay with me,"
"What about Hondo?" Luca reminds them that their former team leader hasn't been mentioned yet. "Brass has decided to make him a floater. Hicks and I, agree though his skills are of far better use at the academy."
The group disperses pretty quickly, with everyone going to their respective new assignments except Chris and Street, as Tan notes when he turns back.
Chris still can't believe it. Her head had run through every worst-case scenario she could fathom. She hadn't imagined Hondo coming back…
"Hey," Street softly grazes her hand with his fingers making Chris look straight at him. "We're not teammates anymore," he smiles and takes a step closer, "so this," he reaches for her hand, "is not against the rules anymore."
Chris revels in the moment but then pulls her hand back. "We're still at work," she tells him with a smile. "But tonight, after shift…." Her voice trails off when they hear other voices come closer.
"I'll see you later," Street tells her before walking off and reporting to Stevens of all people.
There is a pep to his step knowing that everything he ever wanted can be a reality now.
Chris really was giving this, him, them a chance.
It's not my usual style, but there is a sequel that I think I never fully shared. So give me a bit to get it publishable.
