Two days later:
A new day graced through half-closed curtains. Manhattan's skyline at sunrise remained one of the more breathtaking landscapes in the world. The sun's rays reflected off New York's many skyscrapers. Nevertheless, a new beginning couldn't wash away recollections of the failed mission.
Squinting from the sunlight, Tatyana slowly awakened to no hangover after consuming that entire bottle of whiskey. Although a migraine was the least of her worries. She realized her civilian attire was still on from yesterday. A much-needed shower would help ease all discomfort. Tatyana entered her bathroom and turned the shower head on before disrobing, her voluptuous body welcoming the cascading waterfall. She lathered down her mahogany skin in soap, staying in the shower for twenty-five minutes before obtaining two towels to wrap around her body and hair.
A low growl emitted from her stomach, signaling the need for food.
After changing into a fresh set of clothes, Tatyana walked downstairs to procure an apple from the refrigerator. Not even two bites in, the ebony woman detected another presence within her home. She quickly teleported into the living room to see a lone male standing near the fireplace, his back turned.
But Tatyana immediately recognized him, her face falling in shock. "Raven!?"
"I was hoping to find you here."
Turning around, Raven stood tall with noticeable bandages underneath that covered three separate bullet wounds on his right breastplate. It's a feat he survived, let alone stand in his commanding officer's home as if nothing harrowing ensued.
However, this didn't alter Tatyana's mood in the slightest. "What the hell are you doing here!? You're supposed to be recuperating!"
Raven waved his uninjured hand. "I'm fine. It's only-"
"I don't recall three gunshot wounds were a mere injury!"
After all these years from childhood up to now, Raven had never seen Tatyana full of rage directed at him no less. She was anything but pleased before sitting on her couch. While relieved her top subordinate was alive, she was beyond pissed he was here instead of recovering at the hospital.
Finally, Tatyana relented but kept her expression stern. "I'll ask you again. Why are you here?"
Raven calmly approached the couch and sat down, keeping a respectable distance. "My injuries heal quickly, and staying in that godforsaken place wasn't ideal. The doctors aided in my recovery despite their earlier diagnosis that I might not live."
The temper portrayed on Tatyana's face slightly decreased. "Even so, agent, you can't take three bullets and shake them off the next day. As I stated before, you-"
"Next day?" Raven interrupted. "It's been two days since our mission went straight to hell."
Two days? What all occurred during that time-lapse? That must have been some whiskey, the bottle empty on the glass table.
'Never again will I do that.' Tatyana chastised herself before tossing the bottle away.
The kunoichi was unhappy with how she handled her subordinate's condition last night. Hell, there were many things she was upset over - both at Raven and her own mistakes. But nothing more scathing than letting him see her in a moment of weakness.
Sitting back down, Tatyana faced him again. "For the record, I don't appreciate you waltzing into my apartment without notifying me beforehand."
Raven raised an eyebrow. "The only reason why I came unannounced was to check on you. Along with that, your house went unsecured during the night."
Her face fell again. She always bolted the front door and activated the security system after retiring for the day. Tatyana could only gaze at her motionless subordinate, that stoic expression lingering. Silence entrapped both agents as Raven peered out to the balcony view of the city.
"I understand why you didn't want to be bedridden," Tatyana abruptly said, grabbing his attention. "But why come here? I'm more than capable of taking care of myself. Your actions are out of character."
"Funny you say that when you drank into a blackout," Raven countered. "I'm here because I didn't want to be bothered at the agency or discuss the mission with Jones. Being in that hospital was torture enough. I needed silence, something unattainable at HQ. I can leave if I'm intruding on your privacy."
"No, it's... fine, Raven," Tatyana finally acquiesced, unable to stay furious at her most trusted agent. "Can I get you some water or fruit?"
"A glass of water, please."
He stared at his boss' retreating form as she left to fetch him his beverage. Raven always admired how Tatyana carried herself as the leader of the UN's most powerful force. However, something else preoccupied his attention — her intelligence, confidence, and... appearance?
"Ice or no ice?"
"No ice."
Tatyana brought two water glasses back into the living room, handing one to Raven before sitting down to take a small sip.
"I'm satisfied you're feeling healthy now, but those aren't common injuries. Part of me felt you weren't going to make it. I sat there as you lay bleeding, guilty for allowing you to take the hit. I'm truly sorry and take responsibility for nearly having you die on my watch."
Raven pondered her words, more importantly, her remorse. Never before had Tatyana ever apologized to him directly. This day has shown an entirely different side between them - uncharacteristically tense. They've been around each other in close quarters during meetings and missions.
Why did this feel so different?
"I accept your apology," Raven said. "But I'm also at fault for not getting there sooner."
"You never should've been placed in that predicament in the first place," Tatyana immediately followed up.
She sunk further into the couch, a long, drawn-out breath escaping her. Life would resume as usual if that were possible. Raven did Tatyana a favor by coming to her apartment. The last of her agitation was filtered out, which caused her to laugh softly.
"What's funny?" Raven inquired.
"Nothing... if anything else, a restart seems prudent." Tatyana viewed all the afflictions on his person. "I'm still not convinced of your recovery."
Raven gazed at each scar individually. "Guess there were more than I first assumed. However, I assure you I'm fit to return to duty."
Tatyana frowned. "Then why so concerned for my well-being? There was no logical reason to risk your life on my behalf. Of all people, you know I don't favor owing debts to anyone, and doing so is-"
"Is what?"
Raven was offended by her statement as he continued. "I can't clearly explain what transpired. Putting the mission first seemed illogical for me to do. I couldn't stand there and let our enemy harm you or anyone else if it meant our objective was registered as a failure. It wouldn't sit well with me knowing someone perished. A successful mission means everyone comes back in one piece."
Shock filled Tatyana's entire body, her eyes lowering to the floor in stunned silence. "Even if the missions aren't worth death, what do I mean to you? You rarely interact with anyone other than me and only for important matters of this magnitude. Forgive me if I can't theorize the special value you've placed on my welfare."
"Can't say you're wrong. That would be ignorance on my part. Our 'associates' are loyal like we are. I recognize I don't socialize much, something I'll correct. We've worked together for many years, even before joining the United Nations. I always savor that aspect, and I'm not in a rush for it to change. Our current situation isn't the best, but it's the hand we were dealt with. More needs to be done without further casualties."
Tatyana now understood what was on his mind. "Raven, Master's death wasn't our fault. It was his time-"
"This has nothing to do with him; God bless his soul." Raven's firm voice returned, eyes closing behind his sunglasses while downing his water. "I've come to terms with that. What matters now is protecting everyone around me without worrying about past shortcomings."
Unbelievably, it was already four o'clock in the afternoon. The shared discussion brought forth hidden revelations neither had predicted nor thought about. Gone was the angst of knowing Raven's health as he moved independently without limitations. He fell into his customary silence, exhausted. Tatyana failed to say anything afterward. There was no way things could return to normal in the aftermath of a missed opportunity. The UN could ill afford another mishap should another chance arise with the world depending on them to restore peace and stability.
Raven looked down at his wrist to view the current time. "It's getting late. I should be going."
"To where?" Tatyana questioned.
"HQ to finish recuperating. Jones told me he wanted all operatives to take a few weeks off, so I won't be doing anything work-related."
Being a good houseguest, Raven rose and took his empty glass to the counter beside the sink before proceeding to the front door. Tatyana followed him on his way out, seeing he was courteous enough not to leave her cup unattended.
"Wait." Tatyana stopped him just before he exited.
Raven turned. "Yes?"
She approached. "I'm... glad you're ok, Raven. Truly I am. And I appreciate you having my back."
As was his customary, Raven gave a curt nod. "You would've done the same for any of us. I'm on call should you need anything."
Turning the doorknob, Raven exited as Tatyana shut the door before leaning against it. Her eyes closed to gather her thoughts, remaining uneasy about their lengthy chat. She pondered the next course of action but ended up registering a blank. Not helping the situation was that she and Raven will ultimately have to confront each other again. Leaving this unsolved wasn't wise.
'Dwelling won't do anything. Best to let time dictate when to bring this up once more,' Tatyana mused.