Undercover

Chapter two

...

Raven's penetrating gaze fixated on Larry from across the bar, her eyes narrowing with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. They had been shadowing him all week, meticulously observing his routine, and not once did he veer close to a place that served alcohol. The unexpected disruption of Larry Bird's usual routine caught her off guard as he stepped into the popular establishment.

Seated at the bar, she slowly sipped her water, her expression unreadable as she watched him standing alone in the far corner of the club. The dim lights cast mysterious shadows, and the pulsating music created an atmosphere of anticipation. Raven, with an air of stoicism, took note of how Larry's eyes darted around the room, clearly searching for someone.

The ambient noise of the club formed a backdrop to Raven's focused observation. The rhythmic beats of the music, the distant chatter, and the clinking of glasses provided a sensory tapestry that enveloped her in the clandestine environment. The air was thick with a mix of excitement and tension as Raven continued to scrutinize Larry's every move, trying to decipher the significance of his presence in this unexpected setting. As Larry's gaze swept across the room, Raven's keen perception captured the subtle nuances of his body language, like his furrowed brow, and the occasional glance at his watch.

Beside her, Garfield shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his internal struggle evident in the furrowed lines on his forehead. The weight of the events from the night before lingered in the air between them, a silent barrier that demanded acknowledgment. After spending the majority of the day in a tense waiting game, he finally decided to break the ice.

"So, are we going to talk about it at all?" Garfield asked, his voice cutting through the ambient noise of the club.

Without steering her gaze off Larry, Raven regarded his question with a practiced nonchalance. "Talk about what?"

Not sure if she was purposely feigning innocence or found the encounter so insignificant that she had already forgotten about it, Garfield decided to press the issue. "Last night?" He spoke, a noticeable hesitation in his voice.

The subject matter immediately provoked an audible sigh from Raven. "Do we really need to talk about it?" She asked, irritation seeping into her tone, her focus still fixed on Larry.

"I would kind of like to confirm that it actually happened, and that it wasn't just another one of my dirty dreams." Garfield elaborated, his words hanging in the air with a mix of awkwardness and a desire for clarity.

Raven sighed again as she turned to look at him. "It actually happened. Now forget that it ever did." she told him sternly, her eyes narrowing in emphasis. Yet, just as quickly as she turned away, she abruptly turned back, shooting him an accusing glare. "What do you mean just another one of your dirty dreams? How many obscene interactions have you had about us?"

"Not important." Garfield said awkwardly, quickly shaking his head to dismiss the comment, a subtle attempt to divert the conversation.

Rolling her eyes, Raven tried to disregard the information, attempting to steer the conversation away from the uncomfortable topic and refocus on their mission. However, the subject matter wasn't being dismissed as she had hoped.

"So, you just want to pretend none of it ever happened?" Garfield elaborated, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability, the weight of the unspoken hanging in the air.

"Preferably yes." Raven clarified, her voice carrying a tinge of frustration as she sought to put an end to the lingering discomfort, hoping the subject matter would fade away.

There was a moment of pause, a pregnant silence, as Garfield pondered what she had just said before quietly voicing his objections. "What if I don't?"

Letting out an irritable huff, Raven's impatience became more pronounced. "Gar, what do you want me to say? I was tired and homesick, and reached out to the closest thing that resembled home. It was a brief deficiency in judgment that, I assure you, will not happen again."