Dry Your Tears

Thirty

Jonathon & Amelia

"Darling we need to get going now!" Jonathon called up the stairs just as Amelia began walking down them. 

"Yeah, yeah I'm coming. " She said smiling, radiant as ever and Jonathon realized that even after being together for more than a decade, her beauty still managed to surprise him. In many ways she didn't resemble the weak, frightened woman she once was. She was stronger, more independent and fearless now. Taking an active roll at the base by helping rehabilitate the victims that they saved. Jonathon had taken over as the head of the organization, Elias handing it to him when he stepped down. That was five years ago, now, five years later, the business had expanded, saving victims of human trafficking all over the globe with over a thousand agents world wide. 

Both John and Amelia decided they didn't want children, the danger of their jobs diverting them away from the appeal as they'd be constantly at risk and besides, both felt like they were already playing large parental roles with some of the younger victims that they often fostered. 

They were happy, together and in love. They had each other and a job they were passionate about, playing their small role in making the world a better place.

Ashe and Alexia

"Right, make sure you always keep your knife at an angle and, this may seem obvious but a lot of people make this mistake, point it away from yourselves." With that at Alexia's command Ashe did a demonstration. Flipping the knife around several times before raising it, as if to stab Alexia but stopping right before it could touch her skin. 

"Obviously you don't need to show off like that but it should look similar." Alexia spoke, assuring the group of women and men that were staring at Ashe with wide eyes. "Alright how about a quick break?" Alexia walked aside, Ashe joining her moments later. 

"I enjoy these lessons with you." She said and Alexia nodded, popping a grape into her mouth as they watched the new recruits chat amongst themselves, not really knowing what they had gotten themselves into. After the raid in Marchesi's mansion, it was impossible for Elias not to allow Ashe on to the team. She was skilled, quick and dangerous and together with Alexia it made for a deadly duo. When Elias stepped down and Jonathon took over, Adam also decided to trade the thrill of working for a vigilante group for a simpler life. Leaving Ashe, Alexia, James and Sander helping Jonathon to keep the organization running. James and Sander focused on the tech side as well the logisitics while Ashe and Alexia trained recruits while going on missions themselves. 

"What do you think about the age gap between Adam and John?" Ashe asked suddenly as Alexia  drank some water, the latter shrugged, wiping her mouth as she put the glass down. 

"What's there to say? The two are clearly head over heels in love and I guess that's all that matters." 

"Really? So you wouldn't mind dating someone who was, say, a few years younger than you. Specifically seven." Ashe pressed on, inching a bit closer to her.

"I wouldn't mind if I wanted to date anyone. Look, seeing all our friends happy and in love is sweet but I don't need it for myself. In a game as dangerous as the one we play, the last thing I need is the constant worry for my love to be bringing me down when I should be focusing on the task at hand." Ashe's shoulders fell at Alexia's words, her heart hurting due to the rejection she hadn't expected to face. 

"Oh, yeah, I suppose you're right." She said meekly before excusing herself to use the restroom. Alexia frowned, watching her go, wondering what came over her. 

"You're an idiot. " A voice spoke behind her and Alexia turned to see James standing there with crossed arms and amused expression. 

"What? What did I do?"