Teen Spy: The Observer

Chapter 31

William watches the doors close behind Kiara. He gathers his thoughts and takes a fortifying breath before turning back to Sasha. He knew the moment she saw Sasha and Kiara interacting that they have issues. It is impossible not to notice. But he sees Kiara wanting to bury their differences and move on. Sasha is the one not cooperating.

"What is your problem?" Will says after he catches her eyeroll. He genuinely wants to know.

"I don't know what you are talking about." Sasha says over her shoulder as she walks to the gadgets and starts organizing them.

"This behavior is not like you." Will clarifies.

"Not like me!" Sasha gives a humorless laugh. "We've only been on what?... three mission and you think you know everything about me?"

"No, but you've never treated anyone like you treat her." Will says.

"That's because I don't hate anyone else like I hate her." Sasha says.

"You don't hate her." Will says and that catches Sasha's attention. She looks at him with her guard up. "You pretend that you do, and your bloody attitude reflects that. But deep down you don't hate her. So, why pretend?"

Sasha looks at him for a few long seconds. Her face betrays nothing. They are silent for so long that Will almost gives up on Sasha answering his question.

"You know as well as I do the dangers of what we do. I don't want her getting hurt or worse." She finally admits in a small voice a contrast to her shouts earlier.

"You're trying to make her quit?" Will says.

"Something like that." Sasha says sheepishly.

"I know you've noticed, but I'm going to point at the obvious." Will says not approving of her methods. "All your effort is only making her more determined to succeed at this."

Sasha sighs in defeat.

"May I remind you that she saved your life yesterday." Will continues. "From what I gather, the bullets would have killed you if Kiara hadn't pushed you to safety. So... maybe instead of making her experience awful enough to force her to quit, how about you apologize, help her reach her full potential and, I believe the phrase is, cover her back, like she clearly has yours."

"I'll think about it." Sasha says.

Will can see that Sasha is still set on her way, but seems to be considering his words. That is enough for now. His main concern is Kiara.

He glimpsed at the hurt she tried to mask during the confrontation and for some reason, it affected him, too. He had to fight the urge to gather her in his arms and try to fight her battles. Absurd, considering they barely know each other. Yet, he still has this need to check on her.

Will leaves the room and exits the janitor's closet. He looks around searching for Kiara and spots her outside talking to that bloke. Ryan something. The one who keeps trying it on her despite her continuous refusal.

He walks towards them at a sedated pace, letting Kiara handle the situation. Although he must fight the impulse to intervene suspecting his effort won't be well received. That doesn't stop him from watching from nearby as a silent support and ready to jump in, specially today.

He sees Ryan trying to invade her personal space and Kiara stepping back, regaining that space. She also puts her hands in front of her in a none threatening way but ready to move in short notice.

As he steps outside of the Lunch Area, Kiara notices him and their eyes briefly meet. He sees she is relieved to see him. For some reason, this makes him stand taller and he gives her a smile. Ryan notices that he lost Kiara's attention and forcibly grabs her lower arm. Will instinctively steps forward, but there is no need.

In a matter of second, Kiara grabs Ryan's hand with her free one and swings her trapped arm. She takes hold of his wrist and pushes him down with his arm extended behind his back. Ryan lands flat on the ground. Kiara places her foot on his back so that he won't be able to stand. She applies slight pressure to make it an uncomfortable position without hurting him.

"I told you I would defend myself accordingly." Kiara states. "Next time, you'll regain consciousness after I contacted the police. Did I explain myself?"

"Yes." Ryan musters after Kiara increased the pressure in his arm.

She releases him and he stumbles away muttering swear words at Kiara. Will bridges the last feet between them as Kiara rubs her face.

"Not my finest moment." She sighs.

"I think you managed it pretty well." He says. "You didn't break his arm like I would have, and you got him to finally leave you alone."

This brings a laugh out of Kiara. "The thought crossed my mind." She finally admits. "Thanks for letting me handle it in my own."

"You didn't need my help on this." Will admits. "But, about what Sasha said..." He hesitates.

His palms start to sweat.

"I don't want to talk about her. She has a chip on her shoulder for reasons I still don't understand." Kiara states. She looks at the floor and shrugs. "I know not to let it affect me, but it is so damn hard."

"Things will improve. Just give it time" Will says hoping he is right.

"I won't hold my breath." Kiara says.

Will gently lifts her face so that he can see her eyes.

"You did a great job on the mission. Don't let her diminish your accomplishments."

"Thank you." Kiara says, still looking into his eyes. His hand is still holding her cheek and tingles shot from that place to the rest of her body.

"Get a room you two." Sasha finally comes out of the Lunch Area and without further comment heads to the dorm buildings. But the moment between Will and Kiara has been broken and they take a step apart.