Silco x Reader

Thirteen

While watching her walk away, you couldn't help but feel like this was a mistake.

She was a mole, sure, but that didn't have to mean she was of no use.

It was just a question of caution. Maybe she could be of use to you as well. All you needed was something that could convince her to turn on the most powerful man of the undercity.

"Maria.", you called for her before she could disappear. "A word, if you allow. In my office."

Sceptically, she frowned but nodded.

Carefully, you took some shimmer from your medical cabinet and filled it into the vial that was an exact copy of the ones that you used for your experiments.

With a soft click, the lid sealed itself. The violet liquid danced. Small bubbles rose to the top.

It was a cheap trick, evil enough for Silco, but there wasn't really another option. At this point, you were running out of ideas and backup plans to protect you and everybody else against his influence.

Clearing your throat, you let it slide into the sleeve of your lab coat and took a seat at your desk.

"Come on in.", you said, trying to sound as normal as possible.

When it came to lying or playing stupid, you were one of the worst actors out there. It was almost impossible for you to force yourself to put on a face that did not give away your emotions.

Hesitantly, Maria popped her head into the room.

"Am I allowed to come in?", she asked with the concern of a child that had done something wrong.

You nodded, rubbing your aching forehead.

"Yes, you may enter now."

With her head lowered she set foot into the office and closed the door to lean against it. Her foot was tapping on the floor.

The sound annoyed you, but in that moment it was important to remain calm.

"Come a bit closer.", you demanded, not taking your eyes off her. "What you said earlier made me think. You truly have nothing of value to protect your life. That's what's making you spy on me for Silco, isn't it?"

Your eyes jumped up to her.

Swallowing hard, she nodded.

"I'm defenceless...", she whispered.

"Hm. What if I gave you something that could protect you from him?"

Her eyebrows pulled together. She frowned, both confused and kind of insulted at the believe that you were trying to mess with her.

"Pardon?", she tilted her head.

With a swift gesture you pulled out the vial and wiggled it in front of her eyes.

"This is what he wanted you to steal.", it wasn't a question but a statement that you were so sure of. "I'm willing to leave this one to you. Don't worry about the details. All I'm telling you is that you can use this as an emergency plan. If he's threatening you, blackmail him with this. Tell him you will destroy it if he wants to hurt you or something."

You let the shimmer slide into her hands.

Her fingers wrapped around the glass, pressing them shut so tight that it seemed it could break any second. A shaky breath escaped her.

With trembling hands, Maria pressed it to her chest. But at the same time she couldn't hide the suspicious expression on her face.

Her eyes jumped from the shimmer in her hands to your face and back again.

"Why are you giving me this all of a sudden?", she asked. "I've spent weeks trying to get my hands on this."

A sarcastic yet bitter laughter escaped you.

"I've noticed."

"You did?"

"Of course. My office was a mess one too many times. I know I'm not tidy, but the signs were obvious. I just couldn't accuse you without solid evidence. That could have ruined my reputation."

A grim expression made her eyes harden.

"And now you're threatening me.", she mumbled.

You shook your head.

"I'm offering you a compromise.", taking a deep breath, you closed your eyes while massaging the bride of your nose. "Take the shimmer. And in return you'll stop spying on me."

"I can't spy for you instead! Silco would murder me."

Rolling your eyes at her ability to jump to conclusions, you rolled your eyes.

"Maria.", your eyes locked with hers, full of nothing but seriousness. "I'm not giving you this to form a partnership. This is my own insurance. You take this so that you don't have a reason no more to stab me in the back."

"And if I just keep spying on you?"

"Then I'll kill you."

You did not hesitate to say it out loud. There were no emotions, no nervousness, just cold, hard honesty.

You were willing to kill her if it meant protecting the children and all of the hospital. Sometimes, drastic times called for drastic measures.

Shocked by the statement, her eyes jumped wide open. She took a step back, her hands clutching the shimmer.

"Samaritan...", she gasped. "You wouldn't..."

Raising an eyebrow, you tilted your head.

"What? You think I'm as innocent as that?", you asked, not being able to suppress the hint of an amused grin that was trying to fight its way onto your lips. "You seem to forget something. I'm a child of Zaun too. A born and raised Zaunite. My hands are drenched in blood just like yours. Don't think that your blood will be too good to shed."

Breathing heavily, she took a step towards the door, not daring to turn her back on you. Her back hit the hard wood, making her jump in surprise. Slowly, she reached behind her and grabbed the doorknob.

Unimpressed, you leaned back while watching her with mild amusement.

"Don't test my patience and tell me one more thing.", you eyed the ash that was stuck under your fingernails. "Do we have a deal? Shimmer for you, peace for me."

Not being able to form words, she just nodded, stunned.
Satisfied, you hummed.

"Oh and one more thing...", you flashed her a smile that earned you a soft sound of fear. "You'll keep working here. Keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Got it?"