Kratt Undercover

Chapter Eight

A few hours after Lacey and Zach had finally figured out the giraffe invention (a still nameless invention, mind you), the realization hit Lacey like a freight train. And normally, when emotions hit her out of nowhere, she'd go talk to her brothers. But since they were a bit unavailable (the sewers get dark at night), the only other person she could call was someone who knew what she was going through.

    And when he knocked on her bedroom door, she threw it open and gave him a sad smile.

    "Hey, Lacey. Why the late call?" Killian asked as he stepped into her room and closed the door.

    "Uhm, well, Zach and I finally managed to get those giraffe helmets working and I started to feel..excited. I was celebrating with him, celebrating something that makes me sick to my stomach. Why am I feeling like this?"

    "Okay well, let's start with taking a deep breath and sitting down," started Killian. He placed his hand on her back and led them to her bed, sitting them on the edge.

    "I understand what you're feeling. I feel it from time to time. My aunt will successfully pave something and I become astounded by whatever mall or parking lot or storage area is put in its place. But when you start to feel this way, you have to catch yourself and remind yourself of your true intentions and what you really stand for. I promise it helps so much."

    Lacey took some deep and long breaths, her hands placed on her knees and keeping her eyes fixated on the ground. Killian rubbed slow circles on her back and waited until she wanted to talk again.

    "Thank you, Killian. I just, actually hate this. I know I don't have to do this. Y'know, play the villain. But I'm far too deep to turn back now. And I know this is a responsibility that I've taken on, but I'm starting to wonder if it's too much."

    Lacey brought her hands up to her face and wiped away tears she didn't know she was crying out. Killian moved to wrap his arm around her shoulder and Lacey turned to cry into his shoulder.

    And they then sat in silence. Lacey let out all the pent-up emotions and Killian was the anchor she needed. With his arms now both around her, Killian pulled her closer to his chest and tightly hugged her.

    The beat of his heart calmed Lacey down and she took a shaky breath. She sat up and smiled at him.

    "Thank you. You have no idea how helpful it's been to have someone who understands with I'm feeling."

    "I'm always here for you, Lacey. As both a business partner and as a friend."

    They shared a tender smile and Lacey got up, walking towards the bathroom. She washed her face with warm water and patted dry with a fluffy face towel. She gave herself a quick smile in the mirror before heading back.

    "So..any plans now that we've had a good cry?" Killian asked when she sat next to him.

    "I was going to watch a movie or documentary. Any suggestions?"

    "Ooo, y'know I do love Marvel movies. You pick which one."

    Lacey smiled and crawled across the bed to the other side, grabbing the TV remote from the bedside table. She sat herself in the middle, patting the spot next to her. Killian crawled up next to her and smiled. Lacey clicked on the movie and they sat there, late into the night, in a  nice, comfortable silence.

~~~

    A few hours later, Killian went home. Once he had climbed into his limo and sped off, Lacey trekked back to her room and immediately fell asleep. Unlike Killian. Once he got home, he quickly did his night routine and climbed into bed. And as he settled under the covers, he couldn't stop thinking of Lacey.