Better days ( graves an child reader)

Burning light (chapter 1)

Tw- mentions of human trafficking

It was dark out , Graves held his rifle close to him as he scouted the area with his shadows , graves had been on a mission out with task force 141 on recon and looking for anything they could use as intel. Graves' boots made tracks as he walked along the muddy pathway , remaining calm and content. It was until he heard a sound come from an alleyway and his head snapped up to the sound.

As much as he wanted to continue his journey with his shadows and fellow soldiers he stopped dead in his tracks curious as to what made that sound. Ghost looked at graves with a stern gaze as he saw graves had stopped.
'' someones here...''
Graves spoke in a low tone as he gripped his rifle tightly causing ghost and the others to go tense at his actions.

Graves wore his gear lightly but he was still armed nonetheless and he was prepared to attack until he saw you. Graves took a step closer and he knelt down to you seeing you were cut up and dirty. You were 14 , left on your own after your parents had abandoned you to escape for their own selfish reasons and left you to fend for yourself.

You tensed and backed away , your look stern and stoic as you backed away from the soldiers fearing for the worst. Graves motioned for the shadows and 141  to lower their rifles and they did as they were told but ghost was still very hesitant about it but gave in seeing you were only a child. Graves knelt down to you keeping his distance and his eyes trained on you.

" what are you doing out here?......"
Graves asked you as he looked over your beat and bruised body. You stood quiet in fear of what they may do and you kept your eyes fixated on him.
" Where are your parents ?"
Graves' accent showed through as he asked you more questions.
" graves we should go, it doesn't matter."
One shadow spoke.
" Give the kid a minute to speak."
Graves spoke sternly.

You stood there, eyeing them down and stood your ground but still stood afraid.
" Where are your parents' kids?."
Graves questioned , his voice being as gentle as possible.
" I'm not going to hurt you nor are they okay."
Graves reassured you gently seeing  your defensive position towards him.
You stood hesitant to answer but soon spoke in fear.

" I'm on my own.."
You say quietly and your eyes narrowed as you looked at the armed men.
" well surely you have a mom or dad around dont you?"
He cocked an eyebrow at you as he held his vest straps. You shook your head no but still stood very hesitant of the man in front of you.
" No aunt , uncle ? No grandparents either ?"
He spoke as he tried to think of your situation and how you got here to be alone in the first place.

You spoke quietly yet firmly.
" No...."
Graves eyes widened and little and his shadows looked at eachother with confused yet still stern look and 141 whispered a few things to each other.
" alright then......come with me , we have food , water and a place you could stay."'
He spoke gently.
" what ?...how do I know you won't do anything to me and why are you all carrying guns?...."
Your eyes narrowed as you spoke and looked at them.

Graves thought for a moment before sitting on the ground and he slowly unzipped his vest and lifted it above his head , setting it down next to him.
" I know you're afraid..you have every right to be seeing firearms , but do not worry we do not intend to hurt you but instead help you."
You thought about his words for a moment.
If they truly wanted to hurt you they would've taken you by force already ?. You had thought they could be manipulating you but you thought again.

You thought about your situation , you didn't want to keep living on the streets but you also didn't want to be near men you have only known for five minutes. You glared at them before hesitantly getting closer. Graves kept his gaze on you as you got closer and he gave you a small smile.
" y/n..."
He let off a soft chuckle.
" y/n huh ?...that's quite the name y'know."
He grinned but there was clearly something else on his mind , his face said it all.

" what happened to your parents y/n ?.."
Graves was careful with his words , taking note of how you could take or not. You looked down at your feet for a second  not answering and then looked off to the Side.
A sigh escaped his lips as he heard no answer from you.
" you need some serious help y/n..."
He spoke as he took out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it up with his lighter , a small flame forming and then burning slightly as he took a long drag from his cigarette leaving a trail of smoke behind.

" I know you can speak , don't pretend to be mute now."
Graves said firmly.
" um.....they left me..."
You sighed.
He raised a brow as you spoke.
" they abandoned you ?.
He spoke confused and you nodded.

Graved thoughts for a moment as he took a drag from his cigarette and he looked at you and held out his hand.
" Come along now , you'll be coming with me."
You stared at him for a moment unsure of what to think and do.
" how do I know you're not some human trafficker or some shit....."
You say as you were still alert and cautious.

Graves  expression's shift, a little mused grin across his face , but he'd quickly regain his composure.he'd then take a step forward
"I'm no trafficker, y/n ,  merely a good person trying to help out you out.."
He gave a small smile.
You kept your eyes trained on him and you sighed and gave in and stepped closer to him.
Graves stood up flicking his cigarette into a small puddle putting out the dimly lit cigarette and he gave a small smile.

He'd then slowly kneel down, extending a hand once more, " Now, come on,...we get to go back to base with a nice hot meal and a comfy bed"
he spoke and you sighed and gave in and gently grabbed his hand but still stood hesitant and weary.

This was a new start for you , the more the many but keep shut for too long and the burden may become too heavy.