In The Company of Your Shadows || Phillip Graves x OFC

9 - What It Was All For

After a long debriefing and the successful capture of the cartel members, Graves and I returned to a quaint bar nestled in the heart of Monaco to unwind and celebrate our success before heading back to D.C. to report to Shepherd. With only a handful of patrons lingering, the serene atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for our conversation.

I glanced at Phillip over the rim of my Espresso Martini, having changed into more 'civilian-like' attire to blend in seamlessly with the locals.

"It feels like ages since we've been able to just sit back and enjoy a drink like this," I remarked, taking a leisurely sip of my martini before grinning at him. "Although, I must say, this bar is a far classier from the ones back in the states."

"Mhm," Phillip set down his glass of whiskey with a soft chuckle. "And it's been quite some time since I've seen you out of uniform."

Phillip's eyes sparkled with amusement as he leaned back in his chair, the dim light casting intriguing shadows across his face.

"You clean up nicely, Selene," he teased, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

I rolled my eyes, playfully swatting his arm. "Oh, please. You're just saying that because you're used to seeing me covered in dirt and grime," I retorted, unable to suppress a grin.

He chuckled, lifting his glass in a mock salute. "Maybe. But I have to admit, it's a nice change of pace."

The moment lingered between us, the air thick with unspoken words and tension. But before things could get too intense, the bartender interrupted us with a friendly smile, asking if we wanted another round.

I glanced at Phillip, a silent question in my eyes. He grinned and nodded, signaling for the bartender to bring us another round.

As the bartender walked away, Phillip leaned closer, his voice low and teasing. "Looks like the night is just getting started."

A smirk played at the corners of my lips. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd be sitting across from him again like this. Yet, here he was, alive and well, sharing a drink with me after a mission just like before.. like nothing ever happened.

.. Like I have finally awoken from a nightmare..

"So," I began, taking another sip of my martini, "how was being dead?" I quipped, aiming for a light-hearted tone to mask the emotions bubbling beneath the surface.

He chuckled, resting his head on his hand as he leaned closer, his eyes meeting mine with a hint of longing.

"It was boring. I didn't have my angel with me," he teased, yet his gaze was filled with affection.

A flutter of warmth spread through me at his words, but I masked my emotions with a playful smirk.

"Your angel, huh?" I teased back. "Now you're just sweet-talking me so I won't make you pay for my drinks, ain't ya?"

He raised his hands in mock surrender, a genuine smile gracing his features.

"Alright, you got me," he admitted jokingly, taking another sip of his drink before meeting my gaze once more. "But seriously tho, I missed you, toots," his voice softened, stirring a tender ache in my chest.

"Hmm, then you should've told me you were alive in the first place and not let me play Sherlock," I said, the smile softening my words.

He glanced down at his drink, the melody of the bar's music filling the air between us before he spoke again.

"Yeah, sorry about that, doll. I didn't mean to leave you out of it. It was just a chaotic time," he admitted, taking a sip. "I really did want to tell you earlier, but I guess I was waiting for a better moment, ones that much more stable, I guess."