When we're better (Franziska von Karma x Female Reader)

Who's a Better Boss?

I never fully got to sleep, opting to take micro-naps between re-reading the case file. When the plane began to land, I dusted off my hat. I ran a final hand through my hair before tying it back to put the hat on.

"What a foolish uniform. People often choose between elegance and comfort, and Interpol has chosen neither."

I had to chuckle at that. Franziska was right.

"If I could wear something else, I certainly would. But I need to respect the dress code regardless."

She continued to look me up and down silently as we left the plane. Despite my best efforts to stay nonchalant, I could feel my face heating up from the intense scrutiny.

Agent Lang and the rest of the group were waiting for us. He stepped out in front, hands in his pockets.

"Welcome back to the pack, Y/N! Great work escorting the new talent."

"Thank you, sir," I said, saluting. "It was... no trouble at all."

I hadn't meant to hesitate, but Lang caught on immediately that something was off. He tapped his foot, tilting his head at Franziska with a slight scowl.

"Hey, sis... you didn't step on any paws on your flight here, did you?"

She wasn't phased in the slightest, raising a hand as if to challenge him.

"You speak as if you know anything about this girl. She obviously just needs rest and a meal."

Lang growled menacingly, taking another step forward.

"Don't try and correct me about my subordinates! You ain't part of the pack, so what would you know?"

"Y/N happens to have been mine first, you mutt!" Franziska lashed her whip against the floor. I covered my face to hide how red I was.

"P-please get along, if you don't mind me asking! I... I would appreciate..."

Agent Lang came up and placed a protective hand on my shoulder. His voice was a little strained with annoyance.

"No problem... I won't cause a fuss if little miss lion tamer here doesn't. Capiche?"

Franziska crossed her arms and glared at the both of us. She didn't say a word. Lang shrugged.

"I'll take that as a yes, then. But Y/N, I need a word with you..."

Once we were out of earshot of Franziska, he sighed. He seemed irritated and a bit conflicted, which wasn't like him.

"Hey, what was it sis said about being hers first? You know that lady?"

He was staring at me so intensely. I was already flustered enough at having Franziska here, and now I had to explain this relationship to my boss!? I cleared my throat and let out a nervous chuckle.

"Y-yeah, she, uh... we worked together before I got here, and... we were an item."

I watched his eyes widen for a second before he returned to his usual confident expression. He smirked.

"Wow. That's your type, huh? Guess opposites really do attract. She..." He lowered his voice more, stooping to look me in the eye.

"She didn't hurt you, did she? I won't hesitate to boot her off this investigation."

"No, no! Sh-she didn't. I promise! If anything, it was me, I-" I stammered, trying to find the words for how I felt. Sure, our breakup had been messy, and maybe she did lose her temper, but it had been inevitable. I hated the way I'd left. Every day since, I had thought of nicer ways I could have ended things. Wondered if the relationship could have been salvaged. Wondered if she could have changed...

Lang must have seen my panicked expression. He eased up and gave me some space, nodding.

"I see now... it's pretty clear to me."

"It is? What is, sir?"

He laughed out loud, a resonant, powerful sound, and patted me on the shoulders.

"Lang Zi says: A true wolf is nothing without the loyalty to its sole pack. But it looks like you might have two of 'em."

I could hear the confident growl in his voice.

"Now tell me Y/N. Who was right?"

I tilted my head in confusion.

"About what?"

"What else? Your hesitation! Why did you pause when I asked about the escort?"

I clasped my hands together, fidgeting. What should I say? I decided for the honest truth.

"I-I did feel very tense about Franziska..." I said, seeing him grin. "...but also, it's true I didn't eat on the plane like usual... and I couldn't sleep well..."

He grumbled.

"So it's a tie. Not bad for goin up against  your old flame."

I could feel the heat returning to my face. He sure was getting a kick out of my embarrassment, wasn't he?

"S-sir, with all do respect, this isn't a competition!"

"Like hell it isn't! But don't stress yourself out, cub. I'm not about to reprimand you for puppy love."

"That's a relief, sir." I was glad, but I also hadn't considered that was an angle he could have gone for until he said it.

"In fact..." He smirked mischievously. I could see his shoulders subtly shake from his contained laughter.

"I'm so confident I'm the better leader that I'm assigning you as von Karma's primary assistant on the smuggling case! That is... if you think you can handle it."

"SIR-" I covered my mouth. There was that nervous feeling.

My original plan was to keep my distance from her, but now... I wasn't sure. I wanted this smuggling case so bad. I had studied up for ages, hoping to play a key role. This was my chance!

And after all, I didn't hate Franziska. If anything, I actually kind of missed her...

I took a deep breath.

"Yes, sir. I can handle this. Thank you for the opportunity."