PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 5: My Love

Maya said "Hey Andy I am going home let's go."

Andy nods, taking her place by Maya's side. "Yeah, of course. Let's get out of here."

The rest of the team murmurs their agreement, glaring daggers at Jack as they help Maya leave.

As Maya and Andy leave the station, they can still hear the team's voices and the sounds of them scolding Jack.

Maya sighs, still in shock from the encounter. "I can't believe he did that."

Andy shakes her head, clearly furious on Maya's behalf. "Yeah, neither can I. That was completely out of line and unacceptable. Are you okay?"

Maya said "Dizzy and tired."

Andy frowns, concern washing over her face. "Dizzy and tired? Did the punch really knock you that hard?"

Maya nods, feeling a dull ache in her temple. "Yeah, it knocked me pretty good. My head's throbbing."

Andy puts an arm around Maya's shoulders, helping her walk towards the car. "Okay, you're definitely going straight to your bed when we get home."

Maya said "Carina is going to lose it."

Andy sighs, imagining the scene that will probably greet them at Maya's house.

"Yeah, I don't envy you there. Carina is going to be pissed when she sees the damage to your face."

Maya groans, knowing that Carina will undoubtedly feel protective and angry. "Oh god, I know. She's going to want to rip Jack apart."

Andy chuckles darkly, picturing the scene. "And I don't blame her. I kind of want to rip him apart, too. What he did was completely screwed up."

Maya said "Yeah."

Maya and Andy reach their car and get in, with Maya still feeling dazed and shaken.

Andy glances over at Maya as she starts the engine. "You hanging in there?"

Maya nods, leaning her head back against the seat. "Yeah, just... still processing what happened. I can't believe he lost it like that."

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As Andy drives, she casts worried glances at Maya, seeing that she's drifted off to sleep.

Andy continues driving in silence, her mind racing with anger at Jack for his actions.

As they approach the apartment, Andy parks the car and gently shakes Maya awake.

"Hey, we're here," she says softly, not wanting to startle her.

Maya stirs, blinking blearily as she awakens. "We're home already?"

Andy nods, helping Maya out of the car. "Yeah, you were out like a light. Come on, let's get you inside."

As they enter the apartment, the sight of Carina asleep on the couch immediately catches their attention.

Andy smiles softly, seeing how peaceful Carina looks in rest. "Looks like she fell asleep waiting for you."

Maya looks at Carina affectionately, her heart swelling at the sight of Carina. "God, she's gorgeous even when she's asleep."

Andy grins, teasingly. "Careful, Captain. You're getting all mushy and sentimental."

Maya said "Shut up you go to bed I am going to take this one to bed."

Andy chuckles, getting the hint. "Okay, okay. I know when I'm not needed. I'll head to my room and leave you two lovebirds alone."