The bunker was cold and empty, very different from the warmth they felt from each other . They walked down the hallway, their footsteps the only sound in this silence. When they got to the safe room, Lauren did one last check around the area before letting the President go inside.
Inside, the room was small but well-equipped. A single desk with a phone, a few chairs, and a cot lined one wall. Lauren shut the door and turned to face Kamala, her hand hovering over the intercom button to let the team know they had arrived safely.
Kamala stepped closer to her, their eyes locking in a silent understanding. "Thank you, Lauren," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
The young agent felt a blush rise to her cheeks at the sincerity in the President's words. She had always taken her job seriously, but the gravity of their current situation made the stakes feel higher than ever before. "It's my job, Madam President," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
"But it's more than that," Kamala said, her eyes searching Lauren's. "You've kept me safe... hmm you've made me feel safe."
"Thank you for trusting me," Lauren replied, her hand brushing against the President's arm as she leaned in slightly.
"That's not what I mean." Kamala confessed.
Lauren's heart skipped a beat as the distance between them closed even more. The tension grew, and the line between their position and feelings started to blur.
"Hmm... nevermind, I'm... I'm just nervous. Sorry, what I meant to say is thank you for everything." Her words faded as she stepped back, the reality of their situation hitting her.
The silence was overwhelming, their eyes still locked on each other. Lauren tried to make sense of it—there was no way Kamala felt the same way. She's not even into women, for god's sake Lauren.
Clearing her throat, she stepped back, her hand moving to the walkie-talkie at her waist."We should probably stay focused on the situation at hand," she said, her voice a little too loud in the quiet. "I'll update the team."
The President nodded, her expression unreadable. She keyed the mic. "Agent Smith, this is Castellanos. The President is secure in the bunker. Awaiting further instructions."
Kamala was lost in her thoughts as she watched her. -She's so sexy with her sleeves rolled up to her elbows. She didn't realize it, but she was biting her lips.
The static crackled before a voice came through. "Understood, Castellanos. We're still assessing the situation. Apparently, there was a shooting in the conference room, but no one is hurt. Stay put."
As the minutes passed, the air felt thick with unspoken words. Lauren paced the small room, her mind racing with thoughts of what might be happening outside. The President sat on the edge of the cot, her hands clasped in her lap, watching Lauren closely.
"How long have you been married?" Lauren asked suddenly, her voice echoing in the small space.
Kamala took a deep breath before responding, "Ten years."
The agent nodded, "I'm sorry if I overstepped, ma'am. I just thought that since we're here, I could get to know you better."
Kamala looked up at her, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It's okay, Lauren. So what you wanna know?"
"Well, your life has been exposed during these past months, but I want to know the real you," Lauren replied softly. "I have an idea; we could play a game."
"Have you ever played 20 Questions?"
A smile appeared on Kamala's face. "Yes, but in college, I'm a little rusty."
"we can keep things interesting. You can ask anything, but every fifth question has to be... a little more personal." Kamala added
Lauren raised an eyebrow, the hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "Alright," she said, her voice dropping an octave. "First question: Have you ever been to a music festival?"
The President chuckled. "Yes, but let's just say it was a long time ago, before the secret service had to worry about my dance moves."
"Oh, I'd pay to see that," Lauren quipped, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
The game went on, their questions ranging from favorite movies to the most adventurous thing they had ever done. Each personal question brought them closer, each laugh breaking down a little more of the wall that stood between them.
"Okay," Kamala said, her eyes twinkling. "Your turn to ask a personal one."
Lauren took a deep breath. "Alright," she began, her heart racing. "Ever had a secret crush on a colleague?"
Kamala's cheeks colored slightly, and she looked away, pretending to think. "Well," she said, her voice joking, "I've had my eye on the new intern in the communications office."They both burst out laughing, the tension between them dissipating for a moment. Lauren felt her heart skip a beat, the flirty banter dancing around the edge of something deeper.
"Oh, so you like them younger?" Lauren added playfully.
"Madam President," Lauren said, her voice a little softer now. "Your turn."
Kamala's gaze grew more intense as she leaned in closer, the warmth of her breath against Lauren's cheek. "Ever been tempted to kiss someone you know you shouldn't?"
The question hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Lauren's eyes widened, and she felt her heart race. She knew what the President was implying, and it was both thrilling and terrifying. "I-I've never acted on it," she managed to stammer out.
Kamala's smile was knowing, the air between them thick with unspoken desire. "Good to know," she whispered, her hand brushing against Lauren's once more.
The game continued, their questions growing bolder, the space between them shrinking with every shared smile. It was a dangerous dance, one that could lead to heartache or something beautiful, but in the confines of the bunker, it felt like the only thing keeping them sane.
Their laughter grew louder, their smiles more genuine, as they shared stories and secrets. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for both women, a brief glimpse into the hearts that beat beneath their professional personas.
As they neared the end of their questions, they both realized that soon the bunker would just be a memory, and their lives would go back to normal. But for now, they had each other company, and the flirty game of 20 Questions had turned into a lifeline in the chaos.
"Last question, Madam President," Lauren said, her voice a little shaky. "What's your favorite type of dessert?"
"German chocolate cake," Kamala said without hesitation. "But only if it's shared with good company."
Their eyes met, and the air crackled with energy. For a moment, it seemed like the world had stopped spinning.
Then, the talkie-walkie buzzed, the voice of Team Leader cutting through the silence. "Castellanos, we've secured the area. The threat has been neutralized. You can return to the West Wing."
Lauren's hand tightened around the device, the spell broken. She was brought back to reality. She placed her hand on Kamala's waist and guided her out of the bunker, keeping it there a little longer than she should have.
Each step took them further from the sanctuary they had created in the bunker.
"Madam President," Lauren said as they approached the West Wing, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and dread. "I'll be next door if you need me."
Kamala looked at her, a hint of sadness on her face. "Okay, thank you for this hour of laughter, Lauren,... for.. for letting me be Kamala and not the President."
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Author's note :
Here is the second chapter. Let me know what you think! I'll try to update at least once a day.
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Behind Closed doors
FanfictionShe couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness wash over her. It wasn't the job itself that was isolating; it was the constant barrier that had grown between her and those around her. Everyone saw her as the President first, and the woman second...