A Hero's Journey

After-Assignment Routine

He stepped in his door, blowing a breath out. He hadn't been to the office yet. He would file his report later.

He gripped the edges of his hood, then pushed it down to rest on his back. It rested between his shoulder blades, resting on the top of his quiver and the handle of his sword.

He put his fingers on both sides of his mask and slid in, folding it up to the bridge of his nose. He opened a compartment on his belt buckle and slid it in, closing it to hide it.

He then grabbed the mask and tugged it down, revealing the bearded face of Kyler Alaster.

Stepping into his living room, he looked around. "Goose?" He questioned. "Ria?" He added.

"In here!" A female voice called, and he walked into the kitchen to find Maria and Natasha sitting together on bar stools. Goose was on the counter, eating out of her food bowl while the two women were eating cereal.

"Nat. Ria." Kyler looks at the bowls. "Are you two eating my cereal?" The blonde questioned.

The two women made eye contact with each other before simultaneously saying, ""No.""

The elder assassin gave both women a flat look. "There is Lucky Charms and Cap'n Crunch in those bowls."

Maria shook her head. "I have Cinnamon Toast mixed with the Cap'n." She stated.

Kyler rolled his eyes harder. "Not helping. I thought you were on assignment in Madripoor." He said to Nat, stepping closer and leaning against his counter.

Did he mention that he bought his own house? No longer did he live in an apartment, but he actually bought a house. Sure, it was outfitted with the best security he could possibly obtain but it was still a house.

She shrugs. "I was. I got back three weeks ago. You've just been protecting a billionaire like a sellout." She snarked.

He rolls his eyes again while Maria smirks. "I was assigned him. It's not like I wanted to. Hell, Maria gave me the job. Blame her." He pointed to her.

The woman in question lost her smirk. She held her hands up in defense. "Don't blame this on me, I didn't do anything. Just my job."

Kyler nods, and motions to Maria while looking at Nat. "See? I was just doing mine."

The redhead just hums, taking a bite of cereal, chewing, then swallowing. "We saw the press conference he had. Didn't see you at all."

He nods. "I was at the back, avoiding cameras. Y'know, like it's said in my job description? Officially, I was never there. I get in, get it done, get out without anyone getting any evidence."

Nat gives him a look while Maria questions, "I've always wondered how you do that in all white. It's hard to be stealthy, right? Plus it's very clearly a high tech suit made for a specific purpose. A professionals attire. How do you do it?"

The Ghost shrugs. "Hell if I know. Dumb luck?"

Nat snorts. "I've seen you in action. Way more than dumb luck. A surprising amount of skill."

"Thank you-"

"For a blonde."

"Hey!"

Maria huffs. "That's cold. You just going to accept that, Alaster?"

He glares at Maria before turning to Nat. "Y'know, for a redhead, you don't get many head turns."

Nat glares at him. "Take that back."

"No."

"Take it back."

"Not happening."

"Don't make me kick your ass."