Shadows of Deceit | MilkLove AU

Ch5: Part 2: Love is in the Air

Pat feels a rush of surprise mixed with anticipation at the director's unexpected invitation. A swirl of emotions courses through her relief, curiosity, and a lingering sense of vulnerability. The warmth of Pan's gaze, coupled with the intimacy of the moment, makes her heart race. She's caught off guard, the invitation stirring feelings she had tried to keep at bay amidst the chaos of their investigation.

As she processes the request, a part of her longs for the connection they shared, while another part feels apprehensive about merging their professional lives with something more personal. Pat's mind races, contemplating the implications of accepting. Could a dinner be the start of something deeper, or would it complicate their already tense situation?

Ultimately, Pat's heart whispers that she wants to explore this unexpected turn, to allow herself a moment of normalcy amidst the turmoil. She takes a deep breath, trying to keep herself at ease.

"Pat?" Pan's voice cut through her reverie, pulling her back to the present. "Are you with me?"

"Yeah, I'm here," Pat replied, shaking off the lingering thoughts. But as she looked at Pan, she found her breath hitching for a moment.

Pan stood there, exuding a warmth that wrapped around Pat like a soft embrace. Her features were striking - delicate yet strong, with a graceful poise that drew attention effortlessly. But it was the softness in Pan's gaze that captivated Pat the most. It was inviting, warm, and so different from the intense look she remembered from their first meeting. There was a vulnerability in Pan's expression now, a depth that made Pat wonder if she too had changed.

Could she be as open? As willing to embrace whatever this connection was between them?

"Forget it tonight," Pan said, interrupting Pat's chain of thoughts.

Pat blinked and pulled back to the moment. "What do you mean?"

"Tonight," Pan continued, her voice low and soothing, "we'll forget everything. The case, the responsibilities, the pain. Tonight you're not a detective, and...I'm not a director. Tonight, we're just ordinary people-two people who'll enjoy a delicious meal and good music."

The idea was tempting, yet apprehensive. Could she really forget? Could she pretend, even for a night?

Pan seemed to sense her hesitation. "You know," she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "someone once told me, 'With great power comes great responsibility.' But that doesn't mean we can't find happiness in the little moments."

Pat blinked, a laugh escaping her lips. "You're quoting Spider-Man? I'd never peg you to be a geek. Spider-Man, really?"

Pan grinned a playful spark in her eyes. "What can I say? I have layers."

Pat smirked, feeling the tension between them shift into something lighter, more playful. "So, you're telling me you can swing from buildings too?"