Better Agent | Male Reader X Natalie

The Ever After

Cody stood in the middle of the pristine, marble-floored lobby, the seal of the Central Intelligence Agency gleaming beneath his shoes. He adjusted his tie nervously, eyes dropping to the badge clipped on his chest his new official CIA credentials, gleaming under the bright lights.

The door behind him opened with a soft click. Ronica stepped in, walking with her usual calm poise.

Ronica (softly): How’s your family?

Cody (half-smile): A little worried.

Ronica (arching an eyebrow): Really?

They began walking together, side by side, toward the large double doors at the end of the corridor.

Cody: They want me to go to public school. You know… it’s “safer.”

He gestured toward his cheek, where a faint scar still ran, a reminder of the mission, of Y/n, of everything.

Ronica reached up, instinctively fixing his messy hair. For a moment, her fingers brushed the scar before she hesitated and pulled away.

Ronica: Sorry. I know that freaks you out.

Cody (quiet, but sincere): It’s okay. You’re my handler.

Ronica paused, then corrected him with a small, meaningful smile.

Ronica: Partner.

The double doors opened, revealing a grand operations room. Agents from the CIA, NSA, FBI, and even international branches lined the sides. The second Cody stepped in, the room erupted into applause.

He walked forward slowly, shaking hands, nodding politely. The words “Congratulations” and “Good job” filled the air as people reached out to him, grizzled operatives, young analysts, even technicians who barely left their desks.

An army veteran with medals pinned to his chest stepped forward, removed his hat, and gave Cody a crisp salute. Cody straightened, returning it with respect.

The applause softened as he reached the front. At the head of the long table sat the Director, his face stone-serious, unreadable. The silence was heavy as he rose from his seat.

The Director studied Cody for several long seconds, as if weighing the boy in front of him against the man he was becoming. Finally, the Director extended his hand.

Director (firm, deliberate): Well done, Banks. The country’s proud of you.

Director: (calm but tense) Now, we just need to find...

Suddenly, every monitor in the room flickers. Lines of code streak across before freezing into the sharp, grinning face of Y/n. The agents all turn toward the screens in shock.

Y/n: For me…?

Director: (leaning forward) Where are you?

Y/n: Gone. Out. I went to buy milk… and I’m never coming back.

Director: You can’t hide forever.

Y/n: ("smirking") I’m a ghost, Director. If I don’t want you to find me, you won’t.

He leans back, confidence radiating, then flashes a grin.

Y/n: Besides… you have Cody.

Cody stares at the screen, surprised, then smiles faintly. Y/n catches it and nods once.

Y/n: That reminds me. Cody, I left you a parting gift. Outside.

Cody’s eyes widen, he doesn’t hesitate. He bolts out of the command center as Y/n’s image turns back to the others.