Web of secrets (2)

2. Cracks in the foundation

*Nostromo Facility, 2 pm*

At first, I am at a loss for words- a combination of the lack of oxygen and my mind getting lost in the eyes that remind me of chocolate; easily melting to liquid from the warmth that radiates from love or happiness, or, cold and hard when reality opens its doors, letting the harsh air in. Unfortunately, this time he was leaning towards the latter, further highlighted by the subtle crease in between his eyebrows.

"I didn't need a 4th patient," he finally reveals the cause behind his tension, still focussing on wiping every last smear of blood off my face.

I scoff and move away from his touch. "No one asked you to do this."

After bending over to pick up the oxygen tank that was thrown at me, I go to distribute the oxygen, heading over to the guy that was lying on the table first.  

"Ugh, Yasmin that's not what I meant," He turns around to follow my movements.

"Here," I say softly to the man before putting the oxygen mask over his mouth.

"Ya-"

"I know... and you know you would have done the same thing," I point out and move onto the next person who was still tied to a chair.

"That's not the point and it's not just this time- ever since Guy died you've been reckless and I don't want to be the one that's burying your body," He says, walking over as I was untying the rope.

"Again-" I stand up to rise to his level, "- No one asked you to... but I'll make sure you get a chance to say goodbye,"

Adam's shoulders slump and he lets out a sigh; I go to the last person, who instantly made herself look like she wasn't intrigued by the drama between Adam and me. 

"Look, I know what it's like to not be able to say goodbye so please, let me help you," he says.

"Okay," After the woman had a few good breaths, I take the oxygen tank to Adam and hold the mask up to his face, "You can help me by leaving me be... I'm going to check on the others," 

My hands are replaced by Adam's as he holds onto the mask and watches me walk out of the room. 

Relying on the blueprint that we had all memorised before our descent, I manage to reach the entrance of the facility where I find no one other than McGarrett, crouching down to Tani and Junior with 2 oxygen tanks.

"How did you get here?" I say as I sit down on the bench, noticing that the submarine was gone.

"Free dive," was all he responded before coming closer to me with one of the tanks. 

Just as he was bringing the mask up, he stops and I roll my eyes when I see his eyes flicker to the cut on my lip, "I'm fine,"

"The rescue team will be here in 20 minutes," He carries on as I hold the mask to my face, "These tanks will be more than enough for all of you until they get here," 

I give him a thumbs up and he turns around to sit on the edge of the water, making me jump up in surprise. "Woah, Woah. You're not taking a tank with you? how are you going to go up without oxygen?"

"Yeah, you're right," He takes the mask from me and takes in 3 deep breaths before diving into the water, leaving me wide-eyed at his recklessness.

//

Not a minute late, the rescue team indeed arrived after 20 minutes McGarrett blended in with the dark hues of the ocean. They took us to the hospital where we spent the rest of the day in an oxygen saturated room- together. The few hours we spent there, I managed to avoid Adam for the majority of it before we finally got the go-ahead to leave to our own homes. 

It was now the next day and as usual, I got a call from McGarrett asking me to come in. He didn't say what for but I assumed it was for another case, after all, the wicked don't sleep even if you almost died amongst the fishes.

I step into HQ and instantly notice how quiet it was. As I was beginning to suspect the reason I was here, McGarrett comes out of his office and indicates for me to follow him in.

"Okay, now I definitely know this isn't about a case," I walk in after him and stand in the middle of the room with arms folded across my chest.

He gestures to the chair in front of his desk. "Please, take a seat,"

I take a seat, but I sit on the couch instead, thinking that I might as well make myself comfortable for whatever lecture he was about to give me. McGarrett however, stays sat on his chair behind his desk.

"How are you?" He starts.

"...Good," I answer, returning his stare. 

"Really?" He leans on the desk with his elbows

"Is there a case here or can I go and get on with my work," 

"Adam called me last night-"

"Oh come on!" I grunt, slumping down into the couch.

"He didn't need to, I was going to talk to you about this anyway," He defends Adam.

I let out a sigh. "well then, do enlighten me,"

"Yasmin, we're only looking out for you and we want to help any way we can," he says

"Okay, I don't need help- let alone want it," I push myself off the couch in an effort to put an end to the pointless conversation but Steve mirrors my actions and stops me before I head to the door,

"You may think that Isolating yourself will keep others safe but it is the most dangerous thing that you could do to your mind"

"Dangerous?! just yesterday you swam up 10,000 metres with nothing but a lung full of air," 

"I'm trained to do that-"

"And so am I!" I plead, wanting him to understand that I can- will get through it.

McGarrett pinches the bridge of his nose. "Being trained doesn't get you through grief,"

"Oh look," I look I throw my hand into the air, "the guy that vanished to a barn in Montana is telling me how to deal with my grief!"

"At least I had someone with me," He puts his hands on his hips.

"A dead body doesn't count as someone!" I retaliate.

At that moment, I wished that I did die amongst the fishes. Not only did I cross the line, but the rest of the team (who quietly came into HQ) also heard me. McGarrett recently lost his mentor, and me being me, just ingrained it further into his mind. I think about apologising but I can't even look at him in the eyes. 

"M- Steve," I let out a regretful sigh and gather my thoughts, making sure I don't cause even more damage, "I've seen enough dead bodies than I would like to but life goes on, I'll be fine,"

"But at what cost? You won't just hurt yourself along the way, you might get the others hurt too," He speaks softly, a subtle change to the commander's voice he donned a few moments ago.

"I'm trying to do the exact opposite actually but you're right... no matter what I do, other people will get hurt," I muster the courage to meet his gaze.

"Now hold on," He steps forward, "I just wanted you to see beyond your tunnel vision," 

"No, no. It's okay," I step back, "I- I think its best you stop calling me in,"

\\

Cringey start but popcorn worthy ending 😂

Last week I realised that I didn't set out a time for when I would update and found that some of you were constantly checking to make sure. I will be uploading at this time every week, so wherever you are in the world, check the timestamp for this upload so that you know when its out. I think you can also turn on notifications? I'm not sure if there's an option for that but check it out ❤❤

Hope you are all staying safe ❤❤