Kryptonite

The Search

"No sign of her?" asked Ivan as he showed Lauren's picture to a bartender. "Sorry, I haven't seen her in over a week," The man apologized.

Ivan let out a breath as he ran desperately out the doors.

"Lauren, where could you be?" he panted, his arms going to his knees as he took a moment to take a breather.

He brought his phone up by his ear and gave a call to Kyle, another assassin he knew. "Any luck?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, I searched the whole area and there's really nothing," Kyle said through the phone.

Ivan threw his arms began his head in sheer frustration before hitting his hand against a nearby poll, not even minding the pain that followed.

"We should tell X," Kyle advised. "Maybe he might have a better idea?"

"No," said Ivan. "He can't know."

"He might already, if he's tried to contact her...and she's not replying, I'm sure he'll ask you next. I don't think he'll punish you for not knowing what happened to her, he just would want to help find her," Kyle said. "He thinks of us like his children so I'm sure he'll do everything he can to help. You and me alone won't help find her. We need others."

Ivan's eye twitched. He knew Kyle had a point that X would be able to be of help in finding Lauren, but his pride was stopping him from getting him involved.

He couldn't stand  the thought of asking X for help, but if his pride came at the expense of Lauren's life, he wouldn't be able to forgive himself.

"If nothing happens by tomorrow, I'll let him know," Ivan said reluctantly before bringing down the phone. 

He brought his finger over the photo of Lauren and gently caressed it before bringing it his heart.

"You're not supposed to be the one in danger," he whispered to himself. "It's all my fault, for hurting you so much....but I had to with the circumstances. I'm sorry, Lauren."

-- F L A S H B A C K --

Lauren was panting as she placed Ivan's arm around her shoulder, putting his weight on her. The other was around his body as she helped guide him back into his room.

He fell over slightly as she opened the bedroom door. Taking a few more steps, she carefully placed him on the bed. 

"What were you thinking," Lauren scolded as she adjusted him so he was sitting up in fear he would choke. 

Her hand went to the bruise on his face he had obtained after making out with a girl who did not inform him she had a boyfriend, leading to a fight to break out in the night club. 

"You're not that strong to be able to fight. You always tell me to be careful in missions but look at you, stupidly getting yourself hurt for no reason," she added as she brought an ice pack to his cheek.

Ivan let out a moan at the cold sensation and brought his hand over hers.

Lauren nearly dropped the ice pack at the sudden feel of his hand.

"You're so pretty, Lau," said Ivan as he gave her a cheeky smile.

"You must be really drunk," Lauren said as she rolled her eyes. "Be lucky I'm not reporting you for this. I've saved your ass so many fucking times, you owe me."

--

Ivan grimaced as he placed a hand over both his head and cheek. "What even happened last night again," he groaned.