Chapter 36: Embrace

The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of Zain and Edith's apartment, casting a warm glow over the room. The remnants of the previous night's celebration were scattered across the living room: empty soda cans, half-eaten snacks, and the odd piece of confetti lingering on the hardwood. Despite the mess, the atmosphere was one of contentment and peace.

The team was sprawled around the living room, in various states of waking up. Markus was already half-awake, stretching out the stiffness from the arm-chair. Montana was snoring softly, his arm draped protectively over Dakota, who lay nestled beside him. Kasey and Sarah were huddled together in the middle of the couch, quietly whispering about their upcoming wedding. Cian was on Kasey’s other side still asleep, resting on the arm, a blanket from who knows where pulled up to his ears.

Edith and Zain emerged from their respective rooms, exchanging a knowing look. They moved to the kitchen, where Zain started brewing a fresh pot of coffee. The rich aroma filled the air, slowly rousing the rest of the team from their slumber.

Edith glanced around, her gaze lingering on the scene before her. "Last night was something, huh?" she remarked, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Zain nodded, handing her a steaming mug of coffee. "Yeah, it was. I think everyone needs it."

They settled at the small kitchen table, savoring the first sips of their coffee in comfortable silence. The warmth of the coffee seeped through their mugs, mingling with the morning sun that poured in through the window.

As they sat, their eyes met and held. The silence between them was not empty but filled with unspoken words and shared memories. Edith's gaze was soft, her eyes reflecting the light from the window, a mixture of contentment and a hint of something deeper. Zain's expression mirrored hers, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips.

They didn't need to speak. The events of the previous days had already been discussed, their decisions made. This moment was about something else, something that lay beneath the surface of words. Zain reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against Edith's on the table. The touch was brief but electric, sending a shiver up her spine.

Edith smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. She lowered her gaze for a moment, collecting herself, before looking back up at him. The connection between them was clear, an unspoken understanding that went beyond the need for conversation.

"I still can't believe we managed to book that venue," Kasey said, her eyes shining with excitement.

Sarah grinned. "I know! It’s perfect. Now we just have to figure out the guest list and the seating arrangements."

Markus, now fully awake, stretched and joined the conversation. "You two are going to have the most epic wedding. Just make sure there's enough cake."

Montana, still half-asleep, mumbled from his spot on the floor, absentmindedly petting Dakota. "And don't forget the dancing. Gotta have good music." 

In his sleep Cian twitched and lightly kicked Kasey, mumbling something along the lines of ‘shut up’ or ‘be quiet’. The room filled with laughter and lighthearted banter, the team joking about the minimalistic apartment and the chaos from the night before. Despite the teasing, there was an undercurrent of genuine affection and support. This was their family, bound not by blood but by shared experiences and mutual respect.

As the morning progressed, the team began to fully wake up, exchanging stories and laughter over a makeshift breakfast of whatever snacks were left from the night before. Cian finally woke up, pulling his hood over his head and taking the rest of Zain’s coffee. They joked about Montana's “minimalistic” apartment (basically empty), and Kasey and Sarah shared more details about their wedding plans. 

Edith and Zain remained at the table, their silent conversation continuing in the midst of the chatter around them. Every now and then, Zain would squeeze Edith's hand, and she would respond with a smile that lit up her entire face.

By mid-morning, it was time for everyone to head out. Edith and Zain were the last to leave, lingering in the kitchen. As they walked to the door, Edith looked back at the apartment, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time.

"Ready?" Zain asked, grabbing his keys from the counter.

Edith nodded, a mix of determination and anticipation in her eyes. "Yeah, let's do this."

–

Entering the agency felt like stepping into a whirlwind of activity. Colleagues bustled past, some offering congratulatory nods while others shot curious glances their way. Edith and Zain exchanged small smiles, their nerves tinged with excitement as they navigated through the familiar corridors.

Arriving at Cameron's office, they were greeted by a scene of organized chaos. Papers and files littered every surface, creating a mountain of paperwork that seemed almost insurmountable. Edith's heart sank at the sight, a sense of overwhelm threatening to creep in.

Zain, however, seemed unfazed as he surveyed the scene. "Looks like you've got your work cut out for you," he remarked with a wry grin, rolling up his sleeves in readiness for the task ahead.

Edith couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude as Zain dove into the mess without hesitation. Together, they set to work, sorting through the piles of documents and arranging them into neat stacks. With each paper filed away, Edith felt a weight lift off her shoulders, replaced by a growing sense of accomplishment.

As the morning turned into afternoon, they finally managed to bring some semblance of order to the chaos. Edith surveyed the now-tidy office with a sense of satisfaction, grateful for Zain's unwavering support.

—

The meeting with Cameron and Julius was a marathon of discussions and debates as they delved into the intricacies of drafting new bylaws for the agency. Edith and Zain found themselves fully immersed in the process, their minds buzzing with ideas and suggestions.

"So, Edith, what are your thoughts on transparency measures?" Cameron asked, turning to her with a curious expression.

Edith leaned forward, her brow furrowed in concentration as she outlined her proposals. "I think we need to ensure that all government actions are accessible to the public," she began, her voice steady with conviction. "We can include clauses with fine print that provide loopholes for flexibility, allowing us to navigate the complexities of governance without compromising integrity."

Cameron and Julius listened intently, nodding in agreement as they took note of Edith's insights. "That sounds like a solid plan," Julius remarked, jotting down notes as they spoke. "We'll need to ensure that these measures are watertight to prevent any loopholes from being exploited."

As the meeting progressed, ideas flowed freely, each member of the team contributing their unique perspectives. Despite the complexity of the task, there was a sense of unity in the room, a shared determination to create a better future for their agency and the country it served.

As the meeting drew to a close, Edith couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in what they had accomplished. It was a small step, but an important one in their journey towards a more just and equitable society. And as she looked around at her colleagues, she knew that they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, together.

—

As the clock struck noon, Edith and Zain decided to take a well-deserved break and head to a nearby café for lunch. The bustling streets offered a welcome change of scenery as they strolled side by side, the gentle hum of conversation filling the air.

Seated at a cozy corner table, they placed their orders and settled into comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the tantalizing scent of food cooking in the kitchen.

After a moment, Zain broke the silence, his gaze softening as he looked at Edith. "How are you feeling about everything?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Edith met his gaze, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Honestly, a bit overwhelmed," she admitted, her eyes flickering with a mix of emotions. "But also excited. This is what we've been working towards, right?"

Zain nodded, a reassuring smile lighting up his features. "Yeah, it is," he agreed, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. "We've come a long way, and we're just getting started."

A flash of excitement flashed across Edith’s features as a thought popped into her head. “So I was thinking through what lawyer I would want to be if I got in, and I can’t decide between public defender and prosecutor.”

“Honestly they both have their pros and cons but if you want my advice I think you’d strive in the prosecutor position. You have that stubbornness and you certainly don’t give up.” Zain said, taking a sip from his coffee.

Edith laughed, “I guess that’s true, I mean this is all if even if I get in.”

—

The training room buzzed with energy as Edith stepped onto the floor, her presence commanding attention. The recruits, eager to learn from one of the agency's best, watched her with a mix of awe and anticipation.

Edith began the session with a brief introduction, outlining the importance of agility and adaptability in the field. Her words were met with nods of understanding as the recruits absorbed her wisdom.

As the training progressed, Edith demonstrated various combat techniques, showcasing her unparalleled skill and precision. She moved with grace and fluidity, each movement deliberate and calculated.

Amidst the flurry of activity, a cocky rookie piped up, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I bet she can't take down Zain," he boasted, a smirk playing on his lips.

Edith's gaze hardened, a challenge glinting in her eyes. "Is that so?" she retorted, a smirk of her own quirking her lips. "Care to find out?"

He smirked, “Clearly he has the advantage, I mean look at you, you can’t beat him.” 

Without waiting for a response, Edith squared up against Zain, the air crackling with anticipation. They circled each other, eyes locked in a silent battle of will. Then, in a blur of motion, they clashed, each strike and parry a testament to their expertise. Their movements were fluid and precise, a dance of combat that spoke volumes of their skill.

As they sparred, banter flowed between them, their voices mingling with the sounds of their exertion. Despite the intensity of their exchange, there was an undeniable camaraderie between them, a mutual respect that transcended the bounds of mere colleagues.

Zain watched as Edith—with a mixture of pride and admiration—beat his challenge once again, his heart swelling with affection for the woman before him. He marveled at her strength and determination, grateful for the opportunity to witness her in her element. She pinned him, and he tapped out standing up.

The kid rolled his eyes, “Zain, c’mon man why’d you let her win?” The other rookies just rolled their eyes at him.

Zain laughed, “I’ve stabbed that woman in the thigh, and it was the only way to beat her. I’ve lost every other time, and that does not speak to my weakness, but to her strength.” He said locking eyes with Edith.

Just as the training session reached its peak, an urgent message crackled over the intercom, shattering the relative calm of the room. Edith's brow furrowed in concern as she listened to the report of an intruder in the building, triggering a lockdown.

Without hesitation, she sprang into action, rolling her eyes at the interruption before putting in her earpiece and calling up Kasey and Markus. They responded promptly, assuring her that everything was under control and that the situation was being contained. Zain moved to corral the rookies into one place, and had them sit down on one of the mats, making sure everyone was accounted for.

Relieved, Edith turned her attention back to the recruits, her focus unwavering despite the chaos unfolding around them. She calmly relayed the information, instructing them to remain vigilant and stay alert.

As the lockdown continued, tension hung thick in the air, but Edith remained steadfast, her leadership guiding them through the uncertainty. With each passing moment, her confidence never wavered, a beacon of strength in the face of adversity.

Eventually, the all-clear sounded, signaling the end of the threat. The recruits breathed a collective sigh of relief, grateful for Edith and Zain’s steady hands and unwavering resolve.

—

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the city, Edith and Zain returned to their apartment, the events of the day still fresh in their minds.

They settled onto the couch, the soft glow of lamplight casting a warm ambiance in the room. Edith leaned back against the cushions, her exhaustion palpable as she let out a contented sigh.

Zain joined her, their shoulders brushing as they sat side by side. There was a comfortable silence between them, a sense of camaraderie that needed no words to express.

After a moment, Zain reached for the remote, flicking on the TV as they scrolled through the channels in search of a movie to watch. They settled on a classic action film, the familiar storyline providing a comforting backdrop to their reflections.

As they watched, Edith couldn't help but steal glances at Zain, her heart swelling with affection for the man beside her. She marveled at the strength and resilience he possessed, grateful for his unwavering support throughout the day.

Their conversation drifted lazily, topics ranging from their plans for the future to their favorite moments from past missions. Each word was laced with a sense of intimacy, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

In the quiet of the evening, surrounded by the warmth of their shared space, Edith felt a sense of peace settle over her. Despite the challenges they faced, she knew it was all going to turn out okay. 

Then the laptop opened in front of her chimed as she received a new email, the subject? “Application Results”

Edith's heart raced as she opened her email, anticipation mingling with nerves as she scanned the subject line. The familiar emblem of the prestigious law school filled her screen, and she hesitated for just a moment, savoring the suspense before clicking to open the message. The words that greeted her were like music to her ears, confirming her admission to the program she had worked so hard to join. With a gasp of excitement, she leaped to her feet, unable to contain the surge of joy that flooded her veins.

"Zain, I got in!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with elation as she practically danced across the room. His eyes widened in delight as he enveloped her in a tight hug, sharing in her infectious happiness. Their laughter filled the room, a symphony of pure, unadulterated joy.

As they broke apart, still grinning from ear to ear, Zain's phone chimed with a notification, drawing their attention. He glanced down at the screen, eyebrows rising in surprise as he read the message that awaited him. It was the plans for his new house, meticulously laid out and awaiting his approval. It was a moment of revelation, the realization of a dream he had thought impossible.

"We did it," Edith whispered, her voice soft with wonder as she looked at Zain, her eyes shining with pride and admiration. Their journey had been filled to the brim with challenges and uncertainties, but in that moment, they knew that they had overcome every obstacle together.

They raised their glasses in a silent toast, the clink of glass echoing in the quiet of the room. It was a celebration of their achievements, a recognition of the hard work and determination that had brought them to this point. And as they settled back onto the couch, the movie playing in the background, they savored the moment, basking in the glow of their success.

But as the night wore on, the weight of the day's events began to catch up with Edith, her eyelids growing heavy with exhaustion. Zain watched her for a moment, a fond smile playing on his lips as he admired the serene expression on her face. With gentle hands, he scooped her up in his arms, cradling her against his chest as he carried her to her bed.

He laid her down with utmost care, tucking the blankets around her as she snuggled into the softness of the pillows. And then, as he turned to leave, her hand shot out, grasping his wrist with surprising strength.

"Stay," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked up at him with pleading eyes. Zain hesitated for just a moment, his heart fluttering in his chest, before nodding in agreement.

He slipped into bed beside her, pulling her close as they curled up together, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. And as they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's embrace, they knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together. 

K.M Strunk