my only solace

"Clint Fawkes mutters a curse as the first sound of a gunshot rings out in what he thought was an abandoned parking lot. That is, until he notices you looking around, and he sighs as he ducks behind a concrete divider, reaching up to drag you down with him and clamping a hand over your mouth. He gives you a warning look, using his free hand to draw his own pistol."

“I’m going to need you to stay quiet, got it?”

"He murmurs into your ear lowly, giving you another pointed look before slowly releasing your mouth and peering over the divider as another gunshot rings out."

"Clint's grip on your arm tightens as he whispers urgently in your ear, his breath hot against your skin." "Shh, shh, calm down. You're going to get us killed if you keep making noise. I've got this under control."

"He glances at you with a stern expression before focusing back on the situation outside. His eyes narrow as he takes in the chaos unfolding before them."

"Rafael didn't lie to you," he growls quietly. "This isn't about Onyx Angels or any of that nonsense. This is about the Crimson Vipers trying to take out our shipment."

"He pauses for a moment, his gaze flicking back to yours."

"You're not quitting anything until we get through this mess," Clint says firmly, his voice low and commanding.

"A faint smile plays on his lips as he"*{{char}} gives you a reassuring squeeze on the arm, his fingers tightening around it slightly before he lets go and continues to peer over the divider.*

"Clint's expression turns soft for a moment, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he looks at you with a mixture of concern and annoyance." "Oh, for Christ's sake, Daniella. You're not going to die. I've got you."

"He takes a deep breath and tries to calm himself down before focusing on soothing your panic."

"Listen to me," he says firmly but gently. "You need to breathe. Just breathe in and out slowly with me."

"He begins to inhale deeply through his nose, holding it for a few seconds before exhaling slowly through his mouth. He waits until you mimic him before continuing."

"Now, let's focus on getting out of here alive," Clint says quietly.

"A gentle pressure applies to your arm as"*{{char}} pulls you closer against him, trying to shield you from any potential danger.*

"Clint's eyes flicker to yours, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips before he turns back to the situation at hand." "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots," he says dryly.

"A low chuckle rumbles in his chest as he leans closer to you, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone." "You know, for someone who's always talking about quitting Onyx Angels, you're pretty invested in this whole operation."

"He pauses for a moment before continuing."

"We need to get out of here and regroup. Rafael won't be happy about this either."

"Clint's expression turns thoughtful for a moment, his eyes never leaving yours as he nods slowly." "Alright, alright. You're right. We need to get out of here before things escalate further."

"A low growl rumbles in his throat as he looks over the divider once more, assessing the situation." "I think we've got a clear path to make a run for it. Stay close and follow my lead."

"He glances down at you, his gaze intense but reassuring." "You're going to be fine, Daniella. Just stick with me and don't look back."

"A nod is all the warning you get before Clint springs into action, pulling you up behind him and making a swift exit from their hiding spot."

"Come on," he mutters under his breath as they move swiftly through the chaos-filled parking lot.*

"Clint's grip on your arm tightens as he pulls you closer, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a practiced intensity." "Don't worry about it, Daniella. We're almost there."

"A low grunt escapes his lips as he pushes through the chaos, using his size and strength to clear a path for both of you."

"Almost...there..." "he mutters under his breath, never breaking stride or taking his gaze off the road ahead."

"As they approach the getaway vehicle, Clint gives a quick glance around before yanking open the door and pulling you inside in one swift motion."

"Hold on," he growls, slamming the door shut behind you and hitting the gas hard.

"The sound of gunfire grows fainter as they speed away from the scene, but your heart remains racing with fear."

"Clint's eyes widen in surprise as you grab his pistol and start firing at the pursuing cars. He quickly regains his composure, grabbing your wrist to stop the shooting." "What are you doing?!" he yells above the sound of gunfire and screeching tires.

"A look of concern etches on his face as he tries to pry the gun from your hand." "We need to get out of here, not make things worse!"

"The car swerves violently as Clint tries to avoid a collision with one of the pursuing vehicles. The sound of shattering glass fills the air as they narrowly miss being hit."

"Stop! Stop it now!" Clint demands, his voice firm but urgent.

"Clint's eyes flash with anger and frustration as you slap his hand away, but he doesn't bother to argue further. He focuses on the road, his knuckles white as he grips the steering wheel tightly."

"Fine," he growls under his breath. "Just try not to get us killed in the process."

"A low grunt escapes his lips as he takes a sharp turn, narrowly avoiding another collision. The sound of crunching metal fills the air as one of their pursuers crashes into a nearby lamppost."

"One less problem," Clint mutters grimly.

"He glances at you quickly before refocusing on the road ahead."

"Clint's eyes flicker to your arm, his expression softening for a moment before he returns his attention to the road." "We're clear," he says quietly, his voice laced with relief.

"A gentle pressure applies to your arm as"*{{char}} reaches over and carefully examines the wound. His fingers brush against yours as he assesses the damage.*

"Not too bad," he murmurs, his tone reassuring. "We'll get you cleaned up when we get back."

"The car falls silent for a moment, the only sound being the distant hum of sirens and the heavy breathing of both occupants."

"Clint's expression turns thoughtful as he gazes at you, his eyes lingering on the sight of your battered arm." "You're going to quit when?" he asks quietly, his tone laced with skepticism.

"A low chuckle rumbles in his chest as he shakes his head." "I've heard that before, Daniella. You're not going anywhere anytime soon."

"He pauses for a moment before continuing."

"We'll get through this mess together. Rafael will calm down once we explain what happened."

"Clint's expression softens, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiles slightly." "You're not a pain in my ass," he says quietly, his voice low and husky. "He reaches out with his free hand and gently brushes a strand of hair behind your ear."

"You're...complicated," he continues, his tone laced with amusement. "But I've grown used to it."

"A small smile plays on your lips as you gaze up at him, feeling a sense of comfort wash over you."

"Clint's expression turns serious, his eyes locking onto yours as he takes a deep breath." "Daniella," he says quietly, his voice low and husky. "He reaches out with his free hand and gently cups your cheek, his thumb tracing the curve of your jaw."

"You're not alone in this world," he whispers, his words barely audible over the sound of the engine. "His gaze holds yours for a moment before dropping to your lips."

"I'm here for you," he murmurs, his voice filled with emotion.

"Clint's expression turns sheepish, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he chuckles softly." "Oh, come on," he says quietly, his voice laced with amusement. "He reaches out and gently brushes a strand of hair behind your ear again."

"You're already halfway there," he teases, his tone low and husky.

"A small smile plays on your lips as you gaze up at him, feeling a flutter in your chest."

"Clint's expression turns serious, his eyes locking onto yours as he takes a deep breath." "Daniella," he says quietly, his voice low and husky. "He reaches out with his free hand and gently cups your cheek again."

"I'm already there," he whispers, his words barely audible over the sound of the engine.

"His gaze holds yours for a moment before dropping to your lips once more."

"Clint's eyes flutter closed as he deepens the kiss, his lips moving against yours with a gentle intensity. He pulls over to the side of the road, turning off the engine and leaning in closer to you."

"I love you too," he whispers against your lips, his voice filled with emotion.

"A soft sigh escapes him as he wraps his arms around you, pulling you close into a warm embrace."

"Clint's chest rises and falls with a deep breath as he holds you close, his arms tightening around you in response." "I know," he whispers against your hair. "He kisses the top of your head, his lips gentle and soothing."

"I've been waiting for this moment for so long," he says quietly, his voice filled with emotion.

"A soft groan escapes him as he presses his cheek against yours, holding you closer still."

"Clint's grip on you tightens, his arms wrapping around you like a vice as he holds you close. He kisses the top of your head again, his lips gentle and soothing."

"You're not a mess," he whispers against your hair. "You're beautiful, Daniella. Inside and out."

"A soft sigh escapes him as he rocks you gently in his arms, holding you close to his chest."

"Clint's eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles, his expression soft and gentle." "Yeah," he says quietly, his voice filled with emotion. "He strokes your hair, his fingers tangling in the strands."

"We're a thing now," he repeats, his words barely above a whisper.

"A low chuckle rumbles in his chest as he holds you closer, his arms wrapping around you like a warm blanket."

"Rafael's expression turns from anger to surprise, his eyes narrowing as he takes in the information." "What. Did. You. Do," he says slowly, each word dripping with venom.

"He takes a step closer to you, his hands clenched into fists at his sides."

"And what do you mean 'kinda made a huge scene'?" he growls, his voice low and menacing.

"A cold sweat breaks out on your forehead as you realize that Rafael is not happy about the situation."

"Clint steps forward, his expression calm and collected." "Rafael, let's take a deep breath," he says quietly. "He places a hand on your shoulder, his touch reassuring."

"Daniella was just trying to protect us from the Crimson Vipers," he explains. "She didn't mean to cause any trouble."

"A small smile plays on Rafael's lips as he looks at Clint."

"Rafael's smile widens, his eyes crinkling at the corners." "Oh, I think we're just getting started," he says, his voice dripping with amusement.

"He turns to Clint." "And you, my friend," he says. "You seem to be doing a fine job of handling our little Daniella here."

"A hint of sarcasm laces Rafael's words as he looks at you."

"Now, let's hear this good news."

"Rafael's expression turns serious, his eyes narrowing as he looks at you." "Daniella, stop being dramatic," he says. "He takes a step closer to you."

"I don't need your theatrics," he continues. "Just tell me the good news already."

"A hint of annoyance laces Rafael's words as he waits for the good news."

"Rafael's expression freezes, his eyes widening in shock as he looks at you and Clint." "What. The. Hell," he says slowly, each word dripping with disbelief.

"He takes a step back, his hands on his hips as he stares at the two of you."

"You're kidding me, right?" he asks, his voice incredulous.

"A hint of anger laces Rafael's words as he looks at Clint."

"Rafael's expression turns dark, his eyes flashing with anger as he looks at you and Clint." "You're telling me that after almost getting killed by the Crimson Vipers, you two decided to get romantic?" he says, his voice incredulous.

"He takes a step closer to you, his face inches from yours." "Are you out of your minds?" he growls.

"Rafael's eyes narrow as he looks at you, his jaw clenching in anger." "Love?" he spits out. "He turns to Clint, his expression darkening."

"And what about our shipment?" he asks, his voice low and menacing.

"His hand moves towards the gun holstered at his hip, a clear warning in the gesture."

"Clint's expression turns serious, his eyes locked on Rafael as he speaks in a calm, measured tone." "Rafael, I'll take care of it," he says. "His hand moves to rest on the back of your head, a gentle pressure that seems to be saying 'stay close' without actually doing so."

"I'll make sure we get our shipment back and deal with the Crimson Vipers," he continues. "His voice is firm and reassuring, but there's an undercurrent of tension beneath the surface."

"Rafael's expression softens slightly, his eyes narrowing as he looks at you." "I know that, Daniella," he says. "His voice is still rough around the edges, but there's a hint of understanding in it."

"But you're part of this family now," he continues. "And when we get into situations like this, everyone has to pull their weight."

"He pauses for a moment, his gaze flicking to Clint before returning to you."

"Rafael's expression turns back to its usual stern self, but there's a hint of approval in his eyes." "I know you did your best," he says. "His voice is still firm, but it's no longer laced with anger."

"And I appreciate that," he continues. "He pauses for a moment before speaking again."

"Clint follows you to your room, his expression softening as he looks at the wound on your arm." "Let me take a look at that," he says softly. "He sits down next to you on the bed and gently takes your injured arm in his hands."

"It's not too bad," he murmurs after examining it closely. "His fingers brush against the skin around the wound, gentle and soothing."

"Clint's eyes lock onto yours, his expression warm and gentle." "He's planning to gather the team and come up with a plan to take back our shipment from the Crimson Vipers," he says. "His voice is calm and reassuring."

"And he wants us to be part of it," he adds, his fingers still gently stroking your arm.

"Clint's expression turns sympathetic, his eyes filled with understanding." "You're not thinking about quitting again, are you?" he asks softly. "His voice is gentle, but there's a hint of concern beneath the surface."

"You know Rafael trusts you because you're one of us," he says. "He takes your hand in his, his fingers intertwining with yours."

"Clint's eyes lock onto yours, his expression softening as he looks at you." "I wouldn't want you to leave me alone either," he says softly. "His voice is low and husky, sending shivers down my spine."

"A small smile plays on his lips as he gazes back at me, his eyes filled with warmth and affection."

"I wrap my arms around you, holding you close as I look down at you with a warm smile." "You're mine too, Daniella," I whisper softly. "My voice is low and husky, filled with emotion."

"A gentle kiss presses against your forehead before I pull back to look into your eyes."