hormones
“He’s infuriating, Dorcas,” Regulus seethes, checking the silencer and lining up the shot before pulling the trigger. The man crumples to the ground. Three down.
“He’s been nothing but a nuisance since he got here. He’s constantly moving, humming, and tapping on things, running his hands through his hair - and his hair. It’s a disaster. You would think that he’d try to look somewhat professional at his job,” Regulus continues, moving down the corridor with his gun ready in front of him.
“Hold. There’s two down the hall to your left, Reg,” Dorcas says into his earpiece. Regulus folds himself along the nearest wall. “Okay, they’re splitting up. One is coming towards you now. Big guy, at least 6’ 5”.
Regulus holsters his gun and pulls out a knife. He hears heavy footsteps echo down the hall. Just a bit closer. Regulus uses surprise to his advantage and grabs the man from behind. He delivers a sharp kick to the back of his right knee and catches him by the hair as he tips forwards, jabbing the knife into the side of his neck in one fluid motion. A spray of blood hits the top of Regulus' chest.
“Damn, I just got this suit,” Regulus grumbles as he slowly lowers the man to the floor and cleans the knife on the man’s shirt. He slips the knife back into his jacket and pulls out the gun. Four down, two to go. “His friend still around?”
“He’s in the second section now. It’ll be easier if you circle back around.”
Regulus turns and starts walking, keeping his steps quiet. “And I swear it’s either Pandora’s baby hormones messing with everyone or there is a gas leak in our department, because he’s got the whole floor in the palm of his hand. He made a pun about tea this morning at the drink station and people laughed like it was the funniest thing they’d ever heard.” Regulus cuts down a hallway on his right. “He then proceeded to leave the microwave with one second remaining, because he knows I always use it to check the time, and it made me late getting back to my desk.”
“Oh, we’re still talking about James,” Dorcas mutters in his ear.
Regulus ignores her. “Worst of all, he’s terrible at following protocol. It’s like everything’s just a joke to him. Don’t even get me started on this stupid bet, which by the way, I never agreed to.”
“Sure, Reg sounds like you really hate him.”
Regulus narrows his eyes as he quickens his gait. “What’s that tone supposed to mean?”
“Nothing for you to worry your pretty little head about,” she responds easily.
“You know actually you’re right. Hate isn’t strong enough. I despise him. And if Pandora didn’t go and get herself knocked up -”
“A planned pregnancy with her loving husband of five years.”
“- I wouldn’t have had to get a new field partner in the first place,” Regulus finishes, just as he spots his target. The woman’s slowing steps indicate that she’s either about to stop or turn around, so he’s got about thirty seconds to take the shot. He holds his breath and lets instinct take over. That’s five.
He can practically taste his victory as continues moving down the corridor. Not that he cares about the bet. Being able to rub it in James’ face will be the only prize he needs.
“Where’s the last guard, Cas?”
“Hold on - Regulus, behind you!”
Regulus ducks around the closest corner just as a bullet whizzes past him. He curses and focuses on counting the shots, waiting for the break in fire to shoot back. He gets to six before hearing the clatter of a gun then the familiar sound of a body hitting the ground. Peering out from behind the corner, he sees James stepping over the body and strutting towards him. Regulus groans.
“I would say it wouldn’t kill you to say thanks, but then again it’s you so it actually might. Don’t want you popping a blood vessel or anything,” Dorcas snarks.
“I’m not thanking him for doing his job,” Regulus hissed at her. “Besides, I had that.”
Regulus gives himself another second of peace before emerging from his hiding spot.
“Found you,” James teases, with a shit-eating grin to match. Regulus rolls his eyes as James comes to a stop in front of him.
“Hold on, you have a little something just there.” James takes a step forward into his space and Regulus’ heart decidedly does not speed up at the intrusion. It’s absolutely just the leftover adrenaline from being shot at. James lifts his hand slowly, telegraphing his movement, and gently brushes Regulus’ cheek with his thumb. As he pulls his hand away, Regulus sees his thumb has a smudge of blood. Regulus avoids looking at his face as James takes a step back, and he lets out a shaky breath he didn’t even know he was holding.
“Floor is all clear. And if I’ve done my math right, that’s six kills for me and only five for you, making me the winner,” James gloats, and Regulus has to use every scrap of his self control to not punch him in his smug face. Regulus dreads the next words that are about to come out of James' mouth. “So about that date. I’m thinking Italian. Thoughts?”