Project Mercy

Chapter 11

When I arrived at Nat’s, I expected it to be just me and her but of course, I was wrong. Graycen had decided to tag along which made things tricky, since I didn’t want anyone else to know what I was up to, in my eyes the smaller the circle the bigger the opportunities. It was an odd saying but I liked it, it meant that I like to keep myself to myself.

Graycen seemed to be slowly creeping into my small circle and which is not part of my plan, but then again coming here wasn’t a part of my plan so at this point anything can happen.

As the three of us sat in the living room, Graycen and Nat were talking about Gabriel, who was apparently doing some business in London.

Nat spoke fondly of Gabriel as she told us about a time when he had managed to nearly burn the kitchen down while making her breakfast. I desperately wanted to smile but I knew I couldn’t. I couldn’t get attached as Graycen and most likely Gabriel were a part of the various parties who wanted me either dead or caught.

“Do you guys want breakfast?” Nat asks as she stands, I politely shake my head no and look at Graycen who smiles, “ Yeah, okay.”

Nat crosses her arms at Graycen as she tilts her head, waiting for another response. Graycen frowns confused but soon realises his mistake, “Please.”

I turn my head from the pair as I try to conceal my smile, but am caught by Graycen.

“ You should smile more,” he smiles, resting his head on his arm as he looks at me adoringly.

“ What?” I frown, my smile was now gone.

He smiles, just studying me. “It’s beautiful”

I stare at him trying to work out what he’s playing at, but all his face and body language says that he isn’t trying anything, but I still answer hesitantly, “ What?”

He chuckles, sending a warm feeling through my stomach. I stare at him wide-eyed, “ Jesus, M just take the compliment, I’m dying over here.”

I tilt my head with a frown, bewildered by his antics.

“ Thank you?” I didn’t know what to do as he laughed clutching his chest, all I could do was stare waiting for him to stop.

“Well that was painful to watch,” Nat says with a smile as she balances three plates on her arms, two on one arm one being held on the other.

“Tell me about it,” Graycen smiles, his laughter coming to a stop as he grabs one of the plates from Nat.

“I did you breakfast as well since you probably are hungry,” Nat says, giving me a plate that’s filled with many various foods like fruit, bacon, toast and scrambled eggs.

“Hold on, I’ll go get some cutlery” Nat jogs back into the kitchen and returns with knives and forks, where she then gives each of us a set.

After Nat sat down, both Graycen and Nat started to eat, I flicked a piece of bacon with my fork.

“It’s alright,” Nat smiles, picking up a piece of bacon and eating it “see?”

I slowly nod still unsure, but I pick up some of the egg and bacon eating them both together. After that one bite I realised how hungry I was, my pace started to quicken as did my chewing. I knew I wasn’t being polite or mannerly but I didn’t care as I was hungry.

After I’d finished and all of the food was gone, I looked up to see Nat and Graycen frowning at me as if I’d done something wrong. I frown, “ What?”

They stayed quiet for a few more seconds, then the silence was finally broken by Graycen, “Hungry?”

“No I was eating because I was thirsty,” I rolled my eyes, making my way towards the kitchen. I'm glad that I didn’t bring that backpack, as I think my back would’ve just died if I had it on any longer. I’d made sure to hide the vials in a discreet place in the hotel since it would've been suspicious to have it with me all the time.

I placed my plate and cutlery in the sink, turning the tap on and pouring some washing up liquid in the sink too. As soon as the sink was filled with soapy water I grabbed a sponge from the ledge of the sink and started to clean up, just as someone else walks.

“You alright?” I turn around, my hands still in the soapy water and see Nat standing with two empty plates.

“ I’m fine, you?” I asked turning back around, placing the now clean plate on the drainer.

She hums in response and sits on the side, just to the side of me.

“When do you want to get your passport made?” She asks in a serious tone.

I grab the plates from her hands, balancing the cutlery on top. “ Let’s not talk about this while your friend is out there.”

“We’re fine, he’s gone to the toilet. We could go later today? Or perhaps tomorrow? It’s really up to you.”

“Later today would be best,” I say placing the dishes on the draining board while I pull the plug letting the water run down the drain. “ It’s not like I have much time to have breakfast with your buddies every morning.”

Nat jumps down from the side and smiles sympathetically, “You could have that time, you know?”

“What?” I frown, leaning against one of the cupboards.

“You could give up this spy life and live freely with me, you could fake your own death as we did years ago.” Her eyes seemed to lighten up as she stared hopefully at me. “ You would have time to be normal.”

I laugh, “ What is normal?”

“I’m being serious M, don’t make jokes about something so serious,” She says giving me an unimpressed look as she crosses her arms.

“I know, I know but I can’t, I have a mission and I need to complete it,” I slightly smile looking to the floor, my fingers fiddling with the hem of my shirt.

“Forget missions, targets and hiding. Whatever mission is so important can be stopped, no one has to die M.”

“No. You don’t understand, how could you possibly understand why” I shake my head walking towards the door, hoping to end the conversation. She’s making everything sound so easy when in reality it’s not the world has changed, technology has developed and more elite agents are being trained to kill mutants or ‘gifted’ like Danzel used to call us and my skills are limited.

“ Explain it to me then, what am I not understanding?” She asks, slightly angry.

“ Nothing, it doesn’t matter. Leave it alone, it’s nothing you need to concern yourself with”

“No, I think I do need to concern myself with this since it’s affecting how my friend is thinking. Now, tell me. Now,” She almost shouts as she steps in front of me.

“ My family,” I simply say, as I smile sadly.

“What about them? I know about the whole situation with your family, how your mum left you when you were a kid and your dad put you in the programme,” She frowns confused.

“I think it’s time to tell you what really happened”

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Heyyyyy

I decided to update early since I really wanted to write and update.

I promise that in future chapters there will be romance ( and perhaps some smut hehe) but for now, enjoy some character background for the next few chapters.

I hope everyone is safe and well,

I love you all!!

Rhi <3