Chapter Text
My heart threatens to escape my chest as I wander the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
I was so close. So close.
For years, I'd played the long game, testing my own patience, stretching myself thin. I made myself work for Waverly Insurance with that asshole Hector - or "Mr. Cruz." He'd make creepy advances at me at every office party or a random Tuesday take your pick. He certainly did. With his pervy mustache, pretentious walk, and douchy suit. And I did all of that for what?
All so I could come so close yet agonizingly far from getting my eight billion dollars. I deserve that money. I've earned it. I should finally get to spend my time alone. After everything I've put up with, I should be able to never have to work for or speak to anyone I don't want to ever again. It is more than fair. In fact, it is my right.
Now I'm spiraling in a swirl of endless turmoil. Stuck in the middle of self-loathing and self-pity. Mac told me from the beginning not to get my feelings involved. We're simply two people working a job together. The most important thing was to get it done, any means necessary. But then, of course, like and idiot I started to fall for him. Against my better judgement, I felt. My years of pushing people away lent me no help. I should have been looking out for number one: Me. I spent all of this time depending on Mac to make the plans for everything. Not once did it occur to me to at least attempt to create my own plan b. In case the unimaginable happened. Which of course the unimaginable happened to me.
Now, I walk through the many vendors that line the streets holding back my tears. My throat feels like someone is standing on it. It's hard to breathe. I start to shake, my hands trembling, and my voice waivers when I apologize to the woman whose cart I bump. Finally I decided to go back to the place we're staying. The place I so kindly allowed Mac to stay, only for him to betray me in the worst way. It almost hurts more now because he let me get so far before ending it.
When I step inside the big room, the sun is setting. Mac is nowhere to be found. Honestly, he is probably across the ocean by now. I certainly would be if I did something as cowardly as he. That little son of a bitch took the mask he helped me get that in return I offered him a billion dollars. Instead he took the mask and made me look like a fool in front Conrad.
I go and sit in one of the chairs still clutching the now empty case. The final blow. I've been forced to carry the case that marked the moment Mac became an enemy. On the walk back I contemplated throwing it somewhere, anywhere. But what would be the point. Even if I didn't have the case anymore I would still be empty and alone.
The sun has fully set and I sit awake in that same chair. My body slowly goes numb on the hard wood. Sweat beading on my forehead and neck, gathering on my lower back, soaking into my shirt. Suddenly, in walks Mac. Lit by only the moonlight peaking in through the slats of the windows and a small lamp on the far wall.
"Gin?" He calls out. I shift, tightening my grip on the handle. "Gin?" He calls again. I leap from my chair and slam the case into the back of his head. He grunts, leaning forward. He falls to the floor as I hit his back and side.
"Where is it, you bastard!? I trusted you!" I yell. He's on his hands and knees, swatting at the case. I still pelt him with it. My emotions fueling me. My hatred, my sadness. Tears stream down my face as I continue to yell, "You bastard! I trusted you! I trusted you!"
"Gin!" He cries. "Hey! Gin!" His hand tosses a bag at my feet. Hungerly I set the case down and yell again, "Where is it!?" I rip open the bag and pull out the mask. He starts to get up as I ask, "Why'd you take it?" Hurt wells up again as pressure builds in my chest. My cheeks burn and tears threaten to begin again. I stand, "Get up! I know you're faking!" I yell, kicking him in the stomach. He gasps, his rough calloused hand grabbing my ankle. Before I can react he's pulled me to the floor. Putting his weight on top of me, he grips my wrists, forcing my hands above my head. I sob, struggling to get free. Soul crushing betrayal washes over me and I go still. His weight still pins me to the cool, smooth floor as I lie there sobbing. Head and heart pounding, he lets go of my hands. I turn on my side, resting my head on my arm as I lower the other. My back against his front. "Where'd you go?" I breathe out. "Why'd you take it?" He sighs, "I was going to sell it." I turn my head to look at him, "Then why didn't you?" Mac pauses, "Because... I... couldn't do it." I frown, "Why not?" He shifts closer to me, "Because I knew that if I told you to forget this job, get the hell outta here, you wouldn't do it, would you?" Anger strikes again, this time pooling under my skin. "No." I reply. "Right." He says.
All of a sudden something clicks. I turn onto my stomach and prop myself up on my arms to really look at him. "Were you really worried about me Mac?" I ask. "Well, yes." He replies. My heart flutters, but I try to ignore it. "Were you?" I inquire. I glance down at his lips as he continues talking, "I was worried for the both of us." My attempt at ignoring my feelings for him fail and I drift toward him, planting a a quick peck on his lips. "Don't be." I say.
"Whoops, sorry. Forgot about the rules." He looks down avoiding my eyes. "Have you ever broken'em Mac?" Now he looks at me, "No." The fluttering stops, "Not once?" He lets out a heavy breath, "No." My eyes feel puffy as I feel the salty tears drying on my cheeks. "Never?" "Never."
I lean in to kiss him again but he cuts me off. "Alone is good, eh?" I pull back slightly, "No. Bullshit. I hate alone. Alone sucks." I say, sounding stuffy from the crying. "Really?" He asks. "Yeah." I go to kiss him again and this time he doesn't stop me. In fact he even reciprocates. I kiss his cheek and then his forehead. He smiles, "Hey... Gin... Gin... Gin." I kiss his lips shutting him up. I moan a little, forcing myself on top of him. He rolls us over to be back on me. Pulling away he says, "Gin..." "What" I reply, getting annoyed. Why does he have to stop? He pauses, "My situation is so complicated. I can't... I can't explain." I see the pain in his eyes as he holds the back of my neck. "Well can you try?" He sits there, silent. I can see him debating it. I watch and know that he won't. "I'm sorry." He says. I curl into him. All that matters to me is that he's back now. If I can't have him in the way I want him then I'm going to take anything he'll give me. Soon we will have all the money we want. When that day comes I might never see him again. I can't let myself think about that right now. For the time being its just us here together on the floor.