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Chapter Text

Kate fixed her collar before leaving the elevator. She took a sip of the coffee she bought at Starbucks on her way to work and walked to the meeting room. She greeted Javi and sat next to him. He was her bestfriend and they had worked on several cases together in the past.

Today their boss was about to run them through a big case. Kate looked at the screen that showed pictures of people of interest.

‘ Good morning. So let’s begin right away. These people are called The Wranglers’ Agent Tessler explained not wasting time with small talk ‘They have a rodeo show currently touring in Oklahoma. When they were in Arkansas, a bank was robbed in every town they stayed in. Same with Texas’

‘ You think it’s them’ Kate observed.

‘ Correct, Agent Carter. There’s an ongoing investigation but we’re lacking of proof to tie them to the robberies. That’s where you’re playing your part. You’re from Oklahoma, right ?’

‘ Yes, sir’

Kate hoped it was not the only reason why they were assigning her this case. She had good results !

‘ I saw in your file that you have riding skills’ Her boss continued ‘According to our intel The Wranglers are hiring’

She nodded. It would be her first undercover mission. So exciting !

‘ Gain their trust and find out if they are involved’ Tessler instructed her.

He explained that Javi would be her handler, her contact to the outside world.

‘ How dangerous are they ?’ Kate asked.

‘ We’re not sure about that. No casualties registered in the robberies though’

Kate would be Kate Danvers, young artist that wanted to do rodeos. She was given files about each member of the gang.

‘ Learn these information. Your plane leaves tomorrow at eight sharp. Good luck’

Kate looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was no longer wearing her usual clothes but a more relaxed style. It reminded the young woman the clothes she had in her closet before joining the FBI. She untied her hair leaving it to fall freely on her shoulders. After that she took a deep breath and walked out of the motel room.

‘ Ready ?’ Javi asked.

‘ Yep’

‘ Obviously you can’t wear any comm but I’ll never be far’ Javi squeezed her hand in support.

‘ Wish me luck’

‘ Good luck, Kate’ Her friend smiled ‘And be careful’

The rodeo arena was not far so Kate went on foot. It was strange to be back in Oklahoma after all these years. She passed a big red truck and looked for the entrance. When she went inside, the special agent noticed there was many candidates.

‘ Damnit’ She muttered under her breath.

Of course she didn’t expect to be alone but that was a lot of competition. It was crucial for the mission that she was the chosen one. She stopped at the end of the line and studied her surroundings. Two women were sitting behind a table. Kate recognized them as Lily and Dani. They were handing forms to the potential new recruits. When it was her turn, Kate smiled politely and grabbed a pen.

‘ Oh she’s cute as a peach’ Lily complimented her ‘Don’t you think Dani ?’

‘ Yeah’

‘ Thanks’

She almost wrote Kate Carter on the paper out of habit. But here she was supposed to be Kate Danvers. She was glad they didn’t change her first name too because it would have been harder to get used to it. A good lie had some truth in it after all. She finished filling the form and handed it back to Lily.

Kate heard some footsteps and a man appeared next to her. He took off his sunglasses and she met a pair of gorgeous green eyes. Tyler Owens in the flesh. Honestly Kate noticed he was good looking when she studied his file but damn. She wished Sex On Fire would stop playing in her head.

‘ Well, what do we have here ?’ Tyler asked.

Dani gave him the form.

‘ I see you’ve written that you can ride a horse’

Kate found her voice again. He wasn’t the first hot guy she saw in her life !

‘ That’s right’

‘ That’s sweet, darlin’, but half of the Midwest can do that’ He snickered.

‘ While standing on the saddle ?’

Tyler looked at her to see if she was joking. She wasn’t.

‘ Can’t wait to see that, Kate’

She had to admit that hearing her name rolling on his tongue stirred something in her. She hoped she didn’t drool. That would be so embarrassing !

She also knew that if she wanted in, he was the one she needed to impress.

Kate petted the horse.

‘ Work with me, pal’ She whispered.

It should be like riding a bike, right ? Except she could break her neck if she fell. She noticed that the whole crew was in the bleachers which didn’t happen with the other candidates. No pressure !

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Showtime.

Kate placed a foot on the first stirrup and sat on the saddle. Second foot on the other stirrup. The horse didn’t move.

‘ Good boy’

Kate started slowly so they could get used to each other. Then she made the horse go faster. All was going well.

‘ Don’t let me fall’ She prayed.

She freed one foot then another. She let go of the reins and carefully stand on the saddle. Kate extended her arms for balance. The adrenaline made her heart beat faster. The wind was blowing in her hair and she laughed. She sat back on the saddle and congratulated the horse for its collaboration. She looked at the bleachers and saw The Wranglers cheering.

Chapter Text

A few hours later, Kate was waiting anxiously at the motel. She sat on the bed, then got up, took a few steps and sat on the bed again. She couldn’t stay in one spot for too long.

‘ If you don’t stop biting your nails, you’re going to eat your fingers too’ Javi said half joking looking up from his laptop.

He was reading the reports of the robberies. If The Wranglers were involved, they were good at covering their tracks. Not good enough to avoid catching the eye of the FBI though.

‘ I’m nervous. What if they pick someone else ?’

‘ Then we’ll find another way’ He simply said wanting to calm her down ‘ But I trust you. Your horse gig was good from what I heard’

‘ Tessler won’t be happy if I fail’ Kate shook her head.

‘ You have to stop worrying. You’re a good agent, Kate’

Her phone biped as a new text came in. She almost jumped on the device looking like a girl eager to hear from her crush.

Unknown number. She clicked on the message to read it.

If you still wanna join us, we’re staying at the White Horse motel

Signed by Tyler Owens himself which made Kate smile.

‘ Looks like I’m in’ She said with a bit of triumph in her voice.

After a quick research, it turned out that the White Horse was on the other side of town. It would be more logical for them to stay closer to the rodeo scene but on the other hand it was easier to hide their other...activity. Plus they wouldn’t see her with Javi and get suspicious.

The Wranglers welcomed her warmly. They were happy to find a new member for their crew. Kate was meant to replace Dexter because he was getting too old for the show. Rodeo or bank robbing ?

‘ We’re going to a bar to celebrate’ Tyler announced.

‘ First drinks on you ?’ Boone asked.

‘ You bet’

Kate had the privilege to ride with Tyler, Boone and Lily in his big red truck. She should have known it was his. They drove to a bar called Drinks And Boots and Tyler ordered a round of beers.

‘ Cheers to Kate’ He declared ‘May she have a lot of fun with us’

They drank to that.

‘ Thanks for giving me a chance’ Kate said.

They were a weird yet funny gang. Dani and Dexter left to sit at a table while Lily and Boone started to play pool. It was just Kate and Tyler left.

‘ So Kate, tell me about you’

Tyler’s interest was genuine. Since he laid his eyes on her earlier today he was intrigued by the young woman. He was searching for something in his glovebox and when he looked up a pretty girl was walking past his truck. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her as she entered the rodeo.

Fingers crossed she’s here for the job, he thought.

‘ Well I grew up in this state. A town called Sapulpa’

Kate was aware that she had to be careful with what she shared.

‘ Sounds lovely’ He commented.

He had no idea where Sapulpa was.

‘ What about you ?’

‘ Born and bred in Arkansas. Where did you learn to ride like that by the way ?’

‘ My Dad taught me’

‘ I might write the man to thank him’ Tyler joked.

‘ Good luck with that because I have no clue where he is now’

Tyler could slap himself. He had to step in it !

‘ Sorry’

‘ You couldn’t know’ Kate shrugged ‘My parents divorced when I was fifteen and last time I saw him was in my first year of college’

‘ I see. His loss’ He cleared his throat ‘You know how to play darts ?’

‘ Yeah’

‘ Wanna play ?’ He invited her.

‘ Let’s go’

‘ Loser buys beers ?’ Tyler asked while grabbing the darts.

‘ Everything’s a competition for you ?’

‘ I like rewards. Scared to lose ?’

‘ Now I feel even more motivated to win’ Kate replied.

‘ Ladies first’

The young woman smirked and shot her three darts.

‘ Not bad’ Tyler whistled looking at the target.

‘ Your turn. I wonder if you can beat that though’

‘ Maybe I should tell you what’s my fav beer already’

‘ Cocky’

‘ Yes, ma’am’ Tyler winked.

Kate felt her whole body heating up. Damnit, she was here to potentially arrest him, not to get the hots for the guy !

Get your act together, girl ! She thought.

‘ Maybe you should focus on the target’ She said.

She wasn’t sure if she was talking to him or to herself.

At the pool Lily observed them and smirked.

‘ Looks like someone turned the flirt on’

‘ T’s always flirty’ Boone shrugged ‘It’s in his nature’

‘ I don’t think I ever saw him so invested though’

‘ You playin’ or what ? It’s your turn’

‘ Yeah, yeah. Don’t put your boxers into a twist’ Lily played ‘Ten bucks it ends in bed in a week’

‘ What ?’

‘ Tyler and Kate’

‘ You’d bet against your own friend ? That’s almost unethical’

‘ Didn’t know you knew such a big word’ Lily said.

‘ What’s that supposed to mean ?’

‘ I’m just messing with you. So, no bet ?’

‘ Are you kidding ? Of course I’m in. But I say in two weeks’

‘ You’re so going to lose. Look at her. I’m gonna have to bring her a bucket because she’s drooling too much’

‘ That’s a tie. What do we do now ?’ Tyler asked.

Kate liked to win but…

Gain their trust, Tessler told her.

‘ Ok, I’ll buy the drinks’ She said.

‘ How galant of you’

‘ At least you get the reward you wanted so badly. Same beer ?’

‘ Yes, please’

Kate went to order two beers.

‘ Hello, beautiful’

She saw a tipsy guy smiling at her and leaning awkwardly against the counter.

‘ Hey’ She replied politely.

‘ Want a drink ?’

The bartender placed the bottles of beer on the counter.

‘ Already covered’ She paid.

‘ You should relax a bit’

And with that said he put his hand on her butt.

Chapter Text

‘ Hey !!’ Tyler roared.

He saw the scene from afar and was about to make this asshole eat his front teeth to teach him some respect but Kate was faster than him. She spun around and punched the culprit right in the face. The man didn’t see that coming and fell loudly on the floor. The people around stopped talking and watched the scene.

‘ Don’t touch me !’ Kate snapped.

He glared at her as he struggled to get back on his feet. The crowd tensed, waiting for what was coming next.

‘ You little…’

Tyler stepped between them.

‘ Leave her alone’ He warned the asshole.

‘ And who the fuck are you ? Her boyfriend maybe ?’

‘ If I am, then you’re in a lot of trouble, aren’t you ?’

Tyler seemed calm but he was ready to throw fists if needed. Actually, he was waiting for an excuse to do so.

‘ Whatever’ The guy snorted before leaving.

It was probably for the best.

‘ Nice punch by the way’ Tyler complimented Kate.

‘ I hate that type of guy’ She grabbed the beers ‘ Here, that one’s for you’

‘ Thanks and remind me to not get on your bad side’

Kate had a mysterious smile as they joined Lily and Boone.

‘ Girl, you’re officialy my hero’ Lily greeted her.

‘ I thought that was me’ Tyler said and pouted.

‘ You’ve been replaced. Suck it up’

Tyler chuckled and took a gulp of his beer.

‘ I think I could marry you’ Boone told Kate.

Tyler coughed a little. Lily glanced at him and mentally smirked. He was already so smitten with the girl.

‘ Maybe we should leave. That guy’s trouble, I can feel it’ Dani said.

‘ Now ?’ Boone complained ‘ But I’m winning this game !’

‘ Excuse me ?’ Lily scoffed ‘ You’re totally losing’

‘ Nah’

‘ We’ve got company’ Dexter informed them ‘ The unpleasant kind’

The jerk from earlier was walking to them alongside three other men. They were indeed unfriendly.

‘ So you think it’s fun to hit our friend ?’ One of them spat.

‘ Well he thinks that he can touch girls without their consent so the answer is yes’ Kate replied fearless.

‘ Look, we don’t want any trouble..’ Tyler started.

‘ Too bad we do’ Another of them said.

The blow hit Tyler on the jaw and he stumbled a few steps back. The beer he was holding left his hand and crashed on the floor.

‘ Tyler !’

Kate was barely aware that she said his name before things got out of hand. Tyler shot a nasty look at his opponent and punched him in the stomach. The man dobbled over. Then all broke loose. His friends wanted to defend him and the Wranglers to help Tyler. In the fight, Kate smashed her beer on the head of one of the jackasses and she tripped him. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Lily using the pool cue as a weapon. In the meantime the fight was spreading in the bar. People were getting mad because they were pushed, their feet stepped on, their drinks spilled…

It was a bit hellish. A man almost fell on Kate’s feet and she saw it was the one who thought her butt was his property. Tyler winked at her and she noticed he had a split lip. The man on the floor mumbled something Kate couldn’t hear.

‘ What ?’ She raised her voice.

‘ I’m sorry, ok?’

Kate was surprised at first but then she realized Tyler put him up to it. She smiled a little and her heart swooned dangerously. Sirens were heard outside.

‘ Damnit, the cops !’ Tyler groaned.

He grabbed Kate’s hand and they ran off. She looked over her shoulder to see the Wranglers following closely. They made their way to the cars and Tyler sped away. Kate noted that he had the driving skills that could come handy after robbing a bank. He could drive the runaway car but it was probably not the truck because of its color.

The young man started to laugh and she glanced at him.

‘ What’s so funny ?’ She asked.

‘ A fight in a bar ? You’re a true Wrangler !’

‘ If you say so’

Tyler squeezed her hand lightly. Boone looked at them from the backseat and he almost groaned. Maybe Lily was right and he was going to lose the bet. At least she was in the other car and not here to gloat. They reached the motel without being arrested by the police.

Chapter Text

Kate was sharing a room with Lily and Dani at the White Horse. Tyler and Boone were roomates next door while Dexter prefered to stay alone. Kate left the bathroom in her pj’s and checked her phone she had left on the nightstand. There was a text from Javi.

A bar fight, really ? Good thing I called the cops

Kate rolled her eyes and quickly replied.

Don’t worry, mother hen, I’ve got this

‘ Texting your boyfriend ?’ Lily asked.

‘ No, just my mom’ Kate easily lied ‘ I don’t have a boyfriend’

Her single status was true though. She had a few short relationships over the years but no one stayed. Kate didn’t seem to be able to connect deeply with someone in a romantic way.

‘ Good thing for Tyler then’ Lily said.

‘ I don’t know what you mean’ The blond girl replied too fast.

‘ Oh please ! You two had eye sex the whole evening !’

‘ That’s true’ Dani added ‘ I wanted to come ask you if you needed a condom or something’

The two wrangler girls laughed. Kate wanted to deny everything but it was useless. She knew she was attracted to him but she couldn’t let her hormones take over. The thought that it could be mutual was pleasant though.

‘ Ya know’ Lily said with mischief in her voice ‘ I can totally ask Boone to switch room with you for tonight. Tyler and you could be aaaaallll alone’

‘ But I just met him today !’ Kate protested feeling herself hot and bothered.

‘ We won’t judge you if you say yes’ Dani reassured her.

Was Kate tempted ? Very much to be honest. But she couldn’t hook up with a suspect, it was against the rules.

Meanwhile, Lily was imagining Boone’s face. Victory was sweet. She would remain humble of course and accept his money with glee.

‘ I can’t’ Kate shook her head ‘ But thanks for offering your services as a wingwoman’

‘ You’re welcome, whenever you want’

It was high time to change the topic before it got even more out of hand.

‘ Speaking of that, did I sense something between you and Boone ?’ Kate asked.

Lily faked a yawn.

‘ I’m tired, gonna call it a night. Goodnight, girls’ She said and went into her bed.

Kate exchanged a knowing look with Dani. She had hit a nerve apparently.

Tyler took care of his injured lip and left the bathroom. Boone was already on his bed watching a video about fireworks. He often wished to include them in the show but that could scare the animals so it was a big no.

‘ I’m not too bruised. Wouldn’t want to ruin that face’ Tyler joked.

‘ It’s true you’re a babe magnet’ Boone smiled.

‘ That’s my burden to bare’ He chuckled and lied down on his own bed.

‘ Aren’t you interested in a certain little blonde babe, by the way ?’

‘ Maybe’

‘ C’mon, dude. I’ve known you for ten years now’ Boone said ‘ We clearly didn’t hire her just for her riding skills’

‘ The spectators will love her because she’s cute but she’s also so cool. Did you see how she punched that guy ?’

‘ I did. I joked about it, remember ? You knew it was a joke, right ? I don’t want to marry Kate’

‘ Of course I knew that’

Deep down Tyler was relieved he wouldn’t have to compete with his friend.

‘ By the way, do we include Kate in you know what ?’ Boone asked him.

Tyler thought about the question and the different possibilities.

‘ Not for now’ He decided ‘ Let’s see what she’s made of and how open minded she can be’

‘ Alright’

Tyler closed his eyes and Kate’s smile popped in his mind. He smiled too.

The next morning, Kate went to do some shopping with Lily for the show. They would join the rest of the crew later to rehearse. Kate would perform for the first time tonight.

‘ Not too nervous ?’ Lily asked.

‘ Ask me again later’

‘ Fair enough’

Kate knew Javi was placing bugs in their rooms as they spoke. It would be easy for them to spy on the Wranglers. The two girls went into a shop.

‘ Let’s see what we can find’ Lily said.

Kate needed to wear clothes that would protect her if she fell but also comfortable enough to allow her to move freely. Shorts were excluded and she was happy about that.

‘ Look at this’

Lily showed her a long sleeved shirt with an american flag on the front.

‘ God bless America’ Kate joked.

Lily grabbed a cowboy hat.

‘ We all have one, that’s how you recognize a Wrangler’

Kate took the hat as memories flooded back to her. In another life, she had a similar hat and a group of friends she missed.

‘ Are you alright ?’ Lily asked concerned.

There was a sadness on Kate’s face.

‘ Yeah’ Kate quickly dismissed the subject ‘ I need pants’

She searched through the racks until she found a good pair of jeans .

‘ Your gig will happen just before Tyler’s’ Lily informed her.

‘ He wrangles bulls, right ?’

‘ Yup. He’s very popular, crowds love him. Especially women’

‘ I can imagine’

‘ You have a lot of competition’ Lily teased her.

‘ I’m going to try my outfit’

‘ Suit yourself’

Lily smiled. Kate’s denial was so adorable. The young woman didn’t stay long in the changing cabin.

‘ What do you think ?’ Kate asked.

‘ Like I said, cute as a peach. Are you comfortable ?’

‘ Yes’

‘ We’re buying a few then’

‘ Oh, you have to get this !’

Chapter Text

The rehearsal went fine and it was soon time for the show. Too soon maybe. Kate was waiting for Dani to finish her gig. The other woman was doing good and the crowd looked pleased. Kate didn’t imagine there would be so many people in the bleachers.

You’ve done harder things, she thought.

Her training in Quantico for example.

‘ You nervous ?’

Tyler appeared next to her, fully clothed as a cowboy. Kate tried to not make it obvious that she checked him out. He smiled at her, charming as always. Her sanity felt at stake.

‘ A little bit’ Kate admitted.

‘ You can always imagine them naked’ Tyler suggested.

‘ You’re silly’ She laughed.

‘ See ? It’s already working’

‘ Yeah’ She bit on her lower lip.

Tyler wished she hadn’t done that because dirty thoughts flashed in his mind. Was it bad to kiss a girl you met the day before ?

Dani joined them which stopped him from kissing the hell out of Kate’s lips.

‘ You gotta get ready, Kate. It’s your turn’

‘ Thanks, Dani’

‘ Go make them love you’ Tyler said, supportive.

‘ Yes, sir’

Once again it stirred something in Tyler as in a wouldnt-mind-being-called-that-in-bed situation. Kate’s name was called through the speakers and she left.

‘ You got drool over there’ Dani pointed at his chin.

‘ I’m not falling for that’

Tyler wiped his chin just in case Dani wasn’t messing with him.

Kate’s performance was a success and she even had a glimpse of Javi in the bleachers. People were cheering and she grinned. She hadn’t felt this good in a while. They announced Tyler’s name as she walked back the horse in the stables. The crowd went wild when they heard it was Tyler’s turn. Lily was right about his popularity. Maybe women would throw their bras at the cowboy. Kate shook her head and found a good spot to watch Tyler wrangle a bull.

The doors flew open and here they were. The man and the animal dancing together. It was fascinating. From where she was standing Kate could see Tyler smiling. It was a miracle that his hat was still on his head. When the gig was over, she clapped with the rest of the crowd. The staff guided the bull back inside the stable and Tyler took off his hat before bowing. He noticed Kate and mouthed her to come with him. She shook her head but he insisted. She reluctantly joined him in the arena.

‘ Give it up for our new Wrangler, Kate !’ Tyler said loudly.

The bleachers roared and Tyler gave her a smile that made her weak in the knees.

They were all gathered in the boys’s room.

‘ The plan please, Dexter’ Tyler asked.

He thanked his friend before unfolding it on the table. Dexter was able to print a copy of the plan of the town’s bank at the library. What you could get when you pretented to work for an insurance company…

‘ Small bank, it should be easy’

‘ Who do you want with you ?’ Boone asked.

‘ You and Lily. It should be enough’

Then they came up with a plan.

‘ Tomorrow morning at 9 sharp’ Tyler decided.

He usually called the shots and this time was no exception.

‘ I think it would be easier if we just tell Kate’ Lily said ‘ I don’t know how long we will be able to sneak around’

‘ Not for now’ Tyler shook his head ‘ We don’t know her well enough’

‘ Yeah but that doesn’t stop you from wanting to sleep with her’ Boone retorted.

‘ Boone ! That’s not even the point !’

‘ Sorry’ His friend mumbled.

‘ The point is we have to wait. We’re keeping her in the dark’

They all agreed and the girls left. Kate quickly closed her laptop and jumped into her bed. She pretented to be fast asleep. She was disappointed to find out they were actually involved in the bank robberies. She enjoyed spending time with them, with him. That thought brought up something else she heard. Tyler didn’t deny the fact that he wanted to sleep with her. Kate’s cheeks burned up. It felt good to be desired but the timing sucked. She was the FBI agent that was investigating on him. She was painfully aware that she would have to arrest him at some point. Him and the Wranglers.

Early next morning, Kate got ready to do some jogging. She texted Javi and left. She was running down Main Street when her handler fell into step with her.

‘ Hey, how are you ?’

‘ I’m fine. They’re going to rob the bank’ She informed him.

‘ When ?’

‘ This morning at 9’

‘ They’re all in it ?’ Javi asked.

‘ No. Tyler, Boone and Lily but they all took part in the planning’

Kate stopped to take a sip of fresh water from her bottle.

‘ Are we arresting them now ?’

She needed to know.

‘ No. It’s too soon’ Javi replied.

Kate felt two emotions at once : relief and shame.

Relief that it wasn’t the end, that she would see Tyler again. Shame because she shouldn’t feel that way. They were criminals and she was law inforcement. The line was clear.

‘ I think we have to let them rob several banks to build a good case’ Javi argued ‘ We need a strong case against them’

‘ Of course. I have to go now’

Kate didn’t want her friend to read into her. How would he react if he knew what was in her mind ? That she was torn between her job and her heart ? The agent and the woman ?

‘ Be careful’ Javi said.

‘ Always’

Chapter Text

Tyler looked at Lily and Boone. The car was parked in an alleyway near the bank. It would be 9 am in five minutes.

‘ You remember what you have to do ?’ Tyler asked.

This question was a ritual. The answer didn’t matter.

‘ Yeah’ They replied at the same time.

They checked their weapons as usual. They never shot at anyone but guns were useful to convince people you weren’t joking.

‘ It’s time to go. Ten minutes max, ok ?’ Tyler said.

They nodded and put their masks on. They made a run for the bank and locked the doors once they were in.

‘ Everyone, this is a holdup !’ Tyler shouted.

He shot in the ceiling for good mesure. People screamed of course and started to panic.

‘ Stay calm, we won’t take long’

From the corner of his eyes, Tyler saw the security guard moving.

‘ Don’t do this, dude. You want to come home tonight’ Tyler pointed him with his gun.

In the meantime, Lily and Boone were working. Lily was at the counter asking nicely to the two employees to fill her bag. Boone made the third one open the vault. All was going smoothly. The clients were quiet and looking scared. Tyler knew they had watches and jewels he could steal but he had to keep an eye on the guard. He didn’t trust him to not try something stupid.

‘ Oh crap’ Lily suddenly groaned.

‘ What ?’

‘ That idiot pressed the silent alarm’ She gestured to an employee.

‘ Cops are on their way, let’s move !’

They ran out of the bank and rushed to the car. Tyler sped away but didn’t go back to the motel. He took a few streets until they reached their chosen hiding spot.

‘ So, what did you get ?’ Tyler asked.

His partners in crime showed him the bags full of money.

‘ Oh, that’s nice. Good job, you two’

‘ With that cash, you could take Kate on a date’ Lily suggested and smirked.

Boone bit back a groan. He knew what she was up to. She wanted to win the bet so badly.

‘ Really ? We’re back to that ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ Why not ?’ Lily said ‘We already established that you liked her. Nothing wrong with asking her on a date then’

‘ She got a point there’ Boone added despite his best judgement.

‘ I know but...What if she doesn’t like me ?’

‘ You shouldn’t worry about that. I can assure you that she does’ Lily giggled.

‘ Why are you so invested in my lovelife anyway ?’

Lily shrugged noncommitally.

‘ It’s been long enough now. Let’s go back’ Tyler dismissed and started the engine.

The day went by but Lily’s words were stuck in his mind. It wasn’t like him to hesitate. He didn’t want to sound vain but it wasn’t often that women said no to him. It happened rarely but he didn’t want Kate to turn him down. He felt that it would sting. It was crazy because he just met her a couple of days ago so why was it so intense ? Why did it feel like he wanted to tell Kate every single detail about him and know everything about her ?

The last show in this town took place. Nothing much to say about it but Tyler had to do something about what was on his mind. He didn’t change but went to see Kate instead.

‘ Hey’ He took off his hat and fiddled with it nervously.

‘ What is it ?’

‘ I was wondering...The night’s still young, do you want to go grab some icecream ?’

Tyler didn’t know what kind of restaurant she liked and it could feel too pressuring. Going to the icecream parlor was more casual. At least he hoped so.

‘ You mean just you and me ?’ Kate asked.

‘ That’s what I mean, yeah’

She knew she should say no. Her mind was screaming for her to do so but her heart…

‘ Yes’ She answered before she could think twice .

‘ Good’ He grinned ‘ We’re meeting outside in fifteen minutes ?’

‘ Yeah’

Kate felt like a teenage girl on her first date. She quickly changed and freshened up. She looked at her reflection and fixed her hair the best she could. She regretted to not have some lipstick or gloss on hand but it was useless because she was going to eat.

They walked to the icecream parlor since it wasn’t far from the rodeo.

‘ What flavor do you want ? I’m buying’ Tyler said.

‘ Chocolate mint, please’

He nodded and ordered chocolate cookie chip for him. The weather was warm and they took a walk in a park. It was almost empty except for a couple people walking their dogs and a lonely jogger.

‘ So, why do you wrangle bulls ?’ She asked ‘ Kinda sounds insane’

‘People could say the same about standing on a running horse’

‘ Fair enough’ She laughed.

Gosh he loved her laugh. He wanted to hear it every single day of his life. And if he was the one making her laugh, that would be even better.

They sat on a bench.

‘ I grew up in the rodeo field’ Tyler said.

‘ So, you were born on a bull ?’

‘ Almost’ He chuckled ‘ My parents met at the rodeo’

‘ That’s sweet’

‘ They still do gigs. I think that I caught the thrill of it early in my life’

Kate wondered if it was the same for the banks, if it was for the thrill. Of course she couldn’t ask him that because she wasn’t supposed to know.

‘ How was life in Sapulpa ?’ He asked.

‘ Well, I grew up on a farm’

‘ Yeah, you told me about your dad teaching you how to ride’

‘ My parents met at a farmer’s fair and they bought the farm after they got married. I used to help them on the weekends and vacations’

‘ What about now ?’

‘ Work can be hard but she’s tough. I know her neighbors help when they can or when she let them’ Kate explained.

She felt a pang of guilt. She hadn’t really kept in touch with her mother since she left for New York. She finished her icecream on that thought.

‘ You got a smudge’ He chuckled.

‘ Where ?’ She felt embarrassed.

‘ Let me’

He used his thumb to gently erase the smudge on the corner of her lips. Kate’s heart missed a beat with his touch. Tyler cupped her face with his hand and stroke her cheek very softly. He looked into her eyes and leaned in. Their lips were about to touch when some car honked in the distance. They jumped apart, the magic of the moment gone.

‘ We should go back’ Kate said.

‘ Yeah, I guess’

They made their way back to the rodeo in an awkward silence. Same thing for the ride to the motel.

‘ Thanks’ Kate said ‘ It was nice’

‘ Yeah’

Tyler tried to smile but his heart wasn’t in it. He wanted her to think it was more than just nice.

‘ Well, goodnight’

‘ Goodnight, Kate’

Chapter Text

Two weeks later, the Wranglers had travelled to two different towns. They were now settling in Stillwater. Things between Kate and Tyler were odd. They didn’t go on another date. In fact, they didn’t talk about what almost happened that night or about anything. They kept their distances, tiptoeing around each other.

Tyler felt sad because he thought he scared her away. He came too strong, too fast. Now he had screwed up and lost his chances with Kate. He wished he could go back in time and not try to kiss her. He didn’t understand how he got the signals wrong when they went to eat icecream.

Kate felt bad but she had to stop before things spun out of control. Before they could kiss. She didn’t want him to think she was some sort of tease but once again telling the truth was impossible. Nothing could happen between them. She felt like a broken record with these words but it didn’t make them less true. It didn’t mean it was easy though. They were both longing for each other and feeling miserable.

‘ I don’t know what happened’ Lily said as she joined Boone outside.

They went to sit in the car because it was an emergency meeting and they didn’t want other people to hear them.

‘ Cookies ?’ He asked.

‘ No, I’m good’

‘ More for me’ He shrugged.

He wasn’t good with sharing food anyway.

‘ I want to understand what the fuck happened. I thought they went on a date and now things are weird. I don’t think they exchanged more than a few words in the last days’

‘ T wouldn’t do anything inappropriate’ Boone said.

‘ I never said that ’

‘ Are you upset because you lost the bet ?’

‘ Yes and no. I don’t like that Tyler’s sad. I appreciate Kate too and she doesn’t seem well either. We should do something’

‘ We could lock them into a room’ Boone suggested.

‘ No, we can’t do that because we’re not twelve. What do you think they would do ?’ Lily scoffed.

‘ Talk or hook up. Both’

‘ Well, that’s a stupid idea. I needed a real solution’

‘ I don’t know why you wanted to talk to me then’ He snapped.

Boone was usually easy to live with, getting mad wasn’t a thing he did often but he was fed up with Lily’s attitude. What did he do to her ? He hadn’t stolen her snacks in at least two or three days.

‘ I don’t know either because you’re no use !’ She fired back.

‘ Why are you yelling at me ?’

‘ Because you piss me off !’

‘ Then talk with someone else !’

‘ I will, someone with a brain preferably !’

They glared at each other. None of them could tell who made the first move but next thing they knew, they were kissing. It was angry and heated.

He tastes just like cookies, Lily thought.

She pulled away abruptly, her eyes wide.

‘ I have to go’

Lily fled out of the car and almost ran back to the motel room. She felt like a headless chicken.

‘ Hey, what’s wrong ?’ Dani asked ‘ You have a weird face’

‘ I...It’s time to go to work’ Lily dismissed.

Dani nodded. She wasn’t one to force people to talk when they didn’t want to.

‘ A word, Kate’ Lily requested.

‘ Oh, of course’

Dani shrugged and left. Kate tensed. Did she blow her cover somehow ? Was it the reason why Lily was upset ? If so, Kate wasn’t sure what her next move should be.

‘ I don’t know what happened between you and Tyler but please talk to him. Try to fix things because it’s affecting the team’ Lily said.

Unfortunatly, Kate couldn’t do that. Talking to him could lead them to pick up where they left off.

‘ Like you said, it’s time to go to work’ Kate said.

‘ Fine, suit yourself’

It was Tyler’s turn to perform but his mind was somewhere else. He glanced at Kate and quickly looked away. He needed to move on. To stop thinking about her with every breath he took. Why was he clinging on something he couldn’t have ? Kate saw him looking at her and felt her heart jump.

Silly little crush, she thought.

Tyler left to do his usual gig. He straddled the animal and the doors opened. The bull jumped again and again to throw Tyler off and succeeded. He fell harshly on the sand. He didn’t have time to catch his breath because he had to roll off to avoid the hooves of the angry bull.

Kate saw him fall and her heart stopped. She witnessed that kind of accidents in the past and she knew they could be deadly.

‘ Tyler !’ She screamed in despair.

She couldn’t just stand there and watch him getting trampled by the bull. She started to run on the arena but the staff was already working. They pushed the bull away from Tyler. Two men helped him up and under the bleachers.

‘ We’re taking you to the infirmary’

‘ I’m fine. It’s not necessary’ Tyler protested.

‘ Rules are rules’

They helped him sitting on the bed and left. Tyler noticed that Kate followed them. She was holding his hat that had fallen off his head.

‘ Thanks, you can leave it here’ He said cooly.

‘ Are you ok ?’

‘ I am. The bull totally missed me’

‘ But you might have broken something in the fall’ Kate insisted.

‘ Just some bruises, Kate, what are you doing here ?’

‘ I got scared’ She admitted.

‘ For me ?’ His heart jumped with hope.

‘ Yeah’

Kate walked to him, she needed to be sure he was in one piece.

‘ I’m fine, really’ Tyler said again.

He grabbed her hand and placed it on his chest.

‘ See ? My heart’s beating’

‘ It’s even racing’

‘ Not because of the bull’

They looked in each other eyes and Kate closed the gap between them. Tyler leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. It would probably kill him but she could move away if she wanted to. The choice was up to her. She pressed her mouth to his and they shared their first kiss. They pulled apart when the door opened.

‘ Well, well, well’ A man laughed ‘ You still have your way with the ladies, I see. Maybe I should treat my patients with magic kisses too’

‘ Pleased to see you too, Sam’ Tyler said ‘ Kate, this is Sam, he fixes cowboys like me’

‘ You mean dumbasses like you’ Sam corrected.

‘ Well, I’ll leave you to it then’ Kate said.

‘ Don’t worry, he has a thick skull’ Sam reassured her.

She nodded and left the room. The Wranglers were waiting in the hallway.

‘ How’s he ?’ Boone asked.

‘ He’s fine for the most part’

Lily noticed her pink cheeks and smirked. This romance was back on tracks ! Maybe she would have to pay Boone after all. She glanced at him remembering their kiss. Why did she kiss him ? Her brain hadn’t processed the why yet but her body knew she liked it.

As he predicted, Tyler only had some bruises. He would live to tell the tale. As a matter of fact, he showed Kate how much he was alive with a heavy makeout session the next day. It happened naturally. Kate ended up with swollen lips and a huge hickey on the neck she had to conceal the best she could.

It was time for the show and Dani was performing. Tyler and Kate were busy kissing under the bleachers like teenagers.

‘ I have to go, it’s almost my turn’ Kate said after breaking off the kiss.

‘ Five more minutes’ He begged.

Tyler had become addicted to her lips since their first kiss. He kissed her neck several times making her moan. He smirked against her skin.

‘ Get a room, you two’

They pulled apart and saw Dani.

‘ I’m sorry to interrupt your little fun but it’s your turn, Kate’

‘ Yeah, thanks’ Kate bit her lower lip.

‘ Don’t do that or I won’t let you leave’ He whispered in her ear.

She laughed and managed to pull away from him.

‘ I’ll be back before you know it’

‘ Already counting the seconds, darlin’’

She walked away to go to her horse. Something in the air was different though and she wasn’t talking about Tyler. There was a strange heaviness. She looked at the sky trying to see if there was anything. Her eyes turned to the bleachers and she noticed people grabbing their phones. Then an urging voice was heard over the speakers.

‘ Ladies and gentlemen, we were warned that a tornado is coming our way. Please evacuate immediatly to the shelters’

Chapter Text

The announcement created a panic in the crowd. People started to run out of the bleachers in a chaotic way. The staff hurried to secure the animals. Kate was frozen, rooted on the sand.

‘ Kate !’ Tyler screamed to catch her attention.

The young woman didn’t react, didn’t move a muscle.

‘ Kate, we have to go !’ Tyler ran to her, desperate to get her to a safe place.

She looked at him without seeing him. Pure terror was written all over her face.

‘ Kate’ He grabbed her hand.

His touch made her reconnect with reality. She blinked once or twice.

‘ Shelter, now’ He urged her.

She nodded and they finally joined the people desperatly exiting the rodeo.

‘ It’s just across the street’ Tyler said.

It wasn’t easy to reach safety because of panicked people and cars speeding away. When they managed to get inside, Kate was still very pale. She was barely able to keep standing on her two feet but Tyler was holding her.

‘ What’s wrong with her ?’ Lily asked, concerned.

‘ I don’t really know’ Tyler replied ‘ Let’s sit down, Kate’

‘ Y-yeah’

They sat on the floor and Tyler wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

‘ It’s going to be alright, I’m here’ He said softly.

‘ Don’t leave’ Kate was hanging on his shirt for dear life.

‘ I won’t’ He pulled her closer.

Kate’s head ended against his chest and she closed her eyes, focusing on his heartbeat. Everybody in the shelter waited anxiously in an eery silence. The wind was roaring outside and they could hear the wreckage caused by the tornado. It took them a while to realize that it was over.

‘ Kate ?’

She slowly looked up and touched his face with a trembling hand.

‘ You’re still here’ She whispered in relief.

‘ Yeah’ He kissed her softly to reassure her.

Someone opened the doors of the shelter. The damages outside were impressive. The tornado had torn apart half of Stillwater. Police sirens were heard and people started to leave.

‘ I think it’s safe now’ Dexter said.

‘ You’re good, Kate ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ I’m ok’

Tyler got up and helped her getting back on her feet. The Wranglers left the shelter.

‘ My God…’ Dani whispered.

‘ The emergency services aren’t here yet but we can help in the meantime’ Tyler said.

They all agreed not caring about the potential danger. Kate was grateful to be able to do something. She could forget for a moment about her breakdown. Tyler’s arms had been the safest shelter she needed. For a couple of hours, they were really busy. Kate saw Javi from afar and was relieved that he was ok. The tornado didn’t take him. After they finished helping around, they had the good surprise to see that their motel was still standing. The cars were also intact. It was a small miracle. They were very tired and crashed for a few hours.

They decided to leave Stillwater earlier than what was scheduled. The rodeo and the bank were destroyed anyway. Impossible to work or to rob.

They packed their stuff and hit the road. They made a stop at a diner to get some food. They were unusually quiet, taking in what happened the previous night. They felt like death had brushed them. The news on tv broadcasted a journalist in Stillwater. It was muted but the images of the devastation were heartbreaking.

‘ I need some air’ Kate got up and left.

‘ I’m probably stating the obvious but I think she has a trauma’ Dexter dropped.

‘ I’ll check on her’ Tyler said and went outside.

Kate was sitting down on the sidewalk of the parking lot, her head on her knees.

‘ Kate ?’

She looked up and wiped her eyes. Tyler sat by her side and rubbed her back.

‘ Do you want to talk about it ?’ He asked.

Kate didn’t speak for so long that he thought the answer was no.

‘ It happened five years ago’ She started.

Kate was riding her horse. She was wearing a cowboy hat because the sun was high in the sky.

‘ That’s good, Gingerbread’ She petted the animal, proud of her partner.

Jeb leaned against the fence and watched Kate do a few circles with the horse.

‘ Enjoying the view ?’ Kate asked.

‘ Very much’

‘ I’ll be ready soon’

A picnic with Jeb and her friends had been planned. Kate took care of Gingerbread and they left. It was their last day before going back to college. They stopped in a field and settled everything. Kate laughed when Jeb tried to catch the grape she threw with his mouth and failed.

‘ I see there’s at least one thing you’re not good at’ Kate giggled.

‘ I can’t be perfect’

They were chatting when the weather suddenly changed. Strong winds started to blow and rain drenched them in a few seconds.

‘ Let’s go back to the car !’ Praveen yelled to be heard.

The young man hated to be wet and he didn’t want to catch a cold. They abandoned the food and the blanket. They made a run for the car which seemed so far away.

‘ Oh my God !!’ Addy cried as she looked over her shoulder.

It wasn’t just wind but a tornado. It would be hard to escape it.

‘ An overpass !’ Jeb screamed.

‘ No, it’s too dangerous !’ Kate warned them, remembering tornado surviving 101.

But fear overcame her words of wisdom and they didn’t listen to her. Praveen was the first to die. He was sucked away before they could do anything. Terror made them run faster and they reached the overpass.

‘ Let’s climb up !’ Jeb told the girls.

The ground was slippery and Addy lost her balance. Kate tried to help her but it was too late. The tornado took the young woman as well.

‘ Addy !!’ Kate screamed.

‘ Kate ! There’s nothing you can do for her anymore !’ Jeb urged her ‘ Take my hand !’

They tried to reach safety but it was just an illusion. What happened next was blurry in Kate’s mind. She ended up alone since the tornado had claimed Jeb too. Her leg was bleeding but she didn’t know why. She was lost in the silence that followed the vanishing of the monster that destroyed her life.

‘ I don’t know why or how I survived when my friends didn’t’ Kate whispered, her throat tight.

‘ I’m not going to pretend that I know how you feel but I’m really sorry’

She nodded.

‘ I’m glad you’re still alive’ Tyler added.

‘ Sometimes I have conflicted feelings about that’

Survivor’s guilt had been strong in the first months following the drama. Leaving Oklahoma and joining the FBI helped giving some sense to her life. Plus she liked to catch bad guys. But connecting with people was hard. Javi was the only exception until now.

‘ That’s why I…’ Kate stopped herself.

She almost told Tyler she lived in New York. She wasn’t supposed to because « Kate Danvers » never left the state. She was playing a dangerous game.

‘ Could you...kiss me ?’ She asked.

‘ Always’ He grinned.

He did what she requested, happy to bring her some relief. He was glad that she trusted him with such a personal and painful memory. He had no idea she experienced that kind of tragedy and he wanted to take away her pain. He meant it when he said he was glad that she survived. He didn’t want to imagine what it would feel to never meeting her. It wasn’t logical because he would never have known what he was missing but still.

Kate felt her heart was less heavy now she had shared her burden with someone else. Facing another tornado opened her wound again. Fear had clawed in her and if Tyler didn’t…

Weirdly enough, he was the sweetest person Kate ever met.

Chapter Text

They stopped at a motel and shared rooms as usual. The night was still far away and they weren’t sure what to do to kill time. Their next contract only started in two days. Since they were kind of together, Kate and Tyler were staying in the same room. No one made comments about that change. Kate received a text from Javi.

Call me please

It sounded urgent enough.

‘ My mom wants to talk to me. I’m going to call her’ She said and got up from the bed.

‘ Stay here’ Tyler offered ‘ I need to see Dexter about something’

He kissed her and left the room. She immediatly called Javi.

‘ Kate, thank God ! Where the hell are you ?’

The young woman told him the name of the town they were staying in for the moment.

‘ It wasn’t scheduled’ Javi said frowning.

‘ I know but there was a tornado if you haven’t noticed’

Her tone was harsher than she intended to be.

‘ Sorry’ She apologized.

‘ How are you ?’ He asked suddenly a bit more concerned than he already was.

He saw her after the tornado but he lost track of Kate after they left the motel in Stillwater.

‘ I’m ok’

Javi knew she had lost friends to a tornado years ago and that explained why he felt she was off. It must have been triggering.

‘ Look, if you want to get out of this mission…’ He started.

‘ No !’

‘ Kate, are you sure you’re alright ?’

‘ I am and I can’t give up. They wouldn’t understand’

‘ You could always say that you need to spend some time with your mom, something like that. She still lives in Sapulpa, right ?’

‘ And I would simply leave ?’ Kate asked.

‘ Yeah, it could work’ He was convinced of his words.

‘ I don’t think so’ She said firmly.

‘ Why ?’

Because I don’t want to leave him.

Of course she couldn’t admit that to Javi. He wouldn’t understand. She wasn’t sure she understood what was going on with herself at the moment.

‘ It wouldn’t make sense and it would compromise the mission. They trust me, Javi’

‘ As long as you’re ok with staying with them’

‘ I am’

More than you imagine.

‘ Fine’ Javi sighed giving up.

‘ We’ll be back on schedule in a couple of days’ She added to reassure him.

‘ Keep me updated, please. I’m not just your handler, I’m also your friend’

‘ I know that’ Kate said.

‘ Hey Dex, can we talk ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ Come in’

‘ I need a service’

‘ What is it ?’

‘ Could you go to the library and give me the plan of the bank ?’ Tyler requested.

‘ Of this town ?’ The older man asked to make sure he understood correctly.

‘ Yes’

‘ I didn’t know we were planning another heist. After what happened in Stillwater...’

‘ Not exactly. I mean I want to tell Kate what we’re doing’ Tyler confessed.

‘ By robbing a bank with her ?’

‘ It would be a test, to see how she reacts’

‘ That’s a big risk you’re taking. Not only for you but for the rest of the team as well. What if she goes see the police ?’ Dexter warned him.

‘ I know but…’

Kate trusted him with something big about her life and he wanted to do the same. He wanted to be honest with her.

‘ You’re right but I want to try’ Tyler said.

‘ I guess I won’t change your mind’

‘ No’

‘ What will you do if she goes to the police or run off ?’

Tyler had thought about it and he had no clear answer. He didn’t want her to run away but he didn’t want to lie either. And if she called the police, they were the ones who would have to run away. Both options would certainly break his heart.

He loves her, Dexter thought.

As crazy as it sounded since they just met, Dexter knew he was right. He wondered if Tyler was aware of the way his heart felt.

‘ Will you help me or not ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ I will’

Tyler walked back in their room and smiled when he saw Kate.

‘ What ?’

‘ Nothing, I’m just happy to see you’ He said.

‘ We didn’t stay away from each other for that long’

‘ Still too long if you’re asking me’

‘ Then come closer’ Kate told him.

Tyler stopped right in front of her.

‘ Close enough ?’

‘ Almost’ She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.

Things heated up quickly. Their shirts disappeared and Tyler layed her down gently on the bed. He kissed down her neck. Since she was shirtless he was able to go lower and kissed the uncovered parts of her breasts. It made her shiver. She pushed him on his back and kissed him.

‘ You like being in charge, uh ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ Yup’

Kate left wet kisses from his chest down to his abs enjoying his chiseled torso. Tyler moaned under her kisses.

‘ Why are you still wearing your pants ?’ The young woman asked.

‘ That’s an excellent question, thanks for asking. Well, I guess you could be nice and undress me’

‘ If you undress me too’

‘ Deal’

She started with his boots and socks. Moving on to something sexier, she unbuckled his belt. He helped her taking his pants off.

‘ Come here’ Tyler motioned for her to sit on his lap.

As she did so, Kate felt he was very hard and smiled in the kiss. She teasingly rocked her hips making him groan. His hands reached for her bra and he unhooked it. He tossed it somewhere and touched her breasts. Her nipples reacted right away and hardened. He grabbed one in his mouth and sucked on it. She whimpered.

‘ That’s right, darlin’’ Tyler said.

He paid attention to her other breast. She closed her eyes and ran a hand through his hair.

‘ How about I take your pants off ?’ He asked.

‘ Be my guest’

Tyler laid her back on the bed and unbuttoned her jeans. They joined the floor with the rest of their clothes.

‘ Now these panties are annoying’ He ran his fingers on them rubbing her.

Kate bit on her lip to hold back a moan.

‘ Don’t do that. How will I know you like it if I can’t hear you ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ I thought you liked when I did that’

‘ Oh I do but now I want to hear you. Loud and clear’ He slid her panties down her legs.

Tyler ran his hands on her thighs. He trailed up to her womanhood and caressed the naked flesh. Kate moaned and he kept going. He slid a finger inside of her wet folds and moved it.

‘ Oh, Tyler…’

‘ Moan for me’ He added a finger.

Kate moaned loudly and moved her hips. He pumped in and out until she came. Watching her unfold turned him on even more.

‘ Oh, my…’ Kate whispered, a little breathless.

‘ Anytime you want’

‘ Careful, I might take you to your words’ She kissed him.

He deepened the kiss and touched her tongue with his.

‘ It’s my turn’ Kate said.

‘ Do what you want’

‘ Don’t mind if I do. Get on your back, please’

Once more she left a trail of kisses on his chest. This time, she grabbed the hem of his boxers and looked at him. His heart beat faster. She smirked and took off his last item of clothing. Her hand went on his lenght and she caressed him. He took a sharp breath and whimpered her name. Kate leaned in and took him in her mouth.

‘ Kate !’

Tyler closed his eyes while her mouth and tongue worked on him. It didn’t take long for him to come and he hoped he would last longer once he was inside of her. She licked her lips and winked at him.

‘ Why didn’t I meet you sooner ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ You’re only saying that because I just…’

He pulled her towards him and kissed her. His hand ran lovingly in her hair. Kate thought she could get used to this. The whole world outside faded and it was just them. Her and Tyler in their little bubble of happiness. He left a few kisses on her jaw.

‘ I want you’ Tyler said.

‘ Then what are you waiting for ?’

‘ Hold on’ He got up and looked through his bag.

When he found what he needed he came back to the bed.

‘ So, you often travel with a box of condoms ?’ Kate asked casually.

‘ Nope, milady. I bought it yesterday before the tornado’

‘ Better be safe than sorry, I guess. That’s really cocky of you though’

‘ Says the woman naked in my bed’

‘ Excuse me but this is my bed’

‘ I think we should share’ Tyler opened the box and took a condom.

Kate watched him preparing himself, her heart pounding. She didn’t remember the last time she was this excited to sleep with someone. Maybe it never happened. When he was ready, Tyler layed on her and kissed her one more time. He pulled away and looked at her. She nodded and he slowly slid in her. Everything that wasn’t related to this moment faded far away. All that mattered was the pleasure they were sharing.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Tyler felt very nervous. It was now or never. The big moment of truth. Or the moment he would lose her ?

‘ Hey, Kate ?’

‘ Yeah ?’

‘ I have to tell you something’ He said with a hesitation.

‘ You’re breaking up with me ?’ Kate joked.

‘ Of course not !’

Tyler didn’t want her to think that he was done with her because she slept with him and that it was all he wanted. He wasn’t that type of guy.

‘ Relax’ She touched his arm ‘ I was joking’

‘ Oh’

She swore his cheeks took a light shade of pink. Too adorable.

‘ Anyway, what did you want to tell me ?’

‘ Right, well…’ He scratched his jaw.

‘ I’m gonna try another joke’ Kate warned him ‘ Wife and kids ?’

‘ Neither. I just...I just don’t know how you’ll react’

Suddenly Kate knew. He was going to tell her about his other activity. She had no idea how she was going to play this. Shock ? Fear ?

‘ I...Actually me and the other Wranglers, we have an illegal business going on. We don’t just do rodeos’

‘ What illegal business ?’

‘ We steal money from banks’ He finally admitted.

Kate remained silent, weighting her options.

‘ Why ?’ She asked.

‘ Why we do that ?’

She nodded. Her question was genuine.

‘ Not to harm people or because we need money. I guess we simply like the thrill’

‘ Like adrenaline junkies’ She said.

‘ Yeah, I guess so’

She nodded again.

‘ Please say something’

‘ I...Why did you tell me ?’ Kate asked ‘ You barely know me’

‘ Because I couldn’t keep lying to you’

Kate’s heart ached. She was lying to him as well. For a crazy moment, she considered telling him she was a cop. That she was supposed to arrest him and his friends. How would he react ?

He would certainly be mad but he would never hurt her. Maybe he would hate her. Could she live with that ? And then what ? Tyler and the rest of the team would probably run away and live in hiding. It wouldn’t be a life to always look over your shoulder because the FBI was tracking you. Kate realized that if she didn’t arrest them, someone else would eventually. She was stuck.

‘ So, if you want to run, it’s now’

His tone was light but she could see in his eyes that he was scared that she would actually do it.

‘ I could also turn you all to the police’ Kate stated.

‘ Give me heads up if you choose to do that. Or…’

‘ Or ?’

‘ Would it be scary to try ?’

‘ To try what ?’

‘ To rob a bank’ Tyler dropped.

‘ I...I don’t know. When ?’

‘ This afternoon or tomorrow. Depends on what Dexter finds’

‘ What do you mean ?’ Kate asked.

Of course she already knew the answer through her spying. Tyler explained what Dexter was up to.

‘ I’ll understand if you don’t want to get involved into this’ He concluded.

‘ Would I be in danger ?’

‘ I’d never let that happen, I swear’

She knew he meant his words.

‘ I...Let’s wait for Dexter’ She said ‘ I haven’t decided yet’

‘ Alright, fair enough. You’re not...You don’t want to leave ?’

Kate didn’t want to hurt him but she couldn’t seem too eager to be on board.

‘ I don’t know that yet either’ She replied.

It wasn’t what Tyler wanted to hear but he could go with it for now.

‘ Hey’

‘ Hey’ Lily said almost shyly.

What was wrong with her ? It was Boone for crying out loud ! She had known the boy for years, he was almost like a brother. Alright, that was a lie because you didn’t kiss your brother. Tyler was her brother. Boone ? Lily didn’t know anymore.

‘ So, what do we do ?’ Boone asked.

‘ About what ?’

She was nervous that he might be talking about their kiss.

‘ Tyler and Kate. I know it’s over two weeks so there’s a winner or not ?’

Obviously he was taking about their bet. They didn’t need to be geniuses to figure out what Tyler and Kate were doing when they were alone together in their room.

‘ I think we both lost’ She said.

‘ Too bad’

Boone didn’t seem that bothered though.

‘ Yeah, gotta go’

‘ We’re not gonna talk about it, are we ?’ The young man asked.

‘ About what ?’ Lily felt like a parrot.

‘ About what happened between us’

Oh, here it was.

‘ I don’t want to talk’

‘ I see’

Lily turned towards him and gathered her courage.

‘ I don’t want to talk but…’ She grabbed his face between her hands ‘ But we can kiss’

And they did.

Kate was staring at the plan of the bank. Dexter had given it to Tyler a few minutes ago without a word. His silence spoke volumes. Meaning he didn’t approve of this. He didn’t want Kate to be part of their illegal business. Whether he didn’t trust her or he was scared she would give them to the police, Kate wasn’t sure. Dexter was right to be worried though.

Kate focused on the map. The bank had two entrances and one exit in the back. Alarms were in place. There was a vault but she didn’t know if they would open it.

‘ So...What’s the plan ?’ Kate asked wishing she could know every detail.

‘ Do you mind playing the damsel in distress ?’

‘ What ?’

‘ You see, I know you’re far from being one and I respect that but the security guys won’t know that’

‘ I’d be the damsel in distress while you’re the big bad robber ?’

‘ Exactly’ He said.

‘ What about the others ? What are they going to do ?’

‘ Nothing because they’re not coming’

‘ Just us then’ She nodded ‘ Isn’t it a bit risky ?’

‘ My gun won’t be loaded if that can make you feel safer’

Not really, she thought.

‘ Ok’

‘ Ok?’

‘ Ok, I agree to this nonsense’ She clarified.

‘ Good’ He kissed her.

Chapter Text

Kate pushed the door open and went in the bank. She had to be as innocent as possible. She discreetly counted two guards and thought it wasn’t good. They could overpower Tyler and she didn’t want that. In the heat of the fight, they could shoot him. Kate felt some relief when one of the guards took a phone call going outside in the process.

C’mon Tyler, she thought.

Now would be a good moment to make his entrance. She waited a few more seconds and saw him. He showed her the mask he was going to wear to hide his face before she left the car. Tyler went in and immediatly started the heist. No time to waste.

Before the remaining guard could react, he took out his gun and grabbed Kate. He placed his gun against her head. Even though she knew it wasn’t loaded, her heart pounded in fear. Her instinct was to get free and take his weapon but she was the damsel in distress. Not a trained FBI agent. She forced herself to do nothing.

‘ Don’t try anything or I blow her pretty head’ Tyler said to the guard, playing the vilain perfectly.

‘ Lower your weapon and let her go’

‘ I will...Once you fill this bag with cash’

Tyler pushed the bag he had dropped towards the guard.

‘ Do as I say and she’ll live’ He added.

The guard was tempted to reach for his own gun. Maybe he could shoot Tyler in the shoulder to neutralize him. But there was a big risk that he would hurt or kill the hostage in the process.

‘ Please do as he says’ Kate begged in her best shaky voice.

She didn’t like playing the helpless girl. She would feel so much better if she could hold a gun and be one of the robbers instead. Again, not possible. She didn’t dare to look for the other guard. He would be back at some point and it was making her nervous. They didn’t need that. They had to leave fast. The door that Tyler didn’t use flew open and she felt him tense. Just like she did. The missing guard came in but he was held at gunpoint by Dexter. He also had a mask but Kate recognized him.

‘ What’s taking so long ?’ Dexter asked Tyler.

‘ Nothing’

The guard that wasn’t near Dexter decided it was time to obey and give them what they wanted. He finally realized that lives were at stake. The hostage, his colleague and everyone in the bank. Someone could try to play hero and he needed to prevent a bloodbath.

‘ I’m gonna grab the bag now’ The guard said.

‘ And you’re going to fill it with money’ Tyler instructed once more.

‘ Yes’

The guard grabbed the bag and went to the counter. He asked for his coworkers to fill it up.

‘ Hurry’ Tyler urged them ‘ We don’t have all day’

The guard nodded, annoyed that he had to give in to thieves. He felt so useless !

‘ Come back to me and no funny business’ Tyler said ‘ Or I shoot her. Unless you prefer that my friend shoot your buddy’

Kate was relieved that it would be over soon. Tyler carefully grabbed the bag keeping his eyes on the guard. After that, he slowly walked back to the door bringing Kate with him. Once in the street, Tyler whispered in her ear so no one else would hear.

‘ See ya later, babe’

Tyler had to leave her for the moment. He didn’t like it but the police would chase them harder if they took the hostage. He left her on the sidewalk and ran to the car. He didn’t see Dexter but he couldn’t wait for him. He drove away quickly. Kate looked at the car turning left and sighed in relief. It worked and Tyler didn’t get hurt. Same for Dexter.

‘ Are you ok, miss ?!’

Kate glanced at the guards hoping she looked like a deer caught in the lights of a car.

‘ I think so’ She whispered.

‘ It’s over, you’re safe’ One of them said.

Tyler parked his car out of town and grabbed his phone. He took off his mask and called Dexter.

‘ Dex, my man, where are you ?’

‘ I came on foot. Waiting hidden somewhere before going back to the motel’ Dexter replied.

‘ Same. Thanks for earlier’

‘ I figured you might need some help. I think it would have been better if your weapon was loaded’

‘ It was a risk for Kate. I told her she would be safe’ Tyler retorted.

‘ Is she with you now ?’

‘ No. She’s going to call me though’

‘ Are you sure of that ?’ Dexter insisted.

No, Tyler thought.

‘ Kate, she...I trust her’ He said anyway.

‘ I don’t doubt that but she might be scared’

‘ She’ll call, ok ?’

‘ We should leave town as soon as possible’ Dexter suggested.

‘ We’re not leaving without Kate’ Tyler groaned.

‘ I never said that’

Kate took out her phone. She had been brought to the police station after the robbery since she was a witness. She stayed as vague as she could claiming it was a traumatic experience and that she didn’t remember much. She didn’t inform them that she was an undercover FBI agent. Her misison was still on and her fake identity was what she gave to the police. She wasn’t interrogated as a suspect but it still felt weird to be on the other side of the table. She called Tyler when it was over.

‘ Hey, it’s me. You can pick me up now’

‘ Where are you, hon’ ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ At the police station’

Chapter Text

It made him hesitate. What if it was a trap ? What if she told everything to the cops and they were waiting for him to walk in to arrest him ? Tyler immediatly felt guilty to think such things about Kate. She wouldn’t betray him, right ?

‘ I’m coming to pick you up’ He said before he could start second guessing his girlfriend again.

Tyler never asked her what they were, they didn’t put a label on their blossoming relationship but there was no doubt in his mind that she was his girl.

‘ Thanks’

Tyler came in his red truck and Kate left the hall when she saw him. No police officer following her to cuff him. He felt a bit ashamed by the pang of relief that went through him.

‘ Are you ok ?’ Tyler asked when she climbed in.

‘ Of course I am. They don’t suspect me’

‘ Good, I’m glad they don’t’

‘ Are you ok ?’ Kate asked.

‘ Why that question ?’

‘ Because I was worried about you. I was scared you would get hurt or worse’

It was the honest truth. Him getting hurt was like an awful nightmare.

‘ You don’t need to worry about me’ Tyler said softly.

‘ I do anyway’

He touched her cheek and kissed her.

‘ Let’s leave. I’m nervous here’ He said.

Just like Dexter suggested, they packed and left town. They drove to the next town they were supposed to perform. It was the best thing to do. Once more, Tyler and Kate were sharing a room.

‘ I think we should take a shower’ Tyler said.

‘ Oh ?’ Kate raised an eyebrow.

‘ Yeah, it’s saving water if we shower at the same time. Think about the planet, honey’

Kate wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. She knew he didn’t mean showering in an innocent way.

‘ Do robberies make you horny ?’ She asked.

‘ Maybe but I don’t often have someone to be with when that happens’

‘ Lucky you that I’m here now’

Tyler grabbed her hand and they walked to the tiny bathroom. They quickly removed each other clothes and he turned on the shower. Hot water hit their bodies as they went in. Kate felt her muscles relaxing and smiled. The stress of the day was washing away and Tyler sucking on her neck felt very nice.

‘ Vampire’ She whimpered.

‘ Don’t make me bite you’ He fakely threatened her.

‘ Actually, I think you already did’

‘ True’ Tyler laughed.

She kissed his chest softly several times and he felt himself hardening.

‘ I see little Tyler is excited’ Kate said and smirked.

‘ He’s not little’ He protested.

‘ Prove it then’

‘ What the lady wants…’ His voice trailed off.

With that said he turned her around and she was now facing the wall. Kate didn’t mind being manhandled once in a while. It aroused her. She liked slow and loving but a little rough was good too. The young woman let out a moan when he entered her.

‘ Do you feel me now, darlin’ ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ Yes…’

They stopped thinking coherently as he started to move inside her.

That night, they were asleep in each other arms. Kate’s sleep was agitated because she was having a nightmare, She was back at the bank but this time everything went wrong. She didn’t know how it happened but Tyler was lying on the floor with a bullet in his chest. And the blood...Oh God, the blood...It seemed like it was everywhere.

‘ Tyler !’

Kate had to do something and fast or she would lose him. Trying not to panic more than she already was, she looked around to find something, anything, to stop the bleeding.

‘ Someone give me a cloth, a tissue ! Whatever you have !’

People were shocked because she was the hostage a few minutes ago but she seemed desperate to help the bad guy now. Could the Stockholm syndrom happen so fast ? A man came to her and gave her a handkerchief.

‘ Thank you’ She pressed it against the wound on Tyler’s chest.

He mumbled something, his eyes closing.

‘ No, stay with me’ She begged, tears threatening to fall from her eyes ‘ I’m sorry, it wasn’t supposed to go down like this’

‘ Miss, you have to move. He’s dangerous’ A guard said.

Was he the one who shot Tyler ? Kate didn’t remember.

‘ I’m not moving’ She spat, ready to bite and fight anyone that would take her away from Tyler.

‘ The police…’

‘ I am the police !’ She screamed ‘ I am a FBI agent ! Agent Carter and I need to help him’

Even though her voice seemed very far away, Tyler heard what she said.

‘ W-what ?’ His voice was weak.

‘ I’m sorry’ She repeated ‘ Don’t die, please. I love you’

‘ Kate’

Someone was calling her.

‘ Kate, wake up’

She opened her eyes and she was in the bed with Tyler. No hole in his chest and no blood. She felt something wet on her cheeks and realized she was crying.

‘ Sorry, I woke you up’ Kate apologized.

‘ Kate, are you ok ?’ Tyler brushed some hair out of her face.

‘ Not really’

‘ You need a glass of water’ He decided and left the bed.

She watched him filling a glass before coming back.

‘ Thanks’

‘ You want to tell me what happened ?’ He asked.

‘ It was just a nightmare’ Kate took a sip.

‘ Ok, I’m here if you want to talk about it’ Tyler sat on the bed.

‘ I dreamed about you getting shot in the bank’ She sighed ‘ It was so horrible. I felt powerless’

‘ I’m sorry’

‘ What for ?’ Kate looked at him.

‘ This is my fault. I should have never asked you to be part of the robbery. It was a stupid idea’

‘ But I said yes’ She pointed out.

‘ I shouldn’t have brought you into this’ He repeated ‘ I won’t anymore’

‘ But you will rob banks again’ Kate stated.

‘ Yes’ Tyler nodded.

‘ I have an idea then’

‘ What ?’

‘ I’m going to worry anyway but it would be worse if I’m not there with you so I was wondering if you could teach me how to shoot’

‘ Guess you didn’t like being the damsel in distress’

‘ Not at all. So, what do you say ?’

‘ Alright, let’s be Bonnie and Clyde but without the tragic ending’

Chapter Text

Javi was not pleased. He felt like Kate was hiding something from him. He knew that some undercover agents could go too far and lose themselves but he hoped it wasn’t the case. Kate wasn’t like that, right ? She was a profesionnal. The best agent he knew and he trusted her in general.

She told him they were robbing another bank and that she would be part of it. That would be her second time. Javi parked his car near the targetted bank and waited. He let them do their dirty job and followed them back to the motel they were staying in. Boone left the car first and went to his room without looking around. He was followed by Kate and Tyler but they took their time. The cowboy pulled her into him and kissed her. Javi’s knuckles turned white because he gripped the steering wheel very hard. What the hell was going on ?!

His eyes didn’t leave them as they walked in another room and the door closed behind them. Javi angrily drove away before he had the bad idea of kicking down the door and dragging Kate out of the room.

‘ Stop staring’ Kate said and put a shirt back on.

‘ A man’s allowed to stare at his beautiful girl’ Tyler stated.

‘ You’re making me blush’ Kate giggled and touched her cheeks.

‘ You impressed me earlier’

‘ Really ?’

They had spent the last few days in shooting lessons and she was a quick learner. Quantico trained but shhh.

‘ Yeah’ He said ‘ You were right, you’re not meant to be a damsel in distress. It’s so much better that way’

‘ Told you’ She kissed him.

‘ What was that for ?’

‘ For being you. Do I need other reasons ?’

‘ I guess not’ He kissed her ‘ I have something for you’

‘ If it’s money, I don’t need it’

‘ It’s not that’ He opened the drawer of the nightstand ‘ I know it’s probably too early but when I saw this, it made me think of you and…’

He took out a box.

‘ Open it’ Tyler smiled.

Kate grabbed the velvet box and looked inside. She discovered a golden pendant representing the letter K tied to a chain.

‘ Do you like it ?’ He asked nervously.

Tyler didn’t think he offered anything to a girl since he was a teen.

‘ Yes, it’s beautiful’ Kate took it in her hand.

‘ Let me’

Tyler grabbed the necklace and she lifted her hair.

‘ Here’ He tied it around her neck.

Kate went to look at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She touched the pendant feeling like it was meant to be here.

‘ You look beautiful’ Tyler was leaning against the doorframe admiring her as always.

‘ Well, you’re not so bad yourself’

It helped that he was only wearing boxers. She could see his drool worthy muscles.

‘ I was told once or twice I looked good’ He shrugged.

‘ By who ?’

‘ A few women’

‘ Oh’

‘ Is that your jealous face ?’ Tyler asked.

Kate didn’t reply and walked past him. He grabbed her arm gently.

‘ I don’t want to sound like an ass but you don’t have to worry because they didn’t matter like you do’

‘ You mean that ?’ She asked.

‘ Yup’ He kissed her forehead.

Kate enjoyed the moment. She knew that sooner or later, the other shoe would drop.

Turned out it would be sooner than later judging by the text she received from Javi.

NEED TO TALK TO YOU ASAP !!!!

He sounded so angry her heart squeezed. He probably knew the truth.

Where ?

Javi told her there was a park not far from the motel and that he was waiting for her. Kate got ready for a jogging and left. It didn’t take her long to find the park. Javi was sitting on a bench but he got up as soon as he saw her.

‘ Javi…’

‘ Do you think I’m stupid ?’

‘ No’ She swallowed hard.

‘ Then maybe you imagined I wouldn’t find out’

‘ Javi, listen to me…’

A thought ocurred to the young man. What if his friend needed help and he had failed to see it ?

‘ Did he...Did he force you ?’ Javi asked with worry.

If it was the case, he would put a bullet in the head of that bastard ! He didn’t care if it was illegal.

‘ He would never do that !’ Kate protested ‘ He’s not like that !’

Javi remembered something.

‘ You insisted to stay on the mission to be with him’

Kate remained silent.

‘ What’s wrong with you, Kate ? You want to risk everything, your career, for what ? For sex ?’

‘ Things are not like that’ Kate retorted fiercely ‘ You can’t understand’

‘ You’re right, I can’t. I don’t wish to have the carnal knowledge of a criminal’

His words made her ashamed of herself.

‘ Are you going to tell Tessler ?’ Kate asked.

‘ Maybe I should’

Distress appeared on Kate’s face and he felt guilty.

‘ I won’t’ Javi sighed ‘ I’m stupid enough to protect you despite your mistake’

‘ What now ?’

‘ I think the next robbery could be their last’

‘ What ?’

‘ We gathered enough proof and you witnessed first hand their robberies’

Kate knew that and yet she didn’t want to leave. She didn’t want to say goodbye even though she knew it was always going to happen. Her story with Tyler was always meant to be shortlived. Kate’s heart ached and she felt like throwing up.

‘ It’s for the best’ Javi said.

Kate didn’t share his opinion at all.

‘ I should go back’

‘ Be careful’ Javi insisted ‘ And don’t...No, nevermind’

Chapter Text

Kate was on edge. She kept fidgeting with her new necklace. Today was the awful deadline as she called it in her head. The day of the arrest.

‘ Kate, are you alright ?’ Tyler asked.

She looked at him, unable to tell him the truth. She felt nauseous and wondered if she would have to run to the bathroom. Luckily the wave of sickness disappeared.

‘ If you don’t want to go, it’s ok’ He said ‘ We can manage’

Kate knew what was waiting for them. She told Javi when and where the robbery would happen. She knew that a trap had been put in place.

‘ I told you I would always go with you and I will. It’s nothing’ She reassured him with a kiss.

‘ If you say so’

He sounded skeptical and she hated that he could read her emotions all too well. Kate wanted to say that it was going to be ok but she knew better.

‘ It’s time’ Tyler said.

For this heist, they were all going, except Dexter. It would be so easy to arrest them. To put an end to their illegal business once and for all. Kate was silent the whole ride. She knew she was acting out of character, at least in their eyes. Her true personality was a mix of Kate Carter and Kate Danvers but today she needed to fully be the FBI agent. She had to do her job and let her heart die.

Far too soon, they pulled in an alleyway near the bank. They put their masks on and checked their weapons.

‘ Everyone knows what they’re supposed to do ?’ Tyler asked.

They nodded and the robbery started. Everything seemed normal but Kate recognized Javi and she knew the employees had been replaced by FBI agents. The clients had no idea and got scared. As usual they were told to stay calm and that it wouldn’t be long. Kate felt the air changing when Boone and Dani went to the counter. Instead of dealing with frightened people, they saw the « employees » taking out their guns before getting up.

‘ FBI ! You’re under arrest ! Drop your weapons and keep your hands were I can see them !’

They were both taken aback. Seeing what was happening, Lily tried to make it to the door but she was stopped.

‘ Drop your weapon and get on the ground !’

‘ Shit’ Tyler cursed.

He grabbed Kate’s hand and ran towards a room he knew was in the back by studying the maps. They could make it there because the FBI had received the order to not shoot unless they had no other option. They didn’t want casualties among the clients and they didn’t know which one of the thieves was Kate. Tyler closed the door behind them locking it and walked to the window.

‘ It’s tiny but I think you can go through it and run off’ Tyler said.

When she didn’t reply, he turned around. She had taken off her mask and was holding him at gunpoint.

‘ Kate ?’

‘ Move away from the window’

In that moment, Tyler understood the truth.

‘ You’re one of them. You’re a copper’

‘ Yes. Now slowly take off your mask and drop your weapon’

Tyler thought about his options. He could try to escape through the door but it was locked and Kate could shoot him. Was it even her real name ? He didn’t know her anymore, she could press the trigger. Also he didn’t want to hurt her.

You’re too damn stupid, he thought, she’s backstabbing ya and you care about her wellbeing.

‘ Alright’ Tyler said.

He did as she asked him very slowly. Seeing the hurt on his face almost made Kate look away.

‘ I’m going to grab my pair of cuffs so get on your knees and place your hands on your head, please’ She told him.

Once again he obeyed but remained silent. Kate carefully cuffed him.

‘ I’m sorry’ She whispered.

She didn’t know if he didn’t hear her or chose to ignore her. In a blur, she left the room with Tyler and joined the other agents. Tyler was locked in a police car with his partners in crime. He looked through the window and saw a guy walking to Kate. They started to talk but he couldn’t hear what they were saying. Tyler wondered if he was her real boyfriend. That thought made his broken heart ache even more. Everything had been fake, a dirty lie. He closed his eyes.

Kate was trying to listen to Javi but her mind was somewhere far away. She kept glancing at the car Tyler was in. Not only him but the people she considered her friends over the last few weeks. She lost them too. She wished they were deeply bad dirtbags so their arrest wouldn’t come with so many regrets.

‘ A team was sent to arrest Dexter’ Javi said.

‘ Yeah’

That was all she said.

‘ Kate ?’

‘ Listen, I don’t feel good. I need some time alone’

‘ Oh, ok. I understand. Where will you go ?’ Javi asked.

Anywhere but here

‘ I don’t know. I...I can’t’ Kate left quickly.

Chapter Text

A year later

Kate parked the car and looked at the building. No, not any building, the jail. She grabbed her necklace and toyed with the letter. It had became a habit since last year. It happened when she was thoughtful or nervous. When she was more or less ready, the young woman hid the necklace under her buttoned shirt and left the safety of the car. She walked to the entrance desk where she introduced herself.

‘ Agent Carter, FBI. I’m here to see one of your inmates’

She showed her badge to prove her identity.

‘ Name of the inmate, please’

‘ Tyler Owens’

She was glad she managed to say his name without stuttering.

‘ You’re not on the register’ The person said after checking.

‘ I’m aware of that but it’s a matter of national security’

Tyler was lying on his bed in his cell. He was reading a book but the plot wasn’t much interesting.

‘ Owens !’

He looked at the prison guard.

‘ Get up, you have a visitor’ The guard grabbed his keys and unlocked the cell.

‘ Who ?’

‘ Do I look like your freakin’ mother ? Let’s move now’

Tyler followed him wondering who could be visiting him. His parents came last week and they left on tour since then. How did they react to his arrest and the reveal about his double life ?

Not well. They couldn’t believe he would do such a thing. They understood the search for thrill but didn’t get why it had to be robbing banks. Tyler didn’t have an answer for them but he was glad they came to see him. That they didn’t disown him.

He missed the Wranglers. He didn’t know where they were incarcerated.

The most important question right now was who was there to see him ?

He doubted it was his lawyer. He thought the guard was taking him to the parlor but they walked past it. They went to a seperate room. When the guard opened the door, Tyler saw who was waiting inside and froze.

‘ Kate’ He whispered under his breath.

‘ Move’ The guard snapped.

Tyler went in, a lot of emotions going through him. The guard told him to sit on the chair and was about to cuff him to the table.

‘ No, there’s no need’

Tyler was only dangerous for her heart. The guard hesitated though and Kate fought the urge to roll her eyes. Did he think she was unable to defend herself ?

‘ You can leave’ She said coldly.

‘ I won’t be far’

‘ I don’t doubt that. Now let me do my job’

Tyler suppressed the smile that was forming on his lips as the guard left. She was still not letting anyone stepping on her toes. But he couldn’t smile because she betrayed him and broke his heart. For the hundredth time he wondered why she slept with him and pretended to like him. What was the point ? Maybe it was time to ask her.

Kate was nervous but she was happy to see him. She missed Tyler so much. She thought about him every day.

‘ How are you ?’ She asked genuinely.

She wanted to grab his hand but it was probably too soon. He would reject her.

‘ Why do you care ?’

Kate thought she was prepared but his tone made her flinch.

‘ You look fine anyway’ She said.

‘ Why are you here, Kate ? I guess this isn’t a social visit since you never came before’

‘ We need help on a case’

‘ We ?’

‘ The FBI’ Kate clarified.

‘ I’m surprised because you didn’t need help to arrest me if I recall correctly’

‘ I’m not going to apologize for doing my job’ Kate groaned.

‘ I get it, I was the big bad bank robber and you were the goodie goodie two boots cop’ Tyler snapped ‘ But it didn’t give you the right to destroy my family and to break my heart’

‘ I’m sorry for that’

‘ Save it’

Kate felt they were standing on a minefield. It was time to focus again on the reason why she came. A lot safer topic.

‘ The case that we’re working on involves the Rodeo Kings. We have strong reasons to believe that they’re dealing drugs. We have a task force with the DEA’

‘ And with all these genuises, you still need me’ He pointed out.

More than anything, she thought.

‘ The Rodeo Kings want to hire a bull rider. That’s the perfect opening’

‘ Why would I help you ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ Because it’s the right thing to do and also because you’ll get out of jail’

It was a good offer. He hated it here and he missed being outside for real. Not just for a hour or two in the courtyard.

‘ Maybe I don’t want anything to do with you’ Tyler heard himself say.

‘ What ?’

‘ This isn’t what you want to hear, darlin’ ? Well, you should think twice before you stab people in the back’

Kate wanted to slap him. Or to strangle him. Most of all she wanted to kiss him. She took her business card out of her pocket and placed it on the table.

‘ If you change your mind’ She got up.

A part of him wanted to beg her to stay. It could be the last time that he would see her. Yet he watched her open the door and call for the guard.

‘ Goodbye, Mister Owens’

If he wasn’t too busy staring at the table, he would have noticed that her voice was trembling as if she was holding back tears. When she was gone, he uncurled his hands and looked at the red marks left by his nails. He had wanted so badly to touch her face and to kiss her.

Kate was able to reach her car without breaking down. She fumbled with her keys before getting in. She sat behind the streering wheel and started to sob. She vaguely remembered taking off her necklace and throwing it in the glovebox.

Kate was wearing a summer dress. He was surprised because she hated that anyone could see her scar but she looked so beautiful. She smiled at him and he enjoyed the way her eyes shone. He wanted to imagine this smile was only for him.

‘ Hey’ She walked to him and grabbed his hat.

‘ What are you doing, honey?’

‘ It looks better on me’ Kate placed the hat on her own head.

‘ That’s true’ Tyler pulled her close and kissed her lips.

‘ I love you’ She whispered.

‘ I lo-’

Tyler looked down at his hands and saw they were cuffed.

‘ You are under arrest’ She said coldly.

‘ What ? But I thought…’

‘ I did what I had to’

‘ Kate, wait, I…’

‘ Dude, you have to wake up’

When Tyler opened his eyes, he was back in the cell in his bed. He groaned.

‘ Who’s Kate ?’

He looked at Sean, his cellmate. He wouldn’t call him a friend but at least he never bothered Tyler.

‘ You said her name in your sleep’ Sean said.

‘ No one, she’s no one’

Tyler was mad at himself for dreaming about her again. He hadn’t stopped thinking about her for the past year and he wished she would leave his mind and his heart. It was probably stupid to still have feelings for a girl that didn’t care about him. She lied as she breathed and yet she was there, under his skin. He was brooding when they went to get their breakfast. Her card felt heavy in his pocket. Tyler was messing with his food when Sean whispered something to him.

‘ People are talking about a cop chick who came to talk to you. Not good for you, buddy. If you have a deal, better take it fast’

Chapter Text

Kate’s phone was ringing. She grabbed it and her heart beated faster when she recognized the number of the jail. It could only be Tyler, right ? No other inmate would call her.

‘ Hello ?’

‘ Hey, it’s me, Tyler’

As if she wouldn’t recognize his voice anywhere.

‘ The offer’s still up ?’ He asked.

‘ It is’

‘ Then I’m taking it’

‘ Thank you’ She sighed in relief.

‘ Guess I have to thank you’ He said.

‘ You’ll be out in a couple of days and we’ll be able to start working’

‘ You kinda put a target on my back though. Some people here think I’m a snitch’ He warned her.

Her heart squeezed at the idea that he could be in danger. She couldn’t bare the idea of Tyler being mortally stabbed or beaten to death. She couldn’t lose him like that.

‘ I’ll make sure you’re transferred in a safe place’ Kate said.

‘ You would ?’ He actually sounded surprised.

‘ I know you don’t believe me but I do care about your wellbeing. I’ll see you in two days’ She hung up.

It felt like a dream to Tyler when the jail’s door closed behind him. He was free !

His eyes fell on Kate who was waiting for him near her car. Well, almost free. Did he really want to be free of her though ?

Shaking the thought away, he walked to her. At least she kept her promess about his safety and he was still in one piece.

‘ Hey’

‘ Ready to go ?’ Kate asked.

‘ Anywhere but here’

He smiled shyly and it warmed her heart. Felt like a small victory. She was happy to see him even though she knew things probably wouldn’t be easy. Maybe it would change over time because they were going to spend the next few weeks together.

Kate told him to leave his bag in the trunk. After that, they drove away from the jail. Tyler breathed better with every mile. The silence between them was awkward but it was hard to do small talk.

Kate couldn’t ask him what he did for the past year because she already knew and it would be stepping in it. She was sure he was blaming her and she didn’t want to fight.

Tyler was a bit curious about her real life but he wasn’t sure he wanted to know about other arrests she might have made over the past year. Felt too close from home. He wondered if she had been undercover again after...

He didn’t want to admit it but he got worried that she could have been killed in action. It was one thing to be mad at her but facing the fact she could be dead was completely different. Of course he might never have known if she was dead. He was not family. He glanced at her and realized she was doing the same. They quickly looked away.

‘ So…’

‘ Yeah ?’ Her eyes left the road for a few seconds.

‘ Where are the Wranglers ?’

Kate told him the names of the jails they were in.

‘ If the mission goes well, I might be able to do something for them’ She added.

‘ They could be free ?’

‘ Shorter sentences or electronic tag’

‘ You would do that just because I’m helping ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ No, not just because of that. They reminded me of my friends, I mean the way you all form a chosen family’

‘ They’re really...Is it true that they’re gone ?’

‘ I could never lie about that’ Kate said.

Tyler nodded. He remembered her haunted face after Stillwater. Even if she were the best actress in the world, that couldn’t be faked. He wondered what else had been true. Did she not pretend to like him so her mission would be easier ?

He didn’t dare to ask though because he was scared of the answer.

‘ Tell me more about the mission’

Safer grounds.

‘ You’re going to do bull riding for the Rodeo Kings and collect intels about the drugs’ She said.

‘ On my own ?’

‘ No, I’ll be there as your manager’

‘ I have a manager now ?’

‘ Yup so I can watch your back and make sure you don’t get killed’

‘ Ok’

What else could he say ? He knew the FBI wouldn’t let him go so easily. He didn’t fully paid his debt to society. He wondered what would happen to him when this case would be closed. From what he understood, he wouldn’t go back to jail but he could wear an electronic tag.

‘ The Rodeo Kings are not touring at the moment. They’re staying in town for a few weeks so we’re going to share a house’ Kate told him.

‘ What ?’ Tyler froze.

Sharing a house with Kate was such a bad idea for his sanity. Despite his best judgement, he still wanted her. Spending so much time with Kate was a torture worse than jail.

‘ What did you expect ?’ Kate asked.

‘ I don’t know’

‘ Look, I know this whole situation is not easy for any of us but...’

‘ It’s not, yeah’

It stung. Kate knew it was stupid to hope anything else but cold shoulder from him but still. This was going to be a long mission. She couldn’t get overwhelmed by her emotions though. She needed to keep her head cool and be professionnal.

‘ It has to be that way, it’s easier for the job’

‘ Yeah, let’s focus on that’

The rest of the ride was silent. Kate pulled her car in the driveway of a house in the suburbs. There were other cars belonging to the FBI and the DEA. Tyler suddenly felt intimidated.

‘ It’s going to be ok’ Kate said sensing his unease.

They left the car and she opened the garage door.

‘ I think this will make you feel better’ She added.

‘ That’s my truck !’

Tyler almost ran to his beloved car and placed his hands on the hood. Kate heard him whisper something like « Daddy’s back. He missed you so much ». She giggled which caught Tyler’s attention. Their eyes locked and everything else faded. They were just Tyler and Kate. However the spell was broken when he saw someone behind her and his eyes hardened.

‘ Hey’

Kate turned around and saw Javi.

‘ Oh, hey’

Tyler pretended to look at his truck again but he was focused on them. He remembered that Javi was there when he was arrested. Tyler wanted to know what was their relationship. He didn’t know why he was doing that though. It wasn’t like he was going to be Kate’s boyfriend again.

‘ How are you ?’ Javi asked.

‘ I’m fine’

Tyler noticed that Kate was tensed. She didn’t look very pleased to see her friend.

‘ Well, since you’re here, we can start’ Javi said ‘ Let’s go inside’

He shot Tyler a dirty glare and walked away. Apparently, no love would be wasted between them.

Chapter Text

Tyler never saw so many cops gathered in one single room. The coppers looked at them when they went in the livingroom and the chatter died down. The unease was creeping back in Tyler. He felt like he broke out of jail somehow and that they were here to drag him back there.

‘ So this is the famous Tyler Owens’

The man that talked had a friendly face. He even smiled.

‘ Hi, I’m Malcolm O’Shea, DEA. Nice to meet our new asset’

They shook hands.

‘ New asset, my ass’ Javi grumbled under his breath.

‘ How about we start now ?’ Kate asked to ease the tension.

‘ Yeah, I want to know exactly what I’m getting into’ Tyler said.

Everyone had left. They were staying somewhere in town. Javi was reluctant to leave Kate alone with Tyler but he didn’t have a choice. Before doing so, he asked to talk to Kate in private.

‘ Are you ok with all of this ?’

‘ I’ll live’ She shrugged.

‘ I don’t think it’s a good idea’ He said.

‘ It’s a little too late for this conversation. We need him for the mission’

‘ Do we ? I mean I bet we could find an agent that knows how to ride a bull and could easily go undercover’

‘ No’ She shook her head ‘ Tyler was born into this world. He’s the best for the situation’

‘ Ok, fair point but what if he runs away ?’

‘ I don’t think he will. He’s doing that to help his friends, they mean the world to him’

‘ Do you always have all the answers ?’ Javi frowned.

‘ I wish’

They exchanged a smile and a knowing look. It was more or less what they said when they met on their first day in Quantico. Javi thought she was a sweet know-it-all.

‘ But considering your...past with him...’ He tried again.

‘ Javi, I’m grateful that you kept quiet about that but I’m an adult. I can handle this’

Javi thought maybe he should have talked when he had a chance. He could have told Tessler that Kate had been unprofessional. That she had been intimate with a criminal. But it would have brought so many problems to his friend. Her career could be ruined. Moreover, a good lawyer could have used this to make Tyler avoid jail and it was too much for Javi. He didn’t want Tyler to be a part of Kate’s life but here they were again.

‘ He doesn’t even know the full truth’ Javi said.

‘ And he won’t hear it from you’ Kate warned him.

‘ I should probably go’ Her friend sighed.

‘ Yeah’

‘ I think it was too soon for you to come back on the field’

He left after these words.

Their rooms weren’t far away from each other. Tyler was sitting on his bed, trying not to dwell on that detail. It was not like he was going to creep at night and…

He had a room all for himself and that made him happy. He missed that feeling of freedom. He didn’t want to ever go back to jail. He was trying not to think about the fact that Kate was talking to that Javi guy. Tyler knew she wasn’t his girl anymore and that he had no right to be jealous but…

But he hated it ! He hated that she was with Javi (romantically involved or not) and he also hated that he was jealous. Because he was, goddamnit !

He wished he could stop loving her. He had been in love once or twice before Kate but it didn’t hurt like that. Feeling like a cowboy version of Romeo, he layed down on the bed and closed his eyes for a moment.

Kate found him like that. Since he couldn’t see her, she took her time to look at him. Tyler was peaceful and she felt the urge to caress his hair tenderly. His shirt was riding up revealing some of his skin. Another kind of urge settled in her lower belly.

He must have felt her stare because he opened his eyes. He didn’t say anything though trying to read the expression on her face. Was it longing ?

‘ I just wanted to tell you that there’s food in the fridge if you’re hungry’ She said.

Tyler realized he was starving.

‘ I’m coming’ He got up.

Kate nodded and went in the kitchen as well. They reached to open the fridge at the same time and their hands brushed. He removed his hand trying to ignore the electricity that ran on his skin. Kate opened the fridge hoping he wouldn’t notice her goosebumps.

‘ There’s steaks’ She cleared her throat ‘ I could make some salad’

‘ Yeah’ He grabbed the meat careful not to touch her again.

They worked in silence. Kate focused on the salad while Tyler cooked the steaks. It smelled good. She added some tomatos and prepared the dressing. She really had to stop thinking that they looked like a couple but this moment felt so domestic. It was nice and she wondered if it was what they could have been if things had been different between them. When he was done with the steaks, Tyler looked for the plates.

‘ Here’ She said.

‘ You know the house’ He pointed out.

‘ I came here a couple of times to prepare the case with the task force’

‘ I see’

Kate helped him setting the table. They sat down and started to eat.

‘ Are you nervous for tomorrow ?’ Kate asked.

‘ No’

‘ You sure ?’

‘ I’m sure that I know bull riding, for the rest…’

‘ It’s never easy to lie’ Kate said.

‘ Really ?’

The weight of his question hung in the air. Kate’s hand tightened around her fork.

‘ For someone who value the truth so much, you didn’t tell me you were a bank robber right away. A lie by omission is still a lie’

‘ Guess we were doomed from the start’

‘ Maybe’

‘ I’m gonna do the dishes’ Tyler got up.

‘ I’ll help you’

‘ I don’t need your surveillance for that’ He snapped.

‘ That’s not what I meant. I just wanted to be nice’ Kate protested.

‘ Please don’t, you’re making things worse’

He turned to the sink. She looked at his back for a few seconds before leaving. She went outside and made a call.

The next day, Tyler buttoned up one of his shirts. It felt good to be able to wear his own clothes again. He was supposed to audition today and despite what he told Kate yesterday, he was a bit nervous. How did she do it when she had to join the Wranglers ? It couldn’t just be because he thought she was the most beautiful girl on earth, right ?

He did ask the other members of his team back then and they all agreed Kate was the best candidate. Tyler sighed and grabbed his hat. He went downstairs and saw the woman of his dreams drinking coffee sitting at the table.

‘ Good morning’

‘ Mornin’’ He poured himself a cup.

‘ Don’t fall off the bull’

‘ That would never happen’ Tyler scoffed ‘ I’m a professional’

‘ I can feel your nervousness from here’

‘ It’s just...It’s been a while’ He admitted.

‘ Don’t worry too much. I can’t help you with the bull but as your agent I can smooth the rough edges’

‘ Yeah’

‘ We should go’ Kate looked at her watch.

‘ We’re taking my truck, right ?’

‘ Yes, makes more sense’

‘ Then I’m driving’

Kate hesitated.

‘ C’mon, I’m not gonna kidnap you’

‘ Fine’ She gave him the keys.

‘ Can I have a gun too ?’

‘ Absolutly not !’

‘ Worth a shot’ He shrugged.

They left the house and went to the garage. He smiled as he turned on the engine.

‘ Oh, I missed this so much’

‘ Men and cars’ Kate whispered.

‘ Where’s the rodeo ?’

She took out her phone and put the address in the GPS. She placed it on a phone holder and the voice started to speak. He drove out of the garage and waited for her to close the door. Time to be the best version of himself.

Chapter Text

Tyler had never been to this rodeo but it felt familiar. He put his hat on his head and smiled. Kate glanced at him thinking he was still so handsome. She tried not to swoon too much but she was down so bad for this man. It was a fact and she couldn’t change it even if she wanted to.

‘ Oh hello, cowboy’

The voice belonged to a beautiful brunette.

‘ I hope you’re coming for the audition’ She smiled eyeing him up and down.

She was enjoying the view and wasn’t ashamed to show it.

‘ I am’ Tyler smiled too.

Jealousy burned Kate’s heart. She knew that woman was part of the Rodeo Kings, aka a suspect. And she was clearly flirting with Tyler. Kate was aware she lost a long time ago the right to be jealous but still !

‘ Hi, I’m Tina’

‘ Nice to meet you, I’m Tyler’

Tina finally seemed to notice Kate.

‘ And you are ?’ She asked in an unfriendly voice.

She was clearly trying to see if Kate was a rival.

Well, I am, bitch, Kate thought.

‘ Kate, his manager’

‘ Oh, you have a manager ? Must be some kind of superstar’

‘ Wait and see’ He winked.

Kate didn’t like where this was going.

‘ We should get inside’ She said ‘ We don’t want to be late and miss the audition’

‘ See you soon, sexy’ Tina left.

Tyler chuckled and shook his head. It was good to feel desired again.

‘ Over there’ Kate said dryly.

Tyler would be a liar if he said he wasn’t a tad happy that Kate seemed jealous. Maybe she did like him after all ?

Maybe not everything had been fake. As they walked to the main entrance, Tyler glanced at her. She was wearing familiar clothes, if he remembered correctly he saw her in the same outfit last year. She looked good in it and he was reminded of Kate Danvers, the girl he used to know. The rodeo was crowded with candidates and random people sitting in the bleachers.

‘ Oh, this is going to be tough’ Tyler said.

‘ Should be easy for you since you’re a superstar’ Kate mimicked Tina’s voice.

‘ Careful Kate or I might think you’re jealous’

‘ Registration’s that way’ She quickly said and walked away before he could add anything.

Tyler couldn’t help but smile as he followed her. He knew it was dangerous to go down that road again. It could only lead to heartbreak but it was stronger than him. He still enjoyed messing with her. He got in the line and waited for his turn. When he was filling the form, the guy behind the table looked at him curiously.

‘ Do I have something on my face ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ No but you look familiar. Oh wait, I know, you’re Tyler Owens !’

‘ Yeah that’s me’

‘ Dude, you’re the best bull rider in the Midwest !’

‘ I guess’ Tyler chuckled.

‘ Where have you been ? We haven’t seen you in like a year’

Tyler paused in the middle of writing something. What was he supposed to say ? Surely not that he was in jail !

‘ He took some time off, you know how tiring it can be’ Kate said ‘ Today’s his big return’

‘ Oh sweetheart, don’t break my heart by telling me you’re his girlfriend’

‘ No’ She giggled ‘ I’m his manager’

Tyler wanted to punch him in the face. Several times if it was needed. He knew that other guys could flirt with Kate and that she might enjoy it. It was one thing to know it might happen but another to witness it.

‘ I’m Dean by the way’

Someone behind Tyler in the line complained they were taking too much time and that they didn’t have all day.

‘ Relax, dude’ Dean said ‘ The auditions are…’

‘ No, he’s right. Let’s go, Kate’ Tyler almost dragged her away.

Kate hid a smile. Tyler was not subtle with his jealousy. He never had been.

A year ago

Kate was a new member of the Wranglers but she quickly became popular. People enjoyed her gig and the way she was. After a representation a small crowd gathered outside the rodeo.

‘ You were awesome’

‘ Thanks’ She smiled.

‘ Do you sign autographs ?’ The man asked.

‘ Oh, I don’t know. That would be a first’

‘ Could you sign my napkin ? Sorry, I don’t have anything better but it’s clean’

‘ Do you have a pen ?’ Kate asked politely.

‘ Here’ He gave it to her.

She should have seen this coming from miles away. He was too polite to be honest.

‘ So, do you ride something else than horses ?’ He winked.

Kate was about to tell him off when she felt someone wrapping an arm around her waist. She didn’t need to look to know it was Tyler.

‘ Sorry not sorry but the lady is already spoken for’ Tyler glared at him ‘ You better piss off’

The man didn’t insist and left. He mumbled something like « The hot ones are all taken ».

‘ Jealous much ?’ Kate asked.

‘ He was hitting on my girlfriend’

Kate’s heart beated faster when she heard the G-word. She shouldn’t be happy about it because her mission didn’t involve to flirt with him. And yet…

‘ It’s cute that you’re jealous’ She said.

‘ I’m not’

‘ Cute or jealous ?’

‘ Oh, I am cute, I’ve been told many times but I’m not jealous’ Tyler replied.

‘ So you don’t mind if I go see him’ Kate pretended to walk away.

He grabbed her hand and she looked back at him.

‘ Ok, I am jealous and I do mind’ He admitted.

‘ Gotcha’ She laughed.

‘ Oh, you’re a mean lady’

Kate smiled and touched his jaw.

‘ Don’t worry, I’m only yours’ She said.

And she meant that.

Chapter Text

Back to the present, they were sitting in the bleachers. Tyler was waiting for his turn to perform. He was looking at the other candidates, analyzing their style. He nodded when it was good and winced whenever a guy fell on the sand.

‘ It’s going to work’ Kate said.

‘ Unless you have some magic trick in your hat, I could lose. Some of these guys are very good’

The young woman hesitated for a few seconds before grabbing his hand. Tyler looked down at their hands when he felt her soft touch.

‘ Listen to me. You are very good at this and I’m sure you will succeed’

Kate didn’t say that Tina could hire him for her own personal reasons. She wouldn’t be the one that would push him in Tina’s arms !

‘ Plus you’re the best bull rider in the Midwest, right ?’ She added.

He didn’t reply because he was hypnotized by her thumb running on the skin of his hand.

‘ Tyler ?’

‘ Yeah, I’m the best’ He mumbled.

‘ That’s the spirit’ Kate smiled hoping it would be enough.

His name was called.

‘ Good luck’ She said resisting the idea to give him a good luck kiss.

It wouldn’t be professional but she would certainly enjoy it. Tyler nodded and left the bleachers. He knew that the mission depended on his success. He needed to be part of the Rodeo Kings. He was thinking about his friends still rotting in jail. He had the power to help them and he would take it. He knew that he didn’t force them with a knife on their throat to rob banks with him but it still felt like his responsability. While he was getting ready, he looked at the bleachers and met Kate’s eyes. He wanted to make her proud, to be worthy in her eyes. He tipped his hat in her direction and winked.

Kate’s heart fluttered. Butterflies danced in her stomach when he winked at her. Tyler was flirting with her ! Take that Tina !

The young woman focused on what was happening. The doors opened and the show began. The bull was wild and wanted to get rid of Tyler. The animal jumped several times but the rider was still firmly sitting on its back. Tyler didn’t look nervous, he was smiling. He was back in his element.

They were driving back to the house. They would know the results the next day in the morning.

‘ You were excellent’ Kate congratulated him.

‘ Thanks. Now we have our fingers crossed’

A few minutes passed. Tyler was focused on the road but deep down he was happy that Kate was proud of him.

‘ How did you manage this ? I mean when you wanted to be a Wrangler ?’

‘ Oh, I was a nervous wreck until you texted me’ Kate said.

‘ Really ?’

‘ Yeah, you can ask Javi’

Kate realized she made a mistake by mentioning her friend. For some unknown reason, Tyler didn’t like him. Javi didn’t like Tyler either but Kate knew why. The rest of the ride was silent. His face was closed. When Tyler parked the truck, Kate noticed they had visitors. A black car was in front of the house.

‘ I see they got the keys’ Tyler said.

‘ Yeah’

They went inside to find Javi and Malcolm cooking.

‘ Please make yourself at home’ Kate said ironically.

‘ Technically, it’s not your house either’ Javi retorted ‘ FBI safehouse’

‘ We have new info and we got hungry waiting for you’ Malcolm explained and flipped a pancake.

‘ This is not breakfast’ Tyler said matter-of-factly.

‘ And ? I can break the rules I want when it’s not against the law’ Malcolm chuckled.

He reminded Tyler of his friend Boone. Tyler wondered how Boone was coping in jail. Maybe he should ask Kate more information about his friends.

‘ Alright, I’m hungry now’ Kate admitted.

‘ We made enough food anyway’ Javi said.

They sat around the table for their lunch-breakfast. Kate looked at the items before getting up. She went back with honey and placed it on the table. Tyler grabbed the bottle and smiled. Kate remembered that he prefered honey with his pancakes rather than mapple syrup.

‘ Well…’ Javi cleared his throat ‘ Malcolm will fill you in’

‘ Give me a minute’

Malcolm piled up some pancakes with method and added mapple syrup. He took a big bite and hummed in contentement. He really was a law inforcement version of Boone.

‘ Any day now’ Javi said.

‘ You don’t like food ?’

‘ Of course I do but not as much as you do apparently’

‘ Food is like a religion in my family’

Kate thought that the bickering between Javi and Malcolm was entertaining.

‘ Alright’ Malcolm finally said ‘ We followed Tina and we know she met Shawn Cortez in Oklahoma City’

‘ He’s a known drug dealer’ Javi added ‘ He usually operates in Texas and New Mexico’

‘ So he wants to expand in Oklahoma by using the Rodeo Kings ?’ Kate asked.

‘ It’s a possibility’

‘ If you know what this Cortez guy is doing, why don’t you arrest him ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ It’s never that easy’ Malcolm sighed ‘ He’s got an army of lawyers. We need to build a solid case against him. The Rodeo Kings could be the perfect opening’

‘ I think that Tina is the best target’

It was the first time Javi was talking to Tyler. Kate looked sharply at Javi. She knew he was right but she wondered if he was pushing Tyler towards another girl on purpose. To make sure they wouldn’t go back together.

‘ We’ll know tomorrow morning if Tyler made it’ Kate said.

They finished their food.

‘ Tyler, do you mind if I talk to you for a minute ?’ Malcolm asked.

‘ No ?’

Tyler wondered what on earth Malcolm would want to know, especially when they went in the backyard.

‘ So, what’s going on between you and Kate ?’

Chapter Text

The question took Tyler aback and he didn’t reply.

‘ I’m gonna make a not so wild guess and say that somehow you two dated. It’s written all over your face anyway’

‘ I love her’ Tyler confessed.

It was the first time he was saying those words outloud.

‘ I thought she was my girlfriend’ He continued ‘ I had no idea she was an undercover cop’

‘ But it didn’t change your feelings, you used present tense to speak about your love for her’

‘ Yeah’

Tyler was mad at her but his heart was still painfully beating for the young woman.

‘ From what I saw’ Malcolm said ‘ I don’t think it was fake for her either’

‘ Really ?’

‘ No wonder why Javi doesn’t like you’ Malcolm pointed out.

Tyler frowned. That little…

‘ I read your file and if I’m correct, you never mentioned any...connection with Kate’

‘ I didn’t’ Tyler confirmed.

‘ Why ?’

‘ I think, I know it’s stupid, but I think I wanted to protect her’ He laughed dryly ‘ Probably the dumbest thing I ever did’

‘ Well, if it ever comes out, there will be consequences for both of you, especially Kate’

Tyler nodded. It would be a good revenge but it wasn’t what he wanted.

‘ I’ll help you if it’s needed’

Tyler looked at him.

‘ If you get back with Kate, now that you’re out I mean, you’re going to need all the help you can get’

‘ IF that’s what she wants’ Tyler shrugged.

He was trying to play it cool but it mattered to him. He wanted her to still want him. He wanted them to have a future together despite the odds. It was kind of scary how much she meant to him.

‘ Yeah but judging by the way she looks at you, she does’

‘ Why would you help me ? Don’t you arrest criminals ?’

‘ Do you sell drugs to kids ?’

‘ No’

‘ Killed anyone ?’

‘ No’

‘ Then you’re more than a decent person in my standards. I’m not gonna tell you some sob story but working for the DEA makes you see real evil. For a while, I even infiltrated the irish mob’

‘ You met someone ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ Not in a romantic way but I was able to help a young boy, joined the gang because he didn’t know better. It was my greatest victory to pull him out of this’

‘ Still failing to see the connection with me’

‘ Maybe there’s not, guess I’m a romantic’

Kate wondered what they were talking about. She wished she could turn into a fly or maybe a mouse to sneak on the grass and spy on their conversation. Maybe it she got closer to the french door…But Javi was looking closely at her and she didn’t dare.

When the two men went back inside, they didn’t say anything. She had done the dishes in silence with Javi. It was sad that they had nothing to say when they used to be friends. Certainly, he couldn’t still be mad at her for her behavior last year ?And it wasn’t her fault if she didn’t share Javi’s feelings. It was impossible to control your heart.

Later on, Kate fell asleep on the couch. Tyler found her there and smiled. Then he frowned thinking she should be more careful. What if he was someone who wanted to harm her ? Or what if he stole the keys of his truck and drove in the night to never come back ?

Of course Tyler wanted to do none of the above. Instead he kneeled in front of her and gently replaced a strand of hair behind her ear. She didn’t wake up. The file left by Malcolm and Javi was scattered on the coffee table. He could see various pictures of Tina and who he supposed was Shawn.

Tyler was about to grab her in his arms when something caught his eyes. Was it his necklace around Kate’s neck ?

He carefully grabbed the letter to have a better look. K for Kate. It was indeed the necklace he offered her last year. Why did she still have it ?

Tyler thought she threw it away a long time ago. However, Kate was wearing it. The necklace had probably been hidden under her clothes this whole time. He wanted to wake her up and ask her what was that all about. Maybe kiss her a little too. But she looked so peaceful…

Tyler finally made the decision to pick her up and walked to her bedroom. He put her on her bed and wondered if he should put her in her pj’s. Kate would certainly wake up and it would be crossing a line. She could get angry and point her gun at him. He thought she wouldn’t shoot him but being held at gunpoint by her was not pleasant. Been there, done that. The dumb part of him thought it would be sexy though. He needed to leave instead of staring at her like a creep.

‘ Goodnight’ Tyler whispered.

He closed the door quietly behind him.

The next day, Kate woke up and saw she was in her room. She frowned because she vaguely remembered falling asleep on the couch. How did she get there ?

Did she sleepwalk or...it was most likely that Tyler carried her. She looked at the alarm clock and saw it was eight. Time to start a new day. She showered and put fresh clothes on. She went downstairs and saw Tyler in the kitchen.

‘ Hey. Did you carry me last night ?’

‘ I did. Coffee ?’

‘ Yes, please and thanks. You were up early ?’ Kate asked.

‘ I had trouble sleeping’ Tyler poured her a mug and gave her the sugar.

‘ Thanks. Nervous about the result ?’

‘ Yeah’

It was not a lie but not the full truth either. He didn’t sleep well because he kept thinking about the necklace. If she was wearing it, she must care, right ?

He watched her preparing herself sunny side eggs while he rehearsed what he wanted to say in his head.

‘ Kate…’ He started when she went back to the table.

She looked at him but before he could add anything, they were interrupted by her phone.

‘ Unknown number. Could be them’

She picked it up and answered.

‘ Hello ?’

‘ Who is this ? I wish to speak to Tyler Owens’

The voice sounded annoyed but she recognized Tina.

Well, be pissed as much as you like, Kate thought.

‘ This is Kate, his manager’ Her voice was extra sweet.

‘ He doesn’t have his own phone ?’

‘ Too many calls from groupies, I took the decision to always answer first. Got a problem with that ?’

‘ Whatever. I need to speak to him’ Tina retorted.

Kate handed him the phone and mouthed « Tina ».

‘ Hello, this is Tyler’

‘ Finally ! Well congrats, big boy, you’re in’

‘ I’m a Rodeo King now ?’

‘ Yup, can you come now for the paperwork ?’ Tina asked.

‘ Yes’

‘ Great. See ya later, cowboy’ She hung up.

‘ I made it’ Tyler grinned.

‘ Oh good’ Kate sighed in relief.

‘ I think your friend’s right’

‘ About what ?’

‘ Tina is a good target’

‘ But we don’t even know how involved she is’ Kate protested.

‘ I could find out. You saw the pictures, she’s in touch with a big drug dealer. She seems to like me so…’

‘ So what ?’

Kate knew she was getting angry but she couldn’t let Tyler go seduce Tina. Here she was again. Torn between the agent and the woman.

‘ I’m not saying that I’m gonna do anything with her but I can make her think that I’m interested’ Tyler said.

‘ That’s a bad idea’

‘ If you have a better one, share it with the class’

‘ Not for the moment but I can come up with something’ Kate insisted.

‘ Isn’t it what you did, to get close to me ?’

‘ No’ She shook her head ‘ That wasn’t on purpose’

‘ Then…’

Her phone rang again and Tyler was tempted to throw it away. He needed answers, goddamnit !!

‘ It’s my mom, I have to get this’ Kate left and went to her room.

Chapter Text

Tina was satisfied. The rodeo was doing great. Her other business was a success and it was about to expand. Life was great and she was even given a room in the arena to work. Now what was even better ? Tyler, of course. This hottie needed to visit her bed. Asap and often. There was a knock on her door and she knew it was him.

‘ Come in’

Tina smiled when she saw Tyler. The man she was craving to see.

‘ Hey. Dean told me you’d be here’ He said.

‘ Congrats again. You can sit down, don’t be shy. Not gonna eat ya for lunch’

Or will I ? She thought.

‘ I think that’s the first time in my life that I’ve been called shy’ Tyler grabbed a chair and sat on it.

‘ Questions about your new job ?’

‘ When will I perform ?’

‘ Tonight, hope you’re not nervous’ She grabbed some papers and a pen ‘ Your contract’

‘ Thanks and no, I’m not nervous. I bought what you needed’

Papers provided by the FBI. Tyler hoped Tina or anyone else wouldn’t dig too far because he didn’t want to explain his year in jail. Too many questions would come out of it. He briefly wondered if it would be so bad. Maybe it could help them to trust him knowing about his criminal past. To show them that they had something in common.

No, it was too risky, he decided.

It could be suspicious in their eyes. Fresh out of jail and already looking for trouble ? They could think he was working for the cops and they wouldn’t be wrong.

‘ All in order’ Tina said.

‘ So you’re the boss of the Rodeo Kings ?’

‘ Yes, do you mind ?’

‘ Not at all, I like women in charge’ Tyler winked.

‘ Good. No wonder why your manager is so bossy’

‘ What do you mean ?’

‘ She answered your phone early this morning, meaning you were together. I bet you’re sleeping with her’

Tyler flashed a smile to hide his nervouness.

‘ No, I’m not’ He denied.

Technically it was true.

‘ We live together for the moment because it’s easier that way, for my career and everything, but there’s nothing going between us’ Tyler went on.

Not a lie either unfortunatly.

‘ If you say so’ Tina’s mouth was a thin line.

She wasn’t sure she believed him.

‘ I don’t want to talk about Kate anymore’ He said to change the subject.

‘ We agree on something’

Tina opened a drawer and grabbed a burner phone.

‘ That’s for you. I put my number in it’ She said.

‘ So just the two of us, eh ?’ Tyler winked again.

He tried his best to be charming but he felt rusty.

‘ A direct line between you and me’ Tina smirked.

‘ I’ll use it’ Tyler promised ‘Well, guess I should go train’

‘ Yeah go do that. I’ll see you later’

Tyler nodded and left the room. He was going to the arena when someone pulled him in a corner.

‘ Wha-’

‘ Shhh’

It was Kate and for a foolish moment he thought she was going to kiss him. Wishful thinking.

‘ What did she say ?’ Kate asked.

‘ Not much actually’ He took out his new phone ‘ But she gave me this’

Kate grabbed it and looked at the phone.

‘ I don’t think that’s a bomb’ Tyler joked.

‘ No but it could have a tracker’

‘ Oh’

The young woman studied the phone closely and opened it. Nothing.

‘ What would we have done if there was a tracker ?’ He asked.

‘ We would have left it in place because it would have been suspicious that we found it randomly’

‘ I see’

‘ I guess she wants to keep in touch with you. That’s a step in the good direction’

‘ I thought you were against it’ Tyler said.

‘ I am but I don’t have a better plan for now’

‘ I guess Javi doesn’t have one either’

Kate laughed dryly.

‘ Oh he loves this plan’ She said.

‘ Why ?’

Malcolm implied that Javi liked her but Tyler wondered if she knew.

Because he doesn’t want us together, my love, she thought.

‘ Well…’

They heard a noise.

‘ Shit, we should go’

They separated quickly as if they were two teens caught in the janitor’s closet.

Kate went into the stables and smiled at the horses. They were her favorite animals in the world. When she left to New York, she also left her horse behind, Gingerbread. At first, she was numb and didn’t feel anything. Then among all the pain, she missed her loyal friend. She abandoned him too…

Another thing to feel guilty about. The list was growing. Her mother texted her over the years to give her news so she knew Gingerbread was fine. That was a relief. When Kate went back to Sapulpa, she imagined Gingerbread would give her a hard time but no. He was simply happy to see her.

‘ What are you doing here ?’

Kate turned around and saw Dean.

‘ Oh, I was just looking at the horses’

‘ You have one ?’ Dean asked.

‘ Yes, he’s called Gingerbread’

‘ Sweet. Didn’t know you were riding’

‘ Well, being Tyler’s manager is a lot on my plate right now but I used to perform’

‘ You want to ride ?’

‘ Now ?’ Kate asked.

‘ Bella is free’ He petted a horse.

Kate didn’t think she had to flirt with Dean but she could bond a little.

‘ Alright’

Dean smiled and prepared the horse.

Chapter Text

Tyler just finished his training session. He was tired but happy. He didn’t realize until now how much he missed the rodeo scene. Maybe he could come back to that when the mission was over. But he was an ex-convict…

He opened a bottle of water and took a long sip. He was so thirsty. Speaking of a different kind of thirst…

Kate appeared with a horse...and Dean. What were they doing ? Dean helped her getting on the horse and Tyler felt his jaws tensing. One : she didn’t need help, it wasn’t her first rodeo. Second : his filthy hands had nothing to do on Kate ! Tyler was too far to see her face so he didn’t know if she enjoyed it or not. Of course he hoped she wasn’t. Seeing Kate on a horse again made Tyler happy though. He leaned against the fence and looked at her. Kate was smiling while riding Bella. The horse was easy to guide.

‘ Good girl’ Kate said.

She knew Tyler was looking at her but she ignored him on purpose. They couldn’t be too close. Kate made the horse go for one more round. She missed this feeling. She saw Dean coming closer and forced a smile on her face.

‘ Having fun ?’ He asked.

‘ Yes, thanks’

‘ You can come take care of the horses and ride them whenever you want’

Kate wondered if he had an ulterior motive. Did he expect some kind of reward for his kindness ?

‘ Let me help you’ He said.

‘ No’

Tyler appeared by her side and Dean glared at him, clearly upset that he was raining on his parade.

‘ She’s my manager so I’m going to help her’

What he wanted to say was that she was his, only his.

Before Kate could say anything, she was down the horse and in Tyler’s arms. Their eyes locked and she got lost in them. Her heart was beating fast and she was itching to kiss him.

‘ You can put her down now’ Dean spat ‘ She has legs’

Tyler gave him a nasty look but the other man was right. Kate’s feet finally touched the sand. The animosity between the two men was even worse than the one between Tyler and Javi. Kate knew she had to do something before they fight.

‘ Tyler, we need to talk about your performance tonight. Or you’ll do something crazy’

Like punching Dean and getting us fired, she thought.

They needed to finish the mission without Tyler murdering anyone. Or Kate murdering Tina. Basically, no murder was allowed.

‘ Now’ Kate insisted.

‘ Fine’ He accepted to follow her after giving one last dirty look to his new nemesis.

She remained silent until they reached a quiet and deserted hallway. The young woman double checked to make sure they were really alone.

‘ What do you think you’re doing ?’ Kate asked in a icy voice.

‘ Wh-’

‘ No one is going to believe that we’re not a couple if you act like a jealous boyfriend !’

‘ Maybe I am jealous !’ He fought back.

‘ I know you are. I know you, Tyler. But you can’t do that if you want Tina to think that you like her’

‘ It doesn’t bother you to whore me out ?’

Kate saw the hidden meaning behind his question. It was a « Say you don’t love me » moment. She thought it was rather obvious that she loved him with all her heart but apparently not.

‘ Of course it does’

Kate grabbed his collar and kissed him roughly. It didn’t take him long to react and to respond to her kiss. It felt like breathing again. He deepened the kiss and pressed her against the nearest wall. His hands were all over her body as if he wanted to make up for lost time. They were on fire but it wasn’t the time and place. He pulled away and put his forehead on hers.

‘ Just so you know…’ Kate said, a little breathless ‘ He’s doing the flirting, not me’

‘ Ok’

‘ I don’t want it...But I have to put up with his behavior for now’

‘ How far are you willing to go ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ I won’t let him touch me, don’t worry’

‘ What do we do now ?’

‘ We’ll figure out how to make us work’

His heart was about to burst out of joy and he kissed her again. She ran a hand through his hair.

‘ But we shouldn’t be kissing here. Someone might see us’ Kate said.

‘ You’re right’ He sighed.

He wanted to give up the mission, go to the house, undress her and do all the things he missed doing since last year. He missed what they had. His phone started to ring like a stupid cockblocker.

‘ Duty calls’ Kate said.

‘ Yeah’ He picked up ‘Hello ?’

‘ It’s me, Tina’

She didn’t know why she said that because she told him earlier that she put her number in the phone so it could only be her.

‘ I guessed so’ He chuckled.

‘ I want to have lunch with you’

‘ Today ?’

‘ Yes, unless you have something better to do ?’ Tina asked.

Tyler could think of a million thing.

‘ Of course not. Where should we meet ?’

She gave him the name of a restaurant which was not far from the rodeo.

‘ I have a date’ Tyler said when he hung up.

‘ At least things are going forward’ Kate sighed ‘ I wish she could just trust you without lusting you’

‘ Who’s jealous now ?’ He smirked.

‘ I know that you must have doubted but...my feelings were always real. It wasn’t a trick’

‘ I tried to deny what I felt about you but in the end it was impossible’ Tyler kissed her.

Kate smiled in the kiss.

‘ You need to go to lunch’ She said.

‘ I’m hungry for something else’ His voice was slightly husky.

Knowing what he wanted made her shiver. She felt desire rising in her body but they couldn’t right now.

‘ Go’ She said.

Chapter Text

The restaurant was a steakhouse. Tyler could smell the good food and his stomach grumbled, impatient to eat. He could go for some brisket.

‘ I see that your training made you hungry’ Tina said.

‘ Yeah, I had forgotten how it felt’

Not much exercice to do in jail. They were sitting in a booth. A waitress came to take their order and left.

‘ Why did you take a sabbatical ?’ Tina asked.

I went to jail

‘ I needed some time off’ Tyler dismissed hoping she would drop the subject.

‘ Something happened to you ?’

Yup, was robbing banks and got arrested by the woman of my life

Tyler knew he needed to lie his way through this conversation if he wanted to survive.

‘ I had an accident and spent some time at the hospital in recovery’

‘ Head injury ?’

It wasn’t something unusual in their field.

‘ Yeah, fell off of a bull. I’m lucky to still be alive’

‘ And you left the rodeo’ Tina guessed.

‘ It was Kate’s idea. She told me that I should travel, discover the country. I’m lucky she was still there when I got back. She really believes in me’

Tyler shouldn’t be talking about Kate. Tina might read the truth on his face.

‘ If I were her, I would have come back too’ Her smile was flirty.

‘ I’m flattered’

Their food came.

‘ Tell me more about you, Tina’ Tyler invited her.

She wondered where to start. She couldn’t talk about her secret business. Not yet.

‘ Born and bred in the rodeo field. I guess that’s all I ever known’

Tyler nodded.

‘ What do you do in the rodeo ?’ He asked.

‘ I ride horses and I manage the team but you already knew that part’

Like your precious Kate, she thought.

Tina could sense he wasn’t honest but he was there anyway. Maybe being faithful wasn’t his thing. Maybe it was purely sexual between them and Kate didn’t mind to share him with other women. Tina didn’t care about Kate though. There was something about her that pissed Tina off even though she didn’t know what. Tina was someone who didn’t trust easily.

‘ I was born into this world too’ Tyler said ‘ My parents are performers. They’re touring somewhere at the moment’

‘ It’s in your blood’

‘ Yeah’

Tyler wondered what made her choose drug dealing. But then people must wonder why he chose to rob banks. Maybe it was also about the thrill. He knew he shouldn’t be judging but he failed to see what was thrilling about selling drugs. At least he was sure he didn’t kill anyone.

The lunch was ending and he didn’t collect any useful information. It was so frustrating !

He was not an agent but working for the FBI sounded better on paper than in real life. Kate needed to teach him some tricks.

‘ I’m paying’ Tina said.

‘ The gentleman in me is saying no’ He protested.

‘ It’s sweet that you’re old fashioned but in 2025 a woman can pay for lunch’ She got up.

Tyler didn’t know why he reacted that way. He didn’t like Tina and it wasn’t a date for him. Must be his upbringing. They left the restaurant and Tina smirked.

‘ Come here’ She purred.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. It wasn’t a bad kiss but Tyler didn’t feel anything. His heart didn’t beat faster and his imagination didn’t run wild. He tried to kiss her back a little to play along. But she must have sensed he wasn’t into it because she pulled away.

‘ Well, I have things to do’ She said.

‘ Oh ok’

Kate was in the bleachers that night. She was waiting for Tyler to perform. It felt like the good old days. She was simply his girl admiring his performance. Well, they were back together now so it was almost the same. Still…They needed to talk and she wasn’t sure how he would react. She went back to the present when she saw a young man acting weirdly. He was in her files as a potential drug dealer and he was acting like one. He sat next to a man and Kate watched like a hawk what happened next. They exchanged words in a low voice. The client gave cash to the young man. The latter handed him a small packet.

Drugs, she guessed.

Kate couldn’t arrest him right now but she could try to know more. The young man got up and walked in the bleachers. He was looking for a new costumer. Kate cleared her throat. He understood what she wanted and sat by her side.

‘ You’re the new manager, right ?’ He asked.

‘ I am. Got candies ?’

‘ I do’

‘How much ?’ Kate asked

He gave her a price and she nodded. The exchange was quick and he left. Kate looked at what was inside the packet she now owned. She wasn’t an expert but it looked like meth. She would have to give the evidence to the DEA. The case was heading in the right direction. Kate heard noises and Tyler appeared on a bull. She grinned. Her handsome man. She cheered with everyone else. She could see girls whispering about him and drooling but he was hers only.

Later that night, they watched Malcolm driving away with the meth. He was glad that they had something to work on. Finally a breakthrough. Tyler was relieved it wasn’t Javi who came.

‘ Maybe you don’t need me for the case after all’ Tyler said.

‘ It’s a teamwork. Maybe they’re going to trust you with selling drugs or even better taking you to their lab’

‘ I still can’t have a gun ?’

‘ You don’t want a gun in a meth lab. Trust me, babe’

‘ Say that again’ He got closer to her.

‘ What ?’

‘ Call me babe again’

‘ Babe’ She kissed him.

‘ I missed that’ He kissed her neck.

Kate got lost in the sensation of his mouth on her skin for a few seconds but they really needed to talk.

‘ Wait…’

Tyler pulled away and looked at her. Kate’s mouth went dry.

‘ What do you want to say ?’ He asked.

‘ I need to show you something’ She grabbed her phone.

Her hands were shaking when she unlocked it. She chose a picture and gave him the phone.

‘ She has your eyes’

Chapter Text

A year ago

Who was the stupid fucker who brought food ??? Kate thought as she rushed to the restroom.

She pushed one of the doors open and threw up. Goodbye lunch, you were well loved. She felt sweaty when her stomach was finally empty. She cleaned her mouth and leaned against the sink. She might have a stomach bug. That was a good explanation. She hadn’t feel well for a few days. She was about to leave when she saw the dispenser of sanitary products hanging on the wall. She froze. When was the last time she had her period ?

Oh shit, it should have happened at least ten days ago !

‘ No…’ Kate whispered.

With Tyler being arrested and everything she hadn’t paid attention to her body. But maybe...she might be…

She realized they haven’t been careful when they were together. They didn’t always use protection.

‘ Damnit !’

An agent that just came in looked at her weirdly. Kate ignored her and left quickly.

Two hours and a lot of water later, Kate was at her place. She had peed on three different sticks and she couldn’t deny the results. She was pregnant with Tyler’s baby. Oh my God !!

She had to sit down for a while. She didn’t seriously think if she wanted to be a mom or not before. And now...

‘ Hey, you’ Kate said while looking at her belly.

She couldn’t believe a baby was growing in her. What would Tyler think if he knew ? She hadn’t seen him since she was forced to handcuff him and not for funny business. She felt like a coward but she left Oklahoma and ran back to New York. She couldn’t face his anger or his heartbreak. So she fled like she always do and today what was she supposed to do ?

Cathy couldn’t be more surprised when she opened the door and saw her daughter on the threshold.

‘ Kate ?’

‘ Hey, mom’ She smiled almost shyly ‘ Can I come in ?’

‘ Oh, of course’

Cathy wondered if she wasn’t dreaming. Her daughter never came back home since she left to train in Quantico. Then she moved to New York. And five years later she was there.

Kate looked around and noticed nothing much had changed. She felt out of place because she left for too long.

‘ You’re coming for a few days ?’ Cathy asked.

Kate really needed her mother. Even more than before.

‘ If you’re ok with having me here’

‘ Of course. Thirsty, hungry ?’

‘ I’d like some tea, please’

Her mother knew right away that Kate had something important to share. Everytime the conversation was important, they drank tea. They did when Cathy tried to explain why Kate’s dad left. They also did when Kate asked to go to a science summer camp. The last time was five years ago.

‘ I’ll prepare it, sit’ Cathy invited her.

Kate sat at the table and memories flooded her. Talking about bittersweet…

‘ You can speak now, Katie’ Her mother said using an old nickname as she placed a hot mug in front of her.

Kate decided not to beat about the bush. She didn’t come all the way here to not tell the truth. She must face the music now.

‘ I’m pregnant’

You could hear a fly in the silence that followed her words. Her mother drank some of her tea before speaking.

‘ From who ?’ She asked.

‘ You don’t know him. His name’s Tyler Owens’

‘ Is it one of your colleagues ? Does he know ?’

‘ No and no’ Kate took a sip ‘ He is...was...I arrested him’

‘ What ?’

Cathy started to imagine the worst. Did this man hurt her ? Was he a killer ?

‘ It’s not what you think’ Kate explained ‘ He’s not dangerous for people’

She told her mother about her and Tyler.

‘ So he’s in jail’ Cathy said.

‘ For now. Since he was the leader, I guess they’re going to charge him more’ She sighed.

Kate felt guilty. Tyler probably thought she used him and a part of her wanted to run to the jail to tell him he was wrong. Would he talk about them to his lawyer ? To anyone ? Did he do that already ? It would help him. He could even avoid going to jail. However, it would probably destroy her career. She didn’t know if she cared. Her mind was blank at the moment but she built a life on rambles once. She could do that again.

‘ Do you want to keep it or not ?’ Cathy dared to ask.

‘ I don’t know yet’

Kate was gathering the last stuff on her desk. As soon as she decided to have the baby, she requested to be on desk duty and not on the field. She couldn’t risk her life anymore. She had to think about the unborn child. She paused and placed a hand on her belly. She was six months pregnant and she had asked to be transferred in Oklahoma to be with her mom for the birth. She grabbed the cardboard box and went to the elevator.

‘ So, you’re leaving without saying goodbye ?’

‘ Javi. I didn’t meant to, I thought your mission was going to be over only in a few days. I would have called’

‘ We got lucky. Let me help you with that’ Javi grabbed the box.

Kate called the elevator and they went down to the parking lot. They walked to her car where he placed the box.

‘ You don’t have to leave, Kate’

‘ But I do. My mom told me she would help me with the baby’

Javi tensed just like everytime one of them would bring up this issue.

‘ I could do that’ He said ‘ You know I’d be a good dad’

‘ But you hate Tyler’

‘ Tell me something I don’t know. But do you really think I would resent this child ? That I would confuse both of them ?’

‘ No, I don’t think you would’ Kate hesitated ‘ Javi...I can’t forget Tyler even though I tried real hard and you deserve someone that will put you first. I’m not that person. You’re my friend but I don’t love you like that. I’m so sorry’

‘ He’s in jail, Kate’

‘ Not forever. It’s not a life sentence from what I gathered’

‘ I know you didn’t tell him. You didn’t even visit him. Let’s say you do. What if he rejects you ? What if he wants nothing to do with his baby ?’

Javi knew he was being unfair, cruel and insensitive but he was heartbroken. Kate’s face hardened.

‘ Even if he does that, it doesn’t mean I’m going to be with you’ She spat furiously ‘ I should go now’

Kate went in the car and Javi let her go without apologizing. She left to Oklahoma and gave birth to a baby girl.

Kate looked at her daughter. She was so tiny and Kate loved her very much. Angelina was asleep in her crib. Kate carefully touched her soft cheek. Angelina stirred in her sleep but didn’t wake up.

‘ I’m going to find your daddy tomorrow’ Kate whispered ‘ It’s not gonna be easy but I hope he’ll want to meet you’

Angelina made a baby noise in her sleep.

‘ I think you’ll love him. He has a great voice for bedtime stories’

Kate felt nervous. It would be the first time she would be back on the field. She would see Tyler again after a year.

Chapter Text

Tyler looked at Kate then at the picture of his daughter.

‘ W-what ?’

‘ Her name’s Angelina and she’s three-month-old’

‘ I think I need air’ He gave Kate her phone back and went to the garden without another glance.

‘ Tyler…’

He didn’t listen to her and she sighed. She had to give him some space for the moment. It was a big pill to swallow after all. She waited fifteen minutes but he didn’t come back. Kate opened the fridge and grabbed two beers. She opened them and went in the garden. Tyler was sitting at the outdoor table and he looked lost.

‘ You’re checking if I didn’t run away ?’ He asked half joking.

‘ Something like that’

Kate placed the bottles on the table and sat next to him.

‘ Be my guest’ She invited him.

Tyler grabbed a beer and took a long sip after muttering a thanks. The young woman did the same.

‘ I’m a father’

‘ You are’ Kate said softly.

‘ Why didn’t you tell me ?!’

‘ I got scared, ok ? You were in jail because of me and I couldn’t just barge in and say «  Oh by the way I’m pregnant with your baby »’

‘ You should have. I know that I was mad at you but I was also desperate. I thought you didn’t care about me and I was spiralling down ’

‘ That’s not true, I care about you so much’

‘ I know that now but if I knew back then...It would have given me hope. You wouldn’t have been alone and me neither’

Tyler glanced at her belly where the child used to be.

‘ I’m sorry’ Kate took another sip.

‘ Where’s Angelina right now ?’

It was strange to say his daughter’s name. Strange but not unpleasant at all.

‘ In Sapulpa with my mom’

‘ So that was true, that’s why your mom’s calling so often’

‘ Almost everything was. I’m surprised you remember that’

‘ Don’t sell yourself short. You made quite an impression on me’ Tyler smiled before turning serious again ‘ I want to see her. My daughter’

His daugher, he had a daughter.

‘ It’s too late for tonight’ Kate said with regret.

‘ Tomorrow ?’

‘ I think it’s possible in the evening, yeah. After the show’

‘ Good’ He finished his beer.

‘ I don’t know if it’s the right time to say this...After all that happened but...I love you. I already loved you back then when I was undercover’

Tyler stayed silent and she wondered if she was wrong to confess her feelings. Maybe him being jealous of Dean didn’t mean he loved her. Maybe the feelings he had last year wore off and it was just about territory.

‘ Forget I said that’ Kate got up ‘ I’ll go to bed’

‘ Wait’ Tyler grabbed her hand to stop her.

She looked at him.

‘ I love you too’

Her heart started to beat faster.

‘ I think I loved you from the moment you passed by my truck to go to the audition’ He got up and touched her cheek ‘ I tried to forget you but I really can’t’

They kissed.

‘ You want to sleep alone ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ No’

He smirked and they went back inside. They kissed a few times on their way to her bedroom. Tyler slowly unbutonned her shirt revealing a skin he knew so well. He wondered how he didn’t notice she put on weight since last year. Her breasts looked great. He was unhooking her bra when she became self conscious. He sensed her unease and stopped.

‘ What’s wrong ?’ He asked, worried.

‘ It’s just...My body changed’

‘ Yeah, you carried a child. It’s normal that it did’

Kate didn’t say anything.

‘ It’s ok if you changed your mind. It will be me and my left hand then’ His sentence ended in a dramatic sigh.

‘ You’re so stupid’ Kate laughed.

The stress she felt vanished and she took off her bra herself.

‘ Oh Kate, you’re still a goddess in my eyes’ Tyler whispered.

‘ Maybe you should worship me then’

‘ Yes, ma’am’

He touched her breasts softly and watched her nipples hardening. He smirked and laid her on the bed. He kissed her chest and licked it.

‘ Tyler’ Kate whimpered.

‘ You missed this, darlin’ ?’

‘ Very much, keep going’

Tyler took care of her breasts again and left kisses on her belly.

‘ It tickles’ Kate giggled.

‘ That didn’t change’ He tickled her on purpose.

Chapter Text

‘ Noooo’ Kate fought bravely.

Tyler bursted into laughter. It felt good to laugh.

‘ Take off your shirt, I want to see you’ Kate told him.

Tyler smiled and did what she asked for.

‘ You didn’t change’

‘ It’s all for you, honey’

‘ Mmm, keep stripping’

‘ Only if you do the same’ Tyler smirked.

‘ Deal’

They ended up naked.

‘ I think there’s protections in the bathroom’ Kate indicated.

‘ FBI really provides everything’

‘ You’re never too careful’

Tyler went in the bathroom with a small chuckle and came back with a box of condoms.

‘ You really took the whole box ?’ Kate giggled ‘ So you’re thinking more than one round ?’

‘ I’ll tell you later’

Kate was starting to get impatient. It had been a year after all ! A year without sex. She didn’t have any lover since Tyler. Why would she want anyone else ?

‘ Do I have to beg you ?’ She asked.

‘ Do you want to ? You could try « Please Tyler, make me a happy woman »’

They laughed.

‘ C’mon, cowboy’

Tyler kissed her and picked her up. His erection rubbed against her and Kate moaned. They couldn’t wait any longer. They laid on the bed and Tyler entered her. It was a feeling they both missed so much. They needed to get used to each other again. The young man moved slowly, holding back. He wanted to take his time and he didn’t want to hurt her by going too hard. He wanted to be gentle and loving. This pace was good for Kate. It was the first time she had sex since she gave birth.

‘ You’re ok, darlin’ ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ Yes’

Kate liked that sweet side of him. The one that cared about her well being. Tyler picked up the pace a little and looked at her to see any sign of discomfort.

‘ Y-yes’ She moaned.

Tyler smiled. He was happy to please his woman. Kate enticed him to go faster by wrapping a leg around his waist. He whimpered her name. He didn’t know if he would last long. It had been too long since the last time. He placed his thumb on her clit and caressed it.

‘ T-tyler’

‘ I’m gonna come, babe’

He intensified the moves of his thumb, not wanting to let her down. They tumbled into heaven together. He pulled out when it was over and rolled on his back. They remained in a comfortable silence for a while.

‘ You know…’

Kate looked at him.

‘ If you visited me, we could have used one of these rooms for married couples’

‘ Kinky but we’re not married and you were mad at me’

‘ Ever heard of angry sex ?’ A smug smile appeared on his face.

He started to imagine the things they could have done. It wasn’t something new because he already thought about it on lonely nights.

‘ Let’s say we did that, for the sake of the argument. I’m still a FBI agent. What would your buddies in jail would have said if not only you were talking to me but also sleeping with me ?’

That sobbered him up. He realized that it was better that Kate never visited him. It would have put her and the unborn baby in danger. Tyler didn’t doubt that Kate could defend herself but he always felt the need to protect her. He’d rather have a target on his back than on hers.

‘ Ok, that wasn’t a good idea’ Tyler admitted.

‘ It was a long year’

‘ If I’m going back to jail, you’ll visit me this time ? Or maybe not on a second thought ‘cause that’s dangerous’

‘ I don’t think you’re going back to jail, Tyler. You’re helping us’

‘ But what if it’s not enough ? What if something goes wrong and it’s pinned on me ?’

‘ I’ll help you and I’ll never let that happen. I’ll also do everything I can for your former team’ Kate promised.

‘ Yeah’

‘ I’m with you this time’ She kissed him ‘ I’m not letting you down’

‘ Maybe you could kiss me more. I might need some convincing’

‘ You do ?’

‘ Yes. Give it a try’ Tyler pointed to his lips.

She kissed him.

‘ Is that enough ?’

‘ No, never’

Kate kissed him again. They might need more than one condom indeed.

Chapter Text

The next day, Tyler counted the minutes that seperated him from meeting his daughter. Finally, it was time to go and he almost jumped in his truck. Kate typed the address in the GPS and they left town. Tyler controlled himself to respect speed limits. They didn’t need to rush and have an accident. Or to get arrested by the police. They had to be lowkey and going to Sapulpa was a risk they were taking.

‘ Did you warn your mom ?’ Tyler asked.

‘ I did’

‘ What did she say ?’

‘ She was surprised that I would come she knows I’m on a mission’

‘ Kate, what does she know about me ?’

‘ Everything’ Kate dropped.

‘ Damnit’ Tyler cursed between his teeth.

‘ She was the first to know that I was pregnant. She asked questions and I didn’t want to lie. Did you rather have me say you were dead or something ?’

‘ No, of course not. So, she’s waiting with a loaded gun ?’ He tried to joke.

‘ I don’t know what she thinks about you but she’s very protective of Angelina’

Tyler nodded. He was glad that his daughter was well loved. His nervousness grew while they were getting closer to Sapulpa.

‘ Angelina is too young to think anything about you’ Kate said.

‘ You’re just saying that to make me feel better’

‘ I can feel your stress from here. Try to relax because she’s going to feel that too’

‘ So babies are like cats’ Tyler said.

‘ In some ways, yes’

They passed the sign « Welcome to Sapulpa ». Kate indicated him how to go to the farm. Cathy was waiting on the porch. Tyler didn’t know if it was a good or a bad thing but at least she didn’t have a gun.

‘ Relax’ Kate said one last time.

He parked his truck and they left it.

‘ Mom’ Kate hugged Cathy.

‘ You didn’t come alone’ Her mother said as she looked over Kate’s shoulder.

‘ Mom, that’s Tyler’

‘ I guessed so’

Cathy studied the young man. She didn’t know what to think just yet. Her mind wasn’t made up. Tyler felt nervous under her scrutiny.

‘ It’s nice to meet you, ma’am’ He said politely.

Cathy didn’t reply anything.

‘ Can we come in, mom ?’ Kate asked.

‘ Yes’ Cathy moved aside ‘Angelina is asleep’ She added once they were inside.

‘ We drove all the way here to see her. We won’t wake her up but…’ Kate’s voice trailed off.

‘ I’ll stay here’ Her mother said.

Tyler followed Kate to her room. His heart was trying to escape from his chest. She quietly opened the door and they tiptoed inside. A small baby was sleeping in a crib.

‘ Meet Angelina’ Kate whispered.

Tyler came closer and looked at his daughter for the first time. She was so tiny. The young man held his breath. Angelina twitched in her sleep.

‘ She’s so beautiful’ Tyler said in a low voice.

‘ Yeah. Our perfect genes’

Angelina opened her eyes and looked at Tyler. Kate was right, she had his eyes. His heart was swelling with love. The baby started to cry and Kate grabbed her.

‘ Shhhh, Mama’s here’

She rocked Angelina. Tyler watched in silence and in awe.

‘ I think she needs changing. You can leave us if you want’ Kate said.

‘ I want to stay. I need to learn how to take care of her’

He was also scared of Cathy but he’ll never admit that outloud.

‘ Watch and learn then’

It turned out that baby Angelina had pooped. Tyler tried to not wrinkle his nose at the strong smell. He needed to get used to that. He wanted to be a good dad. He noted how carefully Kate was handling their daughter. He looked at his own hands. Maybe they were too big and too rough. Could he hold Angelina with care and without crushing her ?

‘ Now you’re all fresh, my little mouse’ Kate smiled.

‘ It must be hard for you to leave her here’ Tyler realized.

‘ Very hard. I miss her a lot’

Angelina looked at her father with her big curious green eyes.

‘ Do you want to hold her ?’ Kate asked.

‘ Me ?’

‘ Do you see another dad in this room ?’

‘ No, it’s just...I feel nervous’

‘ I was nervous too at first’ Kate admitted ‘ But you drove here to meet her and you don’t need to be afraid’

‘ Ok, how do I do that ?’

‘ Mind her head’ She handed him the precious cargo.

‘ Like this ?’

‘ Yeah, you’re doing great’

Holding his daughter for the first time made Tyler feel new things. He was amazed. Angelina seemed to be studying him.

‘ Hello, I’m your daddy’

Angelina made some baby noises.

‘ What is it ?’ Tyler leaned in.

He pretended to listen to the baby.

‘ You’re saying that your mom is beautiful and that she’s the best mommy in the world ? I agree’ Tyler grinned.

‘ She didn’t say that’ Kate giggled.

‘ You’re wrong, I heard her’