Chapter Text
The office felt odd without Javier. Steve seemed more frustrated but that frustration also gave him more determination to find Pablo and end this. Knowing Pablo was isolated and alone had led to you and Emily trying to work out what his mental state might be. You poured over his scrapbook that had been taken from La Catedral to try and understand his mindset a little better. You knew he'd be determined to contact his family somehow. A few others had the same line of thought. Martinez Jr had been working his ass off with tracking radio signals and driving around Medellin. You were sat trying to figure out a way to maybe contact Tata and speak with her in person, when Steve came barrelling through the office.
"We got him. We finally got that sick fuck." He smirked as he grabbed his vest and gun.
"What?" You gasped, pushing yourself to your feet.
"He called Tata this morning, Martinez was driving by and picked up the radio signal and sent the location. We're rolling out now." You grabbed your stuff from your desk, Steve holding out a hand.
"Woah. Where do you think you're going?" You stared at Steve in disbelief.
"Are you kidding me? I want to see this! Javi can't be here so I'll be here in his place." Steve opened his mouth to argue but knew you wouldn't take no for an answer. He tossed a vest to you and explained a few things as you headed out, hearing orders being barked from all directions. The agreement was to bring Pablo in alive unless he fired first.
The drive over was tense, everyone was apprehensive and excited to finally end this. Pablo fucked up and now they were going to take him down. You agreed to stay behind Steve at all times, following him closely as men swarmed the building from all entrances. There were snipers across the street on rooftops, agents on every corner. Silently going door to door to make sure any civilians were safely out of the way before they descended on Pablo. As you and Steve entered the final apartment, a frustrating realisation hit. Wrong building. Martinez had gotten the wrong location somehow. You cursed under your breath as you stood on the little balcony and stared out at the dispersing men. Martinez had been so sure that Pablo was here.
"See why this job is aging me." Steve muttered as he placed a hand on your shoulder and led you back outside. You sighed softly and climbed back into the car to head back to base. Sensing the disappointment in the air, one of the guys suggested they stop off at one of the roadside coffee bars to refuel and try to figure out the next step. Steve seemed keen on the idea, so a handful of the team headed that way whilst the others went back to base.
You leaned against the wooden bar with a sigh.
"I see why you and Javi chainsmoke so much now. I've only been in the field a couple of times and the temptation to start smoking is rising." You chuckled a little, Steve snorting as he nodded.
"Terrible habit." He teased as he offered you his lit cigarette. You laughed and shook your head, picking up your coffee instead. "Have you heard from Javi?" You paused, chewing the inside of your lower lip.
"A couple of times. He's called now and then to see how things are going but, I think he's busy with his family and trying to not wind himself up over being sent home." Steve nodded.
"Well he hasn't called me so, that tells ya something." He nudged you with a wink before glancing over upon hearing Trujillo's radio suddenly come to life. You both listened carefully.
"Lieutenant Martinez found Escobar." That was all everyone needed to spring back into action, a smaller team this time but a team nonetheless.
"Everyone to Los Olivos!" Was yelled as you all ran back to the cars. Apparently the radio signal was picked up again. Only this time, Martinez had physically seen Pablo. The car screeched to a halt nearby, you jumped out of the car, gun secured between your hands as you followed Steve to the building. Suddenly he turned to you.
"Please stay outside." You frowned at him, squaring your shoulders.
"Fuck that! You wouldn't tell Javi to wait outside for this!!" Steve sighed heavily, knowing if anything happened to you he'd never forgive himself.
"Then stay out of Pablo's eyeline." He muttered as a game plan was laid out. Some men went upstairs and through an empty apartment, some went around the back and through other routes. Trujillo lead Steve, you and a handful of others to the front of the house. You could hear Pablo's voice inside and it sent a shiver of dread through your body. A battering ram was used to try and bash the door open, gunfire was the response. As soon as the door splintered and burst open, everyone rushed in. There he was in front of you, overweight and looking in desperate need of a bath but it was definitely him. Pablo Escobar. He stared at you for barely a second before bolting upstairs, closely followed by Limon. Steve aimed and managed to get Limon in the leg. In return, Limon returned fire blindly and unfortunately caught you in the arm while running. You cried out and dropped backwards to the floor, clutching your arm. Steve froze for a second as you waved him away.
"Just fucking go!!" Steve nodded and took chase with the others. Between Limon and Pablo, they managed to shoot multiple cops and hop out a window. Luckily, a sniper got Limon on the roof the second he was in sight. You listened to everything on the radio as you were lead back outside and first aid was administered. You felt annoyed. You'd been shot and Pablo was on the run. But you knew Steve was close behind.
As soon as Pablo gets to the next roof, a sniper hit Pablo in the stomach. He stumbled, stunned for a moment before he fired at Steve only to get shot again. Pablo fell down onto his back, Steve muttered into his radio that Pablo was down and to hold fire, not wanting anyone to accidentally get hit. You let out a sigh of relief. It's finally over. A shot rings out, echoing into silence as Steve radios down once again. Trujillo fired a shot directly into Pablos head. Pablo Escobar is dead. Cheers of 'Long Live Columbia' echoed out through the streets.
Before Steve could even get down from the roof, news vans swarmed the streets reporting on what was happening. It was frantic chaos as you were ushered into an ambulance to be checked over. You'd need surgery to remove the bullet but they had stemmed the bleeding for now. As soon as you saw Steve through the crowd, you hopped up to wrap him up in a tight hug with one arm. He sighed heavily as staff went up onto the roof to fetch Pablos body.
"I should contact Javi." He muttered, looking at you.
"I'm being dragged away for surgery to remove this bullet. I think I might keep it." You laughed a little before wincing a little. Steve just laughed and tugged his pager out to get Javier to call him.
"I'll come by the hospital later to see you, okay?" He smiled and moved away to see if he could help while waiting for the call.
"They wanted me to pose with the body. But yeah… we got him Javi." There was a pause on the other end, Steve could hear Javier taking a moment to process it all.
"Good job Steve." Steve just smiled a little and thanked him.
"We couldn't have done it without you either Javi. Don't forget that." Javier chuckled a little, letting out a sigh. "And that girl of yours, man she's just as firey as you. Refused to stay on base, came into Escobar's house and everything."
"Is she okay?" He asked softly, Steve sighing.
"She got hit in the arm but she seems to be fine. Was even joking she'd keep the bullet if they let her." Javier laughed, nodding a little.
"I'll see you at home soon, okay?" Steve nodded as well.
"Yeah, you owe me a beer."
The weeks after Pablo's death was chaotic, so many statements being made and reports to be filed. Everyone wanted to know what had gone down from every angle, press conferences were held. It was a whirlwind of media and paperwork, some of it thrust into your face as you laid in hospital. Emily came to visit you immediately, scolding you at first for going with Steve but then started asking a million questions about what it was like and what Pablo was like.
"Y'know… it was kind of disappointment at first. I think I built him up like some huge Marvel-esque villain in my mind but… seeing him in person. He was just a man. Scared for his life and just… normal." You shrugged a little, leaning back in the bed with a soft sigh. "I almost felt bad for him, for a split second when we locked eyes. He genuinely looked terrified. But then I remembered everything he's done and I suddenly found I couldn't care less." You laughed a little, Emily chuckled and shook her head.
"You're such a badass." She smiled, squeezing your hand. "We can go home as soon as you're checked out of here." You smiled at your friend.
"Em, you go home. Take time to relax in your own bed and I'll come see you when I'm home. I promise." You nodded, you didn't want Emily wasting time in Bogota on her own while you were bored in a hospital bed. She argued at first but eventually agreed, insisting to see you as soon as you were home. Steve came to visit as well, bringing some of your things from your room at the base to make sure you weren't bored.
"Even though you got shot, I'm glad you came with us." He smiled, squeezing your good shoulder as he handed over a 'Get Well Soon' card with an awkward smile. You were touched as you saw a few people had signed it and a couple thanked you for helping take down Pablo.
"Call me when you get back to the states, I know Connie is dying to meet you." He smiled before taking his leave.
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Walking out through the airport, you shifted your bag as best you could with a sling on one arm. It still ached where the doctors had needed to cut the bullet out and stitch you up but the painkillers they'd given you helped numb it slightly. The bullet was in a little plastic tube in your bag, a memento from your time in Columbia. All these people around you had no idea of the huge thing you'd just helped with, especially since you'd not wanted to do any interviews personally. You wanted Steve and Trujillo to do it. You pushed your sunglasses up your face and headed out into the main arrivals area. You were exhausted and hearing English everywhere suddenly felt alien and a little overwhelming. You winced a little as an excited child went barreling past you and hurled himself at a waiting relative's arms. You gave a small smile, envious of these people who had loved ones waiting for them. You adjusted your grip on your bag as you carefully picked your way through the crowd towards the exit. Suddenly there was a tug on your bag, you sighed internally. Figuring someone had caught your bag with theirs or something and turned to detangle it. Only to be met with a familiar face.
"Javi." You breathed his name as he gave you a grin, gently prying your bag from your hand before wrapping you up in a tight embrace. You melted into him despite the painful protest of the wound on your arm.
"You didn't really think I'd let you just arrive home alone did you?" He muttered against the side of your head. You laughed against his neck as you wrapped your free arm around him.
"Actually I did. I was wondering how to hail a cab with one arm and not drop my bag." You teased, leaning back to look up at him. He shook his head and reached to run a hand through your hair before pulling you close, pressing his lips against yours. You smiled against his lips, leaning your forehead against his for a moment. A rare public display of affection from Javier that told you he missed you. He carefully slid his arm around you and lead you out to his car. A strange sense of familiar normality after everything.
Javier drove you back to your apartment, it was so quiet and cold after being empty for such a long period of time. You flicked the light on as you tossed your keys and sunglasses onto the coffee table once inside. You paused and looked over your shoulder as Javier stood in the doorway.
"Really? After our history in Columbia, you're nervous about coming into my apartment?" You teased, Javier watching you before he shrugged a shoulder and finally came inside properly. He dropped your bag by the door and headed into the living room after you, his eyes glancing around at the decor and everything that made the place so perfectly you. You moved through to the kitchen, rummaging around for mugs to make drinks. Javier shook his head and followed you, carefully nudging you out of the way as he wordlessly took over making coffee for you both. You leaned against the breakfast bar, just watching him with a little smile on your face. He turned to hand you a mug, surprise flickering over his features at the look on your face.
"What?" You shrugged your shoulder slightly, placing the mug down and opting for tucking yourself against his chest instead. Your arm around his waist underneath his jacket to feel his warmth. Javier tilted his head slightly to look at you before carefully cuddling you close, resting his chin atop your head. You just had to relish in the fact that he was here and real. Everything had felt crazy in the past few months, Javier felt like home.
"Stay the night?" You mumbled against his shirt, Javier nodding - he'd been hoping you'd say that anyway.
Once you'd finished your drinks, Javier helped you redress your wound and change into your pyjamas. Sickeningly domestic and romantic you'd thought to yourself as he ran his fingers through your hair. But you loved it. Laid in bed, he was obviously warey of your arm but you found comfort in laying on your side with your sore arm resting over his stomach and your head on his chest. His fingers lightly stroked your forearm as you lay in the dark, not quite asleep yet.
"You sure you're okay with this?" You asked quietly, Javier's fingers stilling briefly before continuing their idle patterns.
"Why wouldn't I be?" You tilted your head back, looking up at him.
"I don't know Javi, you seemed pretty certain this was going to just be a sex thing." Javier tilted his chin down so he could look at you, studying your face in the dim light.
"That was the original agreement but, the heart wants what the heart wants. I don't date but, I'm willing to consider making an exception for you." He grinned playfully as you pinched his hip then huffed at him. He kissed your forehead tenderly and the worry that had wormed it's way into your brain melted away. You smiled and closed your eyes, snuggling happily into his side.
"So, when did you decide that hm?" Javier hummed a little, resting his head back against the pillows.
"That night I found Duque and his kid. I didn't know why I ended up on your doorstep, but your presence helped calm my mind and that massage definitely helped. Sleeping on your chest like that was the most relaxed I'd been in months. When I woke up, the first thing I saw was your beautiful face looking so peaceful and still holding onto me. It made my heart do some weird shit and I realised I could never let it just be sex." You smiled to yourself, you weren't expecting such an open and honest answer but it made you happy. "What about you?" You paused, debating just agreeing with him but opted to be honest.
"Remember when you got the information from that girl, and you met her through the sex worker you were sleeping with? Then." Javier paused, you could feel the confusion as you laughed and pushed yourself up a little to look at him.
"I realised I was insanely jealous and angry that someone else would touch you. That I didn't want to share you with anyone. Why do you think I left more marks and tried to steal more of your time?" Javier looked up at you, lifting a hand to brush your hair back with a quiet hum.
"Admittedly I wasn't wanting you to see that side of me. I only went to her because I couldn't get you out of my head. But she knew I was focussed elsewhere and had someone on my mind. I didn't want to admit it so I tried to put it out of my thoughts. I never saw her again until she called for help with Maritza." You chuckled softly, watching Javier as he played with your hair.
"Cute. Agent Peña got a crush and didn't want to deal with it." You teased, he rolled his eyes and pulled you down to kiss your lips.
"You got under my skin and I didn't know why until that night I realised my heart wanted you." You hummed happily and kissed him again before settling down to lay against him again.
"Well I'm glad you realised it. I think we both came to the unspoken agreement that it was mutual the day you left Columbia." You smiled, Javier loosely wrapping both arms around you.
"Yeah, me too." A content hum left your throat as you settled comfortably with Javier, listening to his steady heartbeat beneath you with a smile.
You and Javier settled into a domestic routine, you had time off and he was still awaiting a meeting to discuss his future in the DEA. You'd spend nights at each others apartments, went for dinner with Steve and Connie or just spent as much time together as you could now you had the freedom to do so. It just felt right. From the second you'd locked eyes across the bar, Javier had gotten under your skin in a way no one else had before. You never believed in love at first sight, always playing it off as lust. Until Javier Peña walked into your life.
The day of his meeting at the FBI, Javier had been stressed all morning. Pacing your apartment and chain smoking between mugs of coffee. You fixed his tie and assured him it would all be fine. But once he'd gone, you found yourself trying to kill time between staring at the clock or the door waiting for his arrival.
He arrived a few hours later, tie hanging loose around his neck and it took all your willpower to not just jump onto him. You studied his face, the soft frown between his brows and the slight downturn of his lips.
"Javi?" You asked softly as you approached him and placed a hand on his arm. He looked at you for a moment and took a breath.
"They didn't fire me." He said, you smiled warmly and pulled him into a tight hug.
"That's great!! Why don't you look happy?" You leaned back, studying his face for a moment.
"They uh, they want me to head a task force taking down the Cali Cartel." You perked one eyebrow slightly, lifting a hand to run your fingers through his soft curls.
"So when do we leave?" Javier blinked, watching you.
"You know how dangerous these men are." You shrugged, watching him.
"Mi amor… I stared Pablo Escobar in the eye and didn't back down. I'm not working it but you'll need support out there since Steve isn't going. We're a team." Javier just stared at you before he shook his head with a laugh.
"Okay, let's go do this shit again."