Chapter Text
Irina couldn’t believe that she had been in Japan for over two years now.
If someone had told her a year ago that she would stay in one place for so long then she wouldn’t have believed them. Ever since she became an assassin when she turned 15, Irina had been a jet setter. One country after the next, never staying in one place long enough to call it home, never actually having a home… That fact of her life had never really bothered her until now. Karasuma had a way of making her reflect upon her old life in a way that sometimes Irina didn’t like, and the fact that she had gone so many years without a place she could call home was one of them.
Sure, she had a place with Lovro and Olga. They were like parents to her and like with all parents she could always go back to them, but going back meant failure, and failure wasn’t something that Irina Jelavić did. So for over five years, she went without a home until Karasuma had offered her one. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t like it. Sure Karasuma wasn’t the first man to offer her a home, someplace to settle down, but at the time Irina was like a wild animal. She couldn’t be tamed, at least not by those men. Karasuma, however, never wanted to tame her. In fact, the exact opposite was true, and like a cat Irina found herself gravitating to a place that while she was unwanted she wasn’t unwelcome. Karasuma never sought to dull her blade, and that made Irina love him even more. …
Not that she could ever tell him that.
Irina blushed slightly as she thought of Karasuma and their current life together. Things had changed between them since the New Years’ Party and for the better. They were like a real couple now. Gone was the awkward, more than friends but less than lovers aspect of their relationship. The little routine and chemistry that they had found during that time was kept, but new things were added to the relationship. Like an arm snaking around her waist while she made coffee in the morning, and the slight touches and lingering glances.
God, the first time Karasuma had looked at her after New Years’ desire in his eyes, It took all of Irina’s self-control not to jump him right there in the living room of their three-bedroom apartment. It wasn’t a look he gave her often, but when he did. It shook Irina to her core reminding her why she was here, and where she belonged. To think somehow, She had gotten this man, one who could not be won over with her looks and charm. She was lucky, so lucky and if Irina still believed in God she’d pray to him in thanks for giving Karasuma to her.
Because she certainly didn’t deserve him.
Irina Parked the car in front of the High school and got out. She looked at the smartwatch on her wrist and noticed that she was just on time. Schools would be getting out now, and as if to prove her right Students began to flood out of the school doors and when they did Irina suddenly found herself surrounded by children.
The feeling was familiar though unlike her time teaching with Class 3-E Irina was starting to feel like a zoo animal with the way that the Students flittered around her, staring and whispering. She wasn’t even wearing anything that audacious today. Just a pair of high-waisted skinny jeans and a black off-the-shoulder top. Sure, she stood out amongst the Japanese, but these kinds of outfits were normal in the west, and Irina preferred them to the Japanese trends. Honestly, she didn’t think she looked that out of place. If she had she was sure Karasuma would have commented when she left the apartment this morning, but he hadn’t so she figured she looked normal enough…At least normal enough for it to be weird that these kids were staying at her so intensely
“Umm, Excuse me?” a voice called out in horribly accented English that made Irina’s nose scrunch but when she turned around ad saw it was one of the Highschoolers she quickly fixed her face. Her teaching instincts still kicking in even after a year. “Are you lost? Do you need help?” The sentences were graphically correct but simple. Rio and Nagisa’s English while not perfect was leagues ahead of this girl's if her pronunciation were anything to go by. Rio especially would be fluent soon if she kept up the work and Nagisa not far behind.
It was while the girl with a panicked look on her face stared at Irina did Irina realize that she probably thought that she couldn’t speak Japanese. The area wasn’t known for having Foreigners( one of the many reasons Irina preferred Tokyo) and Irina stood out with her blonde hair and blue eyes. Irina sighed and checked her phone. She texted Hinano during lunch, but the girl wasn’t outside yet, nor had she texted her back.
“Actually,” Irina said to the girl in perfect Japanese “I’m looking for Hinano Kurahashi. She’s a first year. Do you think you could go inside and tell her I’m waiting for her?” Irina asked with a proper bow. The girl in front of her’s face turned scarlet as she stuttered out in English that she would and she ran back inside the school. It seemed at the idea that she could speak Japanese only furthered the curiosity of some of the lingering students as they still talked in rather loud whispers around her.
She wasn’t sure if it was a cultural thing, but it was incredibly rude and starting to get on her nerves, and right when she was about to yell at them to mind their own business a familiar high-pitched voice flew into the air.
“Bitch-Sensei!”Hinano yelled waving at her with joy. The moment Hinano walked up to Irina, the older woman pulled her down into a headlock, but the damage was done, slight giggles floated to Irina’s ears.
“What are you doing calling me that in public???!!!” She whispered in her ear harshly. Hinano’s small mouth popped open.
“Sorry, It’s just habit.” She swore, but Irina could see the laughter in her eyes.
"Well, call me something else!” She said stepping away from the girl and crossing her arms.
“Umm, Kurahashi?” It seemed that now that Irina was interacting with her the other students who had been staring at her decided she wasn't so unapproachable after all.
“Oh Hey!” As always Hinano bounced with energy. “Sorry, I won’t be able to walk home.” She told the gaggle of high school girls that were staring at her as if she had grown a second head. “I wanna catch up here with Irina-sensei. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” She promised.
“Sensei!” One of the girls shouted from the group. Irina had the reaction a lot. People asked her all the time what she did for work, and of course, she couldn’t tell them the truth. So she told them the next best thing, which was that she was a teacher, and it technically wasn't completely untrue she was a teacher, just not currently.
“Yeah,” Hinano never missed a beat. “She taught English at my middle school! Everyone in that class was pretty close.” At that, the atmosphere changed. The public was fully aware of what Class 3-E did now. Irina’s name was left out of it, and the school records hired her under a pseudonym, they couldn’t after all hire a well-known assassin. Most people didn’t even know which kids from Kunugigaoka actually did the deed of killing the monster. From these kids' reactions, it seemed they knew something. Of course, Hinano didn't tell them. She and everyone else, Irina included, had signed an NDA. But the news knew enough information to put it together. Hinano had reached out to her, but Irina wondered if she should check on the other kids, and hoped they were alright. Hoping that last year wasn’t affecting them too negatively.
Mind you, those kids would never be alright. Taking a life wasn’t something they could ever forget or move past, especially killing someone you loved. But here Hinano was smiling like this chatting Irina’s ear off as she got into her car, catching her former teacher up on all the events in her life. They were going shopping, Irina would probably buy the girl a little something it was the least she could do for not staying in touch as well as she would have liked.
Irina couldn’t help but smile a little as she drove listening to Hinano talk about her classes and updating her on some of the other kids. Rio was planning on studying abroad for her final year in Highschool. and Karma apparently had his sights set on one of the best Universities in Tokyo. Kaede or Akari had gone back to acting, while also being a full-time Student. Irina made a mental note to check on her next, seeing how she’s handling everything. By the time Hinano had caught her up, they were sitting in a little cafe eating Parfaits and drinking coffee.
“But the real question is how are you and Karasuma-Sensei? How’s working for the Ministry?” Hinano asked causing Irina to freeze over her overly sweet and decorative coffee.
“Umm,” Irina was a good liar, but never to the children. The students of Class 3-E had always seen through her like she was made of glass. How could she tell this girl that she and Karasuma were stuck in a dead-end? A dead-end that was a direct consequence of their actions. The students already had enough guilt to deal with without adding Karasuma and her own stagnating careers to it. “We’re fine.” She answered. “Karasuma got a promotion.” She supplied hoping that it was enough information. She wasn’t going to tell her how she and Karasuma had not been allowed to go back into the field yet. How they had spent a year, with their skills on the bench.
“That’s great! Mr. K definitely deserves it!” Studying the girl, Irina wasn’t sure if she bought her half-truth. She had always strived to be honest with the kids, especially after The Reaper incident. She didn’t like coddling them, but here she was doing exactly that.
Koro-Sensei hadn’t asked Irina to take care of the children but she would be damned if she let this world chew them up and spit them out.
“Some of us are keeping up our training,” Hinano said sparing Irina and changing the subject. “We meet on the mountain and train, you and Mr. K could join us sometime if you’re free. It’s usually just Okano, Isogai, Kimura, and Okajima, but sometimes Karma, Nagisa, and Itona show up. I think it would be great if you and Karasuma-Sensei came up to help guide us a little, just like old times. I’m sure if the others heard that you guys were going to be there maybe even the whole class would show up!” She said excitedly, but the idea didn’t make Irina smile though that was exactly what she did.
Honestly, The idea that the kids were keeping up their training didn’t exactly bring warm fuzzies. They should be living normal lives or at least trying to be. There was no Koro-Sensei to assassinate anymore, so what were those kids still training for?
“Are you kids sure it’s okay for you to be on that Mountain? I know that Asshole Principle isn’t there anymore, but the land is the school’s right, I don’t want you guys getting in trouble for trespassing.” Irina said hoping that would be enough to keep them from training.
“Oh.” Hinano’s head tilted to the side as if she had never even thought of that. “well, it turns out that the Mountains actually isn’t owned by the school, Principal Asano actually owns the land, and he hasn’t said anything about us being there. I doubt he even pays attention to it.” She said with a shrug.
“Still be careful, The Government isn’t going to bail you kids out anymore.” She said unsure of how to continue.
“But enough About me, Bitch-Sensei! How are things going on between you and Karasuma-Sensei? You guys are living together, right?” Irina remembered a time when she was known worldwide for her poker face. She had fooled all from the world’s most trustworthy politicians to the Underworlds’ scummiest and yet hear she was blushing at the words of a 16-year-old girl. When had she started to wear her emotions on her sleeve?
She wasn’t going to talk to this teenager about her sex life…Or lack thereof. But a part of her reveled in the question, After more than a year of wearing that wall of a man down, she had done it. And She was happy. They were together and honestly for Irina that was enough for now, but even Irina had to admit, other than finally adding a label, their relationship had changed very little. She had thrown out the rule book with Karasuma and had learned to ignore her instincts, but New Year’s had thrown her for a loop and had finally convinced her that maybe, just maybe, Karasuma was actually human. But again she wasn’t going to into the specifics of her romantic relationship with a child.
Fate seemed to be on her side because it was then that her phone rang giving Irina just the excuse she needed to ignore the question. Looking at her watch she was surprised to see Karasuma’s name on the screen. In front of her, Hinano raised an eyebrow.
“It’s Karasuma…” Irina supplied pulling her phone out of her purse.
“Then take it!” If possible Hinano was even more excited. “ And tell him I said Hi” She screamed as Irina answered the phone.
“Karasuma,” She said as she answered the call.
“Irina,” Karasuma responded back in greeting, and She could feel the heat rising in her face. There was something about the way he said her name now, with a warmth that so unlike Karasuma, and a tone that was reserved especially for her. “I didn’t catch you at a bad time, did I?” He asked Irina could practically see his face. His raised eyebrow and the slight smirk were a look that she was quite familiar with.
“I’m getting some coffee with Hinano. ” She replied but frowned it wasn’t like Karasuma to ask about where she was. “Why is something wrong?”
She could hear Karasuma’s sigh and knew that something was, not just in general like their apartment flooding(Which would be awful). No this was something work-related and if Karasuma was calling her, that means…
They had gotten the green light on something.
“How soon can you get to the office?” Karasuma asked, not revealing anything yet. Irina smiled excited by the opportunity for some action.
“I have to drop Hinano home, but 45 minutes. Is that okay?” She asked.
“No, it’s okay I can take the train home!” Hinano shouted hoping her former teacher could hear her through the receiver. From Karasuma’s silence, Irina could tell he did.
“Take Kurahashi home, Irina." Karasuma said though if she were being honesty it sounded more like an order, “If it’s so important I’m sure they can wait.” Irina was just dying to know who “they” were.
“I’ll be there.” She said and quickly hung up the phone, Karasuma wasn’t the kind for sweet farewells on the telephone. “Come On, Hinano, Looks like work is calling.” Finally “I’ll make it up to you another time.” Irina promised and lead the girl out of the cafe, but on the inside, the assassin in her was buzzing. Whatever this was about she had hoped it was good.
Irina sped the entire way. She had Hinano pull up Ritsu on her phone and with the AI navigating her, Irina made it to Karasuma’s office building in 30 minutes. She must have hit 120 because Ritsu seemed a little stressed(As stressed as a super-smart Ai could be) and Hinano just laughed hysterically as Irina dropped the girl home with a quick goodbye pulling up 15 minutes earlier than she said she was. The parking garage opened for her automatically(Karasuma having something to do with that more than likely) And Irina quickly pulled into a space close to the door. She had been here before. Occasionally Karasuma invited her to lunch with him so it wasn’t like this was her first or second time in the building, none of this was a surprise to her, but what was the surprise was Karasuma standing by the door waiting for her. Irina looked at her phone on the dashboard and immediately knew that Ritsu must have been keeping Karasuma apprised of her ETA.
“You know you really didn’t have to break the speed limit to get here?” He said eyebrows raised, arms crossed. Like usual he gave nothing away.
“So do you want to explain why We’ve been called to a meeting at 8 in the evening?” She said feigning a look at her watch, “This better be good, Karasuma.” She was also feigning annoyance but Irina was more excited than anything.
Karasuma didn’t respond to her words instead only studying her silently, a habit she was more than familiar with. Like the kids, he had a way of making her feel transparent. “Do you remember Minister Kawai? A flashing image of the older woman from the New Years’ Party floated into Irina’s mind. It seems Karasuma must have seen her answer on her face because he continued, “Well apparently she wants to see us. She and a few other people…” He trailed off but didn’t go into detail. Either he was ordered to not say or it wasn’t that important. Though If Irina was honest with herself she thought their relationship had hit the point where he would tell her at least some of the sensitive things he was in the know about, especially if they retained to her. From his tense shoulders, but he looked her in the eye when he spoke, as he always did, and she knew it was going to be fine. Still, he was on edge, more so than she had seen from him since they moved in together. It was a little odd to see him so stressed. She hadn’t seen him stressed in a long time.
“Alright, we better not keep them waiting anymore…” She replied slipping her arm into his and walking toward the building’s entrance. “Hinano says Hi, by the way.” She told him trying to ease the tension in his body and the effect was instant. His shoulders relaxed as he barked out a laugh realizing what she was doing.
They walked like this for a while and Irina knew when they were approaching the room because Karasuma wordlessly slipped his arm from her grasp and opened the door holding it for her in a way that made Irina swoon just a little bit.
“Sorry for the wait, but She’s here now. This Is Irina Jelavić.” Karasuma introduced as Irina walked into the room in front of him. She was caught off guard by the English that left Karasuma’s mouth. She knew he was fluent, but in their time together he had never used it. When she looked inside she knew why. Irina was greeted with a group of faces one familiar, Those she knew worked for the Ministry, and others not so familiar. It was the not-so-familiar ones that put Irina a little on edge. They were foreigns like herself. They were not definitely Japanese.
Irina eyed one, a man, greying about 50 years of age, his frown lines said more than his body language, which was stiff and unmoving. He watched her like a hawk or an eagle from the pin on his lapel. An American? CIA, if Irina had to guess. With him was a woman. She was lean and attractive, sitting tall in her seat and practically glaring at Irina. It seemed Irina’s reputation preceded her here. The woman’s skin was a deep dark brown and her hair flowed down into hundreds of ringlets to her shoulders. She was young about Karasuma’s age, maybe a little younger, but clearly she wasn’t in charge here. The real big dog was Minister Kawai who sat with a smile on her lips at the head of the table, hands folded neatly under her chin. The woman who had introduced herself at the new Years’ Party. After the party Karasuma had told Irina his theory on why Kawai would introduce herself to them, and it seemed his theory was coming true here and now.
“Hello, Miss Jelavić, I’m glad you could join us.” Kawai greeted kindly also in English. The woman next to her however snorted.
“About time,” She replied with a roll of her eyes.
“Sorry about the time, but I had to make sure one of my former students made it home safely. “ Irina replied evenly and moved to the seat Karasuma had pulled out for her.
“It’s fine, it’s fine.” Kawai waved off. “Miss Jelavić, Karasuma, Allow me to introduce you to my friends here. This is Jonathan Denk and his associate, Ms. Cassandra Todd. They’re from the US.” She supplied unhelpfully. “Denk, Todd these are the agents I was telling you about Karasuma and Jelavić.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jelavić, Karasuma.” The man looked between the both of them but eyed Irina with a tad bit more interest. “I’m sure it’s obvious to you both by now, but Cassandra and I both work for the CIA.” This information wasn’t new to Irina. She had met many Langley dogs in her days and these two fit the bill to a tee. Karasuma also looked unsurprised by this information. “We usually work closely with the Japanese government to keep an eye on things over here on this side of the world. “ Irina fought the urge to roll her eyes, sticking their noses where they shouldn’t no doubt. Americans never did know how to stay out of other countries' business.
“I was having dinner with Jonathan when he told me about a little problem he was having you see.” Kawai supplied this time helpfully and getting to the point.
“Minister, if you please.” The woman, Cassandra hissed out in displeasure. “While we thank you for trying to help us out. I doubt we need help from japan and its agents” the word was spat out like she couldn’t believe it. Though Irina knew it was more directed to herself and not Karasuma who on paper was the perfect soldier and agent. Sometimes, especially lately, Irina forgot she was a well-known assassin. She hadn’t been around anyone who was so afraid of her in a long time. And afraid was what Irina would describe the emotions that radiated off of Cassandra Todd. Though she tried to hide that fact with anger. The way her body tensed and the way her eyes could never leave Irina’s form for more than a second was a telltale sign of fear. People usually weren’t afraid of her. Honestly, it was bad for business, but her resume was quite impressive. To some, it was frightening to be around a person who had killed as many people as she meet. The kids, The octopus nor Karasuma had never begrudged her for that, even though they probably all should.
“Well considering that the US can’t get involved directly I believe that Miss Jelavić here is exactly what you need,” Kawai replied not even batting an eye.
“And what exactly do you need me for?” Irina interrupted annoyed that it seemed everyone in the room knew what was going on but her. Next, her Karasuma was nonplussed, but Irina was unsure if that was because he was already in the know or he was used to conversations around him happening like this.
Minister Kawai turned quickly to the woman looking ever sly as her smile grew wider, “How much do you know about OPEC?” She asked. Irina blinked twice at OPEC, The Oil organization?
“The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries or OPEC is a collection of countries where Oil is a natural resource that is in abundance and can be sold,” Karasuma answered easily. “They pretty much set the price for oil all over the world, but what does that have to do with the US or Japan. Last I checked, neither of our countries was in OPEC. “ Karasuma answered crossing his arms over his body, jaw clenching slightly. Maybe he was a little more annoyed than she thought?
“Well, You’re right about that, Karasuma, but that doesn’t mean that It’s not something of interest to the US.” Jonathan leaned forward. “Brazil’s oil production has skyrocketed, and they have been asked to join OPEC.”
Irina raised an eyebrow, “Isn’t that a good thing?” She asked.
“It would have been if they had accepted.” He replied. “Now we have a problem. If Brazil joins or stays out of OPEC it’s really no skin off our teeth, but what can not happen is that they instead join up with Russia. The Price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia will turn into a whole oil war if they get any other country on their side, and Brazil produces just enough oil to give the rest of OPEC a slight run for their money.” The man sighed. "And rumor has it that The Pedrosas the Brazilian family with the only export market for Oil is in talks with Russian Oil. Our intel suggests that Antonio Pedrosa has been refusing the offers to join Russia, but we picked up some chatter that Russia has plans to force Pedrosa’s hand.” Jonathan looked toward his associate giving the woman a slight nod. She sighed but passed over two folders to both Karasuma and Irina.
“This is Raphael Pedrosa. Antonio’s eldest child and heir, the other two are his sisters, Juliana and Yara. We believe that Russia Oil is going to go after them.” Cassandra explained though her toned was pained and slightly strained. “The Pedrosa’s have no idea that the Russians are targeting them.”
Irina leaned back and frowned. “No offense,e but this seems really simple to me. Tell the Pedrosa’s about the Russians. I'm sure if they’re rich and powerful enough that they can afford to protect themselves.”
“Except you can’t do that, can you?” Karasuma answered for the Americans. “Because you aren’t supposed to know this information.” A sly grin appeared on Irina’s face at Karasuma’s words. She laughed darkly.
“So let me see if I’ve got this figured out.” Irina continued. “You have a spy in Russia oil, probably there for some other reason or mission, but instead of something useful, they found out about an impending attack on the Pedrosa Family instead. But you can’t act on this information without compromising your agent. Do I have this right?” She asked with a raised eyebrow, next to her she could see Karasuma struggle to keep his face neutral. It was humorous after all.
Jonathan sighed. “Yes, You’ve got right.” He said sadly. “If the American government is caught it could easily spell war, and I would rather not leave such a young man to be hurt by those only trying to line their own pockets.”
“That’s where you two would come in.” Kawai continued for Jonathan Denk. She turned to Irina specifically, “We want you to go undercover to protect Raphael Pedrosa and his sisters at his upcoming Poker Tournament in Monte Carlo. He’s young, rich, the world eats out of his hands, I thought we could keep an eye on him while he was keeping an eye on something, or someone else.” Kawai said sending a meaningful look toward Irina, “You are probably the world’s leading expert on seduction and infiltration. This is job would be easy for you and with Karasuma there to watch your back. It would be a waste not to use you for this.” Irina bit her lip. Kawai was right, it would be a waste. Irina turned toward Karasuma who returned her gaze. Not even a second later they both turned back to face Kawai.
“Alright, we’re in,” Karasuma said, unfolding his arms. “How exactly are we going to do this?” he asked.
“Well that’s easy,” Kawai spoke up, “Raphael Pedrosa is a man with many vices, but his main one is women.”
Monaco got more beautiful each time that Raphael went. Though he was stuck at the resort this time he could still marvel at the beauty of this country.
“Raph, When can we go to the mall?!” At his side, Yara pulled down on his arm,
“Sorry, but I promised Papa we would stay at the resort,” He said booping the nose of his youngest sister. Next to him, his other sister groaned.
“So not only were we forced on this trip with you, but now we are confined here to this place.” She growled.
“This wasn’t my idea, Juliana.” He said to her frowning, “I would have rather you both stay home too, but father seems to think that we would all be safer away from Brazil right now.”
Juliana rolled her, “Yes, instead of being home during such a tough time for our family you want to run off t a poker tournament of all things.” She spat. It wasn’t the first time she had brought something like this up.
“Juli, I understand that you-“ He started, but yelling at the front desk of the hotel caught his ear.
“Excuse me what do you mean the Pent-house is booked! You booked it for me every time I come here! How dare you give it up to someone else!” Yelled a female voice carrying through the lobby.
He stopped and turned to his sister again finding both of them staring at the commotion
“Umm aren’t we in the penthouse?” Yara asked shooting her brother a worried look.
“Yes. Yes, we are.” He said and signaled his security to stay with his sisters as he approached the irate woman, who continued to yell at the hopeless employee.
“Do You Know Who I Am!” She screamed, “I am a personal friend to Monsieur Benoit. You know the man who owns this casino? And I will be calling him!”
“Excuse me, but I couldn’t help but overhear. Do we have a problem?" he said flashing both women a smile that has actually won many awards in Brazil.
“Oh! Mr. Pedrosa!” She said bowing her head slightly to him, “I'm sorry, but this woman here thinks she booked the penthouse.” The employee seemed to have more backbone than he thought, “I was just explaining to her, that the room is taken.”
“And I was saying that I won’t be standing for this don’t make-“
“Don’t you think you can give the young lady a break?” He said cutting off another tirade. “She already said the room was taken”. The Woman finally turned to him and Raphael struggled not to drop his jaw. He had never seen anything like her. Long Blonde hair falling down onside of her face into soft waves, Wit bright blue eyes on a perfect heart-shaped face. He had seen beautiful women and they paled in comparison to the vision before him. He stared at her his eyes unconscious shifting down finding her body as perfect as his face. Standing next to him in a beautiful sundress that revealed her long legs to him, unblemished and smooth, and God, Oh God, the Dress was low cut.
“And who are you?’ She asked still angry. A frown marring her perfect features as she stared up at him eyebrow raised. His voice caught in his throat as he struggled to speak.
“R-Raphael,” He stuttered still to overcome but the woman before him
“Well, unless your the guy who stole my room then you can get out of my face.” She said starting to turn from,
“Well, Miss,” The Girl at the desk spoke up, “This is the man who booked the penthouse. She revealed causing those blue eyes to grow wide and snap back to him. HE thanked god and that girl as words finally returned to him.
“Raphael Pedrosa, at your service, " he said mocking a boy, “ This seemed to work as the woman before him lips twitched slightly.
She raised her head and took a step toward him, Well, Mr. Pedrose. We have a problem then. You see That is my room. I come to this resort nearly every year and have booked that room and here you are stealing it right from underneath me.” She told him, “You have to admit that this is a little unfair.”
He rubbed his chin and smirked with her, “Alright Miss….” He hesitated and realized he didn’t know her name.
“Anna-Marie de L’Isle, but you can call me Marie.” She said looking at him through her long thick eyelashes, and like that she had him.
“Well, Miss de L’Isle, If it were just me here, I would give you the penthouse, or offer to share it with you.” Her smile grew at that, “But I’m here with my younger sisters and our whole security detail. So we’re going to need the space. How about I compensate you,?You’re rooms and meals here are on me.” She lit up at that.
“Really?”
“ Of course.” He replied “I couldn’t live with myself knowing I’ve put a lovely lady out. How about do we have a deal.” She feigned a pout before grabbing his outstretched hand.
“Fine,” She said giving it a firm shake. Before turning back to the front desk, “Alright give me a suite with a good view, “
“And bill her room to my card, Please.” Raphael cut in. The employee nodded and handed Marie her key card.
“ Mr. Pedrosa, It’s been a pleasure doing business with you," she said pulling up her Louis Vuitton bag on her shoulder and walking away from him. Raphael practically jumped to grab her arm stopping her.
“When can I see you again?” He asked. Marie shrugged.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Pedrosa, I’ll be around. I’m in the tournament too after all.” And with that, she pulled away from him walking with a little strut toward the elevators and disappearing behind the doors as they shut. Raphael starred at the elevators. He had just met an angel. He had to have. There was no other explanation. An angel, she was so beautiful, and her name was Marie…..
“You are such a pig!” Juliana hit his back as she walked up to him. “What are you doing staring after a woman like that?”
“Wow! She was pretty!” Yara added. also looking a little starstruck.
“Yes, she was…” his brain was back to short-circuiting, struggling to keep up with all the information that was just given to him.
“And you paid for her room! Aye, Raph, I can’t believe you.” Juliana berated.
He snorted, “Why? It’s not like we can’t afford it.”
“Do you think we’ll see her again?” Yara asked excitedly
“God willing” He answered before ushering his sisters toward the elevators and toward their room, and as soon as he got there he made a call to the jewelry store in the resort.
Upstairs walking through the halls to her own suite Anna-Marie de L’Isle moved out of the way so her bodyguard could open the door for her. The man checked the room scanning it with his harsh eyes before stepping aside to let his charge into the room.
“It’s clear.” he said in his deep voice, “ Beckoning her inside and shutting the door behind them. “are you sure you should have left him like that?” He asked eyebrows raised as he watched as Anna-Marie opened her suitcase and began to pull things out.
“He’ll come to us.” She replied not looking at him. “ I’ve made sure of that. Trust me, I’ll be the only thing he can think about for at least the next couple of days.” She looked up at her bodyguard. “And if I’m really good, the next couple of weeks.” Still, her bodyguard frowned at her.
“We are supposed to be watching them and we can’t do that from here.” He crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against the wall watching as Anna-Marie began to move toward the large closet. “I don’t like it. We need to keep eyes on them.”
Anna-Marie peaked her head out of the closet just to roll her eyes at him, “Really, Karasuma?” She raised an eyebrow at him. “You and the Ministry hired me for this exact reason. I’ve been seducing men like him my whole life. I know what I’m doing, so let me do my job.” She said giving him a slight glare before disappearing from the closet.
“I do trust you, however. I just don’t like how many variables there are in this situation.” Karasuma admitted. If he was allowed he would have made it so they could just approach their charge, but that wasn’t an option. No one could know why or who they were. This operation couldn’t be tied back to any government, but he’d rather the target survive than play politics. Karasuma sighed. Guess he was really more of a soldier after all. “I’d like to have ears on him at least.”
“I’m sure that can be arranged.” She replied strolling out of the closet and going into one of her bags, Gucci of course, and pulling out a black bag lined with silver and pulling out of it a small listening device tossing it at Karasuma who caught it with ease. “Next time I’m with the targets. Plant that into one of the electrical sockets. And then you can listen to them to your heart's content. “ She hummed.
Karasuma looked at the device. They had gotten a briefing on how to use most of them, and what surprised him was how much of this stuff She already knew how to use, but then again. Her former occupation was much closer to Intelligence agent than his job was.
“Should be simple enough.” He replied pocketing the bug, “And It’s Ken, remember?” He told her, “Ken Arasaka, you need to remember that, Irina. We don’t need anyone tracing this back to you.” Irina frowned mostly pouting than anything.
“You seriously need to relax. Trust me. He’ll be too busy chasing me around to for the Russians to even try anything.” She told him. “I wouldn’t be surprised If he sent me a gift.” As if on cue there was a knock at the door. causing Irina’s smirk to grow. She inclined her head, and Karasuma remembered he had a part to play. He answered the door, and the small man a boy who really couldn’t have been older than his former students handed him a small box, that clearly contained some jewelry.
“This is for Miss de L’Isle.” He said with a small bow of his head before turning and leaving. Karasuma frowned and opened surprised to find a diamond tennis bracelet to be its’ contents. Irina walked up and plucked the box from his hand.
“That was fast, “ She said examining the bracelet. “He’s got good taste even if the gift is cliche,” She said, shutting ht box and returning to the main part of their suite. Karasuma followed her unsure of what to call the sudden uneasy feeling he got in his stomach. As he looked at her, watching as she moved to unpack their things, he knew this feeling was directed at her. It wasn’t the job that worried him… No despite his words it wasn’t that at all. Irina was the best at what she did and he knew that better than anyone, but knowing and seeing were two different things.
Back on that mountain at the school, no one would fall for her tricks, and with how immature she was it was easy to compare her to the students. Though sometimes she would serve him some reminders that behind those bright blue eyes was a woman, no a master of not just seduction but killing. He had read her dossier but seeing her use all those techniques that she talked about that year. it was different. Even after nearly two years, it was frightening how easily Irina slipped back into her persona. How easy it was to make a man putty in her hands, and he had watched her do it in less than 5 minutes. He’d be lying if he didn’t say he was impressed.
Karasuma wasn’t the type that knew anything about fancy jewelry, but he knew that bracelet was a grand, at least. Definitely not a gift you give someone you just met, but maybe to someone you really wanted to impress… Not him, but it wasn’t like he could understand a man like Raphael Pedrosa anyway.
“Karasuma?” Irina’s voice brought him out of his thoughts, “You okay?” She asked. She looked genuinely concerned and her features morphed into a cruel smirk. “Don’t tell me you're jealous?” She said.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” He snorted, and when he heard her giggle he felt himself unconsciously relax.
“Well, no need to worry because Mr. Pedrosa just invited me to join him at the pool’s bar. This will be the perfect opportunity to get into his room and plant some bugs. Think you can sneak away and do that while I have his attention?” She asked.
Karasuma opened his mouth to answer but as he did, the sound of their room door opening caught him off guard causing him to turn around quickly hand immediately going to the gun.
“That's a no.” The persona responsible answered as they walked in it was Agent Todd, in a light blue polo with the hotel’s insignia on it and khaki shorts. Her hair was now in individual braids cascading down her back into a ponytail. “You two need plausible deniability. I don’t want to see either of you near his room unless he invites you.”
Irina frowned and folded her arms in front of her chest and huffed. “Agent Todd, I didn’t know you were going to be here, too. I thought the Americans couldn’t get “Officially Involved”” She said with a pair of sarcastic air quotes.
“Sorry, but I can’t trust some killer to take care of this. If we aren’t successful it could mean another war in the Middle East and the soldiers just got home. I’m not risking American lives because some Serbian trash couldn’t do her job.” Todd stepped fully into the room, and from her position by the closet Karasuma could see Irina begin to bristle. He watched as her hand twitched toward her gun(Which was concealed on her thigh by her dress), but she didn’t reach for it instead of taking a step forward as her face began to red with anger.
“Listen here, Bitch, I’m not-“ But Karasuma Held out his arms stopping Irina from walking up to the American woman.
“Stop!” He commanded. “both of you.” He said giving Irina a look that quickly silenced her and turning his glare onto Todd. “If you don’t want our help, Then Irina and I are happy to just consider this a vacation on the CIA’s dime. Don’t forget that it was your people who asked for our help. And you're not going to get it if you piss off the agent who’s supposed to be the running point. “ Todd had the decency to at least look a little embarrassed.
“Sorry,” She apologized gruffly, turning away from Karasuma and Irina.
Irina groaned before moving back to the suitcases and pulling out more of the listening devices. “Fine since We can’t Put these in his room, you’ll have to do it.” She handed the bugs to Todd. Who held them awkwardly as she had just been handed some sort of disgusting living creature. “Should be easy enough since you apparently work here.” Irina continued eyeing Todd’s uniform. “I mean I know you Langley bunch aren’t known for your style but, This is just sad,” Irina spoke like the mean girl from a cheesy 80’s movie, and was worse it stung like that too.
Karasuma groaned as he began to rub his head, feeling a headache approaching. “Irina” He growled, but her only response was to hmmm and walk away from the American agent. Well, at least she wasn’t going to insult her any more.
“You think you can plant the bugs? If you can’t, I can do it.” Karasuma said. but Todd clutched the bugs tightly.
“I’ll be fine.” she glared at him and Irina both. “I’m filling in as one of the managers, so if either of you needs to get anywhere in the resort that’s not normally allowed contact me, so I can make sure you get out clean. And please try not to draw attention to yourselves. “She pleaded, and Karasuma snorted before he could stop himself. Maybe he could, but Irina Shinned was like a lone star in the dark Night Sky.
“We’ll try, “ He promised, though his tone begged to differ. “Is there anything else?” He asked. Raphael Pedrosa was waiting for Irina by the pool and Irina needed to get going if she wanted time to plant the bugs.
“You have the comms on you, right?” She asked. Karasuma nodded, of course, they did he wasn’t an amateur. “Then we’re good here. Karasuma, you notify me when it's a good time for me to plant the bugs. I doubt we’ll get a better chance than this so don’t screw this up.” Todd’s face was hard as she said the words and didn’t bother saying a farewell as she quickly turned and left the room.
“God, what a fucking bitch.” Irina said leaning on the wall having returned now that Todd had gone.
Karasuma sighed. Irina didn’t like her, so getting her to listen to the American woman was going to be difficult. “She’s hasn’t exactly scored any points with me either.” He told her honestly.
“I can’t believe you let her talk to you that way, Karasuma. You should have let me tell her where she could stick those bugs.” Irina growled getting angry at the memory.
“No, I shouldn’t have.” he shook his head. “She’s a foreign agent of a country we have good ties with. I’m not about to burn any bridges. It could hurt the Ministry in the future.” He replied. He didn’t like it, but he know what fights to pick, and this definitely wasn’t one.
“well, I better change into my swimsuit. Don’t want to keep Mr. Pedrosa waiting," she said. Her voice getting far away as moved into the closet shutting its doors behind her. Karasuma walked up to the room’s mini-fridge pulling out a bottle of water.
“I’ll be following your lead on this Irina.” He said opening the bottle “ I don’t know much about seduction, that’s your area of expertise. So I’ll be trusting you with this.”
“You don’t trust me?” Her voice asked floating from the closet. It was lifted with humor telling Karasuma everything needed to know. He could practically hear her coy smirk.
“Of course I trust you.” He replied taking a sip of the bottle. ”I just don’t know know how to help you with this.” He replied. “I don’t know what you’ll need to pull this off.” Irina, he could trust. She was the best after all, but he was hopeless out of his element and their information and help were limited.
“The only thing I need you to do is to drop that iron wall of yours and tell me how I look.” She said her voice clear. The closet doors were now open and Irina was a vision in a Green floral Bikini and matching floor-length sheer robe to cover up with though honestly the lingerie she wore around their home covered more. “We’ll work on some codes tonight so you’ll know if I need something, alright?” She said giving him a soft look. A look that made him fall a little harder each and every day. Most people didn’t know how to assuage his worries, but that had rarely been a problem for Irina. It came so naturally to her.
“Thank you.” He said to her hoping his genuine feelings were reaching her. She smiled at him.
“Aaand~” She sung coming close enough to him that was just under his chin. She played with his tie a little. “How do I look?”
Karasuma felt his shoulders relax instantly another feat Irina had come to be able to do over their time living together. His walls were tough, born from fire and war but slowly and surely over time, Irina had learned to topple them. A part of him couldn’t believe how afraid he used to be to admire her, to look at her, but he wasn’t afraid anymore. He took her hand in his bringing it up to his lips and kissing the back of it. Relishing the scarlet blush that washed over her face.
“You’re beautiful, Breathtaking even.” He told her honestly, pulling her a little closer making her look up at him with her blue eyes. He didn’t compliment her often. He didn’t need to when the rest of the world did it every time she stepped out of the house, but he would always compliment her if she asked him to. “If Raphael Pedrosa isn’t already halfway in love then he certainly will be when he sees you in this.” Her smile was so warm as she looked up at him. He could feel the moment growing, wanting to go deeper. Irina leaned in. “You know, this will be the last time I do something like this while we’re here?” He told her breaking the moment. “For the sake of the mission, no one can know we’re together. So we’ll have to keep our distance and play our parts.”
Irina frowned, “I know, but-“ she moved closer pressing herself against him.
“No buts.” He told her seriously. and watched as her expression fell. “It’s not that I don’t want to, Irina. You understand that, right?”
She pouted, “I know. it’s just that…” she trailed off.
“I know Irina, I know.” One day he’d take her somewhere like this. Where they could be themselves, where they could be together, but today was not that day.