Chapter Text
"I don't accept that.", Ethan said, storming out of the room. He walks up to the rooftop.
On the rooftop, Ethan is looking down at the quiet peaceful streets. He hears a creaking sound opening the door from behind. He turns, it's Ilsa. Ilsa walks up to him and she leans to the rooftop, enjoying the view. But Ethan knows she's not just here for the view. He leans back, his right hand leans on the handle, looking at her profile and the sun's light shining up Ilsa's face, the wind blows in just the right moment, her ponytail wavering a bit. Slow and elegant.
"I wish you weren't here. But I'm glad you are.", Ethan said, still looking at Ilsa's side profile.
"I know.", Ilsa replied, looking back at him.
"It's my first time in Venice.", Ilsa looks around, still leaning towards the handle.
"It's mine too.", Ethan smiled.
Off his look, Ilsa smiles at him. She naturally snuggles up to him. Her arms wrapped around his waist, leans towards his chest. He held her tight, snuggled back. Ethan doesn't know why they're suddenly doing this, but it feels right. And comfortable. He feels safe with her in his arms. For a second they both felt safe and comfortable and all the fears and insecurities seemed to fade away. They held onto each other. Ethan looked at Ilsa and suddenly yet deliberately planted a small kiss on her right cheek. Again, he doesn't know why he's doing this. He never did think about his feelings for her most of the time, or at least he doesn't let himself be alone for that long to think about her. To Ethan, Ilsa being with him will get her into danger that he doesn't wish upon anyone. It's hard to find someone who understands. Especially in this line of work. But he found someone. Ethan did have quite a few past relationships and all that has taught him is that he shouldn't have gotten anyone he cares into his work. But for some reason, he still did. He specifically asked and told Ilsa to leave. To get out of this game. But she's coming with him. No matter what. And he knows. He never did ask her why she's doing this, staying with him and his friends, being in his team. But now, he just wants to hold her tight and never let go. What if something happens to her? He can't take it. He can't. What if Gabriel — No. He wouldn't let that happen. How's he going to stop that? He doesn't know. He can only hope that Ilsa Faust, the woman in his arms, will never leave him.
Ilsa seems to fall asleep in his arms. It's been a while since she met him again, last time it was in the desert. He was there to protect her. To keep her safe. And she was doing the same. Just the thought of him getting injured or hurt would make her feel guilty. Ethan Hunt saved her. He helped her to get out of the game… But they're never free. They're pawns to someone else’s game. Of course, she asked him to come away with her. That moment. That was Ilsa hoping that Ethan will go with her. So they can be together and never go back to the game again, never have to worry about being on the run, hiding, fearing for their lives. Fate intertwined, cosmic coincidence — whatever reason, she's with him now.