Chapter Text
Rasmus crouched low in the narrow alley, his breath forming misty puffs in the crisp night air. He adjusted his grip on his rifle, its weight a reassuring presence in his hands. He realizes that all of this is real. As his eyes trailed on the approaching German patrol officer. Fear tightened his chest, he found it hard to breathe; this was only his fifth mission with the Danish resistance, and each moment felt like a step into the unknown.
He waited, his muscles tensed, his heart pounding in his ears. Memories of his life before the war flickered in his mind, very different to the danger he now faced. Suddenly, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, clutching a pistol in trembling hands. Rasmus instinctively swung his rifle towards the stranger, ready to defend himself. "¡No dispares!" the stranger whispered urgently.
Rasmus hesitated, torn between the threat of the German and the unknown intentions of this stranger. The patrol officer drew closer, oblivious to the danger that was coming his way. Rasmus muttered "lort", before taking a swift action, squeezing the trigger and killing the officer with a single shot.
Breathing heavily, Rasmus wasted no time. He grabbed the trembling stranger and led them both into a hurried escape down twisting alleys and deserted streets. Only when he felt they were safe did he slow to a stop, his back against a crumbling brick wall. He turned to face the stranger.
The man was noticeably shorter than Rasmus, with messy dark brown hair and eyes clouded with fear. His name, Alejandro Garnacho, spilled hesitantly from his lips in a thick Spanish accent. Rasmus kept his rifle leveled instinctively, though he softened his voice as he spoke. "I won't hurt you," he reassured, his Danish accent gentle against the tension. "But I need answers. Who do you work for?"
Alejandro swallowed hard, his gaze darting nervously. "Spanish resistance," he admitted in a rush, as if afraid to withhold anything from his savior.
"Why are you here?" Rasmus pressed gently, sensing the weight of the spy's fear.
"I'm a spy," Alejandro confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have to gather intelligence on the Germans."
Rasmus towered over Alejandro, his gaze piercing and intense, while Alejandro trembled beneath him. The narrow alleyway seemed to close in around them, their shadows dancing with the flickering light of distant streetlamps.
"Do you have a place to stay?" Rasmus asked, his voice low, there’s a tense silence between them. He could see fear etched deep into Alejandro's eyes.
"No...," Alejandro replied, his voice quivering slightly.
"And how do you contact your resistance?" Rasmus pressed on, his brow furrowing with concern.
"I... I don't," Alejandro admitted, his eyes darting nervously. "It's... it's complicated."
"Are you alone in this mission?" Rasmus continued, his tone firm yet not unkind.
"Yes," Alejandro replied, almost in a whisper. He looked down at the ground, unable to meet Rasmus' gaze fully.
"Right," Rasmus said after a moment, his mind racing with possibilities. He took a deep breath, then extended his hand towards Alejandro. "Come with me. I have a place for you."
Alejandro hesitated only briefly before grasping Rasmus' hand, a mix of relief and uncertainty crossing his face. Together, they navigated through the labyrinthine streets, Rasmus leading with purpose while Alejandro followed closely behind, glancing warily at every shadow that seemed to stir.
They approached Rasmus’ house, nestled inconspicuously on a quiet street where neighbors kept to themselves. Alejandro glanced around nervously.
"You tell no one about this place," Rasmus whispered urgently to Alejandro, emphasizing the importance of secrecy. Alejandro nodded in agreement, his expression serious and understanding the gravity of their situation.
Rasmus unlocked the door and led Alejandro inside. Despite the dimly lit hallway, the warmth of home greeted them—a contrast to the cold of the streets outside. Rasmus, at just 21 years old, felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders as he brought Alejandro into the living room where his family were seated.
His parents, seated by the fireplace, looked up with concerned looks on their faces as Rasmus and Alejandro entered. Emil and Oscar, Rasmus' younger brothers, immediately approached them.
"Who’s this?" Oscar asked bluntly, eyeing Alejandro with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. Emil, more reserved, hung back, studying Alejandro with a cautious gaze.
Rasmus hesitated briefly, then spoke, "He's a friend who needs our help. He's with the resistance."
"Why is he here?" Oscar pressed.
"He's helping," Rasmus replied carefully, choosing his words. Trying to hide the secrecy that surrounded their encounter.
Emil stepped forward, his voice quieter. "What kind of help?" he asked, his gaze searching Alejandro's face.
"He’s gathering intelligence," Rasmus explained, his voice low and steady.
The room fell into a tense silence as Rasmus' family felt the weight of Alejandro's presence and the implications of his mission. His parents exchanged a knowing look, silently communicating their support for Rasmus' decision. They had raised their sons to understand the importance of resistance against the German occupation, despite the dangers it posed.
Finally, Oscar nodded reluctantly, recognizing the gravity of their situation. "Alright," he said, his voice quieter now, though his skepticism lingered. "We’ll keep this to ourselves."
Emil nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful as he considered the risks and responsibilities that now rested on their shoulders.
Rasmus exhaled softly, feeling a relief washed over him. Alejandro had found refuge, but the challenges ahead were terrifying. They would need to remain alert and that made Alejandro want to throw up.
"Thank you," Alejandro murmured gratefully, breaking the tense silence.
Rasmus nodded in response, his gaze steady and determined. "Rest now," he said firmly. "We'll discuss our next steps tomorrow."
As Alejandro settled in for the night, Rasmus turned to his family, silently showing his gratitude and determination to protect them all.
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