#22: Risks and Feelings

The dust from the last confrontation had not yet settled when Lara finally found Dante. He was leaning against a narrow wall, the explosive device activated in his hand, constantly looking back as if he expected to see her at any moment.

“What are you waiting for? A parade?” she said, panting, holding her side that was throbbing with pain.

Dante turned quickly, relief flashing through his eyes like a lightning bolt.

“Lara! You’re…” He approached, his eyes immediately falling on the blood on her side. “You’re hurt.”

“Nothing that’s going to knock me down. Let’s get this over with.”

But he didn’t move. Dante held her by the shoulders, his fingers firm, as if trying to anchor her.

“You could have died.”

She gave a tired smile, tilting her head slightly.

“You already knew I was a bit crazy when you met me.”

— It's not funny, Lara! — Dante raised his voice, but his voice was shaking. — Why do you always have to play the heroine?

She blinked, surprised by his outburst.

— I did what had to be done. It's what we do, Dante. You risk your life, too.

— Yes, but… — He stopped, taking a deep breath as if the words were hard to come out. — But I don't want to lose you.

Lara was silent, the words echoing in the small area where they were. This felt much more vulnerable than anything they had faced so far.

— Dante… — She began, but was interrupted when he leaned in, touching his forehead to hers for a moment.

— Don't leave me. — He said softly, his eyes fixed on hers.

She felt his warmth, his closeness, and for the first time in all that chaos, her heart beat faster for a reason other than fear.

A Decision in the Heat of the Moment

“I’m not going anywhere,” Lara replied, her voice firm. She touched his face, a gesture she had no idea where it had come from. Maybe it was adrenaline, maybe it was the fact that they might not make it out of here alive.

Dante tilted his head slightly, his breath mingling with hers.

“Promise?”

She smiled, almost laughing at the irony of the situation.

“I promise, you idiot. Now, let’s blow this thing up before they catch us.”

The moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps echoing in the hallways. Dante grabbed her hand, pulling her firmly.

“We’ll finish this conversation later.”

They ran together, the tension between them almost as palpable as the surrounding danger. 

Explosions and Confessions

The device was placed with precision. Lara watched as Dante set the timer, his hands working quickly.

“Are you sure about this?” — she asked, not noticing the softer tone in his voice.

“No, but I never had much time to think, did I?” He replied, offering a quick smile.

When the explosion occurred, the impact threw them back, and they both found themselves hidden behind a pillar, their bodies too close together in the tight space.

Lara felt Dante’s arm around her, shielding her from whatever might come. When the deafening sound subsided, he looked at her, his eyes shining even in the dim light.

“Are you okay?”

“I am, thanks to you.”

There was a moment of pause, the chaos seeming distant as they just stared at each other. Lara noticed something in Dante that she always ignored: he wasn’t just the practical guy who took care of logistics. He was someone who cared about her in a way that went beyond work.

“I’m still waiting for you to finish that conversation,” she teased, a smile playing on her lips.

He laughed, leaning forward slightly.

“Then let me finish.”

And this time, he didn’t hesitate.

An Unspoken Promise

The kiss happened like an explosion stronger than any bomb they could have planted. It was urgent, full of fear, and something they both didn’t yet know how to name.

When they finally separated, both panting, Dante held her face with his hands, as if he wanted to make sure she was there.

“We’ll get through this. Together.” he promised, and for the first time, Lara believed that it was possible.

They stood up, ready to face the next obstacle. Because, in the midst of so much destruction, they had found something worth protecting.