Open Case File [COMPLETED]

The Rescue

Focus. He couldn't go there. He took a slow breath, focusing on nothing other than the inhale and exhale of that breath.

"Up ahead."

Donovan nearly collapsed as he spotted a single flashlight swing in the darkness. He quickened his steps, forcing himself not to break into a run. A team watched him and he needed to show that his emotions didn't control him. No matter how wild those emotions were.

Carter and Mason slowly came into view and Donovan knew something was wrong. They were both coated in dust but that seemed to be the only extent of Mason's wounds whereas Carter leaned on Mason, her leg bandaged.

Holstering his weapon and giving up on all pretense, Donovan hurried to Carter. She offered a weak smile to him and he scooped her up into his arms. Instantly, she let out a sigh of relief and sagged into his hold. The action told Donovan exactly how bad the pain was. If it was any less Carter would have wanted to walk on her own, to keep her pride.

"You'll easily let him do that," Mason muttered. "But it takes a showdown for you to accept my help."

"Mason," Donovan said, coolly.

Mason waved away Donovan. "You can drop the ice wall, Boy Scout. Carter and I have come to begrudging respect for each other. Or something like it."

When Carter chuckled softly, Donovan knew Mason wasn't joking. Though the fact that they'd found some sort of peace was surprising. They seemed to always be fighting with each other.

"Are you injured?" one of the team members asked Mason.

When Mason noticed how attractive the woman asking was, he seemed to perk up.

"Yes, terribly, you'll have to hold me close the whole way back," Mason said.

"It's still a pity nothing fell on his throat making him mute," Carter said.

Mason shot Carter a smirk and the woman rolled her eyes. "We should head back."

Donovan let the team lead the way, happy to trail behind, carrying Carter.

"You didn't kill Mason," Donovan said, quietly enough that the others wouldn't hear him.

"I'm as surprised as you."

Donovan kissed her forehead, not caring about the dust.

"I'm glad you're okay."

"Were you worried?"

"Never."

Carter laughed gently and curled further into his hold, resting her head on his shoulder. Donovan loved how comforted she felt in his arms and how natural it felt to be holding her. He wished she didn't have to be wounded for the occasion but he enjoyed it all the same.

"How much pain are you in?" he asked.

Carter didn't answer right away. "I would have been worse without Mason."

"Then it looks like I have to forgive him for the Boy Scout comment."

"Only once. If he tries it again you can punch him."

"Okay."

They walked in silence for another moment, then Carter spoke, her voice sounding small.

"Donovan, do you think I act superior to others?" she asked.

"Yes."

She lifted her head to look at him. He shrugged.

"It's understandable for who you are. You're smarter than most people, you see things others miss and catch on faster than everyone. I understand how that can be tiring to wait for people to catch up.

"Also, you've been alone for a lot of your life, working in a team has never been part of your life. High school, college, Quantico, you've excelled at being ahead of the pack. That will form certain viewpoints about others around you."

"Mason was right."

"That's weird."

"I know. I'm sorry that I've acted superior."

Donovan smiled. "You haven't with me but that's because I'm smarter than you."

She hit his chest.

"It's true."

She laughed. "I guess it is. Will you help me?"

"With..."

"With acting superior. I'll work on stopping myself, but if I don't, could you call me out?"

"Must have been one interesting conversation you had with Mason down here."

"You have no idea," Carter murmured.

"Yes, Carter I'll help you."

"Thank you."

She dropped her head down and Donovan felt her relax against him again.

Once they returned to the Bureau, Donovan led Carter to the med wing and waited as the medic inspected her wound. It was deep enough that stitches were needed. The blood loss accounted for her weakness. With a prescription for pain meds and rest, the medic let them go. Before Carter could slide off the exam table, Mason popped into the room.

"Owens," he said. "I wanted to stop by." Carter raised her eyebrows at him. "To tell you, you owe me a new shirt."

"Of course," she said. "And I'm fine. Thanks to you."

"Duh, you would have been dead down there if not for me."

"And right now I wish you were dead down there."

"Sure you do."

Mason went to leave but Carter spoke again.

"Thank you, Mason."

He nodded, looking more sober. "Of course. And likewise and everything."

He walked out the door but stuck his head back in. "You still owe me a shirt."

**********************************************************************

Howdy hey! 🤠

It's short I know, but hopefully you still enjoyed it. Let me know. 🗯💭💬

It's so funny because this whole situation was what really made me love Mason. Because no one talks to Carter like Mason and it's so great.

Also who is going to have the guts to call Donovan, Boy Scout! That's just so amazing and I love Mason for it!

That's all I have to say.

Vote, comment, follow!

Oh look they are all getting along!