Pairing: Hans Landa x reader, slight Aldo Raine x reader but brief.
Description: As the only female Basterd it's your job to seduce Landa to gain information that may just tip the scales towards the Allies in this war. However, this job may be more mentally and emotionally tolling than expected, leaving you wondering where your true loyalties lie.
Warnings: Manipulation, gaslighting, mentions of Nazism/Nazis (naturally), betrayal, character death (not reader), suggestive but no smut.
Length: 11.7k (ya'll I went crazy)
You stepped into the softly lit dining room of the chateau, each footfall measured, each glance deliberate. Your dress was selected to attract attention but not suspicionβelegant but understated, fitting for your cover as an American socialite stranded in German-occupied France. You were here to gather intel from Hans Landa, the notorious βJew Hunter.β Your mission was to gain his trust, charm him, and extract the secrets buried in his cunning mind.
Landa rose as you entered, his wolfish smile already in place. βAh, FrΓ€ulein,β he said in a tone dripping with feigned warmth. βI must say, you bring an unexpected brightness to this dreary war.β
βColonel Landa,β you replied, offering a polite smile. You extended your hand, and he took it, his grip firm but not oppressive. His lips brushed the back of your hand, his eyes locking onto yours as though daring you to look away.
βPlease, sit,β he said, gesturing to the small, candlelit table set for two.
You obeyed, smoothing your dress as you sat. The air between you felt charged, like a taut wire. Landaβs reputation preceded him; youβd been briefed extensively on his charm, his ruthlessness, and his unsettling ability to peel back peopleβs layers with terrifying ease.
βWine?β he offered, already pouring without waiting for an answer.
βThank you,β you said, accepting the glass.
He sat across from you, folding his hands on the table and leaning forward slightly. His eyes never left you, scrutinizing every movement, every breath. βSo, FrΓ€ulein, tell meβwhat brings an American woman to our humble corner of the world?β
You sipped your wine, using the moment to gather your thoughts. βI was visiting Europe when the war began. Circumstances have kept me here longer than I intended.β
βAh,β Landa said, his voice light, but his smile betrayed a deeper curiosity. βAnd yet, you seem remarkably at ease in occupied France. One might even sayβ¦ comfortable.β
You tilted your head, mirroring his playful tone. βIβve learned that survival often depends on adapting to oneβs circumstances, Colonel.β
Landaβs eyes glinted with amusement. βHow pragmatic. I find that adaptability is a trait I greatly admire in others.β He took a sip of his own wine, letting the silence stretch just long enough to make you feel his scrutiny. βAnd how, may I ask, have you adapted to the company of German officers?β
You met his gaze, allowing a hint of a smile to play at your lips. βBy keeping them entertained, of course.β
Landa chuckled, a low, rich sound that sent a shiver down your spine. βA sharp tongue, an even sharper wit. I do enjoy clever company.β
You leaned forward slightly, careful to keep your movements subtle and deliberate. βAnd I enjoy men who appreciate a womanβs intelligence.β
Landaβs smile widened, his predatory nature slipping through for just a moment. βThen we are well-matched, FrΓ€ulein.β
The conversation continued, a delicate dance of words and glances. You allowed yourself to flirt just enough to keep his interest piqued, to keep him guessing about your intentions. Beneath the surface, you were cataloging every detail of the room, every piece of information he let slip, no matter how trivial it seemed.
But Hans Landa was not a man to be underestimated. He leaned back in his chair, his expression shifting to one of casual curiosity. βYou are quite skilled at this, you know.β
βAt what, Colonel?β you asked, feigning innocence.
βAt making people believe exactly what you want them to,β he said, his smile sharp as a knife.
Your heart skipped a beat, but you didnβt let it show. Instead, you raised your glass to him. βThen perhaps weβre more alike than you think.β
As the evening wore on, you couldnβt shake the feeling that you were walking a razorβs edge. Landa was too clever, too perceptive. But you also knew that his ego was his greatest weakness. And if you played your cards right, you might just come out of this aliveβwith the information the Basterds so desperately needed.
For now, the game continued, with each move being more dangerous than the last.
The dinner wore on, the two of you circling each other like predators testing the boundaries of their territories. You leaned into the role you were assigned, allowing Hans to feel that he was the one leading the conversation, the dance. But with every veiled compliment you offered, every calculated sip of wine, you knew you were feeding his egoβyour most valuable tool.
βTell me, FrΓ€ulein,β he began, setting his glass down with deliberate care. βDo you enjoy the theater?β
βThe theater?β you repeated, tilting your head in mock consideration. βI suppose it depends on the performance.β
He smiled, pleased by your response. βAnd how would you describe tonightβs performance?β
You felt the trap hidden beneath his words, but you didnβt flinch. Instead, you allowed a soft, amused smile to curve your lips. βIβd say itβs riveting. A masterclass inβ¦ subtlety.β
Landa chuckled, the sound low and indulgent. βFlattery will get you far, my dear. But I must confess, you are far more engaging than most of the company Iβm accustomed to.β
βAnd you are far more charming than I anticipated, Colonel,β you replied, leaning forward slightly, your voice dropping just enough to hint at something more. βI imagine you donβt often hear that.β
βOh, on the contrary,β he said, his smile widening into something sharper. βI hear it often. But sincerityβ¦ that is rare. And I do believe you are sincere.β
He was testing you now, watching your every reaction, waiting for a crack in your facade. You forced a laugh, light and melodic, as if his comment were nothing more than a clever jest. βWell, I wouldnβt dream of lying to you, Colonel. That would be terribly unwise.β
βIndeed, it would,β he said, his tone dipping into something darker. βBut you donβt strike me as someone who shies away from taking risks.β
You met his gaze, your heart pounding in your chest. His words felt like a challenge, a thinly veiled acknowledgment that he suspected there was more to you than met the eye. But you couldnβt afford to falter now.
βLife is full of risks, Colonel,β you said, your voice steady. βThe key is knowing which ones are worth taking.β
His eyes sparkled with something you couldnβt quite placeβamusement? Suspicion? Admiration? Perhaps all three. βWise words. Tell me, FrΓ€ulein, what risks have you deemed worth taking recently?β
You hesitated just long enough to make it seem as though you were considering your answer carefully. βSitting across from you tonight,β you said finally, allowing a playful smirk to tug at your lips.
Hans laughed, a genuine, hearty laugh that echoed through the room. βOh, you are delightful,β he said, shaking his head. βItβs been far too long since Iβve encountered someone with yourβ¦ talents.β
You smiled demurely, but your mind was racing. Every word, every glance, was part of a game you couldnβt afford to lose. Hans Landa was far too intelligent, far too dangerous, to underestimate. And yet, you could feel that he was intrigued by you, perhaps even a little disarmed.
But then, just as you began to feel the faintest sense of control, he leaned forward, his expression shifting to something colder, sharper. βTell me, my dear,β he said softly, his voice almost a whisper, βwhat really brought you to occupied France?β
Your blood ran cold, but you didnβt let it show. Instead, you let out a soft laugh, meeting his gaze with a steady calm you didnβt entirely feel. βI already told you, Colonel. Circumstance.β
βHmm,β he murmured, leaning back in his chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. βCircumstance can be such a convenient excuse, donβt you think?β
The game had changed. Landa wasnβt just toying with you anymore; he was hunting.
And you were the prey.
Your breath hitched, but you recovered quickly. Landaβs eyes were locked onto yours, sharp and predatory, and yet there was something else thereβa flicker of amusement, of genuine curiosity. He was testing you, yes, but you couldnβt ignore the magnetic pull of his presence.
There was a strange allure to him, something that both repelled and intrigued you. You werenβt blind to his cruelty, to the blood on his hands, but the way he carried himselfβhis charm, his intelligenceβmade it impossible not to feel drawn in, even against your better judgment.
You smiled, letting your lashes flutter slightly as you tilted your head. βConvenient, perhaps,β you said, your voice soft and measured. βBut sometimes convenience is all we have in times like these.β
He chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that sent an unexpected warmth through you. βYouβre quite adept at turning a phrase, my dear. Itβs refreshing.β
The conversation had shifted again, the tension between you no longer just a game of wits. It was something deeper, more dangerous. You could feel it in the way his gaze lingered on you, in the slight smirk tugging at his lips.
βI imagine you donβt often find yourself in refreshing company, Colonel,β you said, leaning forward just enough to blur the line between formality and intimacy.
βIndeed,β he said, his voice low. βMost people I encounter are far lessβ¦ stimulating.β
Your pulse quickened as his words settled between you. The way he looked at you now wasnβt just calculating; it was hungry. And to your own surprise, you didnβt hate it.
Landa rose suddenly, his movements graceful and deliberate, and made his way around the table. He stopped beside you, his presence overwhelming. You turned to look up at him, your breath catching as he leaned down, his face inches from yours.
βDo you enjoy dancing, FrΓ€ulein?β he asked, his voice a soft murmur.
βI do,β you managed to reply, your voice quieter than you intended.
He extended a hand, his smile deepening. βThen allow me.β
You hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing your hand in his. His grip was warm, firm, and he pulled you to your feet with an ease that sent a shiver through you. The room was silent save for the soft crackle of the fire, but Landa began to hum a quiet melody as he guided you into a slow waltz.
His hand rested at your waist, his other holding yours as he led you in a steady rhythm across the room. You tried to focus, to remind yourself why you were here, but the way he looked at youβthe intensity, the confidenceβmade it impossible to think clearly.
βYouβre trembling,β he murmured, his voice almost teasing.
βItβs the wine,β you said quickly, though you both knew it wasnβt true.
He smiled, his grip on your waist tightening slightly as he pulled you closer. βI find that hard to believe.β
The proximity was intoxicating. You could feel the heat radiating from him, could smell the faint scent of cologne and tobacco that clung to him. His gaze locked onto yours, and for a moment, it felt as though the rest of the world had disappeared.
βTell me,β he said softly, his voice like a velvet caress. βWhat is it youβre truly afraid of, my dear?β
Your throat tightened. He was too close, too perceptive. And yet, a part of you didnβt want to pull away. βIβm not afraid,β you said, though your voice betrayed you.
His smile widened, and he leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of your ear as he spoke. βLying doesnβt suit you.β
Your breath hitched, and you felt your resolve slipping. You should have pushed him away, should have refocused on the mission, but the way his voice curled around you, the way his hand pressed against your backβit was dizzying.
βI wonder,β he murmured, his lips barely grazing your skin, βif the risks you take are worth the reward.β
βAnd what reward might that be, Colonel?β you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.
He pulled back just enough to meet your eyes, his expression a mix of amusement and something darker. βThat depends on you.β
The air between you was electric, the lines between duty and desire blurring with every passing second. You knew you were playing a dangerous game, but for the first time, you werenβt sure you wanted to win.
The room felt smaller now, the air between you charged with an energy that was equal parts danger and allure. Hans Landaβs hand remained firmly at your waist, his thumb brushing against the fabric of your dress in a way that felt far too intimate. You told yourself this was all part of the mission, part of the game you were playing, but the pounding of your heart betrayed you.
βPerhaps itβs my turn to ask a question,β Landa said, his voice smooth as silk. He stopped your movement abruptly, keeping you close as his dark eyes searched yours.
You swallowed hard, forcing yourself to maintain your composure. βWhat do you want to know, Colonel?β
His smile deepened, and he tilted his head slightly, as if considering his next move. βWhy is it that you tremble when I touch you, but you donβt pull away?β
The question hung in the air like a challenge. You opened your mouth to respond, but no words came. How could you admit, even to yourself, that his presence unsettled you in a way that was both thrilling and terrifying?
βIβm not trembling,β you said finally, your voice steadier than you expected.
Landa raised an eyebrow, his smile turning almost predatory. βAre you sure?β
Before you could respond, he released your hand, only to raise it to your face, his fingers brushing the line of your jaw. The touch was light, almost reverent, but it set your nerves alight.
βTell me, FrΓ€ulein,β he murmured, his thumb tracing the corner of your lips, βdo you always lie so beautifully?β
You stepped back instinctively, but he followed, closing the distance between you in a single, fluid motion. βYou seem nervous,β he said, his tone soft, but his eyes were alight with amusement. βDo I frighten you?β
Yes. He did. Not because of his reputation, though that alone was reason enough, but because of the way he made you feel. The pull toward him was undeniable, and that terrified you more than anything else.
βIβm not afraid of you,β you lied, your voice barely above a whisper.
βGood,β he said, his hand sliding from your jaw to the back of your neck. βBecause I would hate to think you didnβt trust me.β
The way he said it sent a shiver down your spine. You were acutely aware of how close he was, of the heat radiating from him, of the way his gaze lingered on your lips.
βThis isnβt appropriate,β you managed to say, your voice faltering.
βAppropriate?β he repeated, his tone dripping with amusement. βWe are at war, my dear. The concept of appropriateness is as fragile as peace itself.β
His fingers pressed gently against the nape of your neck, tilting your head slightly. You knew you should push him away, create distance, regain control. But the intensity of his gaze rooted you in place, your body betraying your mind.
βYou donβt need to be afraid of what you feel,β he murmured, his lips so close to yours now that you could feel his breath.
The words sent a surge of panic through you. Did he know? Could he see the war waging within youβthe fight between duty and desire, between logic and the inexplicable pull toward him?
βIββ you started, but the words caught in your throat.
He silenced you with a quiet hum, his hand sliding from your neck to your cheek. His touch was impossibly gentle, a stark contrast to the sharp edge of his words. βYou are an enigma, FrΓ€ulein,β he said softly. βAnd I find myself quite unable to resist unraveling you.β
Your breath hitched as his lips brushed against yoursβnot a kiss, not yet, but a deliberate test, a dare. You froze, your heart pounding so loudly you were certain he could hear it.
βTell me to stop,β he said, his voice low and filled with a dangerous kind of tenderness.
You couldnβt speak. Your mind screamed at you to push him away, to remember the mission, the stakes, the lives that depended on your success. But your body betrayed you, leaning ever so slightly into his touch.
βInteresting,β he murmured, his lips ghosting over your cheek as he pulled back just enough to meet your eyes. βYou seem conflicted, my dear. Care to share your thoughts?β
You stared at him, your pulse racing. βI thinkβ¦β you began, your voice trembling. βI think this is dangerous.β
Landaβs smile returned, slow and deliberate. βAh, but isnβt danger what makes life exciting?β
You hated how much you wanted to agree with him. Hated how much you wanted him to close the distance between you, to give in to the tension that had been building all evening. But you also knew that giving in would mean losing controlβnot just of the situation, but of yourself.
And in Hans Landaβs world, losing control could be fatal.
The barn was quiet save for the faint rustling of hay underfoot as you stepped inside, pulling your coat tighter around you against the nightβs chill. The weight of the evening still pressed against your chest, the memory of Hans Landaβs hands on your waist, his voice curling around your thoughts like smoke. You wanted to shake it off, to bury it beneath the mission, but it clung to you stubbornly.
βWell, look who finally decided to show up,β Raine drawled from the shadows, stepping forward with his usual swagger. His sharp eyes swept over you, narrowing slightly. βTook ya long enough. Thought maybe the big bad wolf gotcha.β
βI had to make it convincing,β you said, keeping your voice steady as you crossed the room. Youβd rehearsed your explanation on the way here, but now, under Aldoβs scrutiny, the words felt thin.
βYou get anything useful?β he asked, leaning casually against a post, though there was nothing casual about the way he was watching you.
You nodded, recounting what youβd learnedβsnippets of troop movements, subtle hints about upcoming plans, just enough to prove youβd been paying attention without betraying the full scope of the evening. But even as you spoke, Raineβs gaze never left you, his expression unreadable.
βAnd thatβs all he gave ya?β he asked when you finished, his tone flat.
βFor now,β you said. βHeβs careful. But heβs intrigued, and thatβs something we can use.β
Raine didnβt respond right away, his dark eyes boring into yours. Finally, he stepped closer, his voice low. βYou sure you ainβt the one whoβs intrigued?β
The question hit harder than you expected, and you stiffened, forcing yourself to meet his gaze. βI know what Iβm doing,β you said, a little too sharply.
βDo ya?β he shot back, his tone calm but cutting. ββCause somethinβ tells me you ainβt as steady as youβre lettinβ on.β
You opened your mouth to argue but stopped when he stepped even closer, his voice dropping further. βLook, I ainβt gonna pretend this is easy. Landaβs a sly bastard, and Iβve seen plenty of people underestimate him. But youβyouβre actinβ like you donβt know which wayβs up anymore. And thatβs dangerous, darlinβ.β
You clenched your jaw, willing yourself not to react. βI told you, Iβve got it under control.β
Raine studied you for a long moment, his eyes narrowing. βMaybe you do. But lemme tell ya somethinββthat snake donβt charm folks for fun. He does it βcause it gets him what he wants. You start thinkinβ heβs more man than monster, youβre gonna lose. And when you lose, we all lose.β
His words cut deep, and for a moment, all you could do was stand there, your heart pounding in your chest.
βI know whatβs at stake,β you said finally, your voice quieter now. βAnd I know what he is.β
βGood,β Raine said, his tone softer but no less firm. βJust make sure you remember that next time youβre lookinβ into those snake eyes of his.β
He turned and walked away, leaving you alone in the barn. The silence felt heavier now, oppressive. You sank onto a bale of hay, pressing your palms against your temples as the weight of your own thoughts threatened to crush you.
Youβd told Raine the truthβat least, part of it. You did know what Hans Landa was. But knowing didnβt make you immune to the pull of him, the way he seemed to peel back your defenses with nothing more than a glance, a word, a touch.
You told yourself it was all part of the mission, part of the role you had to play. But deep down, you couldnβt ignore the fear creeping into your chestβnot fear of Landa, but fear of what he was beginning to awaken in you.
And worse, the fear that he already knew.
___________
The barn wasnβt just quietβit was tense. You could feel the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air as the rest of the Basterds lingered in various states of disinterest or curiosity. Most of them didnβt even look up when you walked in. Youβd been part of the team long enough to earn your place, but tonight, the stakes were higher, and so was the scrutiny.
You caught Donnyβs eye first. He was sitting on an overturned crate, absently fiddling with his bat. His brow furrowed slightly when he saw you, but he didnβt say anything right away. Beside him, Wicki glanced up from cleaning his weapon and offered you a faint nodβa small but genuine gesture.
βFinally back, huh?β Donny said, breaking the silence. His tone was light, but there was an edge to it. βThought maybe you decided to stay and dance the night away with Herr Colonel.β
You sighed, tugging your coat tighter around you. βFunny, Donowitz. Very funny.β
βYouβre a regular comedian, Donny,β Wicki muttered without looking up.
βJust sayinβ,β Donny continued, ignoring him. βYou go toe-to-toe with the Jew Hunter himself, and all you got to show for it is a couple crumbs about troop movements? Doesnβt exactly scream success to me.β
You bristled, but before you could respond, Wicki cut in. βDonβt listen to him. He wouldnβt know subtlety if it hit him in the head.β
βSubtlety doesnβt get results,β Donny shot back, turning his attention to you. βSo? Did he spill his guts, or was he too busy trying to charm you?β
βEnough,β you snapped, your voice sharper than you intended. The barn fell silent, and you felt their eyes on youβcurious, skeptical, and in some cases, accusatory.
It was Omar who broke the tension, stepping forward from where heβd been leaning against the wall. βHey,β he said, his voice low and calm. βYou okay?β
You blinked at the question, caught off guard by the genuine concern in his eyes. Omar wasnβt one to speak up much, but when he did, it was always sincere.
βIβm fine,β you said, though the words felt hollow.
Omar studied you for a moment longer before nodding. βGood. Justβ¦ donβt let Donny get in your head.β
βHey, Iβm just sayinβ what weβre all thinkinβ,β Donny said, throwing up his hands. βYou spend too much time cozying up to a guy like Landa, youβre gonna forget whose side youβre on.β
βThatβs enough,β Wicki said sharply, his tone cutting through the room. He turned to you, his expression softening. βYou did fine. We all know Landaβs not easy to crack. Just donβt let him get too close.β
βHeβs not,β you said quickly, but even as the words left your mouth, you felt their weight. Were you trying to convince them, or yourself?
βGood,β Wicki said. βBecause the moment he does, itβs game over. For all of us.β
The barn fell quiet again, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. You shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of their gazes, of their expectations. Youβd been on plenty of missions before, but this felt differentβmore personal, more dangerous.
As the group began to disperse, you caught sight of Raine lingering by the door, his arms crossed over his chest. He didnβt say anything, but the look he gave you was enough: a silent warning, a reminder of the stakes.
You sighed, running a hand through your hair as you sank onto a bale of hay. Omar sat down beside you, his presence quiet but reassuring.
βYou really okay?β he asked again, his voice softer this time.
You hesitated, the weight of the night pressing down on you. βI donβt know,β you admitted finally. βI feel like Iβm walking a tightrope, and one wrong stepβ¦β
Omar nodded, his expression thoughtful. βJust donβt forget youβve got a net,β he said. βWeβve got your back. No matter what.β
You managed a faint smile, grateful for the gesture. But as Omarβs words sank in, you couldnβt help but wonder if theyβd still hold true if they knew the truthβif they knew how much of you Landa had already unraveled.
And worse, how much you feared you might let him.
_______________
The morning air in the barn was sharp, cutting through the haze of exhaustion that clung to you after last night. The Basterds were already stirring, their voices low but charged with energy. They were preparing, strategizing, and most importantly, waiting for you to play your role.
Raine stood at the center of it all, his arms crossed, radiating his usual mix of authority and impatience. As soon as you stepped inside, his eyes locked onto you.
βYouβre late,β he said, though his tone was more matter-of-fact than accusatory.
βLong night,β you replied evenly, though the truth of it weighed heavier than youβd let on.
βGood,β he said, surprising you. βMeans we ainβt wastinβ time. Youβre meetinβ him again tonight, right?β
You nodded, and he gave a curt nod in return.
βThen weβre gonna make sure youβre ready this time. No surprises, no stumblinβ. Landaβs a predator, and youβre the baitβbut youβre gonna make him think heβs the one being hunted.β
The group murmured in agreement, though their faces told different stories. Wicki and Omar seemed genuinely invested, their eyes full of quiet concern. Donny, meanwhile, leaned against a post with his bat in hand, his expression skeptical.
βI donβt see why weβre wasting time,β Donny said, breaking the silence. βShe already met the guy once. If she couldnβt nail him then, what makes you think sheβll do it now?β
βThatβs enough,β Wicki snapped, his voice sharp.
βIβm just sayinβ,β Donny continued, throwing his hands up. βSheβs walking back into the same den with nothinβ but her charm and a prayer. Sounds like a suicide mission to me.β
βItβs not your call,β Raine cut in, his tone brooking no argument. He turned back to you. βSit. Weβre runninβ through scenarios.β
You hesitated but obeyed, taking the chair in the middle of the barn as Raine gestured for another. He sat across from you, the air around him shifting as he leaned back and transformed.
In a matter of seconds, he wasnβt Aldo Raine anymore. His posture straightened, his grin turned sly, and his gaze sharpened into something unsettlingly familiar.
βGood evening, FrΓ€ulein,β he said, slipping into a near-perfect imitation of Hans Landaβs smooth drawl. βI trust you slept well after our last encounter?β
The room fell silent, all eyes on you.
βI did, thank you,β you said, forcing your voice to remain steady. βAnd yourself?β
Raine smirked, the tilt of his head eerily reminiscent of the real Landa. βOh, I always sleep well, knowing I am surrounded by suchβ¦ fascinating company.β
You felt your stomach twist, his mimicry cutting a little too close. Still, you straightened your back and met his gaze head-on.
βIβm sure you do,β you said, allowing a hint of playfulness to creep into your tone. βBut surely a man of yourβ¦ intelligence doesnβt trust so easily.β
Raineβs eyes narrowed slightlyβhe was testing you. βTrust is such a fickle thing, wouldnβt you agree? One must earn it. Or take it.β
βWhich do you prefer?β you shot back.
The corner of his mouth twitched, and you could almost see the approval flicker in his eyes. βAh, FrΓ€ulein, I think youβre beginning to understand me.β
βEnough of the games,β Wicki interrupted from the sidelines. βAsk her something real, something he might use to trip her up.β
Raine tilted his head, slipping further into character. βVery well, Herr Wicki. Let us see how the FrΓ€ulein fares under pressure.β He turned back to you, his expression unreadable.
βTell me,β he said, his voice soft but cutting, βwhy is it that a woman of your beauty and charm would risk her neck for something as messy as war? Surely there are safer, more lucrative pursuits for someone like you.β
You hesitated, your mind racing. The real Landa would never accept a half-baked answer.
βPerhaps I enjoy the challenge,β you said finally, forcing a confident smile. βAfter all, a little risk keeps life interesting.β
Raine raised an eyebrow, his expression darkening. βOr perhaps,β he said, his tone turning razor-sharp, βyouβre hiding something. A secret, perhaps? Something that would explain why you find yourself in suchβ¦ dangerous company.β
The tension in the barn was palpable, every pair of eyes fixed on you.
βIsnβt everyone hiding something, Colonel?β you replied, leaning forward slightly. βBut secrets have a way of revealing themselves to those who look closely enough. Donβt they?β
Raineβs smirk returned, and he leaned back in his chair, breaking character at last. βNot bad,β he said, his drawl slipping back into place. βYouβre gettinβ there.β
βSheβs better than βnot bad,ββ Omar said from the sidelines, his voice quiet but firm. βSheβs ready.β
βReady or not, sheβs got no choice,β Donny muttered.
βShut it, Donowitz,β Raine snapped, standing up and brushing off his coat. βSheβs gonna be fine. But if any of you got doubts, keep βem to yourselves. Last thing she needs is a bunch of jackasses second-guessinβ her.β
The group dispersed slowly, the tension lingering in the air. As you stood to leave, Omar caught your arm, his grip gentle.
βYou good?β he asked, his voice low.
βIβm fine,β you said, though the words felt hollow.
He studied you for a moment before nodding. βJust rememberβyouβve got backup. No matter what.β
You nodded, grateful for his quiet support. But as you walked away, preparing yourself for the next meeting with Hans Landa, you couldnβt shake the feeling that no amount of preparation would shield you from what was coming.
Because this wasnβt just a game. It was a battle of wits, and you werenβt sure if youβd be the one to win.
__________
The sun was dipping below the horizon as you and Raine arrived at the edge of a quiet, cobblestoned village. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and wood smoke, and the sky was painted in muted shades of orange and purple. You felt a knot tightening in your stomach as you stepped out of the car, adjusting your coat against the chill.
βYou sure about this?β Raine asked, his voice low. He leaned against the car, his sharp eyes scanning the area for any sign of danger.
βNo,β you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. βBut thatβs never stopped me before.β
Raine smirked faintly, his gaze softening for a brief moment. βRemember what we practiced. Keep him talkinβ, stay in control. You feel like itβs slippinββyou signal, and Iβll be there.β
You nodded, clutching the small handbag at your side, its hidden compartment housing a blade and a cyanide pill. βIβll be fine,β you said, though you werenβt sure if you were trying to convince him or yourself.
βDamn right you will.β Raineβs expression hardened again as he straightened up, adjusting his jacket. βNow go. And donβt let that bastard rattle you.β
βFrΓ€ulein,β Landa greeted, rising to his feet with a smile that was equal parts charm and menace. βYou look stunning this evening.β
βColonel Landa,β you replied, your voice steady despite the quickening of your pulse. βAlways a pleasure.β
He gestured for you to sit, and you did so, carefully draping your coat over the back of the chair. As you settled in, you felt his eyes on you, sharp and calculating.
βI must say,β he began, swirling the wine in his glass, βI was quite pleased when I received your message. Itβs not often I have the opportunity to enjoy such delightful company twice in as many days.β
βI suppose I should consider that a compliment,β you said, forcing a small smile.
βIndeed, you should,β he replied, his tone light but laced with something darker. βNow, tell meβwhat brings you back to me so soon? Surely a woman like you has otherβ¦ engagements.β
You tilted your head slightly, as if considering his question. βLetβs just say I found our last conversation intriguing. And I thought it might be worth continuing.β
Landaβs smile widened, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. βAh, intrigue. A dangerous game, FrΓ€ulein. But then, you do strike me as someone who enjoys a little danger.β
You didnβt flinch, instead leaning forward slightly, as if sharing a secret. βOnly when itβs worth the risk.β
He chuckled, a low, almost musical sound that sent a shiver down your spine. βWell said. And tell me, what is it about me that you find soβ¦ intriguing?β
You felt the weight of his gaze, the challenge in his words. βYouβre a man who thrives on control,β you said carefully. βAnd yet, youβre willing to let your guard downβjust enoughβto keep things interesting. Thatβs not something you see every day.β
Landa tilted his head, studying you like a puzzle he was determined to solve. βAnd what of you, FrΓ€ulein? What secrets do you hide behind that charming smile of yours?β
Before you could answer, the waiter arrived with a bottle of wine, interrupting the moment. Landa waved him off with a polite but dismissive gesture, then poured two glasses, sliding one toward you.
βTo secrets,β he said, raising his glass. βAnd the thrill of uncovering them.β
You hesitated for the briefest moment before raising your own glass. βTo secrets,β you echoed, clinking your glass against his.
As the evening wore on, the conversation ebbed and flowed, a careful dance of words and veiled intentions. Landaβs charm was disarming, his wit sharp enough to cut through any pretense. And yet, you found yourself holding your own, the hours of preparation with Raine and the Basterds serving you well.
But there were momentsβfleeting, dangerous momentsβwhen you felt the lines blurring. When his gaze lingered a little too long, or when your own words came too easily, too naturally.
And then there was the touch. A brief, fleeting brush of his fingers against yours as he handed you the wine. It was deliberate, you were sure of it, and it sent a jolt through you that you couldnβt ignore.
βAre you all right, FrΓ€ulein?β Landa asked, his voice soft and almost genuine. βYou seemβ¦ distracted.β
βIβm fine,β you replied quickly, forcing a smile.
His smile returned, slow and knowing. βGood. Because Iβd hate to think I was boring you.β
βFar from it,β you said, your voice steady despite the storm brewing inside you.
The game continued, each move more calculated than the last. But as the night wore on, you couldnβt help but wonder who was truly in controlβand whether you were losing yourself in the process.
The space between you and Hans Landa had all but disappeared. His eyes, dark and intense, never left yours, and the weight of his gaze made your pulse race. Each word he spoke was calculated to draw you in, to break down the walls you had so carefully built.
Landaβs fingers lightly traced the rim of his wine glass, his lips curling into that infuriating, knowing smile that seemed to suggest he was always one step ahead. βYou hide so much, FrΓ€ulein,β he murmured, his voice smooth and velvet-soft. βBut I can see the flickers beneath your control. The way you hesitate before responding. The way you move closer, even though you tell yourself you shouldnβt.β
You barely breathed as you absorbed his words. The room felt warmer now, despite the cool evening air that slipped through the window. Your heart pounded in your chest, the beat steady but frantic. The magnetic pull between you was undeniable. And yet, you tried to remain grounded, to remember why you were here in the first place.
But his presence was suffocating, and all your defenses, carefully put in place over the years, seemed to be crumbling under the intensity of his stare.
βYouβre wrong,β you whispered, your voice thick with uncertainty.
βAm I?β Landa asked, tilting his head slightly, the faintest glimmer of amusement in his eyes. He leaned forward just enough to close the gap, his breath warm against your skin. βTell me, FrΓ€ulein. What are you really hiding?β
Your breath hitched, and for a moment, you swore you could hear nothing but the sound of your own heartbeat. He was too close now, too close for comfort. His hand, casually resting on the table, was only a few inches from yours, and every inch of your body seemed to ache with the temptation to close that distance.
You tried to speak, to maintain some semblance of composure, but the words refused to form. He was drawing you in, and you werenβt sure if you wanted to resist anymore.
The tension in the air was palpable, thick with unspoken words and longing. His eyes flickered to your lips, then back to your eyes, and you saw itβthe hunger, the desire, and something deeperβsomething more dangerous.
βFrΓ€ulein,β he said softly, his voice now lower, almost tender. βYou have no idea what youβre doing to me.β
His hand moved, slow and deliberate, brushing against yours. You froze for a moment, your pulse skittering at the light contact. But he didnβt pull away. Instead, his fingers lingered, just enough to make your breath catch in your throat.
Your heart pounded as you realized there was no turning back. The moment had arrivedβthe one you had feared, and yet somehow longed for.
Landa leaned in even closer, his lips a breath away from yours. You could feel the heat radiating from him, his body so close now that it felt like an inevitability.
And then, without a single word more, he kissed you.
It was gentle at first, almost tentative, as though he was testing you. His lips brushed against yours in a slow, deliberate motion, and your breath caught in your throat. Your mind screamed at you to pull away, to remember the mission, to hold onto your resolve. But your bodyβyour body betrayed you.
You kissed him back.
The kiss deepened, his hand sliding to your cheek, cupping it as though he were marking his claim. The warmth of his touch spread through your entire body, the sharp, electric feeling of his presence overwhelming your senses. You could taste the wine on his lips, the slight trace of something darker in his flavor, something that sent a shiver of desire down your spine.
You felt yourself leaning into him, unable to stop. Every part of you seemed to crave him, even as your mind screamed in protest. But the kiss was intoxicating, and you couldnβt bring yourself to pull away.
Landa broke the kiss just long enough to pull back slightly, his breath heavy, his lips mere inches from yours. His gaze locked onto yours with an intensity that made your chest tighten.
βYou donβt have to resist anymore, FrΓ€ulein,β he whispered, his voice low and filled with quiet triumph. βI know you feel it. The same thing I do.β
You couldnβt deny it. The desire was there, raw and undeniable. And for the first time since youβd met him, you realized that you wanted himβwanted him more than you cared to admit.
The room was spinning, your heart racing as he moved in once more, his lips claiming yours in a kiss that was full of promise and danger, a kiss that you knew would change everything.
There was no turning back now.
________
You entered the room with the others, trying to mask the unease gnawing at your stomach. You had gotten the intelβcritical, valuable informationβbut it wasnβt just the mission that had weighed on your mind all evening. Hans Landa had invaded your thoughts more than you were willing to admit, and you knew you couldnβt stay lost in that dangerous game forever.
You placed the stack of documents on the table, watching as the Basterds gathered around, eager to hear what you had uncovered. Raineβs eyes followed you, calculating, unreadable, but you knew heβd been watching you ever since you left for your meeting with the Colonel. You didnβt dare make eye contact with him, though, afraid heβd see the truth in your gaze before you had the chance to explain.
βWell?β Donny barked, leaning forward with a grin. βWhat do you got for us, sweetheart?β
You took a steadying breath and forced yourself to focus. βI got everything we need,β you began, pushing the documents toward the group. βLandaβs plans, the key locations, and personnel lists. Even some of his more private dealings that could give us leverage.β
The room buzzed with excitement as the others pored over the papers, murmurs of approval and strategizing filling the air. They hadnβt noticed the tension in your posture yet, but Raine had. His gaze never left you, his expression too calm, too knowing.
As you stood there, watching the team digest the information, a creeping feeling of guilt weighed down on you. You had done your jobβbut at what cost? The memory of Landaβs touch, his quiet whispers, his deliberate flirty glancesβ¦ it was all too much to process. You had let him get too close, and you werenβt sure what to do with it. What had started as a simple mission had turned into something far more complicated.
As the others discussed the next move, you stood off to the side, pretending to listen while your thoughts wandered back to the Colonel. You didnβt see Raine approach until he was standing directly in front of you, his presence commanding and intense. He wasnβt smilingβnot that he ever didβbut there was an unmistakable hardness in his eyes.
The moment the others were occupied with the details of their next plan, Raine spoke. βWe need to talk.β His voice was low and clipped, and there was no room for negotiation in his tone.
You stiffened, swallowing the lump in your throat. βItβs been a long night, Raine,β you said, forcing a smile. βIβll catch up with you later, okay?β
βNo,β he said sharply. βNow. In private.β
His gaze was unwavering, and though you knew it wasnβt a request, you couldnβt bring yourself to defy him. You nodded, and he led you out of the room, his footsteps echoing through the halls as you walked silently behind him.
When you finally reached a small, empty room, Raine turned to face you, his eyes cold and assessing. βWhat happened?β he asked, his voice quiet but filled with a tension you could almost touch. βYouβve been back for almost an hour, and you havenβt said a word about what went on. But I know youβre hiding something. The others think youβre a heroβgiving us everything we needβbut I know better.β
You opened your mouth to speak, but the words died in your throat. There was no easy way out of this.
βYouβre right. IβI got the intel,β you began slowly, your voice shaking despite yourself. βBut itβsβ¦ itβs not just that, Raine. Iβ¦ I let him get too close. Heβhe kissed me.β
Raine didnβt flinch. He didnβt look surprised, but you could see the storm brewing behind his eyes. His jaw tightened, and the air between you grew heavy with tension. βWhy?β His voice was strained, and for the first time, you saw cracks in his usually unshakable demeanor.
You struggled to find the words. βI didnβt plan it, okay? I wasnβt trying to let it happenβit just did. Iβ¦ I thought I could keep my distance, keep focused on the mission. But heβheβs manipulative, Raine. He knew exactly what he was doing, and Iββ You stopped, unable to finish the sentence. The truth was, you had felt something too. Something you couldnβt deny. And that was the problem.
βYou let him kiss you.β Raineβs voice was thick now, the disbelief and frustration slipping through. βYou let him use you, play you like a damn fiddle, and for what? Some information? What are you really after?β
The sting of his words hit harder than you expected. βIt wasnβt like that,β you shot back, voice wavering. βI didnβtβhe didnβt control me. But itβ¦ it did become personal. Iβm not proud of it, but thatβs the truth.β
Raine took a slow breath, his hands clenched into fists at his sides as he processed your words. βYou were supposed to be using him. Not the other way around.β
You looked down, guilt rushing through you like a tidal wave. βI know. I failed.β
He shook his head, taking a step closer. His eyes were full of something you couldnβt quite placeβanger, sure, but there was something deeper. Somethingβ¦ personal.
βDo you think I donβt know how this works?β Raine asked, voice now quieter, more intense. βYou think I havenβt had to walk that line too? To make sure you donβt get caught up in something you shouldnβt?β He stepped forward, his presence so overwhelming it made your knees weak. βYouβre not the only one with demons. Youβre not the only one who gets tangled in the mess.β His eyes flickered down to your lips for just a second before he pulled back, raking a hand through his hair. βI justβ¦ I thought you were better than this.β
You looked up at him, eyes searching his face, but there was no warmth in his gazeβjust an unspoken distance that seemed to grow between you with every word.
βIβm sorry,β you said softly, but it sounded hollow even to you. βI didnβt mean for it to happen. I didnβt mean to let him in.β
Raineβs gaze softened for just a brief moment, but then it hardened again, his jaw clenched tightly. βYouβre not just playing a part, [Y/N]. Youβre putting us all in danger. And Iβm not sure I can forgive you for that.β
You swallowed, the weight of his words pressing on you, but you knew you had no choice but to face the consequences. βI understand.β
There was a long silence before Raine spoke again, his voice quieter now. βYouβre lucky you brought back something useful. But donβt expect me to forget this. Not yet.β
With that, he turned and walked toward the door, his steps slow but sure. He didnβt look back, and for a moment, you thought he might not say anything else.
But before he left, he paused and glanced over his shoulder. βYou should have known better, [Y/N].β And then, without another word, he was gone, leaving you standing in the dim room, haunted by his words and the decisions you had made.
You had no idea how this would end, but one thing was certainβyou had just crossed a line you couldnβt uncross.
__________
It had been a few days since you last saw Hans, and though you tried to bury the thoughts of him beneath the weight of the mission, it was no use. His absence gnawed at you like a persistent ache, one you couldnβt ignore. Every attempt to focus on the next steps felt hollow, and the silence between you both felt deafening. You couldnβt even remember the last time you had heard from him.
Raine, meanwhile, still hadnβt said much to you. His cold demeanor was unsettling, the weight of his disappointment hanging over every interaction, but it was Hans that occupied your mind. You told yourself you had to stay strong, that you had a job to do. But the pull toward him, the memory of his touch, his words, was a constant undercurrent that you couldnβt escape.
After a particularly grueling morning spent preparing for the mission, you needed to clear your head. You slipped away unnoticed, deciding a walk in the nearby woods was the best way to silence the thoughts that crowded your mind. The air was crisp, and each step you took felt like it might ground you in something real.
The walk was supposed to offer some clarity, but the longer you walked, the more the tension inside you built. You tried to focus on the sound of your boots crunching the fallen leaves beneath you, but it was impossible to ignore the gnawing feeling in your chest.
It was then, as you rounded a corner, that you stopped. That familiar, unnerving feeling washed over you again, and you knew without turning around that someone was there. You didnβt need to hear his voice, though you did, soft and purposeful.
β[Y/N].β His voice, smooth and sharp like a blade, made you tense. You turned slowly to face him.
Hans stood at the edge of the woods, watching you with an expression that was harder to read than usual. His sharp eyes tracked your every move as though trying to figure you out, but there was something more beneath his usual calculating gazeβsomething raw, something that made your heart race for reasons you werenβt sure you wanted to explore.
For a moment, you said nothing. You couldnβt bring yourself to speak, to form the words.
He took a step closer, his usual grace now tinged with a sense of urgency. βYouβve been avoiding me,β he said, his voice a quiet accusation, though there was no anger in his tone. It was a statement wrapped in vulnerability. βI didnβt think you would leave me hanging like this, [Y/N].β
You swallowed hard, your throat dry as you struggled to maintain control of the situation. βItβs not that, Hans,β you said, the words almost choking you. βIβve justβ¦ had a lot on my plate.β The lie fell from your lips so easily that it terrified you. But it was the truth, wasnβt it? You were trying to do your job and keep a distance.
His eyes flickered over you, narrowing slightly. He stepped closer, and you instinctively took a step back, feeling the tension between you grow. βComplicated, Iβm sure. But donβt pretend itβs just that.β He paused, looking you up and down as if seeing through the barriers you had built. βWe both know itβs more.β
You held his gaze, biting your lip. He was right. You were lying to both him and yourself. You couldnβt deny what was there, what had been there between you. But it was dangerous. He was dangerous.
βI thought I could keep my distance,β you murmured, but the admission sounded weak even to your own ears. βBut itβsβ¦ harder than I expected.β
Hans studied you for a moment, his eyes dark and intense. βHarder than you expected?β he repeated, stepping closer still, the air between you crackling with tension. His gaze dropped to your lips, and you felt your pulse quicken. βI think youβve been running from something far more than just distance.β
Your heart raced as he took another step, his breath almost too close. You tried to hold back, to remind yourself of the lines you shouldnβt cross, but you could feel the pull toward him again, that magnetic force you couldnβt resist. His fingers brushed against your arm as he reached for you, sending a shiver through your body.
Before you could stop yourself, you were stepping into him, drawn toward the heat of his presence. His lips brushed against your ear, and the sensation made you gasp quietly. βIβve missed you, you know,β he whispered, his breath warm against your skin.
You didnβt know how to respond, your mind a jumble of conflicting emotions. You should pull away. You should stop this before it went any further. But every fiber of your being screamed that it was too late, that you already had.
βIβve missed you, too,β you whispered, barely aware of the words slipping out until it was too late.
His gaze flicked up, a dark smirk curling on his lips. βThen why have you been hiding from me?β he asked, his voice thick with quiet amusement. βIβm not the kind of man you can just ignore. I wonβt let you pretend like none of this matters.β
Before you could react, his hand cupped your face, pulling you toward him. There was no hesitation this time. His lips found yours in a kiss that was fierce, hungry, and all-consuming. It wasnβt just a kiss. It was a claim, a challenge, a test.
You gasped as he deepened it, his hands moving to your back, pulling you flush against him. You had no idea how long you stood there, tangled in him, but it felt like time had frozen. The world around you vanished, and all that existed was the feeling of his lips on yours, the warmth of his hands, and the wild, uncontrollable pull between you.
When the kiss finally broke, you were breathless, your chest rising and falling in uneven breaths. Hans rested his forehead against yours, his hands still on your back, keeping you close.
βYou see now,β he murmured, his voice thick with satisfaction. βYou canβt hide from this. Not anymore.β
You closed your eyes, your pulse still racing, and you knew in that moment that you couldnβt deny it any longer. You didnβt want to.
The question was no longer whether you could stay away from him. The question now was whether you would ever be able to walk away at all.
The tension between you and Hans was undeniable, thick enough to choke on. Every moment spent near him, every word exchanged, felt like a tightrope you were walking, straining at the edges of your loyalty to the Basterds and your growing feelings for the man before you.
The quiet of the night was broken only by the soft rustling of leaves in the cool breeze as you stood facing him, your heart racing. You couldnβt keep the truth from him any longer. You had already begun to fall for him, and now, you knew there was no going back.
βI need to tell you something,β you said, your voice steady but filled with the weight of the words you were about to speak. βSomething important.β
Hans, ever the patient observer, simply nodded, his eyes glinting with curiosity. βIβm listening.β
You took a deep breath, gathering your courage. βIβm not just some civilian, Hans. Iβm not justβ¦ a woman on a mission. Iβm part of a group. The Basterds.β
The revelation hung in the air, thick with the consequences of your confession. You could feel Hansβs gaze on you, his sharp eyes searching your face for any sign of deception.
βThe Basterds?β he repeated, a hint of disbelief in his voice. βYouβve been one of them this whole time?β
You nodded, unable to meet his gaze. βYes. Iβve been gathering intel, keeping tabs on you, your movements. Thatβs why Iβve been working with you. To get closer, to learn everything I could.β
A long silence followed, the weight of your words sinking in between you. Hansβs face softened, his expression unreadable. You had expected anger or betrayal, but instead, there was only a calm scrutiny in his eyes.
βYouβve been playing both sides,β he said slowly, his voice cold and distant now. βThis whole time, youβve been working for them.β
You swallowed, the bitterness of your betrayal settling deep in your chest. βI didnβt want it to happen this way. I thoughtβ¦ I thought I could keep it separate, but now Iββ
Hans cut you off, stepping closer, his presence overwhelming. His eyes searched yours, a small smirk curling his lips. βAnd now youβre torn. Between duty and desire, between loyalty andβ¦ something else.β
You felt the weight of his words. βI donβt know what I feel anymore,β you whispered, your voice trembling. βI never expected this. I never expected you.β
Hansβs expression softened, and he reached out, brushing a lock of hair from your face with a surprising tenderness. βI canβt say Iβm thrilled by your deception,β he murmured, his voice low and almost soothing. βBut I canβt say Iβm not intrigued by you, [Y/N]. Despite everything, I see something in you. Something thatβsβ¦ real.β
Your breath hitched at his words, the pull between you growing stronger. βIntrigued?β you echoed, unsure of where he was going with this.
He smiled, a slow, almost dangerous grin. βYes, intrigued. Because, despite the fact that youβve been lying to me, I donβt think youβre as loyal to them as you pretend to be.β
His eyes bored into yours, and you felt yourself faltering, unsure of how to respond. The tug of attraction toward him, the pull of everything you had been trying to suppress, grew harder to ignore. He was playing you, yes, but there was also something genuine in the way he spoke to you now, something you had never expected from someone like him.
βYouβre not what they think you are,β he continued, his voice quieter now, more coaxing. βAnd I can offer you more than they ever could. All you need to do is make a choice.β
The weight of his words hit you like a punch. The life he was offering seemed temptingβfreedom from the war, safety, a place by his side. But the life you had built with the Basterds, with Raine and the others, was all you had known for so long. Could you really walk away from that?
βIβ¦ I donβt know if I can make that choice,β you whispered, your voice barely audible. βIβve been in this fight for so long. I canβt just leave.β
Hansβs gaze hardened slightly, and his grip on your arm tightened just enough to make you feel the intensity of his emotions. βYou donβt need to leave the fight, [Y/N]. You just need to leave them.β
Your mind spun at his words. βWhat do you mean?β
βLeave the Basterds. Come with me,β he said, his voice calm, but there was a sharp edge to it now. βI can give you everything you need. A life where you arenβt just a pawn in their war. You can be with me. You can be free.β
His words hit you harder than anything before, and you could feel yourself wavering. The life you had fought so hard for was beginning to seem insignificant in the face of what he was offering. You wanted to say no, to fight it, but something in you yearned for the freedom he promised.
βYouβre asking me to betray them,β you said, your voice shaking, but you couldnβt hide the desire that was creeping into your chest.
βIβm asking you to stop betraying yourself,β Hans said, his voice coaxing, but firm. βYou donβt owe them anything. But you owe yourself the chance to choose something real.β
You stood there, torn between the two lives that were pulling you in opposite directions. The Basterds, Raine, everything you had worked forβthey were all part of you, part of the fight. But Hansβ¦ Hans was offering something new, something intoxicating.
βIβ¦ I canβt just walk away,β you whispered, your voice faltering, but even as you said it, you knew you were already considering it.
Hans stepped closer, his eyes dark with desire. βYou already have, havenβt you? You wouldnβt be here if you didnβt already know.β
Before you could respond, the sudden crack of a branch broke the moment, and you both turned sharply. Raine stood there, frozen in shock, his gaze flicking between you and Hans, disbelief written across his face.
β[Y/N]?β His voice was a mixture of confusion and betrayal. βWhat is this? Youβ¦ youβve been with him all along?β
You felt your heart sink at the sight of your dear friend, the man who had stood by you, the man who had trusted you. But now, with Hans at your side, offering you everything, how could you turn back?
Raineβs face twisted with pain and anger as he took a step forward, his hand instinctively moving to the pistol at his side. βI shouldβve known. I thought we were friends, but thisβ¦ youβre one of them.β
The words cut through you like a knife, but you didnβt have time to respond before Raineβs hand was on his weapon, the tension crackling between you all.
βI canβt let you betray us, [Y/N],β Raine said, his voice thick with emotion. βI wonβt let you.β
You could feel the pull between the two men in your life, each offering you something completely different, and for a moment, you felt paralyzed. But as Raineβs gun moved toward you, your body reacted before your mind could. You pulled your own weapon and aimed it squarely at him.
The pain in his eyes was the last thing you saw before you fired.
Raine collapsed to the ground, his body twitching as life left him. The air around you seemed to freeze, the weight of what you had just done settling heavily in your chest. But Hansβs hand slipped into yours, steady and sure, pulling you away from the scene without a word.
βYou made the right choice,β Hans whispered, his voice calm as he led you away.
You didnβt respond. You couldnβt. The loss, the betrayalβit all felt like it was choking you. But as you walked side by side with Hans, leaving everything behind, you knew that there was no going back. The choice had been made.
she doesn't have a name but she is my OC and you need to be nice to her because she's about to be experimented on by an evil doctor from the 1940s. she was found near a group of infected and despite not being infected will be tormented relentlessly. don't worry she gets to keep her cat she found in a trash can
janainaart
dailybridgerton
izzy806
jbbartram-illu
stormborns
kaledo-art
blakekathryn
dededos
baratheonpilled
