[1] A/n: This idea was inspired by a similar plot I once read, but I can’t find it anymore :_) (NOT PROOF READ)
This is my interpretation of how Graves would react if Shepherd pushed him to his absolute limit. He’ll bow for no one except the woman he loves
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The Shepherd seated behind his desk, like a judge waiting for a confession. Graves that stands the opposite of him, his rough hands at his sides as he tries to keep his temper low.
“Let me say it again, General,” he drawls, “No way in hell I’m signin’ that.”
Shepherd doesn’t answer at first. He just leans back and stared at Graves. Graves doesn’t look away. He’s stubborn, determined loyal and goddamn proud. Everyone knows it. Shepherd knows it better than most.
Shepherd exhales slowly. “You misunderstand, Philip. You think you have a choice.” He nudges a tablet across the desk with two fingers. “Take another look”
Grave’s gaze drops, only for a second… But enough to see what the was in the tablet.
A Sanction
An operation Graves has refused twice already. It is sloppy. It’s morally rotten. And Shepherd want his boots on the ground to make it happen. He pushes the tablet back. “I ain’t puttin’ my Shadows in that meat grinder. And I sure as hell ain’t puttin’ my name on it.”
Shepherd hums. A disappointed sound. Then he pressed a button on a small remote resting behind his hand. Then, a screen on the far wall appeared. Grave’s breath catches. Your living room, your couch, the warm lamp you would always forget to turn it off appeared on the screen. You’re there, sitting with your knees tucked up, reading something on your phone, completely unaware of the eyes that are on you.
Graves goes completely still.
“Turn that off,” he says.
Shepherd ignores him. “She’s quite peaceful, isn’t she?” “General..” His voice cracked, “Where’d you get that feed-?” Shepherd tilts his head. “Philip. You’re a smart man. You know better than to ask questions you don’t want answers to.” Graves takes one step forward, his temper wanting to burst out and a fear that he hasn’t felt in years.
“Don’t you dare put her in this,” he growls
“She’s not in anything. Unless you put her there.” Shepherd slowly stands up, walking around the desk as the screen keeps playing. You moved positions, brushing your hair over your shoulder.
“She’s innocent,” he snaps, “She’s not part of the Shadow Company. She ain’t part of this at all.” Shepherd steps beside him, hands behind his back. “Exactly. Which means she should stay far, far away from the consequences of your choices…”
Grave’s chest heaves. His voice drops, a low rumble trembling with fury. “You’re threatenin’ my wife.”
“I’m reminding you” Shepherd’s tone stayed calm “That your actions have domino effects. Some fall where you intend… Others… fall where you don’t”
Graves stares at the screen again. You laugh at something on your phone. A sound that he wants to hear everyday, a sound Shepherd now holds hostage.
The general steps back towards his desk. “Sign the approval, and that camera goes dark. No one else ever sees it. No one ever goes near her.”
Grave’s hands curled tight, his knuckles ache.
He imagines lunging across the room. Slamming the old man into the wall. Wringing that smug composure right out of him. He imagines what Shepherd’s face would look like in fear. On the screen, you stand up and disappear down the hallway. Humming a song you’ve recently liked.
“You always had a soft spot for her, commander. And… one must always push where the stone Is the weakest”
A shuddering breath slips out of Graves. When he looks again, he’s no longer the proud commander of the Shadow Company. He’s now just a man trying to keep the good thing in his life safe.
“You do this,” he mutters, “and you will regret it. I promise you that, General. You will regret ever even thinkin’ about touchin’ her.”
Shepherd picks up a pen and on the tablet.
“Well then.” He says pleasantly, “I suppose I should avoid giving you a reason.”
The screen keeps playing,
Graves stares at the pen.
He reaches for it.
“Damn you,” he whispers.
Shepherd smiles. “Good. Now sign”
Graves signs.
Not for the fucking general.
Not for the operation.
But for you.
Because you’re the only thing he will ever bow for.
And as the signature finishes, Shepherd click the remote again. The feed disappears.
Graves just stood there,
Only one thing is in his mind.
He will get you out of this. He will break the leash that the Shepherd just wrapped around his throat. And when he does, he will burn everything the General owns to ash.
