Chapter Text
[Y/N] “Bell” [L/N]
March, 1981
Berlin Tegel Airport, West Berlin
The trip back to West Berlin was a long one, but thanks to Adler’s snarky comments and playful insults, it wasn’t too boring. Once the two were back at the safehouse, Adler immediately called in a meeting with Hudson and Black, though he kept the fact that Bell was alive a secret. He wanted to see the look on the bastard's faces when she walked in.
As of now, Bell and Adler were boarding a plane back to Langley. Adler being Adler, booked first-class tickets for both of them. Bell insisted on flying coach, she felt bad about him spending so much money on her. Truth be told, he didn’t care about money all that much. With his line of work, he knew he could die at any time. Another reason he didn’t care about spending the money was that it was for Bell. He wouldn’t admit it now, but he would do anything for her.
“I think these are our seats. Put your bag up here Bell.” Adler pointed out the compartment above them, and the pair started to pack their things away. Not too long after they got settled in, the plane took off. Bell watched out of the window as the ground disappeared beneath them. The first-class seating was amazing, and she and Adler had a nice space all to themselves.
Bell couldn’t help but be nervous about what was to come. Walking into the CIA, with thousands of trained agents, when she was supposed to be dead. What if they killed her or Adler? Surely they wouldn’t, they’re a government agency, not a bunch of assassins. Right?
Adler noticed her staring into nothing and fiddling with her hands. He nudged her slightly with his arm. “Penny for your thoughts?” Bell looked towards the man as she let out a sigh.
“I’m just nervous I guess. I am supposed to be dead after all. What if they take me into custody, or kick us out of the CIA. I don’t want your life to be ruined because you didn’t listen to some orders.” Adler looked a little shocked at her words.
“Bell, I’m not gonna let them take you away. And if they kick us out, they kick us out. But don’t you think for a second that my life will be ruined. As long as you’re here, I’ll be just fine. Now, why don’t you take a nap? We’ve had a long day.” Bell felt instant relief at his words. It made her feel so good to know that someone truly cared for her. She closed the blinds on the window and fell asleep with a small smile on her face.
Despite how tired he was himself, Adler couldn’t help but stare at her sleeping face. She looked so peaceful like this, and Adler hated knowing just how tormented she was. How she even trusted him after everything he put her through was beyond him.
Eventually, the engines of the plane lulled the agent to sleep, and Adler was happy to finally catch up on all his missed sleep. 11 hours passed by far too quickly, and now the two were groggily grabbing their bags and exiting the plane. Adler already had a car lined up, he just had to go claim the keys.
While Adler headed off towards the little booth, Bell found a coffee shop and decided to order a couple of coffees. Bell and Adler were basic, in that they only liked black coffees.
Bell found her way back to Adler, who was jingling the car keys in a rather giddy way. “What’s gotten into you?” Bell was a little skeptical at the man's newfound energy.
“Oh, nothing. Just ready to get out of here.” Adler spoke in a sarcastic tone, and Bell noticed the slight smile on his face.
“Oh here! I got you a coffee.” Adler grabbed the cup and eyed it suspiciously. “Black. Just how you like it.” She watched as his expression turned to one of gratitude, as he took a rather large sip out of the cup.
“That’s good stuff. You know me too well, Bell.” Adler wrapped his arm around the shorter woman’s shoulders and guided her out of the airport. As the two approached the car, Bell discovered the source of Adler's excitement. Parked in front of them was a brand new Chevrolet Camaro in a beautiful red.
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CIA headquarters, Langley, McLean, VA
Bell’s nerves only grew the closer they got to the CIA headquarters. Adler, on the other hand, was practically fuming. The more he thought about the situation, the bigger his emotions grew. He couldn’t wait to give Black a swift punch right on his jaw.
“Bell, it’s gonna be alright. I’ll deal with Hudson and Black, you don’t even have to say a word.” Bell thought on his words. She didn’t want to just stand in the background, especially since this whole ordeal was about her. She was better than that.
“No. I want to say something. I might not know what that is yet, but it’ll come to me.
“That’s my girl.” Bell blushed at that. Right then, Adler pulled into the gates of the CIA and showed his ID to the man working the gate. He found a space towards the front and parked the car.
“Alright Bell, let’s get this show on the road.” They exited the car and approached the front door. Adler stomped out his cigarette before pulling over the large metal door. They got through security rather easily and had no problems concerning Bell. They were just a few minutes early to the meeting, so they had plenty of time to find Black’s secretary.
After riding an elevator up a few flights, they now stood in front of the young lady.
“Hi ma’am, we’re here for a meeting with Mr. Black. We have an appointment set for 11.” Adler took a quick glance at his watch and noted that it was 10:57. Bell was a little surprised at his manners. Considering the situation, she figured he would be a lot less friendly.
“Yes sir, he’s expecting you. The meeting room is just down the hall and to the right. Have a good day.” Adler nodded his head and turned to grab Bell. Their shoes clicked on the marble floors as they walked. They stopped just short of the big oak doors. Bell was still nervous, but she noticed that there was something else there. She felt a fire burning inside her.
“You ready for this, kid?” He turned to look at her, and he saw that she was blood red. Oh, this was gonna be good. She slowly turned to look at the man, and she let out a breath she didn’t even know she was holding.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Adler smiled at that.