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"Do you go on missions like this a lot?"
Claire paused from fixing her guns to look at Ashley. She sat next to Claire on the ground, shoulders slumped from exhaustion. The room they were in was a temporary safe space before they had to leave. It wasn't much, but Claire hoped the brief reprieve helped Ashley out.
"You're my first rescue mission."
Ashley squeaked. "Really?"
"Yeah, sorry. Should've told you." She was chosen to rescue the President's daughter because of her skills, but she felt over her head with the whole murderous, parasitic cult situation. Nevertheless, she had to persevere. Ashley's safety was the one thing that mattered.
"You say it like it's bad." Ashley watched her so intently that it made the agent pause. "I wouldn't have made it this far without you."
Claire laughed softly at the sincerity. "You're more than capable. I saw how you knocked out that cult member with a lantern."
Ashley's smile was sweet, almost bashful. Then she frowned suddenly.
"I'm just tired of creeps grabbing me all the time."
"I'm guessing that happens a lot in general," Claire said carefully.
"Yeah." Ashley picked at a hole in her tights, tearing it more. She sighed. "Guys still bother me even when they know I only like women."
Oh, Claire thought, standing up and holding out her hand for Ashley to take. "I get it . . . I only like women, too."
Ashley's face flushed as she grabbed Claire's hand and let herself be pulled up. "Yeah?"
Claire nodded, not looking away from her. "Once you're home, maybe we can talk more about it." If anyone asked, she wasn't trying to flirt. If Ashley asked, the answer was yes.
Ashley squeezed her hand, not letting go yet. Her cheeks still glowed pink.
"I'd really like that."