Harcourt never asked for backup.
Not from Peacemaker. Not from Adebayo. Definitely not from Economos.
She worked alone whenever she could. Moved like a shadow, thought three steps ahead, and had walls built so high even bullets couldn’t get through them.
So when she started calling your name more and more during missions… you noticed.
The first time, it was after a messy takedown in an abandoned warehouse. You were wiping bloodless dust off your gloves when Harcourt called out:
“Hey. Walk with me.”
You blinked. “Me?”
She rolled her eyes. “No, the other person staring at the wall like a confused puppy. Yes, you.”
But when you caught up beside her, she didn’t say anything. She just… walked. Close enough that her shoulder nearly brushed yours. Close enough that she felt comfortable.
You didn’t push. She didn’t explain. It became a pattern.
Days Later — A.R.G.U.S Command Van
Everyone was arguing over comm channels, voices overlapping into chaos. Harcourt finally snapped:
“Shut up! All of you!”
Silence.
She turned, scanning the team, jaw tight with frustration.
Then her eyes landed on you.
She stepped closer. “You. With me.”
Peacemaker sputtered. “Why do they get to go with you?”
“Because they’re actually competent,” Harcourt said without looking back.
But when she opened the van door, her voice dropped low—meant only for you.
“…And because I trust them more.”
You tried not to show how much that meant, but your chest definitely felt lighter.
A Week Later — Field Mission Gone Wrong
Gunfire cracked through the forest. The team split accidentally, comms were fuzzy, and Harcourt cursed under her breath.
“Damn it—where’s backup when I need it—”
Static. Voices. Nothing clear.
She pressed a hand to her ear. “Economos? Adebayo? Anyone?”
Nothing.
Then your voice cut through: “Harcourt, on your six!”
She spun just in time to see an enemy flanking her. You tackled him before he even raised his weapon, knocking him unconscious against a fallen tree.
Breathless, she stared at you.
“You showed up,” she said quietly, almost surprised.
You laughed between breaths. “I’ve been showing up.”
Something softened—barely—in her eyes.
“…Yeah,” she murmured. “You have.”
She offered her hand, pulling you up. Then, gripping your wrist for a second longer than necessary, she added:
“You’re my backup.”