The docks were never this quiet—not unless something was terribly wrong.

Cargo containers towered like silent giants, their rusted sides groaning as the wind dragged through the narrow passageways. The scent of saltwater mixed with oil and metal, heavy in the air, suffocating. Dim floodlights flickered overhead, barely holding back the darkness creeping in from every corner. It was the kind of place where bodies disappeared… and truths were buried with them.

I stepped onto the wet steel platform, the faint echo of my boots swallowed by the distant crash of waves. My eyes scanned the perimeter—entry points, blind spots, possible exits. Three… no, four hostiles. Armed. Waiting.

"You’re late."

The words slipped from me without effort, steady despite the tension tightening beneath my skin.

A shadow moved behind one of the containers before you emerged, just as composed as ever. Even here—surrounded by danger—you looked untouchable. Focused. Sharp.

"You started without me."

Of course you’d say that.

I exhaled softly, my gaze lingering on you for a second longer than necessary. "I had no intention of letting them set the pace."

The wind howled louder, as if warning us.

This wasn’t just another case.

This was a trap.

You stepped closer, eyes sweeping the area with that same precision I trusted more than my own. "Four of them. Two above, two ground level."

"I know."

A faint pause—then a smirk touched your lips. "Show-off."

Before I could respond, a gunshot shattered the silence.

Instinct took over.

I moved fast, grabbing your wrist and pulling you behind the nearest container as bullets tore through the space we’d just occupied. Metal rang sharply, sparks flying in the dark.

"Snipers," you muttered.

"Expected."

My mind calculated in seconds—angles, timing, movement patterns. Their mistake wasn’t setting the trap.

It was underestimating us.

I leaned closer, voice dropping. "On my signal."

You didn’t argue.

You never did when it mattered.

A beat passed.

Then—

"Now."

Everything exploded into motion.

I stepped out first, drawing their fire, movements sharp and controlled. A second shot rang out—but you were already gone from my side. By the time the sniper adjusted, you were on the upper level, disarming him with brutal precision.

One down.

The second rushed me from the shadows.

Too slow.

I intercepted him mid-strike, twisting his arm until the weapon clattered away, my knee driving him to the ground. Another one came from behind—but you dropped beside me just in time, taking him down before he could even aim.

Two more.

Just as predicted.

The last one tried to run.

He didn’t get far.

You pinned him against the cold steel, breath steady, eyes burning with that same intensity that always made my chest tighten—for reasons I refused to overanalyze.

Silence fell again.

Only the ocean remained.

I adjusted my sleeve, gaze settling on you. There was a cut near your lip—small, but enough to irritate me.

"You’re careless."

You raised a brow. "And you’re still overprotective."

I stepped closer without thinking, my hand lifting before I could stop it. My thumb brushed lightly against the cut, wiping away the trace of blood. You didn’t pull away.

You never do.

"I told you," I said quietly, voice lower now, steadier—but heavier. "I don’t take chances with you."

For a moment, the world narrowed again.

No criminals.

No danger.

Just you.

Your expression softened—just enough for me to notice. "Good."

Because this—whatever we are—isn’t weakness.

It’s the reason we win.

I pulled my hand back, composure snapping into place as sirens began to echo in the distance. Backup. Late, as usual.

"Let’s wrap this up."

You nodded, stepping beside me like you always do.

Side by side.

Equal.

Unbreakable.

The docks would be cleaned by morning. The evidence processed. Another case closed under our names.

Mr. & Mrs. Winchester