Chapter Text
It was easy to get lost in the continuous bleak colors of Pandora’s landscape as they blurred by. The near constant vibrations and bumps from the rough terrain under the thick tires - and the odd smell that you could only remember ever smelling from this planet, no matter where you were on it. The bright sun baked down on your skin, making you wish the day cycle didn’t last so damn long here. Your arm had a slight ache from being propped up on the open window to shield your eyes from the sun’s blinding beams. Why you hadn’t thought of bringing some kind of sunglasses, you weren’t sure. With everything else that had been going through your head the past couple of days - you couldn’t really blame yourself for forgetting eye protection.
A larger bump in the road, maybe a dead body, you weren’t sure - pulled you out of your zoning thoughts. Your eyes fell to the hand griping the clutch stick to your left. The blue wrapping bands of gears that were tattooed on tan skin brought a small smile to your lips. The forearm muscles that rippled and moved under the lightly hairy skin as the fingers they were attached to, tapped and danced against the clutch’s knob. You may have admired all of the little things on Jack’s body many times before, but now...each one seemed like a miracle. Every little movement of even the tiniest muscle or the appearance of a freckle - bringing a little warmth with it. In the flesh, his flesh , and fully alive - right next to you after many years, was the Handsome Jack.
Your eyes had, by now, moved up to his profile. He’d returned the mask to its usual place before the two of you had walked out of the hidden vault/lab. Little speckles of blood could still be seen near his ear, on his neck, and on the collar of his shirt.
As you’d expected, the three mercenaries you’d hired were quite shocked to see you walk back into the lobby with another person. Even more so when they recognized the face of the man with you. Confusion and bewilderment turned from questions to hostility. Before you’d even realized it, Jack had pulled the Jacobs pistol from your waistband and shot the three, dead....before they could do the same to the two of you. His casual chuckles only lasted long enough for him to gripe about having to use a Jacobs as his first “ Welcome Back ” gun.
You’d had a feeling that the three wouldn’t approve of your true intentions of going to that old lab...and you couldn’t deny that a part of you kind of knew they wouldn’t be coming back with you and Jack. At least they’d enjoyed spending the advance you’d sent them the day before, by drinking it all away at the bar.
You could still feel the complete elation swimming through your entire body at even just the thought of Jack being back - looking over and seeing him there, was almost too much. Your heart would pick up pace and you could feel it thudding away in your chest, as your stomach fluttered with excitement. Your lips would involuntarily curve into a smile, as you could feel the heat rising to your cheeks.
Still, none of this seemed real. You could still remember the pain you’d felt lying on the cool marble floor of Jack’s lavish penthouse - staring up through tears at the large fish tank, the following day after learning of his death . The scent of him that drifted through each room as you gathered your things, never to return - and you didn’t. Some days you’d find yourself mindlessly walking and stop once you’d realized you were standing at the door to the penthouse. You’d lied your head against its cool metal more times than you could remember, but never again did you press the button to give yourself access. Smelling him again would be too painful. However, now that Helios was gone, you wished you had...just one more time.
You’d even dismissed Timothy from his Hyperion contract over a text based agreement. You didn’t want to hear Jack’s voice come from his mouth, and you knew seeing Jack’s face on him would break any resolve you’d managed to build up.
All of the pain you’d gone through for years was all for nothing in the end. You’d never actually let go of Jack, which was probably a large reason the pain had stayed as well, and even after starting a new life...here you were. The second you’d gotten a chance to get Jack back, you’d taken it.
What was going to happen now? Jack had said he’d take back Hyperion, and build a new Helios. Which, since he still technically owned the company, would be easy enough...but what about the people? The millions of people that believed he was dead - and the countless people that liked him best that way. You knew he still had quite a loyal following of people that missed him, and reminisced on the days where he was alive and ruling from his throne in the sky above - but you weren’t even sure how they would react. Would people even believe that he was real? Would they think he was just an imposter or a secret doppelgänger that they hadn’t known about? Even if they did, Jack could just give them a DNA sample - show them the logs, prove that he’d been lyingly pronounced dead by one of his own greedy underlings. At least, you hoped that would work.
So far, the drive had been rather quiet. Both of you had plenty on your mind. Jack had hopped into the drivers seat, saying he needed to get back into the swing of things himself. The machine had not only kept him alive, but fueled him in a way. He looked a bit younger, he seemed to feel younger, and to say he was happy to be back...would be an understatement. He appeared more driven than ever. After five + years of being away from the world he’d been such an enormous part of, he had every intention of getting back what was his as soon as he could.
He must’ve noticed your eyes on him - as he glanced over with a charming smile, giving you a wink as he moved his hand to your thigh with a little squeeze. The swirl of tingles throughout your entire body came to life at the tiny touch. You hadn’t kissed him yet...not since he woke up. Part of you felt almost awkward around him. It’d been so long, for you, since he’d been in your life. For him...it had only been the time since Rhys had plugged Jack’s AI into his head. Even then, Rhys had told you that Jack thought you had died when Helios crashed. That Jack seemed to purposely avoid talking about you...until you just happened to waltz on into Rhys’s office....alive.
You and Jack had already talked a little about your time with Rhys. With Jack’s temperament seeming to turn to jealousy. No matter how many times you’d told the (then) holographic man that there was nothing...well, nearly nothing, between you and Rhys. Jack had elected to not discuss your romantic involvement with the younger man any further. He’d expressed his dislike, but left it at that.
-
The sun’s light was finally starting to fade away and sink beneath the jutting cliffs in the far distance. It felt like days had gone by, and yet it had only been a few hours of driving across Pandora’s dry-lands. You kept hoping to see the greens of the Highlands starting to appear - but hour after hour...just more sand, dirt, and big rocks.
Your eyes were starting to grow heavy, your head was aching from lack of sleep and the general discomfort of being stuck in a bumpy technical all day. You’d counted 72 dead animals along the way...being eaten by some other Pandoran monstrosity. 23 dead people....some, also being eaten. Knowing very well, that you’d probably miscounted...or missed several here and there. You definitely hadn’t missed this part of Pandora. The constant, nearly impossible way of living. You’d always said that wasn’t living...it was surviving. If you could even do that.
You also had no idea where you were at this point. Your eyes occasionally drifting up to Elpis, and seeing the lack of Helios’s shape against it. The memories of Helios’s crumbling shell painfully reappearing in your mind. You began wondering what it would look like now. It’d been years since you’d seen it. You wished that it was completely crumbled now - enough to not even be recognizable anymore, but you doubted it was. Helios was built to be strong. Even if it’s tall towers had begun to collapse, if it’s eye was barely holding on...it would still be Helios. The one place you ever really felt at home. You’d never get the images out of your mind, of watching as it fell through space. The once mighty and powerful structure falling to pieces all around you. You were thankful that you weren’t conscious to see it’s final crash. To feel as the ground quaked beneath the impact.
Your thoughts then turned to Jack. He’d never seen the degrading mass of metal of the moonbase he’d once called his . What would his reaction be? His AI had gone down with it, all the way to the surface of Pandora. He was probably the only one to stay on Helios and “ live ” to see its crash from inside.
-
Jack’s arm quickly stretched out in front of you as his foot completely depressed the brake pedal. Your eyes squeezed shut as your arms flung out to catch yourself from slamming you and Jack’s arm into the dash. The technical slid to a screeching halt, throwing tiny rocks and sand against its metal frame. You opened your eyes as you felt Jack’s arm pull away. His door being immediately pushed open as he slid out of his seat. You looked forward, out of the windshield. Far in the distance, you now saw what he’d stopped so abruptly for. The rumbling vehicle was pulled nearly to the edge of a mountainous cliff edge, overlooking the lower cliffs and empty valley below - stretching on for miles and miles. You opened your door, sliding out to your feet and harshly landing on the hard ground. Your eyes locked on to the view of Helios’s ruins as your shoes crunched on the ground beneath them, as you stepped to the cliff’s edge. Your heart began to ache at the sight you’d hoped to never see again. The sight you’d hoped Jack would never have to see. Just as you’d been thinking about it, Pandora decided to show it off in all of its decaying downfall. It was still so far away, but unmistakable. It was gigantic - shining in the low glow of Elpis. It’s top towers caving in and falling apart to form sharp, towering, jagged edges. The lower towers now nearly completely crushed beneath its own weight. The once foreboding eye, now resting against the fallen debris and unforgiving ground of Pandora.
It hurt. It hurt seeing it like this. To remember what it was, and to see it in such a desolate state. A single tear finally made its descent down your cheek, coming to pool into a tiny droplet - resting against your jaw. You tore your eyes from the painful sight, only to find another. Jack stood, unmoving...staring out to the large valley below. His expression - blank, but his eyes... you could see the pain in them as he finally saw the full picture of Helios’s end.
“Helios...” he finally whispered out. “My space station...” his eyes narrowed. After a moment, his brow pulled together. “..Rhys.”
Your heart began to pound at his tone. Anger was taking over his sadness. Anger at Rhys. You stepped closer. “You are just as much to blame for that.”
Jack’s gaze quickly snapped to you. His brow now raised in surprise. “Excuse me-“
“Don’t.” You held your hand up to stop him. Surprisingly, it worked. He did seem quite surprised at your boldness, but you could still see his anger rising. “I know it was your AI, but I have a feeling you would’ve done the same. If you wouldn’t have tried to kill him, he wouldn’t have had to try and get away from you. You wanted everything back, and more . You can’t always have everything Jack! That’s why you were killed! Or...nearly killed...” Your breathing had become heavy as you nearly shouted at him. You hadn’t meant to, but you knew if Jack kept thinking this way - he’d just get himself killed again. That, or go after Rhys.
He stood quiet for a moment, just glaring at you. Finally his piercing gaze dropped, turning his head to look back at the wreckage.
“...you’re right, Sweetheart. I would’a still tried to kill him.” His voice now low, nearly a growl. He turned away and stepped closer to you, wrapping his fingers firmly around your chin. “..But I will get it all back.”
He tilted your head up to his, just a little, as his mismatched eyes stared deeply into yours. Your entire insides felt so confused. You were angry, sad, and scared, but still...your chest and stomach fluttered as you looked into those eyes. The swirls of so many different shades of blue melding together to form an ocean you could swim in forever, and the golden swirls and flakes against the greenest of greens you’d ever seen. It’d been so long since you’d been able to stare into them. The green eye, even longer. You’d hated how the AI’s blue hue hid the green away. Almost making him seem to have two identical eyes. Especially when his eyes were your favorite part about him. Just another thing that made him so unique. This screwed up and brilliant man....who still held your entire heart in those two mismatched irises.
You’d never known just how much he could read from your eyes alone, but he always seemed to know what you were thinking. Even if he didn’t always come out and say it, his actions would.
Jack’s other hand wrapped around to your back, pulling you against him as he leaned down to bring his lips to yours. Your arms immediately wrapped around him, gripping at his muscled form beneath the loose fabric of his yellow sweater. You could feel the rise and fall of his back as you clung to him - never wanting to loose the feeling of having him in your arms. His soft lips caressing yours, as his tongue ghosted across your bottom lip. His grip on you grew tighter - his hand on your chin moving to intertwine his fingers through your hair and cradle your head.
You felt like your chest cavity could explode any second. The frenzied, sparkling butterflies erupting throughout. A smile quickly forming on your lips, no matter how hard you tried to stop it. It wasn’t easy to kiss deeply when you couldn’t stop smiling. It definitely didn’t help when you began to feel Jack’s lips curving up as well. The swell of happiness that burst through you as you heard his soft chuckle against your lips, made your knees fall weak. Your grip tightened around him. Your faces still touching, but now just smiling in the beam of the headlights. This still didn’t feel real. This much happiness at once couldn’t possibly be real.
-
Jack’s hand rested on your thigh as the drive continued on, into the night. His thumb slowly caressing back and forth. You could feel the warmth of his skin through your pants. You couldn’t wait to get out of these dirty clothes. You still hated wearing full length pants - they were just too constrictive. However, they were definitely the best choice to wear when skulking through a dilapidated facility, crawling with Pandoran wildlife. You could see a few dried spots of blood, from the mercenaries. Good thing these pants were getting trashed as soon as you had a chance to change. You’d brought a couple small bags along, to Pandora. The rest was still on Promethea.
You wondered how Rhys was doing. It seemed that communication didn’t reach very well. That, or he hadn’t tried to contact you - which seemed unlikely. Hopefully he picked up on the bad signal and didn’t just think you were dead somewhere, being eaten by a skag. When you’d left, the war with Maliwan was still going on. Hopefully it was turning in Atlas’s favor. You’d only been gone for about 4 days, so it was unlikely that much of anything had changed yet. -But still, for Rhys’s sake...you hoped. You did miss him already.
-
Again, you still didn’t know where on Pandora you were. Now with it being dark, you couldn’t tell at all. You’d passed a few areas that seemed to be lit up. Bandit encampments, most likely. There did seem to be quite a few. Somehow, Pandora had found a way to get even worse.
You glanced over to Jack. He didn’t seem to be tired, at all. His eyes focused on the way ahead. You’d call it a road, but it was hardly that. More like a slightly more traveled stretch of ground than that around it. Either way, he seemed like he knew where he was going.
“ Do you know where you’re going?” You spoke up, looking over to him with a raised brow.
He let out a tiny chuckle. “Yeah, Pumpkin. I do. Opportunitys not too much further. Couple hours at most.”
You glanced back out to the dark desert. You could see large rocky structures though the headlights. Some towering high above, and some joining to make a higher mountainous area. None of it looked familiar to you, not even close.
“Um...how?” You asked, looking away from the window and back to him.
He glanced over for a moment, giving a slightly amused smirk. “I’ve been on and around Pandora for a long time, Sweetheart. As much as I hate this planet, I know it pretty damn well.”
“Guess it hasn’t changed much...” you mumbled to yourself, looking back to the view passing by.
Jack had told you countless stories of his time on Pandora and Elpis. Still, it always seemed so unreal. He’d done so much in his life already, most of which while you were living in a cave...sneaking out to see the stars every night, and dreaming of being among them one day. For a moment you wondered where Hollow Point was from here, and what had since happened to your parents home since you’d had them killed. Which only made you annoyed again at not doing it yourself when you had the chance.
You recalled watching Helios’s laser blasting Elpis, and hearing the stories of the brave man who led a team to save the moon you called home at the time. What if you’d met him back then? Before he was “Handsome Jack.” You couldn’t imagine what you’d have thought of him. After hearing how heroic he was. It wasn’t too long before you’d also heard how fearsome he was.
You’d believed what you’d heard. It was easy to, when there was proof of his growing power. Still, you’d wanted to work for Hyperion. For the same man you were terrified to ever meet.
Your eyes fell on his profile again, as he watched ahead - slightly bobbing his head to the music. He was fearsome. He still is, but now...for some reason, you trusted him. Maybe it was foolish of you. Maybe it had been foolish to get so close to this man. You wouldn’t change your mind though, even if you were to go back in time, you’d chose him. Again and again.
-
Elpis glowed in the night sky above. The lights from Opportunity shined in the not so far off distance. You could feel a cool breeze drifting through the air. The taller patches of grass swaying almost weightlessly. The Highlands has become your favorite part of Pandora - that you’d seen. Not just because it actually had grass, but all of the memories it held in it’s rolling hills. It’s where you got to see the less-CEO side of Jack. Where he could unwind and have fun driving fast vehicles and dodging, or hitting, the many creatures trying to attack the two of you. The Highlands didn’t have as many bandits, not with so many Hyperion facilities around or in it. Other than the Pandoran wildlife, it was pretty safe. He’d always kept you safe, or taught you how to protect yourself. Even when you’d been kidnapped, and brought to Overlook...he’d saved you. So many memories of your time with him, down here on Pandora had been floating through your head the past few hours. You’d spent so long pushing them down and trying to forget, that it felt refreshing to be able to relive them again in your thoughts.
Up until a few days ago, you hadn’t expected to ever see the Highlands again. It didn’t look all that different. It was dark out, but the moon’s light cast enough glow to see.
Jack had stopped the technical at the end of the bridge, outside of Opportunity. It was doubtful that security turrets wouldn’t just blow the vehicle up as soon as it was spotted. It was a bandit looking vehicle, after all.
You stood, leaned against the front of the technical - the only semi-clean spot you could find on it. Opportunity stood tall. It’s distant towering buildings looking just as you remembered them. You could feel your stomach tying itself in little knots. You had no idea what was going to happen next. It could go any way. However, first...you needed to get in.
You looked over to Jack, who sat atop the hood, leaned against the windshield. His jacket behind him, keeping the grunge of decaying bug guts off of his favorite sweater. Even now, he looked calm - while you were nearly panicking inside.
“You know you can’t just walk in there.” You spoke up, drawing his eyes to you for a moment.
He nodded his head. “Yeah....I know.” He let out an annoyed sigh. You were so close now, yet there was no way of knowing what would happen beyond the city’s gate.
You moved to stand in front of the truck, now facing him. “I’ll go first. I’ll find Blake, and explain the situation.”
During your time at Atlas, you’d of course, kept up with what was happening with Hyperion. After you hadn’t returned, following the crash - Hyperion was ran by the board for sometime. Eventually, it was announced that Blake had taken the main directing position. Since he’d been with Hyperion for many years, and knew what needed to be done to at least stay in business.
Jack’s eyes narrowed. He leaned forward a bit, his jacket crumpling down behind him. “And what if they shoot you?”
“Why would they? I don’t look like a bandit. I’m not armed...openly. If they scan me, then they’ll know who I am...or was.” You shrugged your shoulders. You sounded much braver than you currently felt. There was definitely a large chance that the gate guards would shoot you, just because. Still, Jack couldn’t just walk up. He’d definitely be thought of as a bad joke and shot.
Jack’s head shook a little. “Mm...I don’t know. We don’t know how on edge these guys are now days. I mean, I woulda’ just told my guards to shoot anyone who walks up.” His shoulders shrugged as well, as he looked towards the city.
“Oh well. We have to try something.” You walked around around to the passenger side and opened your door. Pulling your bag into the seat, you dug out a clean outfit. It wouldn’t help to walk up looking blood stained and gross.
You pulled the sweaty tee over your head and dabbed at your skin. The slight breeze felt nice against your dampened skin. Unfortunately, this bra was the only one you’d brought. It’d have to do for now. You heard Jack slide off of the hood, grabbing his jacket as he did. You decided to let the air cool you off a bit before putting your new top on. Next you fumbled with the buttons and zipper of your pants and began pushing them down your thighs. You heard the crunch of steps behind you as you felt warm hands wrap around your waist - turning you around. You nearly stumbled, still with tight pants clinging around your knees. Jack’s sultry smirk, played across his lips, his eyes admiring your half naked form. You couldn’t help but laughingly exhale through your nose, smiling at his inability to resist you undressing.
“Jack...” you moved your hand behind you to halt his wondering fingertips at the clasp of your bra. “It’s really not the time.” Your amused smirk only causing his to grow with an exaggerated eye roll.
“Well yeah...but...” his eyes dipped down once more as his hands roamed over your curves again. His gaze lingered on the tiny eridium pendant, on the dainty chain around your neck.
You let out a small chuckle. “No buts. I need to change. You want your company back, yeah?”
His piercing eyes rose back to meet your gaze as he looked down at you. He rolled his eyes again, giving a nod. He pulled his hands from your body, but not before pushing you against the cool metal side of the dusty vehicle and planting his lips on yours. You felt his grip on the top of your hip tighten before loosening it and stepping away - pulling his kiss from you. For a moment, you wanted to say “ Oh, fuck it. Opportunity can wait .” but, you knew you really shouldn’t. It wouldn’t be the first time you’d had sex with Jack on this same bridge, but you’d rather a better location...for your first time, with him, in years.
He took a step back, giving you room and motioned for you to continue. That slight smirk still on his lips. He made it extremely difficult to resist him. You’d gone years without his touch...you could go a few more hours...days? Even if you absolutely didn’t want to.
Once out of the dirt covered, blood splattered, sweaty clothes, and into the new, clean outfit - you slipped on a pair of black flats, and pulled your hair into a ponytail. You heard Jack’s slight grumble at your hair being up, from the drivers side that he’d finally sat back down in. Your face looked a little rougher than you’d like, and most of your makeup had sweated off...but overall, it wasn’t too bad.
Your stomach still felt knotted - your thoughts racing back and forth of what to say to the guards. Each step you took closer to the city felt like weights were strapped around your ankles. You could feel that nervous pain in your chest, and the slight shakiness of your hands. You didn’t turn back to look toward Jack - you needed to look brave, strong.
As you stepped into the better lit area, just meters away from the main gate - spotlights quickly turned and shined down on you. You held your hand in front of your eyes to try and see...well, anything past the bright beams. You could hear the shuffle of booted feet coming closer. One of the beams moved away, leaving just the one above you. At least now you could see the two guards coming up to you. Two tall, well muscled men in yellow Hyperion armor came to a stop in front of you. Both carried large guns. The man to the right - aimed and ready to fire, if needed.
“State your business, woman.” The one closest to you spoke up. His voice was strong. “You don’t look like the regular losers around here.”
You stood a little straighter, clearing your throat. “Because I’m not. My name is (y/n) (first&last). Ring any bells?”
Both men seemed to quickly glance at each other.
“I thought she died-“ the man on the right spoke quietly.
“Yeah...” the one in front nodded.
He took a step closer, pulling his helmet off with one hand and looking at you closer. “You do look like her...but...she died in the crash...” his tone seemed doubtful of your claim. His eyes narrowed as he studied your features. The other guard lifted his gun a bit more, keeping it aimed.
You let out a quick sigh. “Because I am her. I didn’t die in the crash. I took an escape pod down. I don’t have time to give you the whole story. Scan me. You’ll have your proof.” Your tone had gained its strength back, sounding authoritative.
The two met glances again, before the one returned his helmet to his head. He moved his wrist closer to the mouth-area and spoke up. “I need a scanner down here.” A moment passed and another man stepped through a coded doorway to the left. He held out a small device as he seemed to look over you as well, before standing back and waiting.
The first guard tapped on the screen a couple times and then looked back to you. “Alright. This’ll just take a second.” A blue-ish beam appeared and passed over you from head to toe. A small, high pitched beeping noise sounded as the light sunk back into the device.
“Holy shit,” The guard looked up from the screen. “It is you.” His tone sounded a bit bewildered. You couldn’t really blame him. You had been gone for years. That was going to be fun to explain.
You gave a flat smile and a nod. “Mhm. Now, I need to see Blake. It’s... very important.”
-
Once inside of the city, two different guards escorted you along its pristine walkways. The city was clean, and still looked brand-new. You smirked to yourself as you saw electronic posters of Jack’s face still being displayed among the various Hyperion products being advertised. A few re-built statues here and there, showing his likeness. Even after these several years, Hyperion still held him high. They were definitely in for a surprise.
The city wasn’t too busy at this time. Several people could still be seen - making their way to who knows where.
As you walked, a guard on either side, you were given many strange, and curious looks. None of the faces that passed by looked familiar. Then again, would you have recognized any that did make it out of Helios? You weren’t so sure. Maybe all, or most of these people were post-crash employees. A shame they’d never see how it was to live on Helios.
The three of you marched up the steps leading into the main building of the city. The tallest standing, and nearly the main focal point. It’s completely windowed exterior shined with the reflections of the city’s lights. The bold H! of the Hyperion logo rippling as the wind blew the banner it rested on. You could feel that familiar warmth spreading through you at everything around you. Hyperion would always feel like home. Just walking through the city, seeing the colors, the logos - you already began to feel that empty feeling filling back in...at least a little.
The elevator doors opened. One guard took the lead, the other followed behind you. You recognized the area. Jack’s Pandoran office had been down this hallway. You’d been in it many times, and seeing it all again began bringing back even more memories.
The three of you stopped in front of the large double doors. The first guard extended his fist and gave a firm double knock. Your eyes drifted to the side, noticing an empty secretary desk. Everything shut down and put away for the night.
So why is Blake still here ? You wondered the question to yourself.
One of the doors was quickly pulled open - an irritated looking man on the other side. You instantly recognized him as Jeffery Blake. Although looking quite a bit more rough than you could remember seeing him look last. The stress of running a declining Hyperion was obviously doing him no favors.
You’d only met him a couple of times. When Jack would need something that he didn’t think some lower idiot could handle. You didn’t know the man well, but could tell he didn’t prefer the position of being ordered around. However, from the looks of it...he didn’t seem to be enjoying this position either.
“What!?” He snapped - quickly looking between the two guards. As his eyes fell to your level - they seemed to grow double their size. Widening immensely as he surely recognized you. “...(Y/n)?” He stuttered your name - still wide eyed.
You let a polite smile rise on your lips, giving a small nod.
“She said she needed to speak with you, Mr. Blake. Said it was important. I figured...well, with everyone thinking she was dead...it was probably...um...pretty important.” The guard spoke up, clearing his throat as he finished.
Blake nodded quickly, waving his hand at the guards - dismissing them from the doorway. “Figure that all out yourself, did you? — Come in, please.” He glanced back to the two men - still idling there. “Not you two. You can go now.” He affirmed, sounding slightly annoyed.
The two gave their “yes sir/s” and began making their way back down the hall.
Blake motioned for you to go ahead, closing the door behind himself as he briskly walked around his desk - holding his hand out for you to sit in one of the three cushioned seats before him.
You took a seat, crossing your legs and making yourself comfortable. This chair felt far better than the tough, unforgiving seat of the technical.
Blake’s eyes remained widened as he took his seat behind the desk. He remained placid, sitting straight up, looking over you.
“How..? How is this possible? You were thought to have been dead. D-died in Helios’s crash. How..- Where...“ he didn’t finish his sentence as he shook his head - his brow knitted in obvious confusion.
“Well...obviously I didn’t die.” You gave a sarcastic shoulder shrug. “I went down in a pod, but it was struck by some debris - knocked off course. I crash landed on Pandora. I was passed out. Someone rescued me.” You paused for a moment before continuing - making sure he was keeping up. “Long story short, Rhys Strongfork..?” You paused again, giving a nod as to assess that Blake knew who that was. He nodded – having easily recognized the flourishing Atlas CEO’s name. “Rhys pulled me out of the wreckage. He was... given ...the deed to Atlas during that whole AI take over... thing . Basically, we left Pandora and I helped him build the company back up.”
Blake sat silently for a few moments. Finally clearing his throat, and rubbing his eyes a bit. “You? You’re the mystery woman that was helping the Atlas CEO? I... well, everyone...heard rumors about him having help...a partner of sorts...but her identity was never given. Wasn’t in any of the reports.. He always showed up to things alone, and when he didn’t – any pictures of the two were somehow instantly deleted from the ECHOnet.”
“Yeah. I did that. We wrote an program that pretty much wiped any new entry of my face from the net. I didn’t want to be known about. It was his company, not mine.” You added on.
“I suppose I can understand that...but, why? Why didn’t you just come back to Hyperion? You were the acting President at the time. You could’ve kept your title...and..-“
“Honestly, I didn’t really know what was going to happen to Hyperion until I left for Promethea. By then, I just wanted something new. I had promised I’d help rebuild Atlas, and that’s what we did. I...hadn’t planned on ever coming back to Pandora.”
Blake’s brow furrowed again. “Are...are you here to take back your positron? Because, I have to say...with you working with the Atlas Corporation for so long...I’m a bit hesitant to-“
You shook your head, stopping Blake’s words. “No. I’m not. I have some information that you need to know about though.” You shifted a little and pulled a small drive from your pocket. Holding it up, Blake’s eyes fell upon it. He reached out, slowly taking it from you.
“What is this?” He asked, meeting your gaze again.
“The last logs of Professor Nakayama. I think listening to them will tell it to you better than me trying to explain it all.” You leaned back in your chair again. Watching as Blake turned and plugged the drive into his computer.
After a few taps, the audio began playing. Blake sat quietly, listening to each file and every word the Professor spoke. His eyes seeming to widen even more than they had at seeing you.
When the final file had finished, and he’d read the last entry from Hudson - he slowly turned back to face you. His face seemed pale, his eyes wide, lips just barely parted. “He’s...alive? Here on Pandora? All this time!?” He learned forward with the last sentence, his gaze locked into yours.
You nodded.
He began shaking his head slowly. Trying to come to terms with what he’d just heard. It was quite a lot to take in, you definitely knew that. “Then...I...um.. A team will need to be dispatched to go an-“
“That won’t be needed, actually...” you spoke up. “He’s already awake.”
Blake instantly rose from his seat, his chair rolling back and hitting the wall behind him. “He’s here?!” His eyes, again nearly doubled in size. His hands holding himself up on his desk.
You could instantly see the fear, that just the thought of Jack invoked in people, across Blake’s face. “In...in the building?”
“He’s outside the city. On the entrance to the bridge. — Oh, and he’s waiting.”
You could see Blake’s breathing becoming heavier, an ever-so-slight tremble in his form. His eyes blinked in quick succession for a moment as he nodded. He leaned over, pressing a button on his desk - then again twice more when no repose was given. “God damn- he’s gone for the night...” he grumbled as he quickly walked to the double doors. Swinging one open, you saw him glance to the left towards his secretary’s empty desk - giving a huff. “Damnit! Where is everyone?! Security!” He called out, immediately alarming you. You quickly stood from your seat. You heard the heavy footfalls of a couple of guards approach the door - each halting with an abrupt “Yes Sir?”
“There is a man outside of the city..on the bridge, that needs a... very ...discrete escort to my office. Put a bag or something over his head. I don’t want it getting out who he is. -And if one word is spoken about this, it’ll be your assess on the line. Am I understood?” Blake snapped out.
The two responded and quickly hurried away.
You took your seat again as Blake adjusted his suit jacket, before rolling his chair back to his desk and sitting down. You could practically feel his nervousness. He stared down at his desk - tapping the pads of his fingers against its surface. “I didn’t want this job.” He began. “I was fine with just being President of Merc Relations and Tourism. -But Hyperion needed someone to sit in the big chair. These idiots just run around like headless skags without someone giving them direction.” He paused for a moment, still looking down at his desk. “Now with Jack being back...I’m likely going to be his errand boy again. Doing whatever he asks. No matter how irritating or demeaning. — Good thing I never took the time to get married and have children. I’d probably never have time to see them.” His tone began showing his irritation. “I can definitely say that I never expected to hear this news.”
The room fell silent for a few minutes. You weren’t really sure what to say at this point. The quiet was eventually broken as you heard distant footfalls, followed by the door being opened. You turned in your seat to see a covered Jack between two guards. You couldn’t see his face, but you imagined that he didn’t look happy under there.
“We here now, assholes? Wanna take this damn hood off of my head?” Jack barked the question.
You noticed Mr. Blake stiffen a bit at the unmistakable sound of Jack’s voice. He rose from his chair, shaky finger tips still resting on his desks surface.
One of the guards quickly pulled the bag off of Jack’s head. Only slightly messing up his hair in the process. However, the glare he was given from Jack made him quickly step back and exit the room. The other guard followed just as quickly. Blake rolled his eyes at the guards retreating before being dismissed, but said nothing about it.
Jack’s gaze fell on Blake, a grin forming on his lips. “Well, well Jimmy. You look like shit. Hard running things without me?” Jack prodded, stepping closer to the chairs.
You noticed Blake take in a deep inhale. “It’s...Jeffery. Again. You seem to not have aged a bit.” Blake’s gaze studied the man he’d expected to be dead. His brow seeming to take on a permanent scowl.
You noticed Jack’s grin widen a bit more. “Yeah. Nakajahama’s little tube helped with that.”
“Yes. I heard. Seems he accomplished quite a feat in keeping you alive.” He paused for a beat. “I suppose this means you’ll be wanting to take back your place as President again, yes? It’s... good , that you were found before the ten year mark of your absence.”
Jack’s brow raised. “Annnnnnd why is that, Jimmy?”
You had to hold back your grin at Blake’s obvious irritation at the nickname. He closed his eyes for a long blink, sucking in another deep breath. “Because, after ten years and no sign of you...or proof of life or death. You were to be ruled deceased, and it would no longer be... your company. All personal assets would have been given to whomever was currently in charge. As per your written agreement with the board.”
“Hm. Only ten years? Thought it was longer. Really should’ve read shit they handed me more often, huh? — Eh, oh well! I’m back now, Jimmy!” Jack’s hands proudly held out on either side of himself, his grin still present.
Blake’s expression was one of much less excitement. He sat back down, shifting in his seat a bit, leaning forward as he did so. “Yes. So you are. However...I think it would be best, for everyone, if you’d just stay dea-“
A loud gunshot echoed through the room. Through the small, floating trail of smoke rising from the barrel of your borrowed Jakob’s pistol, you watched as Blake’s body slumped forward - his bloody head hitting the top of his desk and resting there.
Your heart pounded with the rush. Your hands unshaken and precise. As you lowered the gun, you looked over to Jack - still standing just behind the chairs.
His eyes had widened just a bit, a broad grin painted on his face as his eyes came to rest on you. “Wow. That was fast.” He chuckled.
You stood from your seat, and walked around to the side of Blake’s lifeless body. Pulling the gun that was attached to underside of his desk - that you’d seen him slowly reaching for.
“He was going to shoot you.” You remarked in a rather straightforward tone - holding the Hyperion pistol up by the loop of its trigger protector.
“Well yeah, I’m not really surprised about that. I was going to kill him anyway. Easier that way. People don’t really like it when you take a rich position from ‘em.“ He shrugged, plopping down into one the chairs in front of you, kicking his feet up on the desk. “I was just more surprised at you. Didn’t even hesitate.” You watched as his grin grew, his eyes darkening with something purely enticing. “You’ve killed quite a few people since I’ve been gone, haven’t ya?”
You let your eyes roll, allowing a small smile to grow on your lips. “Not since I joined Atlas.” You paused for a moment, glancing up in thought playfully. “I had forgotten how exhilarating it could be.”
That dark look in his eyes paired with the wicked smirk on his lips - you’d nearly forgotten what that combination could do to you. You could feel your insides quiver under his sultry gaze - your knees nearly giving out as he ran the tip of his tongue over his bottom lip, moistening it.
Jack let out a small chuckle. Standing and stepping back to the doors. He pulled one of the doors open, and called out.
One of the guards hurried forward. “I need a clean up in here.” He motioned with his head to the body. “And make it quick. I have a lot to catch up on.”
The guard gave a quick affirming nod “Y-yes sir! H-...Handsome Jack, sir!” and hurried back down the hallway.
You stepped back around to the front of the desk, leaning against it as you watched. Jack let the door stay open - waiting for whoever would be coming in soon to clean up Blake...and his blood.
The devilish grin that played on Jack’s lips as he turned back and walked closer to you stirred up tingles - sending them throughout your body. His piercing heterochromatic eyes locked on to you. With perfect ease, you were pulled into his arms. His firm grasp holding you as he pressed his lips to yours for a brief moment. He then pulled back slightly, his eyes staring into yours. “Well...I’m back now, Pumpkin.” His lips curled up again before returning to yours - instantly melting you into his intense kiss.
Your thoughts now completely away from the dead body just a couple of feet away from you.
Jack’s lips and hands taking every thought you could possibly have and stealing them away.
Without thinking of everything else that was going to come from this, you felt amazing right now. Standing in Opportunity, wrapped in the arms of Handsome Jack, with his expert tongue stealing away every bit of your resolve.
You could always think about everything that could go wrong, later.