Miks loml

The French man was flirty by nature and bold in his approach. He harbored no guilt when it came to wooing the women, and paid no mind when none of them reciprocated his advances. It was like a game to him, to see who might fall for his charm and inflated ego, and when he realized they were above his league, he took it as a challenge and became insufferable.

Up until this day you feel sorry for Viper for having to deal with him and his affections. It was a relief he left the rest of you alone, though, now that he had someone to target particularly. 

Another instance that comes to mind is when you were introduced to Neon after returning from a mission. 

She was ferocious, quick on her feet, and with a strong personality that would have anyone butting their heads with her in arguments; you got a taste of that determination when arguing about international cuisine, ending the verbal dispute with a handshake and a promise to go out eating sometime soon. You always had respect towards anyone who spoke their mind with conviction and no fear, perseverant in their words and views; plus, being under the tutelage of Reyna made things easier for the two of you to become fast friends and good buddies for training.

Oh, right. There is one instance where you didn’t have to try befriending a new addition to the team.

Meeting Fade was awful, for a lack of a better word, with her trailing after Cypher as Brimstone announced the collaboration with the blackmailer to fulfill both her and the protocols goals. No one was happy about that, too untrusting and angry at the decision that was clearly done without Viper nor Sage’s approval, but the deal was done and nothing you could have said was going to revert it.

Ignoring her presence within the protocol became the norm; for you, at least, holding grudges against her and her methods of torturing. She doesn't care to fraternize with neither of the agents, and you don’t care about her in general to worry over her mental state, as gruesome as it might sound.

The last you know is that Neon became very close to Fade despite your warnings. And as much as you disapproved of their…relationship, that is something you couldn’t interfere on, and is better for Neon to handle on her own.

The experience with Fade didn’t compare in the slightest when it came to Harbor when he joined a few months later. The man was friendly and a charming conversationalist to approach anyone within reach to strike a conversation and, later on, a friendship. You admit he is a formidable addition to the team, a good comrade to have in battle and on missions, and the best coach alongside Skye when you train every now and then; Harbor is everything the rest of the protocol lacks, and you are proud to say you were one of the few he trusted enough to have as an ally and a friend.

Each of the new agents were special on their own. With abilities that go beyond human comprehension, and a formidable belief in themselves and the cause they are working for. It’s safe to assume that, despite not being entirely in agreement, each of them were a good addition to Valorant.

A few weeks after Harbor’s arrival, a new face is shown around.

Gekko…

Gekko was a whole new ordeal to deal with. 

It’s not like you were entirely in the dark about his existence before he joined the protocol. You’ve heard tidbits about him: tales about his radiant powers, his companions and hazards they’ve gone through to get to the point where he is now. Stories told from Harbor who never shuts up about his talented protegé and how fast he was improving his skills with weapons and his endurance lasted longer each time he made him go through tough training. It was pretty amusing seeing Harbor act so excited about the kid; like a proud father, you could say, despite him voicing the apprehensiveness about Gekko and his radivores (whatever that means).

But Reyna could not share the same sentiment as he did. She would confide in you her expectations about the kid, her worries for bringing him to something that he was not ready for and losing him in the midst of battles—you knew her fear had foundation, the loss of her sister still hangs over her head till this day and, getting to the conclusion that Gekko might resemble some sort of a little brother to her, the nightmare of losing someone important to her weights heavily.

The grief often makes her contemplate the idea of giving up and taking him away before he even got a taste of what Valorant does. But her goals contradict that want, rendering her helpless as she accepts things for what they are and admitting that the agents at the protocol won’t be able to protect Gekko as well as she would do; so she stays, and you can’t help but be glad that your friend will still be by your side.

However, it begs to question Gekko's skills. If he has so many people worrying over him, can you really trust their word about his abilities and strength? 

Part of your questions are answered when Brimstone finally introduces him to the rest of the agents. You expected a shy kid, barely able to look anyone in the eyes and perhaps a little skittish by being surrounded by so many stranger’s faces; but this one is far off what you envisioned at first.

“Nice to meet ya’, yall, soy Gekko!” he announces with the biggest grin on his face.

Gekko is loud, boisterous, and very friendly—if not to say charming with how easy he gets smiles or grins from anyone who interacts with him. He doesn’t look like someone who was weak, but that doesn’t mean he looks like someone capable of holding a gun and killing people just because it's an order. On the contrary, if innocence could have a personification, he would embody the meaning wholeheartedly.

From the pouch he wears, little orbs of energy burst into life and adopt forms of creatures you’ve never seen in your life before.

“Ohoho! So, these are your little friends I’ve heard so much about!” Raze exclaims, narrowing her eyes playfully while examining the blue one floating in the air. “They are adorable!” 

The little blue thing chirps excitedly and Gekko bursts out laughing, little dimples deepening on his cheeks. “This one is Dizzy, she says you look pretty cool! Very rad’.”

“You understand them?” Jett asks, toying with the yellow creature by her feet. Gekko nods excitedly.

“Yeah! We are connected by some sort of link, y una sola neurona entre los cinco, ey! Anything I feel, they feel it too, it’s like an emotional connection!”

As the conversations unfolds, Omen keeps you company in the far back of the room, propping against the wall while you witness friendships be made on live. The wraith doesn’t seem to have any interest whatsoever in joining the conversations though, too busy looking at his phone as laughter ensues in the background.

Sensing that you don’t have a place here right now, you decide that leaving might be the best course of action. You will have time to get to know the kid on the battlefield if Brimstone so desires, but for now, a breath of fresh air is what you need the most. So much youth gathered in one place is starting to get you exhausted, even if you aren’t engaging actively.

But before you could take one step forward, your gaze locks with Gekko’s from across the room. His hazel eyes compel you to stay put, feeling the time freeze as the sounds deafens by the second around you, and your focus rests entirely on him.

Phoenix and Jett are too deep in their bantering to notice Gekko has stopped paying attention to them and is now making his way to you, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Behind him, one of his little…creatures? Animals? Is trailing behind him, going pit pat pit pat with its short legs, almost resembling a little ducking following their mama. 

As Gekko shortens the distance, you start to become aware of many details you overlooked the first time you laid your eyes on him. Like the shape of his face, the curvature of his nose, the little mole under his left eye and the many tattoos framing his arms up to his neck in intricate, gorgeous swirls. You would have kept going, eyes roaming his whole form shamelessly, if it weren’t for his little yellow friend nudging your leg, like a little cat, asking for attention.

When he stands in front of you, shifting from one foot to another anxiously, and giving away how nervous he was, your heart skips a beat.

“Mi Reyna has told me about you.” he says, his smile stretching to a toothy grin. His face seems flushed, giving him a soft glow under the dim lights of the room. “Hope we can be friends!”

And that’s when your fate was sealed.

Energetic is not an adjective you are known for,—and you don’t think you will be in the near future,—and to make Gekko understand such a thing seems almost impossible with how eager he pulls you along as he strides optimistically in life.

One moment he is training with Reyna, another second he is bolting out of the room to hang out with his friends, the next moment he is gone and raiding the kitchen with his radivores in tow, causing mayhem wherever they go. Gekko is everywhere at all times, causing chaos and bringing smiles to the ones surrounding him. He is exasperating sometimes, you admit, with how hard he tries to make a connection with everyone and be part of something you cannot seem to grasp nor understand.

You learn with time that Gekko is a force to be reckoned with and, much to your dismay, has made a home at your heart with how stubborn he is into becoming part of your everyday life despite never asking for it. It’s embarrassing to admit how compliant and weak you seem to be whenever he ropes you into his mischievous plans, or how forgiving you become at his mistakes when he messes something up. 

Even Viper has to admonish you behind closed doors to keep your head clear and opinion unbiased, but it’s really hard not to bend the rules for Gekko when all he’s done is from the goodness of his heart.

Gekko is aware of that fact, that you are fond of him and love him to a certain degree just like Reyna loves him; but it’s not enough. He doesn’t want the fraternal love from you,—hell he’d hate himself if all you see in him is a little brother,—he wants more, he needs you to reciprocate his feelings and love him with the same fervor he loves you.

He doesn’t understand how this started, falling in love with you so rapidly it scared him, but he embraces the experience and beautiful things you make him feel wholeheartedly, and is determined to make you fall for him too.

It starts with silly things: following after you like a lost puppy in search of approval right when training is over, opening the door for you to the gardens,—because the rest of the protocol had automatic sliding doors, he can’t be a gentleman if the premises don’t give him a chance!—or how he tries to get your attention with colorful comments and off-handed compliments that your brain can’t process because you don’t speak Spanish.

“Hoy te ves precioso!” is the sentence he often says to open up a conversation as his face flushes red. 

You blink up at him, lips parting as you reply with a feeble: “You too.” Not knowing what he really means, and too embarrassed to ask for a translation after replying with the same thing over and over throughout the weeks.

Reyna attempts to hide her self-satisfactory smile behind her palm at the, once again, awkward display. You don’t know what about the interaction makes her amused, but since she doesn’t reprimand him for what he says, and Gekko always beams with excitement at your reply, you let it go and continue with your day as if nothing has happened.

Unbeknown to you, Reyna had to deliver the terrible news to Gekko of your lack of knowledge when it comes to other languages. To say he is beyond devastated is an overstatement, sulking in a corner when he realizes his compliments and love words have been lost due to him not being more considerate and shy of telling you things in your own language.

Anyhow, that’s a prime example of his interactions and moments where Gekko makes a fool of himself to gather your attention one way or another, often blushing, and sometimes stammering over his words because you make him feel funny.

He’s an adorable sight to behold when that happens. And it gets better when you comment on it on purpose, watching with delight his blush deepen and avoiding your gaze as if that alone could make him crumble.

But despite the many times you converse and how much time you spend together, what surprises you the most is how little interaction you have with his radivores.

You notice that fact when the rest of the agents often ask you about Gekko's crew whereabouts, as if you keep track of them. And each time you shake your head or shrug with a frown, the agent in question looks beyond confused, as if they can’t process the idea of you not knowing that kind of information.

The only time Wingman ever dared to approach you was when Gekko introduced himself the first time. Later on, the only instance you can think of is when Wingman accidentally ran into you in the hallway, bumping his little head on your leg as he carried a single peculiar flower between his claws. 

When he noticed your presence, he clearly brightened up, jumping slightly in his place while presenting the little flower to you.

“For me?” you asked, crouching to his height. Taking the gift in your hand, you twirled the steam with a soft smile on your face, appreciating the color of the petals and how sweet it smelled. “Thank you, Wingman.”

Wingman nodded his head, happy to know you liked it, but then the small moment was broken by Gekko’s panicked voice echoing down the hallway. When Gekko spotted him, expression twisting into panic, Wingman ran behind you, as if trying to abscond from him.

“Did he say anything to you?!” He exclaimed, out of breath and showing signs of distress. 

You raised a brow and shook your head.

“He's brought me this, that's all.”

His hazel eyes widened comically, you remember, face blushing profusely when he glared at Wingman as if he had committed a crime. The yellow fella tried to hide further as he gurgled something defensively.

“¡¿Wingman, qué demonios?! You said—! Bah!” Shaking his head, he began apologizing for his companion’s behavior before trailing after him to pick him up. Once the little one was secured between his arms, it gurgled something that made Gekko whine and color keep rising to his cheeks.

“What did he say?” you remember asking curiously. Gekko shifted in his place, as if startled by your question, and stammered over his words trying to find a coherent answer.

“N-Nothing important.” he managed to say, actively avoiding your gaze.

The image of him clearing his throat, cheeks ablaze and suddenly so shy made your heart flutter for a second. You blink, one hand hovering over your chest in confusion before watching him walk away without uttering another word.

Wingman excitedly waved goodbye over his shoulder, keeping on garbling words you could not understand until they went out of sight. 

That was the last time you've seen Wingman interact near you without Gekko’s supervision. If it weren't because of missions or the times you train together, you wouldn't be able to see the little fella. And even then, Gekko always has him under a watchful gaze, not letting them get out of focus and retrieves his crew as soon as they are finished.

Unbeknown to you, all of this was always, always, observed by your dear friend.

“Gekko is around your age, you know?” Reyna teases, hiding a smirk behind her cup of tea. “You should spend more time with him.”

“He is?” Sipping carefully your own beverage, you hum softly. “He seems to be way younger though.”

She scoffs, “That's because you think and act like an old person.” 

You pout.

“I do not.” 

“You do, and that's why we get along so well, dear.”

Huffing under your breath, you refrain from replying, focusing on your drink rather than paying attention to her insult. Reyna chuckles at your defeated expression, amused, but doesn’t tease you further. 

The comfortable moment is interrupted by Yoru entering the kitchen, muttering under his breath in anger and starts rummaging through the cabinets one by one, opening them with a grunt and slamming the poor doors back when he doesn’t find whatever he’s looking for. This goes for a little while as you both observe him with surprise.

Only when Yoru reaches the last cabinet, he curses outloud, kicking the furniture to vent his frustration.

“Language.” warns Reyna, narrowing her eyes. The rift walker turns to you both quickly, and the frown between his eyebrows soften ever so slightly when he sees you smile and nod your head in greeting. 

“Have you seen any package with my name on it?” He asks, leaning on the table you are sitting. Reyna raises a brow, shaking her head.

“No.”

“God dammit.” 

Yoru sighs in defeat, brushing his hair with his left hand. You share a look with Reyna, and she returns your gaze with a deadpan stare, shaking her head. She already knows you’re gonna be butting your head in business that does not concern you, and like always, you never listen to her.

“What’s the package you’re looking for?” His eyes land on you when you ask. Clearing his throat, he attempts to answer, but finds no words coming out of his mouth as you await patiently. Reyna notices the nervousness seeping out of him, completely out of character for the duelist, and scoffs under her breath when realization dawns on her.

When it takes longer than is expected for an answer, you try to help and ease the situation for him in case you've made him uncomfortable. “If you don't want to tell me it’s okay, I'm just curious.”

“No, is not that— I'm—”

“Corazón, is time for your meeting.” Reyna interrupts, nudging your arm slightly. “Go on, I'll help him with this matter.”

“Oh, shit, you’re right.” 

Reyna rolls her eyes at you cussing out, but doesn’t say anything.

You finish what's left of your beverage in one go, feeling the warmness of the tea go down your throat pleasantly, and bid your goodbye to Reyna with a kiss on her cheek, and then pat Yoru's arm on your way out. Viper doesn't tolerate lateness and you are no exception to the rule, running to the meeting's room and praying you will get there on time before she chews you out.

Once out of sight, Reyna leans on the back of her chair, watching in amusement as Yoru keeps his sight set where you left and his hand clutching the place where you touched him. Clearing her throat, she manages to catch the younger's attention as he seems still lost in a daze.

“What.” he asks.

“Tonto enamorado,” she scoffs, Yoru doesn't understand what that means, “if you keep acting like a fool, they will never know what you really feel.”

The rift walker snarls, confused and offended by her words.

“I don't know what you're talking about.” 

"Yeah, sure, of course you don't.” Reyna rolls her eyes, sarcasm dripping into her tone, “I don’t know who you’re fooling, but denying your emotions isn’t healthy.”

Yoru stands to his full height, suddenly uncomfortable being under her scrutinized gaze as she assesses him. He sort of understands what she means, but he doesn’t get where she’s coming from or why the topic is relevant now. It’s not often he indulges in small talk with anyone who isn’t Phoenix or Jett, but their bantering doesn’t equal this kind of conversation about something as heavy as his…feelings.

And when Reyna doesn’t push further and he doesn’t answer, goosebumps awaken in anxiety, stomach churning awkwardly, as if she could read his mind just by free will.

Reyna decides to stop then, bored of not getting a reaction out of him, and sighs with a roll of her eyes. She picks up her cup and yours, bringing it to the sink and cleaning them up while Yoru observes her quietly.

“You are not the only one after them, Yoru, so better figure out what's going on in that heart of yours.” She says mindlessly, drying her hands in a towel. “It is pounding.”

He can't help but think of it as a warning.

—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—

Gekko has been more than excited to be part of the reconnaissance mission despite the tired expressions his companions wear on the jet. 

In honesty, his peppy personality is what's keeping the spirits up as you are on your way to Lotus; one of the few places Legion has found recently and have been abusing the radianite underground.

Cypher has been the one who has come to Lotus by himself to map out the terrain and make blueprints of the sites before deploying a team for further exploration. And if Viper’s intel is anything to go by, Legion was going to strike soon.

There are boxes loaded with Cypher’s cameras to place them around Lotus to keep surveillance and areas secured. At least until you come up with a good plan to deflect Legion’s attack in the future.

You tear your gaze away from the blueprints on top of a large table, huffing under breath as your eyes skim over your companions lounging around. 

Omen is keeping quiet in the corner, arms crossed above his chest and head tilted to one side as he listens to Gekko talk non-stop about this or that—from the distance you can’t make out the topic they’re talking about, but it seems they are enjoying themselves, which is a relief. Omen seems to be indulging in the conversation despite his usual stoic stance, commenting things here and there to keep the conversation going, and Gekko is more than eager to continue ranting and entertaining him in the idle chatting. 

Raze is dozing off in one of the cushionable seats with her headphones on, loud music blasting from it and, all in all, comfortable enough. You don’t have the heart to approach her to ask her to lower the volume in case she worsens her…listening problems. She looks worn-off and exhausted, and the rest might be good for her, or at least until you land and continue with your job. Only you know how much they all need to reserve energy if worse comes to happen.

Making sure they all look relaxed and resting, your gaze goes back to revising the blueprints with a tired sigh.

Cypher has been very meticulous with the information stolen from Legion and his discoveries. And the brief was more than enough to understand how the overgrown and desolated land works, enough to help navigate, at least; it would be your job to patch things up or re-design the map if there were things out of place or if something has changed between the last time Cypher came and the multiple times Legions has come.

It’s a lot to work on, but you think you will be fine.

Yoru exits the cockpit with a nod in your direction and approaches your side on the main table, almost hovering over your shoulder to see the blueprints, and narrows his eyes. 

“Everything looks good?” he asks mindlessly. You nod, pursing your lips.

“I'm trying to see where we can set up the cameras without them being too obvious.” Pointing at site A, you continue, “Cypher said this is the most troubled site, since there are multiple passages and I'm worried we didn't bring enough of his set-up to cover the ground.”

“Seems easy enough to have one camera per site, right at their entrance, isn't it?”

“Yes, but then what about these other passages? There are moving doors and secret entry points, we have to look out for those as well.”

Yoru sighs, leaning his hand on the table and surveying the map, closing the gap between you two.

You don’t mind the sudden closeness, too concentrated on the map just like he is, and because you find it comforting having someone else worry about the plan and trying to not shoulder you with the heavy task. Because while it’s odd that Yoru wasn't whining about his personal space like he often does, you believe he was far too engrossed in his thoughts to notice, or perhaps he’s gone past that side of his to care.

It wasn't until he tries to point at the entrance of B site does he realize how close his face is to yours, feeling your breath fanning on his cheek gently. His eyes land on your curious gaze, and then down your lips, blinking slowly as embarrassment floods his system and his heart begins pounding loudly against his ribcage he fears you might hear it.

With his face lit like a lightbulb, Yoru apologizes quietly and takes a step to the side to make some distance.

Awkwardly, the rift walker tries to gather courage to talk before being interrupted loudly by an energetic voice, “Yo' fam, whatcha got there?” 

Gekko steps in, throwing his arms over your shoulders as he gazes puzzled at the map. Yoru grunts, annoyance clear on his expression at his presence, and tries to move away from Gekko's friendly half-hug and shrugs him off. 

The other seems nonchalant about Yoru’s sudden shift in mood, focused on the notes and pins on the map for camera locations. There is confusion for a split second on Gekko's face, but soon his expression turns into understanding as he nods to himself.

“Ohhh, I see, I see.” leaning on you, he points a finger at site A. “Here, it seems like this is a good spot for a camera. It checks both inside the site and the room next to the moving doors.”

“Okay, but what about here?” You point to bricks, right beside Legion’s entrance, “Cypher said there are secret passages to other sites if you break the walls, and we reduce our vision concentrating on these points you mention.”

“Nah, girl, we can have this covered up from here.” His finger hovers over the stairs to your landing area, right next to site A, “That way, if they push site, we can see it from way before. It gives us a cross too, with the other camera.”

There was no fault to his proposition. Considering the pros and cons, you decide what Gekko suggests might work, even for future reference if the enemy doesn't find the placements.

You keep conversing with Gekko the rest of the flight to polish details to the last bit; changing positions of the pins and jolting down possible locations if the initial idea doesn’t work. Gekko throws a joke here and there to lighten up the mood, easing the tension and making you laugh without much effort.

He hesitates when he puts his hand on top of yours, thumb caressing the skin gently as his cheeks redden slightly.

“Everything will go according to plan, yeah? Don’t worry that pretty head of yours.” He says with a nervous tilt in his voice.

“It’s okay, I’m okay.” You reassure him, squeezing his hand. “We’ll finish quickly, fix the blueprints, and then we can go back and maybe we'll get something nice to eat?”

“I love that plan,” he mutters, his smile trembling from the nerves. “I can take you to that nice restaurant Waylay told me about, eh? Just…just you and me?”

With a nudge on his shoulder, you roll your eyes playfully, tightening the hold on his warm hand, “And not take the team with us?”

“U-Uh, I was hoping…um, yes?”

Laughing softly, you begin to take the pins out of the map and fold it, small enough to fit in your small strapped bag. When you notice Gekko toying with the hem of his sweater, eyes downcast and muttering in a low voice, as if chastising himself, your heart melts with affection. 

You stop next to him on the way to the cockpit, smiling, “It can be just you and me. Our little secret, yeah?”

With a wink you continue your way, missing entirely Gekko’s face lit up red as he processes your answer and then yanks his fist up in a triumphant pose.

When the jet lands, Omen and Raze help you by deploying the boxes with Cypher’s camera to the landing point since they are heavy to take in one go. Raze yawns, strapping her spectre to her back as she stretches with an energetic yell, trying to wear off the drowsiness from her long nap. Gekko surveys the surroundings with Omen next to him, blinking in curiosity as he doesn’t seem to spot Yoru with the team. 

“Have you seen Yoru?” he asks you, raising a brow.

“No.” The wraith replies for you, “He usually leaves on his own to check the terrain, is not something you should worry over.”

“Are you sure?” 

“He is going to be okay, Gekko,” you reassure him. “He is experienced enough to know not to wander off so far away. But I hope he comes back soon.”

An arm is thrown over your shoulders suddenly, startling you and making you yelp in surprise. When you turn around to punch whoever this is, your fist is caught on Yoru's strong hold, startling you even more.

“What the—?”

Yoru smirks, letting your hand go.

“What? Missed me that much, huh?” The teasing in his tone goes right over your head, rolling your eyes as you sigh.

“I thought you went ahead by yourself," you whisper, huffing a laugh. “The team won’t be able to do this by themselves, Yoru. We need someone strong to cover our blind spots, yes?”

Caught off guard by your compliment, Yoru backs off, covering his face with his hand as he walks away to avoid being seen flustered. 

“Don't go too far yet!” You yell. 

“Shut up!” He replies, mortified. 

Omen watches the scene play out in silence, concerned by Yoru's actions and how unfazed you were by his odd attitude. Even at the distance Yoru has made from the group, he notices the reddened ears of the Japanese man and how jumpy he gets when Raze approaches him to speak. 

“Everything okay, Omen?” you ask. The wraith nods, waving a hand dismissively in the air.

“I’m good.” he picks up a camera, weighing it in his palm. “So, how are we doing this?”

“Oh, I've sent a copy of the rough map to each of your devices, so you can navigate it easily.” You begin, catching everyone's attention. “I’ve updated it with the new placements for the cameras, but all of this was planned without the knowledge of if there were high ceilings or open spaces, so beware of that. The more hidden they are, the more it helps us.”

Raze enthusiasm shines through, “Kay' chefinho! Where do you want us?” 

“I'd like to have Omen and Yoru go to C site, Raze and Gekko will take B.” Checking the map once again, you continue, “I'll check A in the meantime, since it’s the biggest site so far. I'll be polishing the original map so we can have the most updated blueprint. Once you're done setting the cameras, please join me at A and then we can go over to B and later on C to check if everything is working correctly.”

“Are you sure you’re gonna be okay by yourself?” Gekko asks, a frown visible on his features. Yoru scoffs, pissed off. 

“Not trusting the one in charge now, are we?”

“No, no! I didn't mean it like that. I-I’m worried, that's all!”

“Worry about your ass, idiot.”

Taking the first box, you cut off their argument, “I'll be fine, you both, cut it out. The sooner you finish, the faster I can do my own work. If anything happens, please communicate it.”

With that, everyone sets off. 

Cleaning the rough draft of A site takes you a little longer than you anticipated. The rotating doors in trees were by far the most intricate system that you’ve seen in your life, not quite grasping the mechanics since the technology behind it doesn’t seem to be human made. The complexity of the material nor the engineering makes sense; you might have to ask Astra about this once you are back. Perhaps her or Harbor might have a better idea of what makes this work without electricity.

The secret passage, that indeed does exist, ends up being a breakable door that goes right to site B, with a little room before it and a tiny window above a wall that overlooks the site, which makes things complicated to map out since it isn’t in the original map. 

Gekko’s head pops out of the door, startled by the commotion, but his alarmed expression turns relieved when he spots you standing in the grass, waving at him in a quiet apology.

“We're almost done here, hermosa, we will join you in a bit!” he says, grinning sheepishly.

Ah, again with that word—you will have to ask him for the meaning later when you go back to the jet. With an adorable smile, he retreats back into his site.

Setting the cameras isn’t as difficult as you first believed now that you have the spots figured out. Cypher was kind enough to lend a couple pairs of his perfected gloves to handle his technology; the cameras stick to surfaces easily when you let go of them, and when you need to retrieve them to place them higher, a simple motion of the gloves calls them back to your palms. 

The task is done half the time expected as you finish placing the last camera on the stairs to your landing, nodding to yourself as you are satisfied with your work.

This was very thoughtful of Cypher to give the gloves to the team. You’re going to have to thank him once you are back.

“We've finished with C.” Omen's voice could be heard through the ear pieces. “Yoru has gone off somewhere, but he will join us in a bit at A”

Raze’s voice joins in, “Gekko and I are finished too! We are packing the leftover cameras and will meet up soon.”

Satisfied with the outcome of A site and checking the drafts once more, you wait patiently for your teammates to join you. The four of you meet up at the stairs, ready to march off to B to start making the roughs of the new blueprint, when the ear pieces buzz suddenly it startles the whole lot of you.

No voice comes through at first, listening to gunshots being fired in the background and heavy breathing stuttering when one shot rings too closely.

“Legion is here! Rushing towards C site, four of them spotted!" Yoru's voice resonates in panic, grunting, “I'll teleport at our landing, but they are coming fast. One is missing, beware!”

Omen and Raze are the first ones to react, taking their guns out and running towards C site. The ear pieces buzzed with Raze's voice coming through,“I'll try to stop them from pushing with my grenades, but try to look for the little rat, since they might be flanking us right now!”

Taking your gun out, you signal Gekko to go B. “Let's push through A and B, and see if we can find their flank to kill them.”

He nods, Wingman and Dizzy materializing as he runs off without a word. 

You exit the zone explored with a bulldog in hand, checking behind the bricked wall and holding an angle at the entrance of Legion’s landing, holding your breath for a second before jogging to the entryway. The many angles at this part of the map are hard to predict since you haven’t explored them in depth yet, only having a rough idea of what you might have in storage as you keep walking cautiously. Clutching your gun tighter, you hold your breath before turning the last corner, facing Omega Jett holding an operator and aiming it right at you.

She doesn't last long when Dizzy comes out of nowhere, blinding her and making her miss the shot by mere millimeters. The bullet graces your right arm, barely scratching the surface of the skin, and then you see her drop dead as Gekko pops out from mid.

There is panic in his eyes as he roams your body for any sign of injuries, closing the distance with long strides, and trembling hands reaching for your face, cupping your cheeks with tenderness and worry written all over his expression.

“Are you okay? Did she hurt you?” he asks rapidly, checking you from head to toe.

Something in your chest tightness at his worry, wanting nothing more than to lean into his warm touch and gaze into his hazel eyes as you reassure him that everything was going to be okay.

But time was running out, and Raze and Omen were in danger if they were still trying to hold Legion back. It has been quite a while since they’ve given back any comms of the site status, and Yoru hasn’t said anything either, which worries you.

“I'm okay, let's go.”

Both of you rush to C, with Gekko stopping to retrieve Dizzy before joining you, and swing C long to find no one holding their flank. Dread churns your stomach when a symphony of gunshots breaks through the stillness, all coming from the site as the ticking of the spike could be heard amongst all sounds.

“We've dealt with the flank.” You speak through the earbuds, approaching the entrance. “We are on the flank.”

“They planted the bomb, two are left on site but Raze is injured, so am I.” Omen grunts in pain. “I can make a one-way on the tall box on site and CT to separate them. We will fire shots to distract and get their attention.”

Yoru’s voice cuts in, “I'll throw a flash on site when you near the entrance, we three are in waterfall right now. Hurry the fuck up.”

Gekko reloads his gun and takes Wingman out, the little radivore jumping onto Gekko’s shoulder and waving his little arm at you, ready for the plan in action. 

“Go!”

“Smoking off!”

“Flashing!”

“Go wingman!”

You swing at the time the flash goes off and spot Omega Viper hiding behind the tall wooden boxes. She doesn't seem to get blinded by Yoru’s flash, but as soon as Wingman gets to the spike planted, you take action before she gets the chance to shoot him.

The spike starts to get defused, and you immediately start shooting straight at the box, hearing her yell in pain until she drops dead. 

Entering the site, you reload your gun while Wingman keeps defusing. Omen did mention there were only two left, one of them already dead, and since your team is on waterfall, the only place left is either on site or CT. 

Omega Breach peaks from behind the pillar on backsite when you stand next to Wingman, shooting you with a judge and injuring your legs. As you fall on one knee, you turn your body with a quick flick, headshotting him just in time for Wingman to finish with the defuse.

Breathing a sigh of relief, you turn to see the Viper’s smoke turn off, watching Raze lean on a wall with slight blood seeping down her temple, and Omen right next to her with Yoru in the far back. She gives a thumbs up, grinning widely. 

You turn to look at CT, Omen’s smoke vanishing in wisps of air, and you are suddenly faced with Omega Raze holding an Operator aiming right at your head. 

What happens next goes in a blur. 

There is one bullet being shot, a grenade goes off above your head towards the ceiling, and then, your ears get deafened. The side of your stomach bursts in pain as you fall on the floor, your throat constricts with a scream tearing from your insides as you try to stop the bleeding from the gunshot while twisting and folding on yourself through agony and sobs.

Your head is hit with the broken debris coming from the ceiling, disorienting you as you try to place sounds and what's happening around, but when one of the biggest pieces of brick falls right in your knee, breaking it instantly, your world turns dark as you faint for a moment.

Someone is carrying your limp body while you regain consciousness, a lot of voices muffled in the background arguing and yelling at each other you don't have the energy to shut them or ask what’s going on.

Was everyone okay? Were there anyone injured?

Did someone die?

Your closed eyes dampen with unshed tears as you groan weakly, feeling the pain travelling to all sides of your body as you register the many lethal wounds littering each inch of your skin.

When you open your eyes slowly, the devastated look on Gekko's face a few meters away from you should have told you enough of how bad the situation was. Raze was not far behind him, Omen carrying part of her weight as she laments loudly, apologizing because she miscalculated her nade throw, and the bomb landed on site instead of CT.

When your heavy gaze lands on the person carrying you, you startle at Yoru’s expression morphed to reflect the anger and disdain of the chain of events that occurred and he couldn’t stop.

His eyes soften when he looks at you, eyes roaming your injuries with quiet worry plastered on his expression. You raise a hand and try to smoothen the frown between his eyebrows with gentle but shaky touches, hardly breathing at the exhausting action.

“You will get wrinkles if you keep frowning.” you whisper brokenly, eyelids fluttering in tiredness. Yoru doesn't say anything.

While you still won, it doesn’t feel satisfactory as a victory.

Omen has been the one to call Brimstone to return to the protocol, the jet opening the doors carefully and rising dust into the air as it activates by itself.

You whimper at the strike of pain coursing through your body when you cough at the rising sand, unconsciously tightening your grip on Yoru's neck to find some relief. The rift walker mutters something in his language as he fixes you in his arms, carefully pressing you against his body to protect you from the wind. 

Once inside the jet, everyone is able to breathe a sigh of relief, except for you. Still in critical condition, Yoru reaches the compartment room to deposit you on a makeshift bed, and starts rummaging through the cabinets for something to treat you until you land at the base.

The sight reminds you of the day you encountered him in the kitchen, all jittery and anxious for a package you never knew what it contained; though this time, he looks beyond distressed and angry.

With a few antiseptics and bandages, he finds nothing else might help than these stupid items.

Yoru is quick when he undresses you, peeling your shirt away and hissing under his breath at the dampness of the clothing, and gently checks on the injury. Gekko winces at the unsightly view of the blood pooling under your body and the clear pain tugging at your facial features, proving to be too much for him to bear as he gets dizzy.

Still, he stands there, watching as Yoru wraps bandages around your midsection to keep you from bleeding out. 

“Are you going to stand there or are you going to fucking help me?!” he yells at him over his shoulder.

Gekko startles, gulping down his anxiousness and jogs to the other side of the makeshift bed with his hands hovering in the air, lost and confused. Yoru grunts in annoyance, tugging tight the wrappings and making a secured knot to keep the pressure. Even then, Gekko can see the blood seeping through the white bandages at an alarming rate that has him shaking in place.

“Put pressure on the wound,” Yoru orders him, walking to the top of the bed to check the concussion in your head. “Do not let go, they have already lost so much blood.”

He does as he’s told, biting his lip as the tip of his fingers and gloves tint red as he applies his weight on his palms. You groan in pain, hissing when Yoru turns your head to the side.

The rest of the flight back, both of them work to keep you stable, with Omen joining to replace Gekko as the younger watches quietly on the sidelines. 

Neither of them leave your side.

—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—

You are shaken awake by sudden gurgling noises filling the silent room. When you open your eyes, you are immediately met with Wingman’s eyes and one of his paws resting gently on your cheek. His usual round and bright eyes are turned downwards, and his gurgling sounds distressed, shaking your shoulder to gain your attention. 

Blinking through the dizziness, you gather the energy to smile at the little fella. Raising your arm, you bring Wingman closer to your sore body, melting into the warmth he radiates as he gurgles something in his language, accepting the hug and reciprocating the affection given.

Your eyes skims all over the room, blinking through a haze as you try to piece together what has happened in the time you’ve been unconscious. You notice the white sheets covering your body, and the wounds that were inflicted have healed nicely. It’s clear you didn’t die, or else the soreness wouldn’t exist coursing your muscles; perhaps Skye healed you, or Miks, if the injuries weren’t lethal. Either way, you are more than thankful for whoever helped you.

Thoughts halt when you notice the door to your room open quietly, and a green head pokes in slowly. For when Gekko notices you are awake, he can’t escape as guilt churns his chest, making him fully step into the room and close the door with a quiet shut.

It takes a couple of seconds for him to regain his composure, clearing his throat as he avoids your eyes.

“I didn’t mean for him to bother you, perdón.” Taking his little friend between his arms, he manages to calm Wingman down before approaching you and sitting on the single chair next to the bed. 

There is a frown between his eyebrows, gaze down as he struggles to maintain a calm façade in your presence. You cock your head to the side, eyes softening when your eyes meet for a brief second as he flushes red, and your heart flutters with warmness spreading from your limbs to the tip of your fingers. 

“Wingman was keeping me company,” you mention with a quiet laugh.

“Ah, o-of course he was.” he stammers, fiddling with his fingers nervously.

Gekko doesn’t say anything else for the matter, keeping quiet as Wingman looks between him and your laying form. The little fella tries to wiggle out from his hold, but Gekko stares at him, shaking his head that makes him still.

Tiredness begins to tug at your eyelids, sighing deeply as you close your eyes and hum under your breath. Your muscles relax, and your breathing regulates to something far calmer at the silence.

When Gekko notices it, he assumes you’ve fallen asleep once again. He supposes you need to regain some energy before leaving the medical bed; Sage has been very adamant to let him know to not disturb you too much, or at least until you could stand on your own. No one wants to risk you stressing your body before you are due for release.

Gekko doesn’t feel reassured though. You wouldn’t have to be dealing with any of this if it weren’t for him and his weakness in battle. If only he'd been quicker to protect you, if only he would have gotten to you before Yoru did to rescue you, if only he wasn’t the one who froze and stood there like an idiot as the ceiling kept falling on you…

He is frustrated, because Yoru got to do all he wanted in the first place to ensure you were going to be okay. But he is also feeling guilty for harboring jealousy inside his chest just because he couldn’t be the one to take care of you.

Love is a familiar emotion to him, easy to understand and easier to spot on others when they’re wearing their heart on their sleeves. 

The way Yoru held you, the way he looks at you and how fondly, despite him not noticing, he talks about you is enough to tell the man is infatuated just like he is. And who wouldn’t, honestly.

His eyes roam your face slowly, taking in every detail of your features while you sleep comfortably. 

“I don’t know what to do…” he whispers brokenly. “I don’t want to lose you.”

Wingman rests a little paw on his cheek, little eyes sad. Gekko blinks back the need to cry, heaving a shuddering sigh.

“It’s so unfair.” he keeps going, retrieving Wingman into an orb and inside his pouch; he can feel them worry, and it only serves to make him be overcome by emotions. He doesn’t want any of his crew looking at him right now. “Soy un egoista, wanting to keep you for myself and despising Yoru just because…just because he got to carry you.”

Your eyebrow twitches at his declaration, but Gekko doesn’t notice as he is far too gone in his sadness. 

“I’m so fucking stupid. You were injured, you were in critical condition and it was only Yoru’s quick thinking that kept you alive.” He picks your hand resting on the bed, and you feel him trembling and palm clammy with sweat from the anxiousness, “But I wanted to be the one to save you. I want nothing more than for you to look at my way and just…and just love me.”

He sniffs, cleaning the tears that have rolled down his cheeks with his arm. Gekko coughs slightly, feeling his throat constrict with so many words he doesn’t know where to begin.

“I’m so selfish, I’m angry, but more than anything, I’m tired of not being enough to be with you.” He barks a gentle but broken laugh, “Soy un maldito desastre. I can’t even say these things to your face in fear of…i-in fear of you…not…”

A quiet sob escapes his lips, and you listen to him cry as he cradles your hand close to him. Gekko leans on the bed, forehead resting on the back of your hand as he sobs quietly. The emotions clouding his head are overwhelming, thoughts jumbling and twisting like live wires being cut off. The headache pounding in his brain doesn’t help in the slightest while he calms down, afraid you might wake up to a version of him he doesn’t feel ready to show. 

“I love you.” he whispers once, and your heart falters. “You are the best thing that has ever happened in my life.”

To be brave and take what he wants with greed, that’s one of the things Reyna has taught him before joining Valorant. Life is too short to live with insecurities and fear of things not working out, with many opportunities wasted and words not being said because it can be cut short anytime and when they least expect it.

Gekko knows she was referring to everything in general, but he wishes this could be applied here for his sake.

He doesn't want to lose you to another person, despite him not feeling enough, because the truth is he really wants you for himself.

Gulping down his insecurities and the tight knot on his throat, he decides to do something about it.

Anxiousness washes over him when he leans over slowly, never letting go of your hand and his fingertips caressing your cheek tenderly, looking at your resting face with an enamored expression. 

His lips are cold when he closes the small gap between your mouth, trembling as a cold shiver runs down his spine pleasantly, and he gasps into the kiss. It’s soft, you are soft, as he lingers and memorizes the feeling like his life depends on it.

His heart is racing rapidly, he can hear his own beating reverberating inside his head and warmth filling his face, a blush spreading through his cheekbones fastly when he moves his lips slowly against yours—just for a taste, he tells himself, sighing into your mouth.

There is a moment of hesitation when Gekko feels your lips move, but attributes it to his mind playing tricks on him. He’s enjoying himself, he’s enjoying your taste as his tongue peeks out and licks your lower lips, making the press of mouths a little rougher as his enthusiasm gets the better of him.

When a hand lands on the back of his neck, deepening the kiss he’s so thoroughly drowned in, Gekko jumps surprised, backing up until he slips and falls to the floor with a startled shout.

Before him you lay, eyes wide open and lips parted. Your cheeks are flushed with a beautiful soft shade darker than your skin, a hand hovering over your moist mouth, and gaze full of adoration he thinks he’s dreaming of.

“I-I’m, I didn’t mean to—! I’m so sorry!” he scrambles to his feet, hand hovering in the air as mortification gakes over his features, “I- I should’ve asked first, I’m so sorry, I-”

Huffing to yourself, you stop him from his stuttering and furthering his embarrassment by raising a hand. 

“Hey, look at me.”

When he makes eye contact, you offer him a seat next to you on bed, scooting over so he could fit easily. Gekko hesitates, which is surprising given what just transpired a few moments ago, but gives in when you reassure him everything is okay.

“Reyna told me you had a crush on me.” You confess when he lays next to you, shoulder to shoulder. Gekko chokes up, blush spreading rapidly over his cheeks at being this exposed. “I never understood the concept of having a crush on someone, it was…weird knowing you harbor those feelings for me.”

Gekko hums at that, eyes downcast.

Grinning slightly, you keep going, “But that didn’t stop you, huh.”

“Por favor, ya para…” he whines, covering his face with his hands. 

“I don’t mind the kiss, Gekko. In fact, I enjoyed it very much.” You reassure him. Gekko peeks at you between his fingers, “But why didn’t you say anything about how you felt?”

Breathing out a shaky sigh, Gekko rests his hands on his lap, toying with the fabric of his sweater, “I was afraid of being rejected; even more if it was you because…because I’m in love with you. Reyna told me that I should have just gone for it a long time ago but…No sé, nunca, um, you’ve never shown interest in me.”

Silence falls over you two as you ponder about his words. Gekko can’t bring himself to look you in the eye after his confession, afraid of encountering the nightmare of you not reciprocating.

“Being in love is something that never crossed my mind.” You say truthfully, reaching for his hand and clasping your hands together. “There are many things happening at Valorant and around the world that love was never a priority. For me, at least.”

“I understand,” he mutters, lips tight on a line.

“But I think I like you.” You continue, feeling him startle next to you. “I’m not sure what I feel yet but kissing you, being with you, makes me feel…funny, you know? Like I got butterflies in my stomach.”

Gekko’s lips part in disbelief.

“So, if that is no issue, and that's something you want, we can try being together.”

If it’s something he wants? Yes, definitely! 

Gekko doesn’t know how long he’s been smitten with you, maybe far too long to have let his affection simmer slowly and candent. And now that you’re saying such sweet things, how could he ever miss this opportunity?

“Gekko?” you ask, worry twisting your features. He hasn’t said a thing for a while and you fear you might have said the wrong thing.

“Call me Mateo, mi amor.” he says breathlessly. Blinking at him, you nod slowly. “ Mateo will do just fine, yeah?”

“Mateo…, I like that name.” You try it out, liking how his name rolls off your tongue nicely.

He leans to land a kiss in the corner of your mouth, watching your lips curve with a gentle grin, “Yeah, like that.” 

Just seeing your smile brings such a tender emotion to his heart, making him giddy for the outcome of the situation and that everything worked out in his favor. Laughing brightly, he smooches every inch of your skin near him, cupping your cheeks to keep you in place as his lips roam your face; from your eyelids to your cheeks and chin, you giggle at his sweet ministrations, unable to escape from his touch and affection. 

“Se mía.” he asks, lips an inch away from yours. The positions have changed slightly, with him hovering over you as he gazes deeply into your eyes. “I’m completely yours, so please be mine, too.” 

Caressing his face between your palms you nod, drowning into his hazel eyes just like the first time. His enamoured expression pulls at your heartstrings, melting your heart as you steal a quick peck from his lips, heart jumping into your chest.

Laughing, Mateo meets you half-way through the next kiss, drowning into each other sweetly and with an unrestrained passion that has you sighing into his mouth. 

He swallows every single sound coming from your lips, deepening the kiss till the point it bruises but not caring much since he is too busy mapping out every corner of your mouth. The sliding of his lips against yours is addictive, greedy as your tongue meets his and begins fighting for domination. Your hands travel from his face to his neck and down his back in gentle caresses, clutching onto his sweater for leverage when he sticks his tongue into your mouth, making you gasp in surprise.

You only give each other a brief second to breathe before Gekko buries his face in the crook of your neck, biting softly and nibbling on the skin to get a taste of you. You sigh in pleasure at one specific bite from him between the juncture of shoulder and neck, and Gekko decides he needs to listen to it again.

But when he realizes the position you’re in and where you’re located, he refrains himself from going further before anyone decides to walk in on you two. [But if he’s honest, he wouldn’t mind if Yoru were the person to discover you both in the compromising position.] 

Reluctantly making space between you two, he lays his head on your chest, the rapid beating of your heart soothing him and making him giddy knowing he is the reason you’re this agitated.

“What 's wrong?” you ask, hand resting at the top of his head and scratching the scalp. Mateo sighs at the nice sensations.

“I’d rather wait until you’re better before doing…um, anything else.” 

Blinking through the haze after the make-out, you wonder outloud, “Have sex?”

“D-Don’t say it! It’s embarrassing!”

You laugh, the scratching travelling to the base of his neck as you wink at him. Mateo blushes and pouts at your teasing, but it doesn’t hold any real heat behind it. You watch him for a moment before nudging him gently.

“Kiss me?” you ask, and oh, how could he say no to you?

He gulps and nods, leaning on his right arm to reach your lips again and kiss you deeply. You smile through your locked lips, and Mateo’s heart races even faster when your hand lands gently above the hem of his pants, right on his lower back. Your fingertips go under his sweater, the warm skin of your fingers sending electric waves through his spine and down into his core.

Gekko is sure if you keep this up, he will give no shits to whoever walks-in to whatever happens next. The burning fire in the pit of his stomach only grows by the second the more you tease him, kissing him passionately as you get lost in each other’s taste.

You're addictive, you're sweet—

Not that he complains about that, he was more than eager to accept the offer with no regards to what it could possibly mean for your relationship. Because who would dare to reject their long time crush sharing a bed together? Besides, it was either that or a hotel with a bunch of his friends who decided to reserve two rooms at the last minute for the night.

He didn’t want to deal with Phoenix and Yoru in a single room, thank you. To be the third wheel for those two only screams of trouble, and knowing them, they wouldn’t care if Gekko was present or not to go at it all night. The thought alone makes him shudder.

At the end he couldn’t deny you; it was a win-win situation for everyone involved. Phoenix will finally have his alone time with Yoru, and Gekko can have his own time with you.

Although this bonding would be better if you were awake and not sleeping soundlessly next to him. As soon as you changed clothes and hit the bed, you might as well be dead to the world. A heavy sleeper you are, damn.

Maybe if he were braver, a little cuddle session might have taken place. He knows you wouldn’t mind if asked; you are very affectionate with everyone, especially him out of all your friends at the protocol. But with how shy Gekko is when it comes to physical affection— at least when it comes to you— and with how sweaty and damp his skin was starting to get, he’d probably have combusted on the spot from the overwhelming sensations: both good and bad.

It's almost like everything around was trying to play against him to make Gekko as distressed as possible, losing his mind bit by bit when all he wants is to bask in your presence and perhaps daydream about you a little bit.

But you’re sleeping peacefully right beside him, a little too close to his personal space, snoring softly and lips parted slightly letting out puffs of warm breath against his bare shoulder. If it weren’t because he was getting uncomfortable with the covers and his shorts, giddiness would have taken control over him a long time ago. 

And much to his dismay, he was starting to second-guess himself over this decision. Perhaps this was not a good call after all, and maybe staying with Phoenix and Yoru wasn’t going to be so bad. 

Hell, staying with the girls was an option too. Raze and Killjoy knew Gekko was in love with you, and Neon was in a committed relationship with Fade to be thinking about hooking up with someone else who wasn’t her girlfriend; they’d have been welcoming to his presence.

“I’m sweating…” he whispers tiredly, dragging a hand through his face.

He startles after a second, feeling a huff of breath closer to him as you close the small gap between your bodies. You swing a leg over his thighs, fixing your position as you hug his torso flush against you and burrowing your face on his neck, nose lingering right below his chin.

Gekko can't help but gasp when your knee nudges against his sex unconsciously. Your dormant body moves on its own, accommodating yourself until you land a comfortable position and start rubbing your knee up and down until you find the perfect spot without noticing all you're doing is making friction against his now half-hard dick.

With his face warm and biting his lower lip to stop an embarrassing sound, Gekko wishes your actions didn't have this effect on him so fast. Up this close, he can feel the pressure of your own dick against his thigh and the soft breaths against his neck does nothing but enhance the tension—you're making him lightheaded and horny with all the blood rushing to his groin.

With reluctance, he decides to push you away, avoiding touching you where he shouldn't until some healthy distance is made and he can finally breathe despite missing your touch.

You mutter something in your sleep, his name, in that sweet voice of yours which ignites the desire burning him from the inside, and makes his cock throb in reaction.

He desperately wants to touch himself and get rid of this boner and you, splayed next to him with your neck bare and the covers barely hiding your own arousal in the tight boxers you're wearing, isn't helping with how enticing you look in his eyes.

His member twitches inside his trousers with the need of release, and hands get clammy with how often he flexes them to distract his urge to masturbate. Gulping once, he thinks 'fuck it' before kicking down the covers and pulling down the trousers to free his hard member from its confines.

The soft glow of the moon through the window gives enough light to see the precum gathering at the tip of his cock, fully erect with the veins protruding on the sides. He scratches softly around the base, teasing himself, and his fingers skims the sides of his member with a feather-like touch until he is cupping his balls with one hand.

Fuck, he really is doing this, huh.

His thumb runs down the tip, covering the head in slick circular motions and giving in the barest stimulation to keep himself on edge. Gekko knows he should be working on this faster and get it over with, but there is this darkening thought clouding his lusted mind that he will never get the chance to have the person of his affection this close nor vulnerable for him to be able to fantasize freely.

Besides, the fact that you could be waking up anytime, catching him with his hand engulfing his hard cock and masturbating has him reeling in adrenaline.

Gekko moves his hand slowly, throwing his head back against the pillows and squirming when relief floods over his body. Biting his lower lip to refrain from making noises, he breathes out harshly, gasping, when one specific stroke sends a shiver down his spine.

He peeks at you, deep in slumber and still displayed for him to look without shame. His eyes travel from your lips to your neck, down your chest until it lands on your crotch and your thighs. 

Gekko wouldn't mind sucking you off while he masturbates, he thinks, finding the thought fascinating as he notices that, through the boxers, your member looks engorged and enticing that his mouth waters just imagining its taste.

“Ah, fuck—” His hand trembles when he accelerates the speed, wrist flicking rapidly, and closes his eyes as gasps slips from his lips.

Gekko has been thrusting into his hand unconsciously, hips lifting from the bed and trying to chase after the pleasurable feeling, wanting nothing more than to cum with your name on his tongue. His hand is covered in so much of his slick it makes the sliding easier and quicker for him to handle, but it also makes the sounds filthier and louder.

“Ah, ah! God-” He groans high pitched this time, mouth parting in a broken whimper when his thumb stimulates the head of his dick once again. 

His other hand is holding onto the bed sheets to ground himself, getting lost in the euphoria and pleasure racking his body. Gekko is so focused on reaching his climax that he fails to notice a pair of eyes watching him perform this filthy act without shame.

When his hips start bucking wildly, he snatches his hand away to stop himself from cumming. The tightening knot that was about to snap on his belly has him gasping in pain for denying the salving grace of release. Gekko was so close to spurting every bit of his semen all over his stomach and thighs without control, but found the idea to delay it tempting. To keep himself on edge feels much more delicious than to succumb so easily—besides, it works well as a punishment for doing this right next to you.

Gekko opens his eyes, breathing slowly until his eyes travel to his still standing cock between his legs. There is a thin layer of sweat covering his stomach, proof of the exertion of the act that is taking place, and feels his whole body burn from the heat and frying his brain with lust. 

Lightheaded and pleasure clouding his senses, he thinks he imagines things when a hand that is not his makes presence on his field of vision and grabs the base of his dick firmly, unknown fingers wrapping gently.

Gekko’s surprised moans echo within the room when the hand starts masturbating him without a warning. It sparks the dying heat into something stronger that his whole body trembles and thrashes against the intruding hand engulfing his cock.

“What happened? Keep going.” Your sultry voice startles him, making a shudder wrack his body in the best way possible. Lips caresses the shell of his ear while you whisper words of encouragement. “You were giving such a good show. How filthy of you, Gekko, to have fun without inviting me.”

“Fuck, fuck!” He leans his head to the side, locking eyes through the darkness and a shiver runs down his spine with how lustful your gaze is. Gekko groans when your fingers squeeze the head of his cock, moving your thumb in circular motions. “Please, god, please!”

“Am I a god now?” you tease. Scooting closer, but maintaining your hand moving up and down slowly, you kiss his cheek and make your way down his chest, biting and sucking every inch of his skin until you land near his stomach, kissing right above his happy trail. “Preach to me like your god, Gekko. Be a good boy for me and say my name, yeah?”

Taking your hand away, Gekko whines in protest, desperate to cum and hips lifting to feel the friction of your hand grabbing his dick. Whatever words he was going to utter die at the back of his throat, replaced by garbling noises with the shock of having your lips wrapping at the head of his member wetly and warmly.

Gekko keens in desperation, eyes rolling to the back of his head when you bob up and down his pulsating cock. Your tongue lays flat on the underside of his member, mapping out the protruding veins on the shaft and making pressure exactly where he needs it to keep the stimulation constant while sucking him off and drinking the pre-cum rolling down your throat.

Gekko can't help but moan your name with embarrassment burning his face, hands flying to the back of your head and thrusting against your throat that tightens around his cock with every pulsating second.

You bat your eyelashes, tears gathering at the corner of your eyes as you gag on his dick, and hum deeply. 

“Please, let me cum, please.” Gekko chants your name like a prayer, hips rising from the bed to chase your mouth with desperation.

Moaning around his member, as if you were the one being pleasured, and hollowing your cheeks, Gekko finally crumbles, holding you in place as he thrusts weakly against your lips. His orgasm hits hard and just right, dots of light bursts behind his eyelids and the burning fire explodes on your mouth with heavy spurts of his seed.

His semen is hot and heavy on your tongue, salty with something else you cannot put a name on. You drink every drop as if it were an elixir, milking him from all he is worth until there is nothing else but overstimulation coursing through his veins.

Gekko whines, satisfied and tired, and tries to make you back away by pushing your shoulders because the extra stimulation is killing him in a way he finds so good and leaving him eager for more. Is a masochist thinking, because he is close to passing out from one single climax, he can't fathom thinking about cumming a second time, but craves for it if it’s for you.

“No more…please— ah!” Sucking harshly on the tip of his cock, Gekko moans, and you let go with a wet pop, licking your lips. His hands lay flat on the bed, breathing through his nose and gulping down the saliva that was pooling in his mouth.

“Look at you,” you coo sweetly, hovering over his body enticingly. “So spent after the first round, my poor Teo.”

Taking the trousers off that were hanging by his knees, Gekko is finally naked and bare for you to admire with greed. He is breathing rapidly, trying to still and calm his rapid heartbeats pounding loudly against his ribcage. You’ve never noticed before, but the tattoos framing his arms go way deeper, covering part of his chest and down his navel in intricate swirls of colors.

He is just a work of art.

The sight makes you tremble with eagerness, because all of this? Just for you? Ah, you hit the jackpot.

Squirming under you, Gekko whimpers, feeling exposed in so many ways he doesn't know where to begin. However, he likes being underneath you. With this imposing aura of strength and power you emit, he could start swooning if it weren't for how boneless he feels or the embarrassment that would wash over him for exposing his feelings so openly.

Gekko watches you with bated breath when you crawl and cage him between your legs, taking your shirt off ever so slowly, giving him a little show of flexing your arms and uncovering the skin inch by agonizing inch. 

Throat dry, Gekko gasps when you pull your boxers low enough to free your member, bouncing against your stomach and perking up in attention.

For fucks sake, your dick up close is so big he can't help but whine with desire.

The fire ignites once again when you wrap your fingers around your cock and begin moving it in languid motions. Your eyes are scorching, burning him with want and desire swimming in those orbs of yours, and observing every change in expression. 

To your delight, Gekko's face flushes when you lean in. You hold your weight with one arm against the headboard while the other is still occupied jerking you off and guiding it to his mouth. His breath gets caught in his throat because the tip of your cock brushes against his lips, painting them with your slick and making a mess out of it.

“Open your mouth wide, baby boy.” You demand sweetly. And who is he to deny such a sweet request.

Gekko parts his lips gently, opening them for you to start bullying your way into his wet cave and testing the waters to see how rough you could get with him.

The hand that was holding your dick travels to his chin, helping him open wider his mouth until you could no longer push in. He gags when the tip hits the back of his throat, surprised to see that he's only halfway and a little bit more through your cock. 

Looking up, Gekko groans, the vibrations sending you reeling with pleasure and gasping for air when his tongue toys with your veiny shaft. 

You start moving your hips slowly, letting him get used to the size and width before accelerating the pace. Gekko's hands desperately grab at your backside, playing with your ass and the muscle of your thighs, encouraging you to move faster and deeper inside his mouth.

Despite the tingling sensation at the back of his throat and how hard it gets to breathe, Gekko is loving every second. Never in a million years would he have thought he’d be living his most wanted desire of sucking you off or be able to have a taste of you. It’s musky and a little bit salty, addictive to his paladar he fears he will be begging to suck your cock more often with how this is playing out in his favor.

“That's good, Mateo.” Your praise goes straight to his hardened dick. “Suck me harder, baby, milk me dry.”

Holy shit.

Gekko hollows his cheeks around your dick in earnest, eyes wide and pleading while looking at you with adoration and lust swimming on his hazel eyes. There is spit and precum rolling down his chin the hardest he tries to deep throat you, trying to pleasure you as good as you did him. Gekko wants nothing more than for you to remember him every time you jerk off, because he knows for sure you will be on his mind every time he touches himself.

He moans, vibrations traveling to your engorged member, and nails digging into the muscle of your thigh as he bucks his hips wildly.

You don't have to look back to know he has just come again, feeling the spurts of his semen hit your backside and feeling him squirming to desperately feel you closer. 

“Good boy, Teo.” You mutter, making some distance to hold your cock in hand and chase after your own release with quick flicks of your wrist, “You've done good.”

His fucked out face should have told you enough that the boy was pleased, but you haven't finished yet. A hand holds under his chin and the other starts furiously jerking you off, aiming at his face the moment the tight knot breaks inside you and spurts of white cum paint his features. The pleasure is immeasurable, trembling above him as you see Gekko open his mouth while globules of sperm land on his eager tongue and gulps it down with a dizzy and flustered smile on his face.

There is a comfortable silence that envelops you both after you ride your high, catching your breath in big gulps of air as a grin stretches your lips.

Standing up, you walk towards the only window in the room and open it gently, letting the fresh breeze of the night wash over you with the light of the moonlight outlining your form. Gekko swallows a tight lump on his throat, feeling his mouth dry when you turn to him and give him a disarming smile.

“Are you okay?” You ask softly. Laying down next to him, you brush a hand through his short hair in soothing motions, scratching the scalp tenderly he nuzzles into the touch. There is a towel in your other hand, and he doesn’t know when you retrieve it. “I'm going to clean you up, okay?”

Nodding, he lets himself be handled by your attentive care. Cleaning his face, down his chest and taking away the dry cum by his stomach and thigh, he sighs blissfully, closing his eyes. Your touch is no longer scorching nor heated, but full of cautiousness and delicateness.

With a loving touch, you clean him up.

Gekko wonders if there is a deep meaning behind this act or was this just a spur of the moment thing. Did it mean anything to you at all? Because to Gekko, this was a lot to process and it meant the world, but the fear of being rejected or treating this experience as a one time thing now that his feelings might be jeopardized scares him to death. 

Your hands glide across his skin so lovingly it makes him weak in the knees and for his heart to skip a beat. It’s not until you deem him clean that you throw the dirty towel in one of the corners of the room before laying down next to him, hand barely touching him when you look up to the ceiling. Your pinky does the first step though, intertwining your fingers together in a weak grip that makes his heart jump inside his ribcage.

“Are you sleeping?” The question is meant to be answered, but Gekko cannot find his voice to reply. 

When he feels you pulling away, as if resigned, he grabs your hand immediately and clasps your hands together in a tight hold. Gulping, he dares to look at you, finding you doing the same thing and holding his gaze through the darkness.

“Stop me if you want.” You say breathlessly, closing the distance between your faces, “Say the word, and I'll leave you alone.” 

Gekko doesn't say anything, anticipating your actions and leaning in to lock your mouths in a sweet kiss.

You gasp, surprised at his boldness, but don't back away. Your lips move gently at first, a firm pressure that has your brain reeling, and Gekko takes the chance to deepen it, thrusting his tongue inside your parted lips, and licking, tasting each crevice of your mouth. His kiss turns hungry, possessive even, as tongues meet in the middle and fight for dominance. It gets wilder, heated, kiss after kiss between gasps and soft moans that neither tries to suppress anymore. 

Gekko squeezes your hand, sighing in pleasure when you reciprocate his frantic kisses with the same fervor and desire. You move closer, your free hand finding purchase on his hips to pull him flush against your body and pelvis sliding gently.

“I love you.” He confesses, gasping your name when your mouth travels to his cheek and down his neck with a new found ignited passion. “I love you so much.”

You nibble on his neck, kiss his chin, his cheek, you kiss every inch available to you until your mouths melt together once again, breaths mingling hotly, and drinking in his whines and soft moans. 

“I love you too, Mateo.”

Looking deeply into his eyes, you wonder if this is how you imagined things to develop and if it were any different, would you have minded? 

If any other actions would have guided you to him, you don't think you would mind.

Kissing his lips softly, you whisper his name with love, pawing his body with addictiveness and desperate to know what other sounds he can make. Gekko whimpers when your hand goes straight to his ass, fingers prodding his entrance in circular motions and teasingly making pressure. 

“Ah—! Ngh, you're mean,” he accuses with a flush. Smirking, you kiss his pout away, nuzzling his cheek with affection.

“I'm not mean, baby,” you say cheekily, “I'm just teasing you.” 

Huffing, Gekko kisses your cheek, parting his legs to give you room to do whatever you want with him.

“Be gentle, please ”

An open invitation, the free pass to take his body as however you want, you dive in and drown in his lips with wet and heated kisses, gasps and groans of pleasure escaping both of your mouths as you grind against each other.

The moonlight is the only witness of the throes of passion unfolding on the sheets as you climb on top of Gekko and sink your cock in the tight heat of his asshole. 

The tremble in your hands is manageable, you think, hiding them under the cuffs of your big jacket. Your manner of speech might not have a solution nor a way to improve in less than a minute, so you decide speaking won’t be necessary; or if they ask you to, short answers could possibly be your salvation.

To your misfortune, planning out imaginary interactions in your head or preparing answers that might not be delivered aren’t enough to subside the fear eating your insides.

The fear of not being enough.

“Hey, you alright in there?” 

The voice of Sage is accompanied by soft knocking outside your door. The concern in her voice is palpable, and you can’t help the guilt as you freeze in the spot, completely caught off guard by her sudden appearance.

“Uh, I-I’m fixing my clothes.” You reply lamely, giving thumbs up at the closed door and immediately absconding your hands when you realize your action. “I-I'm so sorry for taking so long! I'll be going in a second…or several more…”

There is a tight silence after your excuse where she doesn’t reply, and for a second you wonder if you sounded convincing enough to drive her away. But there is a soft sigh behind the metal door, and you can picture her expression bordering on disappointment as she struggles to find words to dismiss you entirely and send you back home to your people while you drown on the fact you never got to prove yourself and you are useless and an imbecile and—

Her voice echoes again, calling your name softly and tenderly, that your heart skips a beat and the thoughts halt in an instant, “Mind if I join you for a little bit?”

Weighting the pros and cons of her request, you don't let your brain finish that train of thought and act upon your want.

Opening the door is a lot less anti-climatic than you initially thought. Instead, relief floods your system as soon as Sage steps in and takes your hands into hers, caressing the skin softly with a gentle expression on her features.

“I'm here,” she whispers reassuringly, leading you to the bed to sit comfortably. “You’re not alone, dear, I’m right here. Let's breathe together, is that okay?”

“I-I’ve been trying to do that.” is your breathless reply, lips shaking in an attempt of a smile. She grins, the corner of her eyes crinkling.

“Good, that's good.” Her hand never stops holding yours. “Do it once more with me, indulge me.”

You nod, following her instructions. She keeps you grounded, inhaling and exhaling softly in the quiet of your room until your heartbeat pumps to a steady rhythm alongside hers.

The meditating sessions with Sage is something you haven't done in a long while. Perhaps from the moment she left China to pursue a more fulfilling life, leaving behind friends and family who missed her dearly till this day—especially you. You have to admit you stopped doing things that usually were done with her presence in fear of wallowing in your sadness once it settled the idea of her never coming back.

It was hard not having her around at the beginning. Sage was like a sister to you, your most important person, and for you to learn to live without her by your side was a greater challenge than you initially thought.

But now that you've been reunited, even under not a joyful situation, is enough to make you smile and forget about what will cement your life from now on in a couple of minutes. Holding her hands and gently caressing the skin gives you a wave of nostalgia that you cannot help but tear up a little bit.

There are pieces of ice littering her skin and face, and only god knows where else has it spread to, endangering her life and cutting short what little time you two might have. 

You swallow the lump on your throat, giving a shaky breath. This is not the time to be thinking this negatively; Sage is here with you, and that’s all that matters.

“What's wrong?” She asks, a frown between her brows. Her fingers touch your cheek, lifting your gaze to look at her.

“I'm just…overwhelmed, I think.” Sniffing back some tears, you give her the best smile you can offer, but it falters under the pressure. It’s hard looking at her tired expression, but you try your best to not worry her further, “It’s been so long since I’ve had you by my side. And I’m so worried about what is going to happen once I step out of this room because I don’t know if I’m going to be enough for the team or if my skills are necessary and, what if I get killed? What if I get my teammates killed? What then—”

“Hey, calm down.” She manages to have your attention, cutting your rambling off. The tears that are welling up in your lashes clears up with a few blinks; Sage manages to catch one stray tear with her thumb, caressing your cheek gently, “You won’t mess things up. I have full trust in you and your judgment, that's why I recommended you to join us.”

“But—”

“It’s okay.” Sage stands up, pulling you alongside her. “You’re gonna be okay, and I will make sure of it. Do you trust me?”

You nod, “Of course I do!” 

“Then believe in my words: You will be okay.”

—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—

When you first arrived at Valorant’s protocol base you weren’t feeling good.

Perhaps it was the jetlag and the nerves wrecking your body as soon as you landed, or maybe it was Sage informing you of the meeting that was scheduled to introduce you to the team that didn’t help in the slightest.

There were so many things happening at once you almost passed out from being overwhelmed. But Sage, good and benevolent Sage, suggested for you to take the day off to rest and recharge, and then scheduled the meeting the very next day.

Which is where you are now. 

The present, and about to face your future.

When meeting Brimstone and Viper for the first time, their appearances are enough to keep you on edge as they talk and explain what Sage has already briefed you in.

The world of Alpha and Omega. The radianite. The radiants and their powers. Kingdom still working in the public eye despite the blatant hate they get from the masses. 

It’s a lot to take in. There are too many incongruencies within the stories that don’t make sense, but not knowing where to start to ask because details are being omitted to not overwhelm you—or at least that’s what it looks like—, you decide to simply listen and absorb the information like a sponge.

Anyhow, those two, despite their differences in personalities and world-views, welcome you to what's going to be your home for the next years to come.

“We need you to become the healing pillar while Sage recovers,” is what Brimstone asks of you. He looks exhausted, worn down to the bone with the years of duty weighing on his back, “We have two other healers in the team, we will introduce you to them on another occasion. But you need to know none of them have the abilities Sage does.”

Vipes leans in, interested, “Sage has mentioned you both have trained under the same regimen back in China. And from the information we have, you are able to manifest crystal orbs just like she does.”

Gulping, you nod, “Yes. B-But my creations are unstable and usually very dangerous.”

“What about healing?”

“I’d think I’m on the same level as hers.” you answer, hesitant. Viper raises a brow, giving a quick glance at Sage who stands on the other side of the room.

“She is more than capable of performing healing.” Sage strengthens your words.  

“Right.” Viper replies with a nod, brows pulled tight into a frown. “We will see you perform on your mission when the case arises. What about the ability to revive?"

“I have not performed such a thing in a long time.” you answer truthfully. She watches you with skepticism, narrowing her green eyes as she closes her folder with a loud thud. “L-Last time I tried, the person in question died after a couple of minutes because the injuries weren’t healed by the time they were revived. It was futile trying a second time.”

Viper stands from her chair with crossed arms, walking around the circular table until she is standing next to you. Gulping down your nerves, you raise your gaze, meeting her head on with anxiousness burning in your veins. She doesn’t say anything for a long while, just deciding to observe you quietly as she lets the silence simmer slowly.

Even Sage has taken a step closer in case you needed her to intervene, but beyond that, the situation doesn’t escalate.

“I really hope you prove your worth on the field.” is what she says finally. The severity of her tone doesn’t go past you, and you can’t help the sudden cold shiver down your spine when she turns around to grab a cellphone and hand it to you.

The device is rectangle and looks like a touch screen. It has your ID and number of identification within the protocol members, and two buttons on the side that switches the screen to an empty e-mail.

“The first mission assigned will be tomorrow. Ask Killjoy or Cypher to send you Haven’s blueprints, and get to know the grounding area. I’ll be sending you information regarding the team, too.” She taps the screen twice, changing it back to your ID image. “Configure this as you'd prefer. The agents use this to organize the meetings and contact each other when we are deployed, so bring it with you.”

Eyeing the device, you take a shaky breath before directing her a wobbly smile, “T-Thank you.” 

“That will be it.”

Viper goes back to grab her files and tuck them under her arm, not giving you the chance to bid her goodbye as she simply slides out of the room swiftly. 

The atmosphere is heavy as the doors close behind her, leaving you frozen in your seat and your mind reeling in the worst way possible. 

Have you already fucked up? Those cold eyes and the tone of her voice was enough to stomp on whatever hope you had left, making you feel so much smaller than a speck of dust on her way. You were supposed to aid Sage and become a pillar for the rest of the agents, how are you gonna do such if one of the leaders seems to hold nothing but contempt over your abilities?

Brimstone grunts loudly, interrupting your deprecating thoughts with a halt, and shakes his head as he starts gathering his own things.

“Don’t mind her. She’s on edge with everything going on, and is worried about the agents in general. I hope you can forgive her.” Brimstone calls your name, nodding your way. “We are a team first and foremost, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it, understood?"

“Y-Yes, sir.” is your nervous reply.

Brimstone chuckles, standing from his chair, “Just Brimstone is alright. I feel older when you youngsters call me sir.”

“O-Of course, Brimstone.”

He only laughs, walking until he is standing right next to you and lands a heavy hand on your shoulder, shaking it slightly, “Welcome to Valorant, kid.”

And with that, Brimstone exits the room.

It’s not after several seconds of glaring down at your device and back at the door that you finally find yourself crumbling under the pressure, muscles seizing and brain overloading with different scenarios playing out your own demise on the battlefield.

“Who is Killjoy? Who is Cypher?!” You begin, feeling an incoming headache as you hyperventilate. The hands holding the phone shake slightly, unable to control it,  “Where is Haven, for gods sake?!”

Turning to Sage, your panic does nothing but heighten exponentially, “It hasn't been ten minutes and I already fucked up my introductions with Viper! I don’t even want to know what Brimstone thinks of me…”

Sage looks at you with something akin to amusement as she approaches you with a gentle smile. Her hands grab you by the shoulder to ground you, and she leans in until she’s on your field of vision, “Let’s go step by step, alright? Go to the main folders, right by the e-mail. Select the one that is called agents.” 

You do as she says, scrolling with a trembling finger but finding what she asks for. Sage squeezes you in reassurance, humming approvingly, “Right there, you can find each agents’ basic profiles as a guide. You have their picture, codenames, and number of identification.”

“B-but how will I know which one of them is assigned on the same mission as I am?”

“Viper said she will be sending you the information regarding the issue, remember?” You nod, eyeing the name of each agent in curiosity. “Don’t overthink it, dear. Things will go smoothly for you, okay?”

You nod, exhaling a big puff of air from the nervousness. 

You scroll through the list slowly, repeating the names that catch your attention the most, like: Gekko, or Deadlock, humming under your breath and pondering why you didn't think of something as cool as those codenames for yourself. A few scrolls land you in the name of Killjoy. The face of a woman with black hair and bright colored clothes greets you, and is for certain you won’t be able to miss her out if you were to encounter her through the hallways.

“We can look for her together if you wish?” Sage offers, grinning softly. “She usually trains at these hours, we can catch her on time if we go now.”

“Will you do that for me?” you ask hopefully, watching her nod and beaconing you to follow her.

With her reassurance and the knowledge of Killjoy's appearance, you exit the meeting's room with idle chatting to keep your mind occupied as you walk through the long hallways of the base.

Sage is kind enough to start explaining Killjoy's abilities to fill in the silence. From her techwear and brilliant brain, she is one of the top techs inside the protocol alongside Raze and Cypher who have been able to develop technology not a simple human mind would understand.

The more she tells you about your teammates, the more amazed you are by their talent; everything they do sounds from a futuristic world, repairing and creating advanced programs with the mere tools the earth provides them, hacking into systems, creating mayhem that become a headache for Brimstone. It’s fascinating.

“She created the devices with the help of Raze, and programmed the security information with Cypher's help.”

“They sound very smart, but intimidating too.” you reply with a nervous chuckle.

“They might, but I assure you everyone here is good people. The only being you should be wary of is KAYO, only for the first few weeks until he acclimates to your presence.” She reassures you, “A robot from an alternate timeline, if you may, programmed to destroy radiants. It’s…quite the long story.”

“A robot…from an alternate timeline?” you echo, raising a brow. “You’re speaking gibberish now.”

When you cross the threshold of the waiting room to the practice range, you finally understand what she means.

Behind the closed doors, you see in amazement a robot-like-human fight alongside a couple of agents against another…robot? The enemy bot is firing bullets non-stop, jumping from platform to platform to avoid the agent's offensive stance and the bullets, plus abilities going past it.

“See? Killjoy seems to be training as I suspected.” She muses, seeing her place a turret and shot with a ghost at the bot’s weapon to disarm it. 

You watch in silence the fight unfold, analyzing their work and actions while they mesh their abilities together to defeat a common enemy. It’s amazing how flawless and swiftly they move across the battlefield to look for cover or simply repositioning to counterattack, everyone in sync without the need to speak out loud.

“Sage.” 

Brimstone's voice startles you, turning around in time to watch him enter the room with his eyes set on what's going on behind the glass.

“Emergency reconnaissance mission, we need two strike teams for Breeze and Split.” He announces. Sage nods, pointing to the range.

“Got some agents in here available.” 

He surveys the people inside, scratching his beard in contempt before sighing, defeated.

“Tell Raze to sit this one out and bring Astra, she will be going to Breeze. I don’t want to be the one to interrupt, but it’s time to ruin the party for these youngsters.” Brimstone motions behind you, “Yoru, you're coming with them to Split, be there in fifteen.”

You hear a scoff, and then a deep voice resonates with a thick accent, “Of course you need me.”

There is a man standing next to the glass overlooking the training grounds, toying with kingdom credits on the palm of his hand and an arrogant expression pulling his face. You are surprised you haven't noticed him previously with how flamboyant he looks, with his blue themed clothes, style crossing between punk and sporty you’re not sure how he pulls it off.

When your eyes skim upward you’re met with his gaze already on you, narrowing slightly in confusion as he assesses you quietly. Remembering Sage’s words,—and wanting to come out of your comfort zone— you wave at him, giving him the best smile you can come up with and try to appear friendly enough. You take a step in his direction with all the intention to strike a conversation, but you see him scoff, freezing your actions on the spot. Your smile stiffens, and your chest compresses with humiliation as Yoru turns around with a roll of his eyes, focus shifting to the training grounds again and ignoring you completely.

“I'll be leaving now, Killjoy will be coming with us” Sage points at the far back of the room, spotting a person playing chess by themselves and their back turned to you. “That's Cypher, you can talk to him about the blueprints of Haven. He is a kind man, but be careful of entertaining him with your personal information.”

“Huh?” 

Sage whispers in your ear, “He has eyes everywhere, be careful.”

Bidding goodbye to Sage proves to be harder than you anticipated, fidgeting in your place as she enters the training ground and destroys the bot in one movement. There is uncertainty in how things might play out for you now without her guidance nor presence, but it’s better to get used to it now rather than later down the line if you depend so much on her.

You breathe deeply, hand on your chest as you try to calm the erratic heartbeats bustling in your chest. There is no denying you are still agitated by the fiasco of trying to befriend someone, and now you have to try again just to get vital information for your first mission; there is no out of this, much to your dismay.

Coaxing braveness from where it doesn’t exist, you turn on your feet and begin walking towards Cypher with an unsure pace and fingers fumbling with the hem of your jacket. He hasn’t spotted you yet, continuing with his game in silence and so concentrated that it gives you time to start planning a way to approach in conversation.

You are so deep in thought you don’t realize someone else walking in your direction that you end up colliding against a surface so hard you have to take two steps back to steady yourself. When you lift your gaze, you meet Yoru's jet-black eyes staring down at you with annoyance written on his expression.

“Move away, little shit.” 

Yoru pushes you away by the shoulder, making you stumble another step back, and enters the training grounds to follow after the rest of the agents without regarding you a glance. You are petrified, the place where he touched burning you in pain, and completely confused as to what could have set him off like that.

When the door closes behind him, you hear a man chuckle deeply. 

“Say now, first day and causing trouble?” Cypher turns his head, a gloved hand toying with a coin. The blue of his masked and robotic eyes are eerie and cold, making you uncomfortable, “Mind if we play a game?”

“Cypher, right…?” you ask with doubt, despite knowing his name already. He nods at the chair in front of him, motioning for you to sit down.

“Glad to make acquaintances.”

Sitting in front of him, you watch him rearrange the pieces slowly to start over a brand new game. He barely glances at you when he rotates the board for you to start first, the white pieces right below you, and waves his hand in presentation.

“Go on, let’s see what you’re made of.” he says amusely.

The first few moves none of you say anything, concentrating on the game. It’s nice enough having something else to focus on rather than your previous altercation with Yoru.

You’re thankful Cypher isn’t asking any questions regarding that. He seems more entertained observing you, quiet hums coming from the mask every time it’s your turn to move a piece that makes you hesitate, hand hovering over the chessboard as you mull over your options. Cypher, on the contrary, takes each action as if it were calculated and thoughtful, quick on not giving away his train of thought and confusing you further with the strategy he is taking. 

As the time goes on, and pieces start to fall from the board, you realize he has you on a chokehold despite having the advantage on number of pieces.

When he kills one of your pawns, he decides to speak after a long while, “You are very patient, little one.”

“Hm?” Looking up, you smile nervously at him, “Isn't this game about patience?”

Chuckling, Cypher moves his king and switches places with his rook, “Most of the time, yes, of course. But this game is more about analyzing your enemy’s moves to prevent them from making a play.”

“But I’ll be distracted then, won't I?” You raise a brow in skepticism. “I’ll probably be so focused on what you do, rather than making a plan for myself in advance.”

He makes a non-committal noise, hand under his chin, “I suppose it depends on the circumstances. If you know your enemy, it’s easy to prevent casualties, but if your enemy is someone you have no prior knowledge of how their mind works, it’s better to have the advantage, don’t you think?”

“I-I guess…?” you’re unsure what he’s trying to get to, but you don’t want him to think you’re dismissing his words. “That’s one way of thinking about it.”

You move another pawn, Cypher kills it with his knight. Deciding to sacrifice the queen for a play, you kill one of his bishops.

“Check.” 

Cypher hums, thrumming his fingers on the table.

“Interesting.” 

He moves his king further away, you cock your eyebrow in questioning but don't say anything. Returning your queen to the previous positioning, you begin considering your next moves when suddenly, Cypher moves his knight closer to your king. 

“Check.”

Huffing under your breath, you move your king, but by the time you notice what you've done, is already too late.

Cypher laughs, moving his rook to kill your king in one swift move, “Check mate.”

Your pouting elicits another laugh from the man, back to toying with a coin between his fingers.

“You see, you would have won that if you realized my intentions from the beginning." he says, putting the pieces away. “My moves were easily readable. You had the upper hand when it comes to quantity in pieces but didn’t use it to your advantage.”

“I didn’t want to lose them.” you reply. “Didn’t even notice the position of your pieces, only the king.”

Cypher hums, nodding alongside your words, “Interesting, why is that?”

Flabbergasted at his question, you raise a brow, “What do you mean why? Isn’t that the whole point of the game?”

“Of course, the whole point is to corner the king, right? But why do you have more pieces at play if you aren’t gonna use them to fulfill the goal?”

“This game is about sacrificing things intelligently to obtain what you need.” Cypher leans in, tipping his hat back as the blue orbs of his eyes narrow, “Are you ready to do that on the battlefield? To sacrifice people to win a war?”

Frowning, you begin to question yourself about the intention Cypher had when inviting you for a game. All you wanted was for some distraction before going back on track with your task, not for some psychological warfare from someone who you just met—and was very clearly warned about their persona.

When you look at Cypher, crossing his fingers on top of his chest and relaxing against his chair, acting as if this were some psychological experimentation and not just a simple game, you know you have to find a way out.

“S-Sage told me you can give me the blueprints for Haven,” tugging at the ring in your index finger, you distract yourself to avoid looking him in the eyes. “Do you mind giving it to me?”

It takes him a while to answer you, eerie seconds where Sage's absence feels like a sore thumb and the anxiousness begins eating your insides with doubts. 

When Cypher laughs, as if you've told a funny joke, it doesn't quell the twists in your stomach nor the sudden shiver freezing you on the spot. He doesn't seem bothered by your reaction nor your attempt to change the topic. On the contrary, it almost looks like it fuels something, leaning forward as his chuckles die down.

“Haven, located in China.” He replies. Then, without asking, he continues, “Viper, Skye, Phoenix and Yoru; those are assigned with you.”

You nod quietly, confused by his knowledge of supposed confidential information regarding the agents deployed, “I know of Viper, I’ve met her earlier today. I don't know the other three.”

“Better start learning then,” he says with a shrug. “Get to know the place, too. It’s going to be quite troublesome learning to control three sites instead of two—and with your lack of experience on the field…let’s hope you come back in one piece.”

You blink once, lips tightening on a frown by his way of phrasing, and turn to your device to scroll through the list of agents until you land on Phoenix and Skye’s profiles, flinching at their serious expressions. You come across Yoru’s ID photo as you scroll further, glaring at the camera with a frown between his brows, and sigh in resignation because only you would have the luck to be assigned on a team with a person who has entered your “Scared of” list.

Great. None of them looked like the type to be team driven people, and if Yoru’s and Cypher’s introduction are anything to go by, the agents might not be as friendly as Brimstone tried to be in the first place. You are starting to doubt Sage’s word about the people working here, fearfull to fuck it up and become a nuinsance to everyone.

“When I asked you earlier if you were ready to sacrifice people for the sake to win a war, it wasn't just to poke fun or annoy you,” Cypher stands from the chair, tucking the chessboard under his arm. “Your teammates are ready to put you on the line if it means the enemy won't steal the radianite. You have to be willing to do the same.”

“My goal is for no one to perish on the mission.” you admit, mouth tugging into a frown. “I won't play with the mindset to sacrifice someone just to save the rest of the world, and even less with Sage’s perilous situation.”

“Suit yourself.” He shrugs, “However, there will be a moment where you have to decide between a sacrifice that will help you save others, or die being foolish.”

The words catch you off guard, mouth slightly agape and unable to find a way to contradict what he just said. Cypher takes it as his cue to leave, not before taking his device out and thumbing a few things away. 

After a few seconds, your device lights up, a new e-mail comes across with the message: Haven’s blueprints.

“You can open the files on any computer around here, to examine the blueprints more easily.” He begins walking away, waving off, “I wish you the best of luck on your first mission, little one, and I hope you don't die.”

With the bitter farewell and an unsettling feeling starting to bloom in your chest, you are left alone in the room with your turbulent thoughts, words dying on your tongue, and breaths coming in short puffs of air.

Sage isn't there for when you break down, and you think it’s for the best.

x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x

The flight to Haven takes longer than expected—mostly because Viper made sure to introduce you to the team before parting, ensuring that you knew what you had to do before retreating to the cockpit to fly the jet.

Haven is located near the mountains in Southeast China, close to monk temples surrounding the green area and hiding away from the biggest cities. This is one of the places you’ve always wanted to visit after the trainings back in the academia, where you were still young and full of hope for the future; no one informed you that the temples fell at the hands of radianite and Kingdom’s work, worsening its condition to what it is now: the cocoon of what a beautiful place used to be.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons you were assigned to assist on this mission. There is no better lesson than to face the atrocities Omega agents, Kingdom and the dangers of radianite have done to a place that was dear to your people, affecting you more than you believe it was possible. It was horrifying seeing through the windows the chaos and how deplorable the groundings are, too sad to even start thinking about the monks that used to live here. Where were they? Were they okay? Safe?

These are questions Sage might be able to provide a better answer for than let your imagination run wild and sadden you more.

“What have they done to you…” you whisper to yourself, prying your eyes away from the sight to glare at your hands on top of your lap. 

Phoenix, the one sitting right beside you, realizes how much this might be affecting you, knowing you and Sage come from the same background and teaching, this must have been a place known to you. He tries thinking over what to say, how to comfort the new agent getting used to what’s going to be their work for a long time without being insensitive, but nothing comes to mind.

Well, don’t say he didn’t try. 

“Hey, girlie.” He places his hand on your shoulder, feeling you jump at the sudden touch, but he doesn’t let go. “You don't have to worry about this mission, alright? By the time you realize what’s going on, we will be done and ready to pack up and go home.”

Blinking up at him, you nod confused, “H-Huh? Oh, yeah, thank you.” 

“You've got a team with the best agents at the protocol to cover you if needed, so relax, yeah?” 

“I’ll try my best.”

“Who knows, maybe we’ll be surveying sites and Legion won’t attack us.” he shrugs, keeping the conversation light. “We might be able to do some sightseeing, eh? How would that sound?”

Huffing a quiet laugh, you nod, “I think that would be nice.”

Believing Phoenix's words is quite the struggle, but you are thankful for his attempt to reassure you and keep you entertained. It’s slightly awkward because you don’t know any of them, but at least Phoenix was starting to prove to be a really considerate person.

The hand that squeezes your shoulder and his warm smile is enough to calm the uneasiness rooting in your chest, returning the kind smile with one of your own and breathing deeply to keep your composure at bay—having a meltdown before touching Haven doesn’t sound like a very good first impression on the battlefield.

All the interaction is witnessed  by Yoru from the other side of the jet, grimacing at your cringy and heartfelt conversation, finding it pointless and somewhat cheesy to try and comfort a soldier who is about to face a war they are obviously not ready for. 

It’s not his place to intervene and burst your bubble, but he really hopes you won't ruin this mission for any of them when so much is at stake. Bringing back the dead body of an agent on their first day is not common and neither Sage nor Viper will like it one bit. Especially Sage, with her health deteriorating at a quick rate and powers failing her completely—you are supposed to be a pillar they can rely on, not fear that you can drop dead any second now. 

“Relax that frown, mate, we haven't engaged in combat yet.” 

Skye stands next to him, a playful smile on her lips as she crosses her arms. He huffs annoyed, rolling his eyes at her teasing.

“The newbie will probably stall us, why assign her to this mission?” he asks in a grumble. Skye raises a brow. “We could have brought Killjoy's turret and that thing might do more for the team than she can.”

“Hey now, you are just being rude for no reason.” She chastises, narrowing her eyes. “Besides, that’s a big one coming from someone who flashed his teammates on his first reconnaissance mission.”

Blushing, Yoru turns his head to the other side, grunting unpleasantly, “It’s not my fault you don’t know how to avoid them.”

“Oh yeah?” Skye whistles, catching Phoenix’s and your attention, “Yoru here says we don’t know how to avoid flashes, ain’t that bullshit now?”

“What?! Aren’t you the one who complains the most about me flashing you accidentally?" Phoenix leaves your side to go and defend his honor, “You are such a lying, cocky bastard.”

“Shut the hell up, it’s not my fault you don’t warn me on time.”

Phoenix scoffs and looks over his shoulder, catching your eye. He points an accusatory finger at Yoru, “If you are paired up with this bastard, be careful with him because he will bait the shit out of your ass.”

“Not to mention he doesn’t listen to anyone but himself, hah!” Skye rolls her eyes, walking away from the two bickering duelists and sits next to you with a huff. “Say, I know you are Sage’s protegé, and your name because of the briefing, but I have no idea what you do, care to fill me in?”

You stammer over your words, flushing under her expectant gaze as you try to come up with a way to explain it. Phoenix and Yoru have stopped their quarrel, awaiting your answer with different ranges of emotion: with Phoenix smiling, eager to listen, whereas Yoru was glaring at your form from his seat.

“U-Uh, I don't flash, just to be clear.” You tug at the cuffs of your long jacket, finding something to distract yourself. Skye and Phoenix laugh at your comment, and you feel a little less bad, “I can heal you, at least for the time being. I can create objects made from the crystal orbs, but I’d rather not use it under stressful situations because I can’t control it very well.”

“Basically saying you are Sage 0.2.” Yoru rolls his eyes, deflated by such an underwhelming revelation. “And now you’re gonna say you revive people too, right?”

Eyes downcast, your lips tighten on a straight line, “I-I can’t…”

“Great, this one came defective.”

Phoenix slaps his shoulder, anger seeping into his tone, “Don't be rude.”

“Am I wrong, though?” Yoru huffs a bitter laugh.

“You are being straight up a dick.” Skye replies with an indignant scowl. She turns to you then, giving your shoulder a reassuring squeeze, “This makes our work easier, love, don’t listen to him. We can work around your abilities and have a more solid strategy once we land.”

“But I—”

Yoru interrupts, seemingly not done, “We’ll be playing guard dogs to protect her instead of doing our job just for a mere heal.” The cabin rattles against the ground when it lands, listening to the engines turn off as Viper announces you have arrived. “At least Sage does her part in killing the enemies and is not a nuisance."

Before anyone could retort to him, Yoru takes his vandal with him and opens the door, jumping out and walks away to the left without turning back once.

Viper comes out of the cockpit with a bulldog in hand, mask on and a determined fierce gaze surveying her teammates.

“Is there any problem?” She asks, cocking an eyebrow at the tense atmosphere. 

Phoenix huffs, shrugging his shoulders, “The usual with Yoru.”

She nods in understanding, checking the chamber of bullets of her weapon before strapping it to her back. She signals you all to get out of the jet and goes straight to the point once she sees you are armed and ready to set off.

“Yoru will be taking A site with Skye, Phoenix will survey C site with me holding garage doors,” turning to you, she narrows her eyes slightly. “You will wall up B site and hold an angle from A link; that way you can assist A if necessary. We will defend and hold as long as we can, but if the pressure gets the better of you, we will retake together. Do not hesitate to kill them, understood?”

“Righty-o” Skye replies, beginning to walk away. Phoenix pats your back and gives you a thumbs up before setting off to his designated place.

Viper walks away without giving you another glance, sure of herself and the indications given, and that leaves you alone at the landing, fingers trembling as you strap your phantom to your back.

There is nothing you can do right now, no going back, but to play your part.

“Legion have landed. It seems they’ve been here for a while.” Skye says through the earpiece. You peek mid, surveying the area but finding no one yet. “We heard some commotion towards A short, but they haven't made their way yet.”

“Keep us updated. Let me know when to put up the smoke.” Is Viper's reply.

Breathing in heavily, you heard faint footsteps outside B, close to window and walking towards garage doors. 

Should you warn Viper? Is that information you should rely to her? The logic tells you to create a wall to boost yourself up and peak mid, but you are terrified of facing more than you can handle or worse, dying on your try and failing them this stupidly.

“I heard people outside B site, Viper, be careful.” And sure enough, it is not until a few seconds later that you hear a bulldog fire and Viper's voice coming through after a few moments.

“Got the one in garage, and another running away. Still no sign of the spike.”

Phoenix's voice chimes in, “No one is C either, these damn fuckers scared or something? I can start flanking them.”

“Hold your positions until we get further intel.” Viper contradicts, “We have the numbers, we don’t need to risk it. Be patient.”

A couple of seconds goes by, and from afar, you hear the high pitched sound of a bird and popping, and from the sky, you see balls of smoke drop like bombs towards A site.

Panic seizes you the moment Skye's voice comes through the earpiece with gunshots firing in the background. Viper’s wall rises immediately and you lose sight of mid, frightened and alarmed that something might have happened to them. You are frozen in place, unable to take a decision whether to stay put or go assist them.

Viper calls your name through the earpiece, slightly frantic, “Go help them, I’ll hold C and doors.”

“I-I haven’t put the wall on B yet!” you reply with a stammer, hands trembling while holding your gun.

“What are you waiting for? Permission?!” Yoru’s voice comes through, anger seeping into his voice. “Get your fucking ass here!”

From your hands a cyan orb manifests in a quiet hum, fingertips holding the orb with care before creating an irregular wall with spikes on top and surrounding each surface. Phoenix comes running from C link, words dying on his tongue as he sees the creation with fascination and confusion. 

Under his scrutinizing gaze, you await some sort of critique or a mocking comment, but Phoenix only nods in approval, pushing you towards A with a determined expression on his face, “Let’s go kick some ass!”

All that comes after that is a blur.

You remember listening to Yoru grunt through the comms, Phoenix ulting from CT when you enter the site without any regards to your wellbeing and, most of all, pain.

Is as chaotic as you might think, smokes everywhere, Viper’s screams through the earpiece, warning you about Omega Gekko flashing through garage and Viper having to back down because she got hurt by a stray bullet.

You have lost the count on how many times you’ve been flashed by the enemy and your own teammates because you were careless; throwing yourself on the battlefield and firing bullets through the smoke to stop their advances because you didn’t know what else to do. 

Once Viper’s wall runs out of toxin, you are way into the open on site to look for cover on time, facing both Omega Brimstone and Vyse pointing their guns at you. 

A chill runs down your spine when they fire at you, watching in slow motion as the bullets make their way to your head and you are unable to stop it.

You feel a tug on your waist, and suddenly, you are standing at CT while the firing continues.

A sudden wave of nausea hits you, losing your footing and landing against a firm chest for leverage. Looking up, you see Yoru frowning at you, arms holding onto your waist and barely being able to hold his own weapon because he’s trying to make you stand on your own.

“Get a grip of yourself, we need to get back there.” he exclaims, but doesn’t push you away.

Phoenix returns right at that moment, ulti run down and injuries healing in the process.

When he sees you two standing there, he immediately panics.

“Skye is alone out there!” Reloading his gun, he pushes through the smoke without another word. 

You grip your phantom, thanking Yoru with a soft whisper and following after Phoenix to try and help Skye before it’s too late. You don’t know whether he’s following you or not, but leaving a comrade alone on the battlefield is not a thing you want in your record.

You follow after Phoenix through the smoke and, to your horror, he serves as a shield when Omega Reyna swings from A short, injuring him heavily but giving you enough time to use him as a distraction to kill her with a clean headshot.

Running past him, you clear as many corners as you can until you reach A long to see Skye protect Yoru from Omega Gekko, headshotting him and watching the body fall to the ground with a loud thud.

When you realize both Skye and Yoru relax their stances, you think you can finally breathe in peace.

The enemy has fallen, and Valorant protocol is victorious.

Walking carefully around the bodies, you approach Yoru who hisses in pain when Skye helps him stand up. He mutters something in his language that neither you nor Skye understand, but the japanese man doesn’t bother to explain and simply pats his clothes to get rid of the debris.

Eyeing Skye, you notice she seems unscratched despite putting herself on the line bravely, barely one cut above the eyebrow but nothing to worry about. Your hand hovers over the spot slowly, bringing forward a surge of energy that shapes into a thin layer of cyan particles and closes the wound immediately.

Skye sighs in relief, giving you a grateful smile and a nod. With a giddy grin you turn to Yoru this time, the other stiffening under your sudden attention, and breath caught on his throat as your hand lays on his cheek gently. He has an open cut from the corner of his mouth and right under his eye, bleeding profusely and looking nasty.

Before you can even gather energy to heal him,  he cowers from your touch and swats your hand away with a loud slap, scowling deeply and taking a step back.

“Don't touch me.” He snarls while glaring down at you. It makes you freeze instantly. “Ever.”

You gulp down, retrieving your hand and avoiding his gaze on shame. You are suddenly reminded of the altercation the day before, remembering how awfully and poorly he treated you, and realizing this might be the relationship you two might have for the future.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” you whisper, eyes fleeting from Yoru’s shoes to Skye’s hand reaching for you.

With a swift sidestep to avoid her touch, you turn around and walk away towards where you last saw Phoenix to give him assistance. 

The poor man has his back against the graffiti wall, sitting on the floor and taking big intakes of air to regulate his breathing and not succumb to the agony spreading on his stomach and shoulder.

The bullet holes are noticeable, blood seeping into his clothes and jacket through the tiny orifices. His expression is twisted in pain, clear misery as he tries to play it cool by giving you a boyish grin and a quiet huff of laughter.

Kneeling, you brush a few strands of hair away from his face, fingertips lingering on his cheek.

“I'll look for Viper to heal her.” Skye's hand lands on your shoulder, startling you. Yoru is behind her, blood dry but not a single scratch on him. “Yoru is patched up, so don't worry about him.”

You nod, “I'll take care of Phoenix.”

Skye leaves with a last squeeze on your shoulder. Once she is out of sight, you return your attention towards Phoenix wounds and lay your hands on his chest and the other on his stomach, giving him an apologetic glance when he whines and tries to back away from the pressure.

Your hands glow a soft cyan and you close your eyes, concentrating your whole power on those zones alone. Phoenix and Yoru watch with different layers of wonder the specs of power concentrating on the affected zones, a glow that looks so different from when Sage performs her healing. It takes a while for Phoenix to realize his wounds have closed and the skin has healed nicely under your care, watching in awe as you breathe a heavy sigh, hands trembling from the exertion.

Only the fabric of his jacket is damaged beyond repair, blood still staining the fabric and part of his skin, that you hope Phoenix forgives you for not being able to fix it.

It doesn’t seem to be of importance as you search his gaze for approval, biting your lip in nervousness and awaiting his reaction.

Phoenix takes a big gulp of air, exhaling with slips of laughter as he flexes his fingers to realize he hasn’t felt this good in years. With a loud cackle, he pulls you close with a hug, crushing your chest against his in a warm embrace.

“Girl, you should have said your healing restores more than wounds!” He gives you one last squeeze before giving you space to breathe. Your face flushes being so close to him, but Phoenix doesn’t realize it, “I haven’t felt this good in years! Such a shame this bastard didn’t get to experience your power.”

You laugh embarrassed, scratching the back of your neck bashfully with a shy smile tugging your lips.

“Yoru didn't want me to touch him.” You can feel his eyes burning at the back of your head as you speak, but you’d rather ignore him to keep talking with Phoenix. “And I supposed it was fair since he doesn’t know how my healing works entirely.”

“Nah, it's aight, doll.” Phoenix winks, getting closer to whisper in your ear. “Yoru likes it better when it’s all natural, hah!”

Suddenly, you are pushed away to the side harshly, making you fall onto your butt painfully. Phoenix is peeled away from your hold, and Yoru makes him stand in a heap of limbs before he punches him right in the face. Phoenix falls to the floor with a grunt, eyes closed as he cradles the tender skin of his cheek starting to swell as pain blooms under the skin.

When you redirect your attention to Yoru, his face is morphed to what could be described as pure annoyance and anger, breathing in heavily and scowling at his friend sprawled on the floor after taking the hit this easily. 

You don’t wait for things to escalate, reacting immediately and pushing him away to reach Phoenix. You kneel next to him, hand hovering in the air as you try to assess how badly the injury is. Phoenix lets himself be handled by your caring touch, apologizing for the trouble when your hand skims over the skin of his cheekbone and you frown. 

“Don’t worry doll, I’m fine.”

“It has swollen up,” you say in a mumble, “I can heal it once we are on air, is that alright?”

“Yeah, no problem!” He seems ruffled and a bit flustered, but grins as if nothing has happened. 

Taking Phoenix by the arm, you don’t dare to look back at Yoru and guide him to where the jet landed first. If Skye and Viper are awaiting your arrival you’re not sure, but anywhere is better than hanging in the bad atmosphere Yoru has created.

With a frustrated groan, you watch Miks shoot your bot down with ease from the other side of the field. With a cocky grin, he sticks his tongue out in mocking, laughing loudly when you yell at him from across the room to explain himself. Miks acts as if he were deaf, covering both his ears and rolling his eyes when you stomp your feet on the ground, mad at his dismissal, and decides he doesn’t want to entertain your lecture.

In a fit of anger you kick the spherical stereo when his attention drifts. The mechanical ball impacts against the wall and breaks into pieces on the instant. The sound is loud enough to grab Miks’ attention, turning to where you stand with a worried expression, questions about your well-being dying on his tongue. You can see the moment he comes to realize one of his creations has been destroyed; and with you standing next to it, guilt written all over your face and mouth covered with your hands, it’s clear to assume the worse. 

“What the fuck—!” He yells in Croatian, hands flying to his head in horror. 

Miks comes running to kneel and mourn his little device with a whine and slurred words in his language. Only when you come to his line of vision, since you were trying to apologize, the entirety of his emotions suddenly shifts, head snapping to where you stand with fire in his green eyes and a scowl pulling his lips, stomping his way to hover over you menacingly.

His hands balls into fists and flexes his fingers over and over, not knowing how to contain his own anger and indignation as he struggles to come up with words.

“Why the fuck did you do that?” he says through clenched teeth, looking down at you in fury. “Are you stupid?!”

You startle at his screams, cowering on yourself when he steps closer and begins invading your personal space. 

“Do you know how hard I work making these things?!” he continues, taking another step closer. You take one back, but he continues caging you until your back hits one of the platforms on the field. Miks doesn’t look like he can be reasoned with right now, “Do you know how long it will take me to fix them?!” 

“M-Miks, it was an accident—”

He cuts you off, “No shit! You don’t break something like that by accident!”

The guilt and anxiousness starting to take root in the pit of your stomach while you try to formulate an answer is getting the better of you at that moment, tongue tied and thoughts halting in fear, because nothing of what you say seems to be enough of an excuse for him to accept. 

It’s your fault, you know the blame is on you for breaking one of his techs in a fit of anger. This is one of the bad traits you’ve been trying to fix since joining the protocol and why you often train under the supervision of Tejo when it comes to emotional management.

Being a more seasoned veteran regarding working with other people, and being on the end of the stick when an operation goes wrong or his old comrades would start blaming each other to get rid of any responsibility, Tejo knows the ins and outs of emotional baggage and how to redirect them or control it under stressful situations. 

This is a perfect opportunity to put into motion what you’ve learned— and ignoring the fact of your earlier outburst causing this argument in the first place.

‘I need to defuse the situation,’ is the alarmed rushing thought when he cages you against the wall, trapped between his arms. Miks is angry, mood worsening by the second, and you are becoming irritated the longer he keeps you unable to speak or defend yourself. You need to make some distance to have a more civil conversation, and out of the training room if possible to not interfere with the other’s training.

You take a long step to the side to avoid his arms, and begin walking towards the exit, practicing in your head what were you gonna say to make him listen to you, but Miks takes your actions as dismissive which infuriates him more.

Miks grabs you by the forearm in a tight grip, pulling you back harshly and not measuring the strength which sends you flailing onto the floor. Your feet don't get to reposition on time to avoid the collision and the weight ends on your ankle, twisting it and breaking it in the process.

The scream that escapes your lips startles Miks who lets go of your arm in panic, eyes widening when he sees the rest of your body fall with a loud thud as you cry in pain with the additional weight and sees your ankle positioned at an abnormal angle.

The affected zone starts swelling slowly when you try to free it from your weight between whimpers, and Miks can’t help but be frozen as the bots are deactivated around him, and Tejo, with the few agents inside the training room, rush to see what’s going on.

Tejo is the first who steps up as he assesses the situation quietly. He kneels right next to you, hand behind your back and the other resting gently on your knee as he looks over the injury.

“Can you stand up?” he asks. Gnawing your lip, you shake your head. There are tears that have gathered in your lashes but you refuse to let them fall.

It feels like the muscle under the reddening skin is pulsating violently, travelling up to your knee and the thigh. It’s uncomfortable, it’s painful, and you can’t help but take big gulps of air as you try to focus the attention on Tejo’s warm hand caressing your back rather than the inability to move right now.

“I-I’m so sorry!” Miks apologizes, hands trembling while he kneels next to you too. "Please let me fix it!” 

When his fingertips come in contact with your arm, you recoil from his touch with a startle and teary eyes. His expression is devastating, leaving his hand hovering in the air as you wince from the sudden movement and hiss under your breath.

Clove’s hand lands on Miks’ shoulder heavily, snapping him out of his thoughts. He looks back at them with his mouth open and words stuck, trying to make them help him, but Clove only shakes their head as they pull him up by the arm to give you some room to breathe.

“Okay, compañeros, practice is over.” Tejo claps his hands, gathering everyone’s attention, “Go drink water and take a shower, we have a mission tomorrow, alright? Go get some rest.”

Phoenix and Clove share a look before nodding, bidding goodbyes as they exit the room hushing between them. Miks stays rooted where he stands, biting his lower lip while he fumbles with the cuff of his gloves in anxiousness. 

“It has swollen rapidly.” Tejo cuts through the silence, clicking his tongue. You look to the side in embarrassment, cleaning the stray tears from your face with the back of your hand, “Okay, hold on tight.”

Before you can even react, he swipes his arms under your knees and arms gently, giving you time to adjust while your arms hold onto his neck, and rising to his feet carrying you bridal style.

Your face gets insanely hot, feeling the blush creep up to your ears when he laughs at your flustered reaction—he’s glad your attention is not on the injury, Tejo doesn’t really like it when he sees you suffering.

“Calma, cariño, I’m not letting you fall.” he says fondly, feeling your fingers dig into his shoulders hard. “I’ll take you to Sage, alright? Be nice and keep still.” 

“No,” You shake your head, the worry is clear in the tone of your voice. “Don’t bother her, she has a lot to deal with already.”

Tejo sighs, “Then let Miks heal what might be broken.”

Miks bounces in the conversation, hopeful, “I can help—”

“No!” you exclaim in panic, cutting him off. Miks looks beyond hurt at your dismissal, but you don’t spare him your attention. “Skye. Take me to Skye, she has to be in the gardens right now, please.”

Tejo takes a few steps towards the exit without questioning you, but stops when he doesn’t hear Miks following in tow. It surprises the Colombian when he looks over his shoulder and notices Miks watching him with an enraged expression pulling his soft features, negative energy aimed at him for no apparent reason and reddish waves of his radiant powers contained into his fingertips. 

The man can’t help but raise a brow, oblivious to Miks’ inner struggles, but decides to not get involved in whatever is going on through his head—there were more pressing matters to attend to rather than figure out his comrades' thoughts.

“Miks, you staying?” Miks startles at his voice, blinking a few times before he relaxes his expression to something more neutral. The radiant powers disappear in the next second, “Go rest, boy, tomorrow's mission is gonna be tough.”

“Uh-huh,” is his deadpan reply, walking past the two of you with a frown. At the threshold he stops, lingering for a moment, actions hesitant as he mulls over unspoken words. He calls your name softly, turning to look at you with an indecipherable expression. “When you get better…let me know. I’d like to talk to you privately.”

Miks doesn’t give you time to reject his request nor accept it. One blink and he’s gone, leaving both of you speechless and confused by his odd approach. 

With a quiet rumble of a laugh, Tejo fixes you on his arms before continuing walking. Realization dawns on him rather quickly, not taking very long to figure out the reason for his attitude and reluctance, smirking as he shakes his head amused.

“Ah, la juventud de hoy en día,” he mutters to himself. You raise a brow, not quite getting the meaning of his words, but Tejo simply shrugs, deciding to not give further explanation.

Neither of you exchange words but what’s necessary to make sure you are still comfortable in his arms, and that the pain is tolerable enough as he approaches the gardens.

Both of you find Skye meditating on the grass, eyes closed and hands resting on her crossed legs, breathing deeply and exhaling softly. You feel bad when you see her startle as the glass doors open automatically. She gives one quick glance at the scene of Tejo carrying you, with your poor ankle swollen, and stands in a hurry. 

“Oh, lad, what happened?” she asks worriedly, examining the injury closely. “Sit here, love, let’s patch you up.”

Tejo leaves you in one of the wooden benches in the garden, careful to not rattle your leg, and ruffles your hair affectionately as he sees Skye touching the affected zone. Despite the pain, you are more than eager to accept his attention enthusiastically, watching him with nothing short of adoration.

“It looks like it’s not broken,” Skye says after a while, “How much does it hurt?”

“I can’t walk,” you reply with a wince. Her fingers are digging gently into the inflamed skin, testing the sensibility. “I haven’t tried to put pressure on it because I’m scared it’ll hurt more.”

“That’s okay, love. But we need to make sure if the bone is broken or rather a tore in the muscle.” She raises to her feet, nodding to Tejo to take one side, “Hold onto us and try it.”

Taking a big deep breath, both Tejo and Skye work as leverage holding you by the elbows while you try to stand on your injured ankle. It hurts a lot, but you can quickly dismiss the idea that something has broken when you rotate your feet slightly.

“Alrighty, that’s good.” She helps you sit down, smiling. “It’s just a tore in the muscle, I can help with that. You wouldn’t be able to move it if something were broken.”

Tejo sighs a breath of relief, “Que bueno, I was starting to become worried you wouldn’t be able to join the mission tomorrow.”

“Hah, me too…” you reply with a wince.

Skye gathers the energy from the nature surrounding you in her palms; the leaves, bushes and trees foliage all move in harmony as the breeze gets agitated slightly. Her hands glow a gentle yellow, the hue changing to a greenish color, and going back to yellow again. 

You can feel her radiant powers coursing your veins as she heals your injured ankle. The swollen skin goes back to its normal state, the pain subsiding slowly, and even the small cuts littering your arms are healed as a bonus. 

Rotating your ankle, you sigh a breath of relief when nothing happens. It feels good, and you have nothing but gratitude towards her at the moment as you stand up. 

“Thank you,” you mutter, wringing your hands in your lap. “And sorry to have bothered you.”

“Don’t say that, love, you could never bother me.” Skye pats your head gently, “And these kind of things happen all the time. It’s part of training, right?”

You purse your lips, nodding your head. 

“Gracias, Skye, always a pleasure.” Tejo comments in your stead. His hand lands on your back, motioning you to accompany him. “We will take our leave now.”

Skye waves you goodbye, going back to her spot to continue her meditation. Tejo nods at her, letting the glass door close behind you two while you walk back into the hallways.

Tejo stops at an intersection, pointing towards the other end, “I have to go back to the training room, are you okay being alone for now?”

“Oh!” you exclaim, “Why are you going back?”

“Clean up.” he answers, checking the protocol’s phone. “Viper will have my head if I don’t leave everything in their place.”

You hum, nodding slowly.

“Do you need help?” The question is innocent, despite your flustered expression not really helping in keeping it nonchalant.

Tejo laughs softly, shaking his head, “Pequeña ratona, I’ll be fine doing it on my own. Besides, I think you have an appointed date with Miks, don’t you?”

The mention of his name brings a sour mood, scowling at the idea of entertaining him in a conversation when that’s the last thing you need right now. 

“Don’t call it that…” you mutter, “It’s not a date. And I just know he’s doing this to annoy me further. As if it wasn’t enough breaking my ankle, now he wants to take up my time.”

“It’s hard to believe Miks really meant to hurt you.” Tejo motions with his head towards the hall, walking together side by side. “Let’s make a deal, I’ll let you help me, but in exchange you have to tell me what’s going on with Miks.”

You grumble, emotions clashing in your chest, “You only want the tea.”

“Of course I do. Being this old, I can only live through the youngsters’ drama to keep myself on the loop.”

“You are not old, Tejo…” you say quietly, patting his arm. “You are in your prime.”

He chuckles, “Thank you, that’s flattering.”

The training grounds are just like you left them: bots scattered everywhere, shells of bullets littering the floor, and Miks’ destroyed stereo bot broken and abandoned in the corner. 

The guilt is what makes you take action and prioritize picking it up, piece by piece, to put it away in a bag as Tejo brings an empty metal crate to toss the broken bots inside. You work in pleasant silence alongside Tejo who starts humming happily, eyeing you from time to time and making sure you are okay.

Only when you are sure you have collected all the broken parts of Miks’ stereo, you begin helping Tejo with the rest of the bots.

“Well?” he interrupts the quiet, leaning against the metal crate as he watches you work, “where is my promised gossip?”

“I never said I’d agree.” You reply nonchalant, tossing a robotic head into the pile. 

“C’mon, don’t be like that.” he sighs. He rests his shades above on his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. “If we’re going to keep working as a team and be sent on missions, I’d rather have some knowledge in whatever your quarrel is to avoid confrontations.”

“Can’t you just…I don’t know, put me into another team and we avoid this conversation?”

Tejo calls your name softly, as if exasperated by your answer and the sudden attitude, and kneels next to you. His hand is gentle when he tips your head up, thumb grabbing your chin to look into his eyes. You can’t help the sudden shudder wracking your body when your gazes meet; his caramel eyes look tired, a little worn off on the edges with the years laying on each crease of his expression. 

Your heart threatens to escape your ribcage, goosebumps rising when you hear the rumble of a chuckle slip past his lips, and not missing the way his eyes roam your face in curiosity. 

“I might be old, but that doesn’t mean I can’t see you saying things just for the sake of it.” he laughs gently, letting go of your face. You inevitably try to chase after his touch but catch yourself on the act, clearing your throat in embarrassment, “Besides, you might regret it. You're taking things for granted.”

You huff a laugh, flustered, “Yeah? Like what?”

“This great team leader, of course.” he points to himself, a grin panting his features. “Este fino espécimen guapetón no lo encontrarás en otro lado.”

Your eyes narrow, lips tugging into a smile, “I only understood guapetón, and it’s only because you’ve called yourself handsome so many times before.”

“Where’s the lie?”

“That’s not the point, Tejo.” You stand, tossing a few pieces into the metal crate, “I love working with you, you know that.”

The confession is meant to reassure him in case you’ve offended him, but it only serves to embarrass you further. Tejo grunts in contentment though, humming under his breath as he considers your words.

“I remember you said the same thing about Miks when he first joined, didn’t you?”

Oh, the bastard, “No.”

“Yeah, I remember now.” he says, ignoring your pleading face, “You even told me he was…what did you call it?”

You whine, “Noooo, stop!”

“Ah-ha!” he snaps his fingers, smiling triumphantly, “You said he was handsome.”

“Noooooo, shut up!”

“And pretty,” he starts counting with his fingers, “and cool, and gorgeous. Honestly, I’m offended you’ve never called me none of that before.”

“Not to your face…” you reply with a pout. “Anyway, that was a long time ago.”

“So you don’t think Miks is any of that anymore?”

“I-I…uh,” you stammer uselessly. “...I don’t know?”

“Hey, now, aquí está lo picante.” Tejo searches your gaze, raising a brow in mocking with a smirk when you look at him defeated, “What happened that you don’t find him appealing out of the sudden?”

“Are we really doing this now?” 

Tejo shrugs, “Sure, why not. No one else is here to hear your laments.”

“Oh, shut up,” you slap his arm, chuckling. “You are treating this like a fallen out romance story when it’s all a one-way thing. Do you really want to hear this?”

“I’m all ears.”

You hesitate for a moment, thinking it over and making sure if this is what you want. The love you had for Miks is a topic you never discussed with anyone; and when your friendship ended, you thought it was for the best that no one knew to avoid pity advice, and fake reassurance that everything was in your head.

Maybe this is the outlet the world is giving you to free these contained emotions to finally move on and forget about him. To come to peace with his indirect rejection of you, and be able to chase after the one you are in love with now.

“Okay, where to begin?” you mull over your thoughts for a moment, “Miks used to be very friendly with me. We would often talk outside missions and hang out at the radio station after long hours of training.” You give a weary sigh, shaking off the embarrassment, “I developed a crush on him rather quickly, and soon I fell in love with him.”

“That easy, huh?” Tejo nods, motioning to continue, "What happened?”

“That’s a really good question.” you mutter, “One day he just…turned on me. Talking shit in front of me, sabotaging my training, going as far as to make it impossible for me to be at peace without his constant teasing, or voice, or beats drilling my ears. And it hurt me not knowing how to talk to him anymore because he would dismiss me or straight up ignore me.”

“And then?”

You purse your lips, pondering quietly, “And then I decided that forgetting him would be for the best least I wanted to get beyond disappointed."

Tejo hums, “Since when did his behaviour switch?”

“Damn, Tejo, you think I got it written down or something?” you joke, huffing a laugh, but you do have an answer to that. “I think after he started joining us on missions more often. Before that, he was very sweet and a gentleman with me, and after? God, he looks at me with such disdain I’d have assumed I’m the one tormenting him and not the other way around.”

“I find it fascinating he’s got a bone to pick with you when you clearly haven’t done anything.” Tejo mutters, unable to hide the smirk off his face, “Do you know what he reminds me of?” 

“What?”

“A little kid with a crush.”

Tejo startles when you bark a laugh, completely caught off guard and laughing your ass off. You try to contain the giggles, and clean an invisible stray tear to add to the comedic bit, but you can’t help but rejoice in his choice of words for something as dire as your situation.

“Oh, who knew you were so funny?” You say between chuckles. “Miks? With a crush? Yeah, sure. Next time he tries to put an accidental bullet between my brows I’ll assume he is trying to ask me on a date.”

“I’m not joking.” Tejo replies with a roll of his eyes. “I never said it was a healthy crush. Obviously he has taken the bully route to try and salvage his dignity and emotions if you were, in the hypothetical case, to reject him.”

“Tejo, oh my handsome and talented leader,” you mock with a longing sigh, “it’s hard enough to admit I felt something for Miks despite everything. But to think he only bullies me because he…what, he likes me? That’s a reach.” You scoff, “Did you know he almost got me killed in the last mission? If it weren’t for Clove, I’d probably be stuck in one of the medical beds on queue to get revived or worse.”

Tejo’s next words die on his throat when he listens to the information that was never relayed to him. The surprise that colors his face is enough telltale to believe he didn’t know any of it and you don’t know whether to feel offended or relieved.

He calls your name softly, a frown pulling his brows, but then his voice switches to something more clipped and tight, “Cariño, I wasn’t informed of such a thing. Miks wouldn’t be standing where he is breathing the same air as yours if only I knew.”

“It’s okay, Tejo. I’m just trying to make you see why I don’t find it believable that he might have a crush on me and it’s the reason he has taken it out on me.” The reply comes off as apathetic, although your stomach flutters knowing Tejo cares deeply for you. “The only solution I could come up with was to get assigned to another team to keep things at peace.”

Tejo shakes his head, pursing his lips.

“Don’t let that be the only solution.” he approaches, landing a hand on your shoulder. “I’ll talk to him. If he doesn’t improve, I’ll make the arrangements to swap him with someone else.”

You coo, leaning into his side and wiggling your eyebrows, “Aww, you don’t want me away from you, dontcha?” is said with a teasing tone.

“No, I don’t.” he replies truthfully, smirking. “We are stuck together, ratona. Through and through.”

Ah, there it goes, your heart threatening to burst through your chest.

You don’t dignify Tejo with an answer, but your expression is enough reward to have him chuckling under his breath, pulling you near in a crushing hug. The hug is reciprocated with the same fervor, inhaling his scent deeply as he caresses your back gently. Both stay like that for a long while, rocking in the same spot, and with him humming a gentle jazz soundtrack from the movies he likes to watch late at night in the common room. 

It’s comforting. He is just what you needed after the awful day you’ve been having, and couldn’t ask for more than what he's offering. 

“I’ll go and talk to Miks.” you announce in a quiet voice. “I’ll apologize for breaking his bot and see where it goes from there. I can handle this problem, Tejo.”

“Okay, I’ll trust you. But don’t hesitate to come to me if you need help.” he tells you in a stern tone, “We don’t need more trouble within our lines. Not with how Legion have started to push back against us lately.”

You nod, biting your lower lip, “The missions are getting more violent with their agents reducing in number.”

“And it will get worse until they have our Sage in a coma like theirs.” Tejo sighs, brushing his silver hair back. “Go and fix your quarrel, preciosa. Tell me if anything happens.”

“Don’t call me that,” you mumble, embarrassed. 

You wave him goodbye and exit the training grounds, sighing deeply as your whole body sags against the wall once the sliding doors close.

Talking with Tejo always leaves you on edge with how troublesome your heart gets. It’s exciting, but it wears you off more often than not trying to keep a decent façade in front of the man you like. There is so much a girl like you can take, and with his constant pet names and how kind he is to you, you might end up getting to the wrong conclusions.

“Hey.”

With a startled yelp, you turn around to face Miks a few meters from you. 

He’s got a hand inside the pocket of his pants and the other hovering in the air, hesitant, before he waves at you. His expression is cautious as well as the distance he’s put between you two, as if afraid of breaching your personal space and uncomfortable with how fast your demeanour changes when having him within the same room. Your muscles seize under the pressure of his gaze, and your mouth flattens to a tight line. 

Miks can’t help but frown with bitterness seeing you so…uptight and closed-off; a complete switch up with how carefree and relaxed you were with Tejo inside the training room. An unnamed emotion bubbles up inside his chest, frustration crawling beneath his skin as he breathes a heavy sigh and tries to maintain his anger at bay.

The least he needs now is to scare you off again.

“Sorry, I—” he coughs awkwardly into his fist, green eyes avoiding you, “I was waiting for you to come to me on your terms but…I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

A tiny angry vein pops on your forehead, lip turning downward, “I’m perfectly fine, as you can see.” you answer through clenched teeth. Miks gulps visibly, nodding. 

“I-I see.” 

A silence falls between you two, uncomfortable and tight with tension. You are still frowning, glaring at him despite trying to smooth out your emotions, and Miks is keeping eye contact although it’s clear he feels uneasy. 

It’s him who clears his throat in an attempt to fill in the quiet, hand tugging the collar of his hoodie, and motions you with his head towards the hallway.

“Do you mind if we take a walk?” he asks you nervously. 

Just to be petty, you shake your head, “No.”

He groans, “Please? It’s just a minute. I just…I just need to talk with you.”

“Aren’t we doing that now?” 

“Why are you making this so much harder for me?”

He sighs in frustration, covering his face with his gloved hands. When Miks reveals his face again, you can't help but feel a little shiver run down your spine as you realize his expression borders on desperation. 

“Please, just this once, trust in me.”

Pleading with both of his hands in front of his face, green eyes shining under the dim light and the slight pout on his lips is enough to render you weak. You can feel a blush creeping up your cheeks then, nodding slightly.

“Okay.” You say, regretting your words as his expression morphs to something happier. Your heart skips a beat, screaming internally from the sudden wave of feelings overwhelming your brain. 

“Thank you!” He bounces on his place, giddyness taking hold of his actions. “C’mon, let’s find somewhere quieter to speak.”

Miks leads the way through corridors and corridors inside the base. The buzzing of the fluorescent lights and the quiet steps your shoes make is the only sound echoing as Miks stops in a far corner of a hallway. 

There are crates and boxes piled up on a side, and a few discarded and broken guns inside big trash bins. It’s surprisingly clean to have so much junk around, and you can’t help but wonder how he found this corner in the first place.

“I like to wander around when I think of my next sets to mix.” he says mindlessly, picking an empty chamber of bullets. “I stumbled across this by accident, and found a lot of shit to use to try out new sounds. It kind of became my tradition to come look for new stuff and experiment when I need to brainstorm.”

“Does no one clean this up?” 

Miks hums, thoughtful, “I suppose someone does. Every time I come back, these things have been swapped to other kinds of stuff, it's kinda sick.”

You kick a box, huffing a laugh, “Sort of. You give the whole meaning: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, a very curious meaning.”

“What is that supposed to mean?!” he barks a laugh, knocking his hips against yours. You slap his arm without any real heat behind, laughing alongside him.

“Nothing! It’s just funny that you are like the trash man rummaging through stuff to see if it makes pretty sounds.” Miks’ heart skips a beat when your eyes meet, flushing red under your playful gaze. “You’re almost like a racoon.”

“Me?!” he giggles bashfully, “Racoons are so mischievous and always up to something, I’m nothing like them!”

“Yes, you are!”

Miks sputters, blush worsening with your cocky smirk. He gives up in trying to come up with a reply and huffs in mock irritation, crossing his arms. 

His façade lasts for a fraction of second and then dissolves into laughter with you joining him. Both lean against a wall, trying to contain slips of giggles and chuckles as silence envelops you gently, lulling the atmosphere into something comfortable.

Your feet shuffles from one side to the other in short inches as a sudden wave of nostalgia hits you. Your eyes meet his green gaze looking at you already, hazed over with an emotion you couldn’t really tell.

“What happened to you?” you ask softly. Miks frowns, but doesn’t answer immediately. “We used to be close friends and now it's like we barely know each other.”

“Were we close?” he echoes your question, an air of defense coming into the tone of his voice. “Is that how you remember us being?”

There’s a pang of disappointment and hurt caused by his question, and you try to not show it, covering your expression with a scoff and a roll of your eyes.

“Yes? We used to hang out together all the time, but then you joined our team and suddenly I became your number one enemy for no reason.” you explain. Miks doesn’t make a comment, but he huffs a mocking laugh. “What have I done to you that hating me became so easy?”

Miks winces, eyes skimming the floor, “I don’t hate you.”

“You don’t have to lie to me.” you rub your arm, uncomfortable. “I know you hate me, why else would you bully me so much to the point of hurting me? I just want to understand why, Miks.”

You didn’t intend for your voice to sound weak and raw when asking him the questions. But now that the chance to figure out what made your friendship break apart so easily could be solved, the desperation was getting the best of you.

This wasn’t a matter of mending your broken heart and moving on freely, without the guilt of betrayal that shouldn’t exist in the first place, but more so to avoid internal quarrels like Tejo mentioned before. There were many strained relationships within the protocol to go up and become one more to the list. Brimstone and Viper have already too much on their plate to be meddling in these issues, so you hope with Tejo’s advice, something can be done here.

But Miks refuses to tell the truth, repeating with the same flat tone from before: “I don’t hate you. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

That only serves to infuriate you.

“That’s it? Only ‘I don’t hate you’ and things are solved?” you bark a laugh lacking humor. “What did you even want to talk about then, if it’s not to clear the air between us?”

“I wanted to apologize for hurting you before.” he replies between stammers, motioning to your ankle, “I didn’t mean to break it!”

“I know you didn’t, Miks, I understand it was an accident!” you groan in frustration, hands balling into fists, “But there has to be something else you want to speak about, like the fact you almost got me killed once or how many times you mess up with me till the point it stopped being funny! Even Clove had to ask you to stop being so mean to me!”

Miks sputters, frowning, “I didn’t get you killed, did I?! You’re still here in one piece and thriving apparently!”

“How can you fucking say that?!” you scream in retaliation, offended and shocked by his stupidity. “Do you think this is a joke?! Do you think I’m not hurt by how you pulled away from me? How much I miss you and the times we had fun? And now, out of nowhere, I became your number one enemy!”

Your voice breaks with each word uttered, humiliating yourself to someone who seems to not care in the slightest. You can feel the telltale ticklish feeling on your nostrils blooming, the need to cry bordering and gathering between your lashes as you blink away the tears. 

Miks is frozen in place, green eyes widened and mouth agape as he struggles to process the image of you breaking down in front of him. 

“What did I do to you?” you sob quietly, cleaning a stray tear rolling down your cheek. “Why do you hate me?”

The other takes a step closer, hand hovering in the air, as if trying to reach for you, but then stops. Miks is hesitant in his actions, eyes roaming your sad expression with unresolved emotions twisting in his chest. He wants to reach out, he needs to, but he doesn’t know how to breach the distance he created out of desperation rather than want.

Before he can touch you, you slap his hand away in a fit of anger. Miks looks at you with hurt in his eyes, words dying on his throat as anger seeps into your system. The frown deepens between your brows and your lips tighten into a scowl, you take a step back as you clean your eyes from its thin layer of tears, trying to keep what little dignity you still have intact.

“Don’t ever talk to me again.” your words come steady despite the slight tremble in your voice, “Next time you disrespect me or my position as an agent here, I’ll make sure Tejo or Brimstone sends your ass to oblivion and away from me. I don’t care how, I don’t care when, but I’ll make it happen so I don’t have to see your face again.”

With that, you turn around with a huff, lower lip trembling and holding back the want to cry. You feel stupid for still harboring these feelings for Miks despite how much he’s hurt you and the things he’s made you go through. You really thought that after all this time, and after realizing you have fallen in love with Tejo now, forgetting Miks and everything about him would be easy enough.

But having him tormenting you constantly, teasing you, making these butterflies roam your stomach as if he was trying to enamour you instead of taking his anger out on you, it didn’t help in the slightest.

Maybe you were already fucked up in the head to tolerate all of that. No normal person  would see his behaviour as normal and still love his ass, you really need to get your head checked.

“Stop, for fucks sake!” Miks slams you against the wall, caging you between his arms as he pants heavily, cheeks flushed red. 

“What the fuck?!” you wince in pain, rubbing the back of your head. “Why the fuck did you do that?!”

“I’ve been calling out to you, and you didn’t stop walking away!” it’s his excuse.

“Yeah, sure. As if there aren’t any other ways to catch someone’s attention than being outright violent!” you smack his chest, trying to push him away. “Let me leave!”

“No! You will listen to me now!” he yells back, grabbing you by the shoulders. “I’ve never hated you! Not before, not now, and never in my life have I ever hated you.”

You bite your lower lip, looking up at him with a startled expression. Miks is breathing fast, gathering courage to keep talking before you think better and just leave him.

“There is no other reality or universe where I could hate you.” He says your name softly, hands softening their hold and skimming over your shoulders until he is cupping your cheeks. A shiver runs down your spine, feeling your cheeks flush under the fluorescent lights, “And I-I’m…I-I’m—!”

He tucks his face under your chin, right against your neck and you yelp, caught off guard and embarrassed by his actions. Miks sighs nervously, hands roaming down your arms now.

He straightens, face red and green eyes gazing at you with determination brimming in them.

“I’m in love with you!”

“Huh?!”

Frozen in time, you watch Miks open and close his mouth after his outburst, green eyes roaming your face for any sign of rejection and hands shaking as he holds your arms in place. When you don’t say anything for a long time, he tests the waters by taking a step closer to you, body an inch away, and face close enough you can feel his breath against your skin. 

His hand gently cups your cheek, thumb running over your lips softly, and gulps down the anxiousness seizing his body. Miks whispers your name tenderly, mouth skimming over yours slowly while he cuts short the distance and kisses your lips briefly. The touch sends a shiver down your spine, lingering for a moment before he starts moving his lips hesitantly, waiting for you to push him away.

But you never do. 

To his surprise, he feels your hands grab him by his shirt, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss to something more needy, eagerness seeping into his actions as he holds you by the hips to pull you flush against his body.

His mind blanks when your tongues meet in the middle, twisting and tentatively licking into each other. Miks feel dizzy when you moan softly, sinking into his arms. Your hands slid into his hoodie, pulling it back by your actions, and thread through his locks gently before tugging and causing a groan slip from his lips.

Every time the kiss broke, it lasted only a brief second. Just enough for a shaky breath between your mouths, just enough to look at each other with wide, disbelieving eyes, before you were pulled together again by a neediness that was difficult to describe. 

When you finally drew apart for oxygen, both of you were breathless, foreheads resting together, only to immediately chase another brief kiss as if even a few inches of distance felt unbearable. 

“I love you.” he whispers between kisses, hands gripping your waist in a vice. “I love you so much.”

You want to speak, you want to ask so many things, but his lips are addicting, his touch is searing even above your clothes, and you don’t want him to be away from you.

One of his hands holds you by the neck tenderly as the other holds your hips in place. His mouth moves with precision, touch lingering and deepening the kiss as he swallows your sounds with eagerness. You gasp, bucking your hips against his pelvis, when his hand travels to your backside, groping the flesh greedily. His hardness is obvious when you grind again, feeling him straining in his pants, and groaning deeply when you repeat it over and over.

“You’re so warm.” he whispers hotly, lips trailing your cheek and down your neck with open mouthed kisses. You move your head to the side to give him better access, fingers tightening their hold on his hair when he bites harshly in the conjuncture between your neck and shoulder, sucking on the skin and licking up the bitemark.

“Miks…” you hiss between clenched teeth, his name escaping your mouth like a prayer.

“Turn around.” he commands you, palms warm on each side of your waist, “I want to feel  you closer.”

You don’t make yourself wait, flipping around and feeling his body caging you against the metal wall. The contrast of the coldness and your damp and hot body is enough to send a shiver wrecking your body from head to toe, intensifying with his hard-on pressing against your ass and his hands roaming every inch he could get his hands on.

He grinds his pelvis roughly, panting in your ear while his hands linger in the expanse of your stomach, rejoicing in the way your muscle spams under his fingertips as it trails right under the hem of your sports bra. Miks’ hands sneak under the swell of your breast then, palms cupping each mound greedily and fondles them, catching the perky nipple between his thumbs and forefingers and twisting it slowly. He is rewarded with a whiny gasp from you and grinding back against his clothed erection in desperation.

“Are you going to fuck me or not?” you ask in irritation. Miks barks a mocking laugh, teeth gracing the sensitive skin of your neck.

“Eager, aren’t we?” He asks. You can feel the smirk on his lips.

“You started this,” is your defense, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks. You push your hips backwards, feeling his hard dick thrust against your ass. Both of you moan at the friction, pushing you flat against the wall and hands squishing your breasts. He pulls the nubs gently, drinking in the sight of your expression morphing to one of pleasure.

Miks continues rutting against your backside, breathless and whimpering when you reciprocate avidly. Your sounds travel straight to his cock and the pit of his stomach tightens with each stroke of his hips. 

“I-I’ve…” he starts, then breaks off into useless stutters when your hand finds the front of his pants, cupping his bulge, and begin rubbing him in slow movements, “F-f-f-fuck…”

“You are so hard,” you whisper in his ear, head thrown back onto his shoulder and fluttering your eyelashes. Your hand strokes him gently, feeling it twitch under your touch and through the clothes, “and I’m so wet for you.”

Miks inhales sharply, nuzzling your cheek affectionately, “R-Really?”

Biting your lip, you blink up at him through the haze of lust, “See it for yourself, pretty boy.”

He doesn’t need more encouragement than that. Miks turns you around in a second, caging you between his arms and a hungry mouth claiming your lips the moment you look up. Teeth clash, wet tongues intertwine, the passion isn’t cut short as he kisses you with raw need, whimpering when you roll your hips against his pelvis and your hands grab him by the neck to deepen the kiss.

Your hands travel to the expanse of his chest, feeling his heart beating erratically inside his ribcage, and fingertips trailing down to his stomach. The muscle convulses under your gentle touch, shuddering as your fingers hook around the waistband of his pants teasingly. 

Miks’ breath stutters between kisses, arousal growing but eager to see what you do next.

As you slowly pull the fabric down, Miks has to stifle a groan when his dick springs free from the confines of his underwear, bouncing against your arm while you break the kiss to see him in all his great size.

His cock is girthy and veiny, head flushed slightly and pre-cum smeared over it. It’s…lenghty. Way longer than your fingers and anything you’ve tried on yourself before, not to mention it doesn't compare to old partners that were lacking in that department. And so fucking thick your mouth watered thinking of sinking your mouth and sucking him dry.

Miks huffs a flustered laugh when you stare at it with your lips parted and eyes widening, feeling your own wetness coat your panties as you contemplate his size in heat.

“Is not gonna fit.” You decide then, breathless. Miks hums pleased. 

“I will make it fit.” he promises, fingers tugging the waistband of your shorts this time, sliding them slowly while his lips entertain yours in a passionate kiss.

Your mouths clash against each other hotly and deeply, feeling his tongue prod inside your cavity with much fervor than before. Your arms go around his neck, pulling him closer and sighing into his mouth when his fingers start touching the entrance of your pussy. He slides in two fingers between your labia, wetness coating em rapidly as he inserts them slowly, getting a feel of your gummy walls tightening around them. 

You moan softly, curling on yourself when the pads of his fingers hit that spongey spot inside that sends goosebumps course over your body in tiny shockwaves. Miks grins victorious, feeling your walls spam, and inserts a third long finger with his thumb rolling over your clit, stretching you nice and wide.

“Oh, fuck—” you hold onto his shoulders, mouth agape as whimpers and groans escape your lips. Pleasure racks your body in waves of ecstasy, grinding your pelvis on his palm shamelessly while he accelerates the rhythm. The slap of skin on your pussy against his palm is loud, squelching and wet, it’s embarrassing listening to the sounds your body makes, but one glance at Miks’ expression tells you enough that he’s enjoying this thoroughly.

“You are doing so good,” he praises in a husky tone, cheeks flushed as he watches your legs close around his hand, hips spamming wildly. “You feel so good around my fingers, ljubav, so warm.”

“M-Miks…god—” whimpers steal your words, throwing your head against the wall, “More, more—!” 

The tight coil starting to unravel inside your belly threatens to burst at any moment, feeling the pleasure build up rapidly as Miks doubles his effort by using his radiant powers and wraps his fingers in vibrating waves to the tip of his fingers.

“Cum for me, please, please, please,” he begs manically, lips kissing your cheek desperately and making its way down your neck. You could hear how aroused he was by the edge on his voice, “Do it for me, sweet girl, please, I need it.”

“Fuck, fuck—” You are drooling by now, too sensitive and overwhelmed by everything he’s doing to your body. Your hips rock against his palm, chasing after the release, “Miks, m’close…”

He licks your drool, a wicked smile pulls his lips, “Good girl, go on, cum.”

When he curls his fingers just right, it’s enough to send you over the edge. Your knees buckle under your pliant weight, draping over him when your orgasm hits you as a wrecking earthquake. Pleasure shatters from your core as he continues to finger you through your climax and the mind-numbing sensation transforms into an overwhelming feeling bordering on overstimulation as your legs shake.

Miks doesn’t stop even when he feels you crying against his shoulder, your voice raw with soft whimpers as you beg him to stop because is too much. He continues to plunge his fingers a few more times, unable to hide his flustered expression and widening smile pulling his lips when he sees the wreck he’s made of you.

“Atta girl,” he mumbles, smiling down at you.

His tongue licks the fingers coated in your juices, moaning at the taste and closing his eyes as he hums delighted. You slap his chest, embarrassed at the display, but it’s short lived when he suddenly grabs you by the hips and flips you around, bending you over against the wall as he aligns his dick to your wet entrance. 

“R-Right now?!” You ask scandalized, eyes widening and face getting hotter. 

“I need you. I want you now,” he replies as matter of fact, fingers running soothingly over the skin of your ass. His cheeks are red, and he is sweating bullets with nervous energy. “I’ve been dreaming of this for so long. To have you for myself…”

His words are embarrassing, but they are said so truthfully you can’t help your heart fluttering.

“To make you mine.” he groans, swaying his hips forward. The head of his cock slips between your folds messily, coating it with your wetness and remnants of your orgasm. “Finally for me to have.”

Despite all the time he spent preparing, fingering you and getting you wet, it still hurts like hell. You squirm uncomfortably as the head slowly breaches you, the stretch nearly painful. You gasp, temple against the cold metal of the wall, and immediately tighten around the intrusion when he pushes another inch. Miks groans, fingers digging into the skin on your hips as he stills at the overwhelming pleasure. 

“A-Are you okay?” he hums softly, bending down to kiss the back of your neck. 

“Yeah,” you nod, face getting hot, “please, keep moving.”

Miks’ fingers sneak to rub around your clit slowly to ease the pain and keep you distracted, dragging out the pleasure as he inserts his length until he fully bottoms out. He doesn’t stop his ministrations, kissing your cheek, the corner of your lips, and right under your ear; he tries to cover every space he can get to, rejoicing in the connection between your bodies and basking in the warmness your cunt gives him.

“W-Why are you so big?” you whine breathlessly. Miks hips bucks unconsciously, dragging out a chocked out moan from your lips. The pain is barely there, goosebumps rising with a new wave of pleasure blooming in your belly.

“Sorry!” he apologizes, face turning red. “Y-You can’t just say those things…”

You bounce on his dick once, testing the waters, and the hallway echoes with both of your moans as a reward. Miks has his eyes closed, breathing heavily on your spine, when he moves his hips all the way back until the head remains inside, and then snaps forward in a deep thrust.

You brace yourself against the wall when he nudges hard and deep inside your pussy, taking your breath away in a clipped groan. Miks does it again. And again, and again, over and over until he finally finds a rhythm that keeps you both tingling in pleasure and constantly gasping for air.

His cock plunges hard and fast paced, the tip of his member reaching and gracing your sensitive spot every time his pelvis smacks against your ass. The hands around your hips tighten with each passing second as he continues thrusting with eagerness. Miks had to fold over you to feel you closer, lips caressing the shell of your ears and kissing the skin he could reach fervently and hotly while whimpers and groans escapes his mouth.

“You’re so pretty, fuck, so good for me…” he mutters, hugging your waist. A hand trails up desperately, skimming over your stomach to grab your right breast as an anchor, and elicits a full body shudder. Your walls contract around his cock so deliciously he whimpers, “So cute, you are—ahg, fuck. You are mine.”

“Miks…” you sigh, moving your hips to meet his pistoning cock. Your eyes roll to the back of your head as he continues to pound you insatiably, rhythm faltering when lust clouds his brain and his legs tremble with overwhelming pleasure. “Miks, h-harder—please, ah…”

“Anything you want,” he replies in a gasp, pulling his hips back and then slamming it with a powerful thrust. “Everything I do is for you.” 

Your walls spams around his dick, fluttering and gripping him in a vise when you feel the tip of his fingers toy with your clit in tender circles, and then shockwaves of pure unadulterated pleasure wrecking you as he applies his radiant powers to stimulate you further. Your words slurs into nonsense, closing your legs around his hand when the pleasure overwhelms you, but he doesn’t stop fucking into you with wild abandon, making it his mission to make you cum around his lenght.

“Miks, o-oh, fuck!” you scream in surprise when he graces your cervix, pain and pleasure mixing together as he aims to that spot over and over. “A-Ah-hah! More! Fuck me harder!”

Miks cries out when your hand grabs him by the hair, turning his face around in a harsh tug to find his lips and kiss him deeply while he continues pounding into your cunt. His pace doesn’t stop, driving you crazy and blind with lust.

It’s too much. This is more than he can handle. More than his dreams and imagination could ever conjure up, and more than his hand alone could provide; because nothing was better than living reality right now.

Being engulfed by your wet heat, sucking him in every time he pulls back, kissing him like your life depends on it and moaning his name, allowing him to have this moment with you, fucking your brains out just as he has fantasized and not someone else doing this to you—thats enough to send him over the edge.

“I love you,” he moans your name between gasps, hips snapping deep inside you as the coil in his gut suddenly snaps. “I love you—!” 

A deep guttural groan rips off from his chest as his hips jerk forward once again, white-hot pleasure blinding him as he unabashedly spills every drop of his cum inside your pussy; thick and heavy ropes of white coating your velvety walls, and deep inside your guts you begin trembling as you are filled to the brim.

His fingers have stopped moving, but the vibrations have only amplified to the point you reach your orgasm a few seconds after his with a cry of his name. 

Your eyes roll to the back of your head, a whiny whimper falls from your lips as you fuck yourself on his thick cock to ride out the pleasure. Miks gasps softly in your ear, overstimulation coursing his veins when he feels you moving, but too exhausted and blissed out to stop you, so he lets you do whatever you want with his dick as tears gather in his eyelashes.

When you start feeling weak in the knees, and when Miks doesn’t stop with the vibrations overstimulating your sensitive nub, you have to nudge him to get him off you, whimpering when his softening cock exits your cunt with a lewd slick sound. 

You can feel his cum starting to run down your thighs, and Miks sees it too, fascination brimming in his eyes as he scoops it up and plunges it back where it came from.

“Fuck, Miks,” you startle with a shiver, feeling fingers re-inserting into your heat. “N-no, stop.”

“Sorry,” he mutters, pulling his fingers out slowly. The pads ghost over your pussy lips, and he bites his lower lip trying to keep himself under control as he sees you bend over and pull your panties and shorts back on. 

Miks starts fixing himself too, pulling his dick inside his briefs and tugging the waistband of his pants up to appear slightly decent. His shirt has crumbled, and his gloves are damp, but there is nothing he can do about that and doesn’t really care.

You have turned to face him, back still resting against the wall for some support, and your expression is nothing short but flustered and insecure with the way you keep looking at him and then avoid his gaze when he searches your eyes.

The silence that follows is uncomfortable. Miks doesn’t know where to start the conversation that is due, sweating slightly and hands getting clammy as he feels the beginning of the anxiousness start eating him away.

“I’m not mad.” You interrump his thoughts. “But I want to understand where does this come from. Just…why?”

“Why what?” he replies stupidly. The deadpan look on your face is enough for him to drop the act, “Sorry…I’m just…nervous, I guess.”

“You just fucked me so hard I’ll probably be sore later, Miks. Nervous is the last thing I’d expect from you.”

He blushes, groaning, “D-Don’t say it like that!”

“But is true.”

“Listen, I—I don’t know where to begin.” Miks gulps, feeling the blush worsening, “I just really like you. A lot. When you started treating me well and kindly at the beginning, I couldn’t help but fall in love with you.”

You nod slowly, motioning him to continue. Miks purses his lips.

“Are you really going to make me say everything?”

“It’s the least I deserve after your unjustified attitude this whole time.” you cross your arms. He raises his hands in surrender, sighing.

“I was…jealous. You and Tejo have a very…interesting relationship.” he continues, avoiding your eyes. You can sense the anger coating his words, “It messed me up thinking I was just a toy for you to play around, and then toss me to the side after you got bored of me to go to him after you had your fill.”

Miks sighs, scratching the back of his head in a habit to calm himself down. You don’t stop him nor interrupt him, letting him speak at his own pace.

“I see the way you look at him,” he confesses, brows furrowing. “I see how you trail after him, how you rejoice in his praise, how he indulges and pampers you, and I couldn’t help but get enraged because I thought that someday I could have that all for myself and—”

“Miks…”

He shakes his head, laughing bitterly, “Listen, I was the one who was delusional enough to think you could do something like that. I was stupid and blind for not realizing you wanted to be with me. And I was in the wrong for treating you the way I did, even risking your life for petty jealousy.”

“I forgive you, Miks.” You grab his arm gently, catching his attention. “And I appreciate your feelings for me.”

Miks smiles without energy, the pain in his voice is clear, “So you don’t feel the same, huh.”

“I used to.” You admit, your hand trails down his arm and intertwines your fingers with his, “I was madly in love with you, Miks, but I don’t think I am anymore. I’m sorry.”

He nods, “Of course, that’s understandable.”

Miks’ hand tightens on your hold, biting his lower lip as he breathes deeply to try and keep his emotions at bay. 

You let him be, thumb caressing the back of his hand in a weak attempt to comfort him as his gaze falls to the floor dejectedly and his lips purse downwards. His expression is pitiful and sad, given the circumstances, and part of you is relieved he isn’t crying because that’s a whole nother problem to deal with.

Suddenly you are pulled forward, and before you can react Miks’ lips captures yours in a gentle kiss. It’s so sudden and quick you can’t help but yelp, the softness of his mouth moving slightly to get a feel of yours, and before you can break it apart, he does it for you, panting heavily against your lips.

“I know you love Tejo,” he states, much to your dismay. “But you are not in a relationship with him, am I right?’

“Uh…n-no.” you reply feeblely, “I wouldn’t have let you have sex with me just now if I were dating him.”

“Good.” he answers, smiling. His usual energy returning to him like nothing happened, “I’ll make you fall in love with me again.”

The confidence in which he says it makes your heart flutter in embarrassment, feeling your face hot with a blush. Miks has this mischievous look on his face, handsome and so sure of himself, it leaves your brain reeling in confusion. 

“Come again?” you ask.

He barks a laugh, eyes shining with mirth, “I’ll make you fall in love with me again. So please, wait for me.”

“Wh-What?”

“One chance,” he begs, holding your cheek with his free hand, “Let me be worthy of your love again, please.” 

Much to your surprise, Miks lowers himself to the floor until he is kneeling, looking up at you through wet lashes and adoration brimming in his green eyes. He holds both of your hands close to his mouth, kissing your knuckles gently, and sighs softly. 

“Please?” 

Flustered, you try to pull him up, “M-Miks, don’t do that. You don’t have to do this.”

“I do.” he shakes his head, “This is the least you deserve for all I’ve done and won’t be enough. And it’s selfish of me to ask you to wait for me, but I love you. I love you so much seeing you with someone who isn’t me is going to kill me.”

“M-Miks, I-I…”

“Just let me try,” his brows furrow, expression twisting into desperation, “I’ll make you happy, I promise.”

Biting your lower lip, you weigh his words and consider them carefully. The circumstances are not the best nor the timeframe is enough to consider if it’s a good idea to accept him. But his begging pleas and sad doe eyes are enough to lower your walls rather quick and you give a tentative nod, watching his face lighten up as he hugs your midsection and burrows his face in your stomach.

“Thank you, thank you,” he mutters, sighing in relief. “You won’t regret it.”

Your fingers threads through his brown locks gently, sighing defeatedly as he doesn’t stop hugging you. It would have been a tender moment if it weren’t for the pressure he was applying and the uncomfortableness between your legs and his cum still pumped inside you.

“Hey, uh, will you let go?” Miks looks up, a pout tugging his lower lip, “I really want to take a shower.”

“Do you want company?” he asks.

With a deadpan tone, you reply, “No.”

“Are you sure?” 

Narrowing your eyes, you peel him away from you, pursing your lips, “You are really testing the limit.”

“It’s because I love you.” he whispers your name softly, smitten and completely over the moon. 

This might not have been the best execution when it comes to amending things, but you won’t start complaining about the end result with Miks and you being sexually and emotionally satisfied.