lost ghost

Gekko senses the moment Wingman goes back to slumber with his companions. His thumb brushes over the glass, watching in amusement while they swirl around comfortably as he struggles to find some sense of tranquility in this space.

He whines, head thrown back on the couch, “For a place supposed to be brimming with people, it sure is dead round’ these parts.”

Most of the agents have left for missions earlier that day, leaving only the most reclusive people at the base alongside him, hence the quietness. 

It’s not like he didn’t want to go—he’s always eager to team-up with his allies in battle and have time to bond through killing their counterparts— but the reasoning of Brimstone when assigning the teams is based on whether or not their powers and abilities compliment each other and not how well they get along.

KAY/O and Skye were out on two different teams, so his kits were not really necessary for the mission at all. Sova was out of commission after getting injured and Fade was…well. He doesn’t know her whereabouts, but she must surely be busy with something important instead of hanging out with him.

And Breach? Breach is Breach. The man is unable to stay still in one place, so he must definitely be either hitting the gym or committing crimes. Not really of his taste.

That only left him, the last initiator, back at HQ. 

Most of the sentinels were with him at the base, too; but like the cliché they are, none of them were eager to share their spaces with others nor entertain him in, how did Chamber put it… 'dumbassery' of sorts. 

Rude, in his opinion. It’s not Gekko’s fault that they don’t know how to have fun outside of missions. 

“I’m surprised to see you here.”

Whipping his head around, he finds you leaning on the doorway with a clipboard on hand. 

You’re wearing your combat uniform and gear, shades resting nicely above your nose and concealing your emotions behind them. The tone of your voice doesn’t give away whether you’re really surprised or simply being polite now that you’ve decided to direct him a word.

Gekko tries to control the jump his heart makes and prays the warmth on his face is something he’s feeling and is not seen by you.

“I’ve got no missions today!” Turning his body around, he rests his head on the back of the couch to get a better view of you without breaking his neck. “I thought you left with Sage hours ago. Weren’t you going to…uh, what was it called…”

Frowning in concentration, he tries remembering the name of the place you were to set off, but none came to mind. Ice cube? Ice mountain? It had something to do with ice and something something…right?

“I can see smoke coming out of your ears from your thinking alone.” The subtle smirk on your face is noticed by him. He can’t help but pout at the teasing. “Sage was unable to go to Icebox with me. She is taking care of Sova’s injuries from the last mission.”

“Icebox, that’s it!” He snaps his fingers, grinning. Gekko watches you walk towards the sofa and sit next to him. “So, what's up? Change of plans now?”

Nodding, you go through the pages in the clipboard before looking at him. 

Gekko seems eager, if not a little energetic, all jittery and fidgety with how often he toys with his gloves.

Biting the inside of your cheek, you consider asking him to duo with you on the task that was assigned. It’s a tough decision when you know you can’t candle someone of his caliber: a ball of energy and peppy personality; but with abilities that might come in handy if the situation calls for it.

This is an important mission, and you haven't worked with Gekko before. It would be a gamble whether the mission goes well or everything gets busted and you both lose their lives in the try.

Gekko waves his hand in front of your face, a frown on his features. When he snaps his fingers once, your sight lands on his hazel eyes, “Hola? Are you okay there?”

Avoiding his question, you decide to deflect it with another one, “Do you know where Cypher is?”

“I think he’s still in his room. I tried going in but I got tangled with his tripwires at the entrance and he shut me off.” Crossing his arms, he sighs. “I’m kind of tempted to think he doesn’t like me very much.”

No shit, you think frustrated.

Who goes into someone else’s bedroom without being invited? And Cypher, out of all agents.

He’s literally an intel made person, it’s no wonder he has his room secured enough to hide his secrets under lock; he’s the worst person to skip over pleasantries and be fool enough to think he wouldn’t do anything but protect it. 

Gekko has pissed him off, then. Great. Out of options.

“So he is in no mood, got it.” 

“What do you even need him for? He is such a grumpy man to work with.”

With no desire to argue, you leave Gekko to run his mouth about why he is so pissed about most sentinels at the protocol and how little social life they have to be wasting it holled up in their rooms.

The need to defend Cypher is big, but you know the man has cameras and hidden microphones all over the place and you don’t want to say something of concern in his presence—digital presence, in truth—or worse, out yourself with the soft spot you have for the secretive man.

Cypher wouldn't let it die down.

“...And you know, I tried speaking with Brimstone about having activities inside the protocol to strengthen our partnership, friendship, whatever the heck we are so we can be more trusting to each other!” Rolling his eyes, he huffs loudly. “But he said no, because this is not a fraternization house and I should take my work more seriously.”

“He is not wrong.” You comment absently.

“But I feel like it is necessary!” He continues. “How can we be a team if we aren't on friendly terms?”

“Not everyone will be your friend, Gekko.” Closing your clipboard, you stand up and begin to leave. “You cannot force yourself into others just to fulfill your need to get along. If it happens, it happens; if it doesn't work, just let it be.”

“B-but, wait! Where are you going?”

Raising the clipboard, you move it in the air to let him know you still have things to do instead of indulging in his little chat. 

“I'm busy. And I need this done by today.”

“But you don't have to leave!”

Frowning, you turn around to see him slouched over the couch with a pout on his face and a look that begs for you to stay. 

You're not easily swayed by his childish behavior, but you do raise a brow, asking silently what this is about now. If Gekko doesn't confront you about why he doesn't want you to leave, you won't hear him out. 

If he isn't honest, then you won't entertain him any longer.

“See you later, kid.”

Not even two steps ahead, you stop dead on your tracks when you hear him whine loudly. 

When you turn around, he's not even looking at you, eyes downcast and making sad noises; like a kicked puppy. It makes you question how old is this kid to be throwing a tantrum because he doesn't have his friends around nor things going his way.

This is not your problem, though. You can just keep walking away and try your luck with either Chamber or Killjoy to fulfill your task instead of lounging around and wasting time. But deep inside, there is a little fire that has been ignited in your core by seeing someone like him acting so pathetic that you just want to strangle him.

You try not to delve too deep into that thought.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” You spat with anger. Uncalled for, since he hasn’t done  anything wrong. “Fucking childish.”

Gekko looks offended by receiving such rude treatment in a single question that his sad façade is forgotten.

“Why are you—!” He exclaims. “¡Háblame bonito!”

“I don't understand Spanish.”

“Speak nice to me!” 

“I am speaking nicely. I don't get why the fuck you're so childish about this. Do you want something from me? Then say it.”

“I don't want anything from you! I just wanted some company but you're leaving like the rest do!” Huffing in frustration, he scratches his head in an attempt to subside his irritation. 

“You never said you wanted company. What am I, a mind reader? And why is that a reason to be acting like a brat? Grow up.”

“No, you grow up! You are being immature!”

Scoffing, you close the distance in a few strides, hovering over his form with a menacing aura and scowling at his defensive stance.

Gekko is frowning, his hazel eyes holding back a fury only he could comprehend but softens ever so slightly when you approach him and, if your eyes don't deceive you, his cheeks reddens when his sight roams your body now that he had a new angle from you.

He stammers when he asks you to back off, eyes to the side and fidgeting on his seat.

You fix your shades before starting, “I told you I can't stay, I've got work to do yet you insist on me staying to fulfill your own desire? Don't be selfish.”

“Am not…”

“You are. Stop pretending this isn't to make you feel better.”

Gekko's eyes widened in embarrassment, “Yeah? What if I am! Is that something wrong to wish for?”

“No, only immature.” Checking the time, you decide this has taken too long “I've gotta go.”

“Nadie nunca se queda de igual manera. Go off, just leave already.”

You sigh. 

It’s never easy to confront others about their feelings or struggles when they can’t realize something is wrong. You know a person is easy to rile up if you press their buttons constantly, even more when they are aggravated. 

You've heard of the happy go lucky Gekko at all times, bringing laughs and smiles to his fellow friends and filling that void of a friend if needed—but who does the same for Gekko when he needs it?

Usually the people who present themselves as happy and everything figured out, like he often does, are the most troubled. You don't want to be pointing fingers, but this boy has some issues with individuality, it makes you wonder if he's ever had a healthy friendship or a healthy relationship in general.

Gekko seems really upset, but mostly, he looks so worn off that you pity him for whatever he's going through. 

God, you cannot leave without solving this matter. Is going to nag you with guilt if you don't make amends with him.

“I apologize for my behavior.” You begin, Gekko levels you with a skeptical look. “Let’s try this again: I’m busy, I can’t stay, and I’m sorry about that. The others might return later today if you’re patient enough.”

“Yeah, in hours maybe, or never.”

“Have a little faith there.” you shrug. “Aren't they your friends? They are coming back for sure, don't worry too much.”

“It's not only that.” He says. “I- um, I don’t like the silence here, it's too deafening, you know? I just wanted some noise, something to fill in while I wait. I keep talking and talking now because I don’t want it to be quiet.”

“Yeah, I get it. Still, I'm sorry about earlier.”

“I accept the apology because it really was rude of you to snap like that.” Gekko sighs, “Why did you even react like that? Like, what prompted you to do that?”

There is a guess that you don’t want to dwell on because it would be too embarrassing to admit and you don’t think Gekko would appreciate the direction in which your thoughts are going.

“Didn’t have a good day.” You lie. He seems to buy it. “Shouldn’t have taken it on you, though.”

Gekko nods and offers a small smile. Things seem to have calmed down for now and the other looks a little better than before, which is good in your opinion.

“Go,”  He nudges your arm with his finger, smiling. “I think Cypher really likes you in comparison to us. If you ask him, he might go with you.”

Ah, clever boy. 

“Perhaps, I’ll think about it. Thank you.”

Waving goodbye, you take your time to regard him silently before walking away from the common room, sighing in tiredness and stress consuming you entirely when you’re finally out of his vision.

This is not how you expected the day to be going. Just to do your job, return to the base and maybe get a nice glass of wine—you feel like trying your luck and figure out if today is the day you’re gonna like the beverage—puke from disgust because you will probably still hate it and take a long ass nap.

But by the looks of it, maybe you're doomed to solo this.

…

No, you won’t be able to finish this alone.

Going back your steps, you reach the common room once again, startling Gekko who seemed to be playing with his knife. He takes a moment of consideration, gaping like a fish out of water before realization dawns on him.

You raise your hand before he can even say a word, watching his smile stretch to a grin while he waits for you to give him the chance to say something.

“I’ll offer this once: I’m going to Ice box, and I need a stealth partner for this specific mission, are you up to this?”

Gekko didn’t even let the question be finished, jumping from the couch with a loud: ‘Hell yeah!’ and a fistpump in the air, a bright smile adorning his face. Doing him once over, you decide that the deed is done and now there is no turning back.

Take it or take it.

“We leave in five. Be ready at the launching site or else I’m leaving without you.”

With that final warning you take off to gather your equipment. 

---------------------------------------------------------------

Icebox is not like it used to be. 

Throughout the time you’ve been working for the protocol, this place has changed a thousand times. You don’t even remember how it was supposed to be in the first place, but your best guess is the omega agents had something to do with it: the cargo ships, the laboratories, everything has been modified to their convenience thanks to Kingdom and their research. 

You are thankful enough that the times Icebox has been in danger, your team has been able to stop the detonation of spikes and prevent further catastrophes. Either you knew the layout better than them or their teams weren’t able to catch up with how fast the retakes took place.

Luck was on your side, you suppose.

This time, however, you won’t need any of that to complete the mission.

Go in, download the data, steal the spike samples if there is some, and get the fuck out of there.

You wish your duo was someone able to surveillance while you get what you need, but it’s okay, you can make this work. Gekko will keep watch while you gather the info, or maybe he can go and inspect the samples near kitchen so the work can be doable and quick to do. 

“Damn, this place is huge!” Gekko looks around him with wonder in his eyes and excitement pouring from every word uttered. “And so fucking cold, god, what the fuck.”

The wind seems to have gotten stronger after many months of keeping this place barred from people. The blizzard was picking up fast, making the snow rise with strong bursts of air and freezing to the bone. The shades you wore were a victim to the terrible weather, making you clean them often with your fingers might as well make them windshields by this point.

Gekko was wearing his usual fit, to his dismay, once he realized this was not the proper fit for Icebox. If he dies from hypothermia or worse, becomes an actual ice statue, it will be partly your mistake for not warning him on time before taking off. Because how can you not be aware that it might be a cold place if the place you’re going is called Icebox, out of all things.

“Here, warm yourself up.” Taking off your coat, you fix it on top of his shoulders until he pops his arms through the armholes. He sighs, burrowing his face on the fur covering his neck and shyly inhaling your scent.

Smiling at him, you pat his head gently and begin your walking towards the rafters on A site. The turtleneck you’re wearing should be enough to cover you until you reach the surveillance room. Being a closed space, you suppose the old scientists might have a heater installed; and if they don’t, you are going to curse their entire lineage for this crime.

“Hey, aren't you cold?” Gekko treks besides you, catching up with your quick pace. “You're not wearing much, I'm sorry I had to take this from you.”

“It’s okay, I’ve worn less before. This is nothing.” It’s not and your chattering teeths gives away how the cold was seeping through the thin layer of your clothes. 

Gekko stretches his arms out, wiggling his hands to signal you to come to him and you cannot help but raise a brow at his antics. Rubbing your hands together to breathe in some warm air you ignore him to reach the destination.

The site is clear, quiet, and echoing the footsteps you fear someone might hear it. Gekko is keeping the silence still, and you wish he would speak or say something so the atmosphere would not be perceived as…deathly.

Is way too quiet.

“I need to download some data from the main room and it might take a while until I find what I’m looking for.” You comment, Gekko nods. “I need you to reach kitchen and find the secondary lab to take some samples. Remember the pictures I’ve shown you on the jet? We need to take them back to base for Killjoy to analyze them.”

“You got it boss!” He exclaims, saluting you. 

“Once you’ve got them, return here.” With a quiet sigh, you nod towards the door you’ve come through, “It’s better to stick together. But I don’t think it’s going to take long for you to bring the samples. It doesn’t look like anyone is here, but still, be careful.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got my crew right here if anything goes awry.” He gives a gentle pat to his pouch before setting off.

That brings a grin to your face. Now, to your mission. 

Opening the compartment where most of the computers are located frightens you a bit. The metal doors sound like they need maintenance with how rusty they crack while opening, scaring you to the bone with how loud it is. 

Everything inside the room seems impeccable and things are where they are supposed to be. Most of the computers are off right now, except for one that is stuck in the far corner of the room, the screen on sleep mode and projecting a small animation of the logo of Kingdom. It’s warm inside, too, which you are thankful for so you can shake off the coldness chilling you.

There is no password required when you move the mouse, the desktop greets you with multiple files organized on the side and you wonder if this should feel as easy as it seems scavenging through kingdom’s most important secrets.

Don’t mind the hours put into learning how to hack into computers taught by Cypher, you don’t think this is going to need much brain.

Getting the usb from your back pocket, you put it in and wait for it to load. Drumming your fingers, you get a glimpse of A site from the window and admire the pristine and cleanliness it maintains while you wait. 

One of the reasons this place has always given you the chills is how weird it works. 

Despite how often it snows, none of it gets inside. As if it avoids entirely to be dirtied by it. Does it have to do with any of the inventions they’ve worked on here? Could it be that it had something to do with the experiments they’ve tested on Yoru’s ancestors' armors? An invisible shield?

Ping!

The computer loads the usb without problems, the work starts here.

Going file through file might take a while, but you hope this doesn’t take longer than what you expect. 

There are some files already open that go over first. There are titles you don’t understand from a few folders, but find the profiles from Omega agents that have basic information and secrets that you shouldn’t even be reading about.

Some archives have coordinates to cities that still exist in Omega world and the current location of every Omega agent. 

All their data, every single mission they’ve been assigned and their contact information is there, in open sight.

Paragraph through paragraph, each sentence you read is worse than the previous and the horror it hides behind this screen goes beyond what you imagined.

Who keeps this information on a scientist's computer? 

This is no coincidence. All you've encountered here has been placed exclusively for someone to find, with a purpose.

Oh, fuck.

Who else knew you were coming? Besides Sage, Brimstone, Viper and you, no one had access to the information regarding this mission.

You trust Cypher with your life to pretend he had something to do with this. And after learning what's going on with his counterpart, you doubt it could be him. Killjoy is a no-no, she is Brimstone protegé and someone who you cherish very much. To start doubting her is to doubt Brimstone.

There is only one agent left whom you found nothing inside these files.

You cannot grasp the why, though.

Someone who wanted to warn you about this and knew you were coming to gather the information that was left long ago—why would he expose himself like this? 

They have an intel, sharing the information openly and creating a bridge of knowledge for both sides without involving themselves.

The intel is here.

And Gekko is alone.

Taking the usb with the information loaded, you run out of the computer room towards kitchen with rapid footsteps.

Your heart is pounding wildly inside your chest, terrified of anything happening to Gekko while you were not there to help. 

Tapping on your comms, the only answer you get while calling out Gekko's name is pure static; that only heightens your worry.

There is a small chance he might be alright and is only messing around while he waits for you to finish. Maybe he's only exploring the sites freely because no one is here and you are just paranoid and overthinking stuff. But until you hear his voice, there is no time to waste.

The blizzard has gotten stronger for the past hour, covering almost everything outside in big piles of snow and picking up air currents. It made the running impossible to do and the desperation to get a hold of your senses, making you feel like your steps were slower or simply not enough.

“If he's okay I'm going to murder him myself.” you take the mental note, worried sick and furious.

Once you arrive to the second floor, you are quick to notice the door to the lab is wide open. There is no sign of your partner nor anything to indicate there has been a fight here. Some things are messed up in the lab so you could only assume it was his doing while searching for the samples.

But where is Gekko? Where the fuck did he go that he is unable to answer the calls?

You stop dead on your tracks when you pick up the faint sound of ticking. Above the raging weather, it is impossible for you to not recognize that awful sound.

Taking out your ghost, the only weapon you brought with you, you swing on the corridor to B site. There is Fade holding the angle with a phantom, she seems bruised and worn off, but still holds onto her phantom with the strength she has left.

You fail your first shot, which is fatal because she injures your leg with one of her bullets before you can land one through her head. You gasp in pain, leaning on the doorway and breathing in heavily while her dead body falls to the side.

The cold is not helping the wound at all, feeling the tender skin burn under your touch and friction against the tight clothing. You're not sure the bullet has exited and don't want to figure it out now, that’ll be a problem for your future self.

Gekko is your priority. 

Biting back a pained groan, you rush to get the weapon, leaving the ghost strapped to your waist.

Hovering over the threshold, you are quick to spot Omega Chamber holding the angle to snowman, undisturbed and unaware one of his teammates has died. The loudness of the blizzard could be in your favor right now, since you don’t know how many of them were left and it seems the comms were unavailable for all of you.

The best option was to keep walking and jump down from the other side. From that distance Chamber won’t be able to detect you and you will have a chance to lower their numbers.

Reloading the gun, you follow your plan until you are close to the bomb. 

The only way to make this favorable for you is to start using your powers. You don’t want to, you always had faith in your aim and supported your missions with that alone. But with no way to know how many are there nor Gekko’s whereabouts, this was the only option left.

Taking the shades off, you breathe in deeply, holding onto the phantom tightly and canalizing the energy from the radianite underground. Exhaling a shuddering breath, you mentally prepare yourself.

One of the reasons you fear your powers is when the spike is down. 

The longer you use it, the faster the ticking of the bomb, the extraction of radianite and the time goes on. There is a connection from the radianite to what you can do—all thanks to the experimentation that they’ve done to make you a magnet to radianite and localize them for Kingdom. 

It’s a bad memory to reminiscent, but if you want to get out, if you want to find Gekko, you will become the monster you promised to never be again.

When you open your eyes, you can see your reflection in one of the cargo boxes in front of you. Your eyes are like waves of a radius, ring after ring moving outwards and magnetizing. 

The white of the sclera and the red of the rings are terrifying and unnatural. Viper once mentioned how evil they made you look like, which made you self conscious as to how the others might perceive you. 

The shades you so dearly wear were stolen from your counterpart when you killed them once a long time ago. It belonged to her, the you from another world, and the thought that you were no different after all made you upset.

It's scary, seeing yourself like this after so long of denying your nature, is terrifying not knowing what's going to happen now.

But there is no time to dwindle in the past.

Every vitals from every person within the spike radius shows in front of your eyes; where are they hiding, what are they holding, and between them, Gekko lays on the floor, unmoving behind yellow box.

The feeling of bubbling anger chokes you, and you cannot help the hellish cry before swinging to a Sage next to the spike and head shooting her.

You can feel the life of her becoming one with the energy of the radianite when she finally dies, going back to where it belonged once.

There is another person hiding behind yellow box, another a little far near their spawn and Chamber has not stopped holding snowman even after shooting Sage. You pay him no mind, perhaps he hasn't heard you yet—you've gotta act quick.

Running to yellow, you quickly swing with the phantom and shoot Yoru in the head, but he bursts into a bright light, blinding you for a moment before you see the actual one shooting you with a bulldog.

Many bullets go past you, but as soon as it makes contact with you, your body swallows them. Yoru makes such a disgusted face seeing your body contort to accommodate the new hosts before he drops dead.

Gekko's body is right behind him, wounds littering his skin and your coat covered in amounts of blood it freezes your heart for a moment.

You know he is alive thanks to the vitals of radianite inside his body pulsing, but you fear you might lose him if you were to stick here any longer. 

Reloading your gun, you throw his whole body on your shoulder. You've gotta take advantage while in this mode, strength won't be lasting for long with how close the spike is to exploding.

Gekko grunts in pain when you start running, you mentally apologize to him as you quicken your strides. The presence of Chamber is nowhere near where you first spotted him. You don’t ponder about it as you rush to the back of snowman and away from the explosion that the spike finally detonates.

Weakness takes hold of you. Without the energy from before and the bullets that Yoru shot you, new wounds start opening up, making you tumble down onto the snow with Gekko rolling by your side.

The boy wakes startled, gasping for air and choking onto his own blood while looking around him in panic. When he spots you shaking next to him and the blood pooling under you, he shakily crawls to your side in hurry to cradle your head in his chest. 

Turning to your side, you finally make eye contact with Gekko, happy to see him awake and somewhat okay despite his injuries. Before you can ask him yourself if he's okay, he lets off a scream, backing off until you are no longer touching and your body hits the snow again. 

The terrified expression on his face should be enough to offend anyone, but dizzy and tired with the whole play you've done, you cannot figure out why he is so scared.

Until you blink. 

You are not wearing the shades.

It must have fallen off when you ran away from the detonation and didn't notice because of the rush of adrenaline. He is staring right into you, an expression you are not able to discern through the wisps of blizzard and eyesight blurring slightly. 

“Tsk, tsk. You've gotten away, then.”

Your hair stands on its ends, turning slowly until you see Omega Chamber hovering over your form with his weapon in hand. Gekko gasps, choking in his own blood until his throat is sore and hurting, but closing the distance until he has you within reach.

Chamber looks down at you, his operator aiming right at your head while you try to hide Gekko’s body behind you. The poor boy grunts in pain, eyes wide in fear and body trembling for the loss of blood; he can’t even utter a word after what has happened.

Is this how you both die?

There is one shot, a second one follows after that and Chamber clicks on his comms.

“The subjects were found dead.” Is what he says, to your horror. There are two holes next to your leg where he's shot, clearly missing the target. “I’ve dealt with his partner as well, I’ll be going back as soon as the spike radius goes down.”

There is a conversation going on between him and the Omega agent that escaped before the spike detonated. The chance of jumping him while he’s with his guard down is high, but would prove to be fatal if his reflexes are sharp with the shorty he has strapped on his hip.

Giving a brief glance at Gekko, you are safe to assume he will be okay for the time being, but not for long if Chamber decides to act on his words. 

Moving slowly, you try to reach for your knife. Maybe if you’re quick enough, you can slice his neck and leave with his weapon.

“I wouldn't do that if I were you.” He warns. There is not an ounce of pity in eyes, which confuses you as to what he wants to do with you both.

“If you’re going to kill us, why prolong this? I knew you were sick to the head, but not to this point.”

Walking slowly around you, he regards you with quietness and a pensive expression. The closer he gets, the more you cover Gekko with your body to create some sort of shield. 

You know you wouldn’t be able to do anything if he were to manhandle you or hurt your partner; the amount of blood pooling around you was alarming enough to not do anything drastic.

“I’m taking a look.” Is his answer. With the barrel of the gun under your chin, he raises your head with gentleness. “You’ve never given me the chance to see you in action, I’m taking the time admiring those beautiful eyes you have there. Enchanting, aren’t they, kid?”

Gekko frowns at his words, with the last of his strength he scowls at Chamber and holds your arm with a weak grip.

“You are territorial as well, how amusing.” He barks a laugh, “You aren’t so different after all.”

He straps the operator on his back, extending a hand to you. “Stand up. Time is running out for you and Viper won’t take long before she asks why I’m taking so long.”

Accepting the offering hand, you let go of Gekko to support your weight on Chamber. The moment you’re on your two feet, Chamber feels the sharp sting on his neck of your knife threatening to cut the skin. He tries to reach for his shotgun, but the pressure of the knife makes him stop.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” You warn. He laughs at that. “Give me one reason I shouldn’t slice your throat and leave you to die.”

“Just kill him!” Gekko chides in, frightened. “He’s the bad guy, anyway!”

“Now, now, that’s not the way to treat your comrades, is it?” 

“What the fuck are you talking about?” you spat, hand trembling with anger seeping out of you. 

“You better get running, the spike radius has gone down by now. I have to report back that your bodies were sadly disintegrated by the explosion so there is no proof of you leaving.” Pointing at the pile of snow covered in crimson, he continues, “The blizzard has not gone down yet, it will be no time until your trail is covered if you leave by now.”

“Why should I let you go alive?”

Smiling, he coyly asks back, “Say, who do you think gave you the information you have now? Quite promising, isn’t it?”

Your eyes widen in surprise at his open admission. It’s not like you didn’t know. But for him to acknowledge and be so brazen about it catches you off guard.

Chamber doesn't strap his gun off nor threatens you when you give him time to make distance, giving you the time to compose yourself and think for a moment what will be the course of the situation.

Gekko hiss loudly, gasping for air when the current gets colder. Not even giving a look at Chamber, you fall to your knees to get your partner before he hits the floor. 

You need to leave.

With your busted leg and the last of your strength, you try to carry Gekko on your back. Chamber approaches then, to help you on your feet with the boy secured on you.

“I'm sorry…” Gekko whispers in your ear, coughing up some blood and sniffing back some tears. You shush him softly, holding his legs tightly.

“Is alright, Gekko, I'm going to take you back home.”

He hums, nuzzling your neck. His cheeks are freezing, “With you?” he asks, words slurring.

“Yeah, Gekko, with me.”

Nodding to Chamber, you start walking away.

“Give my regards to my counterpart, I bet he is doing fantastiqué!” 

You don’t turn back, ignoring his words and moving forward where you left the jet. Gekko has long passed out, having his full body weight on you slows the trail to safety, but you won’t be leaving him behind just because of a little setback.

Only when Gekko is strapped to a stretcher and the jet is set in automatic for the way back home, you can sit on a chair and pass out.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Reporting back everything that happened feels like a far off dream you wouldn't believe your tale if you were to not be there. 

From the files, to the samples Gekko saved inside his pouch, to the confrontation with the Omega Chamber, you think you deserve a little rest.

Your conversation with Omega Chamber still nags your head, leaving many questions unanswered and things inconclusive. There is no one you can confide this information to, so you decide to keep it out of the report before delivering it to Viper.

Gekko seems to be recovering well after healing the most dangerous injuries. Sage did an amazing job calming you down when you arrived at the protocol worried sick and begging her to please heal him as a priority. She did not fight you and complied with the request. 

The boy has said nothing from the moment he woke up and has avoided talking with anyone but you. Being sedated and under many medications to help with his full recovery, he’s been very open and has asked for your accompaniment while bedridden.

Which now lands you on a whole new predicament.

Gekko becomes…flirtier? That’s the only word you can come up with to describe his actions. The sedatives and drugs must be very strong for him to lose any kind of inhibition and bolder in his choice of words.

He asks to hold your hands because he thinks the skin looks soft. He begs you to talk to him to avoid the silence. He asks you to kiss him softly with your permission. He offers his little friends as companions while he rests.

You are beyond amused by his straightforward attitude, and appreciate the direct requests with pure intentions. Much to his dismay, you don't fulfill any of his requests, but speak to him gently so he could sleep better.

You were under the impression the relationship between you two would grow to be closer and in better terms. After the experience on Icebox, that was the only conclusion you could get.

Gekko was still all demanding and whiny when asking for attention the last few days in the infirmary. But when he was discharged after being recovered and a little time passed by that the sedatives weren’t on his system anymore, it became clear it was quite the opposite.

He began acting weird. Weirder than he was.

Confidence is something that oozes off him constantly, finding him caught off guard is not right nor an event that happens often; so you wonder, why does everytime you cross paths with him it seems like he’s trying to become one with the wall.

He gets all flustered, stammering over his words and fumbling hands all over the place trying to excuse himself, avoiding your gaze like it was the plague itself, and then escaping from wherever room you are situated.

There is no moment where you can go and stop him because he always finds a way out. It’s bothersome and annoying that his childish behavior gets the better of him instead of confronting you about whatever has happened or is bothering him.

“Say now, what have you done to our new residential kid?” Cypher asks, tinkering with his camera. “He seems…skittish around you, haha.”

Grunting, you kick him under the table until one of your hits gets him. “Gekko is acting weird and I’m having a crisis. You think I’m telling you this to entertain you with my drama, you devious man?”

He chuckles, caressing his offended appendage after your attack, “Devious, you say? Yes, I am. I’m stating the obvious. My eyes don’t deceive what I’ve observed, dear.”

“Oh, yeah?” Crossing your arms, you dare him to keep talking. “Go on, then, speak.”

Leaving his tools on the table, he leans on his arm, his whole posture seems to change from the relaxed stance towards a more formal one. “Everything comes with a price. Nothing is free in this world.”

“Your annoying self is.”

Cypher hums, fascinated, “Is it now? Go on, you know what I want to know. Tell me, and I’ll offer the knowledge of what’s going on with Gekko.”

Drumming your fingers against the table, you consider his offer for a moment. 

The weight of the information he is offering is not worth what you know. What you’re asking for is a more personal matter. And what Cypher is asking for could potentially endanger the protocol and its integrants if mistakenly shared with the wrong people. And under an oath, it is impossible for you to disclose it to him this easily. Brimstone would have your head on a stick if he were to know.

The keyword in play is know.

Cypher won’t tell a soul, there is no unless, you know he won’t tell a soul so there is nothing to lose here.

Maybe a little bit of dignity because you’re this distraught over a boy, something you thought were beyond and above, but that is a matter for you to figure out later.

“We found the coordinates of the Omega agents. Most are scattered around their world and they don’t have the need to coexist within the same space like we do. At least, not yet.” You begin, Cypher leans in, interested. “They are seen as heroes, not villains. After the discovery on Pearl and what KJ gathered, it’s safe to assume the radianite they extract from Alpha earth helps them maintain and support their world.”

Cypher nods, motioning for you to continue.

“Their world is dying at a fast pace. The catastrophe of the first light seems to be a common occurrence on Omega earth and they don’t know how to stop it yet. They think the radianite is the answer to their problems, so the attacks might occur sooner than we think.”

“How soon?”

You shake your head. “I’m not sure. Killjoy is investigating that aspect as we speak right now. I don’t think they are going to share that information with me nor any of us except Viper and, perhaps, Sage. And until we get assigned another mission, we have to pretend everything is under control.”

“Interesting.”

“Anyhow, we’ve got another problem.” You sigh, “There is one amongst us who is giving the Omega counterparts our information, and vice versa. Viper seems to believe it could be Chamber—so do I, but we have no proof to support the supposition. They’ve yet to discuss how to tread in to obtain more information.”

Keeping the conversation you had with Omega Chamber as a secret might be the wrong move, but if you can work on the shadows and try to get in contact with him once again, maybe you will get a lead as to how to read their moves before they act.

Risky, but willing to test it out.

“Anything else?”

Thrumming against the surface, you consider whether to share this tidbit of information to him or save it for yourself. Because, how do you tell the man who has lost everything and everyone, that his counterpart has been able to get his wife and kid back, unlike him? 

Cypher has been your friend for many years, you cherish him enough to not want to hurt him in any way; for his sake, this will also die with you.

“Nothing more, is just a summary of what I was able to get.”

Cypher hums, contemplating your words and the information given before nodding, satisfied with what he’s learnt.

“Gekko seems to have developed quite the feelings for you, dear.” He announces after a moment. Blinking, completely caught off guard, you scowl at him. “He's in love with you.”

“I’ve given you all the information I've gathered so you could laugh in my face, fucker?” Cypher watches your hands close into fists, holding back the need to punch him in the face. “What else, are you going to tell me he’s been in love for a long time too?”

“But he is!” He defends himself, both of his arms shown in surrender. “It’s not my fault the boy is completely enamored with you now, you can ask him yourself.”

“You are an idiot.”

He laughs, “Maybe, but in matters of love, dear, one is not deceived so easily. Gekko is in love, if not a little obsessed with you now. Say, you don't even know how he looks at you when you're distracted.”

Huffing, you roll your eyes. “Like he's scared of me, for sure.”

“Says who?” Going back to his camera, he keeps going, “If only you were to see how much he hates our close relationship, or how heated his gaze is whenever I approach you. Ah! Young love, murderous and territorial.”

“Someone said something like that before…”

“See? Eyes do not deceive what we perceive.” Cypher chuckles, putting his tools back into its bag. “He won't make a move, and it is up to you whether you want to pursue something with this kid or simply start bedding someone else until he gets the idea, hm?”

“You are disgusting.”

“But I'm not wrong. Better break his heart now rather than later.”

If Cypher isn’t dead by the end of your little chat, it is only because of the years you’ve known each other or else the protocol would be one less man on their lines. 

Something he has said is true though, and is that you can ask Gekko directly what is going on with him to solve the problem. Bedding someone else is not an option, either. You are disgusted by the men working in this place. Gekko and Phoenix are the only ones you might consider handsome and eye candy in your opinion. And the rest? No, thank you.

You have the lingering suspicion that what happened at Icebox had something to do with his shift and new perspective of you. Which you find unfair, since all you did was try to save your asses and he was only awake partly through the end.

Was it the true nature of your powers? The real look of yourself?

But why would your eyes be of enough importance for Gekko to run away from you? Something wasn’t adding up here. Nothing about what Cypher said of Gekko's newfound love for you made sense with the way he was acting. It could almost pass up as if he was afraid of you, right?

No matter. You are going to find out one way or another.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Gekko finds that you can be terrifying when you really want to. It’s almost as if you were hunting him down because he’s seeing you everywhere when it usually wasn’t that common to find you. 

In every dark corner, in the training grounds, even near his room! It’s like you’re waiting for him to lower his guard and kill him on the spot! It’s a ridiculous thought because he knows you wouldn’t be capable of such a thing, but he is beyond frightened by his own emotions and after what he witnessed in Icebox.

To realize how fierce, methodical, hot, you were defending him and carrying him as if he weighed nothing, he is sure you can snap him like a toothpick and he wouldn’t even complain. Which is why he is so concerned! That is the main reason he’s so scared right now, because if you asked him to bend over and bark, Gekko would do it without hesitation! 

Too much, that’s way too much. His own thoughts are embarrassing, and he doesn’t know what he’s capable of when you’re in the vicinity. He needs to keep his libido in check or else he’s going to burst if you were to direct a word at him or worse.

But of course, life never wants to give him a moment to breathe in peace.

Being too tired and basking in the aftermath of his training with Harbor, he can’t find himself escaping once you are able to corner him in an empty hallway.

Patience has been a key in the whole process of waiting for Gekko to be left alone. The boy seems to be surrounded by people all the time, which infuriates you because you wanted nothing more than to squeeze out the information from the source the moment your conversation ended with Cypher. And finally, you have him for yourself.

Gekko looks like a second away from passing out with his red face and how hard he is shaking from the close distance. You thought if you were to put your arms and cage him with no way to run, it would be easy to talk to him, but he isn’t even looking at you!

There is no moment to waste, “Gekko, have I done something to you? Something to offend you?”

“N-no.”

“Then why won’t you talk to me? We’ve literally gone through a life threatening situation together and now you won’t just direct a word at me?” 

He whines low, eyelids lowering and refusing to meet you in the eyes—or the shades, to save yourself some embarrassment— and something about his voice, the way he is acting so vulnerable and weak, ignites the same fire inside you like it did the first time you argued; and to your horror, you are able to discern it wasn’t anger what you were feeling that day, but something entirely different.

Great, now are two who are flustered enough that the conversation won’t be able to go on.

Gekko gulps loudly, eyes darting everywhere except your face and fidgeting slightly. 

On a sudden rush of adrenaline and braveness, you take your shades off, closing it and hanging it on your shirt. Once the other gets a hang of what you’re trying to do, his eyes widen in panic. But by then it was too late.

Your fingers close on his chin, making him raise his whole face to level with yours and finally, his hazel eyes make contact with yours.

It’s a gamble, but you are ready to accept whatever happens here.

There is a whole shiver that runs down his spine when he tries to speak, stuttering over his words but his eyes never leave yours. Too many things, so much blabbering of his trying to fill in the silence to keep his hammering heart at bay, you’re getting tired of it but at the same time, it entices you.

Perhaps some things aren’t meant to be fixed with words.

Your lips crash against his on a bruising kiss, stealing his breath at the contact and swallowing his whines when he tries to speak. Gekko is quick to reciprocate and deepen the kiss, letting his tongue invade your mouth eagerly in an attempt to savor every crevice of your mouth. He devours you with a passion rivalling his energy and you can’t help but match the eagerness.

One of his hands finds purchase behind your neck and grabs a fistful of your hair. The action makes you weak in the knees and your body presses against him, completely engulfing him against the wall as his other hand snakes his way under your shirt. His fingers begin feeling every inch of skin available until the fingertips toy with the hem of your bra. You can’t help the groan in anticipation at his bold actions.

His mouth moves in tandem with yours, desperate and wanting. He has you on an iron grip and right where he wants you as he continues kissing you carnally.

Gekko wants you, no kidding. With the way he is grinding his erection against your pelvis, and how he keeps making these noises when your tongues connect in his mouth, it’s clear as day he wants nothing more than to be entirely consumed. This boy is desperate to bed you, Cypher was right, and you cannot deny you don’t share the same sentiment now.

You groan loudly when his hand gives up and tucks under the bra to grab your right breast, palm toying with the mound and fingers twisting and pulling at your nipple. Gekko smiles against your lips when he hears you moan, sucking on your lower lip and claiming your mouth once again.

Your hand finds purchase on his hip, guiding his erratic movements to a slower pace, and making the friction harder to pursue. This does nothing than to make him aware of the pleasure flooding his system.

“More, please.” he whispers, kissing your cheek and making a trail of wet bites down your neck. “Give me more.”

Oh, he’s submissive.

Holding his cheeks with one hand you redirect his lips to yours, giving him what he wants. Rising your leg and applying pressure on his groin, he groans loudly enough for you to stick your tongue down his throat. His cock feels hard rock against your thigh, twitching inside his trousers, and your own core burns with the same brutality to be filled by him. 

Gekko doesn't know what comes over him nor how he finds the courage to be touching you without shame. From kissing you, to feeling your breasts fit perfectly in his hand and having you ride his thigh unconsciously, is all too overwhelming and hot and it turns him on so much he wants to be devoured by you.

Own me, he wants to say, own me, mark me, make me yours only, please.

His finger racks down your chest with the many sinful thoughts running his head, leaving a red trail of his mark on your body. Gekko’s hand lowers until he grabs a handful of your ass now and tries to bite your lips in an attempt to seduce you. But somehow gets to draw blood because of his eagerness to feel you too. 

You stop for a moment, whining in pain and catching your breath from the make out session.

Taking distance, Gekko grunts in protest, eyes begging you to keep going. But when he notices the slight blood, he panics wildly. 

“I-I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you!” His hands hold your cheeks with tenderness as he watches your lip bleed slightly and get swollen with how hard he was chasing after your mouth. “I’m really sorry, I don’t know what came over me.”

Huffing in amusement, you grab him by the neck and push him against the wall once again, his hands falling to his sides. He seems caught off guard, a surprised expression painting his features while he figures what you’re trying to do. 

Leaning in, you whisper in his ear, “You’re such a brat, you know that?” 

Gekko sighs at your words, melting under your touch when he realizes you are not mad, and nods in agreement. “Yeah, I am…”

Wanting to test the waters, you tighten your grip on his neck, Gekko moans at that, bucking his hips.

“Who gave you permission to talk back, hm?”

You feel him gulp, having enough braveness to let his hand fall on your waist and caress you softly. Your eyes soften looking deeply into his eyes, finally understanding that his feelings might be real.

The tenderness in which he looks at you fills your heart with this unknown feeling. Overwhelming, blooming, that is suffocating. In a good way, though, is pleasing.

“Are you okay with this, Gekko?” you ask. Gekko blushes and nods. Leaning your forehead against his, you smile gently.

“I-If you are, yes, anything.” Your stare is heavy, scorching, but he thinks that has nothing to do with the fact your eyes hold so much power and weight; but because he’s made you this flustered with his kisses.

That alone is enough to rile him up even more.

The blood has dried by this point and you are more than eager to keep going, but the fact anyone could find you both like this, and Gekko would be unable to hide the hard on he is sporting right now, makes you keep a level head and ground yourself.

“Want to continue this behind doors?” you ask him, your hand touching his lower lip with care. Gekko nods excitedly, kissing your thumb. 

“Yes, please.” 

Oh, you cannot wait to wreck and ruin this man for anybody else.