Archive of Our Own

The streets are lively. People are going about their day as if absolutely nothing is wrong with the world in its current state, oblivious to the threat from another dimension. And even though Lyon is by far not as big as Paris, the city in France's central-east holds its own when it comes to loudness. Yoru isn't a fan of the noises around him or the people emitting most of them.

He would rather disappear into the nearest dimensional rift, where every sound is muted. Even the beating of his own heart. But he's not allowed to do so today unless the mission benefits from it, as per Sage's orders. This will most likely not be the case during their current mission which entails the locating of a massive data stream Killjoy has accidentally stumbled over.

Yoru scoffs. Why do they need him for this? He doesn't mind going on missions, in fact, he rather enjoys it. As long as he can fight and improve his powers, at least. Unfortunately he can hardly do that while simply walking down the streets with no threats anywhere in sight. He looks over to Killjoy who is too busy with the data on her watch to be bothered by the volume around them or the sun glaring down from above. The heat is another point added to Yoru's list of why he'd rather not be here. And perhaps that's his own fault for bringing his jacket along—but he'll never admit that. Not even to himself. He's simply still used to Tokyo's pleasant springs.

He'd rather complain. "This country is way too warm for spring."

A soft chuckle comes from his right side. "Ah, but isn't warmth much nicer than the drab cold, non? I cannot believe Brimstone sent me to these cold places on my first two missions. It is almost like he does not like me."

Another scoff from Yoru. He forgot that Valorant Protocol's newest asset stems from France—and he's not sure how he could ever forget that. After all, Chamber has been talking to him basically non-stop ever since they got assigned on their first mission together, which was about half a week ago. Apparently the Frenchman is excited beyond words to finally witness Yoru's skills, but especially his powers, in action. Another reason why Yoru's mood is fouler than usual.

Which he shows, being less than welcoming to Chamber. But Chamber hardly minds, ever the entertainer. His presence is suffocating, unforgettable, and he makes it everyone's business. Yoru throws a sideways glance at him. The Frenchman is tall, posture frighteningly upright while the gold accents adorning every other inch of his outfit, including his skin, catches the eyes of a few too many people the group walks past.

And as if Chamber's mere presence doesn't irritate Yoru enough already he suddenly remembers that the Frenchman is the reason why he's here in the first place. The massive data stream stemming from around this area doesn't make any sense. And who better to send here than Killjoy and a Frenchman. And Yoru? He's simply the failsafe to support Killjoy. Brimstone is still highly suspicious of their newest member and his affiliations. Yoru doesn't necessarily care about the latter though. Hell, he's not even sure where his—or anyone's—loyalties lie. And while Chamber certainly has a disingenuous air about him, it could simply stem from his arrogance. Or his money. Urgh, why does Yoru even care about that pretentious prick?

To emphasize his annoyance Yoru continues his deadpan glare. He finds that he's incapable of turning his gaze away. The golden tattoos that have an odd depth to them reflect the sun's dazzling brightness, and despite not being a radiant, Chamber seems to be radiant. The smell that follows Chamber like a veil doesn't help with the pretentiousness. His cologne is distinctive, like him, the smell of roses and leather. It's pleasant enough, but so strong that Yoru scrunches up his nose.

Despite his self-centered ways Chamber seems to be aware of Yoru's stare. He glances back at him until his full lips curve into a lopsided, suave smirk. A dimple forms on his cheek. Fuck, why does everything about Chamber piss Yoru off so much? And as if all of this isn't enough already, Chamber puts a cherry on top. "We should arrive soon. Eyes off me, my friend."

"I am not your friend."

"Oh, that is too bad. But I am sure we can work this out, non? I would hate to lose out on your joyful demeanor, mon ami."

Yoru frowns deepens. He doesn't know a lick of French, but from the tone in Chamber's voice he is almost certain that mon ami is not something Yoru would enjoy being called. Not that he wants to be called anything by Chamber. "Listen, ばかやろう, just because we are sent on a mission together doesn't mean that I'll be your best buddy. Or anyone's, for that matter."

Chamber's mouth opens to spit out a retort, surely as roundabout as all of his words, but Killjoy interrupts their friendly banter. "Listen guys, as much as I enjoy the fact that you finally broke our awkward silence, Chamber is correct," she states and points at a blinking dot on her watch. Yoru and Chamber reluctantly postpone their staring contest to take a look at the watch wrapped around Killjoy's wrist. Convinced that the situation needs a more professional approach, silence settles between the trio. Killjoy leads the group around a couple of houses, out of the city's center and in front of a steep hill. The hill is covered in untamed grass and bushes, a circle of massive weeping willows enclosing an abandoned building at the hill's top. Behind it, a vast forest spreads out.

"This is it." The German genius points towards the old building, presumably a church from at least three or four centuries ago. Its roof has more holes than bricks while the white bricks of its exterior are silently crumbling to dust. The stained glass windows are mostly shattered, barely showing their colorful glory anymore. A sign attached to a haphazardly placed fence closing the building off gathers the three agents' attention. They step closer to it. "What does it say, Chamber?"

"Entrée interdite pour cause de vétusté." Killjoy gives him an annoyed look at which Chamber laughs. "Ah, pardonne-moi. I should take this more seriously. It says that we are prohibited from entering the building as it has obviously seen better days."

"I think we should break the rules this once, considering the exorbitant readings I get from this place," Killjoy suggests. "Plus Brimstone loves results."

Chamber chuckles. "I have broken the rules more times than I can count. Or care to count. Besides," he pushes his glasses up with his middle finger, "if my eyes do not perceive me, there is already a hole in the fence over there."

Yoru promptly inspects the spot that Chamber pointed out. "This was done quite recently. With a pretty clean cut, too. Maybe I should scout ahead, just to be safe."

"Oh, oui!" Chamber exclaims. "A demonstration of your powers would be most marvelous."

Yoru grunts. Before Chamber can say anything more he makes use of his powers, finds a dimensional tear he can use to his advantage. He rips it open and disappears into it within a mere heartbeat. Once inside, the voices of Chamber and Killjoy are a mere echo around him. For a second there he wonders what it is they are talking about. Whatever, he tells himself before making his way past the fence. The church's massive doors are opened just enough for Yoru to slip through without needing to manipulate the other dimension.

The church's inside is as derelict as its outside, debris from the damaged roof scattered all around. There's a low stone altar in its back as well as a couple of wooden benches that are strewn throughout the massive hall. Oddly enough there is a laptop placed upon the altar. From there, two massive wires lead into a side room. Yoru follows them. He spots four men in uniform sitting around a table. Fuck. They're Kingdom uniforms. From Omega Earth. Child's play, Yoru thinks to himself—until he remembers that he doesn't have a gun on him. After all, the possession of firearms is mostly outlawed in France, so Brimstone suggested that it would be wiser to go without any. Especially on a covert mission. That damned old man.

Two of the men suddenly get up from their seats and walk past Yoru, back into the church's main hall. Yoru curses internally. He feels the rift closing in around him, quite certain that there's not enough time left to make it back to the front door without being spotted. He sprints back into the main hall and contacts Chamber and Killjoy via his earpiece, the only way to communicate in the rifts without everything sounding like a scrambled mess. "Four hostiles spotted. Need backup. Radio silence from me for now."

Killjoy's voice immediately chimes in. "Oh Scheiße!"

For once someone is one step ahead of Killjoy, namely Chamber. "Do not worry. I have an idea. Please keep safe, monsieur Yoru, I will go loud shortly. That is your cue to do whatever you see fit. I will have your back. Killjoy, may you simply keep a lookout for any more hostiles arriving from the city, yes?"

"Verstanden," Killjoy replies.

Yoru's confirmation is a quiet hum—all the noise he can allow himself as he slips back into the Alpha realm. For now he's safely tucked away behind one of the massive pillars in the church's far corner, out of enemy sight. He's not sure what Chamber's plan is, but it better be good. In preparation, Yoru reaches for the small butterfly knife that he always keeps on the inside of his jacket. He swirls the knife around, getting his hand ready to retaliate should he be spotted.

A minute or two pass before Chamber chimes in through the ear-piece. "In position. Two targets in sight," he confirms. Yoru flinches when two rapidly fired and ear-shattering shots echo through the mostly empty hall. He peeks around the corner just in time to see the two guards' bodies drop to the floor lifelessly. "Kills confirmed. Be advised, I do not have vision on more targets."

"I hear more footsteps. Incoming," Yoru whispers.

"I can not get sight on them," Chamber advices. "Trying to adjust my angle, but I do not have a lot of ground."

"What's your position? Maybe I can lure them towards you."

"Outside on one of the massive tree branches. I can only get vision on the altar and the spot where the first targets went down."

"Understood." Yoru grips a rift tether and leaves it at his current position. He waits for the right moment—when it arrives, he moves to another pillar to make a run for the altar, loudly, to draw attention.

A guard promptly shouts, "There!" They open fire immediately, and Yoru makes it behind the massive stone altar, barely avoiding the concentrated gunfire. He creates an echo of himself, leaving the mirror image in his place before he teleports back behind the first pillar.

Yoru observes the guards; one of the, gives the other a hand sign to close in on the altar.

"Merci beaucoup," Chamber commends, the targets very likely entering his sight. Another shot echoes through the church, followed by another. "Merde. I missed the second shot." The guard who is still alive immediately turns towards Chamber, aiming and firing at his position in a suppressing manner. "Under fire. Can not get a shot off without risking a bullet."

"Leave it to me." Yoru lets his mirror image explode, a blinding light bathing most of the church's hall in luminescent blue light. Instead of ceasing fire, the blinded guard wildly shoots into Chamber's general direction. Yoru uses his confusion to dash out of his hiding spot, readying his knife with which he slits the man's throat. Gurgling and clawing at his throat, he sinks to his knees, bleeding out pathetically within mere seconds. "Clear."

"Bravo! Splendid work, Yoru."

"It was nothing." Yoru brushes Chamber's praise off. Unfortunately he cannot deny the way his lips curve into a small smile. "Killjoy, move in ASAP."

Moments later the church's doors open with a loud creak. Two of Killjoy's bots waddle inside before their inventor follows. She joins up with Yoru who is looking through the bodies for any potential information as to why they are here in the first place. "Oh, I didn't think that with hostiles you meant the guys from Omega Earth," she says as she recalls her bots into the watch around her wrist. "I wonder why they are even here. Without any of our copies, it seems. Rather odd."

"Yeah, I agree," Yoru says as he gets up. "Unfortunately they don't have anything on them." He points towards the altar. "There's a laptop there though."

"Ah, that is probably where the huge data stream is coming from. Let me have a look." The two agents move towards the altar, momentarily stopped in their steps by a calling card landing right in front of their feet. Chamber appears in front of them in a swirl of gold, pink, and purple. He adjusts his tie as if he didn't just blow the brains of three men all over a church's floor. His other hand holds his rifle as it rests upon his shoulder. It dematerializes into pure golden rays, aligning back upon his skin perfectly, like they were never gone to begin with.

"Oh, beeindruckend," Killjoy notes. "How does your teleport work?" It's her first mission with Chamber as well.

"The cards are connected to more nanotech tattoos on my legs, laced with Radianite. They look the same as the ones on my arms and face."

"Can I touch the ones on your face?"

"The fuck you wanna touch him for?" Yoru blurts out.

"Yoru, this is literally some of the most advanced tech I have ever seen. Of course I want to touch it!"

"He's a person, not tech. For fuck's sake."

"Oh come on, Yoru. You know what I mean."

There's an argument on Yoru's tongue, but when he sees the spark in the engineer's eyes, he's at a loss for words. Chamber only chuckles. He's probably enjoying the attention. "I do not mind. But I do appreciate the concern, my dear Yoru." With a slight sneer Yoru crosses his arms in front of his chest. He watches with reluctance as Chamber leans down a little, making it easier for Killjoy to reach him. She takes off one of her gloves before her fingers trail over the golden lines on the right side of Chamber's face, down to his neck.

"Oh," she exclaims, drawing the noise out. "It's warm."

"Ah yes, there are still some unfortunate side effects after using the gun that I have to find solutions for."

"Do you still, uh, feel my touch? Will I make your gun appear if I keep touching? Oh, this is so exciting."

"Oui, it is no different from having inked tattoos on your skin. The spots are, in fact, slightly more sensitive. And do not fret, Killjoy. Only I can use my tattoos for their intended purpose." Chamber's gaze suddenly shifts to Yoru, who is silently judging and watching the ordeal in front of him. "As much as I like being admired, I think we should focus on the task at hand for now, yes?" Killjoy takes her hand away, but instead of carrying on with their mission, Chamber turns to Yoru with a subtle curve of his lips. "Unless you would like to touch as well? Is that why you are staring again?"

Yoru looks at Chamber like he's the devil himself. "I would rather drink Viper's poison."

Killjoy chuckles at that. Chamber looks at her, his lips pulling downwards as if she has just betrayed him. "Alright, alright, let me get to work. Let's see what's saved on this baby." The German engineer steps in front of the altar. An eerie silence except for the rapid clacking of keys and the occasional clicking of the trackpad's buttons fills the church. With a deep sigh Yoru starts to move again, restless in the territory that is obviously their enemies'.

Suddenly, Chamber's voice echoes against the high walls of the building. "Why is it that our friends from the other side are occupying a church of all things. And using it for data uploads, too. Étrange—eh, what's the word? Weird, non?"

"Ja, I agree," Killjoy mutters, eyes scanning over the screen in front of her. "This laptop is my double's work. Our friends, as you call them, must have found something nearby, but could not make sense or use of it." She hums, clearly in thought. "I wonder what it could be though. I hate to admit it, but this encryption is terribly good."

In the meantime Yoru has reached the side room the guards were occupying earlier. He didn't have time to look over the whole room when he was riftwalking. The two massive cables originating from the laptop lead into a sizeable power cell that probably keeps the device going as it sends out the large amounts of data.

The room's broken windows are barred shut with makeshift wooden planks while all kinds of scrap metal lays scattered around the floor. Six makeshift beds are spread out next to the desk, and a small stash of weapons is in one of the corners. Nothing looks of interest until Yoru looks upon the desk. On it rests a Radi-Core. He's seen Killjoy tinker on the spike and on her robots often enough to know what these are used for. He carefully picks it up and inspects it, which causes it to emit a soft crackle.

So that's why.

"I think I found something interesting," Yoru says as he returns to the main hall. Almost a little too proud of his discovery, he holds up the Radi-Core.

"Oh, is that not some of the technology you use, Mademoiselle Killjoy?"

"Huh?" Killjoy finally looks up from the laptop, her eyes shifting to Chamber and then to Yoru. "Oh, ja! That's a Radi-Core." She leaves the altar to take a look at the core. "This variant is mostly used by Omega-me to power the spike. It looks broken though, or as if it malfunctioned."

"Perhaps they tried to use it, but it didn't work?" Yoru ponders. "Is that a possibility?"

Killjoy nods. "That's the most logical conclusion considering the slight damage here." Her finger taps against one of the core's part. "The boiler seems to be broken and without sufficient heat, the spike won't reach the needed performance."

"But, mon Dieu, that means that they tried to detonate something close by! All these people in the city—"

"Not the first time they would've done it," Killjoy reminds. "We cannot let them repeat what happened in Venice. At any cost. I have to find a way into this laptop. If I know myself well enough, then everything will be documented on there."

The group calls back to the Valorant Headquarters while still in the church. They let Brimstone and Sage know what they've found. Both of them make it abundantly clear that locating the Radianite that their Omega Earth counterparts are trying to harvest is of utmost priority and importance. Especially since their counterparts were willing to detonate the spike close to a place as populated as the outskirts of Lyon. Unfortunately the two leaders are unable to send any backup as everyone except for them is currently occupied in other parts of the world. Brimstone and Sage, however, need to stay back and manage the line of communication with everyone. They are confident to hear positive results sooner rather than later.

When all is said for the time being, the three agents grab a duffel bag that Yoru found while exploring further. They pack a couple of things into it before leaving—the laptop and a couple of metal parts that Killjoy deemed either important or relevant to her interests among them. Chamber makes multiple phone calls in French as the trio makes their way back to the city. While most agents have cut off their ties with people outside of the protocol aside from family—or didn't have many contacts to begin with like Yoru—Chamber has made a deal to keep in contact with business partners beneficial to the protocol's cause. According to Brimstone, Chamber was an elusive man even before working with them so it doesn't matter all too much.

Seeing as the protocol's next base of operations is in Switzerland, Chamber has made arrangements to use a hotel as their hideout. It's a couple of kilometers away from their current location. Something plain and makeshift would do, but Yoru supposes these words aren't part of Chamber's vocabulary. He leads them into a grand building, its lobby looking ridiculously prestigious and expensive. Too prestigious and expensive for Yoru's taste. And for Killjoy's, if her petrified expression is anything to go by.

Chamber walks up to the counter while Killjoy and Yoru wait in the darkest corner they can find. The Frenchman holds himself with unabashed confidence, demanding attention as if he owns the place. And perhaps he does. Yoru wouldn't put it past that rich bastard. His eyes are, once again, on Chamber. He hates admitting it, but it's hard to look away. Back then. Now. And he hates admitting it even more that he feels a pull towards Chamber.

It's then that the unfortunate realization dawns upon him that the indescribable amount of annoyance he harbors towards Chamber is because he's attracted to the man. Yoru knows his type after all. Tall, arrogant, someone that looks down on Yoru. And Yoru loves showing these type of men that there's nothing to look down upon. And Chamber has all of these attributes except that he hardly looks down on Yoru but rather teases him, praises him and perhaps that makes Yoru's blooming crush even worse.

When Chamber turns around to make sure that his two companions haven't gotten lost in the gold and marble of the place, he catches Yoru staring at him once more. His eyelids lower, lips curving upwards like he knows exactly why the other's eyes are on him. It pisses Yoru off, and while he wants to retaliate, he also swears to himself that he will not give Chamber that satisfaction. Not now. Not ever. At least that's what he tells himself.

Chamber likes the gazes he receives, no matter if they're fleeting or lasting. He appreciates the attention, but doesn't care about it. Not anymore, at least. When he was younger, those gazes boosted his confidence. His ego. Nowadays, his position in the world is an established one, and he doesn't need anyone's approval. However, he does care about a specific person's attention as of right now.

And that person plays exceptionally hard to get, not paying any mind to Chamber. That person is Yoru. Chamber's current obsession. And once a new obsession plagues Chamber's mind he has a hard time letting go of it. It doesn't matter if it's an idea he needs to bring upon paper, a new creation that he needs to build, an investment he needs to find a way into, or, in this case, a person that he needs to entice. And Chamber isn't one to relent until he gets what he wants.

Unfortunately there are more pressing matters.

Killjoy has been occupied with the futile attempt to get into her doppelgänger's own files all night. She's currently sleeping after almost giving up on herself. In the meantime Chamber has started to contact the information brokers he knows if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, his work has been as futile as Killjoy's except for some minor leads. It's times like these when he wishes he could simply hire someone to do the dirty work for him. Just like he did yesterday. Arranging a hotel, a fresh change of clothes for himself as well as for his companions and an appointment at a rental car business that still owes him a favor. These steps were approved by Brimstone as they benefited the mission, but any further involvement of anyone outside of the protocol, civilian or not, is strictly prohibited.

A rare sigh threatens to spill past Chamber's lips. The sudden chime of his phone stops him. It's Yoru. He promptly answers the call. "Allo, Yoru! Where are you? Everything going alright?"

"No," Yoru replies. "I forgot that you idiots drive on the wrong side of the fucking road. I don't feel like it'll end well for me or for you if I drive a car here. Would you mind if I got a motorbike instead?"

"Do whatever pleases you, mon ami, but do not call us these things when it is you who are the cretins. Driving on the left side? Mon Dieu, why would one do that?"

Yoru snorts loudly, and Chamber swears he can hear the overdramatic roll of his eyes through the phone. Even though the two men have barely known each other for a few weeks and talked with each other even less, the interaction feels familiar. "Fine then. Send me the coordinates where you want me to pick you up. I'll be there soon."

Before Chamber can add another word to the conversation, Yoru ends the call. He smirks as he sends the coordinates of the pickup point to Yoru. His thoughts wander as he does, wander to the unspeakable things Yoru's sunny demeanor does to him. Chamber has always had a weak spot for people with that kind of attitude, the kind that ignores him and makes him fight for a single lick of attention. And Yoru is a prime example of that attitude, almost like a gun Chamber designed for none other than himself. Except that Yoru isn't a gun but a man. A man so self-assured yet gruff that Chamber can't not have him.

And just like with guns Chamber loves to play, loves to pull the trigger. And thus far it is exceptionally fun. Chamber orchestrates his actions, the words he speaks to Yoru, the little gazes he throws to him and that will hopefully draw him in. And once Chamber has gotten Yoru where he wants him to be, the real fun begins. Most people Chamber shows interest in are so provoked by his frivolous nature after some time that they want to teach him a lesson, or two, or ten. And while Chamber likes to be the controlling factor in every aspect life has to offer, he loves to relinquish that control like a hot bullet out of a gun's chamber when it comes to the affairs of love.

But despite laying it on thick, especially in the last couple of days, Yoru hasn't been receptive at all. Except for sparse one-liners and the occasional grunt, he has shown little to nothing. But that might not mean anything. After all, Yoru is not a man of words or bravado, but rather of action. He doesn't show much of himself or the high regard he holds himself to unless the situation calls for it. He's arrogant, maybe even contesting Chamber himself in that regard, but he doesn't flail the air of superiority surrounding him around nearly as often. If at all. And Chamber likes it. A lot.

Chamber has yet to figure out how to get underneath Yoru's skin, but he doesn't mind. A challenge makes a conquest so much more thrilling, so much more worth it. As if to remind him of the stakes, a motorbike rolls up in front of him at the parking lot, sleek black frame almost as sleek as the man steering it. Yoru takes a lap around the almost empty lot before stopping in front of Chamber. "Yo," he greets but stays on the bike. "So what's the plan, where are we heading? Killjoy is still asleep, so we don't have any new clues. Unless you found something out?"

"Hardly," Chamber sighs. "I have a few points of interest, mainly old mine shafts that could harbor Radianite not yet discovered by our Earth, but perhaps by theirs. I have sent the first coordinates to your phone, but if any of these locations hold the solution, it would not make sense why our friends from the other side would set up in that church. There is nothing worthwhile nearby."

"You're not wrong." Yoru pulls out his phone, brings up his navigation app. "But philosophizing about them is not going to help us or the people whose lives they were about to take. That's Killjoy's job. All we can do is follow leads for now. Even if those don't get us anywhere. So get on. We need like twenty minutes tops."

Chamber steps closer and blinks in mild disbelief. "So, indulge me my dear Yoru. Do I just get behind you, yes?"

"Yeah, where else would you go? You've never been on a bike?"

"I am afraid not."

"There's a first time for everything, I suppose. Hop on already."

"Oui, oui." Chamber eyes the bike for a second, gathering at least a sliver of confidence that he usually has plenty off. After a deep breath he steps closer and swings one of his long legs over the bike before settling down behind Yoru.

Yoru turns around halfway. His hand that isn't holding the handlebar grabs one of Chamber's wrists, leading it onto his hips. "You should wrap your arms around me and hold on tight. Although I gotta admit it would be funny to see you fall off."

"So very rude." Sarcasm laces Chamber's words. He still wraps both of his arms around Yoru. And although his composure is usually impeccable, Chamber finds it hard to not feel a sense of dread and awkwardness wash over him. He enjoys the unexpected closeness to Yoru though. The proximity of their bodies is exciting, but surprisingly Yoru doesn't seem to mind the closeness.

"You good to go back there?"

"As good as I will ever be."

Still facing Chamber, a reassuring smirk crosses Yoru's features. It appears there for a mere second before he turns to face the street. However, that smirk was there long enough for Chamber to notice, for Chamber to save the image presented to him in his head. He bites down on his lower lip. That glimpse of a reaction spurs his desire for Yoru even more.

Yoru is oblivious to what's going on behind him and revs up the engine, loud and untamed. They make their way out of the parking lot and onto Lyon's bustling streets. Their speed is thrilling and they bypass the majority of traffic easily. Yoru steers the motorbike as confidently as if it's his own body, only ever stopped by red lights. Luckily the traffic becomes less once the pair reaches the outskirts of the city where they hope to find at least a clue or two, but even with time running out on them, fate is unkind to the two agents.

After a couple of hours the sun is shining its last rays, but Chamber and Yoru have not had any luck or success. A frustrated sigh leaves Yoru, about to leave yet another point of interest without results. "This is starting to get on my nerves real fast, real bad," he says. Chamber suppresses a laughter. As if the deep frown on Yoru's face wouldn't have told him that already.

"I agree. Although I will not admit defeat yet, we should probably let things rest for today. Perhaps Killjoy was more successful than our endeavors have been." In that moment, Chamber's phone rings. "Ah, speak of the devil. She has awakened from her eternal slumber." Yoru chuckles at that, a rare sound. Chamber wishes he could indulge in it more. Unfortunately, duty calls. He answers the phone. "Allo, Madame Killjoy? Have you found anything new?"

"Ja! Oh mein Gott!" Killjoy's voice is somewhere between excited and terrified. Chamber puts her on speaker so Yoru can listen in. "I finally found a way into my double's laptop! She used triple DES encryption, but wrapped it up in a—you know what, nevermind! Impressive, but not important! The important bit is, that the hill underneath the church is a Radianite deposit! Her and a dozen guards were sent there to harvest it. The spike's Radio-Core, however, malfunctioned. My double couldn't explain why, but I think it's the same reason why our tech sometimes has problems—a lack of heat! Anyway, she went back via that teleporter in the church. And while the Omega does have teleporters, unlike us, they only work once every few days! The laptop's massive data stream's purpose was to keep my dear double updated about the situation on-site."

"Oh, oui, my Omega counterpart did mention that. Their teleporters may work, but they are terribly unstable," Chamber explains.

Yoru scoffs. "Sucks for them. Killjoy, how many guards stayed behind? Should we head back there to clean up and secure the site?"

"Ah, but this is amazing! There is so much valuable data saved on here. Maybe I ca—"

"Killjoy! Focus!"

"Sorry!" Killjoy shrieks. "There isn't an exact number listed here. However, if I was her, which I kind of am, I wouldn't write a dozen if I didn't mean it."

Chamber puts his free hand on his chin. "So with the four we already took care of that means that there are still eight left, yes? That should not be a problem for the two of us, my dear Yoru." His eyes wander to Yoru, who nods. "Perhaps we should leave one of them alive to ask them a few polite questions. I think our dear Brimstone would very much appreciate that."

"Agreed. Killjoy, can you send the coordinates of the church to my phone again? We will head there immediately. Can you make it there too?"

"Sending the coordinates right now," Killjoy confirms. "I can make it there, but even with a taxi I'll arrive much later than you guys. So don't wait for me, unless you really need the backup. We don't know what these people have up their sleeves or what our timeframe is. Cutting the line now."

Chamber puts his phone back into his pocket while Yoru takes his out. He leans against the motorbike. His gaze shifts to Chamber. "So what's the plan?"

"Get in, one bullet per enemy, get out?"

"I don't even have a gun since this wasn't supposed to be that kind of mission to begin with."

"Oh my dear Yoru, do not worry your pretty little head," Chamber chuckles. "I have a gun for each of us at my behest. Now please, get us to that church before our friends do something regrettable."

"Fine. But never call me dear Yoru again."

"Il ne faut jamais dire jamais."

"Whatever, asshole."

They reach the city's eastern outskirts approximately twenty minutes later, holding their distance as they get off the motorbike. Closing in on the hill via some bushes and trees, Chamber manifests his beloved Tour de Force. "Let me take a quick peek to see what our guests are up to." The gun is heavy in his hand, the feeling exquisite. Chamber can't help but praise himself for creating such a masterpiece. Unfortunately, this is not the time nor the place for his delusions of grandeur. He crouches down to hide himself and the long golden barrel in the shrubbery the bushes offer. Taking aim, he scans the church's front. "Visuals on two hostiles. Seems like they're patrolling the window I shot from. One more hostile at the front entrance."

"And according to Killjoy's information there are still five more on the inside, probably," Yoru says next to him.

"I can take the three on the outside and draw the attention of the ones that are on the inside. You should use those impressive powers of yours to get them from behind."

"Chamber." His codename makes him look up from the scope of his rifle. He's quite certain that Yoru has never called out to him before. "They will get the drop on you. Definitely."

"Oh, are you scared something might happen to moi?"

Yoru grunts. "This isn't the time for you to shitstir. I just need to know that you are aware of the risk you're taking."

Chamber gets back up, holding Yoru's stern gaze. "My dear Yoru, I am a businessman. And you are my investment. I have survived plenty of situations as risky as this one, even if I do not look like it. And I have seen what you can do, mon ami. I trust you. Very much so."

The other agent shoots Chamber an unsure look before scratching the back of his head. "Urgh, fine. I'll go along with your stupid plan. But if you end up dead, that's on you." Chamber smiles his best business smile. Yoru simply shakes his head once more—and for good measure. Then he gets to work, feeling around the air before his gloved hands rip open the bare fabric of what Chamber can only call time and space. Despite having seen it already, it's still a surreal thing to witness, how reality could be ripped open as if it's a mere piece of paper.

His bewilderment almost stops him from giving Yoru help along the way. "Wait for just a moment." With one leg already in the portal, Yoru stops and looks back at Chamber who pulls his neatly tucked shirt out of his black pants, his vest missing today due to the heat. His hands travel underneath its fabric and upon his hipbone where a few golden lines align with those of Tour De Force. Headhunter appears in a flash. "Use it with caution. It's pretty loud. Also, it only holds eight shots. Do not waste them."

"Are you telling me my aim is bad?"

"Non, I—"

"I'm fucking with you. Thanks." Yoru takes the gun and inspects it for a second before he puts it in the back of his pants. His and Chamber's eyes meet and he gives him a lopsided grin. "Be careful."

And with that Yoru disappears into blue nothingness. Chamber looks around to see if there are any high ledges or other spots he can use to his advantage. Unfortunately the hill is barren except for bushes and trees. The weeping willows surrounding the church are unreachable without being spotted, so he's out of luck. There are no safe spots to retreat with his teleport either. "Je suppose que je n'ai pas de chance," he mumbles to himself before crouching back down in the cover that the thicket has to offer. He takes a few deep breaths until Yoru radios in.

"In position. I am ghost. Spotted the other hostiles. I will go loud as soon as you do."

"Affirmative." Chamber takes another deep breath. He hasn't been in a situation that was potentially life-threatening since his time in the military, always keeping his sweet distance as a PMC. The thought of waiting for back-up crosses his mind, but the thrill of combat tickles in his trigger-finger. And how to better impress Yoru than with this? Chamber smiles to himself. His tongue sweeps over his lower lip, and he purses his mouth. Concentration embraces him. He holds his breath, keeping his hands and his aim steady. Two of Tour de Force's shots echo through the otherwise eerily silent night. The third hit follows shortly. Chamber breathes out. "Three kills confirmed."

The rest is on the move. I can hear them," Yoru's voice is low, barely audible. "I'll try to pick them off. Stay put."

Chamber keeps his aim focused on the large door. He counts the time in his head; no movement for at least three minutes as he patiently waits for more guards to rush outside. Instead of them, a small rotund object gets thrown into the open from behind the doors. Chamber recognizes what the item is, but not quickly enough to turn away. The flash grenade blinds him, obscures his vision for at least ten seconds. He quietly curses himself for being so shortsighted, that he didn't predict this. When the ringing in his ear stops he can hear multiple footsteps approaching his position, the grass underneath his enemies' feet loud.

"Spread out! Whoever fired those shots must still be here. Be careful though, we don't know how many there are." A feminine voice barks the orders. They're close. Merde. Chamber takes a quick look around. He promptly spots three guards on his right side flank. There's enough time for him to take one of them out, but that would give his position away rather quickly. Would it give Yoru an advantage though?

Before his head can process the possibilities he fires the shot; there is no hesitating on the battlefield, and if it gives his partner an opportunity to strike and live, so be it. One of the guards drops to the floor lifelessly while the remaining two immediately turn towards Chamber's general direction. A single shot from the woman's pistol is fired. The bullet grazes Chamber's dominant shoulder. He flinches, losing his grip on Tour de Force for a second there. The attempt to lift it back up is met with the second guard, a burly man twice Chamber's size, storming at him and tackling him to the ground.

It happens quickly, so fucking quickly that Chamber barely has time to comprehend it all. He hits the ground with a massive weight on top of him, which knocks the air right out of his lungs. A strained wheeze leaves him, any and every movement he attempts perfectly suppressed. The man gets off of Chamber momentarily only to press a knee into his backside, pinning him down.

"Hands on the back of your head," the female guard commands as she walks in front of him, crouching down. Chamber complies. The guard's hand that isn't holding the pistol lifts his face up by his chin. "Alpha's Chamber, hm? No wonder you picked us off so easily. Who else is with you? Where are they? Spit it out and I promise I will make it quick."

"Pardonne-moi, mademoiselle, but I will have to decline. Compromise is so unsatisfying, non?"

The woman frowns at that. Apprently the answer does not please her in the slightest. She squeezes Chamber's face between her fingers until it hurts. "We should just kill him," the man above Chamber suggests, increasing the pressure on his back. "If this douche is an uncooperative as our Chamber, as Deadeye, it's a dumb idea to interrogate him and expect anything viable to come out."

"Negative. Even if he doesn't cooperate, we can still use him as a human shield. We don't know which or how many agents from this side are lurking around."

Oh, this isn't how Chamber had pictured the situation when he engaged on the three guards. At all. Yoru won't have a problem dealing with them on his own, but with Chamber in the line of fire? That might complicate things. He looks ahead of himself as far as the situation he's in allows it. He spots Tour de Force. It lays a couple of steps away. Maybe if he can make a break for it—

Before there's even a glimpse of hope, Chamber is dragged to his feet violently. The burly guard grabs him by his arms before pressing his gun into Chamber's back even though his hands are still behind his head. There isn't much room for maneuvering. "Echo to Foxtrot, do you read? We have one. Did you find anyone else?" the woman calls in. Unfortunately for her, there's radio silence. "Come in!" Nothing, even after a good minute. "Fuck."

"Ah, how unfortunate for you," Chamber mocks.

A hefty punch to his guts by the female guard follows. Chamber supposes he deserves it. That doesn't make it hurt any less. He grunts, but the two don't give him the time to recover. "Get a move on." The man behind him shoves Chamber forward. Him and the two guards make their way back up the hill, back towards the church. Despite the pain in multiple parts of his body, Chamber keeps a clear head and tries to find a way out of his current demise. Before any of his plans seem reasonable, an eerie noise fills the air, like something being torn apart. A shot echoes through the night right behind him. The dying noises of both guards follow. The gun on Chamber's back withdraws.

"Chamber," Yoru's voice sounds from behind, "are you alright?" In that moment Chamber swears he's never been so glad to hear someone's voice. He turns around, slowly, in disbelief, to find Yoru crouching between the two guard's dead bodies. He pulls a small knife out of the man's back who was holding Chamber at gunpoint a second prior. The woman on the other hand is laying flat on her back, blood seeping out of a bullet wound in her head.

"Chamber?" Yoru repeats as he stands up, a soft edge to his voice.

"Ah," Chamber finally snaps out of it. "I am fine. Just a little shaken up." He takes down his arms that are still in the air before brushing the dirt of his white shirt as well as he can. With a sigh he didn't know he was holding in, Chamber fixes his astray hair, adjusts his glasses. Everything in its right place. "I am more upset about the dirt, mind you."

"You got shot."

"Barely a scratch," Chamber chuckles as he accepts Headhunter back into his hand. "Everyone taken care off, I presume?"

Yoru nods. "If Killjoy's intel is correct. Got the two inside from behind and now these two idiots."

"Good work." Chamber moves to pick up Tour de Force. Both it and Headhunter return to being golden tattoos on his body. When his attention is back on Yoru, he notices that the Riftwalker has ripped a piece of fabric from the male guard's shirt. Before Chamber can inquire as to what his partner is planning on doing, Yoru gets up and wordlessly wraps the fabric around the wound on Chamber's upper arm, tightening it. Chamber's eyes wander there, not having realized until now how profusely it's bleeding. "I—merci, Yoru."

There's, of course, no answer from Yoru except for a huff. As if Yoru's gesture didn't throw Chamber off enough already, Yoru's hand suddenly trails lower, touches the bare skin on his arm, down to his hands where their fingers touch for a second there. "You're cold," Yoru states.

Chamber brushes the less than ideal state his body is in off with a slice of arrogance and sarcasm. "Oh, I appreciate the concern, mon ami. But I should be fine. Just spent too long face-down in the dirt. Ah, not a place I fancy."

"Stop calling me whatever the fuck mon ami means. And stop acting all tough. Moron." Yoru takes off his trademark blue jacket, now only left in the tight black shirt he wears underneath. "Put it on. If you get sick it will be everyone's problem. Including mine. And I don't even wanna begin imagining how annoying you're gonna be then." The offer, despite Yoru's words, is caring and genuine. And the way Yoru doesn't even dare to look Chamber in the eyes, out of embarrassment, annoyance, whatever it is, makes it all the better. Chamber tries not to overthink it which is hard considering that Yoru isn't exactly known to do favors, whether they benefit the team or not. So this is a sign for Chamber, a sign that perhaps his favor with Yoru is not lost or never was to begin with.

But that's a topic for later. For now Chamber does as Yoru tells him, slips both of his arms into the biker jacket. He flinches when he moves his left arm, the adrenaline slowly leaving his body. It makes him realize that the shot must have cut through more of his tissue than he thought.

In that moment, Killjoy chimes in through their headpieces. "I'm almost there! Gimme a sitrep?"

"Oui," Chamber answers immediately. "Some minor setbacks, but nothing two good-looking messieurs can not handle. The hostiles are dealt with." They spot Killjoy from a mile away, her yellow jacket like a warning sign in the night's darkness. She runs towards them with a face of surprise.

"Chamber, trying out some new fashion I see?" she says with a smile on her face, ignoring the two dead bodies in front of her.

"Ah, yes. I do look good in it, non? I always thought blue was my color but—"

"Shut up, both of you," Yoru grunts. "We couldn't take a hostage due to the situation so we can't be certain if they won't send reinforcements from the other side anytime soon. So what should our next step be?"

"Oh, you can leave that to me. You guys already did the hard work so now it's my time. I built a replica of my Lockdown with the parts we found here. While it does not detain people, it should keep them away from entering the church in the first place. Brimstone said he will send the authorities here in the morning to secure the site and thus the Radianite properly. I'll stay here and look through the laptop's data until then. Does not matter much whether I do it in the hotel or here. Although... it is a bit creepy among those dead bodies. Oh well!" Killjoy starts tapping her watch repeatedly until it summons two robots as well as her Lockdown device, just slightly altered.

Chamber furrows his eyebrows at that. "Are you sure? I would not want you to meet more people with, let us say ill intentions."

"I got my sentries if anything happens. Plus no one can get in as soon as I place this," Killjoy says as she points at her contraption.

"Let her have it. We should get back to the hotel," Yoru suggests. "I'm tired and we—eh, you need to take care of that wound."

"Wound?!" Killjoy squeaks out.

With a sigh, Chamber shakes his head. "It is barely a scratch. Still, we will leave the rest to you, Killjoy. See you back at the hotel or the base, whichever comes first. If you encounter any trouble, please do give us a call, yes?"

"Ja, ja. Now get out of here so I can get to work."

Both Yoru and Chamber give her a reassuring nod before they head downhill and towards the motorbike. They get on it wordlessly, even Chamber, and before long Yoru brings them back towards Lyon's inner city, heading back to the hotel that shouldn't be too far away. When Yoru turns around a corner and stops at a red light, the last sliver of adrenaline evaporates from Chamber's body. His head suddenly feels far too heavy for his shoulders. "Pardon me, Yoru, for what I'm about to do," he says before he leans forward. He presses the side of his face against Yoru's broad back while his arms are still wrapped around the man from behind, holding himself steady.

"What the fuck—are you dying back there? Do you need me to get you to a hospital?" Yoru turns around just enough to look at Chamber, who opens his tired eyes. He sits back up to adjust his slightly askew glasses and spots a glimpse of genuine concern hidden underneath Yoru's expression. Oh, sublime. Despite coming down from the adrenaline, Chamber still feels on a high being this close to Yoru. Yoru, who is after all not just his type, but also dependent and highly skilled. The feeling fluttering in Chamber's chest is tightly woven and highly dangerous, but he likes the danger, doesn't mind to risk looking like a fool for a chance to tickle Yoru's fancy.

"I am fine," he mumbles, voice low, but still audible over the resting engine of the motorbike. "Just a bit tired. I am not used to this... this field experience anymore. At least not with such high risks for myself. But beau travail, Yoru. We did splendidly."

"I suppose we did. And maybe I'll even admit that you aren't as useless and annoying as I thought you'd be."

At that, Chamber chuckles. He puts his head lower again, puts it on Yoru's shoulder who doesn't seem to mind. Chamber can even feel Yoru's body relax in front of him which causes him to close his eyes. "I like you a lot, mon ami."

One of Yoru's by now infamous grunts leaves him. Despite it, one of his gloved hands finds its way upon Chamber's hands that are intertwined in the front of his abdomen. "We're almost there," he says, revving the engine. "Can you hold on a little longer for me?"

"Anything for you, mon chéri."

France is a pest in Chamber's head about a week later. While the wound on his arm is long gone and forgotten thanks to Sage, the events are still fresh on his mind. In no small part to Brimstone demanding a detailed report from everyone involved. And while there should be more important matters at hand to Chamber—namely aforementioned report or new weapon designs—his mind is far too occupied with his on-going pursuit of Yoru. France seemed to bring them closer together at first, but now Chamber has his doubts that it did anything except for causing a rift between them. What did he do wrong? Why has Yoru been avoiding him at all costs?

And while Chamber is occupied during the day, it's the evenings and late nights when his thoughts revert to Yoru. To the fleeting touches and lingering words they shared, both kind and unkind. To the small gestures and looks of kindness Yoru gave him after the mission, when he was injured and exhausted. To their odd little tango of Chamber's flattery and Yoru's insults. And merde, Chamber has been in plenty of casual relationships to know that the budding chemistry isn't coincidental. Even Yoru's reluctance is a positive sign, because it isn't just reluctance. It's not like Viper, who doesn't even look at Chamber unless she has to. Yoru's glances are there, brief but intense. And there's plenty of them. Still, Chamber wonders if he reads the situation wrong for once. He can't help but wonder if he is an idiot for pursuing Yoru further, for letting Yoru take a dip in his daydreams so frequently.

So lost in thought Chamber doesn't even notice that he's not alone when he walks down the base's main corridor late at night, on his way back from the kitchen after a cup of coffee. His sleeping schedule has been a little all over the place. "You!" The word's echo is what drags Chamber out of his head and back to reality. He looks ahead, and to his surprise he finds Yoru of all people at the end of the corridor. Before Chamber can even think of a single retort, Yoru rushes towards him with the speed of a demon, purpose in his stride and in his intense glare. The tight black shirt and the black sweatpants he's wearing make him look rather unthreatening.

At least until Yoru pushes Chamber against a wall. Not physically. There's no force involved except for the way Yoru steps closer, impossibly close. But the man's aura overwhelms Chamber. He's not scared. He's no idiot either though. In a show of surrender, he puts up his hands as his back hits the base's gray corridor wall. It does little to calm Yoru's irritated mood down; he's of quiet rage, eyebrows furrowed as he looks for answers. Answer that are apparently written all over Chamber's face considering how thoroughly he scans it.

Chamber forms courage and breaks the awkward silence. "How may I be of service to you, my dear Yoru? It is quite late."

Another minute that feels like a lifetime passes before Yoru growls. "You," he breathes out, "are infuriating."

A smirk threatens to form upon Chamber's lips, but he suppresses it. He'd like to live through the night. "Oh? Excusez-moi, but how is that? I thought we were doing so well in France, non? What brought this on?"

Yoru snarls, grits his teeth. The way he scrunches up his nose is most adorable, but Chamber scratches the thought for now. After all, he's not quite certain yet if Yoru is the type for punches or if he'll only opt for verbal abuse. "You are infuriating," he simply repeats, "because I can't get your stupid face out of my head. A damn fucking week that I've tried to avoid you yet your dumb mug is all I think about. Why did you have to say that you like me? You're so—"

Frowning, Yoru stops himself from talking, and perhaps it's better that way. Chamber enjoys the sound of Yoru's voice too much. Especially right now. It's low, like a lone wolf who has finally cornered its prey. A shiver tickles Chamber's neck, like his body is telling him just how excited he is. As if he isn't painfully aware of that already. He knows he shouldn't mess around more, but Chamber enjoys the sound of his own voice far too much. Oh, and irritating Yoru is a plus too. "I am certain we can fig—"

"Just! Shut up!" Yoru insists, voice deep. He grabs the lapels of Chamber's midnight-blue vest and pulls him down to his level. Chamber, with his hands still raised in defense, almost loses his balance—especially when Yoru's lips crash against his. Despite Chamber playing his cards towards this exact scenario, he didn't expect it here. Not now, not like this.

But despite this situation deviating from the plan Chamber had laid out he enjoys this, enjoys that Yoru had more patience that Chamber gave him credit for, yet not enough.

On the flipside Yoru is very much aware that he's been threading along the path Chamber has laid out for him. He knows of the charade that's been going on, but he's unsure whether the bewilderment flashing over Chamber's face right now is genuine or not. Maybe this asshole isn't used to not having the upper hand. Maybe he didn't expect Yoru to just kiss him here of all places. Or maybe it's just another act to lure Yoru further in. But Yoru doesn't fucking car. Not anymore.

It's too late for that. And when Chamber's auburn eyes flutter close behind his spotless glasses, Yoru gently bites down on the other's impossibly soft lower lip. Chamber sighs, and his parting lips invite Yoru, who closes his eyes. Their tongues intertwine in silent agreement before Yoru's slips past Chamber's, into the other's mouth. Warm fingers press against either side of his face, long and with calloused tips. An involuntary shiver dances over Yoru's spine.

To sate the hunger growing exponentially inside of Yoru, he steps closer and closer, until he feels Chamber, pins the other's body against the wall. A hum followed by a breathless chuckle leaves Chamber, and he interrupts the kiss. The two men open their eyes in unison. Chamber smirks. His gaze wanders lower, upon Yoru's hands that are still tightly clutching his vest. "I appreciate the enthusiasm," he says, "but I do quite like my clothes intact."

Yoru rolls his eyes, but offers Chamber a wide grin. A new combination, Chamber realizes. He likes it. Very much so. "So take your clothes off then."

Chamber lowers his eyelids, alluring. Oh, he likes Yoru's growing cockiness too. He likes it all. "Does that mean what I think it does, my dear Yoru?"

"It means that I want to fuck you."

"Ah." Chamber rolls his hips. "Then we might want to move this to my quarters, yes? I would hate for our dear colleagues to walk in on us. Especially Mademoiselle Viper. I think she would behead me."

"Lead the way." Yoru reluctantly lets go of the man in front of him.

They hush through the silent corridors of the base, their steps the only noise in their ears. They eventually reach Chamber's door which he opens by the panel next to it that recognizes his handprint. The door closes behind them, an automatic light illuminating the room. Yoru is greeted by mostly white furniture with accents of gold and blue. Despite every agent having a room of similar size yet different shape, Chamber's quarter looks far more prestigious, sophisticated—but Yoru would've expected nothing less. The only area not spotless in the room is Chamber's desk that's flooded with sketches, files, and assortment of mugs with coffee stains on them.

"Eyes on me, mon râleur," Chamber reprimands, busy taking his shoes and socks off.

Yoru's glare loses a bit of its effect when he kicks his own shoes, leaving him barefoot. "What did you just call me?"

"Oh, that is not important right now."

"Fuck you."

"That, my dear, is indeed important right now."

Before Chamber can react to Yoru's quick movement, he's slammed against the wall next to the door. He wheezes, barely has time to catch his breath before Yoru's lips assault him once more. And Yoru is relentless, overly eager, and Chamber adores it more than he can put into words right now—or perhaps ever. A hand finds its way onto the front of his vest, wrestling with the intricate bullet-shaped buttons. The vest is one of a kind, custom-made by a French designer for a pretty penny. And yet Chamber could not care less if Yoru ripped it right off of him. A part of him would even be aroused by it.

However, Yoru's nimble fingers manage to open the buttons without much trouble. He slides the vest down Chamber's broad shoulders, from where it falls to the floor. Their kiss continues, but that doesn't deter Yoru from pulling Chamber's white shirt out of his pants. He opens the buttons on it as quickly as he did with the vest's. Chamber helps, undoes his tie and the gold chain on his collar. The shirt and accessories eventually join his vest on the floor.

Yoru's hands waste no time in sneaking up and down Chamber's narrow waist, pressing him harder against the wall. A sharp gasp leaves Chamber that turns into a moan when Yoru's thumbs brush over his nipples, pinching them, which ultimately makes him throw his head against the wall behind him, splitting their lips from each other. A genuine little Oh that perfectly captures Yoru's surprise slips out of him when he takes a closer look at what's in front of him.

His eyes take in Chamber's broad chest and toned stomach, his perfectly fitted clothes leaving little to one's imagination on most days. What Yoru didn't expect, however, are the two silver bars adorning Chamber's perked nipples. Still, they are not as captivating as the golden tattoos that lead from Chamber's head down to the back of his neck. Three lines. One of them diverges and runs down his left chest, stopping there, while the other two lead to his arms and wind down his taut muscles. Another tattoo starts at Chamber's hip bones, disappearing in the hem of his pants. Even without words or actions that bastard is a tease, Yoru realizes.

"Which do you prefer, Yoru? The silver? Or perhaps the gold?" Chamber asks with a sly little smirk.

"Fuck if I know. Both of them make me wanna fuck you even harder though."

"Well then, shall we do something about the fact that you are still completely dressed?" But Chamber doesn't wait for an answer. Instead he grabs the edges of Yoru's black shirt and pulls it over his head in one swift motion. Chamber lets go of it, uninterested where it lands. He is, however, interested in the compact body in front him. Yoru's shoulders are broad, chest and abdominal muscles refined yet not overly so. Several small but deep cuts mark his body, some of them shimmering in an iridescent blue. "Oh là là, c’est magnifique." Chamber's fingertips gently brush over several of the deep cuts. "How did they happen, so many of them too?"

"The tears I use to riftwalk... they rip into my flesh. These cuts—they disappear after a few days, like they were never there to begin with. Like I was never in another realm to begin with. But sometimes they also just appear. I don't know."

"Do they hurt?"

"No. Not anymore." Yoru's own hands join Chamber's, guiding him over the cuts. "It only hurts when I receive them. Like a burn that you don't realize is there until it's too late. Fear is the first emotion that I had to kill after riftwalking for the first time. The anticipation that something's gonna hurt me. Because whatever those rifts really are, whatever I really am, I will get hurt. But I don't care."

Chamber hums, cups Yoru's face with his hands. He's always been fascinated by radiants, but to lay with one as powerful and unique as Yoru spurns Chamber's lust. "You're magnificent," he whispers into Yoru's ear before pressing kisses along the other's jaw and neck, pushing him towards the bed.

"You've led this little dance of ours long enough, Chamber," Yoru growls despite the ministrations. His hands grab Chamber's ass, scooping him up in one fell motion as if he weighs nothing at all, as if the height difference of almost a head doesn't matter in the slightest. Oh, a radiant's pure strength sure is terrific. It excites Chamber, even more so when he's unceremoniously thrown onto his own bed. Yoru follows short, climbing between Chamber's legs. "I've got you where I want you, and I'm not letting you get away."

"Oh, but mon chéri," Chamber chuckles, fingers underneath Yoru's chin like he's Chamber's newest priceless acquisition, "you have got it all wrong. I have you where I want you. But do not fret. I am yours et tu es mienne."

Yoru hums, not sure what the fuck those French words mean but shit, Chamber's voice is even more sultry than usually. And he's more cocky than usual as well. Without hesitation, he pulls Yoru back down for another kiss. His hands trail down Yoru's toned chest as well as over the dip and rise of his abdominal muscles. One of his hands plays with Yoru's chest while the other sneaks underneath the waistband of his black sweatpants and his underwear. Yoru releases a stuttered moan when Chamber's fingers ghost over his half-hard cock, and he wants to punch the Frenchman for smirking into the kiss so badly. "What a magnifique sound. You will make more of these for me, yes?" Chamber whispers against his lips.

"You bastard," Yoru snarls despite the way he buries his face in the crook of Chamber's neck. The smell of Chamber's cologne seeps into his nose and Yoru wants that smell on himself forever. He hisses when calloused fingertips repeatedly stroke from the base of his cock to the tip, caressing along a pulsing vein repeatedly. A tight grip on his testicles follows before they are fondled. Yoru isn't the most experienced one when it comes to sex, but he's not exactly innocent either. However, not a single one of his partners has ever made him feel this way with touches so simple yet so intricate.

But again, this is not what Yoru is here for, why he's above Chamber. He wants to be the one drawing lewd noises out of Chamber, not the other way around. To do so, Yoru gathers himself and places his thumb against Chamber's kiss-swollen lower lip. Chamber looks up at him, auburn eyes half-lidded and glassy. He spreads his soft lips obediently and welcomes Yoru's thumb into his mouth. A warm tongue swirls around it, coating it in saliva. And fuck, Yoru cannot decide whether his eyes want to focus on Chamber's mouth or on his eyes, his gaze shifting back and forth between the two. Impatience growing, he takes his thumb away and moves on.

Luckily Chamber gets the notion. The hand in Yoru's pants disappears momentarily, which gives Yoru space to work. He treats Chamber's neck with an equal amount of tender kisses and harsh bites, remaining there for a while until he travels south. He follows the golden lines of Chamber's nanotech until his tongue flicks over Chamber's left nipple, plays with Chamber's piercing, while his wet thumb gives the other nipple a similar treatment. Above him Chamber groans deeply, slender fingers finding their way upon Yoru's back, where blunt fingernails dig into his skin. "Mhm, what a good boy you are." The subtle jerk of Chamber's hips against Yoru's abdomen doesn't go unnoticed.

"You like that, hm?" Yoru asks as he pinches and twists Chamber's right nipple.

A depraved whine slips out of Chamber. It doesn't stop his mouth from curving upwards. "How could I not with such a talented man at my behest?"

Yoru continues lavishing Chamber's chest in kisses, never breaking eye contact. "Are you ever gonna run out of things to say?"

"Oh, you will have to work much harder for that. And let us be honest here Yoru, this wouldn't be half as much fun without my voice, non?"

"You really are infuriating." And Yoru knows that there's a reply on the tip of Chamber's tongue already, but he silences him by claiming the other's mouth with his own. Long fingers find their way into his hair while Yoru lifts his body up just enough to reach Chamber's belt, working on opening it. It's just as intricate and annoying as the buttons on Chamber's vest.

Chamber chuckles into the kiss. "Do you require assistance?"

"No." The belt pops open, finally. Despite it, Yoru still finds it difficult to get Chamber's tight pants off of his legs. Slowly but certainly he manages though, and he's rewarded with the sight of more tattoos. They trail down Chamber's hip bones and under his designer shorts, continuing straight down the side of his upper legs before swirling around his deliciously thick thighs. They stop right before his knees, but another set starts right below them, trailing down on the side before curving around his foot.

Unlike Chamber's chest and abdomen his legs aren't very muscular and on the lean side, so much thinner than Yoru's despite being so much longer. Just like Chamber's upper body they're smooth and without a hair or a spot. Yoru's fingers trail over ample thighs, up to Chamber's underwear. The tight gray shorts with the black waistband displaying the name Calvin Klein do little to hide the way Chamber's cock is begging for attention.

As much as Yoru wants to remove the last piece of clothing covering Chamber's body, he decides against it. At least for now. Even if he wanted to, Yoru soon realizes that Chamber, as usual, has a plan of his own on his mind. He sits up before pressing his hand against Yoru's chest, pushing him to lay flat on his back. "Let us pick up the pace, yes? As much as I appreciate the way you are exploring my body, I have waited for this too long already."

Yoru chuckles as he props himself up onto his elbows. So even a calculating bastard like Chamber has his limits, eh? He watches as Chamber hurriedly places kisses down his chest, tongue licking along the blue cuts haphazardly strewn across his body, left there by the rifts. The eager Frenchman soon reaches Yoru's pants, mouth pressing against the outlines of his cock that's tenting against the fabric. A soft gasp leaves Yoru. And while, yes, he wanted to take the reins, he suddenly doesn't mind leaving parts of it to Chamber. It doesn't help Yoru's decision when Chamber's fingers hook under his sweatpants and underwear, pulling both down.

"Et voilà." Temptation drips off Chamber's lips as Yoru's cock springs free. He loses no time to wrap his mouth around the tip.

A sharp and sudden intake of breath follows from Yoru's side as well as a hissed fuck. His eyes flutter close involuntarily as more of the wet warmth envelopes him, inch by inch. The two remaining pieces of his clothes hit the floor somewhere next to the bed. When the sensation settles, Yoru forces his eyes back open just in time to witness how Chamber expertly presses his tongue against the base of his swelling cock, dragging it all the way up to the swollen tip. Chamber's own eyes are closed as he leads his left hand around the base of Yoru's cock, stroking it languidly, the golden swirl around one of his fingers captivating.

Yoru luxuriates in the feeling and the view, especially when Chamber buries his nose into the black curls of his crotch, fully accommodating the throbbing length. Pleased by his endeavor, Chamber hums, as if having a cock in his mouth is just what he wants, just what he needs. The vibrations rake through Yoru's groin, go from there through his whole body and back to his cock that twitches with excitement. A guttural moan spills past Yoru's gritted teeth and as if Chamber was waiting for the noise, he suddenly opens his eyes. They're half-lidded nad heavy with lust as they peek past the thick rims of his glasses. Despite the cock in his mouth he smirks, arrogance written all over him. Yoru is both irritated and mesmerized.

Unfortunately, Chamber then slips the member out of his mouth only to plants a handful of feather-light kisses upon it. "I simply knew that they were more sounds were that first one came from, mon chéri. Oh, they are simply ravissant." From above, Yoru knits his eyebrows, glaring down at Chamber who finds it more cute than threatening. The pink hue that has crept upon Yoru's cheeks isn't helping much either, the color spreading to his ears and to his broad shoulders. If Yoru wasn't so keen on fucking Chamber, Chamber would gladly devour the Japanese man whole.

"Well," Yoru grunts, "time to get those sounds out of you, asshole."

"With pleasure." Chamber gives Yoru's cock another lick for good measure, pleased by its formidable girth. He leans back then, opening one of his nightstand's drawers. He fishes around for a moment until he finds what he's looking for. A bottle of lube and a condom. He tosses both items at Yoru, who catches them easily. Chamber lays back down, his index-finger gesturing for Yoru to come-hither. "Get to it then, yes? Or I will make sure this goes my way."

And Yoru's head pirouettes at this point. He's never had such a back-and-forth with someone he's been with, never had someone challenge his every move, his every word. No matter which position he was in. He revels in Chamber's domineering way more than he's willing to confess and while that bastard is about to get it back tenfold, Yoru is also aware just how hard and desperate Chamber has left him. For now he places both items in his hands onto the bed before moving forward, hands hooked under Chamber's underwear.

A wide smirk graces Chamber's features as he willingly lifts his hips to make the job easier. Despite his earlier words, Yoru's movements are still slow, teasing. Fuck, Chamber is definitely not a fan of this, of his own method. He doesn't just sigh, he outright whines when his own cock is torturously slowly released from the confines of his underwear. "Merde Yoru, could you—"

"No." Yoru's voice is a growl, husky and deep, and Chamber's cock twitches at the sound. Before Chamber can fully comprehend just what it does to him, a cold and wet finger brushes over his length. The same finger moves to trail over Chamber's perineum before circling around his hole. "Now tell me, where do you want my fingers?"

"Ah, mon ami do not be like that."

"So you're not gonna tell me? How unlucky for you." Yoru's fingers move back to Chamber's cock, his thumb pressing against the leaking tip.

Chamber's body winds in the sheets, unable to determine whether he wants to lean into the touch or get away from it. There's one thing he knows he wants though. Badly. "Tres bien, be a good boy and fuck my hole."

Yoru scoffs yet again but a wicked grin slowly paints over him. His index-finger nudges past the tight muscle of Chamber's hole. "This hole?"

"Oui—yes, y-yes," Chamber stutters, voice already strained. Without further teasing the first few digits of Yoru's finger slip inside of him, penetrating him. It's nothing Chamber can't handle or hasn't many times before this, but that stinging kind of sensation is still there, especially when Yoru promptly slips a second finger inside. Both fingers reach deep inside of him before withdrawing, pumping back into languidly. "What a tease you can be, my dear Yoru. I—mhm—I did not expect—ah, pute, that's it—" Yoru's digits drag over the spot that makes Chamber's thighs twitch and his toes curl, rubbing it over and over. Wet gasps and soft moans take turns as they tumble over Chamber's lips, eyes threatening to flutter close behind his glasses as he watches Yoru work him open.

A shiver swells in the pit of Chamber's stomach. "Yoru, that's—that's enough," he rasps, overstimulation kicking in.

And surely enough Chamber can play the game of being a tease—but so can Yoru. He pays no mind to Chamber's words. Instead he leans over him, free hand tracing over his wide chest, kneading it before continuing on to Chamber's flat stomach, delighted by the way it heaves. He returns to the swollen and flushed nipples, teases them more before thrusting his other fingers back into the tight warmth of Chamber's entrance, swift and rough. Chamber's hole clenches around his digits, drawing him further in while the man's breath stutters with a moan, drawn-out and broken, but most importantly desperate. "Doesn't seem like your hole thinks it's enough, Chamber."

Chamber wants to laugh, wants to praise Yoru for playing him like this, but the whine that leaves him when Yoru rams into him makes it clear that he's anything but amused. "Perhaps not, but," he interrupts himself with another wanton moan, eyes fluttering closed, "merde, s'il te plaît, arrête—ah, putain de merde." The last words are a low hiss. Chamber is very aware that he's getting closer to his climax, but Yoru makes sure to keep him on the thin line that doesn't get quite get him there.

It is both delicious pleasure and abhorrent torture alike. It messes enough with Chamber that French words tumble out of him instead of English ones. Merde, his cock is begging for a single touch, but it's not coming. Chamber makes an effort of catching his breath, eyes slowly opening. "Mon chéri, would you be so kind as to fuck me already before your fingers drive me insane?" To say he's shocked by how aggravated his voice sounds would be an understatement.

It doesn't go unnoticed. "Oh, what's that?" Yoru grins, biting along Chamber's earlobe, pulling on his earring. "Not sounding very polite anymore, hm?"

"I do admit that I can get a little... intense when I do not get what I want."

Yoru curls his fingers inside of Chamber once more, putting more pressure than before against that sweet, sweet spot he's found. "And we wouldn't want that, right? We should give you what you want."

Chamber whimpers, so pathetic and so needy but fuck, Yoru is doing him so good. His eyes don't stray away from Chamber's, not ever, gaze intense and more expressive and attentive than Chamber has ever seen before. Yoru's undivided attention isn't something he has experienced to such an extent before and it makes his heart race, pounding. "Oui," he rasps, finally, "yes, we would not want that."

"Will you ask nicely for it, monsieur?"

An exhausted smile tugs Chamber's lips upwards, both at the French word out of Yoru's mouth and the cheeky question. He's done far more for far less. His own hand brushes through his by now probably disheveled hair, putting it back in place as well as he can. The same hand's fingers then travel underneath Yoru's chin, pulling him in for an almost chaste kiss. "Please fuck me, yes? Be a good boy for me."

And Yoru hates that he hums at the last two words in assent, despises his cock for betraying him with a twitch just because Chamber called him a good boy again. Even in such a state Chamber holds enough authority to sound like a bossy prick. It only makes Yoru want to mess him up harder. He finally slips his fingers out of Chamber, enjoys the soft gasp it drags out of him. His own impatience growing, Yoru rips the condom open and rolls it over his cock. When Yoru looks up, Chamber watches him with a overly pleased smile, dimples forming. He reaches out, his hand stroking over Yoru's length. "That's it."

"Not quite," Yoru huffs. Without hesitation he grabs Chamber's hips and flips the man onto his stomach effortlessly. Yoru is met with more golden lines upon tan skin. Of course there's the ones on the back of Chamber's head and neck, the three lines running over his shoulder. What interests Yoru far more are the lines on Chamber's hip bones, curving from his front to his backside, right above Chamber's ass, merging to run up his spine, stopping at his shoulder blades. The backside of his legs is dazzling, gold winding up and down his thighs. Thighs that spread of their own accord, Chamber throwing a glance over his shoulder. His half-lidded eyes speak volumes of his desire, of what he wants Yoru to do, glasses sitting on the tip of his nose. They threaten to fall just as Chamber's defenses and inhibitions have fallen away. Even his tawny skin does little to hide the deep flush that has settled upon his cheeks.

Yoru swallows his excitement down as he moves closer. One of his hands settles on Chamber's lean ass, spreading one cheek apart while he leads his cock against that perfect hole with his other hand. His tip prods against the tight muscle, stays there for a moment so Yoru can take in the view. Chamber's fingers are curling into the sheets, his shoulders tense, spine curving. And as much as Yoru wants to bask in this moment, he lets go, pushes his hips forward into the wet warmth. A swift thrust buries most of his cock between Chamber's well-prepared walls, forcing his insides to spread for him. "Oh fuck you feel good," Yoru moans loudly and watches Chamber's head drop into the crook of his neck with a trembling groan.

Two hands find their way on Chamber's hips, fingers digging into his skin, gripping tightly. Yoru withdraws slightly only to thrust back inside, repeatedly, slow at first but growing more fierce with every move. His rhythm is steady and relentless and everything Chamber wanted—and more. He rocks his hips back and forth to meet Yoru's cock when it drives deep inside of him, greedy in his need to be fucked. A sudden stinging pain overcomes Chamber's backside, Yoru's hand colliding with Chamber's ass. A broken moan leaves Chamber, his mind reeling when Yoru leans over him, chest against back, essentially pinning him against the bed. Yoru's hot breath clashes against Chamber's ear, a heavy grunt following when he buries himself as deep inside of Chamber as he can, who whimpers. "Who said that you could have a say in how fast or slow this is going, hm?" Yoru whispers, hips halting as Chamber clenches around his cock repeatedly.

"Yoru," Chamber whines, "s’il te plaît—ah, please, move. Please—"

An onslaught of kisses and bites are pressed into Chamber's neck and shoulders. "I never thought I'd say this," Yoru purrs, "but I really enjoy hearing your voice." Chamber laughs, low and breathless. Yoru then pulls out of the pliant body under him and drives back into him in one swift, rough stroke. That one thrust determines Yoru's rhythm, more feral and unforgiving than before. It barely gives Chamber time to breathe and even less space to move with Yoru so close. His noises confirm his precarious situation, sounds of undeniable pleasure spilling over his lips, sharp tongue incapable of muttering anything but soft curses. And Yoru didn't lie earlier when he said that he enjoys hearing Chamber's voice, loves hearing it in such a debauched and unsubdued state. Gone is the air of superiority, the countenance that it usually holds. Oh, Yoru fucking loves it. He can finally appreciate the sound-proof walls that everyone's room is outfitted with. Otherwise Chamber would have woken up multiple people by now—if not everyone.

Chamber's voice hitches in his throat at a particularly harsh thrust, his fingers clawing at the sheets beneath him. He buries his face into one of his many pillows, feeling tears of frustration prick at the corners of his eyes. His thighs tremble uncontrollably, that sweet release so close yet so far. And by the looks of it, he won't get there anytime soon. His cock is trapped between his body and the sheets, the friction it's receiving by far not enough to get him where he wants to be. It doesn't help that Yoru's hand finds its way into Chamber's tousled hair, pulling his face back up. "You never hide your voice, why start with it now?" Yoru mocks. "Let me hear those beautiful sounds."

"Oh mon chéri, your compliment is music to my ears," Chamber drawls, shaky but never too shy for a cocky comment, not even now. A strangled laughter follows.

"That's better," Yoru growls in time with another thrust, tugging on short chestnut hair. Underneath him Chamber chokes out a paltry wail, painful pleasure audbile in his voice. Yoru swears it is the most beautiful sound he's ever heard a man make.

"Yoru—please—"

"Yes?" Yoru bites along Chamber's ear.

"I want to cum, please." Despite the husky state of his voice and the submissive nature of the words, Chamber says them proudly, like he knows he's earned it, like he's deserving of it.

Yoru wants more—more noises, more pleas, more everything—but he's so hard inside of Chamber, throbbing against his plush walls, ready for release. He lifts his upper body just enough to sneak the hand that isn't pulling on Chamber's hair between the Frenchman's body and the bed, soon finding his thus far neglected cock. A whimpered French curse splutters over Chamber's lips, followed by Yoru's name. Choked out. Needy. The cock in Yoru's hand is leaking and pulsing as he begins to stroke it. Chamber jerks into the touch now that he has the freedom to move a little. Yoru acquiesces it—Chamber is as close as he is, both of them breathless from the by now sloppy pace.

It doesn't take him much more than a handful of thrusts to have Chamber's voice as well as his body at its peak. "Oh, oh, merde." His thighs are quaking, every muscle in his back tense. "Oh my, Yoru, j'ai besoin de toi—please, do not stop—gonna cum—" A mewl rips out of him, his walls throbbing incessantly as he spills into the sheets underneath him. Yoru angles his cock so that it brushes over Chamber's most sensitive spot with every movement, and the effort is worth it.

The way Chamber comes undone is picturesque, shoulder blades protruding and spine curving beautifully. Golden lines move along with his tensing muscles, shifting as if they're being re-arranged. And while that is already a sight to behold, Yoru pulls Chamber's hair back again to get a closer look at his face. The Frenchman's eyes are tightly shut, eyebrows furrowed as pleasure ripples through his trembling form. Tears glisten in their corners while drool runs down his chin. His glasses have slipped from his face at some point, and the perfect strands of his hair are falling into his flushed face.

Chamber is breathtaking like this, the walls of his domineering composure torn down. Yoru admires the man's duality, so much that he lets go of Chamber's hair and instead interlaces his hand into one of Chamber's. "Fuck, you're such a goddamn fucking tease. Even now," Yoru grunts, running his lips along the nape of Chamber's neck who is panting heavily. He feels the goosebumps coming to life along the other's sweaty skin. A deep sensation roots in his belly.

And despite the last waves of Chamber's orgasm still coming over him, a smirk settles upon his lips. "Just for you, mon chéri. Now be a good boy and cum for me, yes?"

「黙れ」Yoru stutters, suddenly the one desperately craving the need for release. Fervor and impatience bundle in the way he ruts into Chamber, the vice like grip of his sloppy hole making Yoru stumble towards the finishing line quickly. Suddenly Chamber crooks his head, brushes their lips together to coax Yoru into a tender, slow kiss, the kind that lovers would share, the kind that Yoru didn't think he'd get from a selfish prick like Chamber. A shudder runs down Yoru's spine until his toes curl. Everything falls into place, and Chamber attentively watches as Yoru's eyebrows knit together, eyes fluttering close. The Frenchman takes in the hard lines of Yoru's face as he surrenders, moan muffled as their kiss continues, the crescents of Yoru's fingernails digging into Chamber's hand that he's still holding onto.

Their lips eventually part so Yoru can release a shaking breath. "Magnifique," Chamber whispers to himself, captivated by Yoru's boyish yet handsome features, finally able to take them in up close and personal. His spiked hair is slightly tousled, short strands astray, but the rest is mostly in place. It's cute. Yoru is cute, even with his cock still twitching inside of Chamber, slowly riding his orgasm out. It doesn't take him much longer and he retreats immediately, pulls out of Chamber and rolls off him, as if too much closeness could burn him.

And maybe it did burn Yoru, because Chamber realizes that he hasn't felt bliss to such an extent in a long time. It's bad and he knows that he's losing control, that he's losing the upper hand he's played, but he finds himself not caring. Perhaps it's the way his skin still tingles from Yoru's touches and kisses, or perhaps it's the haziness his orgasm has left his mind in. But when his mouth opens, he lets it happen. "Do you want to stay the night?"

Yoru discards the used condom to the side of the bed, lying prone on his back. He shifts his gaze over to Chamber who is on his side, putting his glasses back on and, more importantly, adjusting his hair. It holds for a moment or two before it falls back against his sweaty forehead. Yoru can't suppress a smirk. "I suppose I could. I have to admit, I didn't think you would give up control this easily."

Chamber chuckles as he leans over Yoru, fingers tracing over the marks occasionally shimmering blue along his chest. He's just so fascinated by them. "What can I say, I am like my guns. Very—"

"Loud? Annoying? Over the top?" Yoru interrupts.

A pout curls over Chamber's lips. "Non, non, my dear Yoru. Versatile!"

Yoru snorts.

Neither of the two men thought that waking up next to each other would be a reoccurring event or that they would come to not care about who comes out on the literal top. But Chamber and Yoru find themselves drawn to each other. Reckless and tangled feelings take hold of them. It's messy, and it's beautiful. These feelings especially surface after they return from missions that they have been assigned on together, where they are reminded what's at stake if they fail. Months pass by. Months in which the two agents dance around each other. And while sex is the catalyst that draws them to seek each other's company, it has long stopped to be what upholds their relationship.

What upholds their relationship is trust and mutual understanding, something that neither of them thought they would find in each other. They're both egotistical assholes, after all. But to Chamber's surprise there is a lot of depth and quick wit hidden behind Yoru's cold demeanor once he gets talking, once he opens up. Chamber appreciates, no, by now adores that part of Yoru. But he's mostly smitten by the passion Yoru shows. Bikes, soba, knives, but most importantly his past is what Yoru holds close to his heart, veiled underneath the protective cone of his dismissal of guaranteed anyone except Chamber.

Chamber, who has gotten underneath that protective cone. Chamber, who knows more about Yoru than the Japanese man probably likes, yet it is not enough. It's never enough for Chamber, but he finds that this is especially the case with Yoru. He never thought that he would get this obsessed with another person, this desperate for someone's company. To him Yoru is like a galaxy that consists of a thousand stars, a thousand stars that build a constellation that perfectly falls into place.

And while Yoru knows that Chamber is secretive and will most likely never stop being secretive, he finds himself caring about his secrets less and less, infatuation growing instead. Yoru himself still prefers the silence of solitude, but it is then that he misses Chamber's voice, thick with accent and loaded with opinions. Opinions that help Yoru with his own decisions or that make him realize that not all of his problems are his burden alone to bear. A problem with Yoru's newfound—and self-described disgusting—affection is, that he dislikes everyone else's company even more than before. If there are multiple people in the room Yoru simply wants to drag Chamber out of the room, wants to get him off this island, wants to get off the world with him. He's attached, actively seeking another person out, and it's a new feeling to him, a frightening feeling of uncertainty.

That uncertainty is buried deep in the back of Yoru's head, out of sight, out of mind, at least for now with his head resting against Chamber's bare chest. They've sneaked out of the base during night to have some carnal fun underneath a bed of stars. Away from civilization and on an island in the middle of nowhere, the stars above are magnificent and bright, not obscured by artificial lights. The two men's clothes function as a makeshift blanket to keep the short yet itchy grass at bay, with Chamber having donned something more casual than a suit for once. The warm air tickles their sweaty bodies as they come down from the heights of pleasure, watching the bright full moon glistening above them.

Yoru can hear the rapid thrumming of Chamber's heartbeat against his ear and wonders if it's still from their earlier sex or if the cause is something else entirely. When he hears the clicking of a golden lighter he looks up to Chamber, a cigarette positioned between his lips that he lights with a low flame. The flame reflects in Chamber's glasses, expression unreadable although Yoru knows that the man only smokes when he's stressed. And Yoru hates that he knows this detail, knows another person so well. "What's up?" he asks nevertheless because fuck it, he does care.

"Oh, nothing," Chamber lies. But it's not one of his usual lies, shrouded in fancy words and feigned half-truths. This lie is bad on purpose. Yoru sees right through it. How could he not? Perhaps that's what Chamber wants, wants to see if Yoru digs deeper, if Yoru cares. And it is very apparent he does, shifting to sit up with his legs crossed, one eyebrow lowering in disbelief as he looks down at Chamber. The gaze persists and Chamber chuckles, falters. "Well you see," he continues, interrupting himself as his fingers lead the cigarette to his mouth. He takes a long drag, breathing out the smoke. His free hand strokes over Yoru's back. "I have been thinking about the fact that we still do not know each other's names. Real names."

"So? Why would we need to know?"

"I would really love to moan your real name the next time we fuck."

Yoru scoffs yet a frisky smirk plays around the corners of his lips. "I'd believe it considering what a horny bastard you are. But I also know that you have more ulterior motives than anyone on this damned island."

"Ah, flattery will get you anywhere, mon râleur." Chamber takes another draw, huffing the thick smoke into the humid air. "To tell you the truth I was thinking about... us."

"Us?"

"Yes. You know, you and me? Us? Thing is I think I want—I would like to make our, I suppose one could call it arrangement, more... exclusive. And for that, I think it would be adequate to know each other's names."

The words linger in Yoru's ears, in his head, but instead of staying there they rush towards his heart. It starts pounding like a drum, even more so when he scans over Chamber's face. A soft smile is there, subtle but that only makes it more alluring to Yoru because he knows that it's real, from deep inside of Chamber, a spark in his auburn eyes, small dimples forming. There's uncertainty in those eyes too, a rare attribute that Yoru has only witnessed a handful of times, usually well hidden behind glasses. And although Yoru can't deny his feelings for the pesky Frenchman anymore, he's not sure if he wants to make him more than a mere habit. He's laid with people but he's never been with anyone as Yoru kept telling himself that his life was too complicated, his powers too scary, his head and his heart not where they should've been.

And Yoru still isn't quite there, hell, he's not sure if he'll ever be with his family's past shrouded in mystery and tragedy, but it's different with Chamber who knows so much about him already. And he doesn't mind. Rather the opposite, it seems. So Yoru contemplates the proposition he's been offered even though he already knows the answer; but seeing Chamber squirm is never not fun.

Yoru's contemplation is what makes Chamber take yet another drag from his cigarette. What is he, an idiot? Why would a man as reserved as Yoru ever accept such a proposition? There have most certainly been moments on and off the battlefield that makes Chamber think that there's more between them. And hell, he's never suggested something permanent, something that isn't just a little fun between the sheets to anyone, usually the type to run from committing to anyone but himself. That is different with Yoru though; his stoic nature is a perfect equalizer to Chamber's flamboyant one, like he's pulling Chamber in from another dimension, and Chamber isn't sure how to get out. Or if he even wants to. But he also knows that he's rejected one too many people, that he's committed one too many sins to not have karma pay him back tenfold.

Above him Yoru's deep hazel eyes seemingly scan every particle and shift in Chamber's expression, the lines on his own face as intense as the man himself can be. After what feels like an eternity Yoru's lips part. Chamber has never dreaded an answer this much, not in his private life, not in his business life. That's not true, Chamber knows. But all he can do is to catastrophize. After all he drew this whole ordeal out in his head months ago. It made perfect sense to him that he and Yoru would be a one time fling, nothing more but perhaps less. And if Yoru refused him he would have a contingency plan like he has for everything in his life. Unfortunately Chamber didn't plan on wanting to be more than fuck buddies, more than colleagues breaking the rules, more than whatever it is they are. There is no way out now, no contingency plan and no control over Yoru's answer.

"Kiritani Ryo," Yoru bursts out, finally. "But you should call me Ryo."

Yoru, no, Ryo doesn't say more, doesn't answer Chamber's proposition. Not directly. The revelation of his name tells Chamber all he needs to know. So does the subtle flush dancing on Yoru's pale cheeks and shoulders. And for a moment something unheard of happens. Chamber loses the words he's laid out on his tongue. Or perhaps Ryo took them away. He stares, dumbfounded, and Yoru blatantly laughs at him. "You look stupid with your mouth open like that," he says before snatching the cigarette out of Chamber's hands. He takes a huff. Before long, Chamber finally catches his composure.

"Pardonne-moi. Ryo, c’est un plaisir de vous rencontrer. You may call me Vincent. Vincent Fabron."

"Vincent," Yoru immediately repeats as he leans over Chamber, taking another drag from the cigarette. Their lips brush against one another, softly. The sound of his own name, his real name spoken by Yoru's raspy voice, makes the tips of Chamber's fingers tingle, settling them against the side of Yoru's face. When he feels the insistent press of Yoru's tongue against his lips, he sighs into the kiss with tongues mingling, the taste of smoke all-consuming. And yet Chamber feels like he's never had a sweeter kiss.

Yoru pulls away to watch Chamber breathe out the smoke delivered to him. He smirks. "I hate to admit this... but I like you, Vincent."

A shiver runs up and down Chamber's spine in double time.

"In fact, I think I like you a lot."

And the vulnerability Chamber feels for being this open, naked and underneath an unforgiving sky no less isn't simply him. It is Vincent too. And yet when Yoru, no, Ryo starts ravishing Vincent's neck with kisses and bites, presses his fingers against Vincent's still wet hole and mutters incoherent words against Vincent's sweaty skin, the world feels so vivid as if it is both Chamber's and Vincent's, theirs alone for the taking.

And yet not entirely.

After all, Ryo is part of his bigger picture now, of his grand scheme. And while Vincent fears that his lover might judge him once that goal is revealed, he fears the battle of his head and his heart when the time comes to decide between his ambitions and the man above him even more.

For now only the moon is a witness at the way Chamber's will keeps bending and breaking, his heart held hostage while tightly holding onto Yoru's in return.