Chapter Text
Chapter One
The mission file sat on the desk as I slipped on my undershirt, the confidential stamp glinting red in the lamp light. Sylus was in the shower, steam curling against the mirror like a tender kiss. Captain Jenna had mentioned it may take a little longer than most missions but, even then, it was only around a month or two. Sylus, as per usual, was not entirely thrilled to be left on his own accord for two months but didn't protest when I told him I had accepted it. I was leading the team, something I took much pride in. I zipped up my leather jacket, my tactical pants fitted with various zipper pockets.
I had just begun fixing my hair when Sylus came out, rubbing his hair with a towel. His button-up clung to where the skin was still damp, trousers clinging to toned legs. "Good morning, sweetie," he greeted warmly, moving to hug me from behind, his chin propped on my head. His body was still warm from the shower, a contrast to the chill of my skin from the A/C. He kissed my temple, lingering for a moment before he pulled back. Normally, he would be asleep by now. However, he wanted to drive me to the train station, refusing to do anything otherwise.
I smiled and leaned back into his embrace. "Morning. You really didn't need to stay awake for me."
Sylus shook his head like I had suggested throwing out his recorder player. "Nonsense. Sparing a few hours to wish you off is nothing I can't afford to lose." His arms tightened fractionally and I noticed the faint tension in his embrace. The mission was infiltrating EVER and while I wouldn't be going in myself as a recruit as my team was, for the EVER staff knew my face, I was still going to be sneaking around the place at night. It was an idea I knew Sylus wasn't fond of but the thought of taking down EVER was too enticing to pass up for safety. He understood even if he would rather be joining me in this.
"Remember, no Mephisto. I can't afford anyone to see him," I reminded gently, leaning over to grab my utility belt.
Sylus let out an exasperated sigh but didn't argue. "Yes, yes, dear, you've said this before."
"Because you've done it after I told you not to before."
"That...is irrelevant," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "That was a simpler matter."
I rolled my eyes and slid the files into my messenger bag, my suitcases packed and sitting by our bedroom door. He followed, grabbing two of the suitcases while I grabbed another one. "The mission should be less than two months, that's just the maximum amount it could take," I commented quietly. My tone was even, practical but the words held an undertone of something warmer, softer. That always seemed our way of reassurance. We spoke in facts, in assurances, unless the situation required something more tender.
He didn't reply, instead pulling the suitcases towards the front door of the penthouse. But his shoulders did slightly slump in a quiet relief that I had learned to read long ago. "The twins slipped a surprise into your bag," he remarked instead. I let out a fond chuckle. The twins, as rambunctious as they were, were a source of joyful chaos in the N109 Zone and I was not resistant to their infectious mischief.
"I'm sure it'll be perfect," I replied, opening the front door and stepping down the stairs.
Sylus shut the door behind us and didn't bother locking it as we walked to the car. He opened the trunk and we loaded in the suitcases, stacking them in the spacious back of the car. Closing the trunk, Sylus moved to the passenger side of the car, opening the door for me. "Wow, so sad to see me go that you've become a gentleman?" I teased lightly, sliding into the leather interior.
He smirked, rolling his eyes half-heartedly. "I've always been a gentleman, just not the kind you're used to, sweetie."
With that, he closed the door and sat in the driver's seat, starting up the engine.