Chapter Text
"Everything seems to be in place. Luckily, it wasn't too fatal so you will recover, Chamber. However, you will need to rest in the infirmary for three days. I need to do a little check up to make sure you don't have any other problems." Sage explained as she went through her clipboard before putting it aside and turning to Chamber with the softest of smiles.
Just that smile alone could light up someone's day. Chamber sighed as he leaned back into the pillow and mumbled, "I could really use a glass of water and food…"
"Oh, don't worry Chamber. I already got Phoenix to get you dinner. So, just relax and I will be right back. Side note, please don't try to escape again…" Sage said with a slight beg before leaving Chamber alone on the hospital bed.
Chamber watched the healer leave before groaning in slight annoyance while rubbing his face. It's boring and tiring not being able to do anything, and with the hospital equipment around him, it was more suffocating and he hated being there. Hopefully something interesting will happen.
As if his prayers were answered, the door opened and Phoenix walked in while holding a plastic bag and a glass of water. The Frenchman beamed up at the sight of food and sat up slowly. He feels embarrassed being seen in a messy and weak state, but there was nothing he could do.
Nevertheless, Phoenix didn't comment on it at all and simply showed Chamber the food.
"Got some food for you. It's uh… no one is cooking tonight so we ordered fast food." Phoenix went on to give both the plastic bag and glass of water to Chamber.
Chamber would take the food out and his smile instantly dropped when it was a hamburger from a fast food joint. He disliked this type of food, they were called junk food for a reason but he didn't really have much of a choice. He was starving and he couldn't leave the room unless he wanted to face Sage lecturing him. So he mumbled a small thank you while looking at the food with some hesitancy.
"Oh c'mon now, bruv. It ain't that bad. I'm sorry that we, 'peasants', can't get you something better. " Phoenix said sarcastically as he did a small bow before going to grab a chair so he could sit beside the man.
Chamber didn't say anything and simply focused on the food, leaving an awkward silence in the room. He started eating it, taking small bites just to fill his empty stomach. He did realise that Phoenix was still here but he just didn't say anything, he wanted to just eat his food.
The silence broke when Phoenix spoke up, "Uhm, sorry for the comment. I was just joking."
Chamber simply hum as he ate, clearly unbothered by it.
" Why did you save me? I mean, I'm grateful but… I just didn't expect you to…"
Chamber frowned at the statement. Of course, Phoenix didn't see him as someone capable of doing something good.
"Pardon my language but, I'm not a 'Blaireau', Phoenix. I know the people here don't trust me, but that doesn't mean I am not capable of saving you." Chamber looked at Phoenix with a raised eyebrow, and this made the firebird feel stupid for bringing it up, but he continued.
"I-i know but… You could have let me lose the bet, y'know? But you didn't, you took the bullet for me instead." Phoenix said, as if it's the most shocking thing. Afterall, he always thought Chamber was a self-centered, arrogant and annoying guy but after what happened, he was just confused on what to think about Chamber.
"Pfft,I would never stoop that low Phoenix but you wouldn't believe that. Afterall, I'm a unlikable guy aren't I? I still remember what you said about me." Chamber scoffed, his voice was cracking as he looked away from Phoenix. He was hiding his face.
Phoenix visibly felt guilty by this and focused down on his hand, hiding his shame. That's when he realised his words genuinely affected Chamber. He should have known, even someone like Chamber has a heart. He is human after all, god, his mother would be disappointed in him if she saw this.
The atmosphere around them was tense after that. None of them were brave enough to continue. Phoenix should just leave but something in his conscience was telling him to stay and repay Chamber. The Frenchman soon calmed himself down and glanced over to Phoenix. The man was still looking down on his hand while fiddling with his ring. Chamber felt bad about what he said earlier and decided to be the first to break the silence.
"My apologies for… what I said earlier… I let my emotions get the best of me… Uhm, I saw the whole fight with the Omegas. I was watching." Chamber confessed as he had a small smile on his face. He was trying to be friendly to clear away the tension.
"You… were?"
"Oui.., I'll admit you were… uhm…" Chamber was trying to find the right word but Phoenix finished it for him, "Magnificent?"
Chamber was taken aback when Phoenix finished his sentence but he let out a small chuckle and nodded, "Oui, something like that."
Phoenix couldn't help but chuckle as well before giving a praise of his own. "Well, that was just one time. You're mostly not… too bad yourself."
Phoenix looked up to make eye contact with Chamber. A small blush would appear when the sunlight from the window would reflect onto Chamber's genuine smile. It wasn't fake, hell it was adorable when a visible dimple could be seen. This made him smile as well.
"Well, I was just joking about the whole custom gun thing. You don't gotta do it." Phoenix added with sincerity.
Chamber took a second to think about the statement but decided to go against it and shook his head, "That's a nice offer, mon ami, but a deal's a deal. Besides, I don't mind starting on a new side project in the meantime."
Phoenix was surprised by the kind gesture before having starry eyes and said cheerfully, "On god?? Thanks man! That's amazing! I can't wait to flex it on the rest! Hah, they're going to be so jealous."
Chamber felt his smile grow as he watched how excited and happy Phoenix was, something about the way the man reacted made his heart beat faster. However, that all stopped when Sage walked in. She was not expecting to still see Phoenix here, considering the fact that he hates Chamber's guts. It was actually a pleasant surprise for Sage. She smiled at the both of them before walking over and said,”Thank you for accompanying him,Phoenix but you can leave.”
Phoenix would nod and bid both of them farewell before leaving the infirmary. Sage watched as Phoenix left before turning to Chamber and said, " Just give me a few more check ups and you will be done for the day."
Chamber would hum softly and simply let the healer work. His smile never disappeared but he did wish that Phoenix could stay a bit longer.
~~~~
Three days have passed and Chamber could finally continue with his daily routine. Phoenix didn't really visit Chamber after that day, since Sage didn't need his help. Not that he cares of course. He definitely wasn't bummed or anything, at least that's what he keeps telling himself.
In fact, he didn’t care that Chamber was finally out and doing fine. He was just going to enjoy spending his time with Jett who was challenged to play chess with Cypher and Yoru who was sitting beside him, watching the chess match since he was the one who challenged Jett. Yoru was smirking to himself as he watched. Let’s be honest, they both know that Jett was going to lose against Cypher. Cypher was snickering softly everytime Jett made her more, which Jett replied with an angry comment or a simple groan, however their fun was interrupted when Chamber walked in. They would usually ignore the man but it was hard to ignore him when he suddenly came over and called out to Phoenix.
Phoenix was startled, and apparently so were the others as they turned to look at Chamber.
“Uhm… Yeah? You need something?” Phoenix asked as he watched the man come over and sit beside him.
“I do, my friend. Can I have your hand for a moment? I need to measure it.” Chamber asked, he was very straightforward as he held his hand out, waiting for Phoenix to give him his hand.
“Wh-what???”Phoenix asked, very confused. Yoru and Jett were taken aback by this, Yoru’s eyes were widened while Jett’s mouth was slightly agape. Cypher, on the other hand, was watching in amusement.
“Oui, for your custom gun Phoenix. I need to measure your hand so that you will be comfortable when you grip onto it.” Chamber explained. After that explanation, Phoenix mouthed out an ‘Oh’ before going to give him his hand. It didn’t take long at all, possibly a few minutes for Chamber to record the length of Chamber’s hands and fingers before thanking the firebird and going to leave.
‘Holy shit.’ Phoenix thought to himself. He wasn’t expecting Chamber’s hand to be smaller than his. Hell, it fit perfectly right into his hand when he went to measure it. Not only that, but it surprisingly felt rough, it wasn’t a bad thing though.
Yoru, Jett and Cypher had continued their chess match. Obviously, forgetting that Chamber was even there. They were silent for a moment before Cypher giggled and said,”Checkmate, Jett.”
“Darn it!” , Jett grunted while Yoru would laugh and hold his hand out, waiting for Jett to pay up which she did.
While all of that was happening, Phoenix was still stuck thinking about the way Chamber’s hand felt and how… nice his facial features were, he knew that the man was handsome but when up close, he could see the details even clearly. His eyes would sparkle whenever he got the right measurements, how his hand movements were gentle yet precise and the way he would slightly pout his lip when he was focused. It made Phoenix’s heart skipped a beat and he wondered for a second, how chamber’s lips would-
“Hey, Phoenix? Are you doing alright? You’re awfully quiet. Not that I mind of course.” Yoru joked as he placed his hand on Phoenix’s shoulder which startled him. Despite Yoru’s comment being rude, Phoenix knows that he means well.
“Huh? Wha- Oh yeah, yeah. Of course. I’m cool.” Phoenix reassured them, trying to play it cool as he leaned back on the couch and showed a crooked smile.
They obviously don’t believe him but they didn’t push it. Yoru went back to teasing Jett before shutting up when Jett dared him to have a chess match with Cypher. He gave a lame excuse which caused the both of them to banter. Cypher was enjoying the fight but noticed the way Phoenix just stared blankly into space again.
Their voices would simply tone out of Phoenix’s mind. What’s wrong with him? Why was he thinking about Chamber so much nowadays.
Whatever feeling this is, he knows he is fucked and it’s all thanks to that man.