Work Text:
You frowned at the document in your hands, wondering if your eyes were deceiving you. You could have sworn you've seen an internal circular about this. A quick search through some papers and your email inbox proved your suspicions right. Right well, if operator Thermite wanted his materials delivered on time, he was going to have to resubmit this form by today. You wondered if you should just send an email. But given the possible time crunch and the fact that the operator in question might be focusing on something off-desk today, you decided to go in person. Grabbing a pen and a fresh form, you set out from your office.
After some asking around, you were directed to Thermite's workshop. The hazard light wasn't on so you politely knocked on the door.
"Hang tight for a minute!" A male voice called from inside. You heard a clank and a few moments later, the door opened up to reveal Thermite. His trademark goggles were perched atop his head, allowing for an unobscured view of his stubbled handsome face. He looks at you for a moment, not immediately recognising you.
"Can I help you?" The Texan asks. An inquisitive glint dawns in his eyes as you introduced yourself and informed him of your purpose for seeking him out. You hand him the document in question and watched as he scanned the page, humming in understanding as he spots the issue. You were about to offer him the new form when he looks back at you curiously.
"Do you have a background in chemistry or related fields?" The Texan man questions, his head tilted slightly. You blinked at him.
"No, only the general knowledge taught in school. Though I have been reading up more since I started working here." You answered honestly, if a little puzzled. While your job didn't require you to have a Masters in the related fields or anything like that, it was highly encouraged and was made easier if one was in the know of what exactly one was supposed to requisition. It never helps to do one's job blindly. That and if one wanted to eventually be on the resourcing team, it was a must. You had joined Rainbow Six a few months ago and while you weren't sure if being on the resourcing team was what you wanted, it was still fun to acquire more knowledge.
"Well it's coming in handy since you've caught this." The operator smiles encouragingly, leaning casually against the doorway.
"Um, actually I just remembered seeing an internal circular on this..." You corrected him quietly.
"Which if I recall correctly was loaded with jargons which made half of it barely English. Don't sell yourself short." The man's bandaged hand came up to his chin as he briefly contemplated something. His shining eyes slid back to you. "Hey, wanna see something cool?"
"Oh I wouldn't want to take up any more of your time." You shook your head politely, plus you have yet to give him the new form to fill up.
"Nah it won't take too long, c'mon." Thermite opens the door to his workshop wider, a clear invitation for you to enter. "After you." Almost timidly, you entered as invited into his workshop which was much neater than what you had envisioned, save for the numerous things scattered across the workbench since you've caught him mid-work. You stood awkwardly in the middle of the space as the Texan goes off and rummages through some things in the corner. With a "ah-ha" he pulls something out and waves it.
"This is the material they requested to be taken off the list. Now let me show you why." Explaining all the while, the Texan conducts a quick experiment using the material in question. You could see that he would have made a great teacher in another life, given how enthusiastic and clear his explanation was. So much so you were easily able to grasp the hows and whys. As you thanked him and made a comment on the material's properties, he suddenly stops clearing away the experiment. You could practically see the imaginary lightbulb go off above his head.
"Actually, I have not considered that..." He muses, his fingers tapping against the surface of the workbench. "Alright, may I have the new form?" Silently, you handed it to him and watches as he fills it up quickly. The operator gives it back to you with a charming smile which you fought not to blush at. A quick glance at the form showed the amended list of items but still included the aforementioned material albeit in a much smaller quantity than before. It really wasn't your business to question why so you thanked him politely.
"No, thank you. You've given me a new perspective on a question I've been having." Ducking your head shyly, you made your excuses to take your leave.
"Alright, thanks for your consideration and for dropping by." Thermite sees you off with another smile and you quietly closed the workshop door behind you. But not before you heard him whistling happily as the door clicked close.
-S-
You didn’t have much interaction with operator Thermite after that, especially given the fact that you had heard he had taken up even more duties recently. You did find yourself thinking about the Texan every once in a while, wondering if he had found the answer to the question since you’ve seen him last. By no means were you infatuated, given that time was the only instance where you had an extended conversation with him apart from the polite greetings when one bumps into a colleague in the hallways. Still, you would have to be dead to not recognise how charming and handsome he was - not to mention the brilliant quick mind he possessed.
It was about two weeks later that you received an email while at work.
Hey Spark,
Great talking to you the other day. I’ve managed to crack the problem so just wanna drop you a note to say thanks!
If you got any more groundbreaking knowledge or perspective tucked away in that wonderful mind of yours, feel free to shoot them my way.
- Jordan
You caught yourself smiling as you read the message and quickly shook yourself. It was just that one time, there was no point getting all moon-eyed over this. You sent a quick reply conveying that you were glad to have been of help, adding a smiling face at the end as a slight afterthought. Your heart jumped as you received an immediate reply from him. The message was blank apart from the huge :D smiley at the centre. A chuckle escaped you as you closed the message. Though, you told yourself you were just keeping your inbox tidy when you neatly categorised his emails in a folder.
-S-
You checked the coffee machine, then checked the cupboards and frowned. Well you guess this was the last cup for the time being until there was more coffee refills. You made a mental note to check with your colleague about it given that they usually made sure the kitchen was well-stocked.
“Please tell me there’s still coffee left.” You turned and saw operator Thermite shuffling tiredly into the kitchen, his face showing clear signs of exhaustion and his hair sticking up in all directions. Silently, you handed him your mug and he takes it gratefully. Just as he was about to take a sip, he freezes and looks at you.
“Is this yours?” The Texan asks blinking slowly, his eyes sliding down to the cute design on the mug’s surface - a little dragon cuddling happily with a pile of books.
“Yup, it’s the last cup of coffee we have for now. Go ahead, you look like you need it more than I do.”
“You’re a saint,” he groans as he didn’t hesitate to drink the coffee this time, practically inhaling half the mug before pulling it away with a satisfied sigh. You were glad to see that he was already looking a little bit better.
“Sorry I know its a bit late to ask but,” he gestures towards your mug, “what about you?”
“I’ll just have some tea instead,” you smiled reassuringly. Though you would probably need to wait till the Texan man was done. He was already a step ahead of you.
“You can use my mug if you don’t mind. It’s clean.” Easily, he picks out a white mug with some kind of chemistry joke on it. You tried not to squint at it but the operator catches you looking anyway.
“Bonus points if you can figure it out.” He grins as he leans against the counter and takes another sip of the coffee, releasing a blissful sigh. You gave it another thoughtful look as you put in the tea bag and poured in the hot water.
Behind you, the FBI operator actually starts humming as your tired brain gave it a good hard think. So focused you were on coming up with the answer, you were unaware of the curious way he watched you. You were just about to give up, seeing that your tea was just about finished steeping, when you suddenly hit upon an answer. Uncertainly, you turned to him and voiced it.
A congratulatory grin curls up on his mouth and he raises your mug in an acknowledging gesture.
“Spot on! Now I owe you two drinks.” He gulps down the remainder of the coffee. “Right, good break. Time to return to my cave.”
“You can leave that here, I’ll wash up when I’m done too.” You offered, gesturing to your mug of tea.
“Have I told you that you are a saint?” Thermite jokes as he sets the mug down. “Thanks Spark, I’ll see you around.” He left the room humming still, much more energetic than he was when he first came in. You shook your head slightly and sipped your tea, smiling to yourself. How that man seemingly wasn’t attached yet was maybe something short of a miracle. One that you endeavoured not to contemplate too deeply.
-S-
Tiredly, you rested your head against the smooth, clean surface of the table. It was the end of yet another busy day but yet your mind was still abuzz with the things that needed to be done tomorrow. Oh, and you really couldn't forget to pick up that new book you’ve been eagerly waiting for at the bookstore.
You blinked in surprise as a certain Texan man's head suddenly appeared in your vision. He was looking at you curiously, his head also laid down on the table.
"Sooo... I have been wondering what's so interesting that has got you staring so intently." His mouth quirked up in a charming boyish grin that had your heart speeding up. "Unless there's something special about that particular patch of wall?" You blinked at him again.
"Um well...I was just thinking..."
“That’s always good yes.” He quips cheekily.
“… about what I probably need to do tomorrow.” You finished lamely. You felt silly for talking to him like this so you slowly lifted your head, seeing Thermite follow suit.
“Ah so a planner I see.” The operator props his elbow against the table’s surface, leaning his head on his open palm. “You gotta learn how to switch off and relax though, else you’ll go crazy.”
You gave him a look. Operator Thermite was known to keep strange hours especially when he gets an idea in his head or is just stubbornly hitting a problem until it submitted to his superior mind.
“Okay, okay pot calling the kettle black here,” the Texan laughed, conceding his point. A thoughtful look crosses his face followed by a breathtaking smile that made your breath hitch. “How about we help each other take a break and go grab some coffee? I still owe you drinks after all.” You blinked at him for the third time.
“It’s almost dinner time.” You point out slowly.
“Eh. It’s coffee break time somewhere in the world.”
“Is this a ploy to get coffee so you can stay up later?” You blurted out and then blushed at your uncharacteristic forwardness. To your relief, he bursts out laughing again.
“Couldn’t slip that one by you huh?” Thermite runs a bandaged hand through his hair in a clearly habitual gesture, messing up his hair even more. You had this sudden urge to fix it for him. And maybe feel whether it was as soft as it looked. Wait… what?
“Alright! New proposal: we go grab dinner, I’ll pay. And perhaps you’ll pretend you don’t see me guzzling coffee as if my life depends on it. Sounds good?” You need a court order to stop this man from smiling at you like that in all it’s illegally charming and/or roughish variations. Especially not with the way his grey-blue eyes were fixed on you.
“It’s going to be a late night?” You asked sympathetically, glancing at your phone when you heard a ping go off. It was his.
“Yup,” he affirms as he quickly types out a message, hits send and locks his phone. The operator sets it down unceremoniously and turns his attention back to you. “So what do you say? Humour a starving caffeine addict eh? Or do I have to bring out the puppy eyes?”
“A-alright.” You stuttered slightly from his frank attention. “J-just keep the puppy eyes to yourself.”
“Scout’s Honour.” The Texan intones solemnly as he raises his hand.
“Were you even a scout?” You asked doubtfully, tucking away your phone and standing up along with your dinner companion.
“Nah, not even for a heartbeat,”he replies cheerfully waving a hand in negative. “C’mon I know this great place, a hole-in-the-wall but man do they serve the best damn food.”
-S-
Jordan, as he insists you call him, may not be a scout but he wasn’t lying about the place. It did serve the best damn food.
And with him, you just really couldn’t stop laughing. The Texan was just such a storyteller, telling you tale after tale that were “wild but totally true!” You were practically breathless after the third one and he really had to up the level with jokes. Hell, his cheeky delivery even had you giggling at the terrible dad jokes. It really was one of the best dinners you had in your life, even if you did miss a certain gleam in Jordan’s eyes.
The Texan wasn’t kidding either when he mentioned inhaling coffee like it was his lifeline. So much so that you instinctively laid your hand over his bandaged one when you saw him about to gesture for a refill.
“I would say buy me dinner first but I guess we’re already here. Rest assured I’m still buying.” The operator teases you, his grin growing wider at the sight of your heavily blushing face. You practically snatched your hand away.
“Y-y-you should really stop. At this rate you’ll be awake but really twitchy.” You advised, reaching for your water so that you have something to do with your hands as you averted your gaze from his in shy embarrassment, focusing on his shoulder instead. His broad, well-formed, strong shoulders. You wanted to squeak - it was a mistake to look there too.
“You make a fair point, Spark.” Jordan concedes, not noticing your further internal crisis as he leans back in his chair and folded his arms. “Guess I’ll have to stick with plain old water.”
“Water is good.” You blurted out lamely, and you mentally kicked yourself. Holy cow you’re such a train wreck.
“Yes, water is indeed good Spark.” There was no mistaking the amusement in his voice. You chewed on your lower lip in distress, trying to think of a way to recover from this. Your eyes darted back to his face to find him leaning on the table once more, watching you with a little smile as he rested his head against his open palm.
“Um…” you began, after a few moments of silence when it became clear he was either giving you time to sort yourself out or was enjoying your panic too much. “Why do you call me that?”
“Spark?”
“Y-yeah…”
“Well it’s simple. You get that spark in your eyes when you’re really interested or focused on something.” That had you looking back at him in surprise.
“I…I do?”
“Yup,” the Texan replied with certainty, his own eyes twinkling as he took a sip of his water. “Since I’ve been cut off from my coffee, how about some dessert?”
The man was clearly desperate for more coffee than he could possibly need and safely consume at this point in time. When the desserts arrived, you had to raise an eyebrow, for he had clearly ordered a coffee-based dessert. Quietly, you switched the plates which had him both pouting and laughing.
“Alright you win, I cannot best you!” The Texan says raising his hands in surrender. “You’re lucky I like cheesecake.” Smiling, you shook your head and dug in.
The night ended with you both parting ways at the base - Jordan whistling his way back to the lab and you back to your room. After you had washed up and got into bed, you found yourself staring up at the ceiling. Your mind, it seemed, refused to think of anything else other than a certain Texan operator with a crooked charming smile and a large sense of humour. It wasn’t a date. A fact that you kept firmly reminding yourself with. And yet you found yourself wondering what would it be like to hold his hand? You had felt it briefly when you had stopped him from ordering too much coffee earlier. The bandages, the damaged skin. You wanted to trace them gently, soothing it and maybe -
You shut that line of thought down firmly. One dinner with him and you were already like this? No. Just… don’t go there. You could list the many reasons why being with him wasn’t a particularly good idea. But do all the reasons have actual impacts or are you just trying to convince yourself otherwise? That single thought sliced through the jumbled situation in your mind. You inhaled, shut your eyes and forced yourself to go to sleep. But whether you remembered it or not - your last conscious thought was of Jordan.
-S-
“Hey, Spark.”
You jumped in your seat, slamming the book you were reading shut. Jerking your head up, you see operator Thermite standing in front of your cubicle.
“M-Mr. Trace?”
“Jordan,” the Texan corrects you patiently. Then, a cheeky smile curls up on his mouth. “I can come back later if you’re in the middle of the good smutty part.” Your cheeks flushed at this. You thanked your lucky stars you weren’t reading a book with smut right then or you would have died of embarrassment.
“I’m actually reading a book on chemistry.” You replied mildly.
“Well, chemistry does have some really good smutty parts.” Jordan jokes without missing a beat, wiggling his eyebrows and eliciting a laugh out of you as you put the book away. He catches sight of the title. “That’s a really good one, read that when I was studying for my degree.”
“It’s easy to understand and not too dry,” you agreed. “I’m just reading it on-and-off during my spare time.”
“Well, let me know if you need help understanding anything.” The Texan offers with a smile that had your heart speeding up. You nodded shyly and cleared your throat.
“Was there anything I can help you with?”
“Oh right.” Jordan hands you a stack of paper. “More boring requisitions.”
“Ah I see.” You said absently as you leafed through the documents.
“No illicit components this time.”
“That’s good.”
“You have a nice collection of pens.”
“Mhm…” you scanned through the contents of one of the forms.
“You ever lose any of them?”
“On occasion.” You answer only half-listening.
“Then do you just requisition more to restore the equilibrium of this pen colony?”
“I just go to the stationary shop.”
“Sooo, these pens are wholly owned by you?”
“Mhm,” you click open a file on your computer and cross-checked the information on the physical documents.
“Figures. I don’t think they requisition such cute pens, mostly only boring ballpoint ones.”
“Don’t mock the ballpoints, they serve their purpose well.” You opened another file and checked a different section.
“I apologise to all our humble ballpoints.” The Texan says mock solemnly. “One of their kind sacrificed its lifeblood to fill these paperwork after all.” You actually raised your gaze to shoot him a look to which he merely grinned.
“You missed a signature here,” you gave him back one of the forms. “Apart from that, everything else is in order.”
“Alright. Could I borrow a pen?” Unthinkingly, you handed him the pen you were using to take notes with earlier. There were colourful firework patterns printed on its body.
“Thanks.” His fingers brushed yours as he took it from you and you fought not to instinctively pull your hand back as you could have sworn that brief contact sent tingles through you. He signs on the form leisurely and without flourish.
“Pretty smooth glide,” Jordan comments and hands you back the document. “There ya go.”
“Thank you,” you said as you continued to process his requisitions. A few minutes later, you informed the operator that it was done and gave him the rough timeframe that he could expect his requisitions.
The Texan bestows you another heart-stopping smile and a casual “see you around” before leaving. It was only a few minutes after he left that you realised he hadn’t returned your pen.
“What was that about?” You muttered to yourself, shaking your head. Stealing pens, almost like you were back in elementary school. But oh did it make you smile and chuckle.
-S-
Honestly, you don’t know if it’s becoming easier or harder to talk to Jordan. On one hand, you’ve become really good colleagues and friends, comfortably familiar and getting on remarkably well - to the point that you were doing unintrusive little things to take care of his wellbeing or at least help ensure he was taking care of himself. Yet on the other, you’ve just been unable to get past the fact of how charming and handsome Jordan was. Try as you might, he gets you flustered and blushing as easily as counting to five. Often, words escaped you around him, leaving you ducking your head or averting your gaze while trying not to be too obvious about it. The Texan was aware that you tended to be on the shyer side, but you didn’t want him to know, as you recently discovered, that you were twice as easily flustered and shy around him.
What’s worse? You even got jealous of Operator Ash at one point for it seemed that she was extremely close to Jordan. You were so, so relieved to find out that they only saw each other as siblings. Of which then you proceeded to feel horrified at how immensely relieved you were. You knew objectively that you were strongly in denial about your growing feelings for the operator, that they went beyond friendship.
And yet… you couldn’t help holding back. You’ve observed him for a while now - this was just how Jordan was. He said things that could be interpreted as flirting as easily as breathing. He cracked jokes, he gave nicknames, he was just so friendly with people. So yes, perhaps you could no longer really deny your developing feelings, but you really couldn’t say it was mutual.
You watched from afar as the man that had your heart casually sling a friendly arm around Operator Twitch's shoulders. You could taste the bitterness of what was blooming into unrequited love on your tongue.
No. You really couldn’t at all.
-S-
Waking up in the middle of the night, you reached for your water only to find it empty. Ah, looks like you’ve forgotten to fill it before bed. Reluctantly, and a little tiredly, you got out of bed and grabbed your flask.
The kitchen was dark when you walked in but you yelped in shock when you noticed the dark shadow seated at the counter.
“Spark?” A familiar voice spoke up, ever so slightly slurred. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare ya.” By then, your eyes had adjusted enough to allow you to perceive Jordan who was looking definitely worse for wear. An opened bottle of whiskey and a liquor glass was within easy reach on the counter. It was obvious he had been drinking, though with how sober he seemed, it looked like the Texan had just started. The instinctive question was to ask if he was okay, but it was clear Jordan was not if he looked this miserable and was drinking alone in the dark.
“Do you want some company?” You asked softly instead. You could always catch up on sleep later, he was definitely more important right now.
“Naw. It’s clear that you just got out of bed for some water,” he gestures with his half-filled glass toward the print pyjamas you were wearing. “Cute choice by the way. But yeah, don’t let me get in the way of your sleep.” You hesitate momentarily, then turned to continue filling your flask. You hear the clinking of ice against glass as Jordan took another pull of whiskey.
Once your flask was filled, you pulled out the chair next to the Texan and sat down. Even in the extremely dim lighting, you could see the surprised look on his face.
"You don't have to say anything. And if you don't want me here, I'll go. No issues." You said softly, leaving the choice completely up to him. The operator exhales and you hear him place his drink back on the counter.
"Fancy some whiskey then?"
“Just a little bit,” you replied. You could make out Jordan reaching for another glass, followed by the sound of ice being added and then the whiskey being poured into it.
“Here ya go, Spark.” He says, sliding the glass before you.
“Thank you.” You picked up the drink and sipped, feeling the burn of the alcohol slide down your throat. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw him do the same. Then, silence descended upon the both of you.
Time trickled by as the both of you didn’t exchange a word, the only signs of life being that either of you occasionally drank your whiskey, with Jordan going for yet another refill. At one point, neither of you seemed to move and you wondered if the Texan had fallen asleep, or you have fallen asleep.
Then, he spoke. It came slowly at first, as he began telling you of a story about his family together. You could hear him smile at some parts and even the appreciation in his voice when you quietly asked the occasional question that let him explore the memory further. It was as if the dam had broken after that as he shared story after story of his family - his mother and sister being tender points that had his voice trembling with emotion. Gently, you laid your hand on his free one, and felt him turn around and grip it immediately. Soothingly you stroked the skin on the back of his hand, some of it partially covered by his bandages. The operator hadn’t stopped drinking either, pausing every so often to down more whiskey and refill his glass.
The Texan had just finished another story and raised his glass for another sip when he found it empty. As time passed, his words had become increasingly slurred, it seemed like a miracle he was still conscious given how much he had consumed. Before he could reach for the bottle once more, your other hand came down lightly upon his.
“I think that’s enough whiskey for now, Jordan.” You said gently. The man exhales and seemed to slump further in his seat.
“Yeah. You’re right.” He manages to say. Silently, you passed him your flask of water and was relieved to see him take it and drink the water.
“I’ll just clean up quickly, okay?” He grunts in acknowledgment. You moved to stand, feeling Jordan’s hand hold yours a little harder before letting it go with some seeming reluctance. Efficiently, you put away the bottle and washed the glasses before returning to his side.
“Do you need help getting back?”
“S’ok -” You gasped as the operator suddenly lunges out of his chair unsteadily, nearly knocking it over. You just about manage to catch him, staggering under his weight. The operator was no light feather that was for sure.
“I’ll take that as a yes contrary to your answer, Jordan.” You said apologetically as you readjusted your grip on him so he could lean on you better.
"Sorry." He slurs as you both began walking.
"It's alright." You assured him quietly. "Now which way?" And so began the slow journey back to Jordan's room. The first couple of minutes went by in silence until the Texan man suddenly speaks up.
"You're really beautiful y'know, Spark." You came to a dead stop, causing him to grunt in surprise. Stuttering slightly, you apologised and began walking again.
"T-thanks...?"
"Easily flustered too."
"W-well that cause you're a silver-tongued flirt!" You blurted out before immediately mentally kicking yourself in horror. But Jordan's only response was to laugh lowly, the sound so illegally sexy.
"Is that what it is, Spark?"
"Yes? No? Ngh, you don't know what you're saying. You're drunk, Jordan." You were so glad the hallways were somewhat dimly lit, so that he wouldn't be able to see exactly how red your cheeks were.
"Am I?"
"Yes."
"So can drunk people get away with some things?"
"Like?" You shoot him a puzzled look and he gives you a dopey smile.
"I dunno. Next door down." The relief that flooded you was immense to say the least as you finally helped him unlock his door. Carefully, you lowered him down onto his bed but the Texan failed to let you go and with the pull of gravity, you found yourself tumbling atop him. You felt his strong arms go around you, his face buried in your hair. Your heart was racing as you audibly heard him inhale. You laid there frozen for a few moments in time until your brain finally caught up with what was happening. With a squeak, you sprang up, feeling his arms slide away from you. Glancing down, you saw that Jordan appeared to be peacefully asleep. You darted out of the room, slowing down only to quietly close the door behind you. Your heart thundering in your ears, you only had the barest presence of mind to grab your water flask from the kitchen before fleeing back to your room.
-S-
Almost infuriatingly, Thermite didn't appear to remember anything that happened that night. It seemed that you were the only one agonising over it. If you were honest with yourself, you felt disappointed. But yet another part of you was in approval. This is good - things wouldn't be awkward then and hey didn't you agree that you were not going to think about your unrequited feelings for him? Right, yes... of course.
So you smiled when Jordan smiled at you, responded as you normally would, didn't awkwardly avoid him and carried on.
And so nothing changed.
Nothing changed. Except your heart ached seeing the man you loved so often but couldn't have.
"Hello? Anybody home? Spark. Sparkkkkk, Sparky Spark Spark. Calling in Spark." You gasped in shock as fingers snapped before you, your mind refocusing on the present. You blinked, finding the very man you were thinking about standing before you with a smile on his lips. "There you are. Mind sharing with the class what got you so distracted?"
"Ah, just what I need to do when I'm home on leave next week," you gave a half-truth, nudging your mouth into a slight smile.
"Aww you're out of base?" Jordan pouted. "Who's gonna process my requisition papers then?"
"Well Cecilia would -"
"Who am I going to share bad science jokes with?"
"Your colleagues in the lab are -"
"Who's going to stop me from drinking too much coffee???"
"I'm sure Doctor Kateb -"
"It's not the sameeeee." The Texan mock-wailed and you really couldn't help the giggle that escaped you.
"It's only for a week, Jordan." You smiled, shaking your head slightly at his antics.
"Now, there's the real smile I've been wanting to see."
"What?" You blinked, watching as his gaze turns serious with a touch of concern.
"You've been acting as if everything's okay but your smiles don’t quite reach your eyes recently, Spark." Jordan folds his arms and sighs. Ah. So you weren't as convincing as you thought you were.
"That's... well..." you trailed off, unsure as to what to tell him.
"I'm not forcing you to tell me why," the operator raises his hands reassuringly. "But just know that if you need a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on, I'm here."
"Thanks Jordan," you said softly, though not quite meeting his eyes. He notices this of course, and seemed to be about to say something else when his phone goes off. He checks the number and picks up the call, nodding to you in farewell as he makes to leave. You gave him a little wave in return, and watched as he strides away with his mind already focused on more important matters at hand. A sign from the universe perhaps. Seeking to think no further on your love life, you turned your attention back to work.
-S-
You were dreaming, you think, feeling a bandage-wrapped hand softly stroke your head.
“What’s got you so down, Spark? Was it because…?”
You longed to press your head further against the gentle sensation. But when you opened your eyes you found yourself alone at your desk. Oh right, you were working overtime in preparation for your leave period. Though the blanket around your shoulders was not there before certainly. You could almost swear you smell Jordan’s scent, one that you’ve become familiar with over time. Your phone beeped with the reminder that you had a flight leaving in a few hours. You sighed, getting up and stretching out all the stiff muscles and kinks from sleeping at your desk. Carefully you folded the blanket, resisting the urge to sniff it to confirm it indeed was his scent. Placing it neatly on your desk and pushing your chair in, you left to get ready for your flight home.
-S-
The break was well-needed. Apart from getting your various life administrative matters done and having a relaxing time, it did help put your feelings towards a certain Texan operator into perspective. Yes, you discovered this new feeling of missing him now that you both were apart and not in the same vicinity. It wasn't the same as when he was away on missions, for during that interval you only worried and hoped for his safety.
But the time away now pulled your head out of the water, sweeping away the angst that clouded your mind. It was hard but it wasn't impossible to still genuinely remain great friends even if your feelings were of something more. You weren't being self-sacrificing not in the least, but you didn't want to be adding more to his plate even if he only momentarily worried about you only when he saw you.
And so you returned to work refreshed, bearing treats famous in your hometown. You gave them out, much to the delight of your colleagues. Quietly, you left Jordan's share on his desk as he was deployed on a mission the day before. Gently, your fingers brushed the smooth surface of the desk, making a wish into the universe that he would come back safe.
A few days later, you received an email from the Texan.
Hey Spark! Thanks for the treats, they were delicious! I had to fight Miles off from stealing my share heh. And also - welcome back :D!
You smiled, your heart warming at the message as you typed a quick reply.
I'm glad you enjoyed them! Welcome back as well, I'm happy you're back safe.
His reply came flying into your inbox a minute later.
Thanks! Happy to be back too :) See you around, Spark.
You leaned back in your chair as you exhaled slowly. Yeah, you're going to be alright.
-S-
A couple of months later saw you quietly leaving a get-together on the base. Every once in a while, the staff of Rainbow Six hosted laid-back social events for whoever was around. The purpose was largely to create a pocket of time where everyone could relax and just hang out.
Social events were not really your thing, but you made an effort to attend these. While your social battery tended to drain rather quickly, you still enjoyed your time with your colleagues along with the excellent food and drinks. You were even drawn into a conversation with some operators and other staff, Jordan greeting you with a grin and a gentle ruffle of your hair. Happily, while your heart still longed to be closer to him, you didn't feel the sting of jealousy or any other negative emotions.
When you felt yourself tiring, you slipped out of the venue and made your way back to your room. Feeling much in a reflective mood, you opened your windows and for a moment, gazed at the beautiful moon adorning the starry night sky. You sat down on the edge of your bed which still afforded you a view of the night sky. Pulling out your phone, you opened your playlist of soft gentle music which was composed of instrumentals and songs of soft wonderful romances. You loved to listen to this playlist especially back when you used to daydream of the romance you would have with your chosen significant other. Now that you had fallen in love with a certain operator, the songs definitely hit differently.
So there you were, softly singing along and letting your mind gently wander when you heard a knock on the door. You stopped singing mid-sentence, turning around to realise that you hadn't shut your door properly.
"Spark?" Your heart skipped a beat as you heard the voice of the man you've come to love.
"Y-yes?"
"May I come in?"
"O-okay." The word spilled out of your mouth before you could think. The door creaked open wider to reveal the handsome Texan, looking absolutely breathtaking in the moonlight.
"Hey Spark, noticed you were missing." He gestured lightly towards you. "May I join you?" You stared wide-eyed at him as you wondered if you were dreaming. But you really saw no reason to say no. Finding yourself blushing, you shyly nodded yes and watched as the most illegally beautiful smile curled on his lips.
He approached you slowly, as if trying not to scare away a frightened animal. And then he sat down, inches apart from you. Your heart was pounding at the close proximity of him, you could practically feel his body heat radiating off him.
“It’s a beautiful night huh, Spark?” He remarks conversationally, the drawl in his words sending minute shivers through your body.
“It is.” You managed to whisper back. Silence descended upon the both of you, broken only by the gentle rustling of the nearby trees and the soft music playing in the background. You wondered if you should turn it off. Instead, you chose to watch the moon and attempted to ignore the sound of your heart racing in your ears.
"Hey Spark?"
You blinked as you turned to face him. Your breath hitched as you caught his gaze, seeing the sheer tenderness in his eyes. Slowly, his fingers captured your chin and he leans in. He stops when your lips were only inches away, giving you a chance to pull back if it wasn't what you desired. When you don't move, he whispers, "Breathe, darling." You inhaled, your breath leaving you in a squeak as he kisses you. Your eyes fluttered close automatically as you shyly kissed him back, feeling his smile against your lips. Jordan’s bandaged hands pulled you closer and closer until you were on his lap as you both continued to kiss softly, tenderly. And there you stayed under the gentle moonlight, exchanging kiss after kiss as your souls connected, not needing any words to communicate your mutual feelings.
-S-
"Just... just where exactly are you taking me Jordan?" You asked puzzledly as your lover continues to lead you carefully by the hand. You were blindfolded at his request as he wanted to keep everything a surprise.
Over two years have passed since that night and despite the difficulties of your jobs, those years were generally blissful. As with how easily you connected as friends, you and Jordan became both lovers and best friends. The best friend part of Jordan gave him ultra special permission to mess with you, and the lover part of Jordan allowed him the privilege of kissing you senseless at your adorable reactions. He was what you've always dreamed your significant other would be like - funny, kind and loving. That and the extra "bonus" of him possessing an extremely sharp mind that allowed him to deliver witty remark after witty remark.
Arguments were inevitable of course, especially given the high-pressure nature of his job. That was when Jordan used his sharp mind to cut you instead. Passionate - was what onlookers said when you fought. Sometimes it seemed like an all-or-nothing situation that left both of you hurt and smarting. Yet when all was said and done, you both gravitated back to each other - talking it out and apologising, learning and growing stronger together. How easily you would blush thinking of the hot and heavy makeup sex that always came after.
Jordan was a very affectionate individual and almost seemed unable to keep his hands off you. A kiss to the forehead here, a loving caress on the arm there. Bandaged fingers entwining with yours, strong arms wrapping around you and pulling you close for kisses that ranged from brief but loving to deep and passionate. Sometimes when your leaves aligned, he visited your place and vice versa. Slowly, your lives became further entangled as you began to meet each other's friends and families outside of Rainbow Six. And recently, you began to dream of a future with him.
"You'll see Spark. We're almost there." You felt his thumb caress your hand reassuringly as you trustingly let him pull you along. It seemed like a few minutes later that Jordan finally comes to a stop. The world came back into focus as he removes your blindfold and you gasp, your hands instinctively coming up to cover your mouth. You were standing in what seemed to be a private garden decorated prettily with fairy lights, giving it a surreal fantasy atmosphere. There was even a canopy tent and what seemed like a cozy picnic laid out.
"Feeling hungry, love?" You turned your attention back to him and was about to open your mouth to answer when your stomach growled. Jordan chuckles as you blushed in embarrassment. Pressing an affectionate kiss to your temple, he leads you to the picnic where you both proceed to enjoy the feast he had packed. When there was nothing left but crumbs, your lover takes you by the hand and leads you to a spot.
"Stay right here, Spark. I'll be right back."
"Oh, okay." You agreed and received a quick kiss on the lips for your acquiescence. You watched your lover jog off somewhere with a slightly puzzled look. A few minutes passed and just as you began to wonder where he might have gone, a loud pop made you jump. Looking up, you saw beautiful fireworks beginning to bloom across the sky. Was this Jordan's work? You cast a quick look around for your lover but he was nowhere to be seen. A particularly loud boom had you looking up to the sky once more as stars showered across the sky.
And then you see it.
One by one, the fireworks began to spell out your name and then...
Will you marry me?
Your breath caught in your throat and you stared in wide-eyed surprise as the fireworks concluded in a final shower of sparks. A movement beside you had you looking down to see Jordan wearing a black suit and tie, down on one knee.
"Spark," he began, his shimmering grey-blue eyes entirely focused on you. "From the day that you knocked on the door of my workshop, I felt something change in my world. I couldn't tell what it was at that point in time, but my mind was suddenly fresh with ideas. I didn't tell you the full truth when you asked me why I started calling you Spark way back then. That is, it was because you became the spark that led me to see things a little differently, that inspired new lines of thinking. I'm a workaholic and I've been told that I need to take care of myself more. I knew this instinctively, but sometimes I honestly do not see the need for it other than keeping my body in peak condition. Then you came and started taking care of me, adorably I might add. And soon I found myself wanting your attention, even if its only for you to tell me to remember to eat on time.” Tears were already overflowing from your eyes as your trembling hands covered your mouth. Jordan takes a steadying breath before continuing.
“It dawned on me one day, that I was in love you. I love you, Spark. I love how adorably shy and easily flustered you are, especially around me. I love how curious you are and are always seeking to learn more. I love how you're not afraid to fight me when I get too stubborn, and that you continue to love me no matter how much of an ass I've been to you. I love the little sounds you make and I love each and every time I get to wake up to see you fast asleep and cuddled as close as physically possible to me. I want you for the rest of our lives together, to face the challenges that life throws us together, and if possible... to grow old together. With all my heart, Spark, will you marry me?"
Your knees chose to buckle at that point and Jordan catches you easily as you manage to get out a "yes" through the tears, wrapping your arms around his neck and burying your face in his shoulder as you cried. You felt him hug you tightly against him as he whispers, "Thank you, my precious Spark."
Gently, his hand strokes your back as he murmurs sweet nothings into your ear. Eventually, you calmed enough to pull back, meeting his twinkling eyes.
"S-sorry I must look like a mess," you half croaked, still sniffling. Slowly, he reaches up a hand and lightly brushed the remaining tears from your eyes.
"No, Spark. You look as beautiful as the day I first kissed you under the moonlight."
"Liar." You said weakly, moving to lightly hit his chest, only for him to catch your hand gently.
"Scout's Honour," the Texan quips, causing you to laugh. He grins, "Alright, still not a scout. Doesn't change the fact that you're absolutely breathtaking." Carefully, he pulls a little box from his suit pocket and slowly opens it. Nestled within was the most beautiful ring you've ever seen.
"May I?" You nod and he carefully picks up the ring and slides it gently onto your finger.
"Perfect fit," you murmur as you looked at the ring in wonder.
"You sleep so soundly it was really easy to get your measurement, Spark." Your now-fiancé teases you cheekily.
"T-that's b-because..." You stutter as you felt your cheeks flush. Because most nights you won't let me sleep without some vigorous "exercise." Jordan smiles wickedly at this.
"Because?"
"I-I'm not finishing that sentence." You asserted, gasping as you suddenly feel his hand slide down your back suggestively and then firmly cup your butt.
"That's fine, I already figured out the answer."
"J-J-Jordan, we can't here! Your suit -"
"Will wash." His mouth seals over yours then, allowing for no further protests.
That night, you made love under the stars for the first time as a newly engaged couple. It was only the beginning after all for the two of you, with many firsts to be seen through together in the years ahead.