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The coarse rasp of a razor invades Vincent's dreams little by little until it is everywhere. Until he opens his eyes up, completely wide awake.
The noise does not last too long but the small time is enough for him to process it and understand the reason of it, accusing it loud even before the blond enters the room:
"You fucking suck, you know it? You're such a bitch."
Sasha comes with that sunshine smile wide open, his face perfectly shaven. The traditional scene of the man coming back from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. He leans on the bed and kisses the Frenchman's forehead.
"Good morning-afternoon! I have no idea of what you're talking about."
Chamber makes a cynical face but ends up smiling at his gentle act. He actually realizes he does not genuinely smile that much, but right now he feels comfortable about doing it around his new friend. He lifts a hand and drags the back of his fingers along his now smooth jawline.
"You shaved. You kept that damn beard just to tease me."
"I bet you liked it." He keeps his amused face.
"I've been complaining about your dirty gaming all along." Chamber just found his smiling-back version today.
"You should smile more. And maybe keep your hair messy. Not always. But you look good, my friend." He offers his hand to help him get up from the bed. "What about spending the day together again? No second intentions today? By the way, did you sleep well?"
Vincent accepts his hands and in seconds he is standing besides the Russian, no clothes. However, today everything feels different. He still feels embraced by a single handshake from that passionate guy, but his game worked. He feels compelled into his personality. He wants to know him better. He could not think of anything he could wish more than to pass all day long with him.
"What a nice guy. You're wonderful, mon ami” . He feels like he couldn’t stop smiling. "I could not have slept any better. You?"
"I had the best of the pillows. But now I'm starving, shall we have something at the restaurant? If you can walk normally, of course."
"Shut up. Which meal are we going to have?"
"No clue. I don't know what time we went to sleep. I don't know what time it is right now. I just know I'm hungry."
The night before, they had indeed ordered the bottle of champagne. After some glasses, it is all a blur. Vincent only remembers they had some existential conversation he really enjoyed. A lot of jokes in-between the subject. How did it end?
Regardless, he is hungry too. He comes back to his room to get dressed and meet Sasha at the rooftop. He does not take too long to get to the restaurant and find the Russian sitting just beside Sabine.
As he approaches the table, smiling, the woman twists her mouth to his presence, leaving the table.
“Enchanted!” Vincent does not undo his pleasure face, but Sova is not reciprocating such a large smile as usual. His expression is… lighter? He scans Vincent’s new clothes, light pink shirt and white pants, approving it with only a little smirk, but does not comment anything.
“Are you up for crepes?” The Russian suggests and they both end up ordering a savory and a sweet one each. Vincent waits for the other to detail what he just saw, but Sasha keeps his silence, staring out the giant palace window in his well fitted tank top.
Vincent takes a look around the room. There are not any agents nearby in the imperial white and golden penthouse that is the restaurant. The clock reads 3:30 p.m.
“ Alooors… What did my groupie want?” He needs to know.
Sova makes a serious face. Something that Vincent is not used to at all. “You’re kidding, right?”
He widens his eyes in surprise, like if he was asking ‘ Why would I?’ but he just attests “No!” instead.
Sasha raises one eyebrow and returns to stare at the sea.
“I don’t understand.” Chamber is disturbed.
“Don’t you remember anything, buddy?” Sova turns to him, leaning both arms on the table.
“About what?”
The crepes arrive, only to make Vincent more anxious.
“She knocked on my door yesterday. Don’t you remember?”
Chamber is surprised.
“Nooo…?”
“She knocked on my door. She wanted to see me but she knew you were in my room.”
“So?”
“So you heard her voice and got up all naked from bed and went to the door to ask if she wanted to join us.”
“No I didn’t.”
“Yeah, my friend, you did it.”
Chamber caresses his own forehead, shocked. He could not lose his own self control like that. Especially in front of other Valorant agents.
“ Mais non! Are you sure?”
“After getting up that quickly, you ended up throwing up in the toilet after she kindly refused your offer. This morning I just found the gift you left me there.” He finally laughs again.
Chamber joins him. But from the inside he could not be more disturbed.
What else did I say?
Oh non! All that existential talk I remember only parts of it… What did I say?
His mind quickly turns to Fracture as he tries to chase it away with something else, as if Sova could read his thoughts.
At least Sasha did not run away. Not yet.
“I can be very romantic, you see?” He decides to pretend it was not a big deal.
“I am in love.” Sasha smiles and takes a bite of his crepe.
This drunken episode is not mentioned once again during the meal, neither later in the snooker game, nor in the spa. It is not like there would be time to discuss it while they were receiving massages side by side, but perhaps another little joke could be told while they were mud bathing. Not at all. Sova’s commentaires were all kinds of small talk.
What did I say? What did Viper say?
Or am I overthinking it? Maybe he is just like that. He is an introspective guy.
Or maybe we’re only ashamed after all we did last night.
But he does not seem ashamed. In the sauna, he rests naked all comfy right beside Vincent.
It is already sunset when they return to the hotel lobby. Chamber wants to enjoy the last sunrays by the pool but Sova says he needs a shower.
Dismissed?
All alone again, agent Chamber finds himself enjoying the relative peace of the usually bumbling lounge bar, as the heat had driven most of the clientele outside to enjoy the beach. Still disturbed by the alcohol, he was on his second iced tea, sharing casual remarks with Cypher whenever he was free from tending the bar. His eyes followed a droplet of condensation running down the side of his glass when his quietude was disturbed.
“It seems like someone had fun last night…” said a smooth voice to his right that made a chill run down his spine.
“I didn't know you engaged in gossip, Agent Viper.” She sits down on the stool beside him, her little black dress hugging all the curves of her body, a thin silver chain around her neck and a condescending smile on her face. She orders a mojito and leans sideways on the bar top.
And now, this.
“Is it really gossip if the whole resort could hear you through the walls, Agent Chamber?” her sweet smile dripping sarcasm. Vincent chokes on his drink, his face and neck reddening and burning. After recovering, he tries to deflect.
“What's it to you, anyways? You've always made your disinterest very clear.” The playboy façade was gone for a moment. Despite the attempt to avoid the subject, the curiosity was genuine. Viper accepts her ice-cold drink from Cypher and calmly takes a sip before answering.
“You're right. But we never had anything in common before.”
“And now we do?”, he scoffs.
“You can say that.”
Is that what their conversation was about?
“Are you saying we should be friends because we fucked the same guy?”
I doubt it.
“Well, don't get so excited now, no one said anything about friendship” she says, making the other agent roll his eyes.
“What do you want, Viper? Is this another one of your little games? I’m getting tired of it” he tried his best to sound serious. He can have all his intentions, but he always had a weak spot for those bright green eyes.
“Oh, but you're so much fun to play with…” She smiles dangerously. “Why don’t we talk about it over a flute of champagne?” that makes him stop on his tracks. What else did Sasha tell her about their night together? Chamber never assumed he would, but he also knew how convincing Sabine could be.
“What will we celebrate?” his face is blank, but his thoughts are racing.
“Loyalty, maybe?” But then she gets up and leaves.
Vincent swallows hard. He takes a last look, eyes sweeping her form from head to toe before turning away, no response.
He could never stay at the bar all casual like before, a vein pulsing on his temple. Viper knew exactly how to get on his nerves.
Sova opens the door a few seconds after the quick knocks, wearing only a pair of navy sweatpants. Chamber loses his train of thought for a second, the memories from the previous night invading his mind.
“Already miss me?” Sova steps to the side to make way for the other with a small smile, amused by his reaction. That is enough to make the Frenchman snap out of his reverie.
The room is all tidy again. With the curtains open and illuminated by the afterglow lights, it seems like a completely different place from yesterday. Even because he was probably not taking so many notes.
“I wouldn't complain about an encore … but I’m… Ah… I want to know what exactly you told Viper earlier today” The displeasure must be clear on his face, because Sova raises his eyebrows in surprise.
“Oh, I…” He searches for something on the ground. “You know, she wanted to see me but we were busy. So today she just wanted to make sure we were fine. ” his expression turns worried when he realizes his answer makes Chamber even more frustrated ”What happened? Is something wrong?”
Chamber sighs heavily. He imagines Sova has no reason to lie to him.
Unless… But he has his hands tied cause he cannot ask him anything else directly.
“Just talked to her. Tried to provoke me, insinuating she knows all about last night,” he huffs, clearly agitated. Chamber turns to the balcony glass door and looks out at the nightfall, missing Sova’s grin, but feels when he wraps his arms around his waist, pulling him back into his chest.
So he is not running away.
“Do you mind?” Sova mutters, next to his ear. Chamber can’t help the shiver that passes through him, starting from the back of his neck and spreading warmth through his body. Sova continues, “That people know?”
“Do you?”
“Not really. I mean, considering the amount of people you involved in your little scheme, I don’t think you could keep it a secret even if you wanted”
Chamber feels the warmth rise to his face, remembering how easily Sova figured out his plan to get him alone.
“I need to know how she knows. She knows details, Sasha. Making jokes about champagne with that annoying little smirk” he could feel that anxiety returning.
“I thought you were into her?” Sova asks openly.
“And that’s what makes it even worse! She already snubs me on the daily, if she has the upper hand, she’ll walk all over me!”
This is a good game.
He crosses his arms, only to have them uncrossed by the Russian, who holds his wrists and turns him around to face him.
“She’s just like that. She likes to be in control of things and people. If you are interested in her, you have already made progress. Take advantage of that.”
“It was like that for you?”
“Not really. She came to me.” Sova’s sheepish tone only contributed to his indignation.
“And why didn't she come to me, then?”
“Maybe she thinks you’re missing something? Something worth toasting about?”
Ouuh. I definitely should not underestimate this man.
* * *
Viper takes off her heels, not really enjoying the feeling of sand under her feet and between her toes, but she hadn't planned the visit to the hidden beach she had found a couple days back while exploring the place in a jet-ski. Enjoying the faint buzz from the mojito Cypher had served her, she undresses completely, leaving her belongings on the sand, not close enough to the water to get wet, but not far enough to have to walk a long distance in her unclothed state.
She steps into the water, the waves licking at her skin, and walks forward until the water reaches her chest. The sky is full of stars, the moon providing just enough illumination to cast a gentle silver glow upon her frame.
Eyes closed, many minutes pass as she loses track of time, immersing herself in the sound of the gentle waves and the breeze hitting the palm trees nearby.
However, being a highly trained agent meant that she never really let her guard down, and her moment of peace soon was interrupted by the faintest sound of shoes against sand, and she immediately turns around to find agent Chamber crouched on the sand right next to her clothes, looking at her smugly.
"Sabine, Sabine… For such an experienced agent, I didn't expect you to commit such a… rookie mistake. Skinny dipping? Really? What are you, seventeen?" he smirks. Viper rolls her eyes.
"What do you want, Chamber? How did you find me?" she doesn’t sound alarmed, only annoyed.
"I want you to tell me everything you know about last night, and how you found out" he hooks a finger on a piece of emerald lace in the pile of clothing, lifting it in front of him.
"Don't even bother, they won't fit you." Viper teases with a devilish grin, enjoying how he glares at her and puts the pair of panties back on the pile. "But what if I don't give you what you want?"
"Then I'll gladly stay here until I have to drag you back to Sage so she can treat you for hypothermia. Aren't you cold, Sabine?" Indeed, the breeze had picked up, making her shiver in contact with her wet skin.
"Oh, as much as that sounds delightful, this water is not very good for my skin."
"Start talking, then"
Viper remains silent for a couple seconds, talking herself out of the idea of poisoning his morning coffee. Her stash was limited and she should not waste it on such trivial matters. She then takes a couple steps towards the beach, and he frowns.
She would not… Would she?
Except she does. Inch by inch, the water reveals her body, leaving Chamber dumbstruck, as if he was watching the birth of Aphrodite herself, from the sea foam, until she stops in front of him, completely naked.
"I should make you suffer for disturbing my peace, but I think Cypher deserves it more for snitching on my location" she says casually, picking her black dress up and starts to get dressed, not caring about the water dripping from her body and dampening the fabric. "But if you want to talk like two civilized adults, you can ask him for my room number, the offer still stands."
She grabs her shoes and picks the lacy panties from the sand, leaving the garment on his shoulder before walking out towards the same trail he had come from.
"You can keep it"
***
Chamber would love to say that, at the end of the day, he didn't really care about the conversation Sova and Viper had, but he would be lying. The thoughts kept him up the whole night, after turning down Sova's offer to stay with him again. The numbers on the clock glare at him from the bedside table. 5:18. He sighs and kicks the blankets off. There is no use tossing and turning any longer, he needed to find something else to occupy his mind.
A nice stroll around the city should do the trick, he reckons, and gets ready. The sun is still shy on the horizon when he exits the building, the cool air is a welcome caress against his face and a familiar figure is walking away in brisk steps to his right.
Why is Viper in such a rush this early in the morning?
Chamber is usually not one to meddle in other people's business, but Viper decided to meddle in his and awakened in him a ferocious curiosity. Besides that, the opportunity to catch her in a possibly compromising situation was too good for him to pass up. He decides to follow her at a safe distance, trying to not be seen. They walk for almost ten minutes, eventually reaching the train station.
The display board on the platform signals that the next train to Paris arrives in two minutes. Fortunately, the amount of people commuting at that hour is enough for him to blend in the crowd, hidden from Viper's eyes.
The TGV arrives and the doors open with a hiss, receiving the dozens of awaiting passengers. Viper gets on the first class carriage and takes an empty seat by the window, immediately grabbing a tablet from her purse. Chamber follows suit, taking the seat diagonally behind her. From this angle, he can't see her face, but can see her hands. He watches as she reads through work files and reports, making notes, analyzing graphs and comparing numbers.
Oh, this is good.
He keeps observing intently and waits until they leave the limits of the city altogether to approach her.
"Does Brimstone know you're working when you shouldn't?" That's how he announces his presence, taking the seat beside her. Viper immediately widens her eyes in shock, but quickly schools her expression into a frown, looking at Chamber and craning her neck over the headrest to look around, not finding anyone else familiar.
"What are you doing here, does anyone know you're here?" her tone is urgent, and he smiles like the cat who got the cream.
"No one. Just you and me" he smirks, leaning towards her, elbow on the armrest and chin on his palm. Viper grunts and rolls her eyes, clearly unhappy that she failed to leave unnoticed. Being stuck with Chamber for an entire hour first thing in the morning was not what she intended when she woke up.
"Alright, fine. What do you want?" she hates how his smile grows, indicating that was exactly what he wanted to hear.
"First of all, I'd love to know what you're doing on a train to Paris at..." he checks his wristwatch "...6:20 in the morning"
"It's none of your concern"
"Aw, Sabine, come on. I'm not gonna tell anyone, I swear. I just want to understand why would you trade a relaxing day at a wonderful resort for work and wasting hours on a train." Surprisingly, she can see in his eyes he's not lying, and decides that if he's gonna pester her for an hour, she might as well give him answers.
"I couldn't care less about the resort. I have bigger and more important things to care about. I can't slack off, especially when she's always two steps ahead of me.” The constant battle between the Vipers from both worlds was a race of intellect more than anything else, with both sides being notorious workaholics, never allowing themselves to catch a break. "I have to conduct a complex experiment that will be decisive for future missions, I really don't have time to waste on suntans and piña coladas"
"Still doesn't explain why you had to come all the way to Paris. I'm sure Marseille has labs you could use"
"I need a specific technology, as I'll work with interportal transportation and how it affects toxins" she explains, and it piques his interest.
"Interportal? I can help you with that." That was exactly the opportunity he needed. The black card held between his fingers was his golden ticket to her world. She's about to dismiss him when it dawns on her that he's right; he's not only capable of helping, but also actually the best person for the task.
"Would you be up for it? It's not a walk in the park, the hours are long and the work is tedious, but tiring. I don't think you would last the entire week." she says it as a warning, but he takes it as a challenge.
"I can do it," he says in a heartbeat "but what's in it for me?"
"I'll give you something you want." That's all she says, no hints on her face or innuendos on her tone.
"I'm in."
Oh, that curiosity will consume him whole one day.
* * *
From the south of France to the capitol by these fast trains, the trip would not take more than an hour. Even if it was 3 hours, it would not be enough for the shooter to be annoyed. There is always much to think of or to be planned. However, he will need to force himself to do some research. Read the more recent and relevant articles among all those that brilliant scientist has published during all these years. Right now he realizes how Sasha was never wrong.
He can’t help wishing the empty seat in front of him was occupied by Sova. The archer would turn everything lighter, clearing this smoke around the situation with a smile and a timely remark he always seems to have. He could be a winter kind of guy but they met in summer, as if the sunny days were evoked by the reflection of his bright white teeth. Apart from him, even though it is still the same season, the day decided to dawn all gray and rainy.
Zut! How I wish he was here.
Besides the Frenchman, agent Viper reads some articles and takes several notes at her tablet. She seems like she couldn't care less about 1st class trips by train, the landscape or the weather. Or about the full-of-expectations Vincent attentively observing her from the adjacent seat. For him, she reserved only coldness. Her interest is right where the golden archer warned him it would be. At her work.
When they finally arrive at the gare de Lyon , a car is already waiting for them.
Vincent never liked the surroundings of this train station. All the memories invade his mind, a hot-sweet tasted wave evoked by the noises and smells as they walk out the building toward the vehicle. He could not wait to pass the canal Saint-Martin where the good memories will overcome the bad ones.
But they cross the bridge heading south, instead.
Good thing there is a lot to think, once Sabine kept her silence up until now. If it was not for Sova, he would be thinking of something to say, but he will try his best to not… which word did the Russian use again? Shine?
“Have you ever been to this facility?” She finally says something.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Of course you have.” She says dryly. Vincent understood her tone. She surely is implying he already has been in so many facilities.
He smirks to himself but she perceives it with her peripheral vision… Wait, what is that the Frenchman notices on her face? Amusement?
Mon Dieu.
So many neo-haussmannien buildings into the city, they leave the car. The Eiffel tower is visible on the horizon. A good guest for the moment, impossible even for snakes to resist its charm. Maybe that is why Fabron points the way towards the university-similar building, “after you, Madame ”, and she says “thank you”.
Uhla.
Classic from the outside, modern on the inside, the building seems to be a well known place by the woman. She walks by the concierge and white corridors with casual confidence. She even greets some people and asks if they are fine.
“Did you know you are the oldest trainee I’ve ever had?” She attests without looking at Vincent, once she stops by a great glass door, waiting for her palm prints to be read by the lock.
There are so many answers Vincent could think about, but he decides to only smile. A little one.
The door opened. Viper looks back searching for her answer only to find that smirk.
She smirks back. A little one.
Ouh… Vincent’s heart accelerates.
And she even holds the door for him.
Alright, then. Don’t mess things up now, Vincent.
And he doesn’t. It was not like it was hard. But it was not that easy, either. Lab coats, shoe covers, masks, glasses and caps after - a new kind of fancy -, Chamber needed only to avoid any funny remarks and to be really attentive to his advisor. The previous research he did actually really helped, he ended up answering he knew how to do some things she asked.
There were so many plants, flasks, liquids - most of which were the same sickly green he had seen her use on the battlefield. And there was a small teleporter. The one that brought him here. Both ends in the same room, but after crossing that small distance, Sabine showed him how the toxicity of many compounds were already affected.
So the discussions started. Essays. Notes. Readings. More discussions. More essays.
Some essay needed to be read 10 in an equipment. More time than sufficient for microwaved lunch. Reading some articles during it, of course.
Back at the laboratory, the hard work continued until Vincent could not bear standing for much longer. But it was only half the afternoon. It seemed an eternity until Viper decided the work day was over.
‘Nice work’, ‘what did you think?’, ‘are you fine?’ or any personal questions were not pronounced. No small talk. Only professional remarks.
Chamber sleeps the whole hour on the way back.
“Today we made good progress. Be here tomorrow at the same time, alright?” Sabine announces back in the hall of the resort.
“Alright, ma’am.”
She turns around, walking back to her room.
One step at each time. He thinks, resisting any wish to say something more. He can try to be friendlier tomorrow. Or the day after tomorrow.
For now, he just needs a shower. Good thing Sova opened the door on the second knock, and soon the two are already wet.
* * *
When the alarm clock went off, Vincent just wanted to stay in Sasha's warmth longer. How can he feel like home this much?
“It was you who decided to join the witch.” He notices Chamber hesitation.
“Biting the hand that fed you, little owl?”
“I didn’t need to do half of what you're doing.” He barely keeps his eyes opened, but his smile is always radiant. He turns around in bed and falls asleep once again, by the sound of another rainy day.
Chamber would give anything to sleep all the rest of the morning by the side of the archer. Have another spa day. Champagne nights. But he got his reasons. He can’t let this opportunity pass.
Many reasons, by the way. But seeing Viper in the hall reminded him she is herself one of them.
“Good morning, ma… chère” He would say ‘ belle ’ but resisted the temptation.
She is wearing a full basic look. Black long-sleeves shirt and black pants. He thinks he saw the outline of a smile when she greeted him back.
But the rest of the day was all work and no play just like yesterday. A 12 hour déja vu, from the train trip, the quick glimpse from the Eiffel tower, the 10 minutes lunch…
“See you tomorrow.” She said by night, adding: “Thank you, Chamber” this time, however.
Even Sasha realized the difference this little gesture made.
“How was the day? You still seem tired, but happier today.”
“Same bullshit… But I feel I’m making some progress.”
“I’m sure you’re doing, my friend.” he affirms by the bed, as Vincent changes clothes.
“Oh Sasha, little Sasha. Asking me about my day and all… noticing the subtlest variations in my mood. You’re so lovable. Are you sure I’m just your friend?”
He guffaws. A sound Vincent adores.
“I care about you. I know you care about me. But I know we’re just friends ‘cause if we were dating you’d kick my ass as soon as the summer ends.”
Vincent is the one who laughs now.
“I adore you, mon ami .”
“I love you too, my friend.” That warmth. “And I still want to love you in the winter.”
* * *
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Another gray day. Another hard goodbye to Sasha.
The nonchalant trip to Paris. Silent car ride. White rooms and corridors.
Toxins. Teleporter. Erlenmeyers. Lab coats. Discussions. Calculations.
Soon enough Chamber understood why Sabine is not interested in his clothes, cars, or knowledge in wine and restaurants. Maybe, just maybe, he could start to feel ashamed about such superficialities. Here, he is valuable only for his knowledge in teleporters, which, by the way, he could never compare to Killjoy’s. Actually, he does not remember the last time he felt this dumb and stupid. But Viper never said anything in this context. It is more like the contraire. She seems to appreciate the help.
The day after, a big thing happened.
“You know, Vincent, I set the chromatography run to 40 minutes. We will have more time for lunch.” She heads to the door and starts removing all the lab clothes. “There’s a little market in the corner, do you wanna join me there?”
“Sure!”
“They sell some subs and salads. I like to eat in the park just in front of it.”
Few minutes later, they are picnicking supermarket food and orange juice in the terrible weather. The air is thick and opaque. The leaves are barely moving on the trees.
Oh my, there are so many great restaurants around here, Vincent thinks, staring at his tuna sandwich.
“It’s nice to have a market just beside the lab.” Sabine comments, looking around the block, but then turning straight to Vincent. He feels a chill in his back “Back when I was at university, the lab where I did my research was far away from everything. It was so annoying to find somewhere to eat late at night… People here do not know what hard work really is. And they work as if they knew. Always wanting everything they want, when they want.” She starts complaining about people in the lab and then returns to describe her previous routine.
Chamber caresses his own hand, not really knowing what to say. He does not have so much to add to this topic. But he does not need to, she is very talkative right now. He is impressed.
“I see you look like a loner worker too, Vincent.” She attests.
“Oh… ah… Y-yes.” The changing of subject from her to him caught the Frenchman off guard. “If you want a thing done well, do it yourself.”
“Exactly.” She promptly agrees. “Sometimes I wish I had another me to help me do the work.”
What? She didn’t. The audacity.
Chamber hopes he did not show any expression.
“Well, so, there is another you, right?” He decides to not play the fool. And this is already a start to the topic he is in fact interested in.
“It’s you, the charming guy. You are the one good at making others like you, not me. Maybe you’re the right guy to make diplomacy with the other side, aren’t you?”
She just said something nice to me? But she is doing her game, Vincent, be careful. What now?
“If I get the opportunity, I can try convincing her to have a picnic with you.” Bon, a little flirt, why not. “I hope she makes you realize what a man you're wasting here… Imagine, lucky me… 2 Sabines.”
“Idiot.” She finishes her meal and gets up. But Vincent can swear she is holding her smile.
Paris was never his favorite city during the summer. Even worse if he was spending it working. He longs for a walk, a promenade , with long stops for ice creams, coffees or white wine. Even photographs… He could invite Sova one day.
It is not like he could not invite Sabine either, but today she would only turn around and ignore him, he knows.
In summer, he is more into Greece, anyways. He is sure, before Autumn, they will be together on one island.
“If a poison expires, does it get more or less poisonous?” Chamber says out of nowhere, on the way to the laboratory. Viper snorts discreetly and rolls her eyes, thinking it’s just one of his usual antics. She doesn’t reply, but turns to look at him and finds him clearly expecting an answer.
“Oh, you were serious? Well, that's not how toxins work”
“Then what?”
She expected him to be satisfied after her first answer, so it comes as a surprise to see him completely focused on her, waiting for her to go into detail.
“Well, um. It depends on the substance, really” Vincent knows that Viper only considers that the whole helping with the experiment thing just as a long stunt to get into her good graces — and eventually in her pants —, but he can see that she finds herself disconcerted when he requests a genuine explanation, probably hating herself for the enthusiasm that grows inside of her at the prospect of talking about her speciality. “Different toxins need different storage conditions, as some are more stable than others, but synthetic toxins are made to retain their properties for the longest time possible…”
Chamber never interrupts her even when she skips to and from different topics. He listens to her talk about toxin sources and chemical stability, enzymatic activity and oxidation. She’s still talking when they are geared up with all of the lab setup, standing in the middle of the white room. As she’s talking, her hands never stop moving and her eyes shine with excitement. Then, Chamber remembers what Sova told him. He was right.
She only snaps out of her reverie when one of the machines beep in the back of the lab “-so i have to store them as powder to maintain their prop- Oh, finally!” Viper runs to check on her samples and Chamber feels his smile grow. This woman gets more interesting every day.
But personal talks were all over in the afternoon. Vincent could not feel more tired. It feels like every new day he gets less used to this routine. Each time he gets more and more tired.
“Holy shit, my frrriend. I’m sorry but you look like crap.” Sasha kisses his forehead. “I’ll run you a bath.”
“I don’t deserve you, Sasha.” Vincent says without thinking, but in the end he just realizes he thinks it is true.
He almost falls asleep in the bathtub. There is not any energy left after he gets out of it. He just lays in bed, his head cloudy.
Poor Sova. He remembers thinking as the other makes sure he is comfortable.
It is already morning again when he wakes up by the clock. Sasha cuddling him.
“I don’t wanna go.” He says.
“Don’t go. You want to fuck the whole Valorant team this bad?” Sova asks with eyes closed.
It would not be a bad idea. He laughs to himself. But it is much more than that.
“She is so hot.”
They both laugh but Sova soon sleeps again.
Here we go.
Another day.
This time, he gives up dressing fancy. He just copies Viper’s look. Black over black. Hair not perfectly brushed and dried. Chamber goes through the process of getting ready automatically, not even casting a glance at his fine silk and linen shirts in favor of comfy slacks and a cashmere turtleneck. He tosses back a double shot of espresso and moves towards the lobby, where a familiar silhouette awaits him.
As soon as he sees her, he can't stop staring. There's something different about her, but he can't quite pinpoint. Something significant enough to make a difference, but too subtle to be obvious. Her hair is still the same jet black straight bob as always, her eyes the same shade of bright emerald as the day before. Her mouth... He loses himself for a moment in his staring, but he's absolutely sure her delicate petal lips are the same usual light mauve shade, or he would know.
For some reason, her features look softer than usual, with no explanation, and he wonders if she's finally showing anything different from the usual indifference and discontent he's familiar with. He's not fast enough to avert his gaze before she realizes that he's staring, but she doesn't comment either.
The curiosity stays on the back of his mind the entire ride to the lab, making him restless enough he starts fidgeting with one of his cards without even noticing.
She even sits next to him to discuss the day’s experiments.
Well, well, well.
They arrive precisely at the same time as always, greet the same people and wait for the elevator in silence. Chamber would never say it out loud, but his favorite part of the day is when the lift doors open, revealing them side-by-side in the mirror. At that moment, no one could convince him they don't look good together. He steps in after her and stands at a comfortable distance.
Uncharacteristically, Viper turns to her own reflection and, reaching into her coat pocket, retrieves a thin black cylinder and uncaps it, revealing a felt tip. She gets closer to the mirror and looks at her face, then suddenly starts looking around, as if she's searching for something. Her eyes widen as she looks down and promptly plucks the black card that still dangles from Chamber's fingers.
Before he can ask what Viper is doing, she aligns the edge of the card with the corner of her eye and traces the sharpest, most perfect wing near her lashes, repeating the same thing on the other side with practiced precision.
She turns to him to return the card and he's once more faced with the disdainful visage he sees everyday.
Oh.
“You can have it” he tries to sound smug, but his eyes are sparkling. While she doesn’t reply – just pockets both items and turns towards the door –, the softness returns to her face, this time in a barely concealed half-smile. The elevator pings, announcing the arrival to their destination, and she steps into the hallway, ready for another day.
Still inside the elevator, staring at his miserable reflection, he only now realizes he forgot his perfume. He feels like he slept only for a few minutes. He cannot make his mind clear, like he was high on something.
He waited for the feeling to pass as the day progressed, or more coffee cups after, but, in fact, it was getting worse. The laboratory ambiance could not help, either. All that whiteness started to appear as if he was locked in a mental hospital. His tongue feels heavy, his sun-bruised skin, flaming. Even breathing turned to something that feels unnatural.
I was never so close. He keeps saying to himself.
And he is right. Sabine smirks more. Speaks more.
“Sasha is a nice guy, isn’t he?” She asks today. Not even at lunch time, but randomly in the middle of an essay.
“He is.” Vincent smiles at the memory of that grin he adores.
“He is so concerned about everyone in the team. Something rare, all that loyalty.”
“It’s true.” Merde, I shouldn’t be agreeing .
“I don’t understand why he likes you so much.” She says as if it was something casual, but she trembles the essay tube just a little.
“Why? Do you think I ain’t loyal?”
“You love playing games, Chamber.”
“It doesn’t mean I’m not loyal.”
“Are you?” She looks straight to his face, stopping Vincent on his tracks. He would never look away in normal conditions. But he feels so tired. “Say it to my face.”
He stares at her intense green eyes. The tension in the air.
Je ne sais pas, am I? The internal question is made, as he repasses his life in his mind.
“What a philosophical question, Sabine.” He longs to look away but he says it to her face: “I am.” And even adds: “Are you?”
She bites her mouth.
“I don’t know. I hope so.” She answers, surprising the frenchman.
End of topic.
At lunchtime, she asks about his opinions in an essay for the afternoon. He can’t exactly remember what. He is so tired. It was something like if once the toxin crosses the teleporter, it could still cross back… or perpetuate the bound… Why is it so hard to remember?
It was even about the toxin we were talking about?
The little sleep he gets at the train back helps a little at making his mind clear.
“Enjoy the weekend!” He remembers hearing it from Sabine’s mouth. How did he end up lying on the bed of his own room?
Bon. Weekend. I’ll finally sleep as much as I want.
What he did not know was that he could sleep for two full days if it was not for Sova, 24 hours later, knocking at his door, four, five, six times, each one harder than the last.
“My frrriend! I was worried! Are you good?” He is genuinely disturbed, entering the room without being invited after a wrinkly face Chamber opens the door, only in underwear.
“Well… Yes, I guess. I just need some sleep. Why did you wake me up?” This is Vincent thinking it is the same day, once it is still twilight. It takes him some time to understand why Sasha is here. Finally, he was convinced to join him at the great buffet by the beach.
* * *
It is a festive scene.
Some wooden stilts support a structure similar to an open white tent. The fabric is very light, crossed by the moonlight and reflecting the shine from the torches stuck in the sand. A large table is right under it, covered by a white tablecloth where fancy plates and glasses rest.
Some meters close to it, another table is perpendicularly set up with as many diverse types of dishes as possible. Salads, cheeses, seafood, local specialties, hot dishes, desserts and fruits just to name a few. The beach bar is close to it, too.
Just the comings and goings of the waiters would be enough to bring the place to life. But when Chamber steps into the place, he finds the agents enjoying it like a real party. Eating, dancing, talking or even using their abilities.
“くそ! Look who's here! Looking like shit but the princess finally showed up.” Yoru leaves the table to greet the Frenchman. Chamber does not look his best, indeed. Besides looking tired, he chose the first clothes he saw in his room - black jeans, t-shirt and flip flops -, covering his messy hair with a yellow cap.
“Hi, Yoru.” He forces an emotionless smile.
The Japanese man is surprised and even a little worried “Oh, shit… Let’s get you a seat.”
By the table, he sits facing the sea, just beside Yoru, in front of Raze, Killjoy and Kay/o. Sova soon comes over and sits on the empty seat on the other side. Everyone seems surprised by his unkempt appearance and nonchalant mood.
“Chamberzinho, you good?” Raze asks apprehensively as soon as he makes himself comfortable.
“I’m doing good, thank you.” He forces a smile again.
“You sure?” Yoru inquired, running his eyes from the Frenchman to Sova right beside, expecting the Russian to have a good answer. Sasha, however, shrugs, helpless.
“You see, I know humans get tired. Your motor functions don't seem at their best.” Kay/o sounds worried. “If there is anything we could help you with I’m right here.”
Killjoy does not want to keep pressing him so she just resumes her story after he thanked for the support. But she tries to make him feel comforted and integrated into the conversation. And so do the others.
* * *
At some point, he just needs a break from all that conversation and social exposure. What was that? Do people actually, like, appreciate him?
Sasha once said he likes him and found a friend in him. He is always honest. But… why?
Chamber collects so many foes or dislikes during his life. Even though he can play diplomacy nicely, it was inevitable. And all this teached him to play safe, cover his feelings and leave first to not be left.
With these thoughts in head, he finds himself making his way to the hot tub, knowing exactly who he might find there, enjoying the peace of a more reserved and quiet place among the palm trees and colorful lowlights.
And there she is, agent Fade with closed eyes, head leaning on the ledge of the square shaped tube. For a minute he thought she could be sleeping, once she seemed so peaceful. But as soon as he gets closer, she opens her eyes all at once. She turns her head toward him, but does not say a word. They face each other in silence, for some seconds, until Vincent asks if he can join her.
She straightens herself and indicates the place by her side with her head. Vincent throws his clothes carelessly on the floor, entering the tub in golden trunks and disheveled hair.
“You know, Fade, sometimes you gotta go through getting all the stuff you thought you wanted and then seeing it slip away to really grasp what real freedom's all about.”
“What do you mean?” She inquires, being surprised by the topic but almost laughing at the randomness of the conversation.
“I know what you saw. You know what I fear the most. But right now I’m feeling trapped about it.”
“What did I see, agent Chamber?” She seems interested.
“You know, the things you saw…”
“Tell me, then. What do you think I saw? Have you ever put it into words?” She leans one arm on the ledge.
Chamber swallows hard. It is harder than he thought. His fear is also, above all, embarrassing.
“ Merde . It’s so evident how I care so much about what others think about me. I can be so self-sufficient but it seems that it’s never enough. You asked about my motivations. I do what it takes to do what I think is the right thing, you see? But I fear people will misunderstand me.” He does not keep eye contact. The turbulent waters on the tub he stares almost like they were mimicking his feelings. “You do what you gotta do, there will always be sacrifices. But I learnt to deal with it by myself. However, people here are being nice to me. They like me, Fade. I don’t wanna let them down. Life throws curveballs, and yeah, I've had my fair share. One thing I never meant to do was mess with them 'cause I actually dig them. I mean, can't you see? I'm just a regular human with my own set of flaws, just like any other dude, right?”
“You know what I saw. You know what I know.” She fixes his hair, her voice comforting. “And I like you, Chamber. We all have our stories. We all have our motivations and baggage. And I know what I’m saying. Just keep choosing well, right?”
He searches for the stars in the sky but she brings his head back by his chin, with her hands.
“Thank you, Fade.”
“And if I may add, don’t change for other people. Viper sees a lot of herself in you… that’s why she wants you under her spell.” Now she approaches his ear, to talk like it was a secret. “If I was you, I would investigate this fear you have, about being, well, played .”
He hugs her and gets out of the tube.
“You know you can still make this place shimmer, right?” She smirks. “I hope I’ll see that fabulous Chamber who steals the scene crossing that door, still tonight.”
Her idea is, actually, a good start. Staring at his own reflection on the window glass, Vincent is not proud about what he sees. He is not ashamed, either. But he seems lackluster, opaque. Less like what he wants and more of what Sabine would approve.
He believes the outside of someone works somewhat like this window glass; you can see the inside of someone or your own reflection, but both images will exist concurrently. Sometimes it is hard to separate which one is you.
Maybe he needs to work back on his outside in order to get to his own inside.
His mind is much clearer now. Nothing like a lot of rest and water.
He gets back to his bedroom, unlocking the door to the room of his own that he almost did not spend any time in. He opens the curtains to the pool area, breathing in deeply the salty air. The noise from the buffet as a welcomed guest.
But his focus is on the closet. In the expanse of his opulent room, he stands before the mahogany door, opening it with a smile to a sanctuary of sartorial treasures. With a discerning eye, he selects a cerulean summer cardigan, its delicate linen-silk knit a testament to fine craftsmanship. This choice harmonizes effortlessly with the canvas of his attire, a crisp white shirt adorned with slender azure stripes, reminiscent of a tranquil coastal vista. The canvas extends downward, as immaculate white pants drape elegantly, exuding an air of refinement.
Completing this ensemble, his feet find solace in moccasins that whisper against the marbled floor, their supple leather a testament to both comfort and distinction. In this composition of attire, each element is meticulously curated, reflecting his discerning taste and the effortless sophistication that accompanies his every step.
Minutes melt away like grains of sand in an hourglass as he devotes himself to the artistry of his hair. He could not be less hurried. He even sets some music and hums along it while his nimble fingers coax each strand into a dance of his calculated quaff. The mirror before him captures this intimate pas de deux , a symphony of styling products and practiced finesse.
As the final flourish settles into place, he steps back, a silent satisfaction lighting up his eyes. The quiff stands as a testament to his dedication – a bold declaration of his unwavering pursuit of perfection. Confidence radiates from this carefully sculpted coiffure, a signature of his persona.
With a steadying breath, he reaches for the crystal vessel that holds his chosen cologne. Not the same he chose when he went to the pool party, the one Sova said he liked. It is a better idea to try a new one.
They two are so different, anyways.
A few drops fall onto his waiting skin, a fragrant elixir that weaves an invisible tapestry around him. Notes of passionfruit and allure intertwine, embracing him like a bespoke garment tailored to his essence.
In this symphony of grooming, he finds not just preparation, but ritual – a prelude to the world that awaits.
Vincent Fabron, enchanté.
The mirror reflects a man who is not only impeccably adorned but also emboldened by the meticulous care he invests in himself. He is transformed into a masterpiece. He is just who he wants to be.
And agent Fade was not lying when she said he could steal the scene. Not only the nightmare girl, but every single eye leans on him as he steps back to the pool.
“ Chambinhooo !” Agent Raze shouts and claps as if the man in blue was her favorite celebrity. “They just served Brazilian specialties, come taste them with us!”. She joyfully points the same chair he was sitting before.
On the other end of the table, Viper passes her eyes through him head to toe. It is never easy for Vincent to read her feelings. He is never sure if she is feeling what he thinks she is, but up until now it seems that he never caught any of her motivations wrong. She twists her mouth, as usual. But this time it was so dramatical. Much more intense as if it was genuine.
She’s only faking it because she is interested.
He smirks and she seems to not know what to do, searching for her glass of water.
The feijoada and vatapá were dishes very much appreciated by Vincent and everyone at the table. Everything seems so light, the vacation mood favoring the creation of so many great memories.
Vincent catches himself thinking about the window glass once again, wondering if it is because, right now, he feels like that. Or even if, maybe, he helped enlighten the place. An egocentric thought, of course. However, instead of looks of concern and pity of before, the agents around him show only positive emotions.
More dishes are served, commentaries made, and jokes told until Chamber decides it is time to act. He asks for Viper’s room code on a SMS to Cypher.
Like a slimy but invisible trail, passionfruit cologne traverses all the table’s extension to incorporate the citric notes by the end of it. Green tones matching green eyes.
Sabine crosses her arms, clueless face. Vincent stops right in front of her, smirking. But soon he looks down at the man who is sitting with his back to him, tapping his shoulders with both hands.
“ Salut , Brimstone. What a nice shirt. It’s nice to see you wearing floral… But you seem stressed out! Your shoulders are tense. Can I help you with that?”
“Chamber?” He turns his head and looks up, wondering face. “Thank you. I’m good. Is everything ok?”
“C’mon. A massage is always a good use.” He presses the other’s shoulders, from the arms end until his neck. The captain is reluctant to accept it but ends up relaxing in a few seconds. Vincent glares maliciously at Viper. He even smiles a little. “Everything is fine, yes sir. I’m just concerned about our superiors who might not be enjoying the vacance time as much as us agents. Maybe you’re too worried if we’re having a good time, you see? Putting effort into making everything work… And even working in the free time.”
“Nice of you, Chamber. But all the details were well planned before. Neither you nor us, we don’t have to worry about anything!” He stranges Viper’s worried look. “But what do you mean ‘working’?”
Jett and Skye, at their side, just pretending they aren’t hearing a word, searching for something on the table to eat.
“You know, lab activities and all… But good to know you’re doing well and haven't been poisoned or something.” He taps his shoulders again, and walks out, leaving no time for more questions but certainly enough material for a long discussion.
His time was bought. The path to Sabine’s room can be taken in a carefree mood. The flames of the torches guiding his steps in the sand, until the pool area, until the main building. His mind is repassing the massage. Brimstone’s big and strong shoulders were certainly very good to knead, he could wish to keep doing it and even go further in another time. But his mind was actually on Sabine at that moment. And she knew it, he made it very clear. What if she was in the room when he opened the door?
There they are, the hallways half-illuminated by golden wall lamps where his steps echo in a satisfactory sound against the shiny pale marble floor. His usual soundtrack for his fantasies.
How would he like it?
He would open up the door and Sabine would be by the window. She would be wearing a turquoise satin robe. Without saying a word, she would push him to the bed. Climb him. She would open up the garment, revealing black mesh sheer lingerie that would show that pair of round and firm breasts he once helplessly saw.
But Viper is not there when he crosses the door.
Well, then, it was what I planned anyway, wasn't it?
Her room is exactly like the other agents, but it is surprising how its aura is not the same. Sasha’s room feels like home. Sabine’s one like an amusement park ghost train. Even the pale moonlight that floods the room through the open window helps setting the perfect haunting mood.
Her things are well organized, thus finding her tablet that is innocently resting on the bedside table was easy and simple comme bonjour.
As expected, her files are also well arranged, methodically cataloged. Vincent finds a lot of articles, books, notes from the experiments they performed and even the receipt from her lunch… but he does not find any information about himself. None.
Anyway, he does not give up. He keeps on searching on the other folders and subfolders until the door opens. He gets up caught by surprise, heart racing.
“What happened to the Vincent I had maybe started liking?” She closes the door with delicacy. She takes off her sandals and Chamber remembers why he fantasized the lingerie that way. She is wearing a sleeveless long beach dress, made in black mesh sheer. It has a slit that goes up to her waist, a provocative freeview to her toned legs and the black bikini bottom.
“Why care about him when we both know that the one you already like is right here?” He smiles, adjusting his glasses.
She snorts, walking towards the window. Her hips enlightened by the yellow light from the lampshade.
“You won’t find what you are looking for in there. Or anywhere.”
“How could you know?” He raises one eyebrow.
“What? Do you think I’d guess all your tiredness from the week was only from work?” She turns her head from the outside towards him. “Well, I knew before it all that hard work ain’t your strength, but it was only a week…”
“First of all, I won’t consider your work style as the balanced one to be the parameter to judge mine… but anyway, why do you assume I’m here to find evidence that you poisoned me?”
“You’re so predictable, Chamber. The Vincent I started liking is the one who doesn’t pretend to not be. The one who is neither pedantic nor presumptuous.”
“ Madame , I don’t know if I should agree with you or start questioning your judging abilities.” He remains motionless. “By the way, you didn’t disagree when I said the Vincent you already like is this one. Not that version who was threatened with poison day after day in that lab until I could not start thinking straight. Until I could be so drunk on it, feeling like on the day you knocked on Sova’s door and discovered that I lose the control of my tongue when I am like that. Have you obtained all you wanted from me?”
She smiles. A genuine one. A complete show of teeth that touches her eyes. She even laughs and approaches him.
Vincent feels both frightened and attracted, not knowing what to do by the slow approach of the woman.
And she does it. She pushes him to the bed.
Chamber has his heart in his throat. He still feels humiliated by all that he passed, but he also feels turned on as soon as his back hits the mattress.
“Tell me everything the naughty archer did to you, will you?” She is on top of him, her hair fanning out in the warm breeze from the window. Her face is lustful and she even squeezes Vincent's lips.
He knew this day would arrive. He always wins at the end. The path was harder than he thought but by the end there is it. Three prizes all at once.
Firstly, there he is, lying on Sabine’s bed.
Secondly, not the answer he wanted but the one he needed: either he never lost control like he thought he did or he really said too much to her and Sasha, indeed, but they didn't really care.
Last but not least, she honestly thinks he was interested in her tablet only to know if he was poisoned or not, and nothing else. Any precious Valorant Protocol, for example...
Well, actually, here comes a bonus: He can even decide if he is going to enjoy the night or take revenge for the humiliation.
He never gets used to the champagne taste.