Chapter Text
Gunshots were coming through the walls, and Sage ducked behind an empty alley to reload her weapon. "Seems like they're in charge of the spike." She was surrounded; they were unaware of her presence, but she sense it wasn't safe.
The sound of footsteps coming made her pulse rush. It was Omen, hunched down beside her behind the wall, “Yep, spike spotted."
Sage nodded, relieved to realize it was just Omen, "Are they coming this way?"
"Not sure." Omen nodded after he took a sly glance "Enemies coming our way.". He was breathing more heavily as he spoke softly into the microphone. Sage calmed him by putting her gentle hands on his shoulder and smiling reassuringly.
"Retreat!" Brimstone dispatched, "The helicopter is the same as it landed."
"Yalla, we have no time to lose." said Cypher. He hurried down the hallways, and they both caught up with Cypher at the helicopter.
They reached the base sooner, and everyone assembled in the meeting room, "We'll be temporarily disbanding this mission and returning when we have sufficient information. Right now, it's too risky." That evening, following yet another failed mission, Brimstone sighed and wiped his palms down his nape in disappointment, saying, "Let's wrap it up, call it a day. Well done, everyone."
Sage catches up to Omen after exiting the room, and she sighs. "What's wrong?"
"I just think it's sort of stupid I guess. We know how much trouble it could cause if we don't help now." She ranted to him while walking down towards her office.
Omen nodded in agreement, "...I agree, it's such a shame." he didn't have much to say.
"...Yeah. Maybe I'll do a small research on it." She huffed, opening her door to the office. "I'll see you later?" Omen nodded.
It was a lovely, Tuesday night in the VALORANT headquarters, The woman with black hair could only see the rainfall dropping from the damp leaves and the wind flowing through the leaves as they drifted into the air through the library window.
The night wore on, she took her time examining old files and looking for clues in the vast, dark library. The hooded phantom enters through the creaking door, and the sounds of his footsteps get closer as he walks toward Sage.
The large clock struck midnight, Omen hummed in awe at the sight of her rustling through files and paper written in clues. “It’s getting late, isn’t it? What are you still doing here?”
Sage could feel his blue scars staring at her silky hair as she continued writing on the clue-filled paper, not daring to look at him. "I'm not done with this mission, Omen." she said, looking down at the paper. “How is Brimstone willing to give up so quickly?”
"And you, wouldn't give up so easily, would you?" teasing words slipping out from his hood. He took a seat beside her and stared at the mess of papers on the desk.
He was just lost, looking at Sage with admiration. Her commitment, diligence, as well as how smooth her skin is. Apart from the sound of the thunderstorm and the scribbles on the paper, they were completely silent. "What brings you here?" she had asked, pausing her writing to glance into his face. As he became aware that he had been staring at her, his dark cheeks slowly turned a scarlet red.
"I enjoy knitting here." Putting his knitting supplies on the empty coffee table beside hers, he said, "I don't need that much sleep." he began knitting “But I’m sure you do.”
“I overslept yesterday, I’m sure I’ll be fine.” She replied, but that small yawn couldn’t hide her lie.
“You need rest Sage,” Omen glanced out the window, seeing every single drop of rain race through, “the weathers perfect for a good slumber.”
Sage sighed, setting down her pen and rubbing her tired eyes. The weight of the mission and lack of progress had taken a toll on her. Omen continued knitting, occasionally glancing at Sage’s face. “What about the accident in Venice? Are we going to let that happen again? Thank the stars and Astra that they didn’t decide to detonate the spike.”
"I can't rest, Omen. Not until we solve where the stored Radianite is and find out what happened, I cannot let this be it. Omega Earth had already gotten far ahead with their Radianite tech, and if they have more of that from us, who knows what might happen." Sage said, her voice determined but with a hint of exhaustion. She leaned back in her chair, staring out into the rain-soaked night.
Omen nodded, his hood concealing most of his face. "I understand your dedication, but you won't be of any use if you exhaust yourself. Brimstone said he’ll work on it further." His voice was so soft and silent, "Take some rest, Sage."
Sage looked at Omen, appreciating his concern. The room felt home-like with the sounds of thunder and Omen's continuous knitting. She let out a soft smile, "Thank you, Omen. I appreciate your concern, but I can't help it." She sighed, "This... This has the potential for so many unthinkable scenarios. We are VALORANT. And our vision is to prevent Omega Earth stepping paths to our radianite."
"I believe in you, and I do agree... but we've been spending too much time on the mission, and I can tell you're exhausted." His knitting taps rhythmically, as all that they could hear, in sync with the crackling fireplace and the raindrops falling. "Sage. It wont hurt to get some rest. "
"We have aplenty time tomorrow." Omen paused his knitting and glanced at her with a smile.
"I suppose you're right, I apologize for the concern." Sage muttered.
He chuckled, "No need to apologize, it's for your own good anyway." Sage set the papers away, placing her pen down.
Omen seemed very solemn, "You're strong, Sage, but everyone needs rest... even I."
"I’ll give you something to rest on." Sage raised an eyebrow, curious about Omen's offer, the healer hums in curiosity.
Sage hesitated for a moment but decided to indulge him. He held a soft knitted pillow, she took the knitted pillow from Omen's hands, feeling its warmth and softness. The delicate gift of the pillow surprised her, and she couldn't help but smile. "This is beautiful, Omen. Did you knit this yourself?" Omen nodded. "Yes, I find knitting to be very calming. It helps me wind down, especially during the quiet hours of the night."
He couldn't help but feel comforted just by her presence. The fearsome phantom seemed to have a soft spot for this particular healer, he felt safe and open beside Sage.
Sage traced her fingers along the patterns of the pillow, her gaze admiring the splendor wool texture, appreciating the effort and care Omen had put into it. "Thank you, Omen. I'll cherish it." She placed the pillow behind her, making her chair much more comfortable.
As she leaned back, Omen resumed his knitting, stealing glances at Sage from beneath his hood. The atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming more intimate with the soft glow of the dim yellow lights flickering and the rhythmic sound of raindrops against the window. It felt like the time had frozen, filled with unspoken words and shared intimate glances.
Omen couldn't help but be drawn to Sage's dedication and strength. He admired the way she carried the weight of the mission on her shoulders yet remained serene. Sage, in turn, found comfort in the phantom’s presence. Behind that mysterious and dark intimidating look, is just a man who adores knitting and admiring things he has passion for.
As the night continued, they chatted like time wasn’t such thing, soft laughter, occasionally exchanging glances and subtle smiles. Omen's knitting needles tapped softly, creating a soothing melody to their shared moments. The rain outside seemed to harmonize with these moments.
Eventually, Sage couldn't resist the exhaustion any longer. She set aside the papers and rested her head against the knitted pillow. "You were right, Omen. This is indeed a perfect weather for a cozy sleep."
The phantom smiles beneath his hood, pleased to see Sage finally giving herself a moment of rest, she leaned her resting head against his shoulder. As the room embraced the tranquility of the night, Omen continued to knit, and before he knew it, she was already asleep, he ran his fingers down her silky shiny hair, running down to her nape, Omen couldn't help but admire Sage with all full of his heart.
He softly kissed her forehead, “Goodnight, Sage.” he whispered to himself, the world froze around them as he kissed her goodnight, she was already asleep, he smiled warmly as the night unfolds.