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There was no denial in the fact that the relationship between Wilson and Luthor was complex, with it appearing as though there was rivalry between them or rather something of competition. It was something Waller had wished the two of them would simply work out for themselves and the constant bickering and competing for attention would stop, but when it came down to that actually happening, she really didn't know how to react or what to do when something else began to form in its place.
In order to keep things running smoothly, Waller made an effort to hold meetings on a semi-regular basis regarding new projects and updates on current relations. It was something that her best men were required to attend, meaning both Wilson and Luthor had to be there, but it was during one of these meetings that she started to notice just how close Wilson and Luthor were sitting together, the glances they shared back and forth, the way they laughed and whispered back and forth as though they had their own inside jokes, and above all, the fact that Luthor was wearing Slade's jacket. It was clear something was going on between them.
“Our next meeting will be next week, and I expect the best from all of you in the meantime.” Waller concluded, taking note of the way Wilson actually held the door open for the other man. “Wilson, stay behind. I would like a moment to speak privately with you.”
“Is everything alright?” Alex whispered, sparing uncertain glances towards Slade as he hesitated in the doorway. “I thought we had plans to go out for dinner tonight and..”
“We're still going to dinner.” Slade assured, doing his best to ease the tension regarding things. “You go ahead, and I'll meet you at home.”
There were many things Amanda Waller had seen in her life, but this was certainly not one of them. It was obvious this supposed rivalry had taken shape into something much more intimate than she could have ever imagined. It seemed almost unnatural, but the way Wilson was looking at Luthor said otherwise. This had been going on for a while.
“You wanted to see me?” Slade questioned, sparing a few glances to the door where Alex was previously standing. “If this is about the reports, Alex said he was going to fax them over—”
“I noticed Luthor was wearing your jacket during today's meeting.” Waller acknowledged, looking at Slade directly. “Do you care to explain to me why he'd be doing that?”
"Well, you see.. Alex has the tendency to get cold, and since I usually run hot, I didn't see the harm in loaning him my jacket.” Slade awkwardly explained, trying to be dismissive of the whole thing. “I really don't see what the big deal is.”
“I don't know what is going on between the two of you, and I'm not going to pretend like I do because I don't, but I do in fact know there's something going on.” Waller calmly stated, recognizing just how uncomfortable Slade seemed at the acknowledgement alone. “Luthor is a good man, and whatever is going on between you two seems good for you, Wilson. I just want to be clear that while I don't disapprove of whatever this is, I don't need it affecting your work or Luthor's for that matter, meaning if there is an issue between the two of you, you'll need to deal with it outside of working hours, and I still expect for those reports to be in on time. Do I make myself clear, Wilson?”
Holding relations within the workspace was something that was usually looked down upon. This was something they both knew well, yet it was apparent that an exception had been made for a relationship that both parties were seemingly still in denial about.
“I really don't know what you're implying here. It's just a jacket.” Slade argued, seeming to fold pretty quickly under the pressure. "Okay, so there might be something between us, but I don't really think it's worth having a conversation about. I mean, come on.. I haven't been acting that different, and we've been doing a great job hiding it.”
"Wilson, today Luthor walked in here in front of everyone wearing your jacket, you held the door for him and walked him out when I asked you to stay behind in order to have this conversation, and if you really don't think people recognize the way you light up when you're around him..” Waller pointed out, taking note of the look of embarrassment Slade seemed to carry at the obviousness of it all. “This is good for you, but I still better get those reports on time.. knowing Luthor, he'll probably be doing them for you. Now hurry up and go join him for dinner.”
With that being said, Wilson wasted no time heading for the door to meet Luthor for their date. This relationship was a good thing for him, and though it was a complicated one, Waller couldn't help but approve of it.