Archive of Our Own

“No distractions!”

And there were none. No sound that could distract him from his duel. Nothing unexpected to see in the dimension he created. Nothing but all his senses going into overdrive, increasing to their maximum. His unlucky prey had no chance in the 1 vs. 1 he had dragged them into.

Careful steps of his opponent scattering the silence. He could as well just close his eyes and would know exactly where they were and where to fire his bullet to eliminate his opponent from his arena. He could almost feel the presence of the other with just his body as if the air moving around them gave the other away in the world he had created. Everything was in his favor. His lilac eyes filtered out the purple shades of the surroundings, while the enemy struggled with the bright lights. It surely looked confusing, making one’s head spin. But not his. It was his territory.

His arena.

Show time.

One step aside, one bullet that cut the silence, not giving the enemy a chance to fire back.

And just like that, there was peace in his arena again, before he got pulled back into the world that was way too loud, too bright, too chaotic, too much.

No distractions.

He jumped into the cold water of the Protocol’s pool, enjoying how the water blocked out the sounds that were too much to handle. It also evening out the lack of sound when his power would cool down, decreasing his senses to almost nonexistence, especially his hearing and eyesight.

It was annoying for his senses to get from one extreme to another, but it was keeping him alive and he was aware that his body would never keep up with going 200% nonstop, so he learned to deal with it.

Swimming was an amazing way to do so, since water helped his overstimulated senses, making the transition from his maximum to minimum smooth. Besides, no one talked to him when he was under water. No one acted weird when he didn’t hear them or saw them. No one touched him and the light touch of water and its soothing ability was nice in comparison to even air.

He didn’t need his eyes to swim, closing them and enjoying how the water brushed over his closed eyelids. He would know where the pool would end just in time. How many times would he swim in similar pools? He knew the distance better than anyone. It was similar to the dimension he created with his utl - his arena, his playground. He knew both territories like the back of his hand.

It was familiar, comforting.

Another method of dealing with these side effects was music. Not that he heard it, but it was keeping him busy for others.

No one took it personally when he didn’t hear them when having his headphones plugged in his ears around the base. They thought he didn’t hear them because of the music and it was alright with him. Way better than to explain that no matter what they would say, he would only read it from their lips once his vision would get better. No one questioned why his voice was quieter due to him barely hearing his own voice in the mix of other dull sounds that were supposed to make sense when hearing them. But they could hear him even when he spoke quietly and if they didn’t ask twice, then they didn’t want to know that badly, which was okay with him as well.

He had learned how to deal with the side effects of his powers. And so had other radiants. It was comforting to learn that other radiants had to deal with side effects of their powers as well. Not that it was good that they as well suffered, no, but it was good to know that he wouldn’t be an outcast or a freak because of this. After all, with the power they gained from the First Light came sacrifices they all had to make. But maybe it was a small price in order for them to have and use such powers and maybe save their world while doing so.

He hummed when he got into his room, feeling like untensing even further. Despite the Protocol becoming a safe place, he still felt vulnerable after using his ultimate ability and for his senses decreasing this much, he felt alerted still and only felt easier in the safety of his room.

It was the most safety he had felt in a long while. Even while working for Hourglass he didn’t feel like he could allow himself to relax and let his guard down. Especially after he decided to join the Valorant Protocol.

How could an assassin, a killer , ever find peace?

He let himself plop onto his bed, enjoying the song quietly playing in his headphones. He lightly drummed the melody on top of his stomach, then chest, quietly singing along after a while when he fully relaxed. The vibration gave an illusion that he heard the songs he knew by heart. Eventually, the music became louder, making him tune it down. His hearing was coming back and bit by bit the purple hues seemed to lessen when he looked around.

He was alright.

It was going to be alright.

It always would.

Or so he thought.

-x-

Another mission. Another capable team and just as capable enemies.

Sage was currently defusing the spike, having him and Gekko covering her, while Phoenix and Yoru were rushing to them from the other side.

“Jett’s down.” Phoenix’s voice rang through the earpiece.

“And so are Astra and Harbor.” Yoru sounded as if he and Phoenix had once again found a way to make another competition out of their current situation, and now they were coming to their side just because the rest of the enemies were here. They surely would be. The spike was here after all, so they should’ve guarded it, actually.

He listened closer to his surroundings, the quiet beeping of the spike, the small sounds Gekko’s little creatures were making as well as Gekko collecting one of them back.

Dizzy, he recalled when seeing the blue in the corner of his eyes.

But where were the enemies? They had to be here. Two of them were still somewhere. He slowly strolled closer to peek from behind the next corner, where he spotted enemy Raze sneaking up on them. Immediately he ducked back behind covers, dodging a few bullets.

“Raze’s on me,” he notified the others. He was sure that he would help Gekko and Sage taking 1 vs 1 with Raze, giving them enough time to defuse the spike and to deal with the other mirror who was surely lurking somewhere nearby. He was aware that Phoenix and Yoru were almost there as well, so it should be a smooth ride from here. He would take her with him.

“No distrac-”

“Watch out!”

The next thing he was aware of was something bright green flashing in front of him before he realized that it was Gekko who had pushed him aside, and he stumbled against the next wall.

But this wasn’t what concerned him. It seemed like Gekko had pushed him aside so that the enemy Neon wouldn’t knife him. How did he miss her being there? From all people.

But again, not the most concerning thing, because the next thing he realised was Gekko suddenly being pulled away by the purple veil of his ult. And just like that, Gekko and his ult were gone. While he was still standing there. And who was still there as well? Neon and fucking Raze.

Two gunshots, and both Raze and Neon fell to the ground, leaving him dumbfounded by how fast all the things just happened. There was something like shame tingling his scalp, scolding him for just standing there and not reacting quickly enough while he was well aware of how much a quick reaction mattered on a battlefield. But he couldn't help but ignore that feeling, having his eyes still glued to the spot right in front of him. This was the most concerning thing.

“Just so you know, I killed her, so we are even.” He heard Phoenix saying to Yoru. Both sounded out of breath as if they had been sprinting to their side. They probably were.

His gaze then wandered to Sage, who was holding up her sheriff, which had seemed to take out Raze.

The spike was defused, the enemy was dead, but…

“Yo, where is Gekko?” Phoenix wondered, coming closer and looking around.

“I could swear I heard his voice just a moment ago.”

Iso quickly pushed himself up from the wall, finally unfreezing. He was quick to try to summon his ult-dimension, but failed miserably, feeling no energetic tingling he usually would when summoning his dimension.

There was nothing.

He could feel his heartbeat in his throat, blood running cold.

He couldn’t get in there and there was no mark on the ground for Gekko to come back dead or alive.

“He is there, in my dimension,” he didn’t realise how panicked notes spilled into his voice. He tried again and once again - it didn’t work. Apparently, it had counted as him using his ult and he couldn’t build it up this fast again. It took more energy than one might realise and while knowing that he couldn't force his ult from energy that wasn't there he couldn't help it but feel like he should be capable of doing so. It was his power. His ult. His dimension for fucks sake.

But he couldn't.

He couldn’t get Gekko out of there.

“Shit,” Yoru cursed next to him, before ripping open the rift and jumping into it. They had talked about the rift and the dimension he created. Apparently, it was possible for Yoru to find it in the rift, even though it came with quite some complications. But it was possible, and since he couldn’t get in, it was their only option. Not a good option. But the only option they currently had.

“What the hell is going on?” Phoenix sounded worried as well as Sage rushed closer. He was quick to explain what happened, even though he didn’t fully understand the situation himself. This hadn’t ever happened before. It should be impossible. And now all he could do was to hope for Yoru to bring Gekko back. A miracle . And miracles weren’t something he believed in. But he grew to trust his teammates. A bit.

He couldn’t even tell how much time had passed after Yoru had jumped into the rift. It seemed like forever and Phoenix being visibly nervous and restless, not finding himself a place to stand still, wasn’t contributing to him feeling less tense and helpless as well. This was one of the reasons why he usually got his job done alone. It wouldn’t hurt others or him.

He only shook his head when Sage opened her mouth to say something. He was sure she wanted to say something reassuring, but he didn’t want to hear it. Or maybe she would ask questions he had no answer to, feeling like he was failing and falling into a spiral of doubt and shame.

All they could do was wait and hope for the best. And this wasn’t something he was used to. He had to have his powers under control. If not him, who would be able to handle them? How would anyone else get to the place he created? He felt quite many different emotions, which he was sure weren’t even displayed on his face. He knew how to hide them. But it didn’t save him from all the overwhelming thoughts that were racing inside his mind.

He tried to focus on their surroundings a bit more to ground himself. Phoenix, who was nervously walking around the spot Yoru had disappeared into the rift, Sage, who had already notified Brimstone about their situation.

Inhale.

Exhale.

It would be alright.

When it comes to mindfulness it is important not to evaluate what surrounds you. It’s neither good nor bad. It just is.

So he tried again.

Phoenix. Sage. Dusty tiles. Neon’s mirror. Raze’s double.

He inhaled again, letting the air slowly travel into his lungs, holding it there for a few seconds before letting go.

Suddenly he heard the familiar sound of the rift fabric being torn next to them, before Yoru stumbled out of it, dragging Gekko with him. Iso couldn’t recall the last time he had felt that relieved, rushing towards them as well as Phoenix and Sage did the same.

“He was barely conscious when I found him,” Yoru reported, and it was difficult not to notice how out of breath he was. Iso bit the inside of his cheek, seeing Yoru’s rift-scars visibly glowing more lilac. It seemed like the trip to his dimension left marks on the riftwalker. It looked like whatever the rift underneath Yoru’s skin usually was, got poisoned from the lilac dimension within. He didn’t look good at all, too pale and as if he was just about to throw up. His hands were visibly shaking either from exhaustion or pain or maybe something else. And while Iso had no idea how the rift worked, he couldn’t really blame Yoru for having trouble to withstand the burden that came with travelling and creating dimensions as well as it surely took tons of strength to tear open the dimension he had created inside the rift. So he was sure that even if Yoru would never admit it, but it was for the better that Phoenix had rushed to his side to help him to stand upright while Sage was inspecting Gekko, trying to analyse his state and heal the best she could.

His attention fully snapped back to Gekko, tearing him out of his thoughts when hearing the latter groan and being quick to help him sit upright.

“Gekko, are you alright?” Sage worried, still trying to make out how Gekko was feeling and what was wrong with his state. Even someone who wasn’t a medic could see that he wasn’t doing well, even worse than Yoru. After all, it had seemed to bring him into a state of unconsciousness before.

Gekko only groaned again before he slowly blinked his eyes open. Suddenly, his eyes snapped fully open and to Iso’s horror, he realised that Gekko’s eyes were completely coloured a milky-purple now.

And it got worse.

“I…I can’t see?” Gekko panicked, but instead of his eyes, his hands shot up to his ears immediately.

“I can’t hear anything.”

There was terror written all over his usually peaceful and happy face, making Iso’s heart scatter. He didn’t know such a thing could happen to anyone but him.

The ride back to base was everything but pleasing. Despite the best efforts, Gekko went through a panic attack before Sage could use her powers in a tranquillising way, bringing Gekko to sleep. On top of that, the side effects of Yoru’s rift abilities flared up till the point where Yoru couldn’t hide them anymore, shivering to the point where there was an unmistakable sound of his teeth chattering. He wasn’t sure what other side effects he had to suppress, since his rift-scars seemed to glow up in a purple shade once in a while, but it didn’t make the atmosphere on board better. Sage looked defeated. She couldn’t help neither Gekko, nor Yoru. She surely felt helpless, but so did all of them. Well, maybe minus Phoenix, who did his best to keep Yoru warm the best he could. He wasn’t sure how bad the side effects of Yoru’s radiant ability could get, but he hoped it wouldn’t be lethal. Sure, this would be something Sage could help with, but it was never pretty. And neither were such thoughts.

He shook them off. Yet his mind kept wandering. He didn't want to think of Gekko and what was happening with him now. Would the side effects wear off as quickly as his usually did? Or would there be no cure? It was his power after all, but it wasn’t Gekko’s. The ability wasn’t shaped to his advantage. It was only his. His arena. His playground. His radiant ability.

His side-effects.

But now they were causing trouble to a person who had nothing to do with his radiant abilities and didn’t deserve to pay the price of something he didn’t even use.

-x-

Back on base he once again found himself being coated in the water of the Protocol’s pool. It seemed to push his thoughts and worries away, but unfortunately, there was just that much something that was inside your head could get pushed away by something from the outside.

It didn’t feel as good and reliving as it usually would. His thoughts were too loud and they weren’t something the water could dull this time. After all, his body didn’t react to him using his ult, so he was spared all the usual side effects. And yet he wished that it would be just as always. He knew how to deal with them, Gekko didn’t.

Gekko…

He haltered at the end of the pool. Was he a bad person to go for his usual after mission routine while his teammate, who had saved him, even while not being asked to do so, was currently in the med bay? Was he a bad teammate? Sure, he went along with most of the agents, but they weren’t really friends. At least he didn’t feel like he could be their friend from the way he found comfort in loneliness and his own little world that came with the side effects of his powers. Not hearing or seeing anything made one feel lonely. Isolated even.

He groaned.

Was that what Gekko was feeling right now as well? Maybe it was even worse, considering how different their characters were as well as this being the first time he experienced such effects.

He couldn’t recall how he had felt when he had experienced such side effects for the first time. It’s been a long time ago, getting dulled by all the experience that had added up on top of it. He had learned to deal with them after all. But he was sure that it had been terrifying. To lose what he thought would always be with him and not imagine a life without it? Not being sure how long the effect would hold on, not being sure if it would pass at all.

After all we barely know when it is the last time we get to experience something before it’ll disappear and end. Never truly know when it’s the last time we see someone, get to talk to them or hold them in our arms or the last time we get to experience something. One day it might surprise us with the realisation that something had happened for the last time when we had thought it would be with us forever. And to think that he didn’t get to appreciate his senses while he had them made it only worse to experience the lack of them without the knowledge of when and if they would come back. 

It was terrifying. Maybe after all those years, it was still a burden connected to a certain fear. After all, no one could guarantee that the effects would eventually fade.

He pushed himself out of the water, going to the locker room. Even if he couldn’t cast a spell on Gekko to make the side effects go away, he could at least check on him. He was the only one who had to deal with this kind of side effects more than enough, after all. Maybe he felt responsible for those side effect and was currently running away, but he had to do better.

And maybe he was allowing a seed of hope to carefully grow in his chest, thinking that just maybe he would find Gekko being free from the side effects once he reached the med bay.

-x-

He wasn’t sure how he felt when walking down the hallways towards the med bay. He could still sense the chlorine from the pool water on his skin. It was faint, but it still lingered. He grew used to it. A piece of familiarity while he was coming closer to what was rather new.

He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do. Yet he didn’t want to leave Gekko alone with all this. But to be there for someone like this, maybe even face his own vulnerability was scary.

“Oh Iso,” Sage’s voice tore him out of his thoughts. She was just closing the door to her office next to the med bay.

“You came to visit him?” 

He gave her a small nod.

“Good, I’m sure he can use some company. The side effects didn’t get better just yet.” She gave him a little, apologetic smile. “I’m sure it’s difficult for him.”

Iso nodded again. It always was. It’s far from easy to lose what you thought would stay with you for a long time and that without a warning and from one second to another. And that even without the reward of having great power those side effects were the consequences off. It didn’t feel fair.

He had told Sage that he experienced similar side effects when using his ultimate ability and it wasn’t something in her power to ease. Time would heal. Or so he hoped for the man with radiant green hair, a bright smile that usually danced over his full lips and whose loud and carefree laughter made Iso usually feel more at ease.

It wasn't fair.

“He is awake now, but let him rest, yes?” She gave him an encouraging smile.

Another nod. Not that he thought of something crazy. Just checking on his teammate who was experiencing the side effects of his power.

“Oh, but Iso,” Sage called out before he could open the door to the med bay, halting while his hand was already on the doorknob.

“Don’t blame yourself for what has happened, okay?”

She gave him another encouraging and gentle smile.

“Thank you, Sage.”

He wasn’t sure if he had needed to hear that, but it was surely reassuring to know that at least she didn’t blame him for what had happened.

He quietly entered the room. Not that it was really necessary, since Gekko still had trouble hearing anything, but the room wasn’t quiet. Maybe he shouldn’t have been surprised to see Gekko’s little creatures sitting on Gekko’s thighs and arms while the latter was sitting on the edge of the med bay bed and petting them. He had his eyes closed, probably to give into the illusion that once he would open his eyes he would see again. Iso knew this feeling all too well.

Yet Gekko still looked up in his direction when he came a bit closer. Not that he heard or saw him, but from the way the little creatures turned around to him made Gekko assume that someone entered the room.

“Sage?” Gekko’s voice still sounded hoarse from crying. It was a strong contrast to his usually so bright and happy voice. Not that Iso could blame him for this.

“No, it’s -,” he cut himself off. Gekko wouldn’t hear. So he came closer, carefully sitting down on the chair next to the bed. Gekko visibly tensed up a bit, surely noticing how the movement next to him was different from Sage’s or maybe it was the way the critters reacted differently to him than to Sage. His milky purple eyes roamed the room, trying to get even some sort of information to understand who was in front of him.

For a moment Iso just sat there, a bit puzzled about how to communicate with Gekko. He had always shielded away in such a state so no one would communicate with him.

“Sage?” Gekko asked again, one hand with which he wasn’t holding his buddies unsurely reached out in hope that the other would give some sort of hint. That was when an idea came to Iso’s mind and he carefully reached out to take Gekko’s hand in his. He felt a bit awkward from the way the radivores were watching him as if they were ready to strike at any given moment if there would be even the smallest hint of danger for Gekko. But there was none. At least he did his best to minimize any motion that could be interpreted as dangerous. Yet Gekko still flinched when their hands met and Iso could swear that the critters were now looking at him with a stronger intensity, little bodies tense and ready to protect Gekko. In a way it was cute, in another absurd and Iso wondered if he for real considered them as a threat.

“Not Sage,” Gekko mumbled, trying to understand whose hand it was from just touching it, before he huffed. “Sorry, no idea who you are.”

His voice was even louder than usual considering that he probably didn’t hear himself, but the few notes of uncertainty that he couldn’t hide made him sound not as happy and easy-going as he had surely aimed for. 

It was Iso’s turn to properly hold Gekko’s hand. His touch was firm, yet not demanding when he turned Gekko’s hand with the palm up. He then drew an I, on Gekko’s palm, making the latter giggle a bit. “It tickles,” Gekko smiled, yet he tried to follow the rest of the letters.

“Iso! Hey, man, good to see you.” He then nervously chuckled. “I mean, not see, but good to have you here.”

Iso wondered if Gekko was faking being glad to have him around.

‘S O R R Y’

He wrote again on Gekko’s palm. Gekko had furrowed his brows a bit, focusing on what he had to say before shaking his head.

“There is none of your fault,” Gekko tried to assure him. Iso noted how Gekko sounded less energetic than before.

“Side effects come with radiant powers I guess.” He shrugged, trying to play it cool. It took him quite some effort from time to time, Iso noted, seeing how Gekko would tighten his hug around the small creatures in his lap as if seeking some sort of comfort and familiarity. He noted how Gekko would furrow his brows or try to look at his palm as if trying to see what he was writing instead of feeling it. Sometimes he would slightly tilt his head, having one ear closer to him as if hoping to hear him with such a motion. Usually it would help, but just not now.

‘C L O S E     E Y E S     E A S I E R’

He tried to keep his sentences short so it wouldn’t be confusing. Yet Gekko unsurely bit his lower lip, shaking his head.

“Didn’t understand you, man, sorry.”

Iso could swear that he could see Gekko’s lips lightly tremble from not understanding him. He made a circling motion with his palm on top of Gekko’s, as if whipping away the previous words before he patiently repeated what he had wanted to say.

Gekko seemed to be relieved, closing his eyes immediately.

“It’s just very weird to talk to someone with my eyes closed,” he chuckled.

“But you’re right.”

‘M A K E S     E A S I E R     T O     F E E L’

Gekko nodded and Iso could swear there was a small grin playing on Gekko’s lips.

“Just like while being blindfolded.”

Even with his eyes closed Iso could tell that Gekko’s eyes widened a bit when he realised what he had just said and he had to admit that he felt a light blush creep up on his face as well. Sure there were other ways to be blindfolded, he should get his thoughts under control. But actually, it wasn’t even a bad idea. It would give one more of the illusion that the vision wasn’t gone and was just a blindfold that made it impossible to see.

‘W A N T     O N E ?’

He wrote down the invisible letters once again.

Gekko shook his head with a lighthearted huff.

“Nah, I’m fine. Was just a thought.”

Yet Iso could swear that Gekko’s face seemed a bit redder.

It was endearing, to say the least, and if not for this situation it might’ve been even to his liking. He wondered what it would take to push this blush further. As well as he wondered what Gekko was thinking about when saying ‘blindfold’ that it got him quite flustered.

He then shook these thoughts away. There was no use to think about this right now, since Gekko didn’t want one. But it made him think. It wasn’t something he himself had tried before when losing his eyesight. He wondered what it would feel like. Would it feel irritating? Or nice? But what was the point if he was alone and couldn’t hear anything? But maybe he should try it out next time.

He eyed Gekko who seemed to wait for him to say something again. Or more like to write on his hand, looking up at him as if he could read his expression and what he was thinking. He was still holding his hand after all.

“Iso?” Gekko asked, confirming his thoughts, so he lightly squeezed his hand as a sign that he was there.

‘T H I N K I N G,’ was the next thing he wrote on Gekko’s hand, making the latter hum, letting the room fall into silence once again. Yet it seemed to make Gekko nervous not to speak or do something, so he asked, “what are you thinking about? I hope it's not the blindfold.”

There was a grin in his voice when he spoke the last part and watching his face Iso could not only hear it but see it as well. He huffed at the light teasing, before his thoughts snapped to how privileged he currently was - seeing and hearing Gekko's grin while the latter couldn't do that. He slightly frowned. 

‘W H A T    T O     D O’

Gekko hummed again.

“Do you have to go through this when using your powers?”

‘Y E S’

“So what do you usually do?”

‘S W I M M I NG’

Gekko chuckled, even though he sounded a bit sad.

“Explains quite a few things.”

Iso furrowed his brows. What did it explain? He just drew a question mark on Gekko’s hand, feeling a bit confused from Gekko’s words.

“Been wondering why there is always a faint note of chlorine when you pass by. Or why you never greeted me back when I was coming in.”

Iso furrowed his brows further. He had never been aware of it, which surely was quite dangerous. Of course he wanted to feel safe at the Protocol, but not to notice someone like Gekko? It was surely a bad sign of him letting his guard down too much. He had always assumed that he was the only one using the pool. Even when he had all his senses and went to swim there was no one else there. Well, usually.

But did Gekko notice such little things? Like what he smelled like or maybe it was just an intense scent he got too used to to even notice? Were they passing each other in the swimming hall? Or maybe the locker rooms. His mind was slightly spinning from questions he had no answers to. On top of that the sad notes in Gekko’s voice got him confused and curious.Why did he sound so sad about it?

‘Y O U     S W I M ?’

He asked instead of all the other questions that circled his mind. He still didn’t know how to feel about him never noticing Gekko. Somehow it felt like he had failed and no matter how much he tried not to be too harsh to himself it felt bittersweet.

“Yeah, sometimes. I usually go when you leave.” Gekko confirmed.

‘W H Y ?’

“Why do I swim?” Gekko tilted his head a bit. “Or why only after you?” He then furrowed his brows as if thinking about how it sounded.

“It’s not that I’m waiting for you to leave or anything, but I usually have to take care of my buddies before I can relax.”

Gekko lightly squeezed the critters in his lap as if making a point.

Iso hummed, before realising that Gekko was not aware of it.

‘I     U N D E R S T A N D’

Gekko laughed at that a bit.

“You sound like a robot like that.” He then shook his head. “Not in a bad way, I know you usually don’t talk like that and only keep the sentences short but you know, sounds a lot like how Kay/O usually talks.”

Iso found the corners of his lips twitch up into a smile. Maybe it was indeed like that. Maybe Gekko was even imagining Kay/O’s voice when he wrote it down instead of his voice. After all, he knew Kay/O longer than him.

He tapped two times at Gekko’s palm.

“Huh?” Gekko tilted his head again.

“What does it mean?”

‘Y E S’

He figured that it would be easier to have little signals like this instead of writing the words out the entire time. Not that ‘yes’ and ‘no’ were the most challenging words to write or feel, but when you already have to focus that much on what words were written on your palm it might be easier to have some relief from the concentration like this.

“Oh!” Gekko seemed to get behind it. “Two taps for yes , one for no or something?”

Iso tapped two times again, smiling a bit from the way Gekko lit up from the gesture.

For the first time since he had entered the med bay Gekko seemed to beam like he usually would.

“That’s great!” He tapped Iso’s palm two times again, brightly laughing.

“I like that. Like some secret signals!”

Iso could feel his face heat up from the blush that ghosted over his skin. There was something about seeing Gekko laugh and be that enthusiastic and happy. Especially when he was the reason behind Gekko’s smile. It was special to see the person who was facing something as serious as the side effects of his radiant power could still shine that brightly.

He tapped Gekko’s palm two times. Yes. It was like a little signal for the two of them. Like a little secret. Something special. It made a certain feeling bloom inside of his chest. He couldn’t recall when had been the last time he had felt something like this. When he felt something like this for someone. When someone’s smile and happiness made his own heart fill with joy.

Gekko then suddenly gasped, startling Iso a bit.

“About swimming, I didn’t answer the question,” he giggled a bit, visibly enthusiastic about it now that some misunderstandings might have been solved.

“I used to swim a lot in California. Or more like, I really love surfing and how the water feels on my skin. It's very freeing.”

Iso nodded. Water was very freeing indeed.

‘Y O U     M I S S     I T ?’

For a moment Gekko slightly furrowed his brows as if trying to make out the words before he relaxed.

“Ah, yeah, I kinda do. The pool water is nothing compared to the beach you know? Chlorine won’t ever replace the scent of the ocean.”

Gekko brightly grinned, but there was sadness underneath his smile, making Iso frown. It didn’t feel right for such sadness to touch such bright features.

“It’s such a great feeling to feel the sun on your skin, how the breeze would caress your now salty skin. To hear the seagulls.”

Iso’s gaze wandered over Gekko’s tan skin, his freckles. Even in the white lights of the med bay he surely looked like the sun itself had kissed him. He looked down at their hands. The contrast between their skin tones made the comparison settle in. Just plain chlorine in contrast to something as big as the power of nature. The ocean, the sun.

“But hey, it’s still nice to swim here,” Gekko concluded. “Can’t surf here, but once we get a vacation I’m off to LA.” He brightly laughed again. It seemed like at least someone was looking forward to visiting home.

Iso hummed. Before he recalled a thing.

‘S K A T E B O A R D’

Gekko enthusiastically nodded.

“Yeah, love that too. Somehow it reminds me of surfing. But just.. on land you know?” He laughed again.

“Minus the waves, maybe,” he added and then sighed.

“Man, I miss that.”

Iso nodded, before an idea came to his mind.

‘H A R B O R’

Gekko tilted his head. It seemed like quite some thoughts had flashed in his head before he bursted out laughing and Iso could feel his face heating up.

“You mean to ask him to do some crazy wave stuff with his power? Just for me to surf?”

Iso could feel the tips of his ears burn from Gekko laughing that brightly at his suggestion. There was nothing mocking in it, it was even good. It felt nice.

‘W H Y     N O T’

“Why not indeed,” Gekko snorted. “Maybe I should ask him once I have my vision and hearing back.”

It made the realisation settle in again, shifting the atmosphere in an awkward direction.

Gekko then cleared his throat.

“How long do those effects usually hold on?”

‘F E W     H O U R S’

At least it was in his case like this. There were worse days when it would hold on longer, but it never held on for longer than a day.

‘I N     M Y     C A S E’

He added. He didn’t want to give Gekko false hope.

Gekko nodded, looking down at their hands with his milky-purple eyes. Or at least in the direction. From the way his eyes still had the same colour as they used to have when Yoru had just pulled him out of the rift, he figured that it might take quite a bit.

“And so you usually swim?”

Two taps and Gekko nodded again.

“You think it might help me as well?”

‘M I G H T’

Truth was he wasn’t sure. It didn’t actually help for the symptoms to go away quicker or to heal them. It only made him focus on something other than them. Sleeping could probably help as well, just blending out the fact that he couldn’t see or hear. Maybe there were other things but he wasn’t aware of them. But he could understand how it was scary to sleep in such a state. It was frightening to think that once he would wake up his senses would still be missing and he would find himself disoriented. To stay awake gave some sort of control over the reality he lost too much control already by losing his senses.

Those thoughts pushed him to write the next thing which he probably didn’t think though. Hell. He didn’t think it through.

‘W A N T     T O     T R Y?’

Gekko nodded.

“Better than not doing anything at all, right?”

Iso hummed, before he got up, still holding Gekko’s hand. Like this Gekko was aware that he got up.

Gekko seemed to be a bit surprised at the pace of how fast Iso got into action. He tightly hugged Thrash and Mosh to his chest when getting up. Wingman was sitting on his shoulder rather firmly while Dizzy was lucky enough to just float next to him.

“I hope I won’t drown,” Gekko nervously chuckled when letting Iso guide him out of the infirmary, making sure to keep a slow pace and to guide Gekko in a way the latter wouldn’t bump into something.

It was an awkward but still successful walk to the pool. But more so awkward to change into their swimwear from the locker room, but thankfully it was something Gekko didn’t need help with and Iso thanked all gods he knew for Gekko to wear his shorts the right way.

The little creatures were still clinging to Gekko so it was a bit awkward to get him into the water. Usually he would just jump in and enjoy how the water immediately blocked out the world around him, but this time it was nothing like usual, so he decided to go for the safe route. He felt awkward to take care of someone like this. To hold Gekko’s hand while letting him climb into the chill water of the pool. To adjust Gekko’s crew so they wouldn’t slip away even though Gekko had assured that all of them except Mosh could swim, but he as well had instructed his buddies not to swim on their own this time, since he was worried that he wouldn’t be able to be there for them in time if something would happen and to Iso’s surprise the small creatures seemed to cling even more to Gekko. Maybe they could feel his distress, maybe they were as well worried for him. Maybe they still didn’t trust him enough and were highly alerted.

It was weird for him to be this close to Gekko, while the latter seemed to be very casual about it. They even got to swim a bit while Gekko was on his back, his crew on his chest while Iso was holding Gekko under his arms, swimming on his back as well.

Honestly, it was a very weird experience, but he figured that it was all worth it to hear Gekko laugh and feel better.

They eventually ended up at the side of the pool with Gekko leaning with his back against his chest while the little creatures were splashing around some water while still securely sitting in the little pool Gekko created on his chest by creating a small circle with his arms. They talked a bit and Iso was now writing on Gekko’s shoulder. Or more like tapping on his shoulder whenever he agreed or not. Gekko talked enough for both of them and Iso found himself not minding. It was entertaining even. Usually he would just block out the world by putting in his headphones and just listening to music or finding himself in isolating places like water or in the silence of his room. But surprisingly he wasn’t annoyed by the sounds Gekko made. Quite the opposite.

Gekko was currently telling him about a trip to an amusement park when suddenly the door to the swimming area bursted open, being followed by Reyna’s loud voice as well as Sage trying to calm her down.

“Where is he?”

Iso wasn’t sure who she meant. It wasn’t a secret that she cared about Gekko a lot, which either meant that she was here for Gekko or for his ass, since Gekko was experiencing side effects of his powers.

“What is going on?” Gekko asked, being unaware of the two women rushing to them when Reyna spotted them. He still didn’t hear or see anything other than the purple hues when opening his eyes, but Iso flinching from the loud sound as well as the radivores being restless in his arms, which he tightened around them immediately, gave him the signals that something was different from what had been before.

Iso was just about to write that it was Reyna and Sage, but Gekko’s distress seemed to only make the radivores more restless. It felt like time had slowed down when Iso watched Mosh slipping out of Gekko’s hold, splashing into the water a bit further away from them, slowly drowning.

Maybe in a different situation it might look even comical, but right now there was nothing to laugh about. Iso didn’t even know if Mosh could fatally drown. He was what? A slime ball? Could those even fatally drown?

“Hold him.” He ignored Reyna’s questions, giving a short command, which he might regret later, but which wasn’t the most important thing right now. She was already next to them and if it was that necessary for her to jump into water, while still fully clothed, to hold Gekko was as well another question he didn’t have time to think about as he pushed himself from the wall, driving into the water just to save that green slime ball - Mosh.

It was a bit tricky to get hold of Mosh but he still managed to get him out just to find a very distressed Gekko being pulled out of the water already and being talked to. He was sure that Gekko still didn’t understand what was going on, terrified, wide-open, still milky-purple eyes looking at the person in front of him, who was asking him too many questions. He looked lost, disoriented and Iso felt a pang of anger and frustration for Gekko being pulled out of the peace they had created with their situation.

It wasn’t fair. 

Sage was still doing her best to calm Reyna down, but the Empress seemed too stressed and worried to keep her cool.

He was quick to pull himself out of the water together with Mosh, before getting closer and while ignoring Reyna, tapping Gekko’s shoulder a few times. The familiar gesture made the latter turn around to him, maybe even slightly relaxing from knowing that Iso was still there.

“What is going on?” Gekko asked while his voice was shaky and filled with distress.

He was quick to write down Reyna’s and Sage’s names on Gekko’s shoulder as well as placing Mosh to the other radivores in Gekko’s arms. Gekko seemed to relax even further.

“Reyna! What the hell?” Gekko pouted in frustration, turning around to what he thought was her but missing the angel, talking to a wall. Iso was kind enough to gently rotate him towards Reyna, who looked worried and wet.

Iso found himself in a situation he didn’t think he would be in, but here he was, explaining to a furious and worried Reyna what had happened and about the side effects of his powers and that being in water and swimming helped him a lot to deal with those effects. It turned out that Reyna had just come back from a mission and hearing about Gekko’s state she rushed to find him.

It seemed like the explanation and Gekko confirming that it was fine even though it was weird, made her relax. She even adapted to the way of communication Iso had going on with Gekko, asking him questions while writing on his palm while Iso was holding Gekko’s crew.

Iso still felt like this was some sort of a fever dream, feeling the weight of the radivores in his arms. He should probably be grateful that for once they weren’t having their attention on him, watching Reyna communicating with Gekko.

Suddenly Wingman turned to him and Iso felt a shiver run down his spine. Shit. Did he read his thoughts? He tried to avoid Wingman’s piercing eyes, but he could feel the latter’s gaze on him. Eventually the radivore turned his attention back to Reyna and Gekko, making Iso breathe out in relief. Those little creatures could surely be scary when they wanted to be.

It felt weird in a way he couldn’t place. Was it weird to stand in his swimwear soaked wet with an armful of radivores? Maybe. To find himself in such a situation at all? Yes. But the feeling of belonging in this situation of standing here with others, someone who cared for someone in the same state as him? To feel like he actually helped? That he was trusted? It was weird. But in a way that it made his heart clench. It was even nice. Sure the circumstances weren’t and he wished Gekko wouldn’t ever have to experience the side effects of his powers, but it got him to discover quite a few things and he found himself not regretting experiencing them.

They ended up changing into their normal clothes eventually after Reyna had made sure that she could trust Iso to take care of Gekko and Sage had checked on his state again.

It was Iso who had then pointed out that the colour of Gekko’s eyes had shifted into a deeper purple, which meant that the side effects would become less soon enough. That was good news and he hoped that Gekko wouldn’t have to experience the side effects longer than he usually did. It was good to see the first signs of him getting better and he hoped that Gekko’s world would start having different colours in the haze of purple soon enough. It wasn’t fair for Gekko to be put into the prison of his dimension and usual life for that long. And being there in the first place.

He still wasn’t sure how it all had happened, how it was possible for Gekko to take his place, but one could learn, right? And right now Gekko seemed to be as okay as he could be in such a situation, eating some hot grilled cheese sandwiches that Yoru and Phoenix had prepared for the four of them.

They had run into Yoru and Phoenix in the kitchen and while at it they suggested making some sandwiches for them as well. They had also heated up some soup, since it helped Yoru to keep himself warm, but it was something difficult for Gekko to eat, so they had accepted the sandwiches.

They were nicely warm, the melted cheese was tasty and it was easy to eat them without worrying to spill something that could’ve been an issue with soup. Besides, Gekko seemed to be very happy, munching on the sandwich and enjoying pulling the cheese.

Iso could tell that Yoru wasn’t having a great time with the side effects of his powers, constantly shivering. But it seemed that he was doing better now and Phoenix heating up the room with his powers seemed to ease the cold.

He usually found comfort in loneliness, in dealing with his side effects alone. They were vulnerabilities, a weakness . A side of him that he didn’t want others to be aware of. But now that he was around some other agents who experienced their own side effects it was good to see that Yoru didn’t have to deal with the effects alone. 

He always figured that Yoru would be someone who appreciated loneliness just as much as he did, but seeing that he shared his vulnerability with someone was awakening some feelings in him he wasn’t aware of. It made him realise that him being around Gekko might make the latter feel better as well. Maybe not in the same way Phoenix made Yoru feel, but in a way? He wasn’t sure. They didn’t know each other that well after all while Phoenix and Yoru seemed to hang out quite a lot. He wasn’t sure if dealing with side effects together was something that got Yoru and Phoenix into a relationship or if it was just something that had made it impossible for them to hide their already established relationship. He wasn’t even sure if they were in a relationship to begin with. It was a bit difficult to tell since it had seemed like nothing had changed much other than Phoenix being closer and helping Yoru the best he could with getting better. 

Even though it was different from the side effects Gekko and he went through, he could spot a similar pattern to how the radiance in their systems influenced their state. Their power and the following side effects. In Yoru’s case it seemed like the rift was flaring up and from what Iso could spot he assumed that right now the effects manifested in something like headache and cold, which Iso surely felt bad for since he felt like it was his fault. 

Maybe Yoru’s side effects even got worse because they reacted with his radiant energy in the dimension he created for his ultimate ability.

These worries melted a bit since he could see how much better Phoenix casually throwing his arms around Yoru’s shoulder made the latter feel. It seemed as casual as they usually would act around each other, but Iso could tell that something was different from how they handled each other outside of a ‘side effect situation’. But maybe his observations were misleading.

“Sorry about having to save him and experiencing the side effects,” Iso blunted out when Yoru groaned from another wave of headache, but the latter just shook his head, regretting the choice of gesture immediately though.

“It’s okay, that’s what teammates are there for,” he shrugged it off.

“Aw, look at you caring for the team,” Phoenix teased, receiving an annoyed gaze from Yoru.

“Yeah, maybe you should too.”

“Hey now, you know I’m better at teamwork than you!”

“Now this isn’t true.”

“Okay, you wanna bet on it? Next team practice, whoever gets the best score wins.”

“Bet.”

Iso followed their conversation with amusement, even though some guilt crossed his heart when taking a look at Gekko who was rather unaware of the other two agents bickering right in front of him. Iso was sure that Gekko enjoyed such interactions and he hoped that the side effects would wear off quickly enough.

“To be fair,” he spoke up, “both of you are horrible at teamwork.”

“Wow.” Yoru and Phoenix said in unison, before looking at each other and bursting out laughing.

“See? Perfect teamwork right here,” Phoenix laughed, making Yoru roll his eyes but he still had a grin dancing over his purplish lips..

“Also I don’t want to hear it from you after just apologising for me having to save Gekko,” Yoru nodded at the green-haired man next to Iso who was blissfully unaware and reaching out for another sandwich, which Yoru helpfully pushed closer to him.

“Thanks,” Gekko mumbled, slightly defeated.

Yoru mustered him for a moment.

“How long will the side effect hold on?”

Iso shrugged.

“They usually hold on for a couple of hours in my case, not sure how long they’ll affect him.”

Yoru nodded.

“Let’s hope they’ll fade soon. It’s weird to have him this quiet.”

Phoenix hummed, finishing his sandwich.

“But it seemed like the colour of his eyes had changed a bit, right? Is it a good sign? Usually when Yoru’s scars are glowing less intense, it means things get better, so I was wondering.”

Both Yoru and Iso exchanged a look for probably different reasons, yet that sent one message clear - Iso was aware how observant or knowing Phoenix was about Yoru, which the latter knew as well. It seemed to be kind of confirmation that they were a thing, which Iso didn’t mind. It was comforting, in a way.

“No word to others about this,” Yoru hissed.

He shrugged. “Sure.”

“What?” Phoenix wondered, receiving a light kick under the table from the riftwalker.

“Hey what was that for?”

Yoru just rolled his eyes.

“You’re too careless.”

Phoenix just furrowed his brows, lightly pouting his full lips when studying Yoru’s face, as if the answer would just appear in Yoru’s eyes.

Iso cleared his throat.

“Yes, I think that the side effects might lessen sometimes soon. It might seem like being in a purple haze, but it’s already a good sign.”

Phoenix and Yoru hummed in unison.

“Is he in pain or something?” Phoenix suddenly worried and Iso shook his head.

“As far as I’m aware of no. At least I don’t experience much pain when having those side effects and he didn’t tell me about pain.”

“Oh, you guys talk? How?” Phoenix visibly got excited, straightening his back.

“I write on his palm and he responds.”

“Oh! That’s smart! Something like that telephone game! But like with writing on one’s back… but writing on the palm!” Phoenix sounded like he was trying to make sense, which he did, being visibly more excited with every word. Even if a bit confused.

“Yeah, something like that,” Iso confirmed. He ignored how Yoru had reached out to wipe off some crumbs from the corner of Phoenix’s mouth and how brightly Phoenix was smiling at him. Had they always been that obvious? He shook it off. They wanted for it to stay a secret and he respected that even though both of them weren’t as good as they might think they were at hiding it, but maybe they just didn’t care about hiding it that much around him anymore since he already knew.

“What about your side effects? Are they better now?” He turned his attention back to Yoru and the latter hummed.

“Yeah, it’s not that bad. Usually I have worse symptoms when being in the rift for too long. Hurts like hell.”

Iso hummed, but it got his interest. He was curious what exactly Yoru was talking about. It hurt to admit, but he felt a bit like a freak with his side effects. To learn about what the other agents had to face was in a way comforting. To know that at least he was a freak among other freaks. Or not a freak at all. It was just something that came with their power, right?

“What is it usually like?” he asked.

Yoru shrugged.

“Tearing through dimensions comes with the price of it tearing back at you. The rift isn’t designed for such solid forms like humans or radiants to enter it. What you create is a safer dimension inside it, something like a spaceship in space.”

Yoru then furrowed his brows, overthinking the comparison, but then relaxing a bit, and Iso suspected that Phoenix squeezed his hand under the table.

“You don’t get harmed from the rift when in your dimension,” Yoru clarified. “But when in the rift it tears a lot on you both physically and mentally.”

Yoru summoned his mask, playing it on the table in front of them.

“This artefact,” he lightly tapped at the blue surface, “keeps a lot of bad things away as well as it helps me to have a clearer vision in the rift,” he explained.

“Man I still can’t believe that you overpainted the gold just for the vibes,” Phoenix interrupted while taking the mask in his hands and inspecting it.

“It’s mine so I can do whatever I want with it,” Yoru defensively replied, visibly unbothered by Phoenix interrupting him.

“It’s very much like you,” Phoenix grinned and Yoru just rolled his eyes.

“Says the one who has his mugshot framed.”

Phoenix just brightly grinned.

“What can I say, I’m just beyond handsome.”

Yoru rolled his eyes before continuing the topic he was talking about before Phoenix interrupted him as if they just didn’t make a little side conversation while being in a different conversation. Weird. But somehow it reminded Iso of the dimension he created. A little dimension in the rift, or in the world. A little place which was on its own but also part of something bigger.

“So yeah, it’s not that bad if I’m staying as little as possible in the rift, but if I stay there for too long, it leaves scars. Feels like my flesh is being ripped apart and it hurts like hell.”

For a moment it looked like Yoru was debating if he was oversharing or not, but then he continued.

“Sometimes it takes my vision and hearing, too. But it hurts a lot. Thankfully, it doesn’t affect me for more than a few hours, but it’s never pretty. So yeah, right now I’m just cold and have a headache and it’s just annoying compared to the more complicated side effects.”

Iso hummed.

“Sounds like a lot.”

Yoru shrugged. “It is, but it would be stupid to think that we don’t have to pay for the power we gained.”

Phoenix snorted, soundling lighthearted considering the topic, but Iso suspected that Phoenix was trying to play off how much the topic of side effects or maybe even Yoru’s side effects specifically affected and pained him.

“Unlike me, I have great power and have nothing to worry about.”

Yoru quirked an eyebrow.

“You literally have to build off your energy or you’ll detonate.”

“Oh, right.”

Phoenix looked like he genuinely forgot before he pouted.

“I’m not detonating though, just overheating!”

Yoru didn’t seem affected by his pout, just pulling his soup closer to himself in hope that it cooled down enough for him to eat yet still be warm enough to keep him at least somehow warm.

“Overheating and setting everything around you on fire,” he corrected Phoenix, who looked at him still with the pout.

It seemed like Yoru was doing his best to get his shaky hands under control to eat his soup. It seemed to frustrate him, which was understandable. It was frustrating to say the least when your body suddenly doesn’t allow you to have the control over it which you were used to.

“What are you doing?” he hissed at Phoenix when the latter took the spoon out of his hand before holding it to his lips.

Phoenix raised an eyebrow as if it was obvious.

“Feeding you,” he stated. “You’re gonna spill the entire soup with how shaky your hands are.”

Yoru just threw him a frustrated gaze. Phoenix was everything but subtle. But knowing them being a thing, Iso could tell now that certain gestures Yoru did more or less subconsciously were signs of care as well.

“What?”

“That’s embarrassing,” Yoru quietly hissed.

Phoenix just shrugged, before checking the temperature of the soup and furrowing his brows. It seemed like it was getting cold, so he spend some time to hold the bowl with his hands to warm it up again. They bickered a bit, just like they always did, Phoenix eventually got to feed Yoru the soup while Iso did his best to mind his own business, checking on Gekko’s crew who were happily munching on their own food as well. Just like Gekko did. Yet it didn’t get lost on him how Gekko seemed to be upset, maybe even left out, so he carefully tapped on Gekko’s forearm, making the latter look in his direction.

‘O K A Y ?’

Gekko nodded.

“Yeah, it’s just weird. I don’t even know if you guys talk, or if they are still there.”

“We’re here,” Phoenix was quick to confirm.

“He doesn’t hear you,” Iso clarified when Gekko didn’t react to Phoenix’s words in any way.

Phoenix furrowed his brows.

“The writing thing. Can I do it too?” He then asked.

Iso shrugged, before carefully taking Gekko’s hand, caressing the message of Phoenix wanting to talk on his palm.

Gekko enthusiastically nodded, as if he had been waiting to talk with them. It made Iso’s heart clench. Maybe he should’ve tried to include him sooner. He had expected for Gekko just to talk, getting into the spotlight as naturally as he usually did, but seemed like it wasn’t the same in this situation and he promised himself to be more aware of Gekko feeling included, especially in this state.

“Of course!” He enthusiastically turned into the direction he thought Phoenix was at but not quite getting it right, Iso slightly turned him towards Phoenix, who seemed to be rather unbothered by it while Yoru looked concerned. Phoenix was eager to grab Gekko’s hand, which got both men giggling while playfully fumbling with each other’s fingers. It was good to see them that careless and happy in the moment. Good to see how easy it was for Phoenix to melt away uncertainty and worry. It got Iso wondering if this was something that made Yoru feel drawn towards the fire radiant.

He then watched Phoenix writing something on Gekko’s palm, but it was too clumsy and fast to actually get along. But it was very Phoenix somehow and Gekko thought so as well, brightly laughing up.

“Sorry fam, I have no idea what you just wrote.”

Phoenix furrowed his brow.

“Why didn’t it work?”

Yoru rolled his eyes, speaking up before Iso got the chance.

“Because you’re a dumbass.”

“Hey now!”

Iso chuckled, being interrupted once again but this time by Gekko.

“It was a bit too fast for me to get the letters right. A bit slower, please.”

Phoenix enthusiastically nodded, sliding closer to the edge of his seat, looking focused. One could tell that he was putting a lot of effort into the letters he was drawing onto Gekko’s palm as well as one could tell that it took quite a bit to keep it at a slower pace. Maybe it was the fire energy that made Phoenix seem restless at times, maybe it was just how he was.

Iso could see Yoru’s fond gaze that was fixed on Phoenix before Yoru’s eyes met his gaze and the latter furrowed his brows before he withdrew his eyes. He still seemed to relax rather quickly, recalling that Iso already knew. It made Iso wonder why it was a secret in the first place. He doubted that anyone would have something against the two seeing each other. He was even sure that most of the agents had a bet going on about their relationship. But again, they all had their reasons.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” Gekko then spoke up. It seemed like Phoenix had asked him how he was doing.

“It’s not something I’m used to, but I’m sure it’ll pass soon enough.” He hopefully smiled and Phoenix was quick to start writing on his palm again. Iso could tell that Phoenix didn’t bother to keep the sentences short. But when did he? He, just like Gekko, had a lot to tell and there was nothing that could stop them. In a way, their powers seemed to be very fitting. Phoenix, like playful flames that could burn down everything around them in no time, playfully jumping from one object to another, setting fire to everything he touched. And that quite literally, but as well metaphorically. Gekko, on the other hand, went hand in hand with his radivores. Quite literally as well.

Iso took a look at the little creatures that had gathered at the table, watching Phoenix draw letters onto Gekko’s palm with visible interest.

In a way, Gekko and them were a lot alike. Full of energy, easy to read. Loud, enthusiastic… all over the place. But also caring and playful. Cute.

Iso furrowed his brows from the observations. It felt obvious, but thinking more about it felt like he was letting it touch his heart and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it, so he focused on what Phoenix was writing again.

‘On the bright side, purple suits you’ Phoenix had written and Iso felt confused about Gekko’s flustered expression as well as he felt confused about Yoru being quick to grab Gekko’s hand to write something, but making Gekko flinch.

“Yoru?” Gekko unsurely asked and this time it was Iso quickly tapping his arm two times. He wasn’t sure why Gekko had reacted like this and wanted to make sure he was okay.

Gekko seemed to relax.

“Geez, your hands are freezing, sorry mate.”

Phoenix snorted next to him while Yoru threw him an annoyed gaze, this time carefully reaching out and writing ‘Y O U R     E Y E S     A R E     P U R P L E’ on his palm.

“Oh! I didn’t know that,” Gekko sounded relieved in a way and Iso still felt confused about this situation, feeling like he had missed out on something obvious. Why was Gekko flustered all of the sudden? Was he shy to receive compliments? This would be new to him. Gekko seemed to be very natural and playful when receiving compliments, so he couldn’t wrap his mind around Gekko’s reaction and now that he was thinking about it, Yoru reaching out that quickly seemed odd as well.

“Do they really look cool?” Gekko asked.

It was Phoenix’s turn to write a ‘Y E S’ on his palm, making Gekko laugh.

“Damn a pity I can’t see it.”

Phoenix was quick to write on his palm again, asking Gekko if he wanted a picture.

“Sure,” Gekko shrugged. “Gotta make the most of it. Let’s take a selfie, guys!”

“Hell yeah!” Phoenix sounded enthusiastic about it.

“Iso, let him know the countdown!”

The latter hummed, quickly writing on Gekko’s forearm that they would take a picture and that he should get ready.

“Alright,” Phoenix made sure to hold his phone in a way all of them would be in the picture, holding up a peace sign and everyone followed his gesture, even Gekko who didn’t see it but it was probably a reflex.

“Man, that’s awesome,” Phoenix chirped, but then furrowed his brows.

“Yo, Iso, could you sit a bit closer to him? It’s difficult to get us all in the frame like this.”

Iso just hummed, soothing closer to Gekko, who seemed to still be flustered from before, radiating warmth against Iso.

“Alright,” Phoenix notified again and Iso tapped on Gekko’s forearm to let the latter know.

“Hearts? Let's make some hearts,” Phoenix announced and Iso gave the instructions to Gekko who eagerly nodded.

They all ended up making different kinds of hearts, then trying to get to communicate with hearts they all should do, drawing hearts on Gekko’s palms and forearms to communicate it out. It was chaotic but very fun and Gekko laughing and trying to guess what they all meant was infectious, making them all share a good round of laughter and taking a few more photos, getting Gekko’s crew on board. It was a wholesome experience and Iso found his face hurting from laughing and joy bloomed brighter in his chest when he glanced over at Gekko and seeing him laugh so brightly despite the purple of his eyes. He had to admit though that Phoenix and Yoru were right and purple looked very good on Gekko. It was a very nice combination with the radiant green of his hair. It suits his skin colour, his earring, his style.

“I’ll dm you two the pics,” Phoenix had notified them, before reaching out for Gekko’s hand to let him know as well.

Gekko happily nodded.

“Thanks, you’re the best.”

Phoenix brightly grinned.

‘C A N ' T     L E T     Y O U     M I S S     O U T’

Gekko giggled.

“Thank you, man.”

They kept talking like this for a while and Iso wondered how it didn’t seem to be a burden to neither Phoenix nor Yoru to communicate like this with Gekko, not leaving him out. Yoru even got up to make another sandwich for Gekko who apparently loved them and had been shy to ask for another one. It made him wonder if they would act the same if it would be him. If he wouldn’t seek loneliness when experiencing the side effects but would seek out their company, would they do the same effort for him? Or would no one care? He didn’t want to blame anyone for not being there for him through the side effects, since he was aware that he was the one withdrawing and being relieved that no one noticed.

But like that? It was nice to feel like he belonged somewhere. It made him feel like even with the side effects that his powers brought he was still normal and wasn’t too weak to have his power. It was an experience many if not all radiants shared. He had briefly heard that Fade and Neon were experiencing quite some heavy side effects of their power as well and he wondered which they were and if the other radiants in the Protocol had to go through a similar experience. What were they doing? Where they seeking out loneliness or company? They all had probably different methods to deal with the burden that their different radiant powers brought. He wondered which.

“It’s awesome how I can tell who is who by just how different your temperatures are,” Gekko chirped when Phoenix was writing something on his palm after Yoru did.

“Also, Yoru, are you sure you are alright? Your hands are shaking a lot.”

Yoru was quick to let him know that he was okay and those were just side effects. Nothing new. They all would get through it.

Eventually, the side effects got worse though and Yoru and Phoenix excused themselves. There was no point in them going at a different time. At least not in this company.

Gekko chuckled when they were alone again, making Iso look at him with a questioning gaze.

“This was nice.”

Iso agreed.

For a moment they sat in a comfortable silence before Gekko then cleared his throat.

“So uhm, what else do you usually do?”

For a moment Iso thought about it. It felt like he fell out of rhythm of this usual routine now that he was helping Gekko as well as chatting with Yoru and Phoenix felt different in a phase where he would seek out loneliness.

He then took Gekko’s palm, which the latter already held out.

‘M U S I C,’ he wrote on his palm, making Gekko furrow his brows before raising them in surprise.

“Music? But how? How does it help when you don’t hear anything?”

Iso hummed, writing again.

‘I’ L L     S H O W     Y O U’

Gekko nodded, following him when he took his hand and got up. It didn’t look like Gekko was convinced and when they collected his critters and got into the hallway again, Gekko as well voiced his confusion.

“I still don’t get it, I’m confused and curious at the same time.”

Iso chuckled. Even while blindly following him Gekko looked cute and adorable, having his emotions clearly written on his face. He was like an open book and somehow Iso found comfort in that. He wouldn’t have to be prepared to be stabbed in the back when with Gekko and he wondered if Yoru was feeling the same when being around Phoenix. He had heard enough stories from how much of a lone-wolf Yoru had been when just joining the Protocol and how much better he was doing now. He wondered if maybe he would change for the better here as well, feeling comfortable and safe enough when being around the other agents. Maybe even seeing the Protocol as his new home, not just something temporary.

He suddenly realised that maybe it would be out of Gekko’s comfort zone to come to his room, an unknown territory, when being in such a vulnerable state. He stopped, drawing letters into Gekkos palm.

‘Y O U R     R O O M?’

Gekko blushed a bit, but then a teasing smile danced over his lips.

“Don’t worry if your room isn’t tidy, I can’t see anything after all.”

Iso looked surprised but huffed. His room was in fact very tidy and he found comfort in this. It was interesting that this was the first thought on Gekko’s mind. Well… maybe not the first .

‘F A M I L I A R     E N V I R O N M E N T     F O R     Y O U’

He clarified, carefully writing out the letters with a gentle touch.

“Oh.”

Gekko looked surprised before his features softened.

“You’re right, thank you.”

Iso hummed, pleased with himself, before leading them to Gekko’s room.

“Okay, I have a confession to make,” Gekko spoke up when they were standing in front of his door.

“I actually didn't get to tidy up my room, so pardon me if it’s too messy.”

Iso chuckled, double tapping Gekko’s hand. There was nothing to worry about even though it was amusing how Gekko had teased him about it before when it was actually more relevant in his case. No wonder he thought about it, Iso concluded.

And while he had to agree that Gekko’s room was messier than his, he found himself not minding it. It didn’t look trashy but more like - lived in. There were some toys for the radivores, some little beds for them, some clothes just thrown over the chair, some stacked books and folders on the nightstand and table as well as quite some art supplies.

He was intrigued to look around, but he wasn’t sure if he was intruding, so he wrote on Gekko’s palm if it was okay for him to look around.

Gekko chuckled at that, nodding.

“Yeah sure, I have nothing to hide.”

Before he furrowed his brows, slightly turning his head to the side, mumbling “at least I hope so.” It got Iso to chuckle but also got him curious about what Gekko could mean.

But now that he got the permission he looked around a bit properly. There was a wall with a graffiti drawing of Gekko’s little crew. It was cute and fitting for how that corner of the room was designed with some sitting bags, a TV. There were some skateboards on the wall and Iso wondered if Gekko couldn’t get his surfboard in here, because he was sure that if Gekko would have the opportunity it would be somewhere in there as well.

In general Gekko’s room had comforting warm colours, orange, that green that was slightly going into the yellow direction, and some purple accents. It was bright, comforting, and brought some joy. It was much different from his room that was mostly white with some colder purple shades. But in his defence he didn’t have as much time to decorate his room. But if he would be honest with himself he would just accept that they were different and unlike Gekko he didn’t even plan on decorating his room too much.

He didn’t realise how Gekko had tugged him closer to the bed and was looking for it with his hand, still rather blindly. It was probably for the better to have Gekko in his own room since he knew where his things were and wouldn’t have to expect something he wasn’t used to.

He briefly wondered if it would be okay to sit down on the bed as well, but before he could overthink it Gekko patted the place next to himself.

“You coming?” He asked and Iso was quick to sit down next to him. It was probably awkward if he would just stand there while Gekko was sitting.

“So how does the music thing works?” Gekko asked, before he chuckled. “As much as I thought about it I couldn’t make sense.”

Iso hummed, before quickly setting everything up, asking Gekko for headphones and connecting both, his and Gekko’s, to his phone.

‘W H I C H      S O N G?’, Iso questioned once they got it all set up.

“Oh?” Gekko sounded surprised and maybe Iso was imagining things but his voice had some notes of light disappointment. Fortunately Gekko wasn’t someone to just make one feel a certain way and not to elaborate any further, which Iso was thankful for.

“Thought you would play something from your magic music collection .” There was a grin on Gekko’s lips but Iso couldn’t help but think that there was something more in his expression.

Yet the phrasing made him chuckle.

‘N O     M A G I C,’ he wrote on Gekko’s palm, making the other look flustered yet laughed about the wording.

“How is it supposed to work without magic, though?” Gekko huffed. “I don’t hear anything.”

Iso softly smiled, adjusting Gekko’s palm a bit better before explaining the process to him. After all it was more about feeling the music, the beat, the swing of air against the eardrum than actually hearing it before eventually, when the hearing returned bit by bit it would bring relief and joy to finally hear something.

He himself had a playlist for such moments, knowing the songs by heart now, recognising them from the light beat against his eardrums, drumming along on his stomach and chest to increase the sensation, getting the illusion that he could still hear in a way. That he didn’t have to give up on music like that. It was one of the reasons he preferred music with lower beats and bass. He could feel it better.

So it was more effective to play a song Gekko knew and would think he knew from just how it felt.

Gekko hummed once he stopped his explanation.

“Okay, I get it.”

He nodded, looking excited and determined.

“I would love to hear or more like feel,” he corrected himself mid sentence, “some of your music though,” he then grinned, making Iso blush.

“If it’s not too private,” Gekko then added, looking a bit sheepish, making Iso feel his own face heating up. It was indeed something he didn’t get to share with others often.

Iso chuckled. ‘You won't hear it anyway,’ he reasoned through their touch-language, making Gekko pout.

“Please? Maybe I even know it!”

Suddenly Gekko’s expression turned into a sly one.

“Okay what about a bet?”

Iso huffed. It was probably a habit he got from Yoru, Phoenix and Jett. That trio was betting on things all the time and he hasn’t seen Gekko do it often.

“If I recognise at least one song I have a wish and if I give up, then you win and I’ll fulfil one of your wishes.”

Iso hummed, thinking about it. He was about to give in anyway.

He sighed. Maybe it was worth a try.

He tapped two times against Gekko’s palm, making the latter beam up and sit up properly in anticipation.

“Thanks, you’re the best!”

Iso chuckled. It was good to see Gekko all happy and excited again. He was worried that such circumstances would break his spirit, but it seemed like it wasn’t easy to break Gekko’s spirit.

To his surprise Gekko wasn’t one to give up on challenges either since even while he proceeded to name the wrong songs over and over again he refused to give up and select something own.

“So that's what you think about my music taste?” Iso chuckled when Gekko named once again a different song than the one he was playing.

“Again,” Gekko said, as if he heard him, looking determined still and Iso just sighed, putting on another song, tapping along on Gekko’s arm to help him with what he felt. After all, Gekko didn’t know his songs and couldn’t pretend that he could hear them through the beats.

Suddenly Gekko gasped, straightening his back.

“Renegade? I think you listened to it when you just joined.”

Iso’s eyes widened in surprise from both, Gekko recognising a song and him noticing him listening to it when he joined.

“Is that right?” Gekko’s posture sank a bit and a mix of disappointment and light embarrassment crossed his previously excited expression and Iso was quick to regain his own composure.

Gekko cheered when he double tapped, signalising that it was indeed right.

“And you said I wouldn’t know even one song,” he noted slyly, before giggling.

“I won the bet.”

Iso chuckled, realising how he was smiling. Maybe he lost that little bet they had but he found himself not minding at all, even feeling excitement for Gekko winning and getting his song right. It was a warm and happy feeling. He tapped two times. Gekko indeed won, he was even impressed.

‘W H A T     I S     Y O U R     W I S H ?’

Gekko looked sly and flustered.

“I don’t have one yet. So I'll keep it for now, okay?”

Iso looked surprised, but hummed, double tapping Gekko’s hand. It was alright with him, even though he had thought that Gekko already had one when suggesting this bet. At least it seemed like he had one. He was curious what it would be.

Gekko beamed at him and he suddenly realised that he felt quite strange about it. In a good way though. He didn’t expect to feel this way when seeing Gekko this happy and to direct his light at him.

He cleared his throat, withdrawing his gaze even though Gekko couldn’t see him either way.

“I think we even played this song at band practice,” Gekko then recalled.

“You should definitely join our band practice, we might play something you enjoy too,” Gekko suggested with a smile.

‘S O U N D S     G O O D,’ Iso typed after a second of consideration.

Suddenly Gekko gasped and his eyes widened with excitement.

“I have an idea!” He jumped up and Iso followed, a bit concerned that Gekko would stumble over one of the radivores’ toys or the little bed where the critters were currently napping in a pile. It made Iso briefly realise that the little creatures seemed to trust him more now, making a feeling of fondness coat his heart, which he pushed away, focusing on Gekko instead who was looking around his room as if he could see.

“Shit,” Gekko cursed. “Do you see some drums here?”

Iso raised his brows, taking a look around the room, before he tapped Gekko’s arm. No, there weren’t any.

“Okay, can we go to the music room?” Gekko asked and Iso furrowed his brows, unsure what Gekko had in mind. Sure he got a bit of an idea, but was curious about what exactly Gekko was thinking about.

‘W H Y ?’

“I’ll show you once we are there,” Gekko grinned and Iso just shrugged, feeling some sort of deja-vu. It intrigued him nonetheless, so they grabbed Gekko’s little buddies, and went to the music room. It was the first time Iso got inside. He had been aware that there was such a room, since it got shown to him on his first day at the Protocol, but after this he preferred just to be in his room or other premises.

Gekko looked eager and excited, palming his way towards the instruments and Iso had to hold his forearm for some balance. Gekko was too eager.

He squeezed Gekko’s hand a few times and only then did he get Gekko’s attention.

“Hm? What?” Gekko wondered.

‘W H A T     D O     Y O U     N E E D’, Iso quickly drew onto Gekko’s palm before adding ‘I ‘ L L     G E T     I T’ 

“Oh, okay, sorry, I got too excited,” Gekko confessed, rubbing the back of his head, making Iso feel a bit bad for interrupting Gekko’s task, but he had to admit that he was worried that Gekko would stumble over something.

‘D R U M S ?’

Gekko nodded. “Yes. Could you get one for me and one for you towards the seats?”

Iso hummed, double tapping Gekko’s arm, doing the task. The drums were tall, perfectly to play on while sitting.

Gekko looked excited when Iso placed the drum in front of him while the latter was already sitting.

“Are you ready?” Gekko grinned and Iso was quick to double tap his arm, sitting down on the chair next to Gekko’s, adjusting the tall drum between his legs.

“Put your hands on top of the drum,” Gekko instructed and Iso did as told, placing his palms flat against the surface.

And then Gekko started drumming a melody he knew all too well, making him smile. His smile only grew when he realised a thing, which Gekko as well voiced.

“You feel it?” Gekko laughed. “Now try you.”

And so Iso did, continuing to drum the melody of Renegade Gekko had started playing while the latter had put his hands flat against the top of the drum.

Gekko giggled.

“I can feel it too.”

It made Iso’s smile grow further when Gekko started playing again and he put his palms flat against the surface again, feeling how the vibrations of Gekko’s drum reached his. Even while the drums didn’t touch, the vibrations travelled far enough to make the tensioned material of the drum vibrate as well.

Suddenly he felt weirdly emotional because of this.

He had enjoyed being alone but suddenly he felt very included. As if there had been a certain loneliness in his heart that got to beat better with the vibrations that Gekko drummed out.

He was quick to catch himself, not letting that sadness ruin a moment of happiness, joining Gekko’s drumming.

“It’s like we are communicating,” Gekko laughed, making Iso giggle as well. He could feel his face hurting from how much he was smiling and laughing while they were drumming together.

Eventually the song ended.

“Man, that was amazing,” Gekko laughed. “I’m so happy now,” he giggled and Iso mirrored it. He felt high on happiness.

There was something pure about Gekko that made him feel very happy, he realised.

There were notes of guilt for him realising that due such unfortunate circumstances as Gekko experiencing the side effects of his powers, being basically vulnerable. It felt like he was exploiting that state. But on the other hand he even forgot how horrible it could be, seeing Gekko staying his usual self. At least from the outside.

Spending time with Gekko was eye opening in a way and he was curious to spend more time with him to get to know him better. Under better circumstances as well.

He double tapped his drum, making Gekko giggle.

He then carefully reached out and Gekko was quick to turn his hand to have his palm up, trusting him.

‘I’ M     H A P P Y     T O O,’ Iso wrote, feeling his face heating up from the confession and from the bright smile and flustered expression Gekko gave him he felt like it was the right thing to do, feeling his heartbeat quicken.

“You want to play something again?” Gekko then suggested, still smiling and Iso hummed, double tapping Gekko’s drum for the latter to feel it firmer.

Gekko then hummed, looking like he was thinking about something.

“I’m not sure I know other songs we both know,” he confessed. “We could play it again. Or we could take turns, drumming out songs for each other,” he suggested.

“Option one or two?”

Iso thought about it for a moment before tapping twice and quickly writing the reason on Gekko’s palm. He was a bit curious about Gekko’s music taste, after all. And maybe he hoped that there would be more songs for them to drum out together.

“Okay,” Gekko grinned, looking flustered, before he adjusted his posture, pulling the drum better between his legs.

He then cleared the throat and started drumming.

Iso felt in awe, having his hands flat on the surface of his own drum, enjoying the vibration underneath his palms. He felt thrilled and excited, watching Gekko in excitement while his heart filled with pure joy from this experience.

He closed his eyes, giving into the feeling completely. There was something that felt like a special connection to him. Of course this was basically what he usually did when listening to music when not hearing anything when the side effects of his powers kicked in, but now it felt personal. It wasn’t just music for everyone. It was only for him to feel what Gekko wanted him to.

He opened his eyes in surprise when he suddenly heard Gekko singing along to the music. It was nice.

It was different from what he usually listened to, but he couldn’t help but feel enchanted by it. Not only that, but also Gekko’s happy and in a way tranquil expression as he sang, having his eyes closed and a smile dancing over his lips, how his entire body seemed to move as he drummed. As if he was dancing in a way. He even tapped with his foot along the drumming, occasionally snapping his fingers as he got more into this. He was fully in his element and Iso couldn’t help but look at him with wide eyes, not being able to get his gaze off him.

“Beautiful,” he said, not even realising it till Gekko stopped, spinning his head around to face him, eyes wide in shock.

“Iso?” He asked, making Iso’s blood run cold for some reason.

“Did you just say something? I think I can hear a bit again!”

There was excitement and hope written all over Gekko’s face.

Iso cleared his throat, feeling the shock wash away, being replaced with anticipation, hoping that the side effects were wearing off.

“Yes.”

He then figured that he could as well be honest about what he just said.

“I said that your singing is beautiful.”

Gekko tilted his head.

“Aw, man, I hear something, but I can’t make up the words still.” He looked a bit disappointed and apologetic and Iso decided to take the matters in his own hands, quite literally, taking Gekko’s hand, writing the said words on the latte’s palm, making Gekko blush. He briefly wondered if it was something he just hadn’t noticed about Gekko before. He always had thought that Gekko was a natural when it came to compliments, but it wasn’t the first time he saw the latter blush and get flustered today. It was cute even.

“Thank you,” Gekko gulped with a shy smile.

“I guess I was so much in my head while playing and singing that I didn’t notice that my hearing came back a bit.”

He looked around.

“I think I can also see a bit?”

He beamed, properly turning around to him, now that he could make out some faint outlines.

“These are good signs, right? It means my hearing and sight is returning?”

Iso nodded, double tapping Gekko’s hand which he was still holding. Gekko excitedly giggled.

“Does it usually take a lot of time to get fully rid of the side effects?” he then wondered.

For a moment Iso thought about it. He himself wasn’t tracking the time for his side effects lately. But it seemed to get back to normal usually rather quickly once he could make something out. Maybe it was hope and anticipation one would feel when finally hearing and seeing at least something again. A sliver lining in what seemed like the loneliest place on earth without sound or anything to see around. 

‘H O U R     O R     2,’ he wrote on Gekko’s palm.

Gekko hummed, nodding.

“Sounds good.”

For a moment they were just sitting there till Iso cleared his throat.

‘D R U M M I N G ?’

Gekko smiled. “Sounds great. Like that I might notice when it gets better.”

Iso nodded. Maybe part of him was selfish, suggesting that activity. He had enjoyed it very much. But on the other hand it was surely a comforting activity for Gekko as well.

“If I don’t get too much in my head again,” Gekko chuckled.

“I wouldn’t mind,” Iso confessed. “It was a good look on you.”

Gekko tilted his head, piecing the parts he could make out together, before a smile stretched his lips.

“Aw, you think so?” he teased lightheartedly, before his expression turned sly.

“I’d love to hear you sing as well.”

Iso gulped. It wasn’t something he usually would do, feeling unsure about it.

It seemed like Gekko noticed him hesitating.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” he was quick to reassure him, making Iso feeling easier about it.

“I’ll think about it,” he said loudly so Gekko would catch it.

“Alright, cool, no pressure,” Gekko breathed out with a smile.

“I can drum another song for you if you want.”

Iso nodded before double tapping his drum, making Gekko chuckle.

“Alright then.”

For a moment Gekko seemed to think about what he wanted to do, before a smile played over his lips and he got to work. Iso was quick to place his hands on top of his own drum as well, enjoying the vibrations under his palms, which intensified as he closed his eyes and gave into the sensation.

It was relaxing even and he realised that he knew the song when Gekko started singing along and while he might overthink if it might’ve been rude to join in without talking about it first he didn’t even realise how he started to quietly drum along.

It wasn’t a song he was usually listening to, but it was playing quite often in the community kitchen where other agents enjoyed turning on the radio.

What was happiness? It was probably what one feels when dancing as if no one sees and sings as if no one hears, he figured. Just letting go and embracing that feeling.

And so he did, quietly mumbling the lyrics he knew along which grew into proper, even if quiet singing. Maybe it was even the smile he could hear in Gekko’s voice as the latter’s singing got louder and happier which played into him properly singing along.

If the world was ending I’d wanna be next to you

If the party was over

And our time on earth was through

I’d wanna hold you just for a while

And die with a smile

He could feel his face being warm from the blush and his face hurting from smiling as Gekko was exaggerating some lines, encouraging him to be less restricted about his singing.

He could feel how joy once again coated his heart and once they were done both laughed.

“Man, this was amazing,” Gekko laughed and Iso hummed in agreement, smiling wider than he had done in years.

“I think this was a healing experience,” Gekko then grinned. “My hearing and eyesight got better.”

“I’m glad,” Iso replied, the smile still dancing over his face. It was good to see Gekko this happy and doing better. It must be reliving and from the way Gekko didn’t just leave when feeling a bit better made him feel a certain way about him. Of course he had all right to just leave whenever he wanted, but it felt like he learned more about Gekko.

Suddenly Gekko gasped when Wingman came closer, pulling at the fabric of the pants and Iso figured that Gekko’s sight hadn't fully recovered just yet as the latter didn’t notice Wingman approaching him.

He had been surprised that the critters seemed to trust him enough with Gekko, just napping on a chair next to them while they had drummed and sung.

Gekko helped the radivore onto his lap.

“Everything’s alright, buddy?” he wondered, gently laughing when there were some noises from Wingman.

“Aw, is that so?”

Iso wondered what Wingman said and how on earth did Gekko understand that, so he just focused on the fact that Gekko could hear his buddy pretty well now, which was great news.

“Alright buddy, we’ll get to see them in a bit, okay?”

“What did he say?” Iso wondered.

“Omen had wanted to knit some plushies for him and the others. We are supposed to check them out today,” Gekko chuckled, fondly smiling when Wingman experimentally tapped the drum while he held him on his lap.

“Yeah, buddy there you go,” he encouraged the little creature, chuckling when Wingman indeed attempted to drum.

“Following in daddy’s steps, buddy,” Gekko chuckled. “Right, Iso?”

The latter froze and then felt a heat creep up his face from the ways this short interaction could be interpreted, scolding himself for being this delusional and weird about it. It was clear what Gekko had implied, so he went for the safe variant of just humming. Yet it didn’t spare him from Wingman staring at him and somehow he felt uneasy, as if the little creature knew that just went though his mind.

And he was judging him.

Iso cleared his throat when Gekko smiled at him before putting Wingman down and the latter hurried over to the other radivores which started to wake up.

“How are you doing?” Iso asked to break the awkwardness within himself.

Gekko hummed.

“Pretty good to be honest. I think my vision and hearing are almost good to go now?”

Iso smiled at him. He felt relieved. It seemed like there weren’t any complications and nothing was other than usual from what he usually experienced. Yet he couldn’t help but wonder how Gekko was relatively calm during all this. Sure, at first he had panicked a lot, but even while he couldn’t fully recall how his first experiences with such side effects had been he was sure that it had been terrifying and it was a natural reaction in his opinion to freak out and be scared when something like this happened. It was difficult to find peace with such a loss. Yet Gekko didn’t lose himself in all this. It was admirable to say the least.

“Weren’t you scared?” he blunted out.

Gekko hummed.

“Well, at first it was really scary and difficult not to panic the whole time and to think positive. But then I had you around and it was less scary,” he smiled at him with that bright and gentle smile that made Iso feel a certain way.

“After all, you already knew how to deal with this and it worked.”

“I see,” he cleared his throat. “I’m glad they wore off quickly.”

Gekko smiled at him.

“I’m sure that this time would have seemed endless if I would’ve been alone, so thank you.”

Iso returned his smile.

“It’s probably me who should thank you. For saving me back then on the mission and,” he cleared his throat again. “If not considering the circumstances, I enjoyed spending time with you a lot.”

Gekko’s eyes widened before he beamed at him, giggling.

“I enjoyed it very much too, we should do it more often.”

Iso nodded.

“Well, minus the whole side effect thing,” he then added and Gekko laughed.

“Yeah, minus those. I’m sure we can have a great time without having to spice things up.”

Iso’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. He hadn’t expected Gekko to use “spice things up ” to describe the side effects. He huffed, shaking his head.

“You’re really something else.”

Gekko sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.

“Too much?”

Iso just shook his head, smiling.

“No, it’s fine, just haven’t considered that experiencing such side effects could be considered as ‘spicing things up ’.”

Gekko looked flustered at that.

“I mean other senses are more prominent like this.”

Iso nodded.

“Don’t worry about that. It’s actually good you see it like this.”

Gekko laughed.

“Okay, good, because I just thought I fucked up.”

Iso just shook his head, smiling, which Gekko mirrored.

“All good.”

For a moment they just sat there smiling at each other. This time it was Gekko who withdrew his eyes, clearing his throat.

“So there are still purple hues and I don’t think it completely wore off, but I think I'm already good?” Gekko hummed, looking around, trying to test his vision.

“Do my eyes still look purple?” he then asked, properly facing Iso again.

The latter hummed looking into Gekko’s eyes.

“Just a little bit.”

His eyes roamed Gekko’s. The purple hues made the lighter parts of Gekko’s brown eyes stand out more, making them look golden in a way. In general, he had never the opportunity to notice how beautiful Gekko’s big brown eyes were before, suddenly realising that he was looking at him for maybe too long, withdrawing his gaze and clearing his throat once again, trying to tell himself that it came from him not talking for quite a while since he and Gekko had been communicating in a different way before that didn’t require him to use his vocal cords before they sang. Yes, of course it was this, he tried to convince himself. 

“I think we should let Sage take a look at you,” he smiled.

It was reliving that the side effects wore off as usual and now Gekko was doing much better, yet he wanted to make sure that everything was going well. Maybe if they were lucky the side effects would fully wear off by the time they would be at the med bay.

“Sounds great,” Gekko smiled and Iso thought that the smile looked sad, yet he didn’t get to dwell on it.

It didn’t take them long to get the drums in place and to collect the radivores to leave in the direction of the med bay.

Iso felt like he was already missing them being there. Just like the little dimension he created for his ultimate ability it felt like time stood still outside of the music room while they were in there. As if nothing else had mattered but that little universe inside that room. He had felt happy.

He was quick to shake those feelings off. They felt too complicated and he didn’t feel like he wanted to deal with them. It was all good as it was.  He hoped they would find Sage in the med bay and that Gekko would be free of his side effects soon, so he could enjoy his life as he did before.

The walk to the med bay was mostly in silence other than the radivores chatting with Gekko, being visibly happy that Gekko could hear them again. He on the other hand had to fight the feeling of missing the warmth of Gekko’s hand as he had walked him through the HQ before. They haven’t spent even a day together yet he somehow got used to the little things they had shared this far. He felt pathetic in a way.

“Hey , Iso,” Gekko’s voice tore him out of his thoughts that had slipped into a darker direction. He felt conflicted about what he was allowed to feel and miss. It seemed unfair and not right to miss something that had resulted from a horrible situation.

“If you have those side effects and don’t want to be alone, I’ll gladly be there for you, man,” Gekko smiled at him, making Iso’s heart skip a beat.

They halted before the med bay, not getting in just then.

“I might not be pro in all this, but I surely got a taste of it today,” Gekko chuckled.

“So, you know,” he cleared his throat. “I get it a bit and won’t judge, if that’s what you are concerned about.”

Iso nodded. Gekko seemed to be more observant than he had thought.

“Thanks.”

Suddenly Gekko seemed to lose his cool, getting a bit restless.

“And it doesn’t have to just apply to the time of side effects, you know, if you just want to hang out or something I’m happy to be there, yeah? Side effects aside, it was really fun today.”

He looked flustered all of the sudden and Iso found himself thinking that it looked awfully cute on him.

He chuckled, feeling how some of the previously dark feelings melted away, getting Gekko to look up at him with wide eyes.

“Of course. It was nice to spend time with you.”

Gekko gulped, nooding.

“With you too.”

For a moment they just smiled at each other, before the door to the med bay swung open and Gekko was quick to withdraw his gaze, giving Iso a better look of his ears being redder than usual from blushing.

Sage looked surprised to find them outside of the med bay.

“Gekko, your eyes!” She then noticed. “The side effects wore off?”

“Yes!” Gekko quickly nodded.

“That’s amazing,” Sage chirped. “Come in, I’ll do some quick check ups.”

“That would be great.”

Sage gestured at the chair all of her patients got the honour to take a seat on and for a moment Iso wasn’t sure what to do. He probably should stay to get the results of the tests, but on the other hand he didn’t want to violate Gekko’s privacy.

Thankfully his communicator pinged and he had never been more grateful for this sound. It seemed like Brimstone had some questions about what had happened on the mission. It made sense, considering that it was his power that caused such complications. It would be good to get some solutions to prevent something like this from happening again. Maybe they had been lucky that it happened this way and not in a situation where Yoru wasn’t nearby to get Gekko out of his dimension that quickly. Who knew what would have happened if Gekko would’ve stayed in his dimension longer. Longer than he ever was in there.

He tried to push those thoughts away.

“I’ll be at Brim’s office,” he casually held up his communicator and Sage and Gekko nodded.

“Please keep me updated,” he then politely requested. He was sure that everything should be fine at this point but he still felt bad for not staying till the very end.

But on the other hand… it wouldn’t have to be the very end. The end of Gekko experiencing his side effects, yes, but not the end of what had started to bloom today.

“No worries, I’ll hit you up, later,” Gekko grinned, waving as Iso made his way out of the med bay, giving Gekko some privacy.

“Hey, Iso!” Gekko suddenly called out when Iso was about to close the door, making the latter turn around. Something in Gekko’s voice seemed eager and he wondered if just like him Gekko didn’t want this to be over. Whatever ‘this’ was and Iso was sure that the side effects weren’t included - just the time they had spent together. 

“I still have that one wish, don’t forget that,” Gekko grinned, making Iso huff before he slowly lifted his hand and double tapped the doorframe with his knuckle, making Gekko beam up even further.

Their little secret. Something special. Something only the two of them understood.

With that he closed the door behind himself, feeling the smile still stretching his lips.

It felt like a new beginning rather than an end. And that under much better circumstances.

It was one day. But there were more to follow.