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Eric Myers. Second in command at the Silver Guardians, and dubbed the Quantum Ranger. He’s on his break from his watch shift, enjoying the view of the city. The birds flying over his head that he just spotted reminded him of his two pet birds at home. He has no trouble worrying about them since he trusts the neighbor’s child to take care of them.
Everything felt so peaceful for him.
…except he couldn’t help but feel like he was being watched.
He glanced both ways to see if someone was bounding towards him before he slowly turned around. He made an exasperated sigh when he saw a familiar arm behind a tree that was close to him.
“Cadet Landors, show yourself, I know you’re there.”
The person behind the tree peeked out from behind, making a face that was that of displeasure knowing he’d been caught.
“How the hell did you know? Also don’t call me Cadet.”
“You make it too easy, Jack. You know you’re a thorn in my side.”, Eric grinned as Jack walked over, pouting as he slumped in the bench beside him.
“Whatever, man.”
The silence was palpable between them, aside from the bird chirping and the park with a few chattering voices.
“How’s the new life treating you?”, Eric said, cutting the silence.
“How’d you know?”, Jack said, not looking at Eric.
“Well you’re not in uniform, for one, unless it's a casual wear day at SPD. But actually, word gets around. We had Cruger come visit us and he was talking to Wes about some changes. Your mention was the talk of the town with the Silver Guardians. You just told me I shouldn’t call you Cadet.”
“What can I say, I’m pretty popular around these parts.”, Jack joked, grinning. “I think I feel a lot more free. I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to leave, but getting more into doing something for others without having to be on edge or sneak around about it, it’s nice. I was hesitant at first.”
“Because the war was over with you guys and Grumm, so you didn’t feel like you were needed there?”
“Precisely. It’s not to say they don’t need me, because they always need all hands on deck. It just felt like… I can do more without the rules and regulations.”
Eric hummed in understanding, turning to look at Jack. The man beside him was still looking forward, his eyes tired, but there was a glimmer of pride in them. Eric reached over and moved Jack’s hair, tucking it behind his ear. He was startled when Jack grabbed his hand and pressed it against his lips for a few seconds, a devious look in his eyes before he licked Eric’s palm, causing him to yank his hand back.
“You little-”, Eric said, before he attacked Jack in a fury of tickles, rolling them both to the ground. There was slight shouting and combined laughter before they were both on their backs, staring at the sky.
“You’re a jerk, you know that?”, Jack said, breathless.
“I can say the same for you, man.”, Eric said, smirking.
The two hadn’t realized in the moment, they both squeezed their hands together, the top of their heads touching, absorbing each other’s warmth.