Work Text:
Iso hasn't realize how much taller Chamber is than him until they're standing next to each other comparing each other's trial scores. Chamber's at least a head taller than him. His shoulders are wider too. Everything about him seems bigger, including his ego. There's a 1% difference between their accuracy, and Chamber considers it trivial enough to compare. It makes Iso's right eye twitch.
"Not bad, Iso," Chamber smirks at him. "You almost surpassed me."
Iso hates that he's craning his neck to meet the other man's eyes. It's as if Chamber existed for the sole reason of riling people up, and Iso is one of them. Like his aim is only good if he's annoying. "I'm only warming up."
"Are you asking for another round, mon cher?"
"Two trials makes a more accurate comparison."
"I like the way you think!"
While Chamber prepares the training bots for another trail, Iso loads his Ghost another magazine. The challenge is to hit as many bots as they can, as accurately as possible. Iso has no doubts in his own ability, but Chamber works him harder. The French designer is undoubtedly talented, but Iso is disciplined and lacks a cocky personality.
They've been each other's competition for a while now. Chamber brings a weapon and Iso, having nothing better to do while waiting for an assignment, tests it, and which end up in a petty competition for a better accuracy score. So far, Chamber has taken the lead, and Iso's not pleased.
When Iso glances at Chamber, he frowns. His pointed nose, his auburn hair, his soft lips, his flawless skin, his golden eyes; everything about him looks perfect. The afternoon light paints him golden, like a marble statue basked under rays of sun. But, Satan was God's prettiest angel before falling from Heaven. There's a reason his heart skips a beat when he looks at him, or when his mouth dries at the sight of his lips—it's his conscience sensing the devil's presence and warning him not to trust Chamber.
Chamber peers at him curiously, wearing his signature smirk. "Something caught your eye, mon cher?"
Iso's eye twitches once more. "Let's go."
A few minutes later, Chamber is trailing Iso into the lockers, grinning. Iso can't be bothered to tell him to get lost; Chamber won fair and square, and by a 2% advantage. Ninety-five against ninety-seven. The consequences of adding fuel to the fire leaves Iso with a revelation—never provoke Chamber if you value a peaceful life. The man doesn't shut up about anything.
"Don't be sour, mon cher! Second best is good, just not good enough to best me," Chamber says, and laughs a laugh that reminds Iso of the devil. Absolutely cunning. And handsome too. He hates himself for noticing.
"A 95% average is still above average," Iso says lamely. He's already given up replying to Chamber's quips—let the man think he's a sour loser all he wants, because frankly, he doesn't want to encourage the other man's flirting any further. Iso has better things to do anyway. There's a loveseat in the break room he can hog all for himself, and a large, 100% sugar boba tea on the way.
Speaking of boba, the delivery app on his phone notifies him his drone carrier is close by. Not wanting to miss it, he quickly changes out of his usual uniform and wears a purple sweater and keeps his pants and shoes. He looks over his shoulder at Chamber and sees the other man's back is turned.
Out of impulse, Iso has ordered two drinks. He's starting to regret it however, because he's not even sure the other man likes boba, or sweets for that matter. He's ordered a second boba tea with 25% sugar. But, Iso doesn't put it past Chamber to make things weird. If he rejects him, he will gladly finish two teas by himself.
"Uh, Chamber?"
"Yes?"
Iso braces himself for disappointment "I got you boba tea. Can you wait for me in the break room?"
For once, there's silence. Chamber is speechless. Lips pursed and eyes wide kind of speechless. It's kind of off putting after listening the man boast about himself the whole afternoon. Iso stares at Chamber, feeling his own eyes widening, quietly wishing the man would reject him already. Or pretend he didn't hear it. Either way, Chamber shooting him out of nowhere is easier to handle to be honest.
"Earth to Chamber?"
"Mon cher, you beat me to it! I thought I would have to ask you out first." There it is. There's that smirk Chamber wears better than a smile. "Don't keep me waiting now," he says as he wears the trench coat from his locker over his usual shirt and tie.
Iso grumbles. He already misses the quiet. Why do good things never last? "It's nothing like that," comes his weak protest, but Chamber's already out the door, whistling the happiest tune. Something tells Iso he's shot himself in the foot, but the pain hasn't registered in his mind. Whatever, he's too thirsty to overthink about his odd kinship with Chamber.
Iso arrives at the break room with his chocolate boba tea and Chamber's vanilla. He's jogged all the way down, half expecting Chamber to have left, half anticipating Chamber's flirty reaction to Iso treating him boba tea. Why he's even looking forward to Chamber's verbal teasing is beyond him. He can only think of it as possession. Supernatural. The occult. He has to consult with Sage about it.
"You torture me, Iso," Chamber says immediately after he sees Iso. He's waiting for Iso from the loveseat. The sight somewhat relieves Iso. "Waiting for you wounds my heart."
Iso can't help rolling his eyes. His own heart is beating rapidly from anticipation, but he's not ready to lay it bare for Chamber. The man's poked and prodded enough ego today. "This will help heal it," he replies, offering the vanilla boba tea to Chamber.
"My savior," Chamber remarks with a grin.
They enjoy their drinks in silence, a welcome tranquility after a long action-packed afternoon. Iso can see how quickly Chamber's shoulders relax after taking sip from his boba tea, and he mimics the man's reaction after drinking his own. The sweet flavor of chocolate easily puts a smile in his face. In that moment, sitting next to Chamber, boba teas in hand, the break room feels like a memory of home.
The soft red tint of afternoon paints the break room orange, creating shadows over corners and walls, reminding Iso of summer heat at his grandmother's house. He drinks boba tea then; he's drinking boba tea now. Except, he's spending the quiet with Chamber rather than his grandmother. Funny, the image of Chamber inside his childhood home doesn't look wrong. His grandmother would probably find Chamber charming too.
"Something caught your eye, mon cher?" Chamber teases, softer this time.
Iso tries to think of a witty remark, but nothing comes to mind. All he can think of is what he's seeing; Chamber's leveled gaze, his navy-blue coat, his red leather gloves. The devil does work hard, and apparently, Iso is an easy victim. "Just you," he admits, and the honesty in his voice makes him cringe.
"You should see yourself, Iso," Chamber replies. "You look like my next boyfriend."
Iso huffs, smiles, and finally laughs. God, he feels like a fool. His cheeks are warming up, his heart is skipping a beat, and all it takes is Chamber teasing him. "Just finish your boba, man," he says, hiding his face behind his right hand.
"Don't hide from me, mon cher," Chamber says, but he's laughing too. It feels absurd sharing a moment with Chamber like this, but Iso can't say he minds. Flirting aside, he's really enjoyed their session today.
After the moment passes, Iso feels overwhelmed with the want to stay for longer. Whether it's to stay in the break room or the range, Iso wants to keep Chamber around. But, his boba tea is already running out. Maybe, they can become friends outside work. Maybe, Iso does like—
"Same time tomorrow?" Chamber asks suddenly.
Iso's heart beat a little fast; his breath is a little short. "Yeah. Of course."
"It's a date then," Chamber says. "You have to excuse me; I have work to do."
"Oh," Iso watches him stand up and button his coat. There's a churning in his stomach. Disappointment, maybe? "Of course. See you."
Chamber smiles at him, taking his half-finished drink. "Don't be disappointed, Iso. I'll see you again tomorrow. And, thank you for the drink."
The silence after the click of the door closing is lonely. Weird, Iso usually doesn't feel lonely. But, he doesn't dwell on it long; Chamber's promise keeps him company for the rest of the night.