p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"The Fear of Loose Ends/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You worry too much, Killjoy. Seriously, you'll be fine." Raze said from her workbench, not even bothering to turn away from the machinery sprawled about its top. The usual headphones Raze wore had been moved to hang around her neck, so she could hear better. However, there was still music playing out of them in a quiet thumping rhythm. Behind Raze, pacing nervously, was the worried one in question. Killjoy had come to see Raze in hopes her friend would help her persuade Brimstone to call off the recently announced mission, or, at the very least, consider switching with her so she wouldn't have to go. So far though, Raze seemed to be unbothered by the news./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy barked out a laugh and shook her head, even if Raze wasn't looking at her. "Fine? You think I'm going to be FINE? Raze, this is Viper we are talking about here. You know, za poison expert with a severe dislike for me," Killjoy threw her hands up, "Going on this mission with her is a scheißsturm waiting to happen!" Raze didn't answer and picked up a different size screwdriver humming to herself with the music trickling out of her headphones. Killjoy sighed and approached her friend, leaning against the toolbox next to the workbench. "Please, Raze. I'm...worried."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Raze finished screwing in a couple things before she finally looked up and frowned. "You're really that stressed about some doctor, amiga? Do you really think Viper would really jeopardize a mission over you? She seems smarter than that, KJ."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Ja, I know. That's not it. I just can't shake this feeling around her. Like…" Killjoy sighed and crossed her arms, "Like she's waiting for me to mess up or something."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Raze hummed in response and for a few moments, both agents said nothing. The silence was filled with nothing but the fast beats stomping out of Raze's headphones. It seemed that neither knew what to say to convince the other. Killjoy knew she was probably being a baby about this and it killed her a bit inside to admit it, but she was intimidated by Viper. She usually respected other women of such high intellectual stature, but this time was...different. Brim had told her when he recruited her for the Valorant program that Viper had been a huge part of its foundation and to stay off her bad side, but Killjoy couldn't remember a time she hadn't already been on it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Raze's voice brought Killjoy out of her thoughts and the bomb expert had a big grin on her face. "I can practically hear the gears grinding in that big head of yours."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""My head is not that big you arsch," Killjoy mumbled, pushing up her glasses, "Seriously though, will you help me out with this? I never bother you unless it's important."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"br /"I will bu-" Raze started./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes!" Killjoy exclaimed, fist pumping./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey hey," Raze interjected, pointing a screwdriver at Killjoy's face, "You owe me big, KJ. Going against Brim is worth at least a few dozen alarm bots," Raze said with a wink, "We can discuss your payment another time though. For now, lemme tinker in peace. My poor bomb buddy."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy rolled her eyes, but smiled as Raze turned back around and put on her headphones. Killjoy had been really glad to find a friend in the bomb expert, even if she was a bit obsessed with her tech exploding. Killjoy left Raze's garage feeling much better than she had earlier. She didn't think Brim would go for the new match up, but she hoped for her sake he would just let it slide. Raze would be fine pairing with Viper. The mission would be smoother and everything would be fine. After all, the chemist seemed to tolerate everyone else easily enough. Just not Killjoy./p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The next few days went by with no issues. Killjoy didn't hear anything from Brim or Raze. She assumed both were probably too busy with the upcoming mission to check in with her. At least, that's what she'd originally thought./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"On the day of the duo mission with Viper, Killjoy awoke to her door buzzer being assaulted. Killjoy knew none of the other agents would bother her this early, and yet someone was very earnest with waking her. The barracks in the Valorant facility were, for lack of a better word, posh. Not so much in looks, but practicality. Other similar government agencies would use a form of co-op lodging to house their employees, but that was not the case here. All the agents recruited as a part of Valorant were given individual living quarters. The building functioned more like an apartment complex, rather than a barracks. The only real way to tell you weren't in an apartment were the small details. There were no cozy wallpapers or carpeting. Even the doors were metal; no windows at all. It's a design choice that, given the circumstances of Valorants existence, made a lot of sense./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The irritating electronic chime seemed to blare louder with every consecutive ring, and Killjoy could no longer ignore its shrill screaming. The German stumbled quickly out of bed, still half asleep, and walked to the door. Her jacket was half on when she opened the door and Brim was standing there, a very stern look on his face. Behind him, Raze peeked around his massive torso and smiled sheepishly. This was not good./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What's going on?" Killjoy asked as nonchalantly as she could manage after just waking up. Brim checked his arm computer quickly, then gave her the look. Killjoy sighed and pulled her jacket on fully, "I'm in trouble...aren't I?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The grumpy leader huffed irritably, "Of course you're in trouble KJ. You knew how important this mission was. I told you how your expertise would be immeasurably valuable. I told you that regardless of your feelings, you needed to do this."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy sighed again and shoved her hands into the pockets of her sweatpants, "Ja, Brim. I know."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Then why is it that Raze was the one to show up for the mission brief this morning and not you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You know why," Killjoy grumbled./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Brimstone reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes and forehead wrinkling from the motion. "Killjoy, we need you for this mission. I don't wanna have to force you."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fine. Just give me a few minutes. I'll meet you in the comm room," and before Brimstone could respond, Killjoy shut the door firmly in his face. She wanted to scream, or maybe shoot someone, but what good would that do? Her gear was scattered about, but it should be simple enough to gather everything. She'd probably still make those two wait as long as she could though. Fashionably late would suit her./p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"It would be an understatement to say that the mission briefing had been tense. Since Killjoy had come in late, was paired up with Viper, and had now made Brimstone immensely unhappy with her, the room just felt like a shaken beehive. She could barely even pay attention to what was being discussed over the mix of emotions she felt. At least Brimstone was kind enough, for now, to keep what happened on the back burner. The focus was clearly on the mission, so Killjoy would just focus on the mission too./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Brimstone broke down the basics of their objective and, after explaining to Viper the last bits of intel Valorant had on their target, the two agents were allowed to head out via plane./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After taking off, Killjoy was starting to feel relaxed again. Much to her gratitude, Viper stayed towards the back of the plane, no doubt wanting to stay as close as possible to the medical equipment. Killjoy sat closer to the cockpit, utilizing the extra seats to work on her turret. The distraction was welcome. There was nothing confusing about machinery. It made sense in a way that people just didn't. Not to mention, she was damn good with machines. Killjoy had been so engrossed in her task that she didn't notice the feet in her peripheral./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Killjoy?" A voice said. Killjoy jerked at the sudden sound and quickly sat upright. She put a hand over her chest and let out a long breath./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Verdammt, you scared me," Killjoy said looking up and then she realized who had said her name. She was staring into Viper's piercing green eyes. The doctor's face was angled and stoic. There was an edge to those straight edges that seemed so calm, yet dangerous. It reminded Killjoy of glass. Around Vipers neck hung her typical mask, the black equipment shiny from being recently cleaned. She was also wearing her mission attire and it made Viper look...scary; fearsome. Killjoy cleared her throat and looked back down at her turret, trying to find her voice. "Uh, sorry Viper. You startled me."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper hummed in response before taking a seat across from Killjoy. She crossed her legs and leaned forwards onto them, hands clasped "My apologies. That was not my intention."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy waved her hand, "It's not your fault. I've always been pretty focus blind, but anyway is th-," Killjoy hesitated, "-is there something I can do for you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper shook her head, "No, no. I just wish to speak before we reach our destination."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Okaaaay. About what?" Killjoy asked, trying to pretend like she wasn't absolutely flabbergasted Viper wanted to talk to her. When Viper didn't answer right away, Killjoy continued working. She, once again, welcomed the distraction. Killjoy pulled some wires and re-plugged them in other places, wondering if she had somehow already upset the other women, then Viper /br /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's crucial for you to know that this mission is actually a personal favor of mine. A... loose end, if you will," Viper mused coolly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy stopped mid tug on another wire and looked up, this time her shock was obvious. "A personal favor?" Killjoy asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes." Viper replied simply./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""But...that would mean-"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That I asked for your help personally?" Viper finished arching an eyebrow, "That's exactly right." Killjoy's mouth fell open and she quickly snapped it closed, turning back to her turret. The plane jostled against some turbulence, causing a metal slab to fall from Killjoy's lap. Killjoy felt her embarrassment returning tenfold, as she bent to retrieve it, but Viper continued, unperturbed./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Since Raze had tried to take your spot on this mission, am I correct to suspect you did not wish to join me?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy reached up behind her glasses and rubbed her eyes. "I guess it makes sense for you to assume that, but no, it's not that simple. It wasn't because I didn't want to go."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's not?" Viper asked skeptically, leaning back and re-crossing her legs the other way. "Then why did you go through so much trouble to not be a part of this mission?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Brim never told me that the mission was at your behest," Killjoy insisted./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Would that have mattered?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Ja! I just assumed Brim was trying to help me."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""If you needed help, then my previous question is still left unanswered. Would my request have really mattered?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy thought for a moment and looked back over to Viper with a frown. "I guess not…"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper nodded approvingly, "As I figured. So, spill it."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Spill what?" Killjoy said focusing on her turret again, taking plenty of time to unscrew the main battery./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I believe you are smart enough to know what I mean, little bear."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy's face flamed at the nickname, suddenly very aware of Vipers eyes on her. Since when did Viper start calling her anything other than her name? Above all, why such an endearing title? Killjoy shook her head and placed her tools down. She took a deep breath and met Vipers gaze. These were questions for a different time. Right now, Viper had called her bluff and now she had to fess up. "You want the truth?" Killjoy asked softly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""If I could, please."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well," Killjoy started, adjusting some of the hair under her beanie, "I've been feeling a little intimidated by you. You just breeze by everyone else, unbothered. But with me…" Vipers eyes widened and Killjoy worried if she was overstepping, but continued anyway, "-it's like you aren't sure if I belong."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I see." Viper said, "That's not what I was expecting at all."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Really?" Killjoy laughed suddenly," I feel like you'd know if you hate someone."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Vipers eyes widened again, but then her face twisted into a scowl. Killjoy felt her face fall. "I only hate people who are evil," Viper chided, her voice unnaturally crisp./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't think I'm all that evil though," Killjoy said quietly, almost to herself./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Then I could not hate you." Viper replied, clearly overhearing the words. The plane groaned more with every push and pull of the wind outside. Killjoy wasn't sure if she had ruined the conversation and should try to fix it, but then Viper spoke. This time, her scowl was gone and her usual air of neutrality had returned. "I digressed from my original point. As you've probably deduced, this mission is my main priority and we are about to land."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Okay sure. Lay it on me. What should I expect?" Killjoy asked, returning to putting her turret back in working order. For the rest of the flight, Viper talked about the Kingdom operatives, infiltration tactics, and many other things, but it was hard for Killjoy to focus. Viper didn't hate her. But then again, Viper hadn't acknowledged that there was some kind of special treatment going on and Killjoy wasn't sure what to do with that information./p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Inside the Kingdom base, Viper and Killjoy were making fast progress. Killjoy now understood why Viper had asked for her personally. The firewalls Kingdom had implemented were being used, not only for security, but for weaponization and they were exceptionally challenging to crack. However, Killjoy was sure Kingdom never expected Viper to bring a genius with her, so the tech wasn't slowing the two agents down at all. Viper seemed pleased as well, and Killjoy was struggling to squash her sudden swell of pride./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Fokus attrappe. Killjoy thought to herself, You can't afford to get sloppy. Suddenly, Vipers hand went up, to signal a stop, and Killjoy just barely stopped before bumping into the other women. She was going to ask why they were stopping, but the words died in her mouth. Killjoy could hear the sound of guards' voices and they were definitely coming this way. Both agents looked around for a hiding spot in the long, empty corridor, but the only other door within hiding distance led to the janitorial closet./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""C'mon let's hide in here," Killjoy said, moving to finagle the janitor door open./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""In a broom closet? What are we? High schoolers? No, we can handle two or three guards." Viper replied dryly, turning to peer around the corner connecting the two hallways./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy clicked the lock open and stood, frowning at Vipers blatant denial. "Viper, being discovered at this point in the mission would be highly problematic. Fighting will only draw attention to us." The german turned to face the other agent and Viper was already staring back, a very serious expression on her face. Killjoy was determined not to shrink under its intensity, "Do you disagree? We don't have much time." As if on cue, a guard's laughter carried louder around the corner. It was now or never./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fine." Viper finally conceded and followed Killjoy into the cluttered, yet somehow roomy broom closet. Out of all the times Killjoy could remember sharing the same space as Viper, this was most certainly the closest they had ever been. Sitting at the cafeteria table or even their most recent plane ride to this base had left at least several paces worth of space between them. However, right now, as the guards slowly approached the hallway junction, Viper and Killjoy were forced to stand just a handspan apart in the closet. Killjoy tried to focus on anything other than the warm parts of Viper legs touching her own or the way the white light filtering in through the door slates made Vipers green eyes sparkle. Or maybe they smouldered?/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What are you staring at?" Viper mumbled, her mask muffling the cool tone of her voice into a ghostly thrum./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Nothing," Killjoy whispered back quickly, turning her head to peek out the slates in the door. Much to her dismay, the guards had already made it to the junction where Viper and Killjoy had once been standing, and were about to go their separate ways. Of course, they were taking their sweet time. Viper turned to look at Killjoy and when the german noticed her gaze, she turned too. Now their faces were suddenly really really close and Killjoy had never noticed before, but Viper's skin looked spotless. There was a smoothness around her eyes and a gloss to her cheeks that just made the agent look...well kind of perfect. Like she'd be sculpted, modeled after some gorgeous work of art. Killjoy didn't realize it at first, but she thought Viper was beautiful./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Vip-" Killjoy started, unable to stop the motion, but was cut off when her foot jostled a bucket. The sound made all the guards in the hallway stop. Vipers hands were very quickly in places Killjoy was not expecting and she had to stop her initial reaction to pull away, or maybe swoon./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper had one arm around Killjoy's waist and had pulled the german flush against her, with the other hand covering her mouth. Vipers eyes never left the guards standing in the hallway. Killjoy guessed she was waiting to see if they'd end up having to fight anyway. After a few heartbeats, the talking resumed and eventually the guards split up and left./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy didn't dare move, knowing full well their almost capture was likely her fault. When the sounds of footsteps finally stopped echoing down the long empty hallway, Viper released her and exited the closet, still cautious of the guards possibly lingering. Killjoy followed and cleared her throat once the coast appeared clear, "I apologize. That was reckless of me."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper seemed to ponder this a moment, choosing to resume walking before answering. "Don't give yourself so much credit, Killjoy."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The other agent's mouth fell open for the second time on this mission and Killjoy quickly jogged to match Viper's strides, "What does that mean?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Is the german genius going to make me explain a simple flirt?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""A WHAT." Killjoy blurted./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper gave a small, wicked smile, and as soon as Killjoy saw it, the sooner it was gone. She wanted to ask more questions, but if Killjoy knew any better, Viper would give nothing else while they were still mission focused. They'd also just approached the office precinct, so it was game time. Viper has mentioned this would be the hardest part./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy shook off her confused feelings for now and made her way to the control panel on the wall. She made quick work of the locked security gate and cameras, and once inside, Viper led both of them to the section labeled 'Power Division.' The name plates on the doors would make it easy enough to find the man they were looking for. Fei Woods; Lead botanist and toxicologist from China. According to the briefing, or what Killjoy could remember of it, has spent many years studying plants and poisons, but had only recently been working for the Kingdom to find new uses for its existing capabilities. His motives were unknown. Killjoy could understand why Viper was so interested in finding him. She just didn't know what would happen when they did./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""This is it." Viper said sharply, keeping her voice low. Killjoy peeked over the women's shoulder and sure enough on the nameplate was Dr. Fei's name./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Okay, now what?" Killjoy asked looking around to make sure no one else was in the surrounding offices. The windows would make it really hard to sneak anywhere. However, the hallway was long so they should have ample time to retreat should guards come from either direction./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We make him beg." Viper answered and pushed the door open. Killjoy didn't realize this was the plan and scrambled to keep up with Viper as she strode into the office like she worked their everyday./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"In the room, Dr. Fei was sitting at his desk typing away at a fairly small laptop. When he looked up, like he was about to shoo away an assistant, his eyes widened and his face took on something akin to horror. "Sabine…" he said, trailing off./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""DO NOT call me that. You have no right." Viper sneered, walking slowly over to the doctors desk, her steps deliberate and hard on the tile floor. When she reached it, Viper placed both hands on the tabletop and leaned over to put her face close to his. "But you remember me, yes?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I-I-I could never forget those eyes," Dr. Fei stuttered out, clearly nervous./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper clicked her tongue and reached over to shut the laptop screen, "Do you know why I'm here, ?" Viper asked, a sickly sweet rise in her voice. Killjoy shuddered in the doorway. The sound reminded her of a cat that had just broken the wing of a bird./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The doctor shook his head vigorously, "No no. I don't. I th-thought you were dead."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Dead?" Viper said slowly, as if the word bored her, "Do you take me for a fool?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""All I heard was that the lab exploded and everyone inside died!" The doctor protested, beads of sweat starting to form on his clean forehead. Killjoy could tell he was lying, but she couldn't blame him for trying. Viper was scary, even Killjoy was a bit on edge and Viper wasn't even focused on her. The german took a moment to peek her head in the hallway to see if it was clear. When it was, she focused on Viper again, who was still leaning on Dr. Fei's desk./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I didn't die in that lab, Doctor," Viper spat out the word, "I was betrayed, along with every other innocent person working under me." Viper stood and strode around the desk so she was now behind the sweating doctor. "I know it was you, . I just want to know why. What could they have possibly said to trick you into believing I needed to die," Vipers hands came to rest slightly on each of 's shoulders, "Your life rests on the answer." He let out a shaky breath./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Th- They said you were dangerous. That it was a necessary precaution." Killjoys sucked in a breath and narrowed her eyes. So that's why Viper was so angry. The data wasn't the loose end, he was. The doctor continued, "They also threatened my family. M-My wife and daughter. Please Sabine! I never meant to-" What happened next was so fast, Killjoy barely registered it. Vipers hands grabbed 's neck and she twisted./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Wrong answer." Viper bit out./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Dr. Fei's lifeless body fell limply to the floor with an audible thud. Viper stood, staring angrily at the wall, hands clenched into fists at her side. Then Viper let out a small chuckle and her eyes met Killjoys./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm sorry you had to see that." Viper said, walking back towards the door. "But I couldn't let him go free. A lot of people died because of him."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I heard…," Killjoy said softly, "I won't judge. We kill people all the time."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"br /Viper stopped in front of the Killjoy and the german was surprised to see a sadness in Viper's eyes. "It's not the death I'm sorry for…," Viper let out a sigh, " I'm sorry for what I must look like to you." Killjoy arched an eyebrow and Viper turned her attention back towards the desk where Dr. Fei had been sitting. "They wanted a villain...so I was forced to give them one." And with that, Viper stode past Killjoy and out into the hall./p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The rest of the mission went smoothly enough. Viper had Killjoy copy and erase all of Dr. Fei's data so that Kingdom would no longer have it. The only other thing they had to do now was escape. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, an alarm was raised. Killjoy knew someone would find 's body sooner or later./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"However, even with the alarms raising hell across the base, getting to the exit was easy enough. The truly hard part would be the dash to the plane parked out behind the facility. Thank goodness for Killjoys upgraded turret. It had taken a beating, but it covered their asses for the daring sprint to the Valorant plane. Viper had complimented its usefulness and Killjoy couldn't stop the warmth in her chest at the praise./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Back at Valorant HQ, Brimstone was thrilled to see the two agents had not only avoided killing each other, but had completed the objective, which was, apparently, the opposite of what Brimstone had been expecting. Viper even made a comment to him that Killjoy had been exactly what she needed and the german once again tried not to glow. Once dismissed, Viper was quick to leave and head for her lab. Killjoy was pretty sure the data they recovered would be all Viper could think about, so she didn't take it personally. In all honesty, Killjoy felt like the mission had changed her perspective in many ways about the chemist. She wanted to know more about Viper, now more than ever, but that would have to wait. Brimstone still needed to lecture her about ignoring direct orders again./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Two hours later, after promising Brim to be better and accepting a week's worth of probation, Killjoy was finally dismissed. She slept like a rock for almost the entire following day and was once again awoken on the second day by the irritating chime of her door buzzer. Killjoy hoped it might be Raze wanting to hear about the mission, but it seemed too early for that. The clock on her nightstand read seven a.m. Who would come see her this early? She was still trying to guess who it could be when Killjoy cracked the door open and was met with piercing green eyes./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Viper." Killjoy breathed, adjusting her glasses, "Morgen..."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Good morning to you as well." Viper replied, sliding her hands into the pockets of her lab coat, "Did I wake you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Maybe," Killjoy answered, opening the door fully, "But I'll let it slide this time. I should be getting up anyway." Viper arched an eyebrow and Killjoy offered her a sheepish smile, "I've been sleeping a lot."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Then you are rested enough to talk?" Viper asked a little too slowly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy blinked at the odd tone, but nodded, "I figured you were here for more than my wake up call."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper reached up to tuck some hair behind her ear, "Of course. I was wondering if you would humor me with another conversation."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy bit her lip and cast a glance over her shoulder at her room. It wasn't in the best shape, but she would feel weird turning Viper away over something so superfluous. "Ja, come on in."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper made her way in and sat heavily on the bed. Killjoy wondered if something was wrong, but shut the door. She slowly approached Viper, trying to decide if it would be okay to sit next to her. When Viper didn't protest her advance, Killjoy joined the chemist on the bed. "So what's up Viper? It's pretty early."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It is, isn't it," Viper said softly, "I apologize again for disturbing you, but I was becoming irritated by my thoughts. They are...distracting."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""...And you wanted to talk to me about these thoughts?" Killjoy asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""If I could?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy reached over to her nightstand and retrieved her glasses, "Well, I'm all ears."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Vipers mouth twitched in an almost smile and she nodded. "Thank you. I found that, since our discussion on the plane, you are an easy person to talk to."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy ran a nervous hand through her hair and put her glasses on. She tried to wrest away the creeping blush she felt in her ears, "It's no problem. Just tell me what's on your mind."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""First, I wanted to thank you for your help with Dr. Woods. I'd been tracking that son of a bitch for years and the mission went well because of you." Viper looked over and met Killjoy's gaze. There was something about Viper tonight that felt different, but Killjoy couldn't place it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You're welcome, Viper," Killjoy replied and sighed heavily, "Though I do apologize for not coming willingly at first. I shouldn't have made those assumptions about you."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That's actually what's been distracting me. You thought I hated you, correct? That's what you deduced from my behavior?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy clasped her hands together in her lap and sighed again, "Yes. I thought you hated me." The german looked away from Viper and stared at the wall she'd covered in blueprints. "I didn't know what else to make of your demeanor. I've been pretty used to people treating me differently."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Because you are brilliant?" Viper asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No...because of what my brilliance made me. I was a wunder; a tool. It wasn't until Brim found me that I started to feel valued like a person," Killjoy returned her gaze to meet Vipers and the chemist's eyes were soft for the first time Killjoy had ever seen./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""So, basically, you thought I was jealous or arrogant of you? Enough so that I would treat you like a lesser?" Viper inquired./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy nodded and reached up to stretch, crossing her arms behind her head, "But clearly I was wrong, so don't worry about apologizing or anything. If I'm being honest, I'm mostly relieved."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper giggled and Killjoy could barely stop herself from gawking at the sound. The chemist looked towards the blueprint wall, "Only mostly relieved? Do you enjoy people hating you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well no. That's not it."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Then why not be completely relieved?" Viped asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"This time it was Killjoys turn to laugh. The german shook her head and sat back against her headboard, "Because there is still something I'm not sure of."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""And that is?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Why did you act weird around me in the first place? Even now, and on the plane, you're acting differently than I've been accustomed to," Killjoy explained, "Less verklemmt."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Verklemmt? I'm okay with german, but not that good." Viper said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy laughed again, "It means you're a buzzkill."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper hummed in response, but said nothing more. Killjoy watched carefully as Viper seemed to be debating with herself. She was going to change the subject when Viper looked over and started moving. Only she was moving towards Killjoy, discarding her lab coat and crawling over till she practically laid overtop of the german. Killjoy's eyes were frantically searching Viper's angular, beautiful face. Searching for intention. Searching for an explanation, but the chemist was unreadable./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Finally, before the tension and silence could swallow them both, Viper whispered, "Am I crazy for doing this?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What ARE you doing?" Killjoy responded, eyes still trapped by Vipers./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Explaining without words. I'm...not good at this part of…" Vipers eyes fell from Killjoy's to comb her jaw and lips before returning to her eyes, "Of my thoughts."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What are you thinking then?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That you are...how is it said in german...fesselnd." Viper said, "Captivating."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy tore her eyes away as the blush returned to her ears, slipping quietly onto her cheeks, "I don't know what to say."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I have more to say," Viper insisted, reaching a hand up to turn Killjoy's face back to meet hers, "Please let me finish."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy nodded, but for once she wasn't really feeling all that confident. Viper was pulling Killjoy into a territory she has never known, and it was nerve wracking. Sure, after the pass at her in the Kingdom base, cause she hadn't forgotten, there was a small part of Killjoy that thought maybe Viper had other intentions of bringing her along. But she never could have guessed she'd end up in bed with the chemist hovering over her. Killjoy was sure if she had been standing, her knees would have given out./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper, once again, trailed her eyes along Killjoy's features, "For the last year, I've watched you prove your brilliance. I was immediately drawn to you. Like a moth to flame. You were my match in every way. Intelligent. Deadly. Precise. And yet, you were more than I."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""More?" Killjoy asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes," Viper answered, removing her hand from Killjoys face to stroke her cheek, "Kind. Personable. Relaxed. These were the things that set us apart and made me like you more and more. I wanted to be near you, but I also didn't."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Because you were weirded out..? For feeling that way?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper smiled, "Yes. I didn't enjoy the feelings that had snared me. So I stayed close enough to be far away."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy scoffed, "That doesn't make sense."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Neither do these feelings," Viper retorted, arching a challenging eyebrow./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That's...true." Killjoy conceded, "But if that's all true...what changed?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper frowned and sat up, for the first time in several long minutes, giving Killjoy room to move, "Dr. Fei happened. Like I mentioned earlier, I'd been tracking him. Going to face him meant I had to face an old, nasty fear of mine; a wound I let scab over…" Viper paused to look away from Killjoy, "If I couldn't face my fear of you, how could I hope to face him?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy sat up and reached up tentatively to push some hair out of Viper's face. The chemist turned quickly at the contact and Killjoy pulled her hand away. She was about to apologize when Viper leaned forward and pressed her lips against Killjoy's. Ther german eyes went wide before slowly sliding shut. Vipers mouth was cold, but still soft. Viper tasted like a hint of coffee and honey. She smelled like a cold night before rain. It was like nothing Killjoy could have ever dreamed, and somehow, still exactly what she expected./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The kiss was over too soon and Killjoy was sad when Viper pulled away. Both agents seemed to be lost in the moment, relishing in the flood of good that had enveloped them. Killjoy was thinking about kissing Viper again when the chemist spoke, a smirk playing on her lips./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Turns out my hypothesis about being your first kiss was correct."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""TAKE IT BACK!" Killjoy challenged and all Viper could do was laugh. The sound carried itself to every corner of Killjoys room and she relished in the sound. She could get used to this./p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"span style="text-decoration: underline;"German translations:/spanbr /br /scheißsturm - shit storm/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"arsch - ass/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Verdammt - damn/damnit/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Fokus attrappe - Focus idiot/dummy/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Morgen - Morning/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"wunder - wonder/marvel/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"verklemmt - buzzkill/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"fesselnd - captivating/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You worry too much, Killjoy. Seriously, you'll be fine." Raze said from her workbench, not even bothering to turn away from the machinery sprawled about its top. The usual headphones Raze wore had been moved to hang around her neck, so she could hear better. However, there was still music playing out of them in a quiet thumping rhythm. Behind Raze, pacing nervously, was the worried one in question. Killjoy had come to see Raze in hopes her friend would help her persuade Brimstone to call off the recently announced mission, or, at the very least, consider switching with her so she wouldn't have to go. So far though, Raze seemed to be unbothered by the news./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy barked out a laugh and shook her head, even if Raze wasn't looking at her. "Fine? You think I'm going to be FINE? Raze, this is Viper we are talking about here. You know, za poison expert with a severe dislike for me," Killjoy threw her hands up, "Going on this mission with her is a scheißsturm waiting to happen!" Raze didn't answer and picked up a different size screwdriver humming to herself with the music trickling out of her headphones. Killjoy sighed and approached her friend, leaning against the toolbox next to the workbench. "Please, Raze. I'm...worried."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Raze finished screwing in a couple things before she finally looked up and frowned. "You're really that stressed about some doctor, amiga? Do you really think Viper would really jeopardize a mission over you? She seems smarter than that, KJ."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Ja, I know. That's not it. I just can't shake this feeling around her. Like…" Killjoy sighed and crossed her arms, "Like she's waiting for me to mess up or something."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Raze hummed in response and for a few moments, both agents said nothing. The silence was filled with nothing but the fast beats stomping out of Raze's headphones. It seemed that neither knew what to say to convince the other. Killjoy knew she was probably being a baby about this and it killed her a bit inside to admit it, but she was intimidated by Viper. She usually respected other women of such high intellectual stature, but this time was...different. Brim had told her when he recruited her for the Valorant program that Viper had been a huge part of its foundation and to stay off her bad side, but Killjoy couldn't remember a time she hadn't already been on it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Raze's voice brought Killjoy out of her thoughts and the bomb expert had a big grin on her face. "I can practically hear the gears grinding in that big head of yours."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""My head is not that big you arsch," Killjoy mumbled, pushing up her glasses, "Seriously though, will you help me out with this? I never bother you unless it's important."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"br /"I will bu-" Raze started./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes!" Killjoy exclaimed, fist pumping./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey hey," Raze interjected, pointing a screwdriver at Killjoy's face, "You owe me big, KJ. Going against Brim is worth at least a few dozen alarm bots," Raze said with a wink, "We can discuss your payment another time though. For now, lemme tinker in peace. My poor bomb buddy."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy rolled her eyes, but smiled as Raze turned back around and put on her headphones. Killjoy had been really glad to find a friend in the bomb expert, even if she was a bit obsessed with her tech exploding. Killjoy left Raze's garage feeling much better than she had earlier. She didn't think Brim would go for the new match up, but she hoped for her sake he would just let it slide. Raze would be fine pairing with Viper. The mission would be smoother and everything would be fine. After all, the chemist seemed to tolerate everyone else easily enough. Just not Killjoy./p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The next few days went by with no issues. Killjoy didn't hear anything from Brim or Raze. She assumed both were probably too busy with the upcoming mission to check in with her. At least, that's what she'd originally thought./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"On the day of the duo mission with Viper, Killjoy awoke to her door buzzer being assaulted. Killjoy knew none of the other agents would bother her this early, and yet someone was very earnest with waking her. The barracks in the Valorant facility were, for lack of a better word, posh. Not so much in looks, but practicality. Other similar government agencies would use a form of co-op lodging to house their employees, but that was not the case here. All the agents recruited as a part of Valorant were given individual living quarters. The building functioned more like an apartment complex, rather than a barracks. The only real way to tell you weren't in an apartment were the small details. There were no cozy wallpapers or carpeting. Even the doors were metal; no windows at all. It's a design choice that, given the circumstances of Valorants existence, made a lot of sense./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The irritating electronic chime seemed to blare louder with every consecutive ring, and Killjoy could no longer ignore its shrill screaming. The German stumbled quickly out of bed, still half asleep, and walked to the door. Her jacket was half on when she opened the door and Brim was standing there, a very stern look on his face. Behind him, Raze peeked around his massive torso and smiled sheepishly. This was not good./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What's going on?" Killjoy asked as nonchalantly as she could manage after just waking up. Brim checked his arm computer quickly, then gave her the look. Killjoy sighed and pulled her jacket on fully, "I'm in trouble...aren't I?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The grumpy leader huffed irritably, "Of course you're in trouble KJ. You knew how important this mission was. I told you how your expertise would be immeasurably valuable. I told you that regardless of your feelings, you needed to do this."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy sighed again and shoved her hands into the pockets of her sweatpants, "Ja, Brim. I know."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Then why is it that Raze was the one to show up for the mission brief this morning and not you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You know why," Killjoy grumbled./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Brimstone reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes and forehead wrinkling from the motion. "Killjoy, we need you for this mission. I don't wanna have to force you."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fine. Just give me a few minutes. I'll meet you in the comm room," and before Brimstone could respond, Killjoy shut the door firmly in his face. She wanted to scream, or maybe shoot someone, but what good would that do? Her gear was scattered about, but it should be simple enough to gather everything. She'd probably still make those two wait as long as she could though. Fashionably late would suit her./p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"It would be an understatement to say that the mission briefing had been tense. Since Killjoy had come in late, was paired up with Viper, and had now made Brimstone immensely unhappy with her, the room just felt like a shaken beehive. She could barely even pay attention to what was being discussed over the mix of emotions she felt. At least Brimstone was kind enough, for now, to keep what happened on the back burner. The focus was clearly on the mission, so Killjoy would just focus on the mission too./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Brimstone broke down the basics of their objective and, after explaining to Viper the last bits of intel Valorant had on their target, the two agents were allowed to head out via plane./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After taking off, Killjoy was starting to feel relaxed again. Much to her gratitude, Viper stayed towards the back of the plane, no doubt wanting to stay as close as possible to the medical equipment. Killjoy sat closer to the cockpit, utilizing the extra seats to work on her turret. The distraction was welcome. There was nothing confusing about machinery. It made sense in a way that people just didn't. Not to mention, she was damn good with machines. Killjoy had been so engrossed in her task that she didn't notice the feet in her peripheral./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Killjoy?" A voice said. Killjoy jerked at the sudden sound and quickly sat upright. She put a hand over her chest and let out a long breath./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Verdammt, you scared me," Killjoy said looking up and then she realized who had said her name. She was staring into Viper's piercing green eyes. The doctor's face was angled and stoic. There was an edge to those straight edges that seemed so calm, yet dangerous. It reminded Killjoy of glass. Around Vipers neck hung her typical mask, the black equipment shiny from being recently cleaned. She was also wearing her mission attire and it made Viper look...scary; fearsome. Killjoy cleared her throat and looked back down at her turret, trying to find her voice. "Uh, sorry Viper. You startled me."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper hummed in response before taking a seat across from Killjoy. She crossed her legs and leaned forwards onto them, hands clasped "My apologies. That was not my intention."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy waved her hand, "It's not your fault. I've always been pretty focus blind, but anyway is th-," Killjoy hesitated, "-is there something I can do for you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper shook her head, "No, no. I just wish to speak before we reach our destination."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Okaaaay. About what?" Killjoy asked, trying to pretend like she wasn't absolutely flabbergasted Viper wanted to talk to her. When Viper didn't answer right away, Killjoy continued working. She, once again, welcomed the distraction. Killjoy pulled some wires and re-plugged them in other places, wondering if she had somehow already upset the other women, then Viper /br /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's crucial for you to know that this mission is actually a personal favor of mine. A... loose end, if you will," Viper mused coolly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy stopped mid tug on another wire and looked up, this time her shock was obvious. "A personal favor?" Killjoy asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes." Viper replied simply./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""But...that would mean-"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That I asked for your help personally?" Viper finished arching an eyebrow, "That's exactly right." Killjoy's mouth fell open and she quickly snapped it closed, turning back to her turret. The plane jostled against some turbulence, causing a metal slab to fall from Killjoy's lap. Killjoy felt her embarrassment returning tenfold, as she bent to retrieve it, but Viper continued, unperturbed./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Since Raze had tried to take your spot on this mission, am I correct to suspect you did not wish to join me?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy reached up behind her glasses and rubbed her eyes. "I guess it makes sense for you to assume that, but no, it's not that simple. It wasn't because I didn't want to go."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's not?" Viper asked skeptically, leaning back and re-crossing her legs the other way. "Then why did you go through so much trouble to not be a part of this mission?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Brim never told me that the mission was at your behest," Killjoy insisted./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Would that have mattered?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Ja! I just assumed Brim was trying to help me."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""If you needed help, then my previous question is still left unanswered. Would my request have really mattered?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy thought for a moment and looked back over to Viper with a frown. "I guess not…"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper nodded approvingly, "As I figured. So, spill it."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Spill what?" Killjoy said focusing on her turret again, taking plenty of time to unscrew the main battery./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I believe you are smart enough to know what I mean, little bear."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy's face flamed at the nickname, suddenly very aware of Vipers eyes on her. Since when did Viper start calling her anything other than her name? Above all, why such an endearing title? Killjoy shook her head and placed her tools down. She took a deep breath and met Vipers gaze. These were questions for a different time. Right now, Viper had called her bluff and now she had to fess up. "You want the truth?" Killjoy asked softly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""If I could, please."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well," Killjoy started, adjusting some of the hair under her beanie, "I've been feeling a little intimidated by you. You just breeze by everyone else, unbothered. But with me…" Vipers eyes widened and Killjoy worried if she was overstepping, but continued anyway, "-it's like you aren't sure if I belong."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I see." Viper said, "That's not what I was expecting at all."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Really?" Killjoy laughed suddenly," I feel like you'd know if you hate someone."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Vipers eyes widened again, but then her face twisted into a scowl. Killjoy felt her face fall. "I only hate people who are evil," Viper chided, her voice unnaturally crisp./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't think I'm all that evil though," Killjoy said quietly, almost to herself./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Then I could not hate you." Viper replied, clearly overhearing the words. The plane groaned more with every push and pull of the wind outside. Killjoy wasn't sure if she had ruined the conversation and should try to fix it, but then Viper spoke. This time, her scowl was gone and her usual air of neutrality had returned. "I digressed from my original point. As you've probably deduced, this mission is my main priority and we are about to land."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Okay sure. Lay it on me. What should I expect?" Killjoy asked, returning to putting her turret back in working order. For the rest of the flight, Viper talked about the Kingdom operatives, infiltration tactics, and many other things, but it was hard for Killjoy to focus. Viper didn't hate her. But then again, Viper hadn't acknowledged that there was some kind of special treatment going on and Killjoy wasn't sure what to do with that information./p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Inside the Kingdom base, Viper and Killjoy were making fast progress. Killjoy now understood why Viper had asked for her personally. The firewalls Kingdom had implemented were being used, not only for security, but for weaponization and they were exceptionally challenging to crack. However, Killjoy was sure Kingdom never expected Viper to bring a genius with her, so the tech wasn't slowing the two agents down at all. Viper seemed pleased as well, and Killjoy was struggling to squash her sudden swell of pride./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Fokus attrappe. Killjoy thought to herself, You can't afford to get sloppy. Suddenly, Vipers hand went up, to signal a stop, and Killjoy just barely stopped before bumping into the other women. She was going to ask why they were stopping, but the words died in her mouth. Killjoy could hear the sound of guards' voices and they were definitely coming this way. Both agents looked around for a hiding spot in the long, empty corridor, but the only other door within hiding distance led to the janitorial closet./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""C'mon let's hide in here," Killjoy said, moving to finagle the janitor door open./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""In a broom closet? What are we? High schoolers? No, we can handle two or three guards." Viper replied dryly, turning to peer around the corner connecting the two hallways./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy clicked the lock open and stood, frowning at Vipers blatant denial. "Viper, being discovered at this point in the mission would be highly problematic. Fighting will only draw attention to us." The german turned to face the other agent and Viper was already staring back, a very serious expression on her face. Killjoy was determined not to shrink under its intensity, "Do you disagree? We don't have much time." As if on cue, a guard's laughter carried louder around the corner. It was now or never./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fine." Viper finally conceded and followed Killjoy into the cluttered, yet somehow roomy broom closet. Out of all the times Killjoy could remember sharing the same space as Viper, this was most certainly the closest they had ever been. Sitting at the cafeteria table or even their most recent plane ride to this base had left at least several paces worth of space between them. However, right now, as the guards slowly approached the hallway junction, Viper and Killjoy were forced to stand just a handspan apart in the closet. Killjoy tried to focus on anything other than the warm parts of Viper legs touching her own or the way the white light filtering in through the door slates made Vipers green eyes sparkle. Or maybe they smouldered?/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What are you staring at?" Viper mumbled, her mask muffling the cool tone of her voice into a ghostly thrum./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Nothing," Killjoy whispered back quickly, turning her head to peek out the slates in the door. Much to her dismay, the guards had already made it to the junction where Viper and Killjoy had once been standing, and were about to go their separate ways. Of course, they were taking their sweet time. Viper turned to look at Killjoy and when the german noticed her gaze, she turned too. Now their faces were suddenly really really close and Killjoy had never noticed before, but Viper's skin looked spotless. There was a smoothness around her eyes and a gloss to her cheeks that just made the agent look...well kind of perfect. Like she'd be sculpted, modeled after some gorgeous work of art. Killjoy didn't realize it at first, but she thought Viper was beautiful./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Vip-" Killjoy started, unable to stop the motion, but was cut off when her foot jostled a bucket. The sound made all the guards in the hallway stop. Vipers hands were very quickly in places Killjoy was not expecting and she had to stop her initial reaction to pull away, or maybe swoon./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper had one arm around Killjoy's waist and had pulled the german flush against her, with the other hand covering her mouth. Vipers eyes never left the guards standing in the hallway. Killjoy guessed she was waiting to see if they'd end up having to fight anyway. After a few heartbeats, the talking resumed and eventually the guards split up and left./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy didn't dare move, knowing full well their almost capture was likely her fault. When the sounds of footsteps finally stopped echoing down the long empty hallway, Viper released her and exited the closet, still cautious of the guards possibly lingering. Killjoy followed and cleared her throat once the coast appeared clear, "I apologize. That was reckless of me."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper seemed to ponder this a moment, choosing to resume walking before answering. "Don't give yourself so much credit, Killjoy."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The other agent's mouth fell open for the second time on this mission and Killjoy quickly jogged to match Viper's strides, "What does that mean?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Is the german genius going to make me explain a simple flirt?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""A WHAT." Killjoy blurted./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper gave a small, wicked smile, and as soon as Killjoy saw it, the sooner it was gone. She wanted to ask more questions, but if Killjoy knew any better, Viper would give nothing else while they were still mission focused. They'd also just approached the office precinct, so it was game time. Viper has mentioned this would be the hardest part./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy shook off her confused feelings for now and made her way to the control panel on the wall. She made quick work of the locked security gate and cameras, and once inside, Viper led both of them to the section labeled 'Power Division.' The name plates on the doors would make it easy enough to find the man they were looking for. Fei Woods; Lead botanist and toxicologist from China. According to the briefing, or what Killjoy could remember of it, has spent many years studying plants and poisons, but had only recently been working for the Kingdom to find new uses for its existing capabilities. His motives were unknown. Killjoy could understand why Viper was so interested in finding him. She just didn't know what would happen when they did./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""This is it." Viper said sharply, keeping her voice low. Killjoy peeked over the women's shoulder and sure enough on the nameplate was Dr. Fei's name./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Okay, now what?" Killjoy asked looking around to make sure no one else was in the surrounding offices. The windows would make it really hard to sneak anywhere. However, the hallway was long so they should have ample time to retreat should guards come from either direction./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We make him beg." Viper answered and pushed the door open. Killjoy didn't realize this was the plan and scrambled to keep up with Viper as she strode into the office like she worked their everyday./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"In the room, Dr. Fei was sitting at his desk typing away at a fairly small laptop. When he looked up, like he was about to shoo away an assistant, his eyes widened and his face took on something akin to horror. "Sabine…" he said, trailing off./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""DO NOT call me that. You have no right." Viper sneered, walking slowly over to the doctors desk, her steps deliberate and hard on the tile floor. When she reached it, Viper placed both hands on the tabletop and leaned over to put her face close to his. "But you remember me, yes?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I-I-I could never forget those eyes," Dr. Fei stuttered out, clearly nervous./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper clicked her tongue and reached over to shut the laptop screen, "Do you know why I'm here, ?" Viper asked, a sickly sweet rise in her voice. Killjoy shuddered in the doorway. The sound reminded her of a cat that had just broken the wing of a bird./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The doctor shook his head vigorously, "No no. I don't. I th-thought you were dead."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Dead?" Viper said slowly, as if the word bored her, "Do you take me for a fool?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""All I heard was that the lab exploded and everyone inside died!" The doctor protested, beads of sweat starting to form on his clean forehead. Killjoy could tell he was lying, but she couldn't blame him for trying. Viper was scary, even Killjoy was a bit on edge and Viper wasn't even focused on her. The german took a moment to peek her head in the hallway to see if it was clear. When it was, she focused on Viper again, who was still leaning on Dr. Fei's desk./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I didn't die in that lab, Doctor," Viper spat out the word, "I was betrayed, along with every other innocent person working under me." Viper stood and strode around the desk so she was now behind the sweating doctor. "I know it was you, . I just want to know why. What could they have possibly said to trick you into believing I needed to die," Vipers hands came to rest slightly on each of 's shoulders, "Your life rests on the answer." He let out a shaky breath./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Th- They said you were dangerous. That it was a necessary precaution." Killjoys sucked in a breath and narrowed her eyes. So that's why Viper was so angry. The data wasn't the loose end, he was. The doctor continued, "They also threatened my family. M-My wife and daughter. Please Sabine! I never meant to-" What happened next was so fast, Killjoy barely registered it. Vipers hands grabbed 's neck and she twisted./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Wrong answer." Viper bit out./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Dr. Fei's lifeless body fell limply to the floor with an audible thud. Viper stood, staring angrily at the wall, hands clenched into fists at her side. Then Viper let out a small chuckle and her eyes met Killjoys./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm sorry you had to see that." Viper said, walking back towards the door. "But I couldn't let him go free. A lot of people died because of him."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I heard…," Killjoy said softly, "I won't judge. We kill people all the time."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"br /Viper stopped in front of the Killjoy and the german was surprised to see a sadness in Viper's eyes. "It's not the death I'm sorry for…," Viper let out a sigh, " I'm sorry for what I must look like to you." Killjoy arched an eyebrow and Viper turned her attention back towards the desk where Dr. Fei had been sitting. "They wanted a villain...so I was forced to give them one." And with that, Viper stode past Killjoy and out into the hall./p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The rest of the mission went smoothly enough. Viper had Killjoy copy and erase all of Dr. Fei's data so that Kingdom would no longer have it. The only other thing they had to do now was escape. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, an alarm was raised. Killjoy knew someone would find 's body sooner or later./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"However, even with the alarms raising hell across the base, getting to the exit was easy enough. The truly hard part would be the dash to the plane parked out behind the facility. Thank goodness for Killjoys upgraded turret. It had taken a beating, but it covered their asses for the daring sprint to the Valorant plane. Viper had complimented its usefulness and Killjoy couldn't stop the warmth in her chest at the praise./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Back at Valorant HQ, Brimstone was thrilled to see the two agents had not only avoided killing each other, but had completed the objective, which was, apparently, the opposite of what Brimstone had been expecting. Viper even made a comment to him that Killjoy had been exactly what she needed and the german once again tried not to glow. Once dismissed, Viper was quick to leave and head for her lab. Killjoy was pretty sure the data they recovered would be all Viper could think about, so she didn't take it personally. In all honesty, Killjoy felt like the mission had changed her perspective in many ways about the chemist. She wanted to know more about Viper, now more than ever, but that would have to wait. Brimstone still needed to lecture her about ignoring direct orders again./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Two hours later, after promising Brim to be better and accepting a week's worth of probation, Killjoy was finally dismissed. She slept like a rock for almost the entire following day and was once again awoken on the second day by the irritating chime of her door buzzer. Killjoy hoped it might be Raze wanting to hear about the mission, but it seemed too early for that. The clock on her nightstand read seven a.m. Who would come see her this early? She was still trying to guess who it could be when Killjoy cracked the door open and was met with piercing green eyes./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Viper." Killjoy breathed, adjusting her glasses, "Morgen..."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Good morning to you as well." Viper replied, sliding her hands into the pockets of her lab coat, "Did I wake you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Maybe," Killjoy answered, opening the door fully, "But I'll let it slide this time. I should be getting up anyway." Viper arched an eyebrow and Killjoy offered her a sheepish smile, "I've been sleeping a lot."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Then you are rested enough to talk?" Viper asked a little too slowly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy blinked at the odd tone, but nodded, "I figured you were here for more than my wake up call."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper reached up to tuck some hair behind her ear, "Of course. I was wondering if you would humor me with another conversation."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy bit her lip and cast a glance over her shoulder at her room. It wasn't in the best shape, but she would feel weird turning Viper away over something so superfluous. "Ja, come on in."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper made her way in and sat heavily on the bed. Killjoy wondered if something was wrong, but shut the door. She slowly approached Viper, trying to decide if it would be okay to sit next to her. When Viper didn't protest her advance, Killjoy joined the chemist on the bed. "So what's up Viper? It's pretty early."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It is, isn't it," Viper said softly, "I apologize again for disturbing you, but I was becoming irritated by my thoughts. They are...distracting."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""...And you wanted to talk to me about these thoughts?" Killjoy asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""If I could?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy reached over to her nightstand and retrieved her glasses, "Well, I'm all ears."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Vipers mouth twitched in an almost smile and she nodded. "Thank you. I found that, since our discussion on the plane, you are an easy person to talk to."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy ran a nervous hand through her hair and put her glasses on. She tried to wrest away the creeping blush she felt in her ears, "It's no problem. Just tell me what's on your mind."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""First, I wanted to thank you for your help with Dr. Woods. I'd been tracking that son of a bitch for years and the mission went well because of you." Viper looked over and met Killjoy's gaze. There was something about Viper tonight that felt different, but Killjoy couldn't place it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You're welcome, Viper," Killjoy replied and sighed heavily, "Though I do apologize for not coming willingly at first. I shouldn't have made those assumptions about you."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That's actually what's been distracting me. You thought I hated you, correct? That's what you deduced from my behavior?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy clasped her hands together in her lap and sighed again, "Yes. I thought you hated me." The german looked away from Viper and stared at the wall she'd covered in blueprints. "I didn't know what else to make of your demeanor. I've been pretty used to people treating me differently."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Because you are brilliant?" Viper asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No...because of what my brilliance made me. I was a wunder; a tool. It wasn't until Brim found me that I started to feel valued like a person," Killjoy returned her gaze to meet Vipers and the chemist's eyes were soft for the first time Killjoy had ever seen./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""So, basically, you thought I was jealous or arrogant of you? Enough so that I would treat you like a lesser?" Viper inquired./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy nodded and reached up to stretch, crossing her arms behind her head, "But clearly I was wrong, so don't worry about apologizing or anything. If I'm being honest, I'm mostly relieved."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper giggled and Killjoy could barely stop herself from gawking at the sound. The chemist looked towards the blueprint wall, "Only mostly relieved? Do you enjoy people hating you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well no. That's not it."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Then why not be completely relieved?" Viped asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"This time it was Killjoys turn to laugh. The german shook her head and sat back against her headboard, "Because there is still something I'm not sure of."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""And that is?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Why did you act weird around me in the first place? Even now, and on the plane, you're acting differently than I've been accustomed to," Killjoy explained, "Less verklemmt."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Verklemmt? I'm okay with german, but not that good." Viper said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy laughed again, "It means you're a buzzkill."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper hummed in response, but said nothing more. Killjoy watched carefully as Viper seemed to be debating with herself. She was going to change the subject when Viper looked over and started moving. Only she was moving towards Killjoy, discarding her lab coat and crawling over till she practically laid overtop of the german. Killjoy's eyes were frantically searching Viper's angular, beautiful face. Searching for intention. Searching for an explanation, but the chemist was unreadable./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Finally, before the tension and silence could swallow them both, Viper whispered, "Am I crazy for doing this?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What ARE you doing?" Killjoy responded, eyes still trapped by Vipers./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Explaining without words. I'm...not good at this part of…" Vipers eyes fell from Killjoy's to comb her jaw and lips before returning to her eyes, "Of my thoughts."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What are you thinking then?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That you are...how is it said in german...fesselnd." Viper said, "Captivating."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy tore her eyes away as the blush returned to her ears, slipping quietly onto her cheeks, "I don't know what to say."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I have more to say," Viper insisted, reaching a hand up to turn Killjoy's face back to meet hers, "Please let me finish."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy nodded, but for once she wasn't really feeling all that confident. Viper was pulling Killjoy into a territory she has never known, and it was nerve wracking. Sure, after the pass at her in the Kingdom base, cause she hadn't forgotten, there was a small part of Killjoy that thought maybe Viper had other intentions of bringing her along. But she never could have guessed she'd end up in bed with the chemist hovering over her. Killjoy was sure if she had been standing, her knees would have given out./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper, once again, trailed her eyes along Killjoy's features, "For the last year, I've watched you prove your brilliance. I was immediately drawn to you. Like a moth to flame. You were my match in every way. Intelligent. Deadly. Precise. And yet, you were more than I."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""More?" Killjoy asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes," Viper answered, removing her hand from Killjoys face to stroke her cheek, "Kind. Personable. Relaxed. These were the things that set us apart and made me like you more and more. I wanted to be near you, but I also didn't."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Because you were weirded out..? For feeling that way?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper smiled, "Yes. I didn't enjoy the feelings that had snared me. So I stayed close enough to be far away."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy scoffed, "That doesn't make sense."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Neither do these feelings," Viper retorted, arching a challenging eyebrow./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That's...true." Killjoy conceded, "But if that's all true...what changed?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Viper frowned and sat up, for the first time in several long minutes, giving Killjoy room to move, "Dr. Fei happened. Like I mentioned earlier, I'd been tracking him. Going to face him meant I had to face an old, nasty fear of mine; a wound I let scab over…" Viper paused to look away from Killjoy, "If I couldn't face my fear of you, how could I hope to face him?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Killjoy sat up and reached up tentatively to push some hair out of Viper's face. The chemist turned quickly at the contact and Killjoy pulled her hand away. She was about to apologize when Viper leaned forward and pressed her lips against Killjoy's. Ther german eyes went wide before slowly sliding shut. Vipers mouth was cold, but still soft. Viper tasted like a hint of coffee and honey. She smelled like a cold night before rain. It was like nothing Killjoy could have ever dreamed, and somehow, still exactly what she expected./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The kiss was over too soon and Killjoy was sad when Viper pulled away. Both agents seemed to be lost in the moment, relishing in the flood of good that had enveloped them. Killjoy was thinking about kissing Viper again when the chemist spoke, a smirk playing on her lips./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Turns out my hypothesis about being your first kiss was correct."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""TAKE IT BACK!" Killjoy challenged and all Viper could do was laugh. The sound carried itself to every corner of Killjoys room and she relished in the sound. She could get used to this./p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"span style="text-decoration: underline;"German translations:/spanbr /br /scheißsturm - shit storm/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"arsch - ass/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Verdammt - damn/damnit/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Fokus attrappe - Focus idiot/dummy/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Morgen - Morning/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"wunder - wonder/marvel/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"verklemmt - buzzkill/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"fesselnd - captivating/p
