The team had been in Control Central for what felt like hours, staring at a complicated mess of data points and holographic images. The numbers were flashing across the screen—data that didn't seem to make sense, but one thing was clear: Hacker was up to something big.

"Make room, I gotta pace," Jackie muttered, stepping away from the table. Her usual confident stride turned into a flurry of restless movement. Arms crossed, she walked back and forth, her eyes flicking to the screen now and then, brow furrowed.

Inez scribbled equations on a tablet, lips pursed. Digit flew from terminal to terminal, pulling up code logs and data maps. Slider leaned casually against the wall, watching the holograms rotate.

Jackie sighs, throwing her hands up. "Okay, so Hacker stole a data chip from Motherboard's archives, rerouted energy from Sensible Flats, and now he's setting up—ugh, what is he setting up?!"

Matt sat nearby, chin propped in his hand, eyes not on the data but on Jackie. He smiled quietly.

"You know, Jackie, you look pretty when you pace," Matt said softly.

Jackie stopped mid-step, turning sharply to face him. Her eyes narrowed, and a flush spread across her cheeks.

"Okay, Prince Charming," she said, trying to sound annoyed but failing to hide the smile tugging at her lips, "Flirting with me isn't going to help us figure out what Hacker is doing."

Digit, Inez, and Slider exchanged knowing glances.

"Aww, that's why you guys are my favorite couple," Inez noted.

Digit chuckled. "Somebody's got a crush."

Digit snickers, and Inez giving Slider a knowing nudge with his elbow.

"But you gotta admit, they're pretty cute together," Inez stated

Slider smirks, arms still crossed.

"Do we need to leave the room or something?" Slider teased, smirking. "But if they keep staring at each other like that, Hacker's gonna get away with whatever he's planning."

"If we weren't in the middle of a crisis, I'd say get a room." Digit chuckles, "Well, ain't that adorable? Maybe Hacker's real plan is to distract Jackie with compliments!"

Slider, smirking "I mean, if that's the case, Matt's already winning."

Jackie huffs, shaking off the moment, but her blush lingers. She points a finger at Matt.

Jackie: "You. Focus."

Matt laughs, holding his hands up in surrender. "Yes, ma'am."

Jackie rolled her eyes but didn't move away from where she stood, just a little closer to Matt than before.

"Focus," she said firmly. "Hacker's up to something with that stolen data chip. It's encoded in a language we haven't even seen before."

Matt stood and stretched. "Maybe it's a trap or a decoy. Hacker loves a distraction."

Jackie paced again, fingers tapping her arm in thought. "If it is a distraction... what's he really after?"

The team is taking a short break. The data is still confusing, and frustration lingers in the air. Jackie and Matt step away from the table, finding themselves sitting on the couches in Control Central

Jackie leans back, arms crossed, her expression thoughtful. Matt stands beside her, close enough that their shoulders brush.

"Hey… you okay?" Matt asked

Jackie sighs, then nods. "Yeah. Just… frustrated. I hate when we don't have all the answers. Hacker's up to something big, and I feel like we're missing something obvious."

Matt studies her for a moment before reaching out and gently tucking a stray curl behind her ear.

Matt grinning. "You're cute when you're deep in thought."

Jackie turns to him, rolling her eyes but smiling. "Are you just going to keep complimenting me all night?"

Matt shrugs, smirking. "If it keeps you from stressing too much? Yeah, probably."

Jackie shakes her head but leans into him slightly. Matt takes her hand, intertwining their fingers. They stand like that for a moment, just enjoying the quiet before the mission pulls them back in.

"You always know how to make me feel better," she said softly.

"That's because I care," Matt replied,

Jackie glanced down at their intertwined fingers, then back at him. A small smile played on her lips.

"If I kiss you, are you going to make another Prince Charming joke?" Matt smiles.

Jackie chuckled. "Only if you mess it up."

He leaned in, only for Digit to interrupt them from across the room.

"Guys! I think I cracked part of the code!"

Slider chuckles. "Focus, lovebirds. Hacker's still out there."

Jackie huffs, shaking off the moment, but her blush lingers as she asks

Jackie squeezed Matt's hand, eyes still on him. "Later."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

They turned back to the group, ready to face Hacker's chaos—together.

Author's Notes

I really wanted to focus on a moment between Matt and Jackie, showing how they support each other even when things get tough. Also, Inez and Slider are the best wingwomen and wingmen. The next one will be even better. Stay tuned by favoriting this story, and as always, please leave a review to let me know if you enjoyed this! I'll see you guys next time! Bye!