Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jett has created the group chat "WHO'S CYPHER'S MYSTERY LOVER"

Jett has invited Sage, Phoenix, Killjoy, Viper, Yoru, Brimstone, Raze, Reyna, Sova, and Omen.

Jett  ( 9:12 AM)

ok so

that's all of us. i think. the cool ones anyway

Omen has left the chat  (9:13 AM)

Jett (9:13 AM)

Damn

We lost him

Phoenix  (9:13 AM)

What even is this chat

This feels unreasonably creepy

Yoru (9:13 AM)

Im with Phoenix on this one

I mean, isnt this an invasion of privacy?

Jett (9:14 AM)

Isnt cyphers entire point of being here an invasion of privacy

besides arent you curious

Killjoy  (9:14 AM)

I am! Besides we dont know anything about him

Might as well take the opportunity to find out

Jett (9:14 AM)

See. Killjoy gets it

...

Fine if you guys help I'll do the dishes every day until we find out who it is

Phoenix (9:14 AM)

Ok

Yoru  (9:14 AM)

Ok

Reyna (9:14 AM)

Ok

Raze (9:14 AM)

Ok

Jett (9:15 AM)

What the fuck is that all it took for you guys to say yes?

Brimstone  (9:15 AM)

Language, kid.

Phoenix (9:15 AM)

Lmao no

Jett (9:16 AM)

Anyway whatever

so I was thinking 

Phoenix (9:16 AM)

Oh no she's thinking

everyone run

Jett (9:16 AM)

Har har har shut up

Moving on I was thinking that we lock Cypher in a closet and wait for his mysterious bf/gf to rescue him

Viper (9:17 AM)

That's the stupidest plan I've ever heard, and that's saying something.

Also stop texting, I'm trying to work. 

Jett (9:18 AM)

You know you can turn off notifications right

oh she left

you know what

Yoru (9:18 AM)

What

Jett has changed Viper's name to I love Reyna 

Phoenix (9:19 AM)

She is sooooo going to kill you

Jett (9:19 AM)

its ok sage can revive me

right sage

Jett (9:21 AM)

right sage

please

Sage (9:25 AM)

Sorry, I was patching up Cypher. He just got back with Omen

But yes, I will heal you.

Jett (9:25 AM)

thank you

sage goated

Phoenix (9:26 AM)

wait what was omen doing w/ cypher?

and why'd omen leave the chat if he was on a mission?

Sage (9:29 AM)

What?

Phoenix (9:29 AM)

You know

like, what were they doing on the mission? no one told us there was a mission

and how'd omen have time to respond? or at least react 

Sage (9:29 AM)

Oh, because it was an information mission. Cypher was going to collect intel from some of our sources and Omen was there as backup.

And you do realize leaving a group chat takes only a second, right? 

Yoru (9:30 AM)

Cypher got hurt? what happened? thought it was just an intel mission

Also we did get informed, remember? you guys just weren't paying attention

Sage (9:40 AM)

Well, apparently it went wrong. One of the informants was apparently someone trying to give us false information. Cypher caught on when his story didn't match what we already know. The guy shot Cypher in the leg and made a break for it.

Omen took care of it.

Jett (9:41 AM)

oh dang hope cypher gets better soon

gunshot wounds arent fun

Yoru  (9:41 AM)

When are wounds fun in general

Phoenix (9:41 AM)

Whoever shot Cypher in the leg is probably a smear of grease on the ground now tbh

Cypher has invited Cypher to the chat  (9:43 AM)

Cypher (9:43 AM)

Oh, this is fun. I didn't believe it when Omen told me that you guys made a group chat about me and my supposed lover. 

Jett (9:44 AM)

CYPHER ?? ?!??!?!? 

how did you get in

I asked killjoy to secure it or whatever that means in tech nerd terms

Cypher (9:44 AM)

I'm hurt. You really do underestimate my abilities. Did you really think Killjoy could keep me out?

Phoenix (9:45 AM)

Jett you shouldve expected this lol

also who uses proper grammar in a group chat?

Yoru (9:45 AM)

him, apparently

also sage

Raze (9:46 AM)

woahhhh cool! we have a group chat now?

Jett (9:46 AM)

yeah isnt it cool

Yoru (9:46 AM)

no not really you're basically stalking cypher

and you literally answered a question here earlier why are you asking now

Jett (9:46 AM)

*we're stalking cypher

did you forget that you agreed to this

Yoru (9:47 AM)

I was hoping you'd forget tbh 

Phoenix (9:47 AM)

lmao as if

you know jett

once she gets an idea in her head we're all doomed

I love Reyna (9:47 AM)

What did I say about texting.

I love Reyna (9:49 AM)

Wait.

Who changed my username?

Phoenix (9:49 AM)

Better start running

Jett (9:50 AM)

Way ahead of you

I love Reyna (9:50 AM)

For your sake pray I don't catch you.

Reyna (9:51 AM)

5 bucks on Viper

Get her ass darling

Cypher (10:01 AM)

Can whoever's screaming on the roof stop? I'm trying to fix my gear.

Brimstone (10:01 AM)

If you kids have time to try and murder each other then you guys have time to train. Cypher, come up and grab Omen on your way. We need to debrief.

Cypher (10:02 AM)

Yessir.

Chapter Text

Brimstone has changed the chat name to “VALORANT AGENTS” (6:10 AM)

Cypher has changed the chat name to "WHO'S CYPHER'S MYSTERY LOVER" (6:12 AM)

Cypher (6:12 AM)

I think it’s funny.

Brimstone (6:12 AM)

Did everyone forget about the no fraternization rule?

Cyper (6:13 AM)

No, not at all. It’s just that no one really cares.

Brimstone (6:13 AM)

As expected…

Jett (6:14 AM)

why the hell do you two wake up so early

its like

six 

Cypher (6:14 AM)

It’s very bold of you to assume that I slept at all.

The bigger question is what are you doing up so early? There’s no missions today so I’m surprised you’re up before ten.

Phoenix (6:15 AM)

got woken up by the texts, jett probably did too

and god your sleep schedule is worse than Killjoy’s

Cypher (6:15 AM)

I know. Now that you’re up, though…

Care for a game of chess?

Phoenix (6:17 AM)

I dont have a choice

right 

Cypher (6:17 AM)

Right. Not unless you want me to wake Omen up and tell him that he has to play with me because you didn’t want to.

He’s not going to be happy. (✿◠‿◠) 

Phoenix (6:18 AM)

your emoticons are terrifying

fine 

i’ll be up in 10 

Cypher (6:18 AM)

Make it five.

Jett (6:20 AM)

wait why would you ask omen to play doesnt he hate literally everyone

cypher 

cypher you there

…

Cypher has invited Omen to the chat (4:01 PM)

Omen (4:02 PM)

why

cypher why

Cypher (4:04 PM)

You stay holed up in your room all day, the least you can do is try and talk to our friends.

Jett (4:04 PM)

woah howd you get omen to join

he left as soon as i added him

Cypher has blocked Omen’s exit permissions (4:05 PM)

Jett (4:05 PM)

what 

Yoru (4:05 PM)

Did you just 

Lock omen in the chat????? 

How is that even possible

Jett (4:06 PM)

is that a custom message???? 

i’ve literally never seen that pop up before

Cypher (4:07 PM)

c(ˆ▿ˆc)

Jett (4:07 PM)

answer us 

right now

Killjoy (4:10 PM)

who the HELL has my soldering iron

spit it out

Cypher (4:15 PM)

That would be me. I’ll give it back after dinner.

Or tomorrow. Or never, it’s a tossup. Thanks in advance.

Killjoy (4:15 PM)

??????????????????????????????????????

I need it right now though?????

Killjoy -> Cypher

Killjoy has started a call (4:16 PM)

Killjoy has started a call (4:17 PM)

Killjoy has started a call (4:18 PM)

Killjoy has started a call (4:19 PM)

Killjoy (4:20 PM)

this hoe is just watching his phone ring

I can feel the audacity from across the compound

@Cypher

@Cypher

@Cypher

thats it

i gave him a chance

Phoenix (4:21 PM)

ha

420

blaze it

Yoru (4:21 PM)

you sent that at 4:21 you dumbass

what was that thump

sounded really loud

oh there’s another one

do we need to call in sage 

@Sage

Sage (4:24 PM)

Is something happening?

Jett (4:24 PM)

read up

Sage (4:26 PM)

Oh. I see.

Cypher (4:26 PM)

The first thump was Killjoy getting caught in my tripwire. 

The second one was Viper.

I’m going to run now. 

Yoru (4:27 PM)

I guess we do need sage

Can’t figure out cypher’s secret lover if cypher is dead

Jett (4:28 PM)

@I love Reyna

so how does it feel

cause cyphers tripwires can be a pain

Cypher (4:29 PM)

Thank you Jett. 

Jett (4:29 PM)

what

Cypher (4:30 PM)

You have one minute until she gets to your room. 

Phoenix (4:30 PM)

LMAOOO

better run fast wind girl

Jett (4:30 PM)

Fuck you

Yoru (4:31 PM)
You’re wasting time

I love Reyna (4:31 PM)

Knock knock.

Sova (4:33 PM)

Why is there screaming?

Phoenix (4:33 PM)

Dont worry about it sweet summer child

Sova (4:34 PM)

?

Phoenix (4:34 PM)

forget it 

Cypher (7:12 PM)

@everyone

Dinner’s ready. I made soup. Figured we could use the warmup before our next mission.

Phoenix (7:13 PM)

yo you made soup? great

im starving

Yoru (7:13 PM)

Next mission? when was that discussed

Cypher (7:14 PM)

Oh, Brimstone was planning on bringing it up at dinner. I just figured a heads up would be nice.

It’s Icebox. 

Jett (7:15 PM)

i can see why you made soup 

Cypher (7:15 PM)

Better hurry up before it’s gone then.

Phoenix (7:31 PM)

cypher your soup is really good

Jett (7:32 PM)

id wash the dishes everyday if you cooked for me everyday

Yoru (7:32 PM)

Did Omen just growl

He’s looking at his phone too

lmao shadow boy why’d you grow

@Omen

Cypher (7:32 PM)

I’m afraid someone has already reserved any future food I make. You’re all terribly sweet, though.

Jett (7:33 PM)

wait

wait wait wait

you’re cooking for someone ???????

Phoenix (7:33 PM)

wait Jett was right?

Youre actually seeing someone??

Yoru (7:34 PM)

What the fuuuuuck

The creep got someone before we did???? bro… 

Killjoy (7:34 PM)

speak for yourself

i am VERY happy with @Raze

Raze (7:34 PM)

<3

Yoru (7:34 PM)

ok but.

who asked?

Brimstone (7:35 PM)

Why is everyone on their phones? We’re sitting next to each other. Can’t we just socialize like normal people?

Omen (7:35 PM)

all of us are mentally ill or not human what makes you think we’re normal people

Jett has pinned a message (7:35 PM)

Jett (7:36 PM)

this.

accurate as hell

Brimstone (7:36 PM)

We could at least pretend

Yoru (7:36 PM)

Nah

Phoenix (7:36 PM)

Nah

Killjoy (7:36 PM)

Nah

Raze (7:36 PM)

Nah

Brimstone (7:37 PM)

I guess I had that coming. We should at least invite the other agents. 

Cypher (7:38 PM)

Do you want me to lock the exit option for everyone?

Jett (7:38 PM)

howd you even do that in the first place

Cypher (7:38 PM)

٩(˘◡˘)۶

Phoenix (7:38 PM)

where are you getting those emoticons 

pls i will pay you money to know

Omen (7:39 PM)

ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ…

there are cat ones too?

cypher 

cypher can you download more for me

i want more cat emojis

Cypher (7:40 PM)

After dinner, habibi.

Phoenix (7:41 PM)

WHAT. 

WHY DOES OMEN GET THEM?????????????????????????????

Jett (7:41 PM)

i guess omen likes cats

Cypher (7:41 PM)

He paid the price, Phoenix.

Phoenix (7:42 PM)

what was the price

Yoru (7:42 PM)

Watch Cypher say some shit like

“A kiss”

Cypher (7:43 PM)

It was a kiss. ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ

Phoenix (7:43 PM)

Bet 

Come here cypher 

Cypher (7:45 PM)

IMG_102

Jett (7:45 PM)

IS THAT OMEN THROWING SOUP ON PHOENIX LMAO

Yoru (7:45 PM)

LMAOOOOOO

Killjoy (7:45 PM)

BFAGEUAHFA HAHAHAHAHHA 

Phoenix (7:46 PM)

Not funny

Omen (7:46 PM)

next time i take your arm

Cypher (7:47 PM)

I’ll help you clean up today, Jett.

Jett (7:48 PM)

thanks bro

Cypher (7:48 PM)

(◍•ᴗ•◍)

Cypher -> Phoenix

Cypher (9:12 PM)

I downloaded the emojis on your phone.

You don’t have as many as me or Omen since you didn’t actually pay, but I figured I owed you.

Phoenix （9:13 PM)
Holy shit dude!

Thanks!

( ͡ᵔ ͜ʖ ͡ᵔ)

Cypher (9:14 PM)

Glad you like it.

Phoenix (9:14 PM)

Hell yeah! im gonna have so much fun

Cypher (9:15 PM)

I guess you’ve unlocked the menace to society achievement. 

Jett has created the chat “ICEBOX MISSION”

Jett has invited Cypher, Phoenix, Viper, Sage

Jett (12:45 PM) 

its so fucking cold here

our doubles aren’t even here yet 

why’d we have to come this early

Cypher (12:46 PM)

I have to set up my cameras and tripwires, Jett. 

Phoenix (12:46 PM)

bro 

you take longer than chamber

Cypher (12:47 PM)

If you bring Chamber up in front of me again I’ll leak your search history.

Chapter Text

Jett (12:54 PM)

still no sign of them

Cypher (12:54 PM)

Nothing on my cameras, either.

Viper (12:55 PM)

Can’t we use comms like actual agents

Oh great my name is normal

Cypher (12:56 PM)

She makes a fair point. 

Jett (12:56 PM)

Fine fine whatever

12:58 PM

Cypher shivers, settling into his nook as best he can. The wind howls around him, sharp and stinging as it carries particles of ice and snow.

“Cameras are still clear,” he whispers, adjusting the scope on his gun absentmindedly. He’d set up tripwires and cyber cages all around the area, so if anyone came in he’d know, at the very least. For a moment, Cypher considers letting go of his gun so he can warm his fingers, but decides against it. It’d be more beneficial for him to be able to shoot at any moment. 

The crackle of the comms startles him, and he instantly tightens his grip on his gun. 

“Cypher, Reyna’s double is heading in your direction,” comes Viper’s voice. “I clipped her in the leg, she should be limping.”

Soon enough, he hears the uneven footsteps of Reyna and switches the safety off. A moment later, she appears around the corner and he shoots, watching as blood splatters across the wall. Cypher pays his respect quietly, then refocuses.

“Got her,” he whispers. 

“ Copy that ,” Viper responds, the others echoing a quiet “affirmative.” It’s quiet for a while after that, and Cypher busies himself with checking his cameras. He stills when he catches a glimpse of movement, trying to find an angle where he can catch a clear view. He spots an enemy Chamber sneaking along the side, the spike clutched firmly in his hands.

“I have the spike in sight,” Cypher hisses.

The comms crackle, and Phoenix’s voice is distorted as it comes through, the crackle of gunfire nearly drowning out his words, “ Go after it, they’ve got us pinned here. ”

“On it,” Cypher calls, shutting off the comms and slipping out of his hiding spot, phantom in hand and his ghost snug against his hip. He trains the gun on the entrance, stepping over Reyna’s corpse and quickly turning the corner, finger crooked against the trigger. Cypher rears back as bullets come spraying, letting out a cry of pain as one strikes his shoulder. He reloads the vandal, pressing his back against the wall and sliding toward the other end of the room.

He can just barely see the edge of the spike, the ominous sound of beeping filling the air. He curses. He’s going to have to kill the mirror Chamber first if he wants to defuse it. Cypher creeps forward. Cypher freezes as he hears footsteps, quickly adjusting his gun and turning the corner. 

Cypher is met with the back of Chamber, and he quickly pulls the trigger. Bullets fly through the air, but the recoil of the gun sends a fresh wave of agony up his arm, making the rest of his shots go awry. Still, the job is done and Chamber’s body lies limp on the ground, blood seeping into the snow. Cypher grits his teeth, dropping his gun and staggering to the spike, kneeling down and starting to defuse, even as the beeping speeds up.

Energy crackles around it, rendering his body numb as the spike accumulates power. Crates start floating, and he has to duck when one of them drifts past. Blood roars in his ears and dread settles in his gut when he realizes that he won’t be able to defuse it in time. The most he can do is sabotage it - minimize the amount of radianite it will displace.

“Don’t come to B site,” Cypher murmurs into the comms, “it’s going to go off. Get as far away as you can.”

“ What about you ?” Jett shouts back, and he holds back a hiss of pain as his injured arm is jostled by passing debris.

“Leave me, I’ll try to defuse it. Get the others,” he instructs, trying to keep his voice firm. 

“ Like hell we’re leaving you !” Phoenix snaps. Cypher can’t help the weak cry of pain he lets out as one of the crates glances off of him. His hands shake, but he keeps focus on the spike.

“Get out of here now ,” he repeats into their shared comms, “and don’t look back.”

Before any of them can respond, though, the spike’s beeping peaks and then stops. For a moment, Cypher is left bewildered. Did he defuse it? Or at least manage to stop it?

He’s getting ready to stand when the spike shudders. 

(1:32 PM. The clock keeps on ticking.)

Tic. Tok.

Tic. Tok.

Tic-

It implodes.

Omen (2:24 PM)

where the fuck is cypher 

Killjoy (2:24 PM)

Not sure

They should’ve been back by now

Sage (2:37 PM)

Someone prep med bay

Right now

Yoru (2:38 PM)

wait whats going on? Who got hurt? Is it bad?

Omen (2:38 PM)

on it

Brimstone (2:29 PM)

How many casualties were there?
Sage? 

I love Reyna (2:30 PM)

Cypher is dead.

Sage needs med bay ready. We’re going to be docking in 10 minutes

Sage flits around the med bay desperately, trying to get everything ready. Omen had already gathered most of the basic materials - bandages, stitches, disinfectant. All she needed was to hook Cypher up to the machines, because she would only be able to revive him. She didn’t know how much of him he could fully heal. 

Seconds later she was done, having hooked Cypher up to a number of machines. 

“Here it goes,” she says after a beat of silence, channeling her energy and closing her eyes. Energy rushes through her and outwards, the sheer force of it leaves her drained. Sage allows the energy to settle before she opens her eyes.

Cypher lies still, clothes torn and ragged. He’s still not breathing why didn’t it work why won’t he wake up ? At his side, Omen hovers nervously, one hand on Cypher’s shoulder and the other cradling his ruined face. In the back of her mind, Sage wonders if they’re together. It would explain a lot. 

It’s silent for a moment, and Sage is just about ready to call it quits and start crying when Cypher jolts and surges forward with a strangled scream, unintelligible words spilling from his mouth. Omen doesn’t say anything, instead embracing the injured man tightly, pressing his head into the crook of Cypher’s shoulders and whispering reassurances quietly as the other man slowly calms down, his thin frame shaking. Sage lets out a sigh of relief, watching as Cypher’s heart rate slowly stabilizes.

She gently pulls Omen away, after Cypher has stopped shaking for the most part, “Later, Omen. Let me tend to his wounds, first. Then you two can have all the time you’d like.”

The wraith parts with obvious reluctance, but not without one last lingering touch across Cypher’s shoulder. 

“How are you feeling, Cypher?”

Cypher coughs, gently feeling his own face, relief visible in his posture when he realizes his mask is still mostly intact. “Never better.”

“All done,” Sage says nearly an hour later, feeling tired to the bone after reviving someone. She sets down a glass of water and a sandwich on the table, sitting in the chair next to the bed. Omen is sitting on the opposite side of her, half laying across Cypher with his head tucked on top of the other man’s. 

“Thank you,” Cypher murmurs, letting his head rest against Omen’s chest. The sight of the two being together warms her heart. It’s evident that they care greatly about each other.

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone,” Sage reassures, eyes drifting to their intertwined hands. 

This time it’s Omen that responds. Belatedly, she realizes that Cypher is likely keeping the relationship a secret for Omen’s sake. Adorable.

“Much appreciated,” the wraith rumbles, caressing Cypher’s face with his free hand. Even to an outsider, it looks like they’d been together for a lengthy amount of time. Sage couldn’t imagine any newer couple to look so in tune, so utterly at ease in each other’s presence.

“You get some rest, Cypher. I’ll tell the others you’re okay.” She stands to leave, then pauses, “I’ll leave my phone with you so you can text in the group chat. They’re pretty worried.”

She doesn’t get a verbal response, but Cypher is watching her in a way that feels fond and content. It’s enough of a thank you, and she offers a quick smile before leaving the med bay. 

Sage (4:43 PM)

Hi, guys. This is Cypher. I’m okay. 

Jett (4:43 PM)

YOOOO YOURE OKAY 

WE WERE SO WORRIED OMG

Phoenix (4:44 PM)

WHOOOOO YOURE FINALLY UP!

Yoru (4:44 PM)

Its good to see you up

Killjoy (4:45 PM)

Oh thank lord

You had us worried as hell cypher 

Sage (4:46 PM)

I know. Sorry

Jett (4:46 PM)

why are you apologizing? 

we’re the ones that left you…

Cypher (4:47 PM)

…Because I told you to leave? You’re not to blame. If anything, feel free to blame Chamber. 

Phoenix (4:47 PM)

It’s okay you hate him enough for all of us

But seriously though never pull that shit again

For our sakes, at least 

Yoru (4:48 PM)

Wait what exactly happened

No one told us anything and Brim hasn’t called for a debrief yet

Sage (4:49 PM)

I went to defuse the spike. 

But because of a certain SOMEBODY I wasn’t able to.

Phoenix (4:50 PM)

was it chamber lol

Yoru (4:50 PM)

100% chamber lol

Sage (4:51 PM)

Yes. Absolutely. 

Jett has invited Chamber (4:52 PM)

Jett (4:52 PM)

thats what you get for scaring us so bad

Sage (4:53 PM)

I.

I am a patient. I am ill. You can’t do me like this.

Chamber (4:53 PM)

Oh. I was not aware that Sage disliked me.

Omen (4:54 PM)

i had to take sage’s phone away because cypher almost smashed it into the wall

Chamber (4:54 PM)

Cypher had Sage’s phone…? 

Omen (4:55 PM)

his phone got blown up

by the spike

he says hes going to fix it when sage discharges him

Chamber (4:55 PM)

Why not let me buy one for him?

Omen (4:55 PM)

I don’t want your goddamn charity. 

Go choke on cactusgwgrshwljhasg’dks

Jett (4:56 PM)

wow he really hates you

Omen (4:56 PM)

that was cypher

i took my phone back mid sentence

Chamber (4:56 PM)
So… why exactly does he hate me so much?

Phoenix (4:57 PM)

Idk i just remember he said that he hacked into your bank account and saw you purchased nfts or bitcoins or whatever 

I dont think thats the actual reason though

Chamber (4:57 PM)

He has my credit card information??

Omen (4:58 PM)

he says he can freeze all of your assets in a minute if he wanted to

he also says that he spent a few million buying useless things and that he’d do it again

Chamber (4:58 PM)

Is that where thirty million went…? To fund Cypher’s… shenanigans?

Jett (4:59 PM)

i forgot that you were rich

disgusting 

Jett (5:04 PM)

wait are we ignoring that omen is talking for cypher and keeping him company

ur gonna make cyphers bf/gf jealous

also surprised cyphers actual partner isnt there with him

Omen (5:05 PM)

…

Phoenix (5:05 PM)

she does make a good point

but hows cypher

Omen (5:06 PM)

asleep

for the first time in three days

Jett (5:07 PM)

what the fuck

Phoenix (5:07 PM)

Im willing to bet that half of his blood is made of coffee and energy drinks at this point

Omen (5:08 PM)

you wouldnt be wrong…

Chapter Text

Cypher (2:34 AM)

I fixed it. 

The phone, I mean.

Not my sleep schedule.

Killjoy (2:35 AM)

why are you still up

Cypher (2:35 AM)

Well, why are you?

Killjoy (2:35 AM)

hey thats not fair i asked first >:T

Cypher (2:36 AM)

If you want to do it that way…

I know about the explosives you’ve been searching for online as well as… other things within your search history. 

Killjoy (2:36 AM)

one of these days im going to kill you

Cypher (2:36 AM)

If Kingdom couldn’t do it, what makes you think you can?

(ᵔ ᴥ ᵔ)

Killjoy (2:36 AM)

what the fuck that was powerful

but fine to answer your question 

i was fixing the max bot 

Cypher (2:37 AM)

The one that shot me in the face a few weeks ago?

Killjoy (2:37 AM)

yep 

Cypher (2:37 AM)

Okay. 

And to answer your question, it’s because I can’t sleep.

Killjoy (2:38 AM)

is it cause you died?

which is understandable

that was only two days ago so i get what you mean

Cypher (2:38 AM)

Oh, it’s not that. Dying is boring. 

-

Killjoy -> Cypher

Killjoy (2:39 AM)

you okay?

Cypher (2:40 AM)

Ah, no. Not really. 

Killjoy (2:40 AM)

wanna come over to the workshop? 

we can just work on tech stuff. i have snacks and drinks in the minifridge.

Cypher (2:42 AM)

Hm, okay. Let me grab my stuff.

Oh. And your soldering iron.

Killjoy (2:42 AM)

sweet

what music are you in the mood for

Cypher (2:42 AM)

Put on the CameraTurret playlist. 

Killjoy (2:43 AM)

version one or two

theyre both a mess

Cypher (2:43 AM)

Well, we’re the ones that made it. Of course it’s a mess.

But one is more relaxing, even if it’s a mix of three different languages.

Killjoy (2:43 AM)

you’re right

Ok tell me when you get here

Cypher (2:47 AM)

I’m here.

-

Cypher holds a box full of tech in his arms, standing in front of the workshop awkwardly. Killjoy slides open the door, waving him inside and closing the door after. She plops down on one of the beanbag chairs, gesturing for him to sit on the other one. 

He sets down his items, sitting down on the teal chair, leaning back. Music plays over the speakers, a soft lullaby in German. Killjoy’s song, then. Cypher lets several moments pass before leaning forward to take out his cameras and tripwires, laying them down on the floor before moving on to a few cyber cages. Most of them are, unfortunately, broken.

Killjoy sits in front of him, her laptop hooked up to an extremely damaged Maxbot. Cypher slides off the beanbag and sits on the ground, rooting through the bag of tools for a screwdriver. She hands it to him wordlessly and goes back to typing. 

He has to admit that the experience is nice. Neither of them speak, and the only sounds are the soft music that’s playing and the occasional crinkle of plastic as one of them reaches for a snack. The music is now an old Arabic love song, and he can’t help but hum along softly. He’d long forgotten the name, but the melody could never escape him.

As he works, Cypher can feel himself grow more and more drowsy. He looks up and smiles to himself under the mask. Killjoy has already dozed off, hunched over her laptop. He stands and moves her laptop to the side, leaning her back against the beanbag and placing one of the spare blankets over her.

He returns to his original position, picking his camera back up and fiddling with the lenses. It’s not even an hour later that Cypher finds he can’t keep his eyes open, and eventually drifts off to sleep where he sits.

And if that’s how Omen finds him, tucked against a chair with scattered parts in his lap, then so be it. 

-

Omen (7:45 AM)

IMG_224

cypher and killjoy fell asleep

Brimstone (7:45 AM)

That’s pretty sweet.

I’m surprised that the agents with the worst sleep schedules managed to fall asleep, though. Much less at the same time.

Jett (7:46 AM)

cute 

also this is the first time i’ve EVER seen cypher sleep

Phoenix (7:46 AM)

I would like to bleach my eyes

cypher looks cute when hes asleep and i was not prepared for that image

Yoru (7:46 AM)

Bro you need to touch some grass

Phoenix (7:46 AM)

Man fuck you

Yoru (7:47 AM)

Gladly

Jett (7:47 AM)

ayo? 

pretty boy?

you got something to say?

Phoenix (7:47 AM)

no

absolutely not

Sova (7:48 AM)

Who is in charge of the shopping list this week?

Brimstone (7:48 AM)

Last I checked it was Cypher, why?

Sova (7:48 AM)

We are out of coffee and alcohol.

Cypher (7:49 AM)

Already added that to the list.

Sova (7:49 AM)

Were you not asleep?

Cypher (7:50 AM)

I have a notification system. I get pinged whenever someone types my name or any other topics I’m interested in.

Jett (7:50 AM)

bro thats kinda creepy

Cypher (7:50 AM)

Well. It’s useful. 

Also I already ordered groceries, they should be coming in today. 

Phoenix (7:51 AM)

you’re a lifesaver bro

cause theres no more toilet paper

Brimstone (7:51 AM)

We do have toilet paper, I just got tired of restocking it.

Phoenix (7:51 AM)
brimmy a warning woulda been nice

I had to beg jett to grab some tp for me

shes never gonna let me live that one down

Jett (7:52 AM)

you are absolutely right

youre never living that down

ever 

Phoenix (7:52 AM)

didnt expect to

so like

Brimstone (7:52 AM)

It was deserved. 

Phoenix (7:53 AM)

I see how it is

Sage (8:04 AM)

Cypher, did you happen to order dried peppers and peppercorn?

Cyphl (8:07 AM)

ShoppingList_IMG

Everything on there was ordered. 

Sage (8:07 AM)

Oh, thanks. I was planning on cooking chicken tonight. 

Cypher (8:07 AM)

Do you want me to help?

Sage (8:07 AM)

Yes, please.

We can talk while we cook. 

Jett (8:08 AM)

sage and cypher in the kitchen cooking amen were ascending tonight 

Phoenix (8:08 AM)

I still haven’t figured out how to use chopsticks

Yoru (8:08 AM)

lmao scrub

Get rekt 

Phoenix (8:08 AM)

Shut yo rift walking ass up rn bro

Yoru (8:08 AM)

Bro make me

Jett (8:09 AM)

yall need to fuck asap

Phoenix (8:10 AM) 

Jett wtf

Like respectfully, wtf

Yoru (8:10 AM)

Disrespectfully, wtf

Jett (8:11 AM)

are you guys telling me no one else sees this shit

Killjoy (8:11 AM)

No, no

I do

The tension between phoenix and yoru is ALMOST as interesting as whatever cypher has going on

Keyword is almost because sentinel bro code doesnt allow me to say otherwise 

Jett (8:11 AM)

theres a sentinel bro code?

Killjoy (8:12 AM)

Yeah of course

Isnt there a duelist one?

Phoenix (8:12 AM)

Not that i know of

Killjoy (8:12 AM)

Wow thats really lame

I mean

We have one because every other agent bullies us in combat

Except for sage i guess

I dont think ive met a scarier lady

Yoru (8:13 AM)

Reyna and viper exist kj 

Killjoy (8:13 AM)

Well we already know theyre scary

But sage is nice

Like have you ever seen her mad?

Jett (8:13 AM)

no

Phoenix (8:13 AM)

No

Yoru (8:13 AM)

No 

Killjoy (8:14 AM)

Exactly so one day shes going to blow up and were all going to be fucked

Like extremely fucked

Phoenix (8:14 AM)

I guess youre right

I mean theres that one quote both cypher and sage love

“Beware the fury of a patient man”

Yoru (8:14 AM)

Dont get me started on their quotes and one liners

I was doing something and got it wrong, right

The end result was okay

But sage walks in and says, i shit u not

“The end doesnt justify the means”

Is that even applicable?????

Jett (8:15 AM)

bro that reminds me omg

i was doing something and i said YOLO

and cypher said

“you only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough”

then he looked out the window really thoughtfully like he was a monk or something

Yoru (8:16 AM)

Where do they get these quotes from?

Like do they spend their free time reading quotes or something????

Jett (8:16 AM)

ive caught sage reading art of war and cypher was reading call of cthulu the other day

so yes

probably 

Phoenix (8:17 AM)
Fr? 

Call of cthulu? 

Shouldve known cypher would be into psychological horror

Yoru (8:18 AM)

I’m pretty sure he has all of our data why would he not be into psychological horror?

Cypher (8:18 AM)

You are correct.

I have all of your information down to the minute you were born. 

But some of the things you guys search up…

Well, no comment, really.

Phoenix (8:18 AM)

Ayo man remember what we agreed on, yeah?

Cypher (8:19 AM)

Please, refresh my memory. It’s been a little spotty lately. 

Omen (8:19 AM)

thats because you dont fucking sleep

Cypher (8:19 AM)

That’s not a very nice thing to say, habibi.

Omen (8:19 AM)

well

its true isnt it

Phoenix (8:20 AM)

Wait now im actually curious

cypher what was the longest you went without sleep

Cypher (8:21 AM)

I honestly don’t remember much from when my sleep schedule was at its worst.

I’m estimating that the longest I went was around two weeks, maybe more or less. 

Phoenix (8:23 AM)

What the fuck

Yoru (8:23 AM)

Cypher how do you function

You dont even drink coffee

Where is all the caffeine coming from

Cypher (8:24 AM)

Caffeine pills. 

Jett (8:24 AM)

isnt that shit unhealthy as fuck?

thats like the one form of caffeine that brimstone absolutely forbids

he doesnt even enforce the no fraternization or the no violence rule as much

Cypher (8:25 AM)

As if Brimstone could restrict me in any way, shape, or form.

Brimstone (8:25 AM)

I’m right here, Cypher. 

Cypher (8:25 AM)

Who asked?

Sorry that was rude（ つ﹏╰）

Brimstone (8:25 AM)

I’ve never seen you snap at anyone before, is there something wrong?

Phoenix (8:26 AM)

Local stalker enters therapy with brimmy boy

More at 10

Omen (8:26 AM)

it’s the sleep deprivation

hes been having mood swings every day

and hallucinations

Jett (8:26 AM)

didnt he and killjoy just sleep tho?

Omen (8:27 AM)

did you think that 2 hours of sleep was enough to fix everything caused by sleep deprivation

Jett (8:27 AM)

oh thats true i guess

but how did you know hes hallucinating?

Cypher (8:27 AM)

Actually.

Just earlier I saw a horde of clowns running across the compound.

All of which Omen assured me were not real.

Which was good, because I was ready to go wake Reyna up from her beauty sleep.

Phoenix (8:28 AM)

Bro are you okay

Like deadass

Jett (8:28 AM)

cypher this is a very important

was it like

pennywise clowns or ronald mcdonald ones?

Cypher (8:28 AM)

The Ronald Mcdonald ones, which are much scarier.

Phoenix (8;28 AM)

fax no printer 

Yoru (8:35 AM)

Of course cypher would be the one to think the clown of a fast food company is scarier than a magical clown from a horror book

Jett (8:35 AM)

VID_RonaldEatingChildren

As you were saying

?

Yoru (8:36 AM)

Fuck you

Chapter Text

“So, you and Omen…” Sage begins, talking loudly over the sound of running water as she washes a handful of green onions. “How long have you two been together?”

Cypher laughs easily, working a cleaver to chop chicken into even chunks, “Oh, interested, are we?” 

Sage rolls her eyes, setting the onions on another cutting board and making quick work of them with a knife. It’s terrifying, really. Cypher doesn’t think that there’s another agent in the protocol that’s quite as efficient with a knife.

“Fine, fine. I think it’s been a little over a year now.” He answers, smiling to himself under the mask. It was true that they’d only officially been together for that long, but they’d danced around each other constantly beforehand. Thinking back on it, their attempts to talk to each other were laughable, but at the time had been a source of shared frustration. 

(“Why are you so difficult?” Omen had growled once, standing in the hallway awkwardly outside of Cypher’s room. He’d been holding a knitted sweater in his hands, originally presenting it as a gift. 

Cypher had hesitated to accept at the time - though their relationship was no longer just friends at that point, he had worried that accepting the gift would turn their bond into something else entirely. 

They ended up kissing a few months later, anyway.)

Sage gives him an easy smile, “It looks as if you two have been together much longer. Are you done with the chicken?”

Cypher blinks, then looks down, “Oh, right. Yes, here you go.”

He slides the meat over, pushing it into a bowl with the cleaver. Everything else is already prepared, so Cypher washes his hands quickly in preparation.

“Right, so how much of everything do we need?” He asks, wiping his hands off on a dry towel.

Sage stares at him blankly.

Cypher stares back.

“You mean like… measuring the ingredients?” She says at last, raising an eyebrow. Cypher cringes at her tone, which is something along the lines of utter disbelief and disdain. Still, he nods meekly in response to her question.

Sage pulls a face of disgust, tone filled with borderline loathing, “No, no. You eyeball everything, from the salt to the sugar. If you get it wrong, then that means you must practice more.”

She pauses for a moment. 

“I think I should be in charge of seasoning.”

Cypher purses his lips, already fearing for his life.

“I think so, too.”

Jett (6:36 PM)

Can i kiss the chef

For the amazing meal

Not cypher 

Phoenix (6:36 PM)

Is this your weird way of coming out 

Jett (6:36 PM)

Its not weird wtf

Yoru (6:37 PM)

So you are coming out

??

Jett (6:37 PM)

Wtf no

Yoru (6:37 PM)

Idk bro asking to kiss sage doesnt sound very straight of you

Killjoy (6:38 PM)

Oh so you guys can kiss the homies goodnight and stuff 

But when us girls do it its gay?

Phoenix (6:38 PM)

Ayo who told you we were kissing

Yoru (6:38 PM)

No one said kissing the homies goodnight wasnt gay

It only isnt if you say no homo

And any self respecting bro would never say no homo

Jett (6:39 PM)

Wait phoenix you kissing someone????????????????

Cypher (6:39 PM)

Ah, Phoenix. You ask me to keep a secret that you seem so intent on spelling.

Jett (6:40 PM)

omg pls cypher spill the tea

Cypher (6:40 PM)

Well…

Phoenix happens to pay me 400 creds a month to keep my mouth shut.

And those 400 creds help pay for my tea, so I will not, in fact, spill the tea.

Yoru (6:41 PM)

Wtf 400 cred for that????

Phoenix what

Phoenix (6:43 PM)

Look man

Its actually only like 50 but im paying 400 to keep ALL secrets under wraps

For every agent

Cut me some slack ok

Cypher (6:43 PM)

It’s true. Without Phoenix I’d be using blackmail a lot more.

Jett (6:44 PM)

Ugh whatever

I respect the bro code though

Yoru 

Cypher (6:45 PM)

@Sage  

By the way, cooking with you was fun.

Even if I thought you were going to kill me a few times.

Killjoy (6:45 PM)

I TOLD YOU GUYS SAGE WAS SCARY

I TOLD YOU

AND NO ONE BELIEVED ME

NO ONE

Sage (6:46 PM)

It was a pleasure, Cypher.

Just don’t over season the chicken next time.

Cypher (6:47 PM)

Duly noted.

Jett (6:49 PM)

We should have like

A pit fight between viper reyna and sage

Phoenix (6:49 PM)

We should absolutely not

Yoru (6:49 PM)

Bad fucking idea

Even for you

Killjoy (6:49 PM)

NO

NO

NO

NO

Omen (6:50 PM)

unless you want to be killed 

no 

Jett (6:50 PM)

Fuck

You right

…

Jett (8:35 PM)

Yall 

Are we sleeping on the fact that cypher looks bald as fuck without his hat

Cypher (8:37 PM)

I would like to remind you that I have a lot of information on you.

And that at any time I can release that information. 

Sova (8:37 PM)

No, no

I do remember the first time we saw it

Jett you laughed for ten minutes straight

Then you got shot

Cypher (8:38 PM)

I have that recorded, actually. 

Phoenix (8:38 PM)

LMAO i remember the first time i saw cypher without his hat

Wait wait are you actually bald? No judgment here bald dudes are chill

But like no cap are you bald

Cypher (8:39 PM)

I have hair.

Omen (8:39 PM)

he has a lot of hair

it gets everywhere

Jett (8:39 PM)

Omen how tf you know

Phoenix (8:40 PM)

GIF_RockOneRaisedEyebrow

Omen you’ve seen cypher’s face?

Omen (8:41 PM)

no 

Jett (8:41 PM)

Then how do you know he has hair?

Omen?

U there?

Phoenix (8:46 PM)

Damn

I guess not

Sova -> Omen

Sova (8:50 PM)

So 

You and Cypher, eh?

Omen (8:51 PM)

who told you?

Sova (8:51 PM)

No one, my friend

You two are not hard to figure out 

All I had to do was search what habibi meant

Omen (8:52 PM)

are we really that obvious

Sova (8:53 PM)

You two literally held hands under the dining table today

Omen (8:53 PM)

…

that was a bit dumb

wasnt it

Sova (8:54 PM)

Only if you were trying to keep it a secret, which I’m assuming is your goal.

But onto my main point

Omen (8:55 PM)

are you here to shovel talk me

Sova (8:56 PM)

It would be an insult to Cypher if I shovel talked you

He’s more than capable of defending himself

No, I’m here to congratulate you

You seem happier as of late

Both of you do

Omen (8:58 PM)

thank you

I mean it

Sova (8:59 PM)

I know

Now, go cherish him

You know how our job is, love him hard and make sure he knows it

That way, there will be no regrets

Omen (9:00 PM)

i think i will

“Is something the matter, habibi?” Cypher murmurs, head tucked into the crook of Omen’s shoulder, perched on Omen’s lap with his legs dangling off their bed. Omen says nothing, carding his claws through Cypher’s curly hair. He rests his chin on the top of Cypher’s head, using his other arm to keep the other man pressed against his chest tightly. 

Cypher squirms for a moment, and Omen reluctantly loosens his hold. 

“I’m serious, habibi. Is something wrong?” Cypher asks as he pulls back, scooting off of Omen’s lap and onto the bed, giving Omen more room to sit. One of Cypher’s hands brushes against his own, and he takes it without hesitation, squeezing lightly.

Words have never come easily to Omen. But now, he feels a torrent of words he doesn’t know how to say. He can only tighten his hand around Cypher’s and hope his lover understands.

Cypher tilts his head and smiles, and the knots in Omen’s stomach ease instantly. Cypher has always been beautiful, but even more so when he was happy. And right now, he was glowing.

“I love you,” Cypher whispers, leaning back in to rest his head on Omen’s chest, their intertwined hands resting in between them. Omen’s heart thuds loudly, and he wonders if he can hear the rhythm. Omen doesn’t respond, not verbally, but he tightens his hold on Cypher’s hand and lets the mask of shadows around his face dissipate, and presses a gentle kiss to the crown of his lover’s head.

He doesn’t say ‘I love you’, and it will be a while before can. But despite this, Omen thinks, as Cypher lets out a soft hum and closes his eyes, that he knows. 

Words couldn’t describe the sheer adoration Omen felt for the other man anyway.

Chapter Text

Brimstone (10:43 AM)

Has anyone seen Cypher?

We need to debrief, since he’s already recovered.

Omen (10:44 AM)

hiding in his workshop

Brimstone (10:44 AM)

Great, could someone get him? Phoenix, Jett, and Sage are already here.

I love Reyna (10:45 AM)

I can grab him on my way up.

Brimstone (10:45 AM)

That would be great, thank you.

Cypher (10:46 AM)

Please do not

All of you look like clowns or dead people and I keep seeing shadows walk across the walls

I cannot deal with that right now i’ve resorted to looking through my cameras

Jett (10:47 AM)

Wtf did you not sleep at all?

Phoenix (10:47 AM)

Bro im worried if you really need it i can knock you out

Cypher (10:48 AM)

I already submitted my report

Can i sit this one out

Brimstone (10:48 AM)

Only if you agree you’re heading straight to sleep.

Cypher (10:49 AM)

If it were that easy i would be dead to the world by now

Omen (10:49 AM)

ill make sure he sleeps

you finish your debrief

Phoenix (10:50 AM)

Wait are you actually going to knock him out????

Omen???

Omen (10:50 AM)

why would i do that

Phoenix (10:51 AM)

No reason

Just checking

Omen (10:52 AM)

sure… 

Jett (12:49 PM)

Hows cypher

Omen (12:50 PM)

asleep

look 

IMG_CypherSleeping

Jett (12:50 PM)

Is 

Is that a body pillow cat plushy?

Omg 

Phoenix (12:51 PM)

Wait ive been wanting one for years 

Can you ask where he got it?

Yoru (12:51 PM)

Downloading that image for blackmail purposes

Omen (12:52 PM)

im the one that bought it

cutecatplushstore.com/36-inch-cat-body-pillow/sale/

he made me add custom patterns and accessories 

it has a matching hat

Jett (12:53 PM)

Awww thats adorable

@Phoenix buy one for me pretty boy

Yoru (12:53 PM)

@Phoenix yeah pretty boy buy one for me

Phoenix (12:54 PM)

Cant we ask cypher to like

Idk 

Bug the system and ship free stuff over

Cypher (12:58 PM)

where the fuck do you think our groceries come from

we’re certainly not paying for them

Yoru (12:58 PM)

Jfc

Everytime someone says your name you pop up like we’re summoning a demon

Omen (12:59 PM)

he fell asleep again

hes grumpy 

Phoenix (1:00 PM)

Did bro just wake up to text and pass out again

Omen (1:00 PM)

yeah

Yoru (1:01 PM)

I almost forgot how unhinged cypher could be

Remember the first week neon joined

And she sneezed

Jett (1:01 PM)

OH that yeah

Cypher said bless you

And she looked up and said “god? Is that you?”

Phoenix (1:01 PM)

To be fair

You had a very similar reaction when you sneezed 

when he said bless you

You screamed and said “stay away, satan”

Yoru (1:02 PM)

Wait actually?

Holy shit bro

Killjoy (1:02 PM)

Oh i remember that

Funny how you and neon had the opposite reactions

Cypher (1:04 PM)

VID_NeonSneeze

VID_JettSneeze

Bye

Yoru (1:06 PM)

Did he fall asleep again?

Omen (1:06 PM)

no

hes at his workshop

i think

Killjoy (1:06 PM)

I didn’t see him come

I was down the hall

Omen (1:07 PM)

he goes through the vents sometimes

Killjoy (1:07 PM)

HUH

Jett (1:07 PM)

WH

WHAT??

Phoenix (1:08 PM)

he goes through the what now

Yoru (1:08 PM)

hes 

so fucking unhinged

@ Brimstone

we need a therapist ASAP

Brimstone (1:09 PM)

I think whatever therapist we hired would quit in a week.

That would also compromise security.

Phoenix (1:10 PM)

It wouldn’t hurt to try

Killjoy (1:10 PM)

Somehow

I think it would

Jett (7:34 PM)

ok this group chat has gotten

VERy sidetracked

we still need to find out cyphers secret bf/gf!!!!

Cypher (7:35 PM)

Well, I can guarantee my partner isn’t a woman.

Which is kind of a relief, to be honest, I don’t think I would survive any relationships with the women here.

No offense intended, this is a compliment in regards to your capabilities and… eccentric personalities.

Phoenix (7:36 PM)

I can see that

viper and reyna have their own thing going

kinda

i dunno they’re playing cat and mouse except there’s no mouse and they’re both highly capable killers

Jett (7:36 PM)

SO its one of the guys? 

why didn’t u say so sooner huh cypher

Cypher (7:37 PM)

It’s fun watching all of you try and figure out who.

Jett (7:37 PM)

is it chamber

Cypher (7:38 PM)

W

WH

Why would you assume it’s him…?

Yoru (7:38 PM)

enemies to lovers energy

Cypher (7:39 PM)

I would literally rather die.

If someone told me that I had two choices, and one was to jump off a cliff and the other was to kiss Chamber, I would jump off the cliff without hesitation.

It wouldn’t matter how high the cliff is. 20 feet, 500 feet, I’d leap off the cliff on any day. In fact, if you asked me to do a flip while jumping I would happily oblige.

@Chamber  

I need you to see this. There aren’t enough words in the English language to describe my hatred of you.

Chamber (7:40 PM)

What did I do to you, Cypher?

Cypher (7:40 PM)

شارموطة

Your existence insults me.

Jett (7:41 PM)

who else could it be then?

breach? hm no he hates you

brimstone? nah wait that’s weird he’s like everyones dad

uhhhh

Yoru (7:41 PM)

We’ll find out eventually

Phoenix (7:41 PM)

who else could it be though

Sova (7:42 PM)

My friends, sometimes you have to look outside of the box for answers

It’s not me, by the way

Jett (7:42 PM)

who else then

????

Jett (7:49 PM)

anyone here

…

bruhhhh

(8:34 PM)

“Oh, Sova! I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” Killjoy greets warmly, offering the hunter a small wave, a salvaged Kingdom robot tucked under her shoulder.

Sova returns her smile easily, his owl drone clutched tightly in one hand, “A surprise, isn’t it? But, in all honesty, I did not expect to see you either.”

She shrugs offhandedly, gesturing to the bot, “I was having trouble with this Kingdom bot I picked up on our last mission. A lot of the code is encrypted, so I thought Cypher could help. Did you come to see him about your owl?”

Sova nods in response to her question, holding the drone up for her to see. The camera is badly damaged, as is one of its wings. 

“ Da ,” he says simply, letting his arm fall back to his side.

“Might as well go in together,” Killjoy offers, rapping on the door sharply. It slides open and she steps over the threshold, making sure to lift her foot higher about a foot in, a habit she’d learned after getting caught in one too many trips. Sova follows her example, and sure enough, the familiar hum of a trip fades out as both of them pass over.

Cypher had a bad habit of boobytrapping his workshop.

Killjoy turns to crack a joke to Sova, but pauses seeing his expression. His eyes are wide, focused on something in front of them, and his cheeks are flushed bright red. A small gasp draws Killjoy’s attention to the desk in front of them, and she has to stifle a shriek of surprise.

Cypher is seated on the desk, back pressed against the wall. And none other than Omen towers over him, bandaged arms pressed firmly on the wall on either of Cypher. The mask of her fellow inventor is pushed up so that the fabric rests on the bridge of a nose, the two currently engaged in a passionate kiss. 

Another small, muffled whimper escapes Cypher, and she can see Omen’s hand creeping down to a highly inappropriate area and she decides it’s enough.

“Um, hi,” she says, voice pitched an octave higher than normal.

It certainly gets their attention. 

Cypher’s lenses flick open and he lets out a high pitched scream that gets swallowed down Omen’s throat. He beats on Omen’s shoulder frantically, and when the wraith finally glances over, the shadows under his hood erupt into a wave of darkness. They pull apart quickly, and Killjoy catches sight of a long blue tongue that withdraws into the depths of Omen’s mask and tries not to gag. 

“This- it’s not- I,” Cypher interjects, voice breathy and slightly hysterical, “ what are you doing in my room ?”

Speechless, Killjoy just holds up the bot. Wordlessly, Sova does the same. His eyes twinkle with something like amusement, though, and she wonders if he knew something she didn’t.

Omen hovers next to Cypher uncertainly, clawed hands flexing for no reason. The three stripes on his mask pulses, bright blue. He looks flustered - both of them do. Cypher quickly pulls his mask down, sliding off the table and readjusting his hat. 

“Ah… I see, here, I’ll take them. Please leave, this is awkward,” Cypher snatches the bots from both her and Sova’s hands, setting them down on the table with shaking hands.

Sova just laughs, stepping forward and clapping Omen on the back, an action that leaves both Killjoy and Cypher stunned. 

“You sure move quick, my friend. Don’t let us stop you, we’ll let you two get back to… business ,” Sova tosses a light wink at the two, then drags Killjoy back toward the door. Before they leave, thought, Cypher puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Remember,  sentinel bro code, okay? You don’t breath a word of this,” he hisses sharply, and Omen’s silhouette is imprinted menacingly in the background.

She swallows, then nods, “Sentinel bro code. Yeah, I got you.”

Chapter Text

Killjoy (8:52 PM)

So @ Brimstone

About that therapist

Phoenix (8:52 PM)

LMAOO???

Wtf did you see ???

Killjoy (8:52 PM)

I’d like to live

So I won’t be answering 

But

Jett (8:52 PM)

Did you catch Reyna and Viper banging in the closet again????

Killjoy (8:53 PM)

WHAT

Yoru (8:53 PM)

???????

Phoenix (8:53 PM)

HUH

WHAT???

Chamber (8:53 PM)

..

Again???

Cypher (8:54 PM)

I want to add that Chamber looks heartbroken right now. 

Phoenix (8:54 PM)

LMAOOO you done did the man dirty

Killjoy (8:54 PM)

@ Cypher I don’t think I can look you in the eye again

Jett （8:55 PM)

Lmao what did he break your soldering iron

Cypher (8:55 PM)

Yeah, pretty much.

Also yes, Reyna and Viper are a thing. There’s a picture of them kissing.

IMG_22147

Jett (8:55 PM)

So Cypher who do you want at your funeral

?

?

Cypher (8:57 PM)

Don’t even hold a funeral.

Just toss me into the sea.

Feed me to the crabs.

Brimstone (9:26 PM)

I’m starting to see the benefits of hiring a therapist.

Cypher (9:34 PM)

Don’t bother, I’ll hire a hit on anyone you try and hire.

Jett (10:00 PM)

WTF?

-

I love Reyna (2:21 AM)

So was anyone going to tell me Reyna and I got outed in this chat?

Cypher (2:23 AM)

Girl, your display name does that for you.

I love Reyna (2:36 AM)

Choke and die.

Omen (2:40 AM)

Sabine.

-

Cypher (2:19 PM)

So the younger agents have been teaching me some newer slang words.

Jett (2:19 PM)

I’m regretting it already.

Cypher (2:19 PM)

And if I’ve gotten it right…

Then that makes you all my ‘pookie bears’ and all of you are incredibly ‘slay’.

Reyna (2:19 PM)

KYS.

I love Reyna (2:19 PM)

KYS

Cypher (2:20 PM)

So are your minds the only things that’ve synced up or?

Jett (2:20 PM)

OH MY GOD

I WAS GOING TO COMMENT ON HOW YOU USED POOKIE BEAR AND SLAY BUT !!!!!!

Killjoy (2:20 PM)

💀

I can’t even

Phoenix (2:21 PM)

I don’t get it

I’m playing chess w/ Sova rn why is he laughing

Srsly

Yoru (2:21 PM)

????? 

Cypher what does that even mean

Does those two being gay make them psychics for each other

What do you mean

Cypher (2:22 PM)

That’s because Sova is a ladies’ man, Phoenix.

He’s educated.

And also, Yoru, if being gay made someone psychic clearly you’re a late bloomer.

Phoenix (2:22 PM)

NAWWWWW HE FR DID YOU LIKE THAT

Yoru (2:22 PM)

.

Killjoy (2:22 PM)

I’m with Jett right now and she’s laughing so hard she started crying

Chamber (2:22 PM)

I get it as well. It’s simple biology. 

Cypher (2:22 PM)

No one asked for your input.

Chamber (2:23 PM)

Cypher, why do you hate me so much?

What did I do to deserve this?

Omen (2:25 PM)

he doesn’t actually hate you to that degree

he’s playing it up because he thinks its funny

Chamber (2:25 PM)

.

Are you being serious?

Cypher has kicked Chamber from the chat (2:25 PM)

Cypher (2:26 PM)

Anyway.

Killjoy (2:31 PM)

💀x7

Jett (2:31 PM)

💀x7

Phoenix (2:31 PM)

💀x7

Yoru (2:31 PM)

💀x7

Reyna (2:31 PM)

💀x7

Brimstone (2:31 PM)

💀x7

Killjoy (2:31 PM)

NAH even brimstone ☠️

I love Reyna (2:31 PM)

Good riddance. 

Cypher (2:32 PM)

See.

I can do good.

I love Reyna (2:32 PM)

You’re pushing it now.

Cypher (2:32 PM)

My bad.

Pookie.

Jett (2:33 PM)

STOAAPPPP 

Killjoy (2:33 PM)

She’s having a giggle fit LMAO

I love Reyna (2:34 PM)

If you know what’s good for you Cypher you won’t touch the coffee machine.

Cypher (2:37 PM)

Good thing I loathe self-preservation.

Aaand Omen is coming to sweep me away.

Bye, pookie bears!

I love Reyna (2:50 PM)

Oh my God.

Phoenix (2:53 PM)

?

-

Viper -> Cypher

Viper (2:50 PM)

YOU

HIM????

Viper (3:13 PM)

Whore.