𝙈𝙐𝙇𝙏𝙄 𝙁𝘼𝙉𝘿𝙊𝙈 𝙊𝙉𝙀𝙎𝙃𝙊𝙏𝙎

In a world filled with war and death, it’s at every corner. Finding a moment of peace with his Red Team member, Walker, is everything Jerome could ever wish for.

Except, he could never have.

Jerome sensed the world tilt into vertigo ━━ Vision blurred by the edges. The strength flexing in Walker’s arms was unmistakable. Just as Jerome moved to protect his face, Walker pinned them on the floor. His heart skipped a beat. Dark lush eyes grew a deeper shade. He could count himself lucky his helmet remained on.

Though his breath heaved, and Walker would notice that.

“Gotcha,” Walker grinned. His fingers casually tangled into his own.

Jerome sensed in every neuron in his body, the flare of electricity as they touched through their undersuits. Which made his brain stop in its tracks. Blood rushed through his cheeks, turning his face red. Mouth open like a fish.

Walker leaned closer, their helmets almost brushing. “No sarcastic reply, Jerome?” Voice light, teasing. “Come on, is no fun when you don’t!” The II tugged their hands a bit.

“I wasn’t expecting that,” Jerome chuckled nervously. “Taking me from the blindspot.” He made a movement to rise up, but Walker for some reason kept him against the tiles. Unlike when others in his team did it, this was different. It had been a thing since they were young they would wrestle on the floor and laugh about it.

“I’m your blindspot,” Walker poked his visor. As certain as the Infinity drifting through space. “Stay a little longer.” The plead in Walker’s voice was clear. “It’s been too long since we did this, remember?”

Jerome blinked, trying not to submit to it. With various degrees of success. “I’ve thirty years to catch up on━━” He stopped attempting to get out of Walker’s grip. Stilled. Whatever was between them, held its breath. Or was it Jerome?

“I’ve waited just that much.” The playfulness was gone from the situation. Digits tightened their grip with Jerome’s. “So … Can you give me this? Just us having fun. Like old times.” Walker hadn’t moved from his close proximity.

And if the world had allowed Jerome to take what he wanted, he would’ve. He would’ve a million times over. But it was a line he couldn’t cross. Not even consider. Tears glistened in his eyes.

Whatever he desired he could never have. Even being entirely unaware of what it was.

Jerome gently untangled one of his palms from Walker’s, touching the side of Walker’s helmet. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”