Chapter Text
“Mierda, I just don't get it. I thought what we had going on was cool, the vibes were on fire and shit.. y'know, and now he's telling me that he wants to be just friends. Was I too much?”
He looks to Klara for some kind of approval who was busy tinkering around with her gadgets for the night. After his experience with Iso, Mateo had grown more conscious of how he presents himself, not wanting to come across as too clingy even if it meant suppressing his true self.
“Well, from the time I’ve known him, very little, it’s a little odd. He’s probably used to the fast paced DJ life, Geks. That little moment you told me and Ollie about, maybe that’s what he wanted.” She puts the prototype down, and looks as Gekko. “That doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you. He probably realized that you were really cool, and now he wants to put that moment aside so you can be friends. Besides, it was a pretty embarrassing one, you can’t blame him for that.”
“Plus now you’re coworkers. Probably doesn’t want to make things awkward, ja? When I was crushing on Tayane, I had similar worries, what if things didn’t work out and the dynamic is ruined?”
Mateo opened his mouth but he’s interrupted by her once more.
“Besides, you need a distraction from purple lilac, a distraction that doesn’t involve a certain Croatian. Don’t rope him into that mess. A distraction should be me carrying your ass in League and Rivals. Alles klar?”
He didn’t want to make Miks uncomfortable and Killjoy was making fairly good points that he took into considerations, so he’d give up for now until they got more comfortable.
He planned to shoot his shot at the movie night but that seemed like a distant future now. In his brain, all he craved anyway was an uninterrupted night with him. That’s it, totally it, nothing more, nada. Maybe?
He snaps out of his thoughts when she blows up one of her creations. He rolls his eyes as this was a common occurrence. Brim was going to be livid if they don’t clean this in time.
“Yeah, you and Tayane are meant to be. Exploding shit..”
Killjoy was frantically cleaning up her mess, disregarding his words at that moment, he helps her out and in no time, he was putting the unrepairable pieces in the disposal.
“Danke. What do you want, bro?”
It was common for them to do things for each other whenever helping each other out. This time Mateo shook his head, having no real desire. He was on his way to the door, when he’s halfway through it. He looks back at Klara.
“See ya later.”
After a not so long walk across the different hallways, he was in the living quarters and now in front of his room door. He could hear two voice, Miks’ and Iso’s. Odd, they were together once again.
He quickly enters his room and just sits on his bed. Was he giving another tour? Maybe they were planning an activity? As cold as Zhaoyu seemed, he did like a good party. He liked those playlists of his so maybe he was just suggesting a setlist to the DJ.
In Zhaoyu’s bland room, they sat, well not really, Miks was leaning against the wall listening to his anecdotes, actually curious about his contracted killer life. The topic shifts, putting Miks on the spotlight; unsure of what to say, he asks about Mateo, again.
“You say you and Gekko are somewhere among the lines of just friends? He doesn’t talk about you or acknowledge you. Situationship? What’s the situation, what’s the vibe here?”
God, he and Mateo were so similar. He knew these two would and already have hit it off. Miks was already taking his time to warm up to his critters, Mateo was known for being chill however he didn't trust just anyone with his pets to leave them alone with anyone apart from trusted people. He was that open with him, before they started dating when he was still crushing on him. He needed to get him away from his ex. He couldn’t think of any sort of good excuse, so he chooses to lie and project Gekko’s frustrations with him and twist it.
“He.. he can be quite cold.”
Miks wasn’t buying it just yet.
“I know, I know. I sound like a hypocrite. I really tried with him, I really did, but it seems all he wanted was some sex.”
His mouth was slightly agape, that didn’t seem like the man he was getting to know. He did suggest to continue where they left off but he wasn’t pushy about it, so he didn’t see that side in him, only wanting sex. They wouldn’t have hit it off if that was it, his personality was the same with everyone, there was no way he was faking all of that.
“I know what I’m telling you doesn’t sound like the version of him that you know. Trust me I wouldn’t have believed it myself if I was told this when I first came. He makes you feel special, like he understands you, then he shows his true colors. Only I know the real him. You can ask his friends but even they don’t know as much as I do.”
Miks should definitely talk to Ollie or Klara about this, they wouldn’t lie to him, and they wouldn’t keep around a snake, right? Maybe he should even talk to that scary woman with the pink highlights, Reyna.. was it?
“Thanks for telling me this, Iso. Appreciate it. Hvala. I didn’t see that side of him, shit.”
He had mixed feelings about it, real mixed feelings. He needed to confined in the people he actually knew. Were Iso and Mateo even public? No one talked about it, but eyes would be all over the two if they were paired up for practice.
Zhaoyu nods in response, hoping this would deter him away from Gekko. He wasn’t sure if Mateo was attracted to the new recruit but their growing closeness was pissing him off, bad. He thought maybe all he wanted was to have sex but now, he was jealous. It could be that he just isn’t a fan of the idea that he could be doing that with other people. Iso wasn't the emotional kind, not at all. He should be over this, he did get the laugh after all. He was the one that was cold, the one that use him for sex and nothing else, he never showed any sort of emotion towards him despite the sheer amount of effort he put in. Now his behavior was biting him in the ass
Miks walks out of the room and goes to his room, he hadn’t been settled in for long but its expression surpassed the one he was just in. Posters and photos from different shows. His eyes are glued to one, that show, the one he met him. He brushes his fingers against the polaroid, smiling. Iso’s words hit him, weakening the smile.
He checked the time, 23:30, thirty minutes to midnight, to the movie. He slowly gets out of his clothes that smelled like gunpowder and a little of Zhaoyu’s cologne. They didn’t make much contact, but damn was it strong. Less subtle than Chamber’s fancy one. It wasn’t bad in any way but not his go-to.
He gets a good look of his undressed form in the mirror, only in some underwear. He didn’t have a bad physique, thanks to the cardio he did on stage trying to hype crowds up. He walked and ran as well but that was about it. He couldn’t help but wonder if the protocol’s work would have him more built. He didn’t really assume so since his role was more supportive than most.
It was a mere movie night so he slipped some rugby shorts on and an oversized shirt he stole from an old friend. He fixes his hair like he had someone to impress, maybe he did. Gekko may be allegedly a cold two-timer but he was hot, okay? He never had a fixed type until he met him, everything was based on vibes and personality as opposed to looks but he ticked every box. Mateo was just everything he could desire, his tan, the lean muscles, his kisses, his humor, those moles, how gentle he was with his buddies. Everything was perfect.
He checks the time, his little daydream session landed him five minutes late, so he quickly stumbles out of his room and marches on over to the game room.
He sits in the only free spot which was next to Mateo who was wrapped in a blanket. They smile at each other. The movie didn’t seem to be too far it, but he elaborates on what anyway. He was so attentive, no way what Zhaoyu said was true, again, a man that serious has no reason lying, so he was stuck in a dilemma.
The now few fun moments the younger members of the protocol got to enjoy were savored. With Sage’s weakened state and damage Omega’s last attack had done had left morale at an all time low. These little events helped a lot. And so did Miks, he was a social butterfly and his upbeat personality on top of his supportive abilities made it hard to stay down.
The room was as cold as the arctic, with what he was wearing, it felt like the air was hitting him from every possible surface of his body like it was attempting to overpower him. There were goosebumps all over him already, and it was not even from the horror movie they were watching. It was a real shocker that he wasn't frozen in place by the room's temperature. Whoever set this was pure evil, what were they? A polar bear? He couldn't even pick up on the fact that he was shivering and his teeth were quietly chattering.
Mateo notices this and opens up his blanket, pulling him in and wrapping it around them. This was a stark contrast to the lifeless cold. The warmth of the blanket enveloped his entire body and simulated the feeling of heaven. It was like he was by a toasty fireplace at an intense winter camp, it was beyond cozy. The only thing needed here would probably be some hot chocolate. On top of this blissful feeling, Mateo's heat was radiating off onto him, giving him butterflies in his stomach and it pulled something within him. Something more than he felt that night, more than he felt when he helped him unpack. This was more than the comfortable banter they shared. He couldn't place his finger on it, but he wanted to ignore what he knew about him, about this supposed coldness. He wanted to see where this friendship will lead.
The movie sort of creeped him out, and he was starting to feel like he was on edge. His body went tense, like it was anticipating the next jumpscare, he was expecting something to pop out of nowhere. He didn't want to embarrass himself when he was still new to the protocol so he wanted to prepare, but he was failing miserably. He was shaking and slightly jumping at some moments. Mateo takes note of this and wraps an arm around him, whenever things got terrifying, he'd whisper silly jokes in ear to make him laugh, such as a comment on the characters' appearance or how stupid and unrealistic their behavior was. Little things that would paint the movie in a more silly light than its shitty horror movie nature. For someone who performed in front of live crowds, he was easily creeped out yet performing in front of thousands of people did not make him as uncomfortable. All of Gekko's stupid comments made him laugh; he almost forgot they were watching a horror movie. They were so in their own world they didn't notice the quick glances coming from everyone else, and the tiny whispers and giggles. It seemed like Gekko was finally over that harrowing breakup, and that he was back to his normal self and maybe even ready to move on.
The movie ends and everyone decides that they have time for a marathon or at the very least two more movies. Jamie chooses some comedy no one had seen before, him vocally expressing how shocked he was that no one knew what it was.
"Mates, this is a classic, how the hell do you not know it?"
Ryo yanked him down as he was covering the screen and a few laughs reverberated throughout the room, acting as a contagious agent, leaving Jamie the laughing stock as instead of the movie. It quiets down and people put their focus on the film. It was one of those crappy romance movies that were made seriously but not meant to be taken seriously purely because of how low the production quality was, which is why Jamie regarded it as a comedy when it was actually a romance, not even a romcom, a romance. Apparently Jamie and his sister watched movies like these all the time and he had assumed that they were relatively known which explains his initial shock.
As the movie goes on, Miks found himself leaning against Mateo, their bodies touching, feeling his muscles that he had most likely worked on being an agent here. He still felt just as cozy, the touch doing little to make him uncomfortable. Considering they were about to have sex in the club that one time, it would be rather comedic if a little touch were to leave him shy now. They make eye contact for about a minute or two, a few laughs barging in and bringing them back to their senses in order to see what was going on that was so funny.
Unlucky, they missed the moment, now they were confused. He raises a brow, as if to ask if they should ask what was going on. Mateo suppresses a laugh, “We're gonna look stupid as fuck if we ask what happened, dude.” Miks just nods, and they resume watching the romance.
In the movie there was a bit of a quiet moment, a reunion of sorts. A cheesy scene that was supposed to have them think that things would go smooth saling at the end. Everyone knew that wasn't true, that's how it always was. Something cute happens, people assume it will go well, problem arises, characters realize they love each other then the end.
Miks was still so close to Mateo, he felt like their bodies were becoming one, almost like the ultimate feeling of intimacy. It was miles beyond electric than the rave was, so much more. Being friends with the man he made out with and blue balled was proving to be hard and it hadn't even been a week in the protocol. He was friendly, he had the qualities to be the perfect friend, the best friend, but there was something more, there was something he wasn't showing. He was praying to every God that it wasn't what Zhaoyu warned him about.
He's caught off guard, feeling a sudden movement. Mateo moves his arm, to wrap his arm around his waist, he flinches a little but he warms up to his touch.
“Where are your buddies?” He whispers, trying to seem unfazed.
“You’re asking about them now?” He remarks in a teasing manner. “Mosh and dizzy, they’re definitely asleep. As for the other two..” He trails off. “Recently Wingman has had a tendency for loitering around the lab. Pisses Viper the fuck off, but deep down she likes him. Thrash likes zooming around HQ, she could be anywhere, with anyone. My bets are on Reyna, she’s like their tía.”
“I did notice you two are close.”
“Me and Zee, I mean Reyna, we go way back man. We knew each other before this stuff. She got me this gig, she’s like a sister.”
It was hard to picture Zyanya as such with how terrifying she was with the whole soul devouring schtick.
“Trust, she’s real cool. Just misunderstood, and she’s doing this for a damn good reason.”
Miks decides not to pry. To get to the bottom of the Iso situation, he casually inserts a laidback question that wouldn’t reveal what he wanted to know. “So, you’re like their dad? Do your buddies just have you or is there someone else they’d regard as parent material.”
“Hmm, the closest to that would probably be Sage, they love Sage, and she just has that motherly aura, y’know. That aside, I’m more like a single dad, the cool kind.”
Single? Iso did mention that Mateo was often cold and never acknowledged him. Unsatisfied with the answer, he asks another question.
“Who’s your type here? Like to a tee, the closest you can get.”
Mateo does think, a few months ago the answer for sure would be Zhaoyu. However after meeting a certain DJ who may have changed the rhythm of, something. He couldn’t place his finger on that something but it was different. Perhaps the breakup left him delusion.
He slips his hand down and squeezes his thigh, “I’m looking at him right now.” He starts caressing his thigh now, stopping right where his rugby shorts began. “Interesting choice of clothes.”
“You’re a funny guy, Mateo. Just friends, remember? Gosh.. why are you.. why are you so frustratingly handsome?” He couldn’t believe he just said that, with the addition of Mateo’s warm hand riding up his thigh, he didn’t know what to do but that didn’t translate into him hating the situation.
“I’m going to pretend to go to the bathroom.. then you pretend that you’re sleepy? My room is the one across yours.”
Mateo gets up and excuses himself, “Yo guys, gotta go to the toilet, BRB.” He’s seen existing the room, almost vanishing into the halls.
The only one who witnessed the entire touchy situation was him, Iso. The blanket may have obscured the visuals of the situation but it didn’t take a high IQ to know what was going on under there. He had his jaw clenched the entire time. Why weren’t his lies working?
He walks past one of the tiny gyms and sees Harbor, a man who he viewed as a mentor. He waves towards him, entering for some small talk.
“You’re looking happier, good.” Varun was glad to see the whole purple lilac situation didn’t leave Mateo in as much shambles as everyone thought it would. There was about a week of moping, but he’d proven to be resilient.
“Yeah, coach. I’m off to bed, yeah?” Varun nods and lets the younger man go.
The walk from then was uneventful, the most interesting thing he heard being Sabine scolding one of his pets, probably Wingman. Upon making it to the dorms, he takes his keycard as he looks for his door. He scans it when he finds it.
He sits on his bed and waits, his breath wasn’t bad right? Should he chew some gum? Nah, it was fine.
A knock sounds in the background, clearly the door. He didn’t think Miks would be here so quickly but he did take a detour for small talk with Harbor.
He stood, waiting for him to open the door. He was starting to have second thoughts, about the validity of purple lilac’s statements on the Angeleno.
The door is opened and he’s greeted by Mateo’s warm smile, he was perfect.
“You actually came.”
“Hm, I was debating on whether to hang with you or watch that shitty movie.” He stepped into the room. Both of them were giggling now.
It stopped when they made eye contact, Gekko steps forward and kisses him, slower than the one at the club but just as passionate, the kiss is reciprocated and now their tongues were wrestling, Mateo taking the most control.
He pushes him onto the bed and gets on top of him. The kisses resume and they start to transfer onto other parts of his body. He kisses and sucks on his collarbone , leaving a hickey more potent than the one he left the last time.
Before undressing him, Mateo stops. “You’re okay with this, right?”
“Yes.. yes. Please.”
He takes Miks’ clothes off so gently, like he’d die if used any aggression beyond this, like a small amount of rough would hurt him. After the last piece was gone, he admires his body. It was beautiful. It felt like he was staring down at Eros himself, some sort of beauty incarnate.
He places kisses down his body, starting ar his neck then ending at the bellybutton. “You’re so damn pretty.”
“You’re.. exaggerating.”
“If you get to call me frustratingly handsome then I have the right to appreciate your beauty for what it is, cariño.”