Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Some way, somehow, you found yourself befriending local French marksman Vincent Fabron, also known as Chamber. You had been working at the Valorant Protocol for quite some time now, as Viper’s assistant. You didn’t have to be deployed on the field, but you were always around to help people out : checking on gears, preparing mission materials, collecting reports, and of course Viper’s lab maintenance whenever she was away. That’s how you two met. He was looking for Dr Sabine, for whatever reason an eccentric man could have to pursue her. But he instead found you, busying around the laboratory, checking on the storage room’s temperature, making sure everything is clean and sanitized. The doors opened on him, and you stood there, confused.

“Hello ? Are you lost ?” you asked him. He looked around before smiling, one of those polite masks to avoid embarrassment.

“I seem to be in the right place. Is Viper here, by any chance ?”

“She’s resting. Do not disturb her.”

A cheeky smile had creeped up his face at your tone and your frown, trying to keep him at bay.

“Ha! What a shame. I was going to ask her if she’d accompany me to a restaurant newly opened near HQ.”

You rolled your eyes at him, making sure that the last of the reports were dutifully placed in their respective binders for Viper to consult later.

“You mean you were about to pester her again. She doesn’t have your time, Chamber. She’s a scientist at heart. I don’t think you could ever make her care for you as much as she does for her toxins.”

You nonchalantly commented while taking off your gloves and mask, throwing them in a bin. Once you came closer to the Frenchman, you realised he was taller than expected. Still, you didn’t deflate, trying to feign apathy. Viper had ranted countless times to you about his behaviour, so you were trying to keep your distances. But… He’s well-groomed, good looking. Charming smile, smooth voice, though the thickness of his accent would sometimes overlap his words. If you hadn’t known any better, you’d think he’d probably be the perfect match for your mentor. He was waiting there, at the door, still looking at you with a smile.

“Such harsh words! I am aware Viper is dedicated to her work, and I command her for it. It just saddens me that I won’t have someone to bring with me and try this new place out.”

Oh, what theatrics from him.

“Then why don’t you ask literally anyone else in the Protocol ? I’m sure Jett or Iso would love to be treated to a meal.”

You grabbed your backpack, but he blocked your way with his arm before you could pass the doors.

“Jett has too much energy for me to follow, and she prefers to hang out with Sage at the moment. And Iso… I think he’d rather stay in his quarters listening to music rather than being in a crowded place.”

You looked at him, a bit upset he wouldn’t let you pass.

“Well, that’s your problem. Can you move ? I have to lock the lab.”

He chuckled a little before crossing his arms. “I was going to ask you if perhaps you’d like to accompany me ? You seem to be in need of a break.”

You didn’t like to admit it, but it was true. Apart from the protocol, you’re also a student. And the assignments those days were driving you mad. Dark circles under your eyes and your hair all over the place, you weren’t harboring your best look. You sighed. Dinner, in a restaurant, with a handsome guy… It had been probably months since you last ate in one. The offer was appealing. But the reputation of the man making it wasn’t as pristine…

“I do need a break, but why invite me ? You don’t even know my name.”

“[Y/N], wasn’t it ? Everything is labeled in a lab, even your coat. And why not ? You seem like someone that can make for an interesting conversation. Come on. I’m offering you to dine for free, and if you accept, all you have to do is show up.”

He was exuding self-confidence, which was toying with you. You didn’t really have the energy to battle it out with someone capable to coax you into accepting his offer. So you simply said yes. He finally moved out of your way, you locked the lab, and went to your room to prepare for the restaurant, famished.

You picked an outfit that you thought was a perfect blend of comfort and style, hoping he wasn’t going to drag you into some kind of Michelin star fancy restaurant. He was in a suit and tie, as always, but he did compliment your outfit (“You have a great sense of style!”). What a surprise when finally the cab you had taken stopped in front of a very cozy Thai restaurant ! He explained that after a mission in Thailand, he was missing the food and happened to find the newly opened location. You simply followed, taking in the comfort of the place, gently nodding at the waiters when they helped you to your seats.

There isn’t much to say about this night, or at least you thought so. The food and drinks were of course excellent, and Chamber even recommended some dishes to you. The staff couldn’t help but smile when he would thank them in thai- Waylay had made sure everyone knew the basics of her langage. Eventually, you two had settled in a back and forth conversation, asking questions to one another to step out of this “stranger” etiquette. The food warmed him up : his cheeks had a faint blush from the spices, and his gaze wasn’t as sharp as in the lab. You felt more relaxed, the chit-chat had turned a bit more profound. You learned that he liked to travel, he was of course fond of art as he is a designer himself, you talked about your dream destinations, about an art exposition you wish you could go see in the near future. It felt… good. Suddenly he wasn’t that eccentric man that kept bothering your mentor, he was just Vincent, Vincent that likes his coffee with cream, Vincent whose name is twenty one hundred pronounced in french, or wine and blood depending on the day. And you two were there, dining under the dimmed lights of the restaurant. You noticed them, those eyebags under his deep brown eyes. You didn’t say anything about it. But you felt it. He was just as tired as you. He needed company, needed to feel like something else than a weapon, a cog in the machine. And you looked at him, listened to him, laughed with him. So, slowly, he started to bring down his walls, his mask of faked sympathy. His tone became more natural, and the spark in his eyes when he’d speak about something he likes was dancing wildly. Mirroring him, you did the same. Letting go of conventions and uptight postures that you had to maintain around Viper. You’d make him laugh. And maybe it’s true that this man could look adorable when he laughs genuinely.

But the night has to end at some point, right ? Came the time to hand out the empty plates, and go pay the bill -you got up to do so, but he gently reminded you that he was inviting you tonight. You took the cab back to HQ, a strangely pleasant silence falling over the both of you. Gazing out of the window, the lights of the city would bless your eyes like a thousand stars, and you wouldn’t notice Chamber’s glances on your figure. It’s when you finally arrived at the dorms that he broke the silence.

“Well, I guess this is where we go our own ways for the night. Did you enjoy yourself?”

You nodded, looking at the names on some of the doors. Breach, Neon, KAY/O…

“I did, thanks to you. To be honest, I thought you’d be more…”

You gestured in a cocky way, trying to mimic someone full of themselves. He let out a soft laugh.

“Is that so ? Well, you’re not wrong. I ought to be my best self, especially if I’m in good company.”

He winked at you and you rolled your eyes with a smile in response.

“But I’ll admit that this evening felt… relaxing.”

“Yeah… Same here. It’s gonna be weird when I’ll be back alone in my room. Everything was so cozy… Oh and the food ! The food was amazing…”

He nodded, and a door opened catching the both of you by surprise. He cleared his throat, and when you looked back at him, he had put a closed face back on, his posture was straightened out, and he was adjusting the buttons on his wrists.

“Chamber ?”

“Yes ?”

“Can I give you my number ? I really liked talking to you, but I won’t be able to see you often even here because of everyone’s schedules. Oh, only if you want of course ! If not, it’s alright, I’d understand.”

He paused and looked at you, a bit surprised before handing you his phone.

“Don’t worry, I’d really like to continue our conversations as well.”

You typed in your number and wrote your name contact as “Lab Rat [Y/N]” before giving it back to him. He smiled at the name you chose, let out a soft sigh of resilience and grabbed your hand with grace, bowing, his lips flirting with your fingers.

“Ce n’est pas un adieu, ce n’est qu’un au revoir.” (It’s not “farewell”, it’s just “until we meet again”) he purred, a sly smile on his face as he retreated to his room.

You stood in this empty corridor until the automatic lights turned off, snapping you out of your thoughts. How was it that this man, supposedly overbearing and full of himself, would be so… so…. ? And what did he say at the end ? Suh neigh pa… adieu something something o rrevoarr? What a silly thing. It’s because it’s silly that you smile, and certainly that you pace back to your room feeling like a teenager again. An evening that felt out of this world, so odd when you try to replace it into your scheduled, controlled week. A pocket of time outside the universal frame. Just two strangers, some way, somehow, and maybe a drop of fate for them to come together. It wasn’t the restaurant or the food or the drinks, it wasn’t the city’s lights or the stars. It was just you and him. Comfortable. He felt comfortable. And it’s like you couldn’t get enough of him. Because it was just… great. He’s so passionate when he gets to speak about his ideas, the things he likes, and he’s attentive to your every word, as if a wanderer in a desert falling upon a fountain. And he could laugh so easily… Maybe it’s just easier with you, because he doesn’t know you, because you don’t expect anything out of him. Maybe it’s been too long since you both did anything other than wake up to entertain the Valorant Protocol. You take off your clothes and slip into your nightwear, settling in your bed. You check the alarm on your phone and a notification pops on your screen from an unknown number, but you already knew who it was from. Bonne nuit, petite souris. (Goodnight, little mouse). You smiled and typed back. À vous aussi.

Chapter Text

Soon enough you realised that Chamber wasn’t someone that spends a lot of time on his phone when he has free time. But really, when does this man have free time ? You talked to him about it. You had both grown fond enough of one another to spend more time together, during lunch or at the range, yet you never seemed to be able to resume your conversations. Hence the texting. The Frenchman did clarify that he actually didn’t use his phone much outside of emails or business calls, so you both compromised : he answers you when he has the time to, and you don’t stress yourself if he doesn’t see your text right away. But today was a bit different. He was out for a mission on “Icebox”, and while the Vulture (the aircraft) could cover the distance to Russia quite fast, everyone was trying to occupy themselves until they landed. From the moment Vincent set foot into the aircraft, your phone has been regularly notifying you of his messages. The man was set on making you an arsenal even if you’re not a qualified active field agent. Both the marksman and the weapon designer sides of his personality were locked on trying to find the weapons that would fit you the most, combat style wise as well as in design. You were smiling at your phone seeing him think live about it, until Viper cleared her throat. You quickly sent him one last text before focusing back on your mentor, apologising for the inattention you had displayed. As you two started your weekly tasks, you couldn’t help but smile again thinking about Chamber’s texts. 

You have potential ! With more practice, I could show you my personal collection and even let you handle them. 

I’d love to see you pass the practice tests to become a field agent. I have a feeling you’d perform amazingly.

Or, noir, rose, bleu, gris ? What theme do you see your arsenal in ? 

You were surprised at his craze after your visit to the range, but it wasn’t unwelcomed. In fact, you could see yourself pick up the rifles a bit more in your free time. As for now, you were trying your best to stay focused on the tasks at hand. It’s quiet in the lab today. Viper was still recovering from her latest mission- a tough one. Casualties on both sides, and a catastrophe nearly avoided. She looked exhausted, more stressed than usual. You didn’t think it’d be a good idea to talk to her about your new friend in the protocol. She’d find out eventually. If she doesn’t ask you about it, there’s no reason to bring it up anyways, not when she’s in this state. Still, you felt relieved when the sunset burned the horizon, meaning you were done for the day.   As soon as you stepped out of the research facility, you held onto your phone.

> Hey, just got done with Viper in the lab. How’s the mission going ? 

You thought your message would go unread for a few hours, but to your surprise, it was read almost instantly. Three little dots at the bottom of your screen confirmed that he was online and writing back. 

It’s a lot of scouting tbh. My legs are killing me ! I need a massage when we come back. Think you could help, petite souris ? ;) 

You giggled at the last line. You knew that he was a flirt, but you never took it seriously. 

> Let’s not, I’d probably karate chop your calves lol. When are you guys coming back ? Do I need to save you a seat for dinner ? 

Mais non ! And we’ll be back in 5 to 7 hours, not sure exactly when. Who’s making dinner ? 

>Jett, so it’s your loss :) I might be awake by the time you arrive… I’ve got reports to make for my institute. 

Flûte. She may make it spicy, but it’s always quality when she’s cooking. Reports ? Really ? Is it really worth spending half your night awake ? 

> :’) Rip baguette. And don’t start lecturing me about bedtime, you managed to fall asleep on your desk multiple times. At least I don’t drool on my papers! Still, I’ll be there when you touch land again. See you then ? 

Don’t call me baguette, call me handsome instead <3 What can I say, I’m a dedicated artist! But yes, I’ll see you then, if you’re still on your feet. 

You didn’t know it, but on the other side of  the planet, Chamber was hesitating to reveal that he was actually looking forward to seeing you after the mission. He left his message at that, not wishing to appear too pushy. Moreover, there was a chance you’d actually go to bed at a reasonable hour. 

However, you didn’t. You took it upon yourself to show some discipline and complete your reports with excruciating slowness. You hated having to write so much to answer forms that looked like administrative paperwork. It was boring, frustrating, long, and you weren’t even sure what kind of answers you should be giving. The second-guessing started to be too much around 2:00 AM, you got up and got out of your room. You walked down the empty hall as the automatic lights turned on, feeling mentally exhausted. You went to the kitchen to make yourself some hot cocoa. That’s when you felt the vibrations of the building : the Vulture was landing. You left out a sigh of relief and instead of a single mug, you took out two cups. You served both and your phone lit up with a notification from him. 

Back on land. Are you still awake ?

>Welcome back! I am. I’ve got hot cocoa for you if you want. 

How sweet of you ! I’ll help offload the Vulture and I’ll directly go to my room, meet you there ? 

>Sure ! See you in a minute. 

You smiled, somewhat happy that he was finally there, as if you had only stayed awake to welcome him back. You took the two cups with you and headed towards his bedroom. You put both cups down before scrolling on your phone, looking at material for your report. Finally, you heard footsteps getting closer. You put your phone back into your pocket and your expression turned into one of tenderness as you saw him. He was definitely tired, his suit was wrinkled and his usually perfectly slicked back hair had strands riding the side of his head. 

“Bonsoir, [Y/N].” He said, his voice low and soft. Under the light, his eyes were locked onto yours. 

“Welcome back, Vincent.” You answered him and his smile, polite at first, grew into something fonder. He unlocked the door as you grabbed the cups. You both stepped into his quarters, and you immediately were taken aback by the way it looked. It was clean, tidied, even the desk he used to design his collections seemed organised amidst the stack of pages pinned. Of course it was a blend of black, gold and white, his signature colours, but there was a shelf with different souvenirs from the countries he visited. He offered you to sit on his desk chair and it was probably the most comfortable you had ever sat on. You gave him his hot cocoa and he sat down on his bed, facing you. The lamp’s dimmed light made it all more cozy for the eyes, more intimate too. He took a sip from his cup, and you did the same. 

“Did you manage to do your reports?” he asked, his hands holding the cup, probably gripping onto the warmth after such a cold journey. 

“Sort of. I started. I feel so slow though, it’s hard to stay focused. How are your legs ?” you asked, gazing over him. 

“At least you started, that’s good. I’m sure you’ll bring yourself to close it in your own time.” He yawned, covering his mouth. 

“Excuse me, must be the adrenaline coming down. My legs feel like they've been through the grinder to be honest.” 

He held the cup as he started loosening the knot of his tie. You gently took the recipient back from him as he murmured a thank you, finally taking off his tie, his vest, and he undid some of the buttons biting at his collar. 

There he was. Finally in his safe space, taking off the appearances. Tired, flawed, searching for a bit of respite. You observed, admired. The fabric of his shirt. The glasses left on the bed. The veins of his hands as he was slowly untying his shoes. The gold of his tattoos tracing patterns to get lost into. His shoulders were slumped, and he seemed to blink slower. You put the cups on the desk and got up. He looked at you, his eyes curious as you approached. You wrapped your arms around him, caressing his hair. It took him a few seconds before you felt his own arms come to hold you too, his hands resting on your back. He closed his eyes, sighed, he loved the feeling of your fingers through his hair, he felt safe in your embrace. His fingers clenched on your top, as if you’d disappear into thin air. 

You stayed like this, ignorant of how much time could pass, unwilling to count it. It’s only when he detached himself from you, whispering thank you, that you let go of him. He got up as well, and finished his cup of hot cocoa before asking you : 

“Do you want to stay here while I shower ? You can put some music on, look around, even lay on the bed if you want. Actually…”

He stopped and tried to rearrange his hair. He was looking for the right words. 

“Do you… Is it okay if you stayed here tonight ?”

You took a minute to fully process his words. You thought of your reports, of your alarm clock later today. But the heart wants what it wants, no ? 

“Yes, I mean sure, but why ? Aren’t you tired ? I might keep you up, I might snore-” 

He laughed gently, dismissing your worries. 

“I missed you. All I could think about today was you. And the way you held me there, I don’t think I can let go of that. I think I desperately need it.”

You were stunned by how sincere he could be. You just nodded and he went to the bathroom to shower. As you were left all alone, you went to look at his trinkets up close. Some were shining like crystals, others would be of a solid black or white, polished. Mostly little statues or symbols from different cultures. You sat down on the bed, listening to the sounds around you, closing your eyes. You could hear the water fall into the shower, the caps of the bottles. You looked on the bedside table, finding a speaker on it. You connected your phone to it and put on some chill music at a low volume before closing your eyes, exhaling. He said all he could think about is you. And it didn’t sound like a joke this time, plus you just did the same all day. But spending the night in his bed ? With him ? Maybe you were going too fast, maybe you should have thought about this more… But fuck that, for once that you make an impulsive decision, you weren’t about to come back on your words. Yes, he’s a charming man, yes, he could probably have anyone he wants if he really tried, and yes, maybe you were playing into his hand. But what is so bad about indulging yourself in just a night ? You grabbed one of the pillows and held it against your chest. It had his scent on it. Would his sheets smell like you after just a night ? No, right… 

…What remains of the ephemeral ? 

The bathroom door finally opened after being unlocked, revealing a Chamber in a simple white tee-shirt and black briefs. You looked at his face, his arms, slowly following the paths of his tattoos, your eyes then contouring his thighs before he stepped towards the bed, before lying on it next to you.

“Bon Dieu! I feel so much better now. I like the music you put on, by the way.” 

You smiled and nodded.

“Thanks. I’m glad you like it.” 

He settled himself on his side, propped on his arm to look at you. He put a hand on the pillow you were still holding. 

“I hope I didn’t make you wait too long. You definitely look tired.”

You turned to face him as well. 

“It’s okay. I waited for you, didn’t I ?”

He stared a little, then looked at the sheets. 

“Guess so.” He paused. “Come closer.”

You shuffled towards his side, handing him the pillow, but when you got within reach, he simply put his head on your chest. One hand went back to caressing his hair, and the other one gently slid across his back as he exhaled. He was warm, and you could feel all the muscles of his back slowly relax. 

“Vincent ?”

“Yes ?” He lifted himself from your chest, tensing back up. “Too much ?”

You shook your head and gently guided him back to you as you asked:

“Are you okay, though ?” 

There was a moment of silence before you felt his arms tighten around your waist. He couldn’t exactly face you, couldn’t bring himself to look you in the eyes as he was showing vulnerability. He was taking deeper breaths. But when his voice ringed back to your ears, you could tell he was forcing himself: 

“Why wouldn’t I be ? I’m in the arms of a lovely person, I’m being cuddled, what more can I ask for ?”

 You gently pinched his ear, to which he whined dramatically. 

“Don’t be like that. You’re allowed to tell me what’s going on, you know? I’m not here to judge. It’s just… Have you been feeling lonely ?” 

His fingers went to play with your hair, as his expression turned more to one of a childish pout. 

“Maybe ? I haven’t had the occasion to be physical with anyone in a while. I probably haven't been hugged in… Hm… A long time, I guess.” 

You felt a shiver run down your spine, propping you to hug him closer. 

“I’m okay, don’t worry.”

“It’s not about you being okay or not. It’s about how much you’re saying you need it. I can give it to you. And you can lean on me.” 

He lifted his head and both your gazes met, your faces mere inches from one another. Your hand came to hold his cheek and he indulged in the touch, closing his eyes. He pulled you closer to him, hiding himself in the crook of your neck, his body almost covering yours now. You kept on caressing his back, tracing figures on his spine. He was heavy, but you didn’t mind. If you could hear his thoughts, you’d know he was promising himself to never let anything happen to you. Chamber closed his eyes, appreciating your own scent, feeling your heart against his. You closed your eyes as well, living the moment. 

That was a different side to him. He was a tall man, yet felt like he could be held in the palm of your hand. He was both grandiose and refined, but ever so quiet, infinitesimal in your arms, under your eyes. 

And all of the canons of poetry made sense, every line of the Romantics, each metaphor and each hyperbole. It felt like being suspended in a constellation, or on the edge of a black hole. As if you had witnessed the birth of a star, the falls of the empires together. Every speck of stardust in your bodies was merging together, your breaths melting into the movement of one instrument. Your pupils had blown over like lotus flowers blooming under the moonlight, and you’re not sure who moved first, but in a moment of quiet, both your lips met.

Chapter Text

He was hungry for your lips and yet you felt him trying to hold back, trying to savour your taste. Each sigh once you collapsed felt warm on your skin and you couldn’t get enough of it, your hands cupping his face. His caramel eyes were begging for your attention, his own hands securing their hold on you. You were warm under his gaze and the contact of your digits against his skin felt surreal. You both looked at each other in silence, trying to process what just happened. You wanted to say something, but before you could, Chamber detached himself from you and sat on the edge of the bed, his back to you. You heard him sigh deeply, his fingers crossed behind his neck as he arched himself forward. It was like he was… annoyed ? Maybe disappointed ? You weren’t too sure, you simply leaned forward and put a hand on his back, unsure of what to do. 

“Sorry-” he blurted out, still not facing you. “I don’t know what came over me. I just… I’m not thinking straight.” 

He got up and paced a little before digging into a drawer of the desk, retrieving a packet of cigarettes. That’s when you decided to leave the bed as well to stop him in his tracks. As he placed one of the sticks between his lips, you grabbed it from his mouth with a frown. 

“Chamber, would you mind telling me what’s wrong ?” 

He sighed and tried to get the cigarette back, but you swiftly put your hand away from his reach, not budging. He cleared his throat and looked down, fidgeting with his glasses. 

“I shouldn’t have kissed you like that. I shouldn’t even have invited you to my room in the first place.”

You raised an eyebrow. Strange, coming from him. 

“How come ?” 

He didn’t reply, but you knew better than the likes of him. 

“Is it because you’re not in control of the situation ?”

Ah, that did make him look at you. If at first he seemed upset about your question, he took a moment to think. You doubled down. 

“I mean, it came on the spur of the moment, no ? No theatrics, just an impulse, right ?”

He leaned against the desk and looked you up and down before shrugging in resignation. 

“An impulse would be too light to say it… I just felt like… It felt right ? And before I know it, I’m wrapped around your little finger, wanting so much more.”

You observed as he pinched the bridge of nose before continuing. 

“It’s just indecent the way I approached you. If you feel disrespected, I’d understand. I’ll apologize again if you need me to. I don’t usually just act on whim like that.”

He muttered something in french you couldn’t decipher, but you understood where he came from. He likes to do things the proper way, flirting and courting and at least have the upper hand on the situation’s outcome.  You sighed and took his hand in yours. 

“I didn’t feel disrespected. If I had been, I would have told you immediately. It’s fine to sometimes burn a few steps if the mood’s here, don’t you think ? Like you said, it felt right, for me too. It was a surprise, but a nice one. I mean it doesn’t bail you out of asking next time, but here it was good. … Real good.” 

You chuckled and he looked reassured, his fingers intertwined with yours. 

“I’ll keep it in mind then.”

You nodded before a smirk appeared on your face. 

“Also… ‘Wrapped around my finger and wanting so much more’ mh ? Greedy man… ”

He snickered, biting his lip before pulling you closer to him, a hand under your chin to raise your face towards his. 

“I’m a simple man, ma petite souris, I only covet the best.” He kissed your cheek before whispering in your ear: “May I kiss you again ?” 

“You may.” 

And before you could add another thing, he captured your lips with his, taking off his glasses and gently pulling you back to the bed. Of sighs and silent smiles you both slowly relaxed back into the covers. You couldn’t help the heat rising between you, but it was already late and Chamber was exhausted from the mission, so it was decided to simply cuddle until you were lights out. 
On the bedside table rested the single cigarette, discarded and forgotten. He doesn’t need smoke and fire when you’re here to be his couvre-feu, taming the flames of his worry, dulling it to an amber for a peaceful night. It is time to rest, now.