Chapter Text
Brimstone's office. A large, dim room with exposed brick walls which had many photos plastered along it. Every agent has been in here at least once, but no one felt his office was noteworthy. After all, it was just that. An office.
Higher up agents spent more time in Brimstone's office than the others, namely Viper and Sage, who happened to be in the office alone. The single overhead lamp faintly lit the dark room as Sage and Viper viewed Brim's map, many photos and pins and notes taken all over it. He updated his beloved map frequently and Sage and Viper often checked it.
Viper sighed, sipping on her bitter, black coffee. Work never seemed to end and though used to it, sometimes she felt she needed a break.
Sage places her hand on Viper's shoulder, a gesture of comfort. The two may not have been close, or as close as they used to be, but Sage still cared for the chemist. Viper sets her mug on Brimstone's desk, pinching the bridge of her nose as she lets out an exasperated sigh.
"One thing after another." Viper mumbles bitterly under her breath.
She was tired, Sage often worried if she ever slept. Viper's eyebags were prominent, Sage could see that she hasn't been sleeping well. She locks eyes with Viper, shooting a soft and friendly smile.
"We're in this together." she stated simply.
Viper held her gaze for a little while, saying nothing. She knew this. She knew everything wasn't only her burden to bear. Yet she couldn't help but feel stressed by the constant work that was thrown her way. All the hoops and hurdles she had to go through. That everyone had to go through. Sage pursed her lips and stepped away, closing and locking the door to the office. Viper watched as Sage stood silently, keeping her back to Viper momentarily.
"How about we take a break?" Sage offered, peering over her shoulder at Viper.
"In Brimstone's office?" Viper asked. What kind of break could they take in this desolate room? Sage grinned, turning around fully.
"Of course. We can make do." Sage walked to her, getting closer and closer. Viper raises a brow, but says nothing. She knows exactly what Sage is up to, but doesn't fight her. Sage takes her hand, placing it over her cheek as she smiles sweetly up at Viper.
"I guess you leave me no choice." Viper mutters. Then Sage grabs her waist and pulls her close, standing on her toes to kiss Viper. Viper is tense for a second, but relaxes, her own hand rests on Sage's hip as they kiss.
In Brimstone's office. Of all places. The room was far from romantic or even comfortable, but something about it felt.... Exhilarating. They shouldn't have been doing it, but they were.
So wrong. Yet so right.
However, their kiss was cut short when they heard keys outside the door, and Viper quickly broke their kiss and held her hand over her mouth, flustered.
Enter Brimstone.
Sage waves at him timidly and Viper just silently eyes him, raising suspicion in Brimstone.
"I didn't think you two were still here." Brimstone said.
"We were leaving soon." Sage replies calmly, as if she hadn't just locked lips with Viper in his office. Brimstone's eyes met Viper's and she simply nodded wordlessly.
"Sabine, are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Viper replies, crossing her arms. Brimstone takes a good look at her, then at Sage. He says nothing, but walks to Viper with concern. However, his concern is replaced with a look of confusion.
"Are you wearing lipstick?" He asks Viper. She brushes her own thumb over her lip and looks at the red stain on her thumb. Damn it, Sage.
"I suppose I am, old man." Viper answers. Sage covers her own mouth and looks away from the two of them, hoping Brimstone wouldn't realize it was her lipstick on Viper's lips. Brimstone nods, but before he can say anything, Viper speaks.
"Anyway, I'll see you later."
Sage takes that as cue to leave, and Viper also leaves. The two of them look at each other in silence, Sage flashes a smile. Viper half heartedly smiles back.
"We should do that again." Viper says, to which Sage nods.