Sova x Chamber WIP under the cut :D
Paris at night was a sight to behold, the city drenched in gold and shadows, its streets glistening under the warm glow of lamplights. Sova had been to the city a couple of times in the past, but only in passing, never to stay. His memories of Paris were hazy, tied to fleeting moments of transitâairports, train stations, dimly lit street corners seen from a distance, always on the move, never stopping to absorb the atmosphere. But now, here he was, not slinking through the streets like a fugitive but strolling like any other traveler, albeit with a purpose.
It was only yesterday that Brimstone had called him into his office for what he expected to be just another post-mission brief. But when he entered, there was Chamber standing beside Brimstone already, arms crossed, a serious face betraying nothing of what he was thinking. Brimstone immediately launched into a new mission brief for the two of them. The mission itself was straightforward, not particularly dangerousâscout a specific sector of Paris that Omega Earth agents had been active in, report back any thing of use, intervene if necessary. Simple reconnaissance. But the mission was to last a couple of days, and Sovaâs skills made him the perfect match to pair with Chamber, the teamâs resident Paris native.
A day later, they had found themselves dropped off in Normandy, where they boarded a sleek train bound for Paris. The city greeted them as night began to fall, wrapping the streets in a cool, twilight embrace. And now, as they walked through the quiet streets toward their hotelâa six-star establishment in one of the cityâs most opulent quartersâSova couldnât help but feel slightly out of place.
âSix stars?â Sova had asked earlier, incredulous, when Chamber had sent him the hotel link while they sat in the plush, first-class seats on the train. âI didnât know hotels went past five.â
Chamber had chuckled at that, âThey do in Paris. Only the best, mon petit ami.â
But that was to be expected when Chamber had handled everythingâthe hotel, the train, even ensuring their luggage was sent directly to the room ahead of their arrival. When Sova had suggested taking a car from the station, Chamber had waved the idea away. âI want to stretch my legs,â he had said, his voice carrying that air of easy confidence. âBesides, Paris at night is something you need to experience in person, not drive through.â
They had been walking for a while now, passing through the quiet streets, the hum of the city alive around them. Chamber walked with purpose, but there was a lightness to his steps, a sense that he was taking in the city as if it were an old friend. Recollecting pleasant, old memories that only him and the city were privy to. Sova, however, was growing impatient. They had a mission, and though Chamber seemed at ease, Sova couldnât shake the feeling that time was slipping away. As they neared an intersection, Sova glanced around, scanning the buildings and mentally replaying the route he had memorized back on the train.
âWe were supposed to turn there,â he muttered, keeping his voice low but clear enough for Chamber to hear.
Chamber checked his watch, unbothered. âYes, but we are taking a small detour.â
Sova barely contained a frustrated huff, his patience thinning. He was tired, eager to reach the hotel, and yet here they were, wandering through the streets like aimless tourists, like they didnât have a mission. But he bit his tongue and continued walking beside Chamber, unwilling to voice his annoyance just yet. What on earth could this detour be worth?
After a few more minutes, Sova had had enough. He opened his mouth, about to speak up when Chamber suddenly gestured for him to follow, leading him through a narrow alleyway. The walls seemed to close in around them as they walked through the dim, winding path, Sovaâs senses sharpening as the urban noise faded. His instincts flared, alert to every shift in the shadows. But when they emerged on the other side, the alley opened up into a secluded, grassy area, hidden away from the bustling streets of the city. The atmosphere changed instantlyâpeaceful, almost serene.
Sova blinked, surprised by the sudden change in atmosphere. It was quiet here, almost peaceful, and as he walked forward, the cityscape stretched out before him in all its glory. He stepped forward, the sound of his shoes muffled by the grass, and approached the thin metal railing that separated them from the Seine below.Â
The Seineâs waters shimmered faintly under the night sky, the river winding its way through the heart of the city like a vein of silver. The buildings on the other side rose tall and proud, their windows flickering with soft light. It was beautiful, Sova had to admit, though he still didnât see the point of this detour. Couldnât this have waited?Â
He glanced over at Chamber, who stood just behind him, checking his watch yet again. He looked up and caught Sovaâs gaze, a soft smile tugging at his lips. âRight on time,â he murmured, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction. He tilted his head toward the view behind Sova. âLook.â
Sova turned, and his breath caught in his throat. The Eiffel Tower, barely visible before, suddenly came to life. Sparkling golden lights began to cascade from its peak, twinkling and glittering down to its base like falling stars. It illuminated the night with a brilliance that was almost otherworldly, casting a warm, golden halo over the city. The lights danced across the skyline, reflecting off the water and casting long shadows that seemed to move in time with the flickering glow.
For the first time, Sova found himself truly speechless. He had seen the Eiffel Tower before, of course, but never like this. Never so close, never with such intensity. He didnât even know it lit up like this. He turned slowly to face Chamber, whose eyes were already on him, watching his reaction with quiet satisfaction.
âYou planned this,â Sova said, his voice low, almost accusing, but there was no anger behind the wordsâonly awe.
Chamber shrugged, that familiar smirk playing on his lips. âI wanted you to see it like this. Itâs different when you take the time to enjoy it, non?â
Sova looked back at the tower, the golden lights still shimmering, casting a warm glow over them both. He took a deep breath, the cool night air filling his lungs, and for the first time since they had arrived, he felt at ease.
âYou may be right,â Sova admitted quietly.
They stood in silence for a few moments, both taking in the view. And though Sova had come to Paris for the mission, at that moment, he found himself grateful for Chamberâs detour. Maybe it was worth the extra time walking.
âShall we?â Chamber asked eventually, his voice soft but full of warmth.
Sova glanced at him, his lips curving into the faintest smile. âYes,â he said. âLetâs go.â
