“I need a hero to save me now~” Gabriel sang as he worked out with a punching bag.
“No wonder everyone calls you edgelord.” Jack said from the doorway.
The two met when SEP started and have been inseparable since. Neither would forget tripping over themselves to get to the first meeting they would both be late to. Both of them tugging at each other to hurry the fuck up or else they’d be booted out before they even started. Turns out, all they had to do was run laps. Sure they were exhausted but it was better than leaving. Without any words they started sitting with each other during meal times and took care of each other after the other’s bout of injections. They talked about everything, from where they grew up to their loved ones at home waiting for them. Parents, siblings, friends.
Lovers.
Jack caught on before Gabriel did about their attraction to one another. He didn’t and wouldn’t say anything. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them or who they had waiting back home. Vincent, he guessed, wouldn’t be mad per say. He’d just be very upset.
Sofia was Gabriel’s lover and father of her child. That definitely wouldn’t be fair to her or their kid. Gabriel always pulled pictures out when he could which in turn made Jack pull out his to brag with as much enthusiasm.
When left alone, all of it got to him and left him more alone than before he found Vincent.
He really wished he could talk to his boyfriend.
“What? Because I listen to Skillet? Fuck you, Jackie. Their music is classic.” Just to prove his point, he began the refrain of the song; all parts included. “I need a hero to save me now. I need a hero, save me now! I need a hero to save my life! A hero'll save me, just in time~” He used the punching bag as emphasis on each line.
Jack rolled his eyes and held the punching bag still, joining in since he knows he lost. “Who's gonna fight for what's right? Who's gonna help us survive? We're in the fight of our lives, and we're not ready to die~”
“Who's gonna fight for the weak? Who's gonna make 'em believe? I've got a hero, I've got a hero, livin' in me~” Gabriel punched with each word that came out of his mouth. He had to believe in what they were doing here. SEP would make them stronger, faster, and better than most soldiers. He couldn’t think on what the consequences or the possible outcomes.
Jack knew Gabriel’s thoughts as they were his own. The thought of dying while here almost made him want to quit but then. Then he looked at Gabriel and he realized he would die for this man. Just like he would die for Vincent. That made him dangerous should Gabriel’s life ever be threatened. Either now while they were still in SEP or after when they were allowed to fight in a war they would be prepared for. “I'm gonna fight for what's right! Today I'm speaking my mind! And if it kills me tonight, I will be ready to die~”
As Jack sang the last of it, Gabriel broke the punching bag by punching through it. Witnessing it made Jack regret finishing the song. He caught Gabriel as his knees buckled. Gabriel was panting but otherwise seemed fine. Could it be a sign maybe he felt more than just attraction towards Jack? The possibility made him pause to think.
Only a hand cupping his face broke his concentration, diverting it back to Gabriel. Gabriel who was leaning into him, more than he should as friends; Jack wasn’t complaining in the slightest. “I won’t lose you, Jackie. Come hell or high water, we’ll stick by each other and save one another from this. We have each other at the very least and our friends and family in spirit. We’ll be okay, Jackie.”
Jack sighed with fondness. Only Gabriel. “Alright, come on. You exhausted yourself and broke my favorite punching bag, which we need to tell the CO about if we want a new one. Lest the other guys and gals get pissed too.”
“Hm.” Gabriel followed Jack, a little winded but nothing sleep and a good meal wouldn’t fix. “I’ll leave you to it then, shall I?”
“Right, sure. You get your sleepy ass to bed. On my way to my room I’ll see if I can find him and tell him what happened.” Jack walked him to his quarters, making sure he didn’t fall over or pass out. The door opened before Gabriel could even use his code. His roommate peeking out and seeing the two of them. They rolled their eyes and walked back into the room, leaving the door open for them. “Go on, Gabriel. We’ll see each other in the morning.”
“Gabe, Jackie. It’s Gabe.” At Jack’s surprised look he cocked a grin, loving he caught his friend off guard. “My friends call me Gabe. Only strangers and my abuela call me Gabriel. Remember that.”
“Don’t forget your adoring fans are also going to call you Gabriel.”
“Adoring fans?”
“When we’re heroes, Gabe.”
Gabriel grinned at that, at the idea of having adoring fans thank him for everything he’d done. Not a bad thought at all.
“Oh great. He’s going to let it go to his head. Nice job, Jackie.” His roommate rolled their eyes, thinking it would be hell for the rest of the night now that Gabriel thought he’d be an unforgettable hero.
“Hey, hey, whoa.” Gabriel put himself between his roommate and Jack. “I only get to call him Jackie, Tali.” He puffed out his chest and stood in the doorway so they couldn’t see Jack.
“Fine, fine.” Rolling her eyes again and waving him off, they locked eyes with Jack. “I’m this ingrate’s roommate, Talisman. But you can call me Tali. We’re gonna get along great.”
Jack shook his head when the two started arguing just for the sake of it. He didn’t say goodnight, knowing he’d see the two in the morning, which he knew would be an adventure in itself.
