Tastes (Miks x reader x Gekko)
Miks was at first curious about your music tastes. But the more the time passed, the more he realized that it was in fact deeper than that. As for Gekko, he always had crush a on you, and always acted on it. Miks' inquiries about your music tastes got him curious too. After all, wasn't music also a tool to bring people closer ?
Word count : ~ 3, 107
Reading time : approximately 13 min
Miks approximately knew the music tastes of every agent of the protocol and what made them appreciate a music over another. He knew for instance how Iso loved underground C-rap or how Yoru had a soft spot for Japanese hip hop. He knew how Raze loved latino sonority that encouraged her hips to dance in her music while working in her workshop or how Gekko loved low basses that echoed in his bones when he lied down on his bed or when he played basketballs with his crew.
But when it came to you, he absolutely had no idea. It was quite ironic since you often wore headphones. It was even quite rare to see you without them. Yet, you never shared a playlist and he never managed to see it, and had never been able to see it over your shoulder when you chose a music before training or working out.
When he arrived at the protocol, the first thing he wondered about you was your music taste. When he asked Clove, they admitted that they had no idea. He then asked Gekko, whom he quickly befriended upon arriving in the protocol, and even him had no idea despite the fact that he had quite the crush on you.
When he asked you directly, you paused whatever activity you were doing to deeply think about his question.
“Hm. I don’t know,” you shrugged.
Miks was slightly taken aback but not deterred. It wasn’t rare that people were attracted to a style without knowing anything of it.
“Can I see your playlist so I can have an idea ?”
That simple question got you protectively holding your phone against your chest while smiling nervously.
“I’d prefer if not. I’m...quite shy about the songs I listen to.”
After hanging out with you for quite some time, he agreed with the fact that you indeed were very shy about your music. The only exception seemed to be Wingman. You had no problem lending your headphones to the yellow enthusiastic creature. Miks noticed how Wingman sometimes bobbed his head along whatever melody he was listening to or lied down motionless on your lap, a surprisingly wise expression on his face.
“He seems to like what he's listening to,” Gekko gently nudged your arms as he sat down next to you in the VLT/R.
You looked down at the small radivore creature and fondly caressed his little belly.
“He looks like he’s about to drop some riddle and say some proverb,” you snorted.
Miks, who was sat on your other side, let out a small chuckle.
“So the music he’s listening to must be calm enough to not overstimulate him.”
You immediately noticed the slight inflection in his voice that suggested that he was mentally taking notes.
“What’s this obsession with trying to find out what music I’m listening to ?”
His smile widened slightly, highlighting the charms in his hazel eyes. It was a thing you’ve noticed. Him and Gekko were quite alike. No wonder they grew close quickly. This attractive light that was filled on the joy they procured to others with their charms and passion was what lured you so easily towards them. Yes, you definitely had a type.
“Knowing your tastes in music would help me make you a playlist.”
Your eyes squinted slightly at his words, as if you were trying to decipher a hidden motive in them. And then, you remembered that Miks had a heart too pure and actions too genuine to hide any malicious intent.
“And why...do you want to make me a playlist ?” you asked with a confusion tainted with wariness.
On your lap, Wingman jumped on his feet and started to wiggle his little hips. It didn't go unnoticed by Miks.
“So that in some way I can give you a boost of motivation and energy,” he rubbed his neck and his eyes exposed a shy eagerness that almost made you swoon. “I would like to mix some songs you like so you could listen to them while training, or during missions.”
“He’s very good at this, you know,” Gekko approved. “He managed to do a mashup of ‘Timeless’ by Ambar Lucid and ‘Caution’ by Cuco. Here, listen.”
He caught you off-guard by suddenly leaning in your personal space, putting an ear-bud in your ear, the pad of his fingers gently brushing your skin. Your heart had the jump your body didn't do. Gekko’s chocolate eyes filled your vision, smiling, while his breathing danced on the skin of your face. As you started to admire each freckles that decorated his warming visage, you felt two gentle yet very present hands on your shoulders and a warm breath against your ear.
In the corner of your sight, you saw Miks’ hazel eyes staring at you as his chin settled on your shoulder.
“What do you think ?” Miks asked.
You totally forgot that you were supposed to be attentive to the tune playing in your ear. Flustered, you diverted your gaze and your eyes met Wingman’s who would have raised an eyebrow if he had any. Meanwhile, Miks and Gekko exchanged a knowing look. It seemed like they had more in common than expected and shared the same tastes they had in people.
“Do you like it ?” Miks brought your attention back with mischief in his voice. “Did I pass the test ?”
The music was in fact good to your ear, the low basses of ‘Caution’ and the soft eeriness of Ambar Lucid’s voice was quite the soothing mix.
“I don’t know what test you’re talking about but yeah, I do like it.”
“Told you he was good !” Gekko grinned.
“If you want,” Miks leaned back a little, giving you a bit of space while his hands remained gently on your shoulders, “once we get back to HQ, we can go to my room so I can mix some mashups for you.”
You raised an eyebrow at him, letting out a throat noise that implied that you weren't fooled.
“Is this another one of your strategies to know what songs I listen to ?”
“Is it working ?”
Gekko leaned back as well, but his body was still turned towards yours.
“I’m curious about your music tastes too. You seem to vibe with the music each agent listen to without any problem but what about you ?”
It was something Miks had also noticed. You seemed fine with anything you heard, but he still wondered what you actually listened to. Stealing a glance at Wingman, he momentarily felt quite envious of the small creature who was currently break dancing on your lap, your headphones still on his small head.
“Alright,” you finally conceded. “But no mocking my music choices.”
Miks and Gekko exchanged a look, blinking in almost bafflement.
“Who does that ?” Gekko said with an innocent confusion.
“I don’t joke with the music people like,” Miks reassured you. “I cook with it. That’s different.”
Somehow, these words eased some of the nerves that started to shake at the thought of sharing what you liked to listen to. Not all of it, but it was enough for the moment. Plus, the eagerness these two were showing reminded you of puppies.
And who didn't like puppies ? Not you.
When the VLT/R finally arrived back at the headquarters, you followed the boys in Miks room, Wingman comfortably settled on your shoulder, bopping his head. You were quite surprised of all the vinyl records and mixing consoles in his room. You knew he was a DJ before he joined the protocol. Seemed like he fitted the stereotype. You sat down on the bed, Gekko soon joining your side.
“Your room looks like a music shop,” you hummed.
“I thought the same thing the first time I came here,” Gekko snickered.
Miks sat down on his desk chair, grab his pc then rolled his seat in your direction.
“Well I have to fit the job’s description, don’t I ?” he winked. “So ? Do you have any artist or style in mind for a mashup ?”
At the gentle expectation in his eyes and words, your nerves started to spike again. Feeling your nervousness, Wingman took off your headphones to put it around your neck. He then patted your shoulder with an encouraging gurgling noise. You fondly played with his little cheeks, chuckling and completely oblivious of the two envious stare on the small creature who seemed to turn yellower.
“I have a question, though,” you cleared your throat and looked back at Miks.
“I’m all ears.”
You pressed your lips together and took a deep breath. Gekko pressed an encouraging hand on your back and gave you a warm smile.
“Why wanting to make me a playlist so bad ? Is there a reason in particular or is it just your DJ pride being touched ?”
There was something in his gaze that was suddenly so intense you almost felt intimidated. Unbeknownst to you, Miks felt almost defeated that he couldn't provide you with musical stim. Since he did it with every agent of the protocol (even Viper who wouldn't admit that she listened to her personal playlist in her lab) except for you, he thought at first that it was indeed his DJ pride. Then Gekko talked a lot about you, next he met you and understood why the Angelino initiator loved you so much. He already created some prod while recollecting the sight of you and Gekko laughing as you played video games together. His will to give you a playlist personally crafted by him was so big he almost felt guilty during your last mission that he couldn't boost your moral personally in some way.
“Is it bad that I want to be one of the reasons why you keep fighting ?”
Gekko perked at his words. He understood the feeling greatly. Since he arrived at the protocol, you have been nothing less than welcoming and supportive. You helped him filled the gap he had with other agents, encouraged him to take breaks when he was too stubborn to take any, took care of him when he was injured and kept him company the rare times his thoughts became too loud. Wanting so bad to know about your music taste was a bit more than simple curiosity. It was a desire to be closer to you.
Gekko wasn’t fooled. He suspected that Miks’ feelings for you started to bloom into something else than friendship. But instead of feeling an ounce of jealousy, he was glad that someone like him was around you. Gekko suddenly remembered you asking them to not mock you about your tastes in music.
“Hey, don’t be nervous,” he gently wrapped an arm around your shoulders and pulled you closer. “We would never mock you about what you like. Why would you even think that in the first place ?”
“Yeah I know you’re far from being assholes,” you shyly smiled. “I...uh...once had a boyfriend who was making fun of me for listening to musicals and movie sound tracks.”
“I’m glad he’s an ex.”
“Kurac* !” Miks hissed with an hostility that didn't match his usual lightheartedness. “Forget him, he was dick.”
“Yes he was,” you nodded.
“Did he at least get beat up ?”
The three of you (yes three, don’t forget Wingman) looked at him with surprise, but Miks kept looking at you expectantly.
“Well, if it can reassure you, his mother gave him quite the scolding, if you know what I mean. When she discovered...uh...how hurtful her own son can be, she disowned him.”
They both noticed how you let out some details but didn't comment on it. They were here to create the perfect musical boost for you, not to criticize you.
“Win for the mom,” Gekko approved.
Wingman saluted and applauded. Miks nodded approvingly and opened the pc on his lap.
“Anyway, we’re here to make music, aren’t we ?” the Croatian controller’s carefree tone came back. “Do you have any songs in mind when it comes to a mashup ?”
You nodded, yet a very clear shadow of uncertainty was still present on your traits.
“I do, but I’m pretty sure they’re not mashup-able.”
But Miks just confidently grinned.
“Challenge accepted. Bring it.”
You looked back at Gekko who still had his arm around your shoulders. He calmly winked at you.
“I was thinking about Jamie Mercato’s version of ‘Freeze your Brain’ from Heathers the musical and Davy Jones’ theme from Pirates of the Caribbean.”
Miks immediately took notes. It was indeed quite a challenge. As soon as he opened the software on his pc, different ideas yet many obstacles faced him. Your request could almost be considered as rude. But he was fine with that. He immediately entered the zone despite Wingman hopping on his shoulder.
“Oh I love this movie !” Gekko perked up. “We should watch it at our next movie marathon with the others. What’s your favorite movie of the franchise ?”
Meanwhile, you and Gekko casually chatted on his bed. The initiator smoothly invited you to lay down with a light tug on your shoulders and you just followed the movement. Gekko loved hearing you yapping. As you kept debating on why which movie was better than another, Miks would sometimes broke out of his focus and glanced at you two, and he would notice how close your faces got. He was somewhat surprised of the feeling of envy that overwhelmed him at the sight.
“I need a shower,” you suddenly said. “Is it okay if I use yours ?”
Miks had a small jump as he blinked out of his daze. He heard Wingman comfortably settled on his head snickering as he could feel Gekko amused gaze on him.
“I don’t mind !” he shook his head. “Clean towels are in the first drawer. You could also borrow clothes if you want.”
Gekko’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Oh thanks ! That’s sweet.” you smiled. Once you took what you needed, you winked at the three of them. “I won’t drown, promise.”
The second the door of the bathroom closed, Gekko turned towards Miks.
“Man, how are you so smooth ?”
“Ha ! Don’t act like I didn't see you earlier !” Miks laughed. “For an instant, I thought you two were about to kiss.”
“If only.”
The Croatian controller noticed the dreamy tone of the Angeleno initiator.
“They’re definitely more comfortable with you around,” Miks calmly said.
“Huh ? They’re more comfortable with you !”
Wingman clapped in his small hands to grab their attention then pointed at the both of them at the same time. In Wingman’s point of view, the both of them were good for you. The radivore creature always noticed how your movements seemed lighter every time one of them was around. The sight often made his small heart feel warm. The two agents looked at him and stayed quiet for a while. Miks' focus then returned on his pc, finalizing the song, and Gekko lied back down on the bed.
“You’re maybe right, Wings,” Gekko said after a while.
It felt good to believe so.
Right on queue, you finally exited the bathroom, rubbing a towel on your head. You were wearing a comfy oversized hoodie and a short too big for you that you had tightened well around your waist.
“Phew ! Felt good !” you sighed. “I really needed that !”
Gekko sat up and patted the space on the mattress between his thighs.
“Come here ! I’ll help you dry your hair.”
“Thanks, that’s sweet !”
There weren't a single hint of hesitation in your movements as you sat down between his legs. Wingman shot him with a ‘I told you so’ look as he happily dried your hair. His grin was so wide his cheeks almost hurt. Miks observed the two of you fondly. The sight not only warmed his heart, it also inspired him for some music later. Speaking of music, after hours of locking in, he finally managed to finish your challenge.
“I got the first music of your playlist !” He grabbed your attention by standing from his chair and moving in your direction. Once close enough, he leaned down toward you, one of his knee anchoring in the mattress between your thighs for balance. He then smoothly slid two earbuds in your ears. “I’m open to any type of criticism. Especially if it’s from you,” he winked.
The music flooded in your ears and you momentarily felt lost. Confusion submerged you when you realized that the lyrics of ‘Freeze Your Brain’ didn't feel as relatable as they used to be. Same for the heavily emotional tune of Davy Jones’ theme. You comfortably leaned back against Gekko’s chest as your brows furrowed, your gaze anchored into Miks’ who didn't waver his. The music still moved you, though. It felt like meeting with your old self who themselves looked up at you, reassured that they would have a better future despite everything they were enduring. You probably felt that way because, for a rare time in your life, you were currently warmly surrounded with people who really cared about you. To hell your ex-boyfriend saying that you would always end up alone. The two men with you silenced his demeaning voice which was deeply rooted in your head simply with their presence. Even Wingman enthusiastic and encouraging presence shrank his voice.
When the music stopped, you let out a long, emotionally charged sigh.
“Do you like it ?” Miks asked softly.
You took a deep breath.
“Clove were right,” you said with a notable awe. “You really are a bard.”
“I told you he was good !” Gekko affectionately shook your shoulders.
Miks let out a relaxed sigh he didn't even know he was holding.
“Challenge completed ! I can make you more music if you want. It doesn't have to be mashups.”
Your looked up at him, then back at Gekko, then finally Wingman who happily waved at you. You were very well surrounded. It felt good. Warm.
“Can we spend more moments like this ?” you asked. “Us four, I mean.”
Gekko hugged you from behind and lulled you from side to side.
“Fine by me ! But next time, we should bring snacks.”
“I already have all we need for a nice musical setting,” Miks gestured at the very present collection of records in his room before messing with your hair. “And I have a personal playlist to craft for you, remember ?”
And Wingman hopped on your lap to boop your nose.
You were a bit scared of judgment at first, but it seemed like music brought you closer to what you really needed : a trio of puppy-like agents who cared for you.
*Kurac ! : it basically means 'dick'
I made it ! It was long and I had difficulties writing the end but I made it ! Miks and Gekko (and Wingman, let's not forget about Wingman) were such a warm sight together. I had to write something.
Anecdote 1 : I really started this fic on a whim. The second Gekko and Miks (and Wingman) appeared together on the trailer, I opened ellipsus and started writing ideas.
Anecdote 2 : I wrote most of this fanfic while listening to Gekko's official Spotify playlist.
Thank you for taking the time of reading this ! I wish you a good whatever moment of the day you're reading this !
