Chapter Text
It wasn’t usually like this.
The sleep was easy to come, long days of training, the over-analyzing, math equations Marius couldn’t solve.
But now?
Marius believed he had insomnia.
The nights grew longer, the workshop felt emptier— colder. Marius considered that maybe when someone came in, they left the fans on for too long. Turned the AC up, or even left the door open.
Then, the nights turned into mornings. The engineer had many restless nights and usually didn’t leave his workshop— as if something bad was coming. Like he needed to create and design if his life depended on it, but in this line of work? It usually did.
His eyes hurt.
Fingertips felt raw underneath the padding of his gloves, clutching the screwdriver and turning that screw tightly into the prototype he was working on. Nobody asked him about it, nobody came into the workshop. Maybe Marius found that all right at first, but it became an addiction. An obsession he couldn’t stop. He didn’t see it unhealthy, after all. He saw it beneficial. The long hours, restless nights, cravings to just analyze— to think. To see things others didn’t, to strive in his work.
But he noticed something different this time.
Something no math equation, analysis, reports, or studying could solve. It wasn’t a project, nothing something to sit and gain dust over in his workshop.
It was a living being.
One who thrived, acted on impulse, a man. His teammate, coworker, friend.
Dominic Brunsmeier.
He had altercations with him before, some positive, some negative. Bandit made his nights longer without even knowing it.
And it frustrated the engineer to no end.
“I don’t understand.” Jäger muttered in a sharp breath, as if speaking out his anger would benefit him. He stared at the prototype, a new version of anti-hard breach. It was similar to Mark’s jammer, the schematics and blueprints following the same goal but different designs. Rather, it targeted EMP grenades. Encased in a thinned and shaved up faraday cage, withstanding the heavy electromagnetic radiation from the grenade.
But of course, it was just a prototype. One he debating on continuing or not.
Dominic had asked to see it a few days ago, only at the mention after a training mission had gone south. Thatcher was the reason of it.
He recalled that day, Dominic’s anger surfacing at the face of another loss in training due to Thatcher’s EMP grenades. By his own ADS’s, he knew the older man would outsmart by targeting walls that weren’t covered. But, Dominic didn’t blame him— rather, he grew agitated at the thought of the EMP itself. So, casually the engineer spoke up. “I actually have been working on a project that specifically counters Thatcher, but it is not done. I wish I could’ve used it today.” A small comment, a light social cue. By those words, it gained Brunsmeier’s attention quickly.
“Really?” He had started it out.
And then the conversation rolled, “Ja… it is… just in the works.” Marius nodded, almost bashful by such a gesture of a mere word.
Curiosity had sparked in the engineer at such an interest in his work, Marius found Dominic asking questions that even he wouldn’t expect out of him. But even by countering such statements made by his teammate, Dominic didn’t get frustrated at him like how he did with others when he was in the wrong.
Maybe it was because of all the cigarettes he lit for the guy.
Of course, the pilot wasn’t one to smoke. Never was, he didn’t enjoy the smell of it, nor enjoyed the burn of alcohol. Drugs was out of the question. He had jobs to do, not waste his time. However, when it came to socializing, it came to Marius easily. Even when he grew overwhelmed and gained headaches by loud individuals, he tried his best to keep in with unnecessary conversations. It was small, something he could analyze in people. He enjoyed noticing what made people tick, laugh, hate, or even cry about.
But, he never would become a psychologist or a therapist. Engineering would be the true way to his heart.
The lights were suddenly flicked on, gaining a startled Marius who jolted his head at the doorway. Brown eyes adjusted to the new light, due to the dim table lamp covering what he needed— the lights stayed off. Better to focus that way, or so what Marius claimed.
A figure stood in the doorway; then, walked in and by the immense flashy stripes of yellow down his sleeves, Marius noticed his new tick enter the workshop.
“Dominic.” Marius greeted, curiously.
“Marius.” Dominic replied back, his tone dry but not dismissive.
“Do you need something?” The engineer turned back to the prototype, realizing he had been screwing in an already tightened screw this whole time.
“It’s two AM.” Dominic replied, dismissing the question. Marius noticed this, the other German finding ways to be more vague than irritating. Yet, usually they went hand in hand. “Ol’ Doc told me to make sure you didn’t stay up past your bedtime.”
Gus. Of course.
Marius released a disregarding hum, turning his prototype to the left and rechecking the calibration on one of its limbs. The sounds of Dominic’s footsteps getting closer distracting him. “I do not need a bed time right now.” Marius stated dryly, however he received an unamused chuckle from his guest.
“He predicted you’d say that.” Dominic leaned over his shoulder and stared at the prototype.
Secretly, Marius hoped Dominic’s curiosity would get the best of him— to ask him what this was for. To describe its functionality, to explain about what he did best. He felt like waiting for the question was an itch he couldn’t scratch. Maybe he did have an addiction.
“Do you have a lighter?” Dominic leaned away.
That was not what he expected, not what he wanted either. Marius cocked his head at him, as if the question was harmful. But, by the slow movement of his right arm, he did in fact have one. “You aren’t going to smoke in here, are you?” Marius said with a small bite to it, almost offended.
Marius was frustrated yet again, not by the failures of understanding his project but by the failures of understanding Dominic.
“If I do, will you kick me out?” The other operator replied, a lowered amount of that same smugness he always kept in his words.
Marius took a moment to reply, staring at him for a moment. Then, dropped the screwdriver. He stood up from his chair, nodding towards Dominic as he ignited the flame from his lighter. The other received the hint and pulled out a cigarette.
“I won’t only if you give me one too.” Marius said, unrealistically.
But it came out of his mouth anyways. Strangely enough, he caught himself doing irrational things, he didn’t enjoy smoking, nor did he enjoy the smell of it especially in his workshop.
But, Dominic passed him one with ease and Marius lit both of them. He placed it to his mouth taking a slow drag and exhaling the small plump of smoke. It eventually faded from the whirring fans above. “You aren’t here because you care for my sleep schedule.” Marius stated bluntly, staring up at the ceiling fans.
Dominic merely hummed, copying his movements and taking a drag of his own. Then, prolonged his reply with a heavy exhale. “You stay in here for too long… and I wanted to see that work in progress shit against EMPs.” He admitted with a light shrug of his shoulders. “But, I’m guessing this is it.” Dominic leaned in towards the encased work, tired eyes following the edges of it. Then, the flicked back to a now staring Marius.
“Well?” Marius inquired, pressing for something. The pilot didn’t fish for compliments, nor the attention. When the interest and curiosity came about his works, though. That was what got him going.
“Looks like after this cigarette, you need to head to bed.” Dominic snorted.
Another reply he didn’t expect. Marius only felt a smirk crack at his lips, taking another inhale of that cigarette. “I guess so.” He agreed, the smoke slipping out of his lips while he spoke. It almost caught in his throat, holding a cough in.
And so, he did. The two finished their cigarettes, leaving the buds burnt out in the ash tray. Closing up the workshop, simple words spent on a nice conversation with Dominic. He enjoyed the random replies, the newness of it all. The lights would shut off, the project would be put away, and the doors would be shut. Even the vagueness of asking Dominic to stop by sometime to see the finished project escaped him, and Marius wondered if the other was rubbing off on him.
But, he only wondered that when he shut the door behind him, stepping into his dorm. The clean, tidy room. It strangely seemed bland, like it wasn’t lived in at all, but Marius spent his time hunched over his work bench most of the time. His mattress felt comfortable enough this night, the silk sheets comforting his cheek as he buried it away.
Sleep still didn’t come easy. Yet, Marius managed by forcing his eyes shut and slowing his breathing until he eventually drifted off.
𖤓
Maybe he should avoid doctors all together.
Marius appreciated Gustave, despite unnecessary check ups and bold questions.
“Your eye bags are getting worse, Jäger.” Doc commented, leaning in and taking a good look at the engineer’s state. “How’s your wrist?” He leaned away, giving the German some space.
A few days ago during an unsuccessful experiment with one of his prototypes, Marius had cut the top of his wrist open and slammed it on the desk. From the severity of it, it definitely would scar and bruise for awhile. His skin was pale around the area, a small tan line formed where his bandages ended. The cut was rather deep, the red slit slightly open and surrounded by yellow and purple splotches. Marius had originally asked Gus to just stitch it so he didn’t have to do this almost everyday, but the doctor denied it. Stating it was ‘less then a quarter of an inch deep.’
“Fine. Doesn’t hurt usually.” Marius kept his eyes on the small bobble head that ever so slightly jiggled— resting on the desk placed neatly in the corner. Doc cocked his head at him for a moment, an inhaled, then two gloved fingertips pressing on his wrist delicately. Each spot he pressed gained no reaction out of Marius, until randomly near the middle of it, it throbbed in an undeniable pain. “Fuck.” Marius cursed, wincing at it and recoiling. Yet, he failed to pull his wrist away, Gus humming.
“Fine my ass.” The Frenchman stated, almost sounding proud in his words. Doc loved to be proven right, even on missions. He would spend his time chastising others if they were in the wrong, especially if it was something in the lines of Gus’ knowledge.
Marius lowered his eyes, sighing out heavily. He made no remark to bite back, arguing with someone in the right never made sense to him anyway. Cold gel was lathered delicately on his skin and it gave the German goosebumps. Darkened blonde hairs on his arm standing up slowly. “How long do I have to keep it wrapped?” The German asked calmly, watching his wrist be succumbed by new bandages.
“Another week should do it.” Gus stated, focusing on the wrapping job.
Marius nodded, eyes watching the delicate movements before wiggling his fingers after it was done. “Thank you.” He murmured, a soft smile perking up at his lips. Then, with a thud, he got off the bench he was sitting on and headed on his way out.
“Your welcome…and Jäger?” Gus rang out, turning towards him, the roll of bandages still in his hands. He hesitated for a moment, dull eyes flicking to the side as if he debated on saying it or not. Then caved in, “Get some sleep, you know it’s not good to be holed up in your workshop.”
Instead of a vocalized reply, Marius nodded again. Tipping the line of being uncomfortable for being called out, or disappointed in himself for letting it get this bad. He knew his habits of working himself down to the bone was horrible for him, the realistic aspect shown in front of him by Gustave and side comments from other people. Even Dominic, who was more distant than other operators. Dominic had a certain bite to him, seeming hostile when in uncomfortable situations. Marius noticed this, the way his upper lip twitched when he was irritated, the lowering of his eyes at a certain slant, or even hitching his breath.
Was that weird? To notice such little things about his teammate? To treat him like a prototype, a gadget he’d study on end?
Marius exhaled the breath he was holding— Gustave giving him a look. Then he left, not to his workshop this time. On impulse, he decided to head back to his dorm, gain the time he had free for himself. Marius knew he had lost time by working in his workshop, even though he’d argue that his time was well spent. There were plenty of aviation documentaries, good books, and heavily needed naps all waiting for him.
That was his original thought, until something had stopped him in the hallway. Looking forwards, that same yellow flash.
Strange enough, another interaction was probed to happen due to being coworkers. But, Marius didn’t seem too keen on talking to him at first. Especially with questioning his sudden interest in the biker, he felt uncomfortable with himself.
Dominic held out something in his palm, “Hey. You forgot this.”
Marius cocked at brow, confused on whatever he could’ve left in the possession of a man like that. Yet, he held out his palm anyways, a silver box landing on top.
It was his lighter.
“Ah… thank you. I didn’t notice that I lost this.” He brought it to his eye, before tucking it away into his pocket. He found himself being more reckless, less careful in front of his teammate. Was it noticeable? Maybe he was comfortable, but they were friends. They had a few drinks, a few laughs, some arguments, but they always had each others backs in combat. Yet, Dominic never lingered around long enough to truly develop a bond.
“Figured you’d might want it back.” Dominic shrugged, ignoring the appreciation. Well, at least tried to. “How about that prototype?”
Well, there went all his plans he had to stay out of his workshop.
Marius raised his brows, almost speechless for a moment. “I… have only tweaked it a couple of times. I’ve been busy with Gus after—“ He raised his wrapped wrist, nodding his head towards it. “This.” Dominic tilted his head, staring at the fresh bandages, despite the subtle movement that was barely noticeable; Marius noticed the twitch of his fingers.
“I’d still like to see it.” Dominic nodded, but those brown eyes were still looking at his wrist that was dropped to his side. Yet, he didn’t ask about what happened, only a small glint of worry was in his gaze. “Unless you’re busy and need—“
“No. Come.” Marius shook his head, already spinning on his heels and heading down to his workshop. Every step seemed hurried, almost like he was excited. Excited for his friend to see his work, to explain, to talk with him again.
If anything, Marius craved it. Strangely enough. It was an anomaly, different—new. But for right now, he was more focused on getting the workshop unlocked. He fumbled with his keys, softly hissing when the metal pressed into the sensitivity of his bandaged palm. Dominic took a step forwards, but made no noise. After the small fumble, he quickly unlocked it. Stepping inside, he flicked the lights on and threw his keys to the nearest desk. “You can sit at my desk, let me grab it.” He muttered, waving a hand off. Then, hands already were grabbing a step stool, setting the wooden block on the ground in front of the high up shelf that contained most of his works. There were previous ADS designs, all collecting dust on them. Different colors, paint chipped, some didn’t even look like they were made to stop grenades. However, he was slowly dismantling them and reusing to make different works. Marius plucked the prototype off the shelf, tucking it under his arm as he stepped off the stool. Making his way over to the now sitting Dominic, who was eyeing his desk carefully. The prototype was settled on the wooden desk, Marius leaning over and brushing off pain brushes and screwdrivers, they clattered to the floor. His shoulder was near the other’s face, the closest they had gotten in awhile. Other then that one time in Venezuela, where the two had to practically mush together to hold their position during a mission. “It can only hold up to one EMP and little range. I’m tweaking it to increase the radius and the amount of where it can withhold.” He said proudly, watching Dominic raise his hands and feel the work once again.
Marius took pride in his work, he was confident but not cocky. He strived in this room, the room where he spent most of his time. “And it doesn’t cause devices to static for any amount of time on the first EMP?” Dominic asked, curiously.
“Yes, it can withhold. Your shock wires will not be affected if placed right next to it.” Marius nodded, leaning his hip against the desk and folded his arms. Dominic hummed, but he sounded interested this time. His fingertips ran against the smooth casing, delicately. Marius couldn’t help but be appreciative at the carefulness, knowing Dominic was well aware how Marius was over his work.
“Nice work.” Dominic nodded, eyeing it. Then, abruptly stood up and for a moment, a pang of worry struck within Marius. He didn’t want the other to leave so quickly, not after the other was truly invested in his work. Others would listen of course, but it felt like all the stuff he said went through one ear and out the other. Instead, Dominic grabbed a whiteboard marker and pulled off the cap with a small squeak. “How can we increase the threshold?” Dominic hummed.
All that worry went away in an instant. Instead, Marius grinned.
And grabbed a marker.