‼️ PAUSED ‼️ ❝ 𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐀 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘 ❞ ~ [ᵂᵉˡᶜᵒᵐᵉ ᴴᵒᵐᵉ/ᴿᶠ ᵂᵃˡˡʸ ˣ ᴼᶜ]

[𝟑𝟑.] 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜

               _______ 💉 ______
  
  
  
Walden found himself caught in a cacophony of heavy rock and pop music that reverberated through the bar's speakers.
He couldn't help but muse about Vincent, whether he could endure such a racket.
However, his assumptions were shattered when he witnessed the "ever determined and hardened commander" attempting to shield his ears from the assault of sound.
  
  
  
Vincent, attempting to maintain his composed demeanor, raised an eyebrow at Walden's amused expression.
"I prefer a more tactical environment." He admitted, his voice cutting through the music.
  
  
  
"Well, it seems even the mighty Commander has a weak spot for loud music."
Walden chuckled, a rare glimpse behind the steely exterior.
  
  
  
"Let's just say my ears are more attuned to the sound of gunfire and strategy discussions."
  
  
  
Undeterred by the noise, the duo continued to maneuver through the crowded bar.
The music resonated in every corner, a stark contrast to the high-stakes missions they were accustomed to.
Despite the chaotic environment, they navigated their way toward a VIP room, a refuge purchased by the team using their hard-earned savings.
After all, what's a break without a place to temporarily escape the frenzy?
  
  
  
As they entered the VIP room, the music muffled to a bearable level.
The atmosphere shifted from the boisterous bar to a more private and relaxed space.
The team had pooled their resources to secure this haven, a testament to their camaraderie and mutual understanding.
  
  
  
  
As they settled into the VIP room, the ambient noise allowed for more personal conversations.
The music outside created a barrier that shielded them from prying ears.
Vincent, still adjusting to the abrupt change in auditory assault, removed his hands from his ears and surveyed the VIP room.
Dim lights, plush seating, and a sense of exclusivity surrounded them.
It was a stark contrast to the lively chaos outside.
  
  
  
As Walden sat across from the steely commander in the VIP room, he couldn't shake the realization that, despite their shared experiences, there was much about Vincent that remained a mystery.
The lingering misunderstanding from two years ago had colored his perception of the commander, leading to a deep-seated resentment.
  
  
He remembered the disdain he felt when Vincent questioned his work at the Rainbow Factory.
However, with the passage of time and the unfolding events of their recent mission, Walden began to sense that there was more to Vincent than met the eye.
The immoral workings of the Rainbow Factory, once veiled in secrecy, had sprawled far and wide, its operation known to some.
  
  
  
As Walden observed Vincent in the dimly lit VIP room, he pondered the complexities of the man he had once disliked.
The commander's decision to cease questioning everything, to accept the grim reality without resistance, spoke volumes about the challenges he faced.
It was a realization that, perhaps, questioning the moral fabric of their work was a futile endeavor.
  
  
  

  

  
  
  
Walden, feeling a subtle shift in the atmosphere, decided to lighten the mood. "So, Commander, what's your preferred choice of music? I'm sure someone such as yourself would also have a taste towards music."
  
  
  
"Classical. It has a certain elegance that aligns with precision and order."
  
  
  
"I would've never guessed. The 'ever determined and hardened commander' enjoying the finesse of classical music."
  
  
  
Vincent's smirk grew into a faint smile. "Appearances can be deceiving, Walden."
  
  
  
  
The VIP lounge, bathed in a cocoon of relative peace, witnessed an abrupt intrusion as the door burst open.
A group of soldiers, in high spirits and laughter, flooded the room, their attention abruptly drawn to the two men at the center of the room.
  
  
Walden, momentarily startled by the sudden disruption, exchanged a glance with the commander.
The boisterous laughter of the soldiers echoed through the space, creating a contrast to the quietude that had enveloped the room just moments before.
  
  
As the soldiers scanned the room, their eyes eventually settled on the duo of Vincent and Walden.
The boisterous laughter dwindled into curious glances as the soldiers processed the unexpected sight of the commander and the Head Experimenter.
  
  
  
One soldier, his drink raised in a toast, greeted the pair with a mix of surprise and drunken amusement,
"Well, well, look who we have here.
The commander and the Head Experimenter! What's the occasion here, gentlemen?"
  
  
  
Vincent, unfazed by the attention, responded with a composed demeanor, "Just a moment of respite, boys. Join us if you like."
  
  
  
The soldiers, their initial surprise transforming into camaraderie, approached with drinks in hand.
The atmosphere shifted from hushed curiosity to shared laughter and conversations.
However, one soldier, perhaps emboldened by the relaxed setting, couldn't resist making a playful comment.
  
  
"I thought you two only went out for a drink and takeout, not for a cozy date in our VIP lounge." He teased, earning chuckles from his comrades.
  
  
  
And then, there was Slick Nick, known for his light-hearted banter, added his own touch of humor,
"Maybe there's more to this partnership than meets the eye.
Are you two keeping secrets from us, hm?"
  
  
  
"As I said, it's just a moment of respite, nothing much."