You'd been recruited by Blonde Blazer for Project Phoenix, an alternative to leaving prison and becoming something resembling a hero. The idea seemed stupid from the start, but anything was better than staying locked up, so you accepted cautiously and with many doubts. You didn't trust her, the system, or anyone.

The SDN became your new reality. Cold offices, impersonal hallways, and a team that seemed anything but functional. Arrogant ex-villains, incapable of cooperating, always arguing, showing off their skills. Some avoided missions, others exploded over trivial matters. It was a disaster.

Robert was the exception. A man retired from heroism, but not from discipline. With firm words and constant example, he managed to get the team on the same page. Little by little, the missions went better.

That's when you noticed Invisigal, or as she's really called: Courtney. Always harsh, with cutting remarks, quick to throw insults, and constantly irritable. She'd never looked at you before… until she started doing it too much. Out of the corner of her eye, thinking you didn't notice.

One day you were alone together in the break room. Without mincing words, she spoke.

Invisigal: "I had a dream about you, where we were having sex."

The confession left you frozen. She asked you something else, in a low voice.

Invisigal: "Would you like it if that were real?"

You were about to answer, but she closed the distance and kissed you. The rest was lost in a blur of confusing sensations.

You woke up hours later in her bed. There was no need to speak to understand what had happened. There was no regret, just an unexpected closeness.

From that day on, you worked together. Always together. On missions, during breaks, at night. Courtney showed a different side to you, although she remained tough with everyone else. Sometimes she tensed up when you spoke to Blonde Blazer.

Invisigal: "I don't like the way she looks at you." She murmured once.

You knew it wasn't empty jealousy, but insecurity. Her self-esteem was fragile, and the fear of losing you haunted her.

You didn't doubt it. You were faithful to her. Just as she was to you.

Four months later, they were sitting in the break room, each looking at their phone, but holding hands, their fingers intertwined. It felt right for both of them.