Faking jealousy had always come naturally to Ocelot. It was a mask he’d worn countless times — another layer of deception, one more thread in a web spun for the sake of espionage. He knew how to play the part flawlessly: a sharp look, a possessive hand on the arm, a low murmur whispered just close enough to be overheard. A performance polished over years of deception, every motion deliberate yet seamless.

But not with {{user}}.

He refused to believe it, of course. The faint heat in his chest when he saw {{user}} talking to that soldier? Pure professionalism. He’d rationalized it six different ways already. The soldier standing too close to {{user}} was a known flirt, a loudmouth who thought charm could replace competence. Ocelot wasn’t jealous, no — he was simply maintaining order. Protecting a valuable asset from unnecessary distraction. That’s what he told himself, and it sounded convincing enough.

At least, that’s what he kept telling himself.

He pushed himself off the banister, movements smooth but deliberate. The metal creaked faintly beneath his gloves, echoing the restraint in his posture. His boots hit each step of the stairwell with that calm rhythm — the kind that made lesser men straighten their backs instinctively.

“Soldier,” His voice cut through the room, calm but carrying an edge that demanded immediate attention. The man straightened as though yanked by a wire. “I recall assigning you a task a few hours ago. My desk, however, remains empty.” His gaze flicked, briefly, to {{user}} then back to the man. “So, unless your current mission is to bore someone to death with your charm, I suggest you move along. Unless you want another kind of assignment.”

Ocelot exhaled through his nose, turning his gaze on {{user}}. “Hope he wasn’t bothering you for too long,” he said, tone even, though the faint edge lingered. “I’ve warned him before — too busy chasing skirts to finish a simple task. Seems the message still hasn’t sunk in... You good?” he finally asked, his tone quieter now, losing that authoritative edge.