VriXian AU Compilation [ Part 1 ]

TMC 5

***

Christian sat on the plush couch of the high-security safe house, his arms crossed as he watched the large television screen in front of him. The place was nothing short of luxurious—modern furniture, sleek designs, and state-of-the-art security systems installed in every corner. But despite the comfort, he felt like a prisoner.

"You do realize I'm not some criminal you have to lock up, right?" he muttered, shifting his gaze to the man standing by the window. "Ang seryoso mo naman palagi, Colonel. Hindi ba pwedeng ngumiti ka minsan? Nakakatakot ka kaya."

Vrix Gallano, clad in his dark tactical uniform, didn't even spare him a glance. His sharp eyes were trained on the streets outside, scanning for any threats. His entire body was rigid, a man carved from steel and discipline.

"You're under my protection, Dr. Martinez. Hindi ito vacation. Kung gusto mong mabuhay, sumunod ka."

Christian rolled his eyes, dramatically throwing himself against the couch. "Diyos ko, parang robot ka magsalita. Alam mo bang kapag laging seryoso, nagkaka-wrinkles?"

Vrix turned his head slightly, just enough to give Christian a warning glare. "Kung wala kang matino'ng sasabihin, tumahimik ka na lang."

Christian smirked, leaning forward with a teasing glint in his eyes. "Colonel, seryoso ako. Hindi ka pa ba nagkaka-girlfriend? O baka naman... boyfriend?" He raised a playful eyebrow.

Vrix's jaw tightened. "Huwag mo akong subukan."

Christian chuckled, obviously enjoying himself. "Grabe naman 'to. Ang sungit! Okay, okay. I'll behave."

Every morning, Vrix would personally drive Christian to the hospital. His presence alone was enough to command attention, and every time they arrived, nurses would exchange knowing glances and barely concealed giggles.

As they walked through the hospital corridors, Christian couldn't help but notice the whispers.

"Grabe, ang hot ni Colonel. Ang stiff nga lang."

"Baka naman mahilig sa masungit si Doc Christian?"

"Bagay sila!"

Christian groaned, rubbing his temples. "Nurses, naririnig ko kayo. At mali kayo, hindi kami bagay."

One of the nurses, Fruiittie, smirked. "Pero Doc, every day ka sinusundo at hinahatid ni Colonel, tapos lagi siyang nasa tabi mo? Hindi ka ba kinikilig?"

Vrix, who had been standing silently beside Christian, finally spoke. "Kung tapos na kayong magtsismisan, baka gusto ninyong bumalik sa trabaho niyo." His voice was calm, but the sharp edge made everyone straighten up immediately.

The nurses hurried away, giggling under their breath. Christian sighed. "Colonel, ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit nagkakaganito sila. You're too intense."

"Focus on your work, Dr. Martinez. Hindi mo trabaho ang makipaglandian."

Christian gasped dramatically. "Wow! So you admit, nilalandi ako?"

Vrix shot him a glare before walking ahead. "Sumunod ka na lang."

Christian grinned. "Sungit pero may care."

Days passed, and despite Christian's relentless teasing, a strange sense of normalcy settled between them. Vrix was still the cold, no-nonsense soldier, but Christian noticed the subtle changes—the way Vrix positioned himself slightly in front of him whenever they were in a crowded area, how he always checked the car before letting Christian in, and how his eyes would scan the surroundings like a hawk, always on guard.

One evening, as they sat in the safe house, Christian glanced at Vrix. "Colonel, seryoso. Bakit mo ako binabantayan ng ganito? May iba namang pwedeng gawin 'yan, diba?"

Vrix looked at him, his gaze unreadable. "Because you're a target. My job is to keep you safe. Nothing more."

Christian hummed, a small smile playing on his lips. "Nothing more, huh?" He leaned back, closing his eyes. "Well, kahit nakakatakot ka minsan, at least, I feel safe."

Vrix didn't respond, but for the first time, he didn't look away either.