The Only Logic I Follow

The Hacker's Defense

Life in the Bureau had settled into a rhythm defined by the combined Task Force's success. Gemini and Fourth were openly together, the intensity of their relationship now a source of admiration rather than gossip. However, the general dislike of Fourth's non-traditional role still bubbled beneath the surface among old-guard field agents.

​The latest source of friction came during a quarterly review of new security mandates. Fourth, leading the implementation for the Cyber Division, encountered fierce, unfounded opposition from a veteran field agent named Agent Larson.

​"Agent Fourth, this new multi-factor authentication is tactically unsound," Larson declared loudly in the open common area, hoping to undermine the hacker in front of the team. "It adds two minutes to every access sequence. Your complexity is a liability in the field. We need brute force speed, not your quick-witted elegance."

​Fourth, sitting next to Gemini at the tactical table, maintained his cool, but his dark eyes sharpened with professional irritation. He prepared to use his sassy wit to dismantle the field agent's argument.

​The Analyst's Defense

​Before Fourth could speak, Gemini intervened. He didn't use aggression or authority; he used cold, calm, intellectual defense—a clear sign he had fully absorbed Joong's advice.

​Gemini pushed his chair back, his presence drawing attention. "Agent Larson, the complexity is a necessity," Gemini stated, his dark gaze steady and unwavering. "Agent Fourth designed this sequence to counter the very type of quantum data sniffer Vane employed. The two minutes of authentication saves us forty-eight hours of data recovery."

​Gemini walked over to the main screen, bringing up a complex, multi-layered diagram of the new security framework. "You prefer simplicity, Larson. Agent Fourth prefers absolute security. His 'elegance' is a matter of superior methodology. You trust your life to your weapon; I trust my life to his code. If you cannot adapt to his security framework, then your methods—not his—are the liability."

​The defense was flawless. Gemini had used his lead agent status not to dominate, but to amplify Fourth's intelligence, publicly defending his partner's methodology over the entire field hierarchy. The effect on Agent Larson, who relied on protocol, was immediate: silenced and intellectually cornered.

​The Hacker's Gratitude

​Fourth watched the entire exchange, the need for his own smart mouth completely negated by Gemini's articulate, absolute faith. His eyes softened instantly, filling the air with the profound warmth of gratitude. This was the constancy he had confessed he needed.

​Later, the team was alone in the quiet quadrant. Fourth walked over to Gemini's desk, not with a command, but with a simple, private act of devotion. He gently took the agent's hand and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his palm, right over the rough calluses that spoke of the risk he took daily.

​"That wasn't necessary, Agent Gemini," Fourth murmured, his light eyes shining with love.

​"It was absolutely necessary, Agent Fourth," Gemini countered, pulling the hacker into a tender, possessive embrace. "I love your sassiness, but your mind is mine to protect. I will not let anyone in this Bureau question your worth."

​He kissed Fourth, slow and deep, a promise of eternal partnership.

​The Enduring Bond

​The supportive couples watched the intimate exchange with quiet approval. Pond and Phuwin exchanged a knowing glance, recognizing the strength built on honest communication. Perth grunted, then quickly pulled Santa into a rough, affectionate headlock—his own unique expression of love and dependency.

​Winny and Satang continued their quiet collaboration, their hands brushing over a shared keyboard. Satang leaned in, his voice low, "Their defense strategy was optimal, Winny. Predictable in its loyalty, unpredictable in its execution. We should model the next firewall after their power dynamics."

​Winny smiled, pressing a light kiss to the hacker's temple. "Agreed. Maximum security, minimum protocol."

​Gemini and Fourth separated, their eyes locked in a shared moment of absolute security. The dark and broody isolation was a distant memory. Gemini was now the calm, steady force, completely devoted to the brilliant chaos of the man who had taught him how to love and how to live.