Secrets aren't always bad
"Scout?" The Sniper called, as the team had finished clearing up after their evening meal.
"Yo, what's up?" He replied.
"I've found a new hat. Didn't care too much for it me-self, my 'ead 's far too big for it. Thought you might like it."
"Uh, sure – whatever, Mundy."
"Come on, then." Sniper lead Scout on, taking him away from the rest of the rowdy group of mercenaries to his minivan. Scout tottered along behind him skittishly; he was a little nervous – Mundy often kept to himself, why on Earth would he be offering up a hat he found?
Sniper unlocked the minivan door, stepped in and beckoned for Scout to follow. As the younger of the two stepped in, Sniper closed the door behind them. Scout perked up, as if there was a sudden change of atmosphere that had startled him. "So, pally, about that hat ya got me?" He asked.
"Yeah, it's up here, one second, mate," Sniper answered, reaching up on top of one of the cupboards. He fumbled around for a few seconds, then pulled down a grey flat cap. He tossed it to Scout.
"Nice! Thanks. Wanna head back now?" Scout said.
"Wait." Mundy seemed to let it out unintentionally. "Let's just… talk for a while."
Scout looked at him uneasily. Despite his arrogant nature, he could sense that something was bothering Sniper. Not wanting to give on that he had any weak points, he spoke as casually as he could, "somethin' botherin' ya, tough guy?" Mundy sensed he was trying to keep the mood light, but he couldn't help but let things slip.
"Scout… I…" He broke down and let his head fall in his hands. Slightly taken aback by this, Scout was struggling to find the right words.
"C'mon pal," he started to stutter, not used to this type of situation around his colleagues, "I-I d-dunno what to do here, ya gotta tell me." Sniper looked up at Scout and shook his head, then letting it fall back in his hands.
"I can't, I really just can't."
Scout let his guard down, put his arm over Sniper's shoulders and said "O.K., in your own time."
Mundy eventually pulled himself together, looked at Scout for a second or two, and started to speak, "don't tell anyone about this, just don't. Promise me that much, at least."
"Sure, man, I promise. Just don't turn out to be a Spy or something, will ya?" Scout tried to make light of things again.
"I love you, Scout." Mundy said, softly. "I'm sorr-" before Sniper could finish, Scout covered his mouth.
"Don't be sorry." Scout said, as he started to blush. "It's just… a bit of a shock, that's all."
"You think I'm a freak, don't you?" Sniper muttered.
"No, I don't. I got somethin' to tell you, too, Sniper."
"What is it?" Sniper said, hopefully.
"Maybe I should just show you. That'd be best, yeah." Scout started to sound more nervous than Sniper did previously. He turned around and slowly lifted his shirt, Sniper watched closely, wondering what it was that Scout wanted to show him. Scout turned around, out of the darkest corner of the van. Around his chest was a series of bandages and tape. His lip quivered and his eyes went watery. Scout stood up and put his hands on Scout's shoulders, smiling at him.
"I think you're the most handsome boy I've ever laid eyes on, whatever's on your chest won't change that." Sniper whispered, gently. Scout blushed and closed his eyes, leaning towards Mundy. The two men kissed slowly.
"I've been alone for a very long time, kid." Sniper said.
"I've always been alone." Scout admitted, looking away.
"Tonight, if it suits your fancy, we can change that," the Sniper said, his accent and soothing voice resonating in Scout's ears. The transman blushed, clutching onto Sniper and pulling in closer, hiding his face in his chest.
"I wanna be with you, Mundy," said Scout, "I love you, too."