Brick's P.O.V.
Being at war is such a bittersweet feeling. You're defending your country and of course that's something to be proud of. But at the same time, you have to kill opposing soldiers that are only trying to do the same thing you are. I can't help but imagine the reactions of a fallen soldier's family and friends when they get the news. I wish I could single-handedly apologize to all of them… if they even wanted to hear it from me.
At least he went out honorable, I thought as I successfully shot a crouching soldier in the head. When I was sure he was dead, I let go of my combat rifle with one hand to salute his unmoving figure on the ground. The soldier next to me—Shawn, I think, saw me and did the same. I think I've done that for every soldier I've shot down today...
I guess all heroes have to die sometime.
I let out a heavy sigh. What am I doing? It was time to suck it up a long time ago. My drill sergeant always told me "It's kill or be killed out there. So do what must be done." He was always a little harder on me than others, because "my sympathetic and kind nature isn't what the army needs."
But my dad was very kind, and he was an iconic figure for me to look up to… he did just fine.
"Brick, no more enemy in sight, you ready to move?" Shawn asked, moving a bit closer to me.
"Affirmative."
As soon as we got up though, I felt a bullet sink through my upper thigh. Instinctively I grabbed the wound and dropped back onto the ground while Shawn shot the other guy… hopefully. I bit my hand to keep myself from screaming, the coppery taste of blood fresh on my tongue.
"Brick! Are you alright?" Shawn put his hand on my back and stared at me, worry and a mix of guilt written all over his face.
I wanted to scream. One: at Shawn, for telling me the area was clear, leading to the burning hole in my thigh. And Two: in pain, because it feels like a burning hot knife just plunged deep into my skin.
But I didn't. One: because I know he didn't do it on purpose and was truly sorry. I don't want this weighing down on him while he's supposed to be fully focused out here. And Two: biting my hand kinda distracts me from the pain in my thigh, if that makes a bit of sense.
"I'm alright. Can you just—"
"Of course." He cut me off and threw his arm around my waist, and I put mine around his shoulder.
"Thanks."
"No problem. It's the least I could do after… you know… your leg and—"
"It's okay, private. I'm sure I wouldn't have seen him there either. Things happen." He gave me an appreciative smile, and I returned it. He then helped me move to another spot to scout out enemy troops in.
Wait… what are we doing again? And why is this guy this holding me like this? I moved away from him then heard a loud pop, and I covered my head in instinct. What was that!? My breathing was hurried and heavy. The guy next to me looked at me and placed his hand on my arm, which I immediately brushed off. Why is he touching me?!
"Brick are you okay? You look a little pale…?"
"I'm fine! Why wouldn't I be!?" He tried to grab my shoulders, to my frustration. "Stop touching me!"
"Whoa!" he snatched his hands back and held them openly next to his head. "Are you upset with me about your leg? I thought you said it—"
"My what?" I said as I weakly grabbed my head. I was feeling weak, dizzy, and annoyed all at the same time. Not to mention I was sweating—a lot. My uniform was actually getting damp from it.
"I'm sorry but we don't have time for this. We'll talk about it when we're back at base."
What base? I dropped the subject when I suddenly… passed out?
"Brick!" was all I could faintly hear before it was replaced with this… ringing.
.
.
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If you don't get the way he died(yes, Brick's dead), it's fine. I'm going to explain it next chapter. But it has something to do with a very important thing in the thigh. I just don't want to "get medical" here. XD
Buuuuut Challenge time, suckers! Guess who's back!? I swear I put this in one of the author's notes from my last multi- chapter fic. Speaking of that train wreck, it's time for this one to completely butcher that one! You guys are really sweet, but let's face it… LBWT was a disaster. I wanted to go back to that as kind of a reflection, BUT I really can't read it again without cringing. Despite that I'd say it's pretty good for a first story, no? (don't read it. I just keep it up for development purposes. Like "oh she's came a long way at first she was doing this and now she's better at that" type of thing.)
But, in order to keep this going good, I'm going to need some constructive criticism! I really like it! Just like how I like how kind you guys are! uwu
One thing: should I make my chapters shorter? Like I just said they'll be shorter, but they'll be ready faster…? I'm conflicted so I need some opinions!
P.s. the next chapter might take a little longer than expected because I have a bunch of ideas kinda jumbled up in my mind and I need to organize them. /.\
~JockShipper