Author's notes: Second chapter is here though I must warn you; it's shorter. Not without a purpose! This little side-bit is rather important to the main plot so keep your eyes peeled. Onwards to enjoyment!
Chapter 2: Rivalry in the Rain
RED's Spy disliked the rain but he had no desire to hang out in base all day like a kid stuck inside wishing they could have fun. He was a free man to come and go as he pleased. An overhang somewhere in the lands between enemy territory and home was where he sat smoking and enjoying the quiet. The small supply shack was cozy, and filled with provisions stocked from both sides. It passed hands during combat more times than a hooker on base. When there was no conflict nobody gave this small structure any heed. Except him of course. An added bonus was it was out of that BLU sniper's sight, something that saved him his share of trouble. Silent footfalls, barely audible in the rain crept up beside him. A cloak dropped to reveal BLU's spy. The two regarded each other carefully.
A moment passed.
"You're getting sloppy my old rival. I knew you were coming this time." Red Spy went back to looking ahead of him. "I'm getting sloppy? You who stand out here in plain sight without a care in the world? For shame 'Spy'." the other tsked smoothly before leaning against the wall beside the other. BLU's Spy held out his hand idly in silent askance. RED considered it then placed in the outstretched palm one of his cigarettes. BLU nodded before lighting up. They smoked in companionable silence, enjoying the others presence. "Any free news from your side?" the red dressed one asked finally. His companion took a long drag and looked at the white stick between his fingers, mulling over it as he thought of their current events. "We have an issue being kept under wraps. I have a strong feeling it involves our safety." the red spoke in a contemplative tone. Blue coat shrugged, "Does that mean you're in trouble? I'm the only one who should have the honor of killing you." there was an edge to his smooth voice and a glint to his eye that the BLU Spy noticed. "I do not know. Likewise though, my friend. How about your REDs? Anything worthy to note?" BLU Spy asked in a voice of feigned interest. Silence. The two of them smoked, neither pressing the other. "I see a rift. That new medic is unwittingly causing some minor infighting. I'm keeping my eyes on the situation."
"Infighting? From a Medic? Whatever is he doing?" red asked, curious. Blue shrugged, "Lowest in the pack. It is not so much him rather than how the group reacts to him. One side likes to torment the man, the other side wishes to coddle him. The two sides find each other with a conflict in interest as a result and now they are squabbling pettily." RED Spy nodded, keeping this information in mind for use. The two did not say anything once more, each contemplating the news they received, trying to figure out strategies as they stood just beyond the reach of the rain.
Hours later BLU spy sauntered back into base, contented with his outing. "Had fun playing with your friend, Porfirio?" a voice asked him from the side. Jack. "Why yes my leader, I did very much so. Our visits are always interesting." the spy smirked almost impishly. "Give it to me simple. What's the news?" Jack fell into step with the masked man who appeared to be thinking about what to say. "They are fighting like children over on RED over their new recruit." he said, amused at his description. "Infighting? Thank god. They'll be less coordinated that means come battle time." there was definitive relief in the BLU leader's voice. "Are you going to tell me what has you yelling at our scout and spending long hours in your workshop yet or shall I learn things my own way?" Porfirio asked idly. Jack sighed, exhaustion was evident in him through his slumped shoulders. "Nothing I want the men to know about yet. I'm hoping to resolve the issue first before mentioning it." he spoke tiredly, glancing up at the taller man. "You'll have my silence; of this I swear." the spy said solemnly. "Right, I'll update you on things later, come to my workshop. God knows, I'll probably need your area of expertise before the end of this." Jack conceded; he was right too. Stealth would be key for dealing with the fallout.
RED base did not notice when their spy came back in. Or they did but no one cared. They were busy doing other things to entertain themselves. Pyro tried to say something to him but it was lost to the muffling of his mask. Spy waved him off and continued on his way to the barracks. The trunk at the end of his cot was the target and with deft fingers he opened the chest containing his personal belongings. There was a single picture nestled on the bottom that he pulled out. He didn't need the dim lighting to see the figures in the photograph; he knew them by heart. Two boys wrestling in the park on a lone Saturday afternoon in their hometown. Each was dirty and had big smiles upon their faces. "Those your nephews?" a voice asked from behind him. Stern and foreboding, it was Soldier who asked. Was that his cover story? "Yes, they are fine lads." he smiled, holding out the picture clasped in two fingers. "Strapping young boys I see. They should join the army when they're of age." the man complimented. Spy nodded before putting the image back into his trunk. "That is their dream. Not that they can make up their mind which of the sides to choose." he laughed lightly, sitting upon his cot and lighting a new cigarette. "Well if they join the BLU then I look forward to the honor of killing them someday." Soldier said diplomatically. Spy rolled his eyes, if only they knew.
The two spies had grown up together in their small hometown. They were neighbors and close friends. Each with the single desire to one-up the other. Be it grades, or girls, or accomplishments; each would work hard to see the other at the bottom. Soon enough they started to actively sabotage each other until finally they came of age for recruitment. Porfirio and he had been unable to agree on a side. Both BLU and RED paid the same, had roughly the same numbers, and were tied in their conflicts. Ideologically the one side was more open than the other. Red preferred anonymity where as BLU enjoyed unity. After many arguments they settled upon joining the other side and besting one another in the fields of conflict. Now instead of women, the spies stole information. Instead of grades, they had kills, and to bring the other to the bottom, they had to kill one another. They were dead even after this last battle once more. This was their game though. Men close enough to be brothers with a strong, bordering on psychotic, competitive edge. After the war they figured they'd take up fishing or some other new hobby. Until then, they would fight and their sides as far as RED Spy was aware did not know the twos' history. Something, he decided, was a very good thing. No one wanted to know that they were merely pawns in the grander scheme of things; it affected the game that way.
Author's footnotes: Uh oh... Two spies with a history can never be good now can they? How will this shape the things to come? Find out some other time!