Embemxrabbit: I'm glad to help (: I'm also glad that you're enjoying this. It's very fun to write, as I've said before, and it makes me absolutely overjoyed when I see others having as much fun as I am. There'll be plenty of Gideon x Sam in this chapter, possibly with a little surprise somewhere in there? But my lips are sealed. Hehehe. I can honestly say it's taken over my life as well lol. There's just so much packed into one game. Every time I play the mission "Collapse" I fangirl so hard at the beginning cutscene, because Gideon and Jack are just so perfect and hot and amazing and ugghh! Every now and then I stop and ask myself what's wrong with me, but then I rationalize that there are others out there— like you!— that feel the same way about these characters. Plus, they're real people, so there's that lol. Sorry for this weird long rant thing lol. Please, enjoy this chapter!
Aubrey1207: Yes, it's quite depressing. But knowing me, I'll probably write these chapters out during school whenever I get the chance lol. Updates on weekdays will probably be a rare occurrence, though I'll try to make it happen. Awwe, thanks! I've always liked replying back this way. It's more fun than doing that weird PM stuff (PM-ing honestly scares me, for whatever reason lol). Well I'm glad I can make you smile (: And really? Wow! Self-confidence just went from below average to extremely high. Thanks for the feedback! And please let me know if any part seems a tad slow or choppy, okay? I usually finish writing these chapters in the early hours of the morning, so I'd imagine it'd be more flawed than normal. Shout out any mistakes you find! Ahhh, I'm really excited for you to read this chapter! I think you're gonna be really happy (or at least, I hope you will be lol)! Happy reading! (:
PFC. Awesomeness: Thanks for the review! I try my best with that, since I've probably got a different way of looking at the characters than others do. If something seems a little unbelievable, then don't hesitate to point it out! I want to keep Gideon and Sam's "relationship" a little strained and confusing for right now (but I'm not sure if I'm correctly pulling it off). The reasons for that will be mentioned later on when Sam addresses it herself and yells at Gideon. So until then, sit back, relax, and enjoy the shortness between chapters while it lasts! Oh, and here's a little tip/cheat: if the title of the chapter isn't from a mission in the campaign, chances are, there won't be as much Jack. Of course, there are exceptions, but yeah. I'm curious to see what you think of this chapter!
Masmp31: I'm happy you like it! Thanks for the review (: Here's an update for ya!
Author's Note: As always, you guys just warm my heart with all the love you're throwin' out. Unfortunately I've gotta say, this might be the last chapter for a while. I'll try to get ch. five out on Sunday as well, but no promises. As soon as I go back to school I have to work on a presentation I've got the 13th, and that'll probably take up most of my free time. At the very latest, chapter six will be up this upcoming weekend. I have successfully been able to hold myself back until this point, which is quite an accomplishment, in my opinion. Interested to see what you all think of the twist, so be sure to press that adorable little review button down below! I hope you're all having a wonderful day! Here's Traffic!
P.S: The deltoid is a muscle in your shoulder, in case someone didn't know that (I didn't either until I asked my dad for help..whatevs). Look it up on Google if you wanna know specifically where it is (I did). I apologize in advance if anything regarding injury or bullet wounds or blood mentioned in this chapter is incorrect in any way! I'm not a doctor, just a teenage girl who watches a lot of gory war movies/shows and kind of throws shit together. So forgive me if something doesn't match up! And if it doesn't, be sure to tell me in a review (or PM, if absolutely necessary).
Side Note: This is more for me so I can keep everything straight, but I'll put it here anyways. In 2054, Gideon is 29, Jack is 27, and Ilona and Sam are 25. Joker's age is unknown, but I'm guessing he's in his late-twenties/early-thirties, with Jack. It's kind of confusing because of the fact that the Advanced Warfare campaign stretches across a number of years, but hopefully this clears up the confusion. Thanks to Call of Duty Wikia for being the real MVP and helping me with all the facts and dates and little things. I'd be nowhere without you!
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC, Samantha Irons. Everything/everyone else belongs to Sledgehammer Games, Activision, High Moon, Raven, and anyone else I missed. All rights go to their respective owners; I'm writing this purely for entertainment.
Warning: The following chapters contain spoilers for the game Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Read at your own discretion.
Update: This chapter has been slightly changed, mostly in the part where Sam has to get over the wall with a wounded arm. Instead of taking around 5 minutes to get over the damn thing, she now only takes like 2. She jumps, Gideon pulls her up, and Jack catches her. Previously, she climbed from the ground up, had Gideon's help, then had Jack catch her. I made her less of a wuss and had her push through the physical pain to continue on with the mission.
"After Korea I thought I was done. But Irons gave me something to believe in. It's one thing to get your foot in the door. Next, you gotta prove you belong there. I got my first chance two months later." –Jack Mitchell
March 7th, 2055
"Just over 12 hours ago, Nigerian Prime Minister Semuel Abidoyo was taken hostage while attending an international technology summit in Lagos. We believe this to be the work of the KVA— a leading anti-Western terrorist organization founded by former Chechen separatists. The location and true identity of its leader, codename "Hades", remains unknown. While the motivation for this abduction is unclear, it is with in keeping a series of bolder attacks attributed to the KVA over the past several years. Your mission is to link up with host nation forces under the command of Captain Ajani and effect the immediate release of the PM."
I listen to the computer— whose name I found out to be "Narrator"— explain the upcoming mission to Gideon. He, like the rest of us, is suited up and ready to leave at a moment's notice. Jack glances up at me in worry before messing around with the Fly Drone. My stomach twists on itself. This is Jack's first mission, and my first mission with everyone— 'everyone' being Gideon, Joker, and Jack. To say I'm nervous and excited is an understatement. "These amateurs think they understand hostage rescue. We'll show 'em how it's done," he says to no one in particular.
Joker and I grab a few crates full of weapons that we'll need when we arrive. He gives me a nod in thanks when I set them down and brush off my gloves. My eyes can't help but wander back to Gideon. These past two months have been odd, to say the least. We've been training together still, and it seems like that's only time he's ever actually normal. Outside of training, his actions are a mystery. One day, he'd be laughing and shootin' the shit with the rest of us; the next, he'd give everyone the cold shoulder. It was infuriating to Ilona, who hates being ignored. But still, no one questioned it, deciding a moody Brit was better than a pissed off one.
Worry is starting to eat at me from the inside, gnawing its way outward until it becomes unavoidable. After this mission, I promise myself, I'll talk to him. It's not like I've been avoiding him the past two months— more like the other way around. Mostly all my attempts to talk to Gideon have been brushed off or flat-out ignored, and it's starting to hurt. Have I done something? I'd ask myself, chewing my thumb nail out of anxiety. After this mission, I'll talk to him— force him, if I have to. Either way, I'll find out what's going on inside his head.
"Waitin' on you, rookie," Gideon says to Jack, shaking me from my thoughts. He picks up the crate beside the table and walks over to us.
"Yeah hang on a sec alright, the, uh… the sync is still off," is Jack's reply as he continues to mess with the Drone. "Okay, I got it," he says proudly. "These things are pretty impressive. Whoa!"
The fly comes buzzing over, right in Gideon's face. He smiles, "try not to fall in love with the toys. It still comes down to the soldier that uses them," the Brit explains after pointing at the fly. Jay stalks over to the crates again and I can sense his impatience. Jack comes over to my side, fiddling with the remote. His expression is so focused and intense that I can't help but laugh.
"Gideon, my men are in position. We are ready to commence operations at your word," Ajani's voice informs over the radio.
We grab out gear and double check everything before we head out. "Copy. We roll hard in five."
Picking up my shiny ARX, I listen quietly as Gideon pokes fun at Jack. "Try not to get us killed out there, rookie."
"Roger that." I smirk at his sarcastic and quiet reply, following Joker over to the elevator. We kit up and wait for the signal.
On a rooftop overlooking the building containing the PM, we wait patiently. The Nigerian forces have their trucks and guns set out all around the front of the building, telling the hostiles inside to come out peacefully and they won't be harmed. "Mitchell, you're up," Gideon nods, motioning Jack forward. He lets the Fly climb into the air for a moment before flipping on the controls. We watch the screen, trying not to crowd Jack. He twitches a little when my breath touches his neck. Sorry, I mentally exclaim, shifting away.
"Fly drone's live. Sending you the feed," Joker says as he connects the drone's camera to the rest of ours. I sit back on the roof, ARX in hand, as I watch the drone's movements from my own screen.
Gideon, who's crouched beside me, watches as well. "Steady now," he cautions. "Approaching target building," he informs as the fly slips through a window. It begins scanning the faces of the hostiles by the windows, continuing on to the back of the building.
Joker puts a hand to his earpiece before nodding in confirmation. "We got multiple KVA, south room on the second floor," he reports. After being told to keep moving by Gideon, the fly winds through windows and rooms. "Conference room up ahead," Jay adds. My breath catches in my throat as the fly goes for a narrow opening into the room. I sigh in relief as it makes it into the room unharmed.
The fly takes in the hostages and KVA soldiers guarding them before turning its camera to the PM, Hades, and another hostage who's bleeding profusely. "There's the Prime Minister, boss, and look who's with him," Joker says verbalizing our thoughts.
"Hades," Gideon spits in malice as the drone zooms in on the leader of the KVA's face.
Joker shifts in anticipation. "We gonna bag 'im?"
"The PM's our first priority," the Brit replies, though I can tell he wants to take out the terrorist badly. We go silent as Hades begins to speak.
"We are all men… born to die. Some guilty, some innocent. The only question is when and how."
The PM rushes forward, desperate. "Look, we live by God's grace. His killing will achieve nothing!"
I bite my lip, bracing for what's about to happen. Hades whips his pistol out, pressing it against the hostage's temple. "You are mistake," he counters calmly, pulling the trigger.
"No!" The PM shouts as blood sprays across the table and his shirt. He leans forward, bound hands shaking.
Hades leans forward as well, so he's right beside the dead man's head. "It will achieve a great deal."
Gideon, who was watching silently up until the last moment, pushes the mic on his vest. "Prophet, they just executed a hostage. We're striking now," he explains, throwing out a hand to me. Without hesitating, I reach up and grab it, butterflies in my stomach at the contact. After I'm on my feet, Gideon raises his weapon, readying it.
"Copy, Atlas two-one, you have execute authority."
Joker puts a finger to his earpiece. "All teams, we're green, we're green!"
I follow Gideon as Jack puts the controls away before picking up a weapon. I take in his wide eyes and steady movements— he's been dying for this moment, and it's finally here. Jack has to prove himself, like I did months ago. This is his initiation. "Three mikes to phase alpha. Clock's on," Gideon informs beside me.
Ajani quickly comes over and puts a hand on his vest. "If we attack now, they will kill the Prime Minister!" He panics, accent coating his words and making them slurred.
"They'll kill him anyway," Gideon argues softly. He understands that Ajani isn't prepared for this. He understands that it's stressful to someone who hasn't done it 5 million times before. He understands, but that's why they called in Atlas. "We'll get him out alive," the Captain says easily, like we're just preparing to run the sim. With a nod, Gideon begins to job away, followed shortly after by Ajani.
"Keep it tight," Joker orders to Jack, who looks slightly lost.
With a smirk, I look up at the spiky haired man. "Isn't that what you tell all your girlfriends?" Jay laughs with a shake of his head as we crouch beside Gideon and a few other Atlas operatives.
"Incoming vidlink from command," Prophet explains a moment before my father appears on the screen.
"Let's show them what Atlas can do," father begins proudly. "The KVA have been terrorizing this region for far too long. It's time to send them a message."
As he does his little speech, we run into the building before us, Gideon at the front. "A hand shake with the Prime Minister, I could turn this entire region around. So take him alive… no pressure," my father smirks. He's far too confident in our abilities, I think with a scoff. No one is perfect. But we're damn close, my brain argues cockily.
"Pressure? What pressure?" Gideon asks sarcastically, though I can tell he fully believes that this mission will be a success. And why not? He's one of the best soldiers in Atlas, with three just-as-good ones under his command.
"Good luck," my father smiles before the vidlink cuts out.
Joker tries the door, but it doesn't budge. "Locked."
"Mitchell, bust it," Gideon orders from beside me on the stairs. I glance behind me to see him less than a foot away. When he notices my gaze, he winks at me and follows Jack outside. My cheeks heat up and I roll my eyes.
"My men are in position," Ajani confirms to Gideon. We all stop and watch the scene unfold before us for a moment, then Gideon jumps back into action.
"No one fires unless we give the word," he orders firmly, staring Ajani down. The man nods and voices his understanding. "Let's go." I turn to follow as the men climb onto an AC unit and then onto train tracks.
Letting out a steady breath, I give a quick glance over the side. That's a long way down. "I got'cha, Sammy," Jack grins as he stops beside me. Giving him a grateful smile, we follow the others as they rush across the tracks. We jump off the side and land on a roof, then jump off of that.
Gideon approaches the wall, looking at it thoughtfully. "Mag grips on. Up the wall," he says before launching himself at it. I watch as he pulls himself up, like a superhero in a comic book. Adjusting my gloves, I let Jack go first. I hold my breath for a moment, worried about his arm. He continues to ascend without problems. "Move around that window. Your gloves won't stick to it," Gideon explains to Jack as he reaches the top. With a few deep breathes to steady myself, I run and jump up. A laugh of glee escapes my lips as I scale the smooth wall.
"Don't look down, don't look down," I chant quietly as I reach the top. Gideon pulls me over and I nod in thanks. Joker helps Ajani up and we all wait for Jack to put the mute charge in place. As soon as it's been activated to keep the KVA in the conference room from hearing us, Gideon places another device down. I watch in fascination as it cuts a circle through the roof. Just like in Seoul. Quickly banishing the thought, I jump down after Gideon and Jack, my ARX raised and ready.
Taking out a few hostiles hiding behind the desk, I straighten when Joker gives the 'all clear' signal. We rush through the building, toward the conference room. "Hostage room, one hundred meters. This way," Joker says as he leads us to the back.
"Prophet, we've cleared the perimeter building and are moving to the X," Gideon relays quietly.
"Copy, two-one."
I come to a stop beside Ajani as Jack runs forward. "Let's take a look. Joker, Mitchell, you're up." The two men quickly set up the harmonic device while the others and I look on quietly.
"What in be this?" Ajani asks lowly in wonder.
Gideon glances to us as he answers. "Harmonic pulse. Reads biodensity through pretty much anything."
"Show time," Jay announces when they've finished putting everything in place.
"Alright Mitchell, you're our eyes. Recon shows four KVA in the room. Mark 'em."
When Jack finishes pacing around in front of the small one-way window, Joker confirms, "all hostiles are tagged."
"On your go, Mitchell," Gideon says, aiming for one of the far red targets. I blink a few times in disbelief before raising my weapon as well. Ajani stands there, looking at us in confusion. Guess he can't see what we're seeing, I deduce. As soon as Jack's weapon goes off, the rest of us quickly take out the targets. "All targets down," Gideon verifies as he kicks open the door.
Wordlessly, I rush in, checking the room. "Atlas rescue force! Nobody move!"
"Looks like Hades bailed," Joker says in a sad tone.
Gideon shoots him a warning look. "Not our problem."
I walk over and help a fallen hostage to his feet. He looks out me with wide eyes, but verbally thanks me nonetheless. I go over to a clear place and crouch, waiting for further orders. At Gideon's command, Jack unties the PM. "They've taken all the hostages. The technologists from our summit. The KVA wanted them, not us!" The PM quickly explains.
"Ajani!" Gideon barks.
Said man stutters into his radio. "Eh, eh, what?" He looks up at Gideon. "My men just spotted them in a box truck."
"Color!"
"Eh, eh, what color? White!"
Gideon's annoyance and impatience is made obvious in his tone. "Position!"
The flustered Captain relays the question into his radio. "They're leaving Downtown," Ajani answers.
"Alright, let's move." He looks from me to Jack to Joker. "Alpha team will secure the site." Turning to the PM, he puts a hand on his shoulder comfortingly. "Sir, you'll be safe here."
"Thank you soldier," the PM replies gratefully before going over to the dead man at the table.
"On me," Gideon calls with a nod, jerking his head to the stairs on the other side of the room. We follow quietly, crossing the deserted street and entering a busy building.
"Two-one," Prophet's voice fills the radio suddenly. "We have a traffic cam feed on a white box truck on Independence Road moving southwest of your position," he explains as a transmission with a map and the target objective appears in the corner.
Gideon acknowledges the given information as we weave through confused civilians. "Fuckin' rush hour," Joker grumbles when we make our way onto the street.
"Nigerian Army!" Ajani shouts as he rushes down the steps. "Out of the way!"
Noticing movement across the busy intersection, I shout, "RPG!" before ducking behind a low cement wall for cover. Joker throws himself beside me, panting rapidly. He nods once and we jump up, shooting at the KVA across the plaza.
"Come out of the road!" Ajani shouts, helping the civilians get out of the firefight.
I watch in confusion and horror as Jack runs past us and closer to the enemies. "On top of the bus!" Gideon shouts, just as confused as us. I want to ask what the hell he's doing, but a bullet connecting with my shoulder stops me. A scream of pain escapes my lips.
"Shit! Sam's down, boss!" Joker curses beside me, continuing to take out a couple guys as I lean against the wall again. Gideon is at my side like lightening. With wide and calm eyes, he moves everything that's in the way to get a better look.
With my heart beating erratically and my body in immense pain, I look up at him. If I lean a little closer, I can kiss him. My cheeks immediately flush at the ridiculous thought, which I'm sure he takes as a bad sign. Grabbing him forearm, I wait for his eyes to meet mine. "Gideon, it's fine. The bullet grazed my shoulder," I explain in what's probably an annoyingly calm voice. After the Brit checks to make sure my statement is true, he sighs shakily.
"Little blood, but that's it. Can you shoot?" Gideon asks as he begins to quickly dress the wound. I nod, raising my left arm with ease and rolling my wrist around, indicating that I'm left-handed. "Don't put too much strain on your shoulder until we can get you to a doctor," the Brit instructs. "Stick close to me."
With pleasure, that weird low voice in my mind replies. This really has to stop. Gideon wraps an arm around my middle and lifts me to my feet easily. "Clear!" Jack shouts as he kills the last remaining KVA soldier. I stop and look around, right arm limply hanging at my side. The area is void of any enemies and everything is silent. Joker and Jack meet us, eyes inspecting me.
"I'm fine," I insist. "Let's go."
Ajani rushes away from us, pointing towards some buildings. "We can take a shortcut through the alleys!" Gideon nods and follows quickly, me on his heels.
"Two-one, target truck's on the move, half a click due south," Prophet updates us as we run through the alley.
Gideon ducks through an open fence. "Copy, we're on it," he says as we dive for cover when bullets start flying. "In here!" He shouts over the gunfire, pulling me along by my ARX-clad arm. We duck inside an electronics store, taking out the enemies on the upper levels. I hiss in pain when I try to ADS using both my arms. "Sam, just hipfire," Gideon advises, not looking in my direction. Taking his suggestion, I don't look down the sights, instead using one arm to shoot. It's difficult, but I manage to hit a couple guys.
Jay rushes past the store, running straight to the building across from us, where three or four hostiles are hiding. "Joker!" I shout in panic. My voice catches their attention and they begin shooting at me and Gideon, giving Jay a chance to throw a Smart Grenade through the window. He ducks just below it, taking cover against the wall. The grenade explodes, sending bodies and smaller pieces flying.
"Woo!" Jay shouts triumphantly, on an adrenaline high, no doubt. I laugh a little at his ridiculously reckless move before turning to take out a few more. Jack moves from his cover when the enemies are all down, and we push forward.
"Through the gate here," Ajani says as he continues ahead of us. We stop, crouching down as Joker runs up.
"I've got it," he kicks the control box in before pulling the gate open. Gideon hurries ahead and I run next to him.
We stop suddenly when an armored truck carrying a turret comes barreling towards us. "Incoming!" Gideon shouts, sliding in the dirt and doing a 180 as he scrambles not to get cut up by the machine gun. I watch his graceful moves in awe, only snapping back into action when he runs past, taking me with him. "Hook right, hook right!" He orders, practically pushing me up the stairs.
"Independent Road is through here!" Ajani directs, jumping off the side of the building to the area below. I follow Jack, throwing him a grateful smile when he softens my fall slightly. We continue through the courtyard, ascending another set of stairs. Gideon and Joker easily eliminate the enemies hiding in the room. Catching up to Gideon, I gasp in shock when the armored car zooms up suddenly, cutting us off.
"Technical!" Joker shouts helpfully. The Brit pushes me behind him as we quickly dive into the building to avoid getting hit. "That turret's armored. We're gonna have to flank it!"
Gideon and I hide in the building as the turret relentlessly fires at us. "Mitchell, flank the technical!" He orders, standing and firing as soon as the turret focuses elsewhere. Jack cuts through the open area, dodging civilians. I watch as he comes face to face with an enemy, quickly punching the guy. The enemy goes flying back because of the force, making me instantly think that it's something out of a movie. Jay runs up with him, covering Jack as he gets behind the turret. A few shots later and the firing ceases. We take out the rest of the KVA forces and run over to Jack and Joker.
"Decent work, Mitchell," Gideon nods as we come to a stop.
Leaning over, I whisper loudly enough for the Brit to hear me. "He never compliments anyone— must like you." At my jab, Jay lets out a loud snort, chuckling to himself. Jack isn't sure what to make of my joke, so he smiles and goes to work reloading his weapon. Gideon is staring at me intensely until Prophet comes in, breaking his gaze.
"Two-one, target truck progressing west on Liberty Highway, 500 meters."
"We're close!" Ajani says, running up.
Gideon pauses, staring ahead. "We need to get over this wall." My eyes widen at his words and I stand there while Ajani, Jay and Jack quickly scale the wall. "Fuck," Gideon curses when he notices my hesitance and remembers my arm. "Can you climb it?" He asks, already a few feet off the ground. Gulping, I move my arm slightly. Pain courses through me and I wince.
"Uh… yeah, I think so."
He gives me an unconvinced look. "You could try go through some buildings, but—"
"Don't worry about me," I wave him off. Irritation flashes in his eyes when I cut him off suddenly. Eyeing the wall, I frown. Mag-grips are a no-go. Looks like I'll have to jump over. Activating my boost jump, I take a deep breath. "You go first." He nods once and climbs up easily, straddling the wall while he waits for me. Getting a small running start, I launch myself over and-
Come up a few feet short. With a pained scream, I attach to the wall, thanks to the Mag Grips. "Shit," Gideon curses, trying to lean down and reach me. "Sam, you've got to climb up." A whimper escapes my lips at the thought of the pain that'll come with moving. A moment later, I climb up the wall as quickly as possible with my arm screeching in protest. The pain is unbearable. Luckily, Gideon is within reach. "Trust me?" He asks, eyes meeting mine. Knowing the answer, I quickly pull my left hand away, crying out when all my weight goes to my right hand. Gideon locks his fingers around my forearm and pulls me up.
When I'm sitting beside him, I bite my lip. "I can't get down," I whimper. My arm tingles in pain and begins to go numb, a sure sign that I've injured it further.
"What?" Joker exclaims from the bottom, where Jack is relentlessly pacing. Ajani looks up at us, troubled.
"She's afraid of heights," Jack answers, making Gideon swear again. Starting to feel useless, I close my eyes to avoid their displeased looks. "Sammy, you have to trust me." My eyes snap open and I look at Jack as he stops pacing. His words catch my attention and I decide Gideon sounds better saying them. Hesitantly, I nod. "Okay, you've got to fall."
"What the fuck?" Gideon growls beside me. My breathing increases and I start to panic. My fear of heights has never been more prominent. Jumping down a level is easy, when I have boosters to cushion the fall and two good arms, not when we're two stories up and I feel as if my right arm is about to explode.
Releasing a shaky breath, I glance at Gideon. "They're gonna get away," I murmur to him. "It's fine," I insist. Turning to Jack, I send him a glare. "If you don't catch me, you asshole, I will kick your ass."
"I'd do it for ya, doll," Joker cuts in from his place beside Ajani.
Jack looks at me patiently. "Sammy, I'd never let you get hurt." Gideon scoffs. I take a deep breath and close my eyes, leaning over.
The next second, I'm in Jack's arms, breathless. Shaking, I look up to meet his clear blue eyes. "Thanks," I mutter as he puts me on my feet. My heart is beating uncontrollably and my pulse is through the roof. Gideon lands beside us easily moment later and, without pausing, rushes forward toward the street. Jack smiles at me and I shake my head with a scoff. "Let's not do that again."
Everyone follows Gideon quickly. "Get across the street!" He shouts as cars go zooming by.
"The fuck?" Joker complains, stopping to spray at the enemies across the busy street. After trading bullets for a minute or so, the hostiles are all down. With a deep breath, Jay jumps out into the street when there's an opening. Ajani and Gideon follow. Why the hell not. Running across the busy road, I turn to see Jack nearly get hit.
"Jack!" I cry out, hurrying over when he makes it safely to us.
He bends over, hands on his knees as he steadies his breathing. "I'm good," he reassures me with a weak smile.
Gideon, all business, tosses a Smart Grenade across the next busy street at the enemies that have rushed over to stop us. "Watch yourself," he calls when they open fire. When they're all down, the Brit orders us to cross the street.
This time, with considerably more confidence, I sprint out into the street. Maybe it's because I'm trying to make up for the incident earlier. Either way, I reach the other side unharmed, but shaken up. "Whoa!" Jay shouts as he throws himself to the sidewalk next to me. "Almost road kill back there!"
"Target truck is approaching your position," Prophet informs over the radio just as the others join Jay and I.
"Copy that, Prophet," Gideon answers. He runs over to the fence, pulling it away from the pole. "Mitchell, on me!" At his signal, Jack steps forward, mantling the cement wall. He and Gideon crouch on it, looking at the cars racing by down below. I come up beside Jack, watching for the car.
Prophet comes onto the radio again. "You should have eyes on the truck."
"I see it!" Gideon announces as the white box truck goes zooming by. "Damn, no clear shot." The Brit looks to the left again before turning back to Jack. "Fuck it. Let's do this. Jump!" He shouts as he launches himself out to the street below.
"Gideon!" I shriek as he lands safely on a bus. Jack lands beside him a moment later. With an incredibly attractive smirk, Gideon gives me a two-fingered salute. I return it with a middle finger.
Joker comes over and tugs me away from the edge as he speaks into his mic. "Gideon, we've lost eyes on you!"
"Pursuing target, southbound on the highway! Find transportation and follow," is the reply before it goes silent.
"Fuck," I shake my head in disbelief, glancing at Jay.
"Any ideas, doll?" He asks, making me nod. Without another word, I step out into the street, arm up. The oncoming car honks loudly and swerves around a little bit before coming to a stop a few feet away from me.
"Sir, I need your car!" I shout. When the man begins to yell at me, I raise my ARX and fire a couple rounds into the sky. He gets out of the car without any resistance, and I climb into the passenger seat. "On you, Jay," I say simply as Ajani gets into the back. Joker slams the door shut and quickly makes a U-Turn to get back to the right side of the street.
Joker follows the road for a while before asking Ajani for directions to Liberty Highway. With the Captain's careful instruction, we're able to find the road Gideon and Jack are on.
"The truck has gone off the bridge," Prophet informs us over Jay's radio. "Get down there and link up with Gideon and the technologist."
I wrinkle my nose, not used to Prophet talking directly to me. "Uh, roger?" I answer as Ajani tells Jay where to go. After going through some side streets and parks, Joker finally comes to a stop. I jump out of the car instantly when I see Gideon on the shore with two bodies. Running over, I make it just in time to see Gideon slapping Jack awake.
"Oye! No dozing. Job's not over 'til I say it is."
Joker comes to a stop at the technologist's body. "Please tell me this fucker's alive," he whines, tapping the body.
"Stop stressing, he's breathing," Gideon replies as he kicks the body. "Barely."
Unable to stop myself, I grin. Damn him and his stupid accent. Crouching down beside Jack, I mess up his wet hair. In return, he shakes his head rapidly, causing the water still clinging to his hair to go flying onto me. I shriek as Joker continues to push Gideon's buttons. "The hell do we want with this guy, anyway?" He asks.
"Don't know, don't care." I watch the Brit's hand movements and I find myself smiling a little like an idiot. Get it the fuck together, Sam! "It's up to the boffins back at HQ. You get your money's worth, Ajani?" Gideon asks, directly the question toward the Captain who just ran up.
Ajani nods, weapon in hand. "You delivered exactly as promised."
Looking between Jay, Jack and I, Gideon continues. "Drinks on me tonight."
"Hell yeah," Joker grins as we stand together. He pats my left shoulder gently, smiling widely.
I smile back, turning to watch Gideon hand Jack his weapon. "You did alright, Mitchell." Jay and Gideon begin to pull and push the technologist this way and that while I help Jack up with my good arm.
"You did alright, Mitchell," I mock, using my terrible imitation.
"I heard that," Gideon calls in warning as he helps load the body into one of Ajani's trucks.
Smirking, I reply, "bummer." The ride back to the helicopter is silent, giving me a chance to catch up on some much needed rest. When we arrive, Jack gently shakes me awake. "I'm tired," I mumble as I lean against the tall man beside me. He laughs, his chest vibrating with the movement. It makes me smile.
Climbing into the helicopter beside Gideon, I rest my head against the back of the seat. "That thing still hurt?" Jay asks as he plops down across from me. The copter takes off and we begin our journey back to base.
"What do you think, dumbass?" I ask sarcastically.
"Jesus, just wonderin'. Go back to sleep," Joker complains, making us grin. Taking his suggestion, I close my eyes and fall into a dreamless sleep, going without a nightmare for the first time in months.
When I'm awakened next, it's by Gideon. "Stop droolin' on my armor," he commands, but doesn't move. I raise my head, glaring at him tiredly. Knowing full well that my mouth was closed and I don't drool, I roll my neck and stand.
"You're cute when you sleep," Joker coos, pinching my cheeks. My left fist connects with his stomach and I laugh when he jolts back.
Gideon and Jack jump out of the helicopter, the former telling me to play nice. "He started it," I whine in a childish voice, grinning from ear to ear.
Joker straightens, pouting. "If you weren't wounded right now, I'd beat your ass."
I scoff. "In your dreams."
We place our weapons on the table. "You're always in my dreams," Jay retorts.
The banter is clearly too much for Jack, who groans and rubs his eyes. "I'll have that drink now," he tells Gideon, who's tugging off his armor.
"Right after I take Sam over to the doctors," the Brit replies, making Jay groan.
"Bros before hoes!" He whines.
Turning to face him, I glare. "You callin' me a hoe?" I challenge.
"I didn't say that," Joker begins defensively, backing up with his palms out. "You're the most gorgeous girl I've ever met. You're funny and loyal and smart and talented and please don't hurt me," he rambles.
Still glaring, I retort, "you're lucky I'm wounded right now."
From somewhere behind me, I hear Jack quietly ask if we're always like this. Gideon laughs and replies, "all the fuckin' time. It grows on ya." With another laugh, he speaks again, this time louder. "Alright, Sam. Ease up. Let's go get your arm checked out."
I give Joker the 'I'm watching you' hand gesture with narrowed eyes, before turning to skip after Gideon. "See ya later, Jack," I smile, giving him a one-armed hug, which he carefully returns. "It was good to fight with you again," I mumble into his shirt.
"You too, Sammy," he replies before letting me go. I meet up with Gideon, who's waiting against the side of the building. He's doing that thing again, the low voice in my head moans when I take in Gideon's position. He brings his leg down to the ground and uncrosses his arms, nodding toward the medical building.
After walking quietly together for a couple minutes, he breaks the silence. "You did great out there," Gideon praises quietly, hands stuffed into his pockets.
"Fishing for compliments, are we?" I joke with a raised brow. The Brit looks at me before shaking his head, a laugh escaping his lips.
"I mean it," he says seriously. I nod my head in thanks, letting the conversation die down. We enter the building when he speaks again, this time in a whisper, almost like he doesn't want me to hear. "You didn't tell me you're afraid of heights."
Biting the inside of my cheek, I shrug, causing a jolt of pain to run through my body. Pushing the pain back, I verbally answer. "There's a lot I'm afraid of."
Gideon raises a brow. "Like what?" He asks curiously. What you're doing to me, I answer mentally. A blush covers my cheeks.
Ducking my head, I answer to the ground. "Uh, spiders. Funerals. Clowns. Being alone." Gideon stops at the last one, turning to stare at me intently. "But, uh, please don't tell anybody," I add with a nervous chuckle.
"I won't," he promises after a moment of looking at me. Well, it's now or never. We continue walking to the where the doctors' offices are located, on the east side of the building.
"Hey, Gideon?" I ask uncertainly, trying to arrange my thoughts. We turn down a different hallway and I notice that we've arrive at our destination. At his 'hm', I take a deep breath. "Are you alright?" He stops again and I watch as his back tenses at the question. "I mean, you've been acting a little weird lately, and we're worried about you, so I figured I'd ask…" I trail off, looking away quickly. Awkward, much?
"How have I been acting?" The Brit asks, turning to face me with narrowed eyes. Typical guy, I scoff mentally. Never know what the hell they're doing.
Shifting uncomfortably, I answer. "Well, you've been kind of… bipolar… and you punched Jack in the face on his first day," I explain, getting heated at the memory. "What was that all about?"
I hold my breath when he suddenly steps up to me, eyes searching mine. He's only a couple inches taller than me, I note as he stares into my soul. I want to back up, or at least tell him that we're in the middle of a hallway and getting in peoples' way. "I punched him cause I was mad at him," Gideon answers simply, unaffected by our close proximity.
Is he doing this to intimidate me? I wonder silently. Blinking, I lick my lips. It sure is working. "Why were you mad at him? He hasn't done anything to you," I defend my best friend.
"It's what he did to you that made me mad," Gideon corrects quietly, unmoving. Back the fuck up already, Sam. This is getting weird.
Frowning, I try to make sense of that answer. "But why were you—" I never get a chance to finish that sentence.
My heart skips a beat as Gideon closes the distance between us, pressing his lips to mine. His hands instantly go to my waist to hold me in place as I close my eyes. What the literal fuck, my mind screeches as warning lights and sirens begin to go off. This is really confusing, a voice in my head comments. After a moment, I realize that I've been standing like a statue. Tilting my head upward to get better leverage, I kiss back feverishly. My left arm quickly goes up to wrap around his neck as he pulls me against him.
Uh, hallway, remember? a voice informs. Tuning it out, I stand on my toes to get to his height. I'm not sure when I opened my mouth, or when Gideon started tugging at my shirt, but just as his hand reaches my brown locks, he throws himself back roughly.
My eyes snap open and I stand panting in the middle of the hallway, watching Gideon disappear quickly around the corner.