Tunnel Rat didn't know where he was going ,but he needed some air. Duke was being such a fucking asshole. And he was using that term generously. Duke knew what he could do so why was he being treated like a baby? Duke was still mad at him for last night , even though he had no right to be mad. Tunnel Rat wasn't going to the Boondocks tonight. He was doing recon in the nice part of town since the others were getting info from everyone there. God, barred out of his home turf. Before he knew it he was in a nice part of town , wandering through a park.

The paths were lit and there were couples of all races , cultures and walks of life. Suddenly , fireworks erupted overhead. He'd forgotten it was the fourth of July. The fireworks were amazing. He hadn't watched fireworks since he was ten. He slipped his hands in the pockets of his jeans and watched the bursts of light dancing on the sky above him.

Sarah watched Tunnel Rat from a distance. Her boyfriend was being a prick and flirting with some dumb blonde so se decided him get back at him. She walked up to him shyly.

"Hi," she said.

He turned to her startled.

"Sorry. It's just that you don't look like you're from around here," Sarah said.

"Oh , well I am but not this neighborhood. I'm from the Boondocks," he said.

"Could of figured."

Before either of them knew it , the two were talking about everything. Tunnel Rat introduced himself as Nicky. He was a solider on leave from the army and was visiting. Sarah asked if he had family. He told her he was an orphan and had raised himself. The talked for hours. They had so much in common and they like each others company. He walked her to home.

"I hope I can see you again Sarah," Nicky said.

"Here. My phone number and address ," she said , handing him the slip of paper.

They parted ways, Tunnel Rat silently cheering. Maybe this mission wouldn't be so bad.

Duke was still in a pissy mood. He didn't like this mission at all. Cobra seemed to have plans to take control of the town using a mind control device. Tunnel Rat was lost in all thought, looking over the notes he had. Duke felt that the younger man was still pissed as hell. He couldn't blame him but the blonde couldn't help but worry. Tunnel Rat shouldn't even be awake yet.

Tunnel Rat gave him an evil look. Duke walked into the R.O.C.C's cockpit to talk to Scarlet and Hi-Tech. Looking over Hi-tech's shoulder and frowned.

"Looks like the snakes are on the move," the blonde said.

"That's the understatement of the year ,Duke," Hi-tech responded.

"I'll inform the others."

"Duke-"

"Don't start Scarlet. Tunnel Rat isn't going on-," he said.

"Oh don't be such a fucking asshole! You need to pull your head out of your ass to that Tunnel Rat's doing his best and you're treating him like he's at death's door ," Scarlet snapped crossly.

"I'd take the lady's advice Duke."

General Collin walked in ,leaning on his cane." Tunnel Rat is very capable of doing his duty. Give him a chance."

Duke stared at him. Did everybody go insane? He'd never dealt with insubordination from anyone in his team. Swearing venomously under his breathe, Duke went into the back to brief the others. He really hated this mission.

Tunnel Rat didn't know what Scarlet said to Duke but she must've busted his chops about something. The area he was scouting had a Italian restaurant so he called Sarah. He really liked her. He knew he wasn't obeying Duke's orders exactly but Duke was an asshole so it didn't matter. Tunnel Rat didn't care about orders. He was in love and he had it bad.

Sarah met Tunnel Rat outside the restaurant . Dressed in all black , he looked gorgeous. He smiled at her and they walked into the restaurant. He was such a nice person and they were so compatible. Sarah knew David would be pissed if he found out but she didn't care. She was in love and this was the happiest she'd ever been.

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It had been three weeks and the Joes had foiled all of Cobra's plans so far but Cobra Commander wasn't giving up. Tunnel Rat and Duke had a few more clashes , and particularly nasty one that ended only when Tunnel Rat stormed out in a rage. Tunnel Rat seemed slightly distracted lately. Scarlett noticed and so did everyone but Duke, who had yet to pull his head out of his ass like Tunnel Rat suggested.

Tunnel Rat had gotten to meet Sarah's family ,even though he thought it was to soon. He was very worried . Cobra was becoming more violent and he worried about Sarah and her family. He didn't let show as they sat in the restaurant. It was hard to worry in Sarah's presence. She was so perky. He felt like a normal guy when he was with her. She calmed him , even though he still wanted to boot Duke in the ass.

A sudden rumbling shook the restaurant. In a flash , over three dozen Cobra soldiers had surrounded the patrons. Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck! ,he thought. Tunnel Rat pulled Sarah closer . He wanted to do something but that would blow his cover and that wasn't good. Another flash of light blinded everyone inside and when the light faded and Sarah was gone.

Tunnel Rat alerted them, and Duke almost lost it. Tunnel Rat hadn't obeyed direct orders but Scarlett yelled at Duke before he started. They all got in their Sigma suits and headed out. Sixteen people, including Tunnel Rat's girlfriend, were Cobra's hostages.

Tunnel Rat was pissed as hell. He was out for blood now . Not only had Cobra kidnapped his girl but they'd nearly wrecked his home neighborhood. Not even Heavy Duty could stop him from killing someone. General Collin was beginning to worry about the young soldier. He'd never seen him so angry. The young Joe was ready to kill. Nobody could stop him when got like this. Collin thought of all the times Tunnel Rat got this mad under his command. Not a single enemy lived when he got a hold of them.

Sarah was terrified. She and Nicky had tried to hold on to each other but she'd been dragged away. The strange guards said something about Nicky being the enemy . How could Nicky be their enemy?

With a bit of luck the Joes managed to save everyone. With even more luck , Tunnel Rat managed to keep his identity hidden. He hugged Sarah tightly apologizing profusely for not protecting her. She told him it was ok and that he'd done the best he could. Tunnel Rat knew he'd have to tell her sooner or later, preferably sooner then later.