"Something's wrong," Ebo declared.
At the collective attention on her, Ana slowly lowered the bottle from her lips, gulping down the bitter brew. Her eyes roved from face to face, just to make sure that – yes, she was the one being stared at.
"What's wrong?"
"You," he answered, leaning forward in the couch.
The short scratch of his slippers against the break room's floor highlighted just how quiet it was in the enclosed space. Spared from their duties for the next day, they made an absolutely wise choice to stay up well into early morning – which meant they had the break room all to themselves. No chance for a distraction, no chance for an escape – unless she made a blatant one herself, of course.
Goddammit.
"You've been really fucking weird lately," Ebo explained further, getting a few nods from their squad mates.
"What did I do?" Ana snuck a glance at Khalid, whose shrug broadcasted that he knew something.
"I think the better question is," Layla joined in. "What you didn't do. You've been really...out of sorts? Lately?"
"Really." Ana stared at her with a straight face. Why did she feel like this wasn't the first discussion for them?
"Really. You've been hitting the clubs much less. But you've never passed up a chance to get smashed before."
"Or laid," Mesi added.
"Or laid," Layla confirmed.
"And," Hakim said. "Even when you're with us, you're always so…clean. And you've been our designated driver half the time now."
"Are you complaining?"
"Just concerned." Layla took the reins back smoothly. Almost a little too smoothly. "It doesn't seem like you're having as much fun as you used to. If you're having a problem, you can talk to us."
"I don't have a problem."
"Really."
"Yes."
"Then go with us tomorrow," Ebo said. Or rather, challenged. The man could never say anything plainly like a normal human being.
"I don't feel like barhopping, alright?"
"We'll sponsor your drinks," Mesi offered.
"Tempting, but no."
"Something's wrong," Ebo declared again.
"Nothing's wrong. I'm just…" Ana shrugged. "Taking a break."
"Yeah. Lay off her, man." Khalid finally spoke up. "She's got to slow down once in a while. Or her sex drive's gonna be completely drained before she's 30."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
"So, Ana?" Layla drew her attention back. "Nothing to lay on us? No deep, dark secret to confess?"
"No. Damn, you guys are worse than my real family."
"'Real' family?" Layla wore an expression of mock shock, looking over at the rest of the squad. "Oh, so we're not 'real' family then?"
Ana rolled her eyes, smile growing on her face. "Fucking stop, you drama–"
"No!" Layla stood from her seat, throwing her hands up in the air. "Can you believe this bitch? She just said we're not 'real' family. That's it. I'm out," she announced, shaking her head in disgust as she made for the door, and laughed when Ana's hand smacked against her behind.
"Come on." Ana grabbed her wrist and yanked her onto the couch. "You wanna have fun? Fine. Let's play a drinking game."
"Now we're talking!" It was Ebo's turn to jump out of his seat, the man walking over to the fridge in the back. "We're not leaving until all of us are on the floor."
"Great," Layla muttered beside her ear, resting an arm around Ana's shoulder. "I'm leaving when he throws up. Just saying."
Her reason for not barhopping: dinner with Kamilah.
No, to be more specific: homemade dinner with Kamilah. Her squad could have ordered a limousine and rolled out a red carpet for her to walk on, and they still could not have dragged her away from that.
What did manage to drag her out was grocery shopping. They went into the city instead of just nipping over to the store located conveniently in base, because with both their squads free, shopping there would just increase chances of being spotted. Not that Ana would have minded, but… Well, at least they managed to make a day of it. By the time they arrived back at Ana's room carrying a grocery bag each, it was already past mid-afternoon. Ana was kicking the door shut when Kamilah opened the fridge and paused.
"Are you planning to be sober at all for the rest of the year?" Kamilah asked.
"Huh?" She frowned and went over to see what Kamilah nodded at – the bottom shelf that was filled with packs of beer. "Oh. No, that's for Ramadan."
"Ah." No further explanation was needed. It was not uncommon for some to stock up on booze before alcohol sales were banned during Ramadan. "You're not religious, then." She started putting the ingredients away, then halted again to look over at Ana's incredulous expression. "What?"
"Did you think for even a passing moment I'm religious?"
"How'd I know?" Kamilah retorted. "You might be one of those who suddenly becomes pious during Ramadan." Done with her own bag, she tossed it onto the nearby table and took the one Ana was holding.
"Milah." Ana leant on the fridge, watching Kamilah empty the bag. "I drink. I fuck. I eat pork and non-halal food. I don't pray. I–" She gestured at herself grandly, getting an amused glance from Kamilah. "–am a living embodiment of haram. If I touched the Qur'an, it'd probably combust…into flames…" Her last words grew a little slower as a thought occurred.
Kamilah shut the fridge door when she was done, looking Ana over with a hand on her hip. "Having a sudden attack of conscience?"
"No. Just realised I haven't gotten a tattoo yet."
"Oh?" Kamilah quirked a brow, folding the paper bag in her hands. "Are you planning to get one?"
"Maybe." She hugged Kamilah's waist, sticking to her back as she walked over to the table. "Don't know what I should get though."
Kamilah chuckled. "How about a tramp stamp?"
"What, are tramp stamps your thing?"
"No, it just seems like something you'd get."
"Really," she whispered in Kamilah's ear. "Do you want to see it while you take me from–" Kamilah's elbow knocked into her stomach, ending her sentence prematurely. Ana grinned at the glimpse of a smile when Kamilah cast a withering look back at her. Before Kamilah could escape from her hold, Ana tugged on her arm, turning her around to admire that gorgeous smile in full.
"Maybe I should just tattoo your name on my ass."
"Then you should get one here as well." Kamilah traced a finger across her forehead. "That says 'Idiot'."
"Only if you get a matching one that says 'Bitch'."
They could not quite settle into the kiss at first, too busy trying to swallow their laughs, teeth clicking together at each failed attempt. Ana took to nipping at Kamilah's lips, coaxing brief pecks little by little.
"Sounds like you want me to go to hell with you," Kamilah said, knocking her forehead into Ana's.
"Mm-hm…" Ana stole another kiss, then lifted her easily, taking a few steps forward to set Kamilah on the table. "Unless you'd rather stay in heaven without me."
Kamilah's lips melded easily into hers, soft and pliant under Ana's lead. It would not last long though, if that glint in dark brown eyes was any indication. "What makes you so sure I'd go to heaven?"
"Because you're an angel, sweetie," Ana cooed, snickering at the slap on her chest. She stepped in so she was nestled snugly between Kamilah's thighs. "But let us change that, hm?"
"By sinning?"
"You know what they say. A couple that sins together, stays together."
"They don't actually say that," Kamilah said, eyes never leaving hers as Ana's hand snuck underneath her top, and trailed slowly up her spine.
"Well, I do." Ana ran her nails across Kamilah's back, then zipped straight for her side. Kamilah jerked forward with a gasp when her fingers dug lightly into the sensitive spot, hands clutching onto Ana's shoulders as planned. "So, you with me?"
"Not if you do that again." The wry smile and fingertips hooked into Ana's collar lightened the gravity of her threat.
"No promises." Her pulse quickened at the devilish arc of Kamilah's lips, ghosting slowly over her own.
"You assume that I need one, darling."
Layla: [Ana]
Layla: [Boy or girl?]
[What]
Layla: [Choose one]
[Both]
Layla: [Choose]
[I like both]
Layla: [CHOOSE]
Layla: [ONE]
Ana narrowed her eyes at the group chat, then glanced up from her phone to look at Kamilah, who stood by the stove typing into her own device. Their pot of soup sat over a fire with its lid on, suffusing the pantry with its fragrant aroma. Feeling her hunger meter tick a little higher, Ana returned to the chat.
[Girls I guess]
Layla: [Alright thanks]
[What are you doing]
Layla: [Nothing]
[Layla what]
Layla: [We're having a discussion]
[About?]
Layla: [Preference]
[In a club?]
Layla: [Yeah we're not there yet. Stupid huge jam in the city centre]
[Thank god I'm not with you]
Layla: [Thanks for the moral support bitch]
[Anytime cutie]
Khalid: [ew did you just call layla cute]
Layla: [What's that supposed to mean?]
Khalid: [why don't you look in a mirror sometime]
Layla: [WOW]
[You're in the same fucking car you dumbasses]
Layla: [Not for long]
[Kick his ass babe]
Khalid: [OI]
Layla: [I will]
"Ana, come here."
"Yep."
[I'll pay 100 for vid]
Layla: [Ok]
Ana locked the phone screen with a smirk, knowing she would get just what she ordered. Khalid would probably sulk for a while after, but hey. It would be worth the laugh.
She pocketed the phone and went over to Kamilah, who was just pulling a spoon away from her lips. Ana touched their heads together, then turned inward so the tip of her nose brushed against Kamilah's cheek. Taking a sniff, she said, "Mm. Smells good. Ow!" She drew back a little, rubbing at the spot near her temple where Kamilah's head had knocked into.
"I didn't spend over an hour making this so you can smell me instead of the soup."
"I told you to used canned."
"This is healthier than canned." Kamilah dipped the spoon in the bubbling red mixture and lifted it to Ana's mouth. "And trust me, it tastes much better too."
"It'd better be. I didn't cry over the onions for nothing." Ana blew gently on the spoonful of soup, and was promptly sold when it trickled past her lips, spices lighting up her tongue with delectable flavour. "Oh god."
A pleased smile hung on Kamilah's lips. "I take that the onions were worth it."
"Babe, I'd rub those onions into my goddamn eyes just so I could drink it all."
"Don't be dramatic." Kamilah took another sip, then cocked her head in approval. "But yes, it is good. Now take it back to the room."
"Yes, ma'am." The pot was heftier than expected in her hands. "So, what's for dessert?"
"I'm not on the menu," Kamilah snipped back smoothly, already familiar with the dip in her tone.
"Aw." Ana pouted. "Out of stock?"
"Exclusive, darling." Kamilah pinched her chin. "Not for anyone who asks."
"But I'm not just 'anyone' now, am I?"
The eye roll was answer enough.
The restaurant was rather…classy. Almost too classy for one of the squad's usual Friday night hangouts. Ana had raised a brow when they suggested it, then with indignation when told to 'dress nicely' for the dinner. As though she was a walking fashion disaster. The nerve.
Adjusting the lapels of her jacket, she pulled its collar snug against her nape, and reached into the pocket where her phone had just buzzed. Heels clicking on the pavement as she approached the restaurant, Ana took a glance at the screen to find a single message from Khalid.
Khalid: [i'm so sorry]
Though a little thrown by how ominous it sounded, Ana continued walking as she typed a reply.
[What happened]
Khalid: [are you there yet]
[Almost. Why]
Khalid: [just keep cool ok]
[I'm always cool]
Khalid: [ya right]
[Where are you people anyway? Still at the mall?]
Khalid: [no]
Khalid: [just go check out the restaurant]
[Why's the reservation even in my name]
[Layla booked it didn't she]
No reply. Ana paused in front of the restaurant.
[Oi]
No reply.
Stuffing her phone back into its pocket, Ana passed by the small queue and strode up to the entrance, where the host was looking at her expectantly.
"I've a reservation under the name 'Ana Amari'?"
His eyes lit up instantly. "Ah! Yes, of course." He picked up a menu and gestured gracefully towards the interior. "Right this way, ma'am. Your companion arrived just a few minutes ago."
Ana shot him a curious glance. "My companion?"
The host's smile almost blinded her as they walked past a few occupied tables. "Yes, ma'am."
She blinked when he stopped at a table for two – not six – where a lady already sat. With sinking realisation, Ana asked the host, "Are you sure this is my–?"
"Ana?"
Damn it.
Ana looked back at the woman, ignoring the waiter who seemed perplexed when she remained standing. The woman rose out of her seat, earrings swaying as she stood. Black hair reached past her shoulders, but not quite as long as Ana's. An easy smile sat on her lips that, coupled with light green eyes and an elegant wine-coloured dress, helped to paint a very attractive picture. Not to mention a familiar one.
Oh no.
Putting on a polite smile, Ana took her hand and shook it lightly, before finally taking her seat. The host placed the menu in front of her, guided her through the specials, then left the pair to sit in silence.
"I'm sure this is a surprise," her companion spoke first, bearing a humourous lilt in her voice.
Ana nodded. "Yes. Yes, it is. And I'll assume you knew exactly what you came for?"
The woman chuckled. "I do. Layla gave me quite a briefing in the morning."
Layla. The name of a dead woman.
"So you're Layla's friend?" An affirmative nod. "Have we met before? You seem rather familiar to me."
"At a party near the end of last year. Although, we didn't actually 'meet' each other. I just saw you and your friends around."
"Ah." Ana did recall the party, but not the woman sitting before her. "So we didn't talk, or…?"
"No."
Some of the tension in Ana's shoulders left at the confirmation. "I see. And I never caught your name?"
"Hasina."
"Hasina," she repeated, nodding idly. Ana took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm really sorry Layla brought you into this."
"It's quite alright."
"No, I mean she talked you into a date that can't happen." She drummed her fingers on the table when Hasina raised her brows curiously. "See, I'm already with someone."
"Oh? And Layla doesn't know?"
"No one knows. I haven't told them yet."
"Ah. I understand." She pondered over the information, then laughed under her breath. "So I guess we came all the way here for nothing?"
"Well, not nothing," Ana said, relieved she had taken the news well. "Since we're here and all gussied up, might as well have a taste of what they have to offer."
"Good suggestion. I'm famished." Hasina flipped the cover of her menu open, and paused. "You know, I am rather surprised to hear you're attached."
"Oh?"
"The way Layla spoke about you, you didn't seem like someone to get 'tied down', so to speak. No offense, of course," she added hurriedly.
"None taken," Ana assured her, fidgeting with the cover of her own menu. "And Layla didn't lie, not exactly. I didn't think I was the type either."
"Until you found the right one." She tilted her head knowingly. "They must be something special."
Ana's smile grew involuntarily. "She is. Very much so."
Hasina hummed, then returned to her menu. "So, what do we tell Layla later?"
"We didn't click."
"Alright then."
"And, do me a favour?" Ana said, drawing Hasina's gaze back up. "Order the more expensive ones. I'll make that bitch pay for it."
Hasina's laugh was notably lighter than the start. "Now that's a plan I can get behind."
Ana mirrored her smile and finally studied the menu in detail. They had an impressive range of dishes, much richer than the common fare found back in base. She should bring Kamilah here sometime.
"You motherfuck!"
"I told you to stay cool!"
"I'm done with 'staying cool', you ass!" Ana was sorely tempted to raise her voice into a yell, but it was late in the night and the rooms' walls were thin. "You could've fucking stopped them for me, why didn't you?"
"I tried, alright? I said you didn't need help and you're probably going to get out of your slump soon–"
"You told them I was in a slump?"
"They think you're in one, okay?"
"My fucking god, Issa," Ana groaned at the ceiling, feet still locked in a circuit around her room. Her hair was damp from the quick shower, trickling occasional beads of water onto her shoulders and t-shirt.
"Look, there was no fucking way I could stop them without telling them you're with Shadid, alright?"
"Then you could've at least fucking warned me."
"Yeah, well. It's revenge for that car thing."
"It wasn't even that–"
"She almost kicked me out of the car when it was driving off!"
Ana snorted at the thought of the video.
"Oh yeah, really funny. Asshole."
"But you weren't hurt, were you?"
"I hate you."
"Thank you." Ana changed her path, going over to the door.
"Whatever. I'm done. Bye."
Khalid ended the call, leaving Ana to smirk at her screen as she stepped out into the corridor. Locking the door behind her, she typed into her phone as she shuffled over to the stairs.
[Pull shit like this again and I'll put a bullet into each of your asses]
Layla: [Aw. I heard it didn't go well?]
[None of your business. And you fuckers are paying for the dinner]
Layla: [How much did you rack up]
[Why don't you ask your friend]
Layla: [Fine. Love you 3]
[ /3]
Khalid: [stop being so gross layla]
Layla: [Don't be jealous khally]
Khalid: [stop]
Ana sighed and left them to their own bickering, locking the phone and slipping it into the pocket of her shorts. Miffed as she was at their little scheme, those misguided morons meant well. She loved them, make no mistake – but they were still morons.
She took the stairs two at a time, reaching the barracks' rooftop in a blink of an eye. Ana strode over to the ledge, then turned around, facing the door where she had come from. She took a running start and jumped, hooking her fingers onto the ledge above the door, and used the momentum to haul herself up easily.
Kamilah – who was lying on her back – turned her head to look at the new arrival. She smiled and sat up, returning the brief peck on her lips.
"You're back early," she said, pulling her earphones out.
"I wasn't with my squad." Ana settled heavily beside Kamilah, leaning back on her hands. "Those idiots tricked me into going for a blind date."
Kamilah's brows rose. "Oh?"
"Yeah. Went all the way to this fancy Italian place, only to find out they set me up with a blind fucking date." Ana clicked her tongue. "Like I ever needed one."
"Why did they set it up in the first place?"
"They think I'm in a slump just because I haven't been partying with them lately. Can you imagine?" Indignation coloured her voice. "Me, in a slump? Even I can't picture it."
Kamilah laughed softly. "Me neither."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Ana sighed.
"So how was it? The date?" she added when Ana quirked a brow.
"It wasn't a 'date', habibti. I only do those with you." She wrapped both arms around Kamilah's middle and squeezed. "But it was nice, I guess. She was friendly, we had a little chat, and oh – the food is amazing. We have to go there some time."
"Mm."
Heaving yet another sigh, Ana rested her head on Kamilah's. She closed her eyes, feeling Kamilah's hand on her bicep, and fingertips tracing idle patterns over her skin. "Milah?"
"Hm?"
"Do you mind if they knew?" She cracked her eyes open when Kamilah's head shifted against hers.
"About us."
"Yup."
The soothing motion on her arm stopped as the silence dragged on. "If you're sure," Kamilah said quietly.
Ana pulled back a little, cocking her head. "I am. Are you?"
"…As long as you are."
"I hope you know that means 200% – 'jump into a volcano if you asked, I'm so clingy I'd follow you into the next life' – sure." She smiled at Kamilah's snort, and placed a kiss on her temple. "It's okay if you need more time."
"No. It's just–" Kamilah let out a breath, faint creases appearing between her brows. "You don't… I'm not the easiest person to be with."
"Oh? I beg to differ."
"You say that now."
"And I'll say it forever." Ana shifted a hand, entwining their fingers as Kamilah's gaze wavered and dropped. "Milah, being with you is like…" Her eyes lifted towards the night sky, searching the stars for inspiration. "It's like breathing. It's easy. It's natural." Ana touched her cheek, drawing her attention back. "I can't live without it. I can't live without you."
Kamilah held her gaze, before her lips twitched into a lop-sided smile. She knocked her shoulder into Ana's. "You're such a sap."
"You love it," Ana said with a growing grin, bringing up Kamilah's hand to place a kiss on her knuckles. "But I mean it, Milah. I'll wait if you want. We've all the time in the world."
"No." She took a breath, as if that one word took all the air in her lungs. "I'll…be ready when you are."
"Are you sure?"
A scrutinising gaze, then a short laugh. "You're so serious."
"Only about you."
Kamilah's smile softened, her fingers curling around Ana's just a little tighter. "I'm sure, Ana," she murmured.
"Great." She grinned, letting the tension fall off her face as the weight lifted from her shoulders. "And if it makes you feel better, I'm not that easy to be with, either."
"Trust me, I know."
Ana burst out in laughter. "God, I love you." She swooped in for surprise smooch. "You know what? Fuck it. Let's do it now."
"What?" Kamilah frowned when Ana shimmied backwards.
The sniper rose from the floor, settling on her knees so she faced the barracks' courtyard. Taking a deep breath, Ana shouted, "I love Kamil–"
The next thing she knew, the rest of Kamilah's name disappeared in a muffled puff against the hand clamped tightly over her mouth. Her cheek was pressed flat against chilly concrete as she lay under Kamilah, who had pounced on her from behind. Ana cackled breathlessly into her palm – air knocked clean from her lungs by Kamilah's tackle – and dragged the hand away.
"No, Ana!" Kamilah pressed her weight down to try and keep Ana pinned to the floor, but to no avail.
"I have to." Ana heaved herself up, causing Kamilah to lose her balance and fall to the side. "I have to let them know–" She raised her voice again. "I love my girlfrie–"
This time, the tackle rammed into her side. Ana was bowled onto her back, her words dissolving into laughter as she wrangled Kamilah's hand away from her mouth.
"You don't have to."
"Yes I do."
"I know how you feel. Isn't that enough?"
"No. I want the world to know I belong to you."
Kamilah paused, then gave a breathy laugh. "You don't belong to me."
"Oh, sweetheart." Ana propped herself up on her elbows, craning her neck up to coax Kamilah into a slow kiss. "I've been yours from the start."
A chorus of sympathetic groans rang through the gym as Ebo was flung onto his back, followed closely by victorious whoops from the other squad. Ana watched with the rest of her squad mates as he was helped up by his opponent, shook hands, then returned to their side of the sparring ring.
"Good job, meathead," Khalid said as the man passed, clapping him on the shoulder. Ebo just groaned and walked over to his duffle bag near the wall, rubbing at his lower back.
"Alright." Deyab clapped his hands sharply, attracting both squads' attention. "We've only got time for one more round before the next group comes in. Who wants to go?"
Indistinct murmuring rose from both sides. Ana's squad glanced at one another, then Khalid nudged her hard in the ribs.
"Take one for the team, sis."
"Yeah, Ana," Layla said, running one hand lazily through her pixie cut. "Besides, you've only gone three times today."
"You've gone only three too."
"But I'm bushed."
"You lazy ass," Ana groaned. But she got up anyway, pulling on her gloves and head guard. She took a moment to kick at Layla's calves before making her way towards the centre of the mats.
"Ah, Amari," Deyab said. "Always ready to get your ass kicked, I see."
"Yes, thanks for noticing."
"I think I've the perfect opponent for you." He looked over at where his squad sat. "Shadid. Feel like putting Amari in her place?"
The fuck.
Kamilah cocked her head appraisingly at Deyab, then put her water bottle aside and stood, pulling on her own gloves and headgear.
Shit.
Ana could almost hear Khalid chortling behind her. But she settled for shooting Deyab a withering look, which he met with a devious smile.
"Are you sure, Deyab? I don't wanna put your best medic out of commission for–" The last of her words were replaced by hoots of laughter when she landed hard on her back, having had her feet swept from under her by a sharp kick. She glanced to the side just in time to watch Kamilah rise from her crouch, wearing the faintest smirk on her lips.
"Seems you're all bark and no bite, Amari," she said smoothly.
Grin spreading on her face, Ana kicked up from the mats, landing neatly on her feet. Rolling her shoulders, Ana turned to face her opponent. "On the contrary, Shadid. You'll soon find I'm all bite."
Without waiting for Deyab to give the official signal to start, Ana flew forward with a punch that Kamilah stepped back from easily. She followed up with a left, which was deflected by a glancing strike on her wrist. Two more punches with the same rhythm – both blocked – then Ana fell back and waited for Kamilah to make her move. But her opponent merely stood her ground, eyes boring into Ana's so calmly it was almost unnerving.
Ana had not much chance to spar with Kamilah before – not long after the medic had been transferred here, their company was deployed to fight in the war. The couple of times they had met in the ring were but vague memories by now, and certainly possessed none of the thrill coursing through Ana's veins.
Bouncing once on the balls of her feet, Ana closed in again with rhythmic double-jabs. Stomach, stomach, shoulders, face, chest. Blocked, blocked, blocked, blocked, countered–
Ana raised her right forearm to stop the blow aimed at her face, then the other to block a hook that never landed. Her eyes darted to the left, and that's when Kamilah's fist rammed hard into her right cheek – left unprotected by her lowered arm. The headgear absorbed part of the impact, but it still threw her off, and a double-jab landed on her stomach before she could recover. Taking two steps back, Ana took in the sight of her opponent. The curious thing was, even with her squad's fierce shouts of encouragement and Kamilah's ever-growing smirk, her usual competitive fire stayed unkindled.
"That the best 'bite' you have, Amari?" Kamilah taunted.
Okay, fuck that.
"Just going easy on you, dollface."
"Famous last words."
Ana lunged forward. She pulled no punches, most of which met with timely blocks. She felt a surge of pride whenever one landed on Kamilah, which rose a little higher with each sharp blow she suffered in return. As the round went on, Ana picked up a little speed, varied her combinations more, threw in a wink or two just because she could, and had the laugh punched out of her when she became distracted by Kamilah's partial eye rolls. She could not remember the last time she had this much fun in the ring. Other than the time she fought two opponents on a dare – and won, of course.
"60 seconds!" Deyab called from the side.
A streak of playfulness took hold. Ana sped up just a bit more, paring down the time between combinations, forcing Kamilah to stay on the defensive. The medic met her blow for blow, brows furrowed in concentration as she blocked and countered, countered and blocked, forced to keep up with the pace Ana had set. She was good, Ana gave her that. The sniper could still only land the occasional blow on her partner.
"10!"
Time.
Kamilah blocked the lightning-quick strikes aimed at her abdomen, brought her hand up to stop another blow, then the other when she realised the first was a fake. Ana feinted towards her left just as Kamilah recovered from her second mistake, baiting another move that left her right side wide open. In a split-second, Ana dove towards the opening and swung her leg out, slamming it into the back of Kamilah's ankles and sending her to the floor.
Both their squads erupted, sending a bellowing echo throughout the gym. Ana rose smoothly to her feet, catching Kamilah's eye and tossing her a wink. Panting, Ana turned around to face her squad and grinned. She rested both hands on her hips and bent over to catch her breath – that was when she noticed her squad mates' eyes widening.
Ana straightened and was about to turn around when two arms locked tightly about her waist.
"What the–"
Her feet left the ground in a single, terrifying moment as her body weight was lifted backwards and off-balance. A yell left her mouth as Kamilah flung her in a suplex, her body flying a little when Kamilah released her in mid-air. The impact of her back slamming against the mats knocked all breath out of her lungs and sense from her mind, leaving her panting and dazed, staring up at the brightly-lit ceiling. The laughter and whoops barely registered in her consciousness as she tried to comprehend what had just happened.
She lay there for a few seconds – which felt like an eternity – until Kamilah's face entered her field of vision. The medic pulled off her headgear and knelt down beside Ana, helping her into a sitting position.
"You alright, Amari?" Kamilah asked, still panting but wearing that victorious gleam in her eye.
Ana chuckled breathlessly, wishing she could smooth over the medic's mussed hair right then. "You are amazing, Shadid."
"I know." Kamilah grabbed her arm, then hauled her onto her feet. She stayed a while to make sure Ana could keep upright on her own, then patted on her headgear and went back to the side of the mats. Ana's eyes followed her in a daze, watching Kamilah remove the rest of her safety gear and swat off the hands reaching out to give her congratulatory pats. That did not seem to discourage her squad though, who huddled around her while chattering loudly.
"Ana!"
Ana spun on her heel to find Khalid waving her off the mat, and Layla standing beside him with her arms crossed, wearing a smirk more obvious than a neon sign at a funeral. Pulling off her helmet, Ana ran a hand over the top of her head as she walked over to them. Khalid gave her a pat on the back, before Layla slung an arm around her shoulder and pulled her to the side.
"So, Ana. I'm sorry," she whispered conspiratorially. "I set you up with the wrong type of woman, huh?"
"What?"
Layla's smirk grew wider and more slap-worthy. She nodded her head backwards, at where Deyab's squad was. "Grumpy scary ones are more your thing, aren't they?"
Rolling her eyes and ignoring that she had been obvious enough for Layla to notice, she drawled, "No, I just like the ones who can kick my ass."
"Gotcha." Layla winked, then let her go. Ana squinted at the woman as she bent down to unzip her own duffle bag, trying to ignore the sly smile Layla wore.
Well. If they were going to try anything more, at least they would have the right target this time. Hopefully. They were morons, after all.
A/N: Hey peeps! Thanks a lot for waiting out the longer-than-expected break. Hope you had fun in this chapter.
Just a little thing: I'll be loosening the update schedule for Halcyon just a tad, meaning they may not come weekly as they did before. I just need a little more space to breathe between chapters, but I'll still see this through to the end. On weeks with no Halcyon update, I may upload some drabbles/AUs/prompts onto Tumblr, so keep an eye out if you're interested. ;)