Hey everyone! As always, thanks for reading. Also, to help paint a better visual in people's heads of what the OCs look like, I'll just give you all a quick list of references I've used for developing them physically. Trevor has a look similar to Ryan Gosling, Reggie a bit like Bradley Cooper and has that more squared off look in the face, like Reggie, Samson has that squared off look as well, but has almost a Jude Law look in the face; just doesn't have that receding hairline and has much darker hair. Shawn looks similar to Joseph Gordon-Levitt but has green eyes instead of brown, Shorty has a face very similar to Selma Hayek, and Rico looks a lot like Amanda Seyfriend, but her eyes aren't so far apart and she's much taller than Amanda. Rico is like 5'9''. So there's that!

Chapter 14 - Protectors Fit for a Queen

Trevor and Soap stared with profound blue eyes at Shorty's Iroquois before them as it was being loaded up with several supplies. Both Soap and Trevor were taking a smoke break to become immersed in their minds. Delroy, Ivan, and Tobias were moving along at a considerate pace, all while Ivan was singing the Russian national anthem with a blissful grin.

Trevor lowered his cigarette, and released a stream of smoke from his lungs and throat. Keeping an eye on the helicopter, he began to speak. "This should be an interesting task."

The Scotsman inhaled calmly on the end of the cigar while he narrowed his eyes in thought. "I've dealt with V.I.P. instances before, but those were all rescue missions."

Trevor shook his head. "I'm getting this feeling that we're both going to look like class A tool bags."

Soap looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Elaborate."

"All suited up. Dressed like chaperones." Trevor sighed. "I'm probably going to look like a major prick once I have to gel back some of my hair."

"I wouldn't dwell on it too much," Soap began, "because you resemble one already."

Trevor smiled. "You need to start using that attitude some more on Shorty. She needs you to push back."

Soap exhaled. "Right. That lass thinks I'm a pompous arse." He shrugged and closed his eyes. "I already saw her with my pen in her uniform pocket. She's going to be tormenting me with it for the next several hours."

"You could always just take it back."

"And risk getting my hand bitten off? That woman seems feisty."

Trevor's smile widened. "Oh, she definitely is." He pointed his cigarette in Soap's direction. "Just hold her down. She won't be able to do anything."

Soap shook his head. "I'm not really the type to force women into doing something they're not too fond of. Having an older sister and competent mother meant I just had to deal with it."

"Look, I've known Shorty for much longer than you. Take my word. She'll respect you putting her in her place. She's just testing you."

Soap fell quiet as he spotted Shorty off in the distance preparing her things for the helicopter ride. Before he could respond, a familiar voice emitted from behind him.

"Hey, Soap."

He lowered his cigar and peered over his shoulder. His eyes met with Ricochet's aqua-eyed stared. Trevor glanced back at the sound.

"I wanted to tell you something before you two took off." Rico addressed as she gestured off towards a distant Shorty. "Especially since you're about to have a several hour trip with Shorty as your pilot."

Trevor nodded slowly at her, already expecting what was to come. Soap turned his body completely around to face her, giving her his undivided attention.

"I'm all ears." He stated.

"I've been talking to Shorty a lot these past few days. And I just want you to know that she means well." Her eyes stayed locked onto his face. "But, I truly believe she sincerely doesn't favor you at the moment, however, that doesn't mean she's stuck in her ways of acting like...quite the character. In all honesty, you're the first person I've seen her do this to."

"Glad I am the outlier." Soap replied with a deep voice.

"Yeah, well, such is life, yeah?" She looked back at Shorty who was now discussing something with Tatiana. "Sorry she's giving you the bitch treatment. But I will still stand by my words. She does mean well. Just be patient. That's all."

Soap nodded at her. "Funny timing, because Trevor was literally telling me the same thing moments before."

She smiled. "Yeah, so, see? We all know the real Shorty. Just be patient, joke along-you know, maybe try to be yourself."

"We'll see."

"Either way, I appreciate you being open-minded with it."

Trevor had to chuckle. "He doesn't have any other choice if he doesn't want to be miserable anymore." He took a moment to breathe on his cigarette. "Remember what I said, big-man, just push back."

Rico crossed her arms and smirked. "Shorty will absolutely love that." She stated sarcastically.

"Alright, so now you both are giving me different sets of advice...you're saying I need to be patient with her," Soap pointed to Rico, and then looked to Trevor, "and you're telling me to be assertive with her."

"And both sets of advice will work just fine. Apply them both. Just have fun with it." Rico stated.

His eyes moved away from Trevor and towards Rico. She noticed his eyes drift momentarily before finding her face again. He was met with a wide, lovely smile and slightly pink-tinted cheeks.

"Well, then. Good luck, you too." She gestured her head then turned to leave.

Soap watched her leave the runway and disappeared off towards the barracks. His pondering was interrupted by Trevor's sudden burst of laughter. Soap was quick to look over at him after flicking his cigar butt off onto the pavement.

Trevor was shaking his head in amusement. "Man. I tell you what, you're painful to watch sometimes."

Soap had to lower his brow in confusion. "Excuse me?"

His entertained eyes found the Scotsman bewildered stare. "Those wandering eyes. You're bad about not being obvious with it."

Soap blinked at him. "...What do you mean?"

Trevor, after putting his cigarette out on the ground, gestured off towards where Rico had just ambled off to. "You know you're being bad about trying to check a woman out when she is clearly aware of you doing it."

Suddenly, everything became incredibly apparent to Soap. "Oh...really?"

"Yeah, really." He crossed his arms, leaving the smirk on his face. "Hey, you know, I get it. But damn...want some tips?"

Soap couldn't resist feeling rather amused by Trevor's words. "I think I'm good."

"But now at least you're aware of how bad you are."

Soap shrugged. "Guess so."

Trevor waved him off. "Ah, actually, I'm not done here, because I really think you need some help."

"Here we go…" Soap murmured.

Trevor grinned and then let his arms fall to his side, where one of his hands found his pocket. "Rico is a bit different than Shorty. Shorty is obviously possessing a great ass, and it's prominent. Rico is a bit better at...concealing herself, so to speak. Not that Shorty is dressing inappropriately, but there's only so much room in a pair of pants before they can no longer contain that fine-"

Soap raised a hand in the air. "Alright, I get it-"

Trevor laughed. "Right. So, with Rico, you don't initially realize that she's actually pretty good looking. She wears that ballcap most of the time, and she's not one to wear tight-ass clothes. It forces you to be more observant with her. However," Trevor raised an attentive finger into the air, "that will also mean she will notice when you check her out, because she's not trying to get attention to begin with. She's confident and isn't searching for that reassurance."

"You're just so wise-"

"Not done here."

Soap sighed as he rubbed the ashes of his cigar into the pavement with his boot.

Trevor shrugged. "I'm more of an ass guy, but doesn't mean I haven't noticed it when Rico does the rare act of wearing a top that's a bit more form-fitting."

Soap uncrossed his arms and raised a hand out before his face. "Alright, I get it. I'll take note." He shook his head. "Damn, you're starting to sound like Reggie."

Trevor lowered his chin and sent an intentive stare in Soap's direction. "Where do you think he learned it?"

Soap fell quiet before staring back at Trevor. "Great. So you're implying that there may be two Reggie's on base."

Before Trevor could respond, Shorty's voice emitted from near the hangar. "We're departing in 10 minutes, you two!"

Trevor raised an arm and waved. "Thanks, beautiful!"

She gave him the bird before turning her attention towards the Iroquois. Trevor took a moment to enjoy a snicker.

"She's just so...charming." Soap commented with a sarcastic tone. "I can see why you're just so fond of her elegance and grace."

Off in the distance, Shorty stretched, scratched her lower back, and began to make wild gestures as Ivan almost dropped a crate on her. Soap shook his head as Trevor continued to snicker.

Suddenly, Price approached the two men.

Soap gestured his head in greetings. "Old man."

Price returned the gesture. "Muppet."

Soap smiled before scratching his nose. He noticed a duffle bag at the old man's side. "Joining us?"

Price's sharp eyes followed Soap's stare before returning his attention back to the Scotsman's face. "Yes. We're picking up two Echo members on our way there. I'll be with them in a surveillance vehicle keeping in touch."

"You always were a watchful one." Soap commented.

Price nodded at the statement. "Right. And when we return, we'll be greeted by more action."

"Oh, yeah?" Trevor questioned.

"Echo gave us a lead on an informant. Samson is going to work that out with Lemann while we're gone." Price crossed his arms after throwing the bag's strap over his shoulder. "We're back dealing with the Vasquez family."

"Where will that be taking us?" Soap questioned.

Price met up with Soap's intelligent stare. "Mexico."

"Ugh, Mexico." Trevor mumbled.

Soap nodded in understanding as the sound of the Iroquois propellers starting up grabbed his attention. All three men looked up some ways to see Ivan waving for them.

"Let's get our arses moving." Price ordered as his long strides moved him for the chopper.

Trevor let out his arm, gesturing for Soap to take the lead. The Scotsman smirked faintly as he followed the old man's footsteps.

Inside the interior of the helicopter, and once all passengers became secure in their seats, Soap's eyes caught glimpse of something he hadn't noticed before. Dangling by a thread in the cockpit, between Ivan and Shorty, was a set of purple, fuzzy dice. He watched it momentarily shake from the vibration that was coursing through the Iroquois as it gained power. Keeping a blank expression on his face, he smiled mentally. He knew exactly what he was going to do.

"Well, you two are looking sharp." Price crossed his arm and observed the two men before him. Trevor tugged at his suit coat while Soap attached his radio to his ear and coat pocket. They both looked at each other with slightly disinterested stares. Both were dressed in identical black suits, with white dress shirts, and charcoal, grey ties.

"Got your gear in order?" Price questioned with his usually voice, which hit the ears like daggers.

"Aye." Soap checked the security of his SIG P226 handgun which was being hidden by the interior of his coat.

"Good." Price motioned for them. "Walk with me. We're supposed to be getting picked up by Talon in 10 minutes."

The two men followed close to Price's assertive stride.

"You're both meeting up with Amelie Jacquet in the Borgerhout district, where you will escort her and her entourage to a nearby restaurant. Her entourage is just other members of her democratic party, in addition to some family members. I heard it was an all female outing. Should be fun."

"When's the speech?" Trevor inquired.

Price scratched his nose. "1500. By the Nation Bank near Stadspark."

Trevor nodded in understanding while Soap scanned his surroundings and wide hallway they ambled down. They eventually broke into a wide space as they entered the hotel lobby.

"Talon will be outside waiting for us. Black Buick." Price found the rotating door and brought himself through with Soap and Trevor still following his lead. Once outside, Price double-checked his wristwatch before sighing and looking off down the busy streets. A few pedestrians laced in between them and couldn't resist the urge to look them up and down.

"Hm." Price murmured as his eyes flashed in the direction of Soap and Trevor. "Any more questions. I know you're bound to have a few more, Soap."

Soap smirked faintly. "Right, old man. So I'm assuming they know English, and that they're well-informed?"

Price nodded. "Obviously. Still wouldn't hurt if you had some French at your disposal though."

"Samson already told us to have a French greetings ready for them." Trevor raised his hands up to do air-quotes. "To 'show our respect'."

"You make it sound like they're not worthy of it." Soap's keen eyes landed onto Trevor's profile.

"Well, we are the ones being paid, and they're the ones asking for the help."

"Relax, muppet. They'll make sure you both feel...welcomed." Price stated.

Trevor and Soap both raised an eyebrow at Price. The way his words came out sounded almost facetious.

Suddenly, a solid black, chrome accented Regal pulled up to the curve. The tinted windows kept the driver's face obscured. On cue, Price ambled up to the side and tapped a solid fist against the door, signalling the driver to roll down the window.

"Ready?" The driver asked.

"We were ten minutes ago."

"Alright, get in." The driver jutted a thumb towards the rear seats.

Price glanced back at the two suited men and gestured his head for them to get a move-on. Both brought themselves to the rear-seat door and filed inside while Price hopped into the front passenger seat.

Once inside, Price turned in his seat to face them. "Remember, we'll keep in touch the entire time. Report any suspicious behavior in any near proximities when you're with Jacquet. We can alert the police force in the area." He narrowed his eyes. "And stay sharp. Don't allow anything to distract you. You wouldn't want to be an embarrassment to the Rangers or S.A.S., now would you?"

Both returned a professional and determined stare.

"Good." Price returned to facing the streets before him as they drove along. He adjusted his earpiece and tiny bluetooth radio that remained hooked to his clothing. Trevor and Soap resumed to staring out the windows and analyzing the streets and buildings of Antwerp.

After a seemingly short city drive, the men arrived at the designated district and pulled themselves out of the vehicle to find themselves standing on the wide sidewalk before what appeared to be a townhall structure. Again, Price led them along the way.

"They'll all be inside. You're not here to be their friends or become informal acquainted. Keep it short and professional. Nothing more, nothing less. Remember, you're hired guns."

"Our SIGs are worth more than what each of us are getting paid…" Trevor mumbled.

"You two have it so hard, don't you?"

"Absolutely unbearable." Soap commented flatly with a sarcastic tone.

By that point, Price was already bringing them both inside where they each now walked through the building's high-ceilinged foyer. Immediately, their eyes all fell upon six women who were chatting casually while a chauffeur stood near them with a blank expression. Instantly, all of their eyes landed onto the three men that were now striding in their direction. Some of them couldn't resist satisfied looking smiles. The looks instantly caused Trevor and Soap to peer over at each other with perplexed expressions.

Once before them, Price nodded his head towards them. "Bonjour, mesdames. Amelie Jacquet." Price paused to let an arm out which caused the women to all look at Soap and Trevor who bore a professional, clean-cut look. "These two will be your personal guards. John MacTavish and Trevor Dresden."

A middle-aged woman, with warm-tinted brown hair, stepped forth from her group of acquaintances and let out a hand for them to accept. "Well, met gentlemen." She had a kind voice.

Trevor took her hand and shook it firmly. "Bonjour, madame."

"And you're monsieur Dresden?"

"Oui, madame."

Jacquet was quick to look over at Soap and let out a hand for him to take. He shook it with confident movements. "And you must be monsieur MacTavish?"

Soap nodded. "Oui, madame."

The way her eyebrows rose made it seem as if she was rather intrigued by the way Soap's voice sounded deeply from the back of his throat. She suddenly smiled. "Alright, I appreciate the pleasantries and well-mannered behavior, but you two can cut it. I would like to think we can interact in a more informal environment."

Her words caused both Trevor and Soap to quickly glance at the old man who stood sternly with his default, rough expression.

"It's what suits you best, ma'am." Soap replied.

She smiled up at him before turning to her group behind her. "Bon, passons. J'ai faim." She then gestured for the chauffeur to begin to lead them all for the limousine outside. Before following, she pulled her attention to Price. "Thank you, monsieur Price. We will meet again shortly.

The old war hero nodded in her direction as she passed him up. Soap and Trevor were quick to join her side. "Good luck, muppets." He spoke to them as they passed.

Soap waved the old man off as they followed Jacquet for the exit. The women behind them exchanged a few words in French, whom Soap caught very little of.

Once outside and before the limo, she faced the two men as the chauffeur opened the door for her. "You two know French?"

They both shook their heads as Soap opened his mouth. "I know very little. My mum loved French culture so I had learned a few basics from her growing up."

"Alright, wonderful. So I suppose we can stick to English." She replied. "Now come."

Jacquet pulled herself inside while Trevor and Soap allowed the five other women to join their friend inside the back compartment. The two men were swift to join them inside the back as the door shut behind them. Immediately, they were both met with amused stares. They felt somewhat uncomfortable at first before one of the women began to speak to the group around her in French.

Trevor leaned in closer to Soap and lowered his voice. "You did see that, right?"

"The intense stare session? Aye. I saw that." Soap replied quietly.

Trevor pulled away and nodded with mild entertainment with his lower lip sticking out slightly.

Again, Jacquet grabbed their attention. "Will you two be hungry?"

They both looked up at her. "No thanks. We already have eaten." Trevor answered and was met with a wide, blissful grin.

"Suit yourself."

The women instantly began to become immersed into conversation. On occasion, the conversation would range from English dialect before eventually switching back to French. Somehow, both men could sense that this particular mission would go unpleasantly for them.

After a short drive, the vehicle came to a complete stop and every passenger streamed out of the back seat and began to amble for the quaint cafe before them. Soap and Trevor returned to Jacquet's side as the chauffeur remained behind during this round of events.

Once inside, the women were quickly sat at a round table near the back, with most of the crowd kept away. Trevor and Soap stood assertively and professionally before the table with their eyes locked onto the dining area before them. The women ordered, and again, the basic conversation returned.

"So, Amelie. Aren't you nervous for the speech? After all of the death threats?" A red haired woman had asked as she leaned into the table to look over at Jacquet.

On command, Jacquet brushed the comment away nonchalantly. "Non, pas du tout. All of the people like that are cowards. It's all an act."

"Then why spend thousands to hire personal body guards?"

"Oh, deary, I didn't request that. It was the democratic party. I'm not necessarily thrilled that my campaign budget is being used to pay for these fine gentlemen here, and of course, the rest of the police force patrolling the streets." She sighed. "Il est devenu un cauchemar. (It's become a nightmare.)"

Suddenly, one of the women let her eyes narrow with interest as she looked the two men's backsides up and down. "Très bien fait. (Very fine indeed)."

The women began to snicker and giggle with mild intrigue as all of their eyes landed onto Soap and Trevor. Both of them could sense the stares hovering over their bodies. Trevor had to sigh as Soap tensed up slightly.

"Alors, qui voulez vas te faire encule? (Which one would you fuck?)" One woman said. The women immediately smiled and continued to giggle.

Soap let his brow go flat as he came to terms with what he thought the woman had just said.

A woman with black hair pointed in Trevor's direction. "Que l'on a un cul fantastique. (That one has a fantastic butt.)"

"Le grand on a les épaules sexy, si. (The tall one has very sexy shoulders though)" One pointed a fork at Soap. "J'aimerais serrer ses muscles. (I'd love to squeeze those muscles.)"

Unable to resist, as he continued to grow more and more uncomfortable, Soap glanced back at the women only to be met by wide smiles and friendly waves. Pulling his attention back to the front of the room, he ran his tongue on his teeth.

Trevor's eyes widened as he whispered. "What are they saying…?"

Soap could only shake his head, causing Trevor to raise his eyebrows and turn back to look at the women. He too received the same gestures.

"What the fuck, man. Are...are they talking about us?" Trevor asked lowly.

"I believe so."

"About what?"

Soap laced his fingers together before his pants as he sighed. "By the sounds of it, sexually oriented material."

Trevor immediately pinched the bridge of his nose. "We're definitely not getting paid enough...not enough to be hit on by cougars for the next four hours."

Soap had to emit a quick chuckle at Trevor's comment. But then his ears began to catch other bits of the conversation.

"Je doute qu'ils ne l'ont jamais connu le sexe qui serait aussi expert que la nôtre. (I doubt they ever experienced sex that'd be as expert as ours.)" Another woman spoke, causing another set of giggles to emit from around the table.

"Nous aimerions faire leurs tourner la tête! (We would make their heads spin!)"

Trevor nodded slowly with pursed lips as Soap stared off into the distance. They both figured it could always be worse than getting sexual remarks tossed in their direction by seemingly attractive, older women.

Eventually, after several more tradebacks about which man was more attractive and how, the food arrived and the topic of the conversation trailed off and headed in a different direction, particularly pertaining to politics. The women ate with content while the time of the speech drew near.

After the meals were finished, and the bills were paid, the group sat up, with Trevor and Soap watching their sides. So far, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. At least, nothing too suspicious to report.

Soap heard Price's voice in his ear. "Give me an update."

"Heading westbound. ETA 15 minutes." Soap responded.

"Copy that. Keep your eyes peeled. You both have permission to be on the stage with her. Maintain a three meter distance." Price answered back with his hoarse voice.

"Copy that." Soap replied as he peered back out the window with observant eyes.

It was obvious they drew near as the number of police in the crowd became more prominent and abundant. A few remained lined up near the back of a growing bustle of onlookers. The limo pulled up to a private sector, and began to search for the location to drop off the passengers.

Coming to a section located behind the stage, the car came to a complete stopped and they all were given clearance to exit the back. Soap and Trevor both left the back seat first as they waited patiently for the rest of the women to exit; they immediately joined Jacquet's side as she began to stride for the stage with her chin held up. She was strangely confident and calm for a woman who had been receiving death threats for the past several months. The two Darkhorse members kept an eye on their surroundings, and did the best they could to scope out suspicion like a bunch of hawks.

After getting situated on stage, and the introductory speech was delivered, an applause was heard as Amelie Jacquet made her way onto the stage. Soap's eyes ran over the faces in the crowd as Trevor scanned the area near the back of the sea of people. Wide, attentive eyes watched closely as the speech began and important topics began to get discussed.

Suddenly, once some time had past, Trevor and Soap's watchful eyes caught glimpse of outlandish movement within the crowd. A few people were shoved to the side as a man hurriedly made his way for the front. Trevor leaned his weight forward as Soap bent his knees. And just as fast as they caught the movement, gunfire blasts were heard from the source. Bullets pinged off the pedestal as Jacquet lowered down and shielded her face. The people in the audience ducked and scattered as the man continued to send off shots. A few bystanders on the stage were unfortunate enough to be in the pathway of the stray, sporadic bullets.

Trevor was quick to react as he immediately sprinted for Amelie to tackle her out of the way. Those two went fumbling towards the ground as screams were heard and voices echoed. Soap was already leaping off the stage and running through the crowd to seize the man. He had him in his sights but couldn't take off any shots due to the chaos and amount of innocent lives in the area. As he neared, his bellowing mass was noticed by the assailant. The man panicked and raised the M9, but only in time to have a tremendous force clutch his wrist and twist it roughly to the side. His grip weakened around the gun as Soap was quick to obtain it. Soap met the man's panicking eyes and sent a death glare in his direction.

Being quick on his feet, he kicked the man's knee-cap out, causing him to shout out and stumble towards the ground. Soap finished him off with a quick two-point takedown, resulting in the man going flat against the pavement. Jumping for him, Soap landed a strong knee into the attacker's sternum and slammed a forearm against his throat while keeping the man's arm pinned down with the other knee. The man gargled and struggled for air as Soap continued to push weight against him.

"What the bloody hell happened?" Price's voice echoed loudly in his ear.

"We had a shooter. I have him pinned." Soap replied, deep voice reverberating.

Trevor stood Amelie up once he noticed the area was clear. He guided her off the stage as police began to escort her away, whereas others ran for Soap and the attempted assassin. Realizing the police force were now standing around him, Soap snagged the man and raised him from the ground, allowing for the police to restrain him and take him away.

Soap watched them pull the man along and towards the cruisers before turning back towards the stage where he met Trevor's stare.

Trevor gave him a quick head nod as he jumped down from the stage to join up with Soap. From there, they quickly regrouped with Price. They found him in a large white van with two Talon members.

"Well, done. Could have gone better. But also could have gone worse." Price commented as the men entered.

"Hey, she isn't dead." Trevor stated matter-of-factly.

Price cleared his throat. "Still had some casualties. Two others were injured from bullet wounds. But, again, mission successful. Let's arrange for us to head back to Croatia. Echo got news of a potential informant which will be taking us in a completely different direction." Price looked over the roughened faces before him. "So get ready for that."

After things settled down, Soap and Trevor were paid off and thanked personally by Amelie Jacquet before they began their journey home. It was a rather serene trip back. The scenery and landscape below the Iroquois passed them up in a series of swooping colors as they hovered along. They made several pit stops, and after 32 hours, they all returned safely to the Darkhorse base in Croatia, where they were greeted by warm weather, a shimmering sun, and the face's of friends.

Before exiting the chopper, Soap quickly snatched Shorty's purple dice from the front cabin and smiled as he left the inner compartment. He twirled the fuzzy dice in his hand as he ambled for the sleep corridors.

Ah ha! Take that Shorty! Just you wait; Soap has something creative in store for you!