A/N: I lied. The last chapter wasn't the one I didn't like. It's this one. -facepalm-

I do not like how this one came out. I think it made Jimmy look like a sadistic psycho.

I have to say I like the detail. I tried for that, and that's the part I like. I don't know why, but writing stories from a war setting is harder. Harder to keep them in-character, I guess.

Constructive criticism is appreciated! :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Avenged Sevenfold. They are the complete proud owners of themselves and their music.

Danger Line

Zacky ducked behind the sturdy cover, wincing as the sound of bullets passed narrowly over his head. He slipped his gun over the top of the cover, blindly returning fire before wearily pulling back his weapon. He looked over to his comrade, seeing an almost manic grin on his face. He kept popping up every few seconds, taking out enemy soldiers one by one. This was Corporal James Sullivan, better known as Jimmy by his teammates. The man had a fondness for straying close to the hostiles. Staying in the fight is what he called it. He was more of an up-close person, which stumped Zack, who was a stay-back-and-try-to-be-patient kind of guy.

Suddenly, a large explosion deployed in front of the sandbag barrier. The grenade sent metal shrapnel flying in every direction. Unfortunately, the bomb caught Jimmy while he was standing, so most of the shrapnel grazed his skin or cut into his clothing. When he crouched down again, Zacky saw several shallow cuts marking his forehead and cheeks. The sight was slightly gruesome. Sweat, dirt, and blood covered his face, making him look like he had escaped from a fire. Zack supposed he didn't look much different, minus the blood, so he only shook his head.

"You're going to be the death of yourself, Jim."

Jimmy flashed him a toothy grin. He pressed a finger to his lips before peeking over the barrier. Seeing that it was clear, he dashed forward, sliding behind a piece of plywood mere seconds before a small cylinder came flying at Zacky. He realized what it was too late. A flashbang. Just as he remembered to duck, the grenade detonated, sending out a flash that blinded him momentarily. He heard a ringing in his ears as the white faded from his vision. When he looked up again, Jimmy was crawling toward the enemy's cover; a look of concentration dominating his features. Zack could only watch as the lanky man hopped gracefully over the barricade, kicking the tango's rifle out of his grip in the process.

Jimmy thrust his arm outward as the man stood, a metallic glint the only thing visible. The knife he was holding quickly met its mark, slashing through the soldier's throat with a sickeningly wet sound. Crimson exploded from the hostile's neck, splattering all over Jimmy. The man grasped at his neck with wide eyes, as if he couldn't believe what just happened. Truth be told, Zacky didn't either. The whole area seemed to go silent, and Zacky swore he could hear the man's wheezing gasps before he abruptly crumpled; his wound still oozing blood.

Zacky shakily stood and stumbled to Jimmy. He forced himself not to look down as he muttered a small, "Area clear,". Even though he had been in the military for three years, the sight of blood still made him queasy.

Jimmy looked flushed and was breathing hard. Zacky knew the exhilaration he was feeling. Every soldier got it. It was the natural way their bodies reacted to killing someone.

The two set out again, making their way to the LZ. It looked like splitting the team up had been helpful. They had done so to minimize the enemy forces in the area more quickly, and it was obvious that it had been successful if tango-free travel was any indicator.

At one point, they did come across two enemy soldiers, both of which looked no older than seventeen, and reacted on instinct. Zacky merely pulled out his pistol, many years of training gathered into one shot that ended his victim's life. Jimmy, however, barreled forward, tackling the remaining hostile. The two wrestled for a moment and it almost appeared as if the tango might win. Zacky didn't interfere, though, knowing before it even happened that Jimmy would win. He always did.

And like always, he managed to grab hold of his knife. He quickly stabbed downward and the enemy soldier cried out as it sank into his thigh. Slowly Jimmy stood, pointing his M9 down at the soldier, who braced himself for the shot. Zack felt a stab of sympathy for the boy and cursed whoever had brainwashed him into enlisting at such a young age.

The shot rang out, clear and menacing. Small pieces of shattered skull fell to the ground, making meaningless mosaics in the blood around his head.

Zacky shook his head as they continued to the regroup site. Jimmy was now drenched in blood that was mostly not his. He smelled of iron; of rust, the odor billowing off of him like smoke.

Finally, they reached the LZ where Evac was waiting for them. They gratefully stumbled onto the helicopter, exhausted after another difficult mission.

Instead of winding down and taking a nap, Zacky opted for conversation.

"You were a beast out there, man."

Jimmy glanced at him with half-lidded eyes. "Thanks," he said simply.

Zacky chuckled dumbly, "You sure know how to get danger close, that's for sure."

"Dude, I get so close, I'm practically on the danger line," Jimmy joked.

"Danger line?" Zacky questioned.

Jimmy nodded, "Danger close on the front lines. The new word of the day."

Zacky frowned, "But isn't that two words?"

"Don't question me!" Jimmy laughed.

Zack shook his head, a fond smile gracing his lips. Despite his hatred for gore, he truly liked working with Jimmy, who basically thrived on it. He was laid-back and fun. And you never had to worry about failing a mission. Jimmy proved that to him every time.

EDIT: All I did was change some spelling/grammatical errors. :P