I squealed a little too loud writing this LOL I'm still sick air pump
The group assembled at the edge of Sangatte, France. The air was chilly, and a light December snow covered the ground. The team was ready to move towards the HYDRA base in Belgium.
The mood was serious, everyone understanding the gravity of the mission.
Steve faced the group, gaze on each member. "Alright, everyone. We've got a long trek ahead. We need to stay sharp," Steve said, his voice carrying authority. "HYDRA's not going to make this easy for us. Lorelei, you'll be scouting ahead. Let's move out."
Lorelei nodded, her face determined. The team began their journey, moving through the cold, rugged terrain.
Lorelei remained vigilant, the group moving cautiously through the snow-covered terrain, maintaining a low profile to avoid detection by enemy patrols.
Each time Lorelei heard a convoy, she would give the group a signal, in which they had to race to find cover.
There were multiple near misses, but they managed to remain undetected each time.
They made camp when night fell, their meal remained cold- no one wanted to give their position away- and the group paired up to remain warm.
Lorelei was sandwiched between Steve and Bucky in her sleeping bag, feeling warmth for the first time in hours. Her bones had settled into a mind numbing cold that had refused to let up.
Lorelei settled down, enjoying the furnace that was Steve Rogers.
Jim was the first on watch, leaving the rest to get some shut-eye.
Lorelei's dreams were anything but peaceful.
She woke multiple times, the ghost of a sad man with a gaping hole in his throat haunting her.
Not even Steve's sleeping presence could ease her worries.
They were on an inevitable path, one that might separate them all.
The next day passed just like the previous, and the group settled down once more, eating their meals and heading in for the night.
Lorelei remained awake, insisting on taking the night watch.
Steve, knowing something was wrong with Lorelei, hung back until he and Lorelei were the only ones left awake.
"Hey." Steve sat next to Lorelei.
"Hey." Lorelei murmured. She offered her blanket, which Steve wrapped around the two.
"Are you doing alright?" He asked.
"Mostly." Lorelei said, gaze scanning the dark.
"Mostly?" Steve echoed.
"Just…" Lorelei struggled with the words. Sighing, she closed her eyes. "Nightmares. Makes it hard to sleep, you know?"
Steve nodded.
"I get it." He said, wrapping an arm around Lorelei.
Lorelei relaxed into Steve's side, the Link soothing her frayed nerves.
Lorelei spent the rest of her night watch like that, Steve a silent sentry beside her.
They retired when it was time for Bucky to take over the watch.
Lorelei tugged her sleeping bag open when Steve held his own open.
"You know, I can't prevent nightmares, but maybe it might help if we… well." Steve hesitated.
"My, Captain! How scandalous!" Lorelei teased, sly grin firmly fixed on her lips.
Steve flushed, making Lorelei chuckle.
"Will we fit?" She asked.
"We can see." Steve said.
Lorelei climbed into the bag, feeling a tad awkward as she rested her head on Steve's shoulder.
She could feel him reach for the zipper, enclosing them in the bag.
It was snug, but not uncomfortable.
"How are you feeling?" Steve asked.
"Cozy." Lorelei said. She could feel Steve chuckle.
"Get some rest Lorelei." Steve said, pressing a kiss into the top of Lorelei's head.
"Goodnight Steve." Lorelei whispered.
"Goodnight Lorelei." Steve whispered back.
And for once, Lorelei wasn't visited by the accusing dead.
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
The trek from Sangatte to Belgium took the group through dense forests, across frozen fields, and over icy rivers. The weather was unforgiving, chilling winds cut through even their thickest clothing. Despite the harsh conditions, the team moved with a purpose, knowing the importance of their mission.
Many of the members were hoping to be back home for Christmas, but their mission came first.
After several days of difficult travel, the Commandos finally reached the outskirts of the HYDRA base in Belgium. The team set up a concealed observation post, using state-of-the-art binoculars provided by Howard to monitor the base. The group noted the shifts of the HYDRA agents, their movements, and the layout of the base.
Steve gathered the team. "Here's the plan," he said, pointing to a rough outline of the base. "Lorelei will go in first, using her stealth to map out the interior and find weaknesses. Jacques, you'll prepare the explosives. Gabe, you'll set up a diversion. Jim, Dugan, and Falsworth, you'll take out any HYDRA agents that come investigating. Bucky will find a good vantage point to set up a sniper's roost. Lorelei, and I will place the explosives inside."
The group nodded, turning to focus on their tasks.
Lorelei holstered her gun, shrugging on her jacket as she prepared to infiltrate the base.
Steve approached Lorelei, brows furrowed in concern. "Promise me you'll stick to the shadows, please?"
Lorelei smiled at him, attaching her utility belt around her waist.
"I'll stick close to the shadows. No one will see me." Lorelei said.
"I'm serious, Lorelei. This is going to be extremely dangerous. One wrong move and we might not be able to rescue you." Steve grabbed her forearm, dead serious.
"I promise, Steve. In and out, no muss, no fuss." Lorelei said.
Steve went to protest, but Lorelei grasped the lapels of his jacket and pulled him firmly down to her level, pressing her lips against his and silencing Steve.
The Commandos watched on in amusement as Steve tried to pull back to protest, but each time Lorelei pulled him down and kissed him silly.
Bemused, Steve fell silent, leaving Lorelei victorious. She smirked, patting his chest.
"Don't worry, Steve. This is my forte." Lorelei said, pressing her lips against the corner of his before continuing her preparations.
Lorelei smiled, ensuring her equipment was ready in the rapidly encroaching night.
Steve pressed a flare into Lorelei's hands.
"What-"
"Use it if you're unable to escape. We'll come get you." Steve said, refusing to accept it back.
"Steve." Lorelei sighed.
" Please. It'll ease my worries." Steve said.
Lorelei relented, tucking it into a free loop.
Steve pulled her into a hug.
"Be safe." Steve said.
"I will. Don't do anything stupid until I get back." Lorelei smirked.
"How can I? You're taking all the stupid with you." Steve grinned.
Lorelei turned, gaze on the glowing base below.