Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As much as Sniper liked his job he had to admit it could get a bit draining at times. He had been sitting in his perch for about seven hours now and his legs were starting to go numb. Normally he wasn’t always in one spot during a battle, he’d have his fair share of close combat normally. But today the plan was that Sniper was supposed to sit back and defend a small area. Engine’s idea. Sniper wasn’t thrilled about the plan but he hadn’t bothered to argue against it as he knew it would get him no where.

There were some pros however. For example Sniper hadn’t seen the Blu Spy at all. It did seem somewhat suspicious to Sniper. Seven hours without him even making an appearance? It seemed to good to be true. Sniper appreciated not needing go look over his shoulder every five seconds. It was rather hard to focus on taking headshots when there was a back stabbing madman to worry about.

Sniper set down his rifle and stumbled to his feet. The numbness in his legs made it difficult to stand. Once the blood returned to his legs he paced around the room and stretched. He wasn’t too worried about watching out the window as it had been an hour since he had seen anyone. He wondered when the battle would end for the day. Battles rarely took longer then six hours at most so today was odd. He wasn’t able to see the rest of his teammates and what they were doing so perhaps something was happening that he couldn’t see that was causing the extended time.

Just as Sniper stretched out his back he heard a creak behind him. He whipped his head around to face the noise and was greeted by the face of the Blu Spy. Sniper jumped back just as the Spy swung at him with his knife. He hit the wall behind him with a painful thud and he stumbled slightly at the impact. Spy pressed his knife to Sniper’s throat and stood inches away from him. Sniper looked into Spy’s eyes intently as the blade gently pushed into his skin. Spy smirked.

“Any last words Jar-man?”

Sniper could feel Spy’s breath against his skin as he spoke. He clenched his teeth and gave Spy a scowl.

“Letting me pick my final words, feeling generous today are we?”

“Interesting last words.”

Spy slit Sniper’s throat with one quick swipe and let his body sink to the floor.

“Until we meet again mon ami.”

——————————————————

Sniper’s eyes opened as he respawned back at his base. He brought a hand to his throat and rubbed it gently. Even though he had been fighting for a while now, dying and coming back was still a surreal experience.

As soon as Sniper stepped onto the battlefield an announcement came on over the speakers saying that the team had won and the fight for the day was over. He re-entered the base and began to walk toward the living area.

He walked into the kitchen and pulled open the fridge and looked for something to eat. Sniper grabbed an apple and a bottle of beer and sat back down at the table. It was then that Spy walked into the room. Spy looked Sniper up and down with a raised eyebrow.

“Is that really your dinner?” Spy asked.

“Well what’s your dinner then? A couple of cigs?”

Spy rolled his eyes and walked over to the sink and got a glass. He filled it and started to drink. Sniper took a sip of his own drink as he looked at Spy.

“So I was right then?”

“Miss.Pauling is leaving soon. Are you going to say goodbye?” Spy asked, ignoring Sniper’s question.

“Why? Do I need to?”

“It’s polite.”

“If I happen to see her see her first then I will.” Sniper said finishing off his apple. He stood up and tossed his garbage, he tipped his hat to Spy and began to walk down the hallway. He saw Miss.Pauling saying something to Pyro before turning her attention to him.

“Good work today Sniper.”

“Thanks. You’re leaving?”

“Once I’m done talking to Pyro here I’ll be on my way. Did you need something?”

“No I’m alright. Thanks.” Sniper said as he started to walk away again.

“Goodnight Sniper.”

Sniper waved to Miss. Pauling half heartedly over his shoulder before pushing open a side exit door and heading toward his camper van, ready to sleep.

Chapter Text

‘Why am I here?’

That is the question that was on Sniper’s mind. He had been yet again assigned to the remote outpost that he was at the day prior by the group. He was kicking himself that he didn’t speak up sooner. Maybe he wouldn’t have been here if that was the case.

He looked through his scope at the ground below. He hadn’t seen anyone in hours by that point. Sniper lowered the gun with a huff and placed it on the ground next to him, being sure to switch on the safety. Most sniper rifles don’t usually have a safety but after one to many incidents with a certain drunk coworker, Miss.Pauling had commissioned Saxton to add a safety function to some of their weapons. Saxton being the man he is wasn’t to thrilled to make his weapons safe but complied regardless. Money talks, Sniper knew that quite well.

He stood up and stretched out his legs after sitting there for a moment. The room was silent except for the faint sound of far away gunshots and explosions. Sniper didn’t really notice them however; you work at a place where that sort of thing happens daily and it simply becomes white noise.

A creak could be heard behind him once again and he turned around to see the Blu Spy staring back at him. Sniper grabbed his gun off the floor and pulled the trigger. Nothing happened. Sniper internally face palmed as he remembered he set the safety on. Spy took advantage of the pause and disarmed Sniper swiftly before kicking him to the wall with a thump. Spy pressed his knife to his throat again and grinned.

“Twice in a row. Not a good look Jar-man.” He teased. “There was never any doubt however that this would be the outcome. Your team may have won yesterday but once your Pyro comes out of where ever their hiding , it will be game, set, match.”

“You really like your monologues. Always with the dramatics. You’re a merc, not a god damn performer.” Sniper replied, more then a little annoyed.

Spy rolled his eyes and slit Sniper’s throat and dropped his body to the floor for the second time that week.

——————————————————

Later in the evening Sniper was sitting in the lounge area of the base flipping through one of the catalogues they happened to have laying around. The Heavy was sitting on the couch with his eyes shut and Sniper guessed he was asleep. Scout and Demo were playing darts with the dart board that was hung on the wall. Both were doing quite well. The others walked into the room periodically then would filter out.

“Anyone seen Pyro?”

Sniper turned to face who was asking the question. It was Engineer.

“I haven’t seen them.” Scout responded. Sniper shook his head.
Engineer gave a nod and turned to leave the room.

“I’ll find them eventually.”

Engineer stopped and looked back to the group before he could fully leave.

“Say where did we find Pyro last time?”

“I found them in Medics office last time. In one of the cabinets.” Demo said, still facing the dart board. “Still not sure what they were doing in there.”

“Right, well I’ll check there then. Thanks fellas.” Engineer said continuing his exit.

It was then that Heavy jolted awake. Scout jumped slightly at the sudden movement from the sleeping man. Sniper noticed and laughed to himself, earning a death glare from Scout.

“Was someone else in here?” Heavy asked while rubbing his eyes.

“Engie stopped by.” Scout replied.

“Ah. Thought I heard his voice.” Heavy stood up slowly then looked at his teammates. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight everyone.”

“Night.” Sniper said with a slight nod. And Heavy walked out of the room.

Demo threw the last dart in his hand onto the board. Then he grabbed his bottle of scrumpy.

“I’m probably going to go to bed as well.”

“Aw come on man just a few more rounds?” Scout pleaded.

“Get Sniper to play with ya. I mean the man’s right here.” Demo gestured to Sniper with his free hand.

“Snipes ya wanna play?” Scout asked. Sniper thought for a moment. He was pretty tired. However the eager look in Scout’s eyes made him consider.

“Fine. Just for a bit though alright?”

“Aw heck yeah!” Scout fist pumped. “Night Demo!”

Demo waved as he too left the room to sleep. Sniper walked over to the dart board and pulled out the darts that were sticking out of it then stepped back next to Scout.

“I have a question.”

Scout was aiming his dart at the board. “What’s the question?” He didn’t take his eyes off the board.

“The battle the other day. Why’d it take so long?”

“Had trouble gettin’ the briefcase. We kept gettin’ it and then we’d get stopped and lose it over and over again.” Scout said, tossing the dart. It landed smack in the middle of the board. He did a small fist pump. “Would’ve been nice if you were able to watch the field more and cover us. Kinda weird the others keep putting you off in the corner like that right?”

“I did think it was a bit of a weird choice. Glad I’m not the only one who thinks so.” Sniper said shifting the darts in his hand.

“You goin’ to say something about it?”

“I’m not sure. The others agree when Engineer suggests it so I’m not sure if me speaking up will change anything.”

“I could talk to them myself. I’m tired of not having you covering my ass. I mean not that I need it, the others definitely do though.” Scout chucked his last dart at the board. He walked over to it and pulled his darts out. “I’m sure they’d listen to me.”

“Mate no offence but if they wouldn’t listen to me then they won’t listen to you.” Sniper lined up his dart with the board.

“Why’s that?”

“Not sure. Just how it works I guess.” Sniper replied being sure to choose his words carefully. He didn’t want to hurt Scout’s feelings. Especially not while he was holding sharp objects. They were mercs after all, they weren’t adverse to violence.

“I guess. Some of the others can be real bossy sometimes. Don’t tell them I said that though.”

“I won’t.” Sniper chuckled slightly to himself. He knew which members of the team Scout was referring to. Well, member, would be more accurate.

“Well, I figure I know where they’ll put me tomorrow.” Sniper threw his final dart before taking a step toward the door. “I’m gonna head to bed.”

“Aw, alright. Night.”

Sniper turned on his heel back to face Scout. He had something on his mind that he needed another answer to.

“Scout?”

“Yeah?”

“What was the Blu Spy up to today?”

“Don’t know. Didn’t see much of him. When I did see him he was mainly by his base. Wasn’t really attacking much today.”

“Thanks. G’night Scout.”

Chapter Text

“Mission begins in ten seconds.”

Sniper looked over his things to make sure he had everything he needed. Rifle, ammo, machete,jars. It was all there.

The door slid open and his teammates left the room quickly, flooding out onto the battle field. Sniper walked behind begrudgingly. He was headed toward the same perch in the far off corner of the battlefield where he had yet again been instructed to go to. Sniper grumbled complaints and cussed under his breath as his feet slid across the sandy terrain and stopped before the ladder leading up to his perch. His hands grasped the rungs of the ladder as he climbed up.

Once at the top Sniper walked over to his seat and sat down with a huff. He wondered how long it would take for anyone to walk by. More specifically he wondered how long it would take for the enemy Spy to show up and get the jump on him. This time was going to be different. That Spy wasn’t going to get the jump on him again.

Sniper loaded bullets into his gun and set it up on the window. He laid out the jars next to him, each of them clinking as he set them down. Sniper decided that he was going to switch between watching the entrance of the room and watching through the scope. He propped his machete against the back of his seat on the floor so it was closer to the hatch.
——————————————————

Hours later Sniper had yet to see anyone. Saying he was frustrated was an understatement. He brought himself to his feet with a huff and started pacing around the room with his machete in hand. The thoughts in Sniper’s head were random and erratic, he was trying to think of anything interesting in order to keep himself entertained.

It was then that Sniper saw the hatch in the floor slowly begin to lift open. Sniper maneuvered himself so he was behind the opening. The hatch door hit the floor with a thump and a blue masked head appeared in the room and continued upward until the man was standing in the room. Before Spy had the chance to look behind him Sniper ran at Spy and pinned him to the wall. The air was knocked out of Spy’s lungs as his chest collided with the wall. Luckily for him he had fast enough reflexes to turn his face away from the wall so the side of his head took the impact instead. Sniper looked at the knife in Spy’s hand and wrestled it free with one of his hands and dropped it to the floor before kicking it away.

“You predict that, Spy?” Sniper said with a cocky grin on his face. He flipped Spy over so his back was pressed against the wall. Sniper then grabbed Spy’s wrists and pinned them over his head with one hand while the other clutched his machete.

“Look at you, finally learning from your failure.” Spy’s voice was steady despite the immediate threat in front of him. “I didn’t think you were intelligent enough.”

Sniper moved the machete so it was pressing against Spy’s chest.

“You let me pick my last words so I’ll give you that chance.”

Spy stared down at the blade pressed against his rib cage with a small smile on his face. Death didn’t scare him anymore since the respawn system was created. His eyes went back up to meet Sniper’s.

“This is a one time occasion. I wish you the best of luck getting the better of me in the future.”

“Not bad for you last words.” Sniper remarked before shoving his machete through Spy’s torso. As the blade pierced his flesh Sniper watched as the light left Spy’s eyes. Blood dripped down his hand from the blade and Sniper had to resist the impulse to let go and shake his hand off. He pulled the blade out of Spy and his body fell to the floor. Sniper looked down at Spy’s body on the ground. It felt jarring to the tall man. Someone so refined and elegant, reduced to a disheveled corpse on the floor.

Something overtook Sniper’s judgment and he crouched down next to Spy’s body and picked him up gently. He looked around thinking of where to put the smaller man. He settled on an upside down box in the corner and set him down. Sniper knew that his body wouldn’t be there for long but seeing him laying out on the floor didn’t feel right.

Walking back over to his seat Sniper wondered what happened to the bodies. After some time the bodies would simply disappear but it still didn’t explain where they went. Did they evaporate into nothing or did they get teleported somewhere? They had the technology. Maybe that’s where the Medic got his spare parts from.

Whatever the case Sniper knew better then to dwell on it for too long. Too many things about the world lately didn’t make sense to Sniper as of late and trying to make sense of it only made it worse.

Sniper sat back down in his seat and reached into his pocket. After rummaging around for a moment Sniper pulled out a pack of cheap cigarettes and a lighter. He slid a cigarette out of the container into his hand and flicked on the lighter. The flame licked the end of the cig and ignited it. Sniper closed his eyes and took a long drag off of the small cylinder before exhaling a puff of smoke.

The faint sound of gunshots filled the room as Sniper sat there in temporary peace knowing he had a while longer before anyone showed up to interrupt it. That was until an announcement came on over the speakers announcing his team had won yet again. Sniper stood up an opened the hatch and stepped onto the ladder before looking back up at Spy. He gave a small nod before disappearing down the ladder, muttering an insult under his breath.
——————————————————
“So you’re still off in the corner huh?”

“Seems like it.”

Scout cracked open a can of bonk and took a sip before speaking again.

“Get any kills at least?”

“One.”

“Well there ya go!” Scout said raising his can. “That’s something right?”

“I guess. It was satisfying.”

“It was the Spy?”

Sniper nodded and raised a bottle of beer to his lips. It was new for Scout to be so- well Sniper couldn’t quite find the word for it. Supportive? That sounded close enough anyway. Scout was the only one who seemed to actually be listening to him lately which was surprising. He had excepted Scout to laugh off his feelings but Scout had surprised him. At times it seemed like Scout was more upset about it then he was.

“Are ya sure you don’t want me to talk to the other members of the team?” Scout knew what Sniper’s feelings on the matter were, however he felt that it wouldn’t hurt to ask again.

“Yeah I’m sure. They can’t keep putting me there forever.” Sniper took another swig.

“Probably right. I’m just surprised we keep winning despite you not being on the front lines.” Scout adjusted his hat as he thought out loud to himself. “Hey, maybe that’s why they keep putting you outta the way like that. Like a good luck charm or somethi-“ Scout turned to look at a now annoyed Sniper. He gave him a nervous grin. “That’s probably not it though. Bunch of dumb dumbs for not letting you fight with us.” Sniper rolled his eyes.

“So, where was the Spy today? Other then gettin killed by me.”

“Didn’t see much of him. Saw him walking over to where you were pretty early on. I would’ve gone after him but I figured you could handle it. And you did kill him so I was right.”

“Early in the fight?” That got Sniper’s attention. He raised an eyebrow. “You gotta be mistaken Scout cause I didn’t see the bloke till the end.”

“No I’m sure it was near the start.” Scout said confidently. “Seemed like he was in a hurry too.”

Sniper leaned back in his chair upon hearing what Scout had to say. He was positive he hadn’t seen the enemy Spy until the end of the fight. Then he thought back on the fight a little. It’s true that he wasn’t watching out of the window much. Maybe he was out there scouting the place out and waiting for the opportunity to attack. But why stay there the whole fight?

“Did you see him any other time during the fight?”

“I don’t think so.” Scout’s eyes lifted up to the ceiling as he tried to recall the events of that day. “He might not have been and I might just not have seen him. I was all over the place though so I’d be surprised.”

“Howdy fellas!”

A voice interrupted the pair’s conversation and both men turned to face the source of the voice. Engineer looked back at the two with a wide grin on his face.

“Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“All good.” Sniper gave Engineer a half hearted smile and wave.

“I just wanted to let you know that we have our plan for tomorrow. Sniper you’re going to be in the same spot and Scout you’re also going to do what you did today again. Alright?”

“Yeah about that, Engie I think that Sniper-“

Before Scout could finish his thought Sniper shot him a stern glance, warning him to drop the subject. Scout looked back at Engineer and changed course.

“-that Sniper is really good over there. A good spot for me too.” Scout threw in an exaggerated smile to really try and sell the faux honesty of the statement.

“That’s great fellas. I’ll see y’all later, I wanted to talk to Heavy about something.”

“Later Engie.”

Engineer tipped his hard hat to the two men and left the room. Scout’s smile immediately dropped and he slumped back in the couch, propping his elbow on the back of the couch and swirled the can of bonk in his hand.

“Can you believe that guy? Telling us what to do and stuff. He ain’t the boss, why can’t we just do whatever we want?” Scout complained pointing his thumb at the door.

“Not how working in a team works. It’s give and take mate.”

Based off the look on Scout’s face Sniper figured that wasn’t a good enough answer. Sniper rubbed his eyes and leaned forward in his seat, loosely holding his bottle in one hand.

“It’s only been a few days, if it keeps happening I’ll say something alright?”

“If you say so pal.”

Chapter Text

It had been a few months since Sniper had started being placed in the corner of the battlefield and things hadn’t changed. Sniper was still being instructed to sit out of the way and he begrudgingly complied despite Scout’s insistence that he speak up.

Sniper was seated at the table in his camper, clutching a cup of coffee in his hands as he stared out the window thoughtlessly. He knew drinking coffee this late at night was far from useful given his current sleep schedule. Due to the fact that he rarely ever saw anyone on the battle field Sniper had been taking short naps much to his own shame. He prided himself on being a professional so the fact that he had been slipping over the past few weeks embarrassed him, despite the fact that no one ever noticed. Well one person noticed. It only happened once but Spy had gotten the jump on him one fateful day, stabbing him in the back while he slept.

The naps had interrupted his sleep schedule enough to make drinking coffee at ten at night acceptable. He wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway. The landscape outside Sniper’s window appeared calm and tranquil. Sniper preferred night over day for that very reason, less noise and overwhelming chaos.

He slowly brought the cup of coffee to his lips as he continued to look out of his window. The coffee was intensely bitter just how the Australian liked it. He didn’t care much for sweet things and the natural bitterness of coffee didn’t bother him. The cup made a gentle clinking sound as Sniper placed it down on the table. Sniper sighed and leaned back before glancing away from the window. He jumped back once he registered what he was seeing in his van. No not what, who.

“Hello.”

The smirk on the man’s face was the first thing Sniper noticed. That and the overwhelming amount of blue that the man wore. Sniper jumped to his feet and began reaching for his machete before the man lifted his hands as if to prove nothing was in them.

“Relax Jar-Man I’m not here to fight you.” He then moved one of his hands, gesturing to the seat across from him. “Take a seat.”

Sniper now armed with his machete looked Spy up and down suspiciously. He had no reason to trust Spy, the years of fighting had taught him that. Spy dropped his hands to his lap unamused.

“Neither of us are working right now. I am only being paid to kill you during the day. I have no interest in harming you if I am not being compensated. So please sit.”

Sniper cautiously moved to sit back down still clutching the machete in one hand.

“Alright. So what do you want?”

The smile dropped from Spy’s face quickly as he laced his fingers together and placed them on the table.

“Some of your teammates have not been present for the past few battles.” Spy looked intently into Sniper’s eyes with a slight glare. “Why?”

“Well I could ask you the same thing. Our Pyro and Soldier go missing and so do yours. Seems suspicious.”

“If you are implying my team has done something to your teammates I can assure you nothing of the sort had happened. Again my team is only interested in attacking your team if we are being compensated.”

“Are you being paid to bump off our guys permanently?”

“The less of you there are means less pay because there are less of you to kill. Do you think we got rid of our own teammates as well? Please, be rational.” The glare on Spy’s face was blatant now.

“Alright, well if it wasn’t either of us then where are they?”

Spy fell silent as he looked down at his hands. Sniper was waiting for him to say something but nothing came. Spy stayed quiet.

“Have you asked your employer?” Sniper broke the silence.

Spy shook his head slowly before looking back up to meet Sniper’s eyes.

“I was waiting for my employer to say something. She has yet to say anything so I decided to come and ask you. I had been debating between doing this and asking you on the battlefield for a while now. However I figured if I wanted to have a civil conversation with you this would be the best way to go about it.”

“How’d you know about my van?” Sniper changed the subject.

“I am a Spy. Part of my job is to learn as much as possible about my opponents.”

Sniper looked out the window back at the dark landscape thoughtfully. A lot of thoughts were racing through his mind and it was hard to focus on just one of them.

It was quite odd that Miss. Pauling hadn’t said anything about his missing teammates. Also whoever Spy’s employer was wasn’t speaking up either apparently. Miss. Pauling actually hadn’t been by since the disappearance of Soldier. Then he thought back to what Spy said. Spy said that he had been wanting to ask him about the missing teammates for a while. However Spy had been lurking around Sniper’s area longer then his teammates have been missing. Sniper turned back to face Spy to ask about it, however the seat across from him was now empty.

Spy was gone.
——————————————————

There she was.

After a long fight Sniper walked back into the base to see Miss. Pauling talking to Demoman. Without thinking Sniper walked over to the pair and spoke, interrupting their conversation. He was too focused on his own question to care about pleasantries.

“Miss. Pauling can I talk to you privately?”

Miss. Pauling turned to face Sniper, slightly startled by the interruption.

“Uh- yeah, sure Sniper.” She looked back at Demo. “Is it alright if I talk to Sniper?”

“Aye.”

Sniper and Miss. Pauling stepped away out of Demo’s earshot.

“I’m going to go right out and ask; Miss. Pauling, where is Pyro and Soldier?”

“Oh! Is that all? I was just answering that same question for Demo.” Miss.Pauling said with a small smile.

“Well?”

“I sent them on a mission on another base. The other team has done the same. For now the two of them have it under control, however I’ll probably be pulling more of you to help them out.” Miss.Pauling looked at Sniper reassuringly. “Everything is fine I promise. I apologize for not informing you all sooner, I have just been so busy lately.”

“So they are alive?”

“Like I said they are just covering another post. They are safe. Well I mean considering the circumstances. They are still mercenaries.”

Sniper rubbed the back of his neck and looked away from Miss.Pauling. What she was saying made sense, members of the team had been sent away in the past for other assignments. Usually there was more communication but Miss.Pauling had been around a lot less lately which backed up her story of being busy.

“Alright. Am I going to be one of the folks going to the other location?”

“Not for now at least. That might change in the future but for now we need you here.”

“Well, thanks for telling me. ”

“Is there anything else you needed Sniper?”

“No. Thanks.”

Miss. Pauling gave Sniper a nod and a smile before walking back over to Demo and resuming their conversation.
——————————————————-

Sniper stared out of his scope at the ground below, hoping someone would walk by for some entertainment. Killing someone would be the most entertainment he’d have all day as he was once again in the far corner of the battlefield on his own. He never would have guessed that he would actually be wanting the Blu Spy to stop by and try to kill him.

He sighed and sat back, pulling his face away from the scope. He was going to bring a book or something with him to pass the time that day but he had forgotten.

He considered taking a nap when he heard the trap door to the room swing open. Sniper looked to face the intruder and immediately recognized the man that was bringing himself to his feet.

Sniper grabbed his machete and jumped up, ready to fight. Spy didn’t even flinch, instead he looked around the room to verify that they were in fact alone; then he spoke.

“Did you ask you employer about your teammates?” The Frenchman asked.

“Yeah. They are ok. Did you ask yours?”

“Yes I did.”

“Good. Next time do that instead of breaking into my van.”

Spy smirked and took a step forward.

“Does me in your personal space bother you?”

“Yeah, yeah it does actually.”

Spy was then directly in front of Sniper. Spy had to tilt his head up slightly to look Sniper in the eyes as he was a bit shorter than him. Sniper tensed up and clutched his machete tighter. Something about Spy’s gaze was making his heart race.

“Well now that, that’s settled-“ Spy said softly.

Then, faster then Sniper could blink the familiar feeling of cold, sharp metal cutting his throat overwhelmed him as he dropped to the floor, gasping for air.

As black slowly started to cloud Sniper’s vision he could vaguely make out Spy’s voice.

“Bonne nuit mon ami.”

Chapter Text

“So… what did ya need to tell me?”

The air was cold in the middle of the desert. On top of a familiar camper van stood two men. Both had cigarettes in there mouths and the taller of the two was looking at the shorter man expectantly.

Spy took his cigarette from out between his lips and exhaled the smoke slowly before responding to Sniper’s question.

“Not so much telling, more of a question.” Spy paused as Sniper moved his hand in a circular motion, urging Spy to carry on.

“Well?”

Spy dropped his cigarette but to the ground and stepped on it to extinguish it. Sniper was a little annoyed that Spy didn’t just flick it over the edge onto the sand.

“Do you believe your employers story?

“What story?”

“That your teammates are at another base?”

“Don’t have a reason not to believe it. Is this all you called me out here for? Your note made this seem a lot more important.”

“It is.”

“Well get to your point then.”

“You haven’t noticed any suspicious activity? Your employers haven’t been sneaking around your base?”

“Not that I’ve noticed.”

Spy looked out over the desert with pursed lips as Sniper sat down on the roof. Spy pulled out his cigarette case and put one between his lips. He pulled out his lighter but after flicking it a few times it was obvious it was out of fluid. Spy closed the lighter and shoved it back into his pocket clearly frustrated. Sniper rolled his eyes and reached into his own pocket.

“If I let you use my lighter will you get to your damn point?”

“Yes fine, just give it here.”

Spy held out his hand impatiently. Sniper, with a scoff, placed his lighter in Spy’s hand.

“Right, now get to the point.”

“Do you feel as if your employer is hiding something?”

“Mate ya just asked me that and I said-“

“Not just about this. In general do you think they are hiding something?” Spy interrupted.

“I haven’t thought about that too much. I’m being paid to do a job and I’m going to do it. Skepticism is a Spy’s job.”

Spy now feeling slightly weird that he was the only one standing, sat down next to the Australian.

“I am not sure what spirit is possessing me that’s compelling me to tell you this but there is a reason I have my suspicions.” Spy said after letting out a long sigh. “I found blood in one of my teammates rooms.”

“That’s it? We’re mercenaries. We are always covered in blood. So one of your teammates went to his room and had blood on his clothes, why’s that suspicious.”

“It was the room of a teammate who had just left the night prior. I personally never saw him leave so I went to go see him in his room. When I got there the room was a mess and there was blood all over the floor.”

“I’m guessing this was the Demo’s room?”

Spy nodded. Sniper realized that he hadn’t seen his absent teammates leave either. He had always assumed that they simply left when he was in his camper for the night.
He hated to admit it but maybe Spy had valid concerns.

“Anything else suspicious? You asked if I had any other suspicions.” Sniper asked.

“I have a favour to ask you.”

“Well hold on a minute, why would I do anything you tell me to do?”

“ I assure you it’s in our mutual interest.” Spy explained. “I need you to abandon your usual post and go to your preferred post.”

“Ah, yeah, that would go real well for me. Just do whatever I want. My team wouldn’t be happy about that.”

“Please just do as I ask for once. I need to prove a point. Again it would benefit both of us. ”

Sniper flicked his cigarette butt onto the sand and stood up slowly.

“Fine.” He sighed. “I’ll do it. But if this is a trick of some sort, you better believe I’m gonna get you back for it.”
——————————————————

“Three, two, one.”

The door to the supply room slid open and Sniper’s teammates ran out quickly. Sniper lingered behind and stared at his teammates as they got further away. There used to be nine of them. Now there were only six, including himself.

Heavy, Medic, Spy, and Engineer continued to get further away but Scout stopped. He turned around to face Sniper and gave him a questioning eyebrow raise and gestured for Sniper to follow.

Sniper gave a slight wave and slowly walked toward Scout.

“You uh- you ok?” Scout asked awkwardly.

“Yeah.” Sniper answered equally as awkwardly. He wasn’t used to people checking up on him. Especially not his murder happy co-workers. Granted he was no better.

“Alright.” Scout gave a slight nod before sprinting away.

Sniper sighed and was about to head to his usual post when he remembered what the Blu Spy had asked him to do.

Reluctantly, Sniper walked towards the tower he was most familiar with. The one he preferred. Once at the top he sat down on a box on the floor and sighed. What on earth was he doing? This was obviously some sort of trap. Was he really that stupid?

He propped his rifle against the window and looked out of the scope. Viewing the battlefield here, compared to the other location gave him much more excitement. Seeing Scout running circles around the other team’s Heavy was always amusing. And seeing Spy appear behind the enemy Medic was even more so.

Sniper was about to land a shot on the enemy team Engineer when he stopped himself.

He wasn’t supposed to be here. He was disobeying the team. Shooting would not only reveal to the other team he was at this location, it would also notify his own team. Sniper didn’t feel like incurring the wrath of his own team so, he instead decided to just look around using the scope. It’s not like he’s been really getting any kills anyway. What’s it matter if it’s one more day.

Maybe that’s what the Spy wanted him doing in the first place.
——————————————————-

If it was a trap it wasn’t a good one. Sniper had simply sat there for the entire fight without seeing a trace of anything suspicious.

As it was announced that his team won, Sniper sighed and was about to look away from the scope when he noticed something. Something from behind the walls that surrounded the battlefield. Something purple.

He pointed the scope at the blur of purple and he focused on it. That’s when he noticed who it was.

It was Miss.Pauling.

Miss.Pauling was dragging what looked like a garbage bag towards a truck.

Sniper’s stomach dropped. He couldn’t help but think back to what the Blu Spy had told him.

Demo’s room covered in blood. Them only leaving when no one was around.

Sniper quickly tried to shake it off and rationalize it. Maybe she was just getting rid of trash from the base. Or maybe she was getting rid of one of their bodies from the battle. Or maybe this is why he wasn’t allowed in this tower anymore.

But his own team had told him to stay out of the tower. Not Miss.Pauling. Sniper’s stomach was churning as his head was flooded with conspiracies.

In order to avoid suspicion from the rest of his team Sniper quickly packed up his gear and headed back to the base.

As he approached the base that’s when he noticed his team’s Spy watching him with a large smirk.

“Somewhere we weren’t supposed to be?”
——————————————————-

“Well why ain’t I allowed up there?”

The red Spy stood before Sniper in the lounge room with a wide smirk on his face.

“Does that matter? You didn’t follow what the team agreed upon.”

“Well I’m sick of it. Just tell me.”

Spy paused to think for a moment before shaking his head and chuckling.

“If that’s what you want.” Spy adjusted his tie smugly. “The others are worried about sparring your feelings but I don’t feel that fondness towards you. Miss.Pauling told us to put you in the other tower. She said something along the lines of you being more useful out of the way.”

Sniper frowned in contrast to Spy’s shit eating grin. So it was Miss.Pauling.

“You don’t believe me?” Spy asked.

Sniper shook his head no. He didn’t want to believe it. Spy took a step out of the kitchen and looked down the hall.

“Scout! Come here for a moment.” He called out to someone unseen by Sniper.

After a moment, a hesitant looking Scout jogged into the room.

“What’s up?”

“Care to tell Sniper the reason the team doesn’t like him on the front lines?” Spy asked.

Scout’s eyes dropped to the floor as he mumbled awkwardly.

“Well I mean I don’t know all the details, I was only told a bit ago. It doesn’t really matter right?” Scout rubbed the back of his neck as he spoke.

“It’s because Miss.Pauling would rather have him out of the way right?”

Scout looked up at Sniper and gave him an apologetic look, before returning his gaze back to the ground.

“Sorry pal. I didn’t wanna tell ya.”

“It’s fine. I don’t care.” Sniper said, but he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pain and nervousness at the potential implications. “I’m gettin paid regardless.”

Sniper looked down at his watch in an attempt to steady himself and jumped a little when he noticed the time. He was supposed to meet back up with the other Spy any minute now. Sniper stood up and started walking toward the door when Spy stopped him.

“Aw did we really hurt your feelings that bad?” Spy taunted.

“I got something to do. I don’t give a shit about what you said.”

“Oh and what might that be?”

“None of your damn business. Now I’ll be going. ‘Scuse me.” Sniper brushed past Spy aggressively and headed to the exit closest to his van.

——————————————————

As Sniper was driving away he happened to take a glance back at Blu’s base as he passed it. He looked at one of their Sniper towers with a small amount of envy. It was quite a good vantage point.

He stopped the van when he noticed something moving in the tower however.

Thinking someone was possibly cheating he grabbed a pair of binoculars from off of his dash and looked up at the tower.

He scoffed when he recognized his Blu counter part standing in the tower, looking out over the battlefield. It was odd but it looked like he was talking to someone. Or perhaps he was talking to himself. Sniper would talk to himself from time to time so he wouldn’t be surprised if the other Sniper did the same.

That thought was thrown out the window when he noticed someone else come into his line of sight. It looked like a girl. That was strange. Neither of their teams had girls. Maybe this was a new recruit? No wait, he recognized that girl. That wasn’t just any girl that was-

“Miss.Pauling?”

Chapter Text

Sniper slowly pulled his van up next to a shiny blue sports car that was sitting in the middle of the New Mexico desert. He looked out of his window at the car with a sense of dread.

Had he really seen what he thought he’d seen? Did Spy know about this? Is that what he had wanted him to see?

Spy was now standing outside Sniper’s van and he gently knocked on the window. Sniper rolled it down slightly.

“Where do you want to talk?” Sniper asked.

“I was thinking inside your van tonight. There is supposed to be a small wind storm in a half hour and I would rather not be in this much sand.”

“Right.” Sniper rolled up the window and pulled his keys out of the ignition. He got out and walked to the door to his camper before opening it with shaky hands.

After flicking on the light, the two walked into the camper and sat down at the table.

“You seem tense.”

“Mm?” Sniper snapped from his stressed out day dreams and focused on Spy “Yeah,sorry.”

The pair stared at each other in silence for a moment before Sniper suddenly jumped to his feet and walked to his coffee maker with shaky knees. He grabbed a container of coffee grounds and began making coffee.

“Ya want some coffee or something?” He asked, speaking quickly.

Spy raised an eyebrow.

“What are you doing?”

“Just making coffee. You want a cup? Ya know what I’ll just make enough for the two of us anyway.” Sniper said, not looking back at the other man.

“You saw her I assume?”

Sniper pressed his palms flat against the counter as he squeezed his eyes shut.

“Who specifically are you referring to?”

“The lady in the purple dress behind the wall. You get a clear view of it from that tower. She was dragging garbage bags. You did see her, correct?” Spy clarified.

Sniper took a deep breath before responding.

“Yeah I saw her. Do you know who she is?”

“I won’t confirm or deny that. That’s not the point. The point is she’s moving something from my base while we are all busy. And-“

“Who is she to you?” Sniper cut Spy off.

“I told you that does not have relevance right now Sniper. She-“

“Who is she?!” Sniper whipped his head around and clenched his fists. Every muscle in his body was tense. He hadn’t meant to raise his voice, but the stress was getting to him.

Spy’s eyes widened and he stared at Sniper for a moment. He hadn’t expected Sniper to rise his voice either.

“She’s one of my employers.”

Sniper felt all noises around him fade out as his shoulders dropped. His eyes were wide as he stared at the floor, his hands shaking.

“Jar-man?”

Sniper didn’t respond.

“Jar- Man?”

Still nothing.

“Sniper?”

Sniper slowly raised his gaze to meet Spy’s, who was now looking at him with a hint of concern.

“What’s the matter?”

Sniper slowly shuffled over and plopped down on the bench across from Spy.

“Is she actually your boss?” Sniper finally managed to croak out.

“I wouldn’t call her my boss. But she is a superior.” Spy responded. “Why are you fixated on this?”

“Spy….. I don’t know how to say this.”

“Spit it out.”

“I know who she is. Miss. Pauling.”

“You know her?” That caught Spy’s attention.

“Spy….. she’s my superior as well.”

Spy’s jaw dropped and his eyes grew wide.

“She’s your what?!” Spy half yelled.

“Miss.Pauling is one of my employers.” Sniper re-worded, keeping his voice as steady as he could.

Spy’s put his elbows on the table and placed his hands on either side of his face. His breath was a faster pace, in contrast to his normally steady breathing. He looked almost as shaken as Sniper felt. But Sniper was trying his absolute best to hold himself together despite the anxiety riddled throughout his being.

“Who is your boss?” Spy finally said after struggling with his words for a while.

“We call her Administrator. Older woman, wears purple.”

“Black hair? Long cigarette?” Spy asked.

“Yeah.”

“Merde.”

Spy buried his face into his hands as much as he could, as if trying to escape from the reality of the current situation.

“How could I not have noticed?”

“None of us noticed. No one on my team and I assume no one on your’s.” Sniper took off his sunglasses and rubbed his eyes.

“But I am supposed to be better.” Spy pulled his hands away from his face and his voice raised slightly. “I’m a Spy, Jar-Man! I’m supposed to know these things.”

Spy suddenly cringed, regretting his moment of vulnerability. He cleared his throat and fiddled with his tie.

“Now we need to come up with our next course of action. First let us go over what we know.”

“Right. Well we have the same boss.” Sniper started off. “Members of both of our teams are gone. You found blood in one of their rooms….. anything else I’m missin’?”

“While we were all distracted fighting one another Miss.Pauling was disposing of something. And I have given the bloody room some thought.”

“What do ya mean Spy?”

“It doesn’t mean our teammates are dead.”

“That’s what I was trying to say but you shot me down. Why’d ya change your mind?” Sniper questioned.

“The respawn. As long as we are here we cannot be killed. We always come back. Therefore the blood in the room doesn’t mean they aren’t alive anymore.” Spy concluded.

Sniper slouched down in his seat as the thought over all the facts. Spy did have a point. The respawn would have brought them back if they were killed in the base. Was his original theory correct? Did Demo just have a lot of blood on his clothes that day? But based on what Spy told him, blood on his clothes couldn’t account for the amount of blood.

“I could ask my Medic about it. Perhaps Demo was particularly injured that day.”

Sniper nodded in agreement. Then a question popped into his head.

“Have you told anyone else on your team about your suspicions?” He asked.

“No. I believe it’s best to keep this as discreet as possible until it becomes necessary.”

“Good. I haven’t either.”

A loud beep interrupted the pairs conversation and both of them turned to face the noise. It was the coffee pot. Both of them had nearly forgotten in all the excitement. Sniper pulled himself to his feet and walked over to the coffee pot and began to pour some into a mug. He brought the cup to his lips and took a long and thoughtful sip. The warmth from the liquid was comforting. And comfort was something that was greatly needed.

He lowered the cup as he remembered the man sitting mere steps away. He reached for another mug bashfully.

“Oh, right. I hope you don’t mind taking your coffee black.” He said- the dark liquid filling the cup slowly.

“I don’t mind.” Spy responded politely.

Sniper handed the cup to Spy and sat back down across from him.

The two sat in silence while they sipped their drinks- glancing at one another, then looking away awkwardly.

Once Spy had finished he put the cup on the table and headed towards the door. Before he left he spoke-

“We shall meet here at the same time tomorrow to discuss my findings.”

“Right then. Tomorrow.”
——————————————————————

Sniper’s back felt cold pressed against the Medic’s operating table as the Doctor stitched up his side.

Sniper wasn’t quite sure what he procedure he had performed on him but, he didn’t have much say in the matter. And honestly, he was a little afraid to ask.

“Alright…. and you are….. done!” Medic exclaimed while tying a knot to close the wound. Then he snipped the thread and placed his instruments in a small tray, before walking over to the sink to rinse off his bloody hands.

Sniper tried to sit up and immediately winced at the in stabbing pain in his still fresh wound. He laid back down and clenched his teeth and let out a sharp hiss of air. Medic noticed this and turned slightly.

“Just lay there for a moment Sniper. I’ll turn up the intensity on the Medigun for you. Or would you prefer the natural healing process?”

“I’ll take the healing magic thanks.” Sniper responded. He was trying his best to focus on the coolness of the table rather then the burning pain in his side.

Once Medic was done washing his hands he approached the Medigun and focused more of the energy onto the Australian. Sniper let out a breath, as the pain in his side began to slowly dull.

After a moment he glanced at the wound to realize it had completely disappeared, along with the pain.

“Thanks doc.” Sniper attempted to sit back up again and was relieved to discover the lack of pain upon doing so. He reached for his undershirt and slid it on.

“I was actually wondering if you could help me with a few more things around here. Would you be able to do that?” Medic asked.

“Uh sure. Depends what you need me to do I guess, I do have some things I need to go do in a bit.”

“It won’t take long. I mainly need you to simply hold things and hand them to me. That’s all.”

“Sure, I guess. I can do that.”

“Excellent.”
——————————————————————

“So what are you trying to do to the respawn again?”

“I’m trying to make the respawn time quicker. The time isn’t awful but, it can always be improved. Can you hand me that screwdriver?”

“Shouldn’t Engineer be helping you with this?” Sniper asked.

“Normally, yes ,however, he is preoccupied with other inventions at the moment. I know enough about the respawn to do this on my own.”

“I have a few questions about the respawn actually.”

“Go ahead.” Medic said, dead focused on the wires and chemicals in-front of him.

“How did you come up with it?”

“For years I had been looking for a way to overcome death. With Engineer’s help I was able to create something that allowed us to avoid death- with limitations of course. If we aren’t close enough it doesn’t work anymore. And the aging process continues. I hope to one day create something that will help us avoid death entirely. Hand me those tweezers.”

“One last question. Can the respawn be…. turned off?”

Medic stopped what he was doing and raised an eyebrow.

“Why are you asking me this?”

Sniper hadn’t thought this far ahead. He hadn’t thought of how suspicious he sounded. So he improvised.

“I just want to make sure we’re safe is all. There’s less of us around here to keep an eye on things and I’m just wondering if the Blu team can shut it off.” He tried to sound as sincere as possible. Sniper has had some practice in the art of deception- being a mercenary required the ability to lie on occasion. Based on Medic’s softening expression he seemed to buy it.

“I shouldn’t be telling you this. Only Engineer and I know this, but, yes it can be turned off.”

“Does Miss.Pauling know?”

“Of course she knows. She’s our employer.”

Sniper’s heart sank. So Miss.Pauling knew. She knows they can die permanently. Miss.Pauling is working for both sides- teammates going on “missions”- all the blood in Demo’s room.

“I’m all done here.” Medic said returning tools to a small tool box next to Sniper. “Thank you for your help.”

Sniper didn’t respond. He was staring at the wall with a distant look in his eyes. He acted as if Medic wasn’t even there.

“Sniper?” Medic snapped his fingers in front of Sniper’s face. Sniper blinked and zoned back in to what was presently happening.

“Sorry- what did ya say?”

“Thank you for your help. I’m going back to my lab.” Medic replied- a little annoyed.

“Yeah no worries.”

Medic had only been out of the room for a moment when he swiftly re-entered and looked at Sniper with bone chilling seriousness.

“Don’t tell anyone the system can be turned off. You need to keep that to yourself. If someone on our team knows and the Blu team finds out-“

“Don’t worry. I won’t say anything.” Sniper gave a reassuring wave of his hand. “No one else will know.”
——————————————————————

“So it can be turned off.”

“That’s what he said.” Sniper said, trying his best to remain calm. “What did your Medic tell you?”

Spy sat back in his bench and rubbed his face. Sniper looked at him intently, waiting for him to say something.

“Demoman wasn’t hurt.” Spy let out a deep sigh. “In fact, Medic was healing him just as the match ended that day.” Sniper’s eyebrows furrowed.

“Well…..shit.”

“My Medic said something else.”

“Good news?” Sniper doubted it would be, but he was hoping.

“No. My Medic told me that Miss.Pauling was talking to my Scout about something.”

“Did you say anything to him?” Sniper’s pulse quickened.

“To Scout or Medic? No. No I have not. I didn’t think it was wise to-“

“-so you’re just gonna let him die?”

“What did you expect me to do Bushman?! Jog over to Scout and inform him that his employer may or may not be plotting to kill him? What do you think would happen? I doubt he would even believe me.” Spy said with a scowl. “Would you believe it if someone on your team told you such a thing?”

Sniper thought about it and honestly didn’t have an answer. If Scout were to tell him he’d be skeptical, but listen none the less. If his teams Spy had told him however…..

“It depends on who told me I guess.” Sniper concluded.

“Well I am not exactly friends with my teammates. So I doubt they would believe me, despite the credibility I believe I have built for myself. Now… what is our next course of action?”

“We tell them. We tell our teams and we get the hell out of here.”

“And if we are wrong? We would both have angry employers on our backs. Our employers are not above disposing of those who turn against them.”

“And we’re mercs who aren’t above disposing of them. Look you don’t have to tell your team anything, but I’m going to. I’m not the closest to my team either but they deserve to know. Well some of them at least.” Sniper said. Spy sighed.

“If we do this we all need to split up. It would be easier for them to find us if we all stuck together.” Spy stood up and adjusted his suit. He stared at Sniper for a moment before extending his hand. “I believe this is farewell.”

Sniper shook Spy’s hand and stood up. Sniper loosened his grip and attempted to pull away from the handshake, but Spy held on. He gazed into Sniper’s eyes with cold and serious eyes before letting go and heading to the door in silence.

“Good luck.”

“Good luck, Spook.”

And with that, Spy walked out the door; leaving Sniper with a hell of a task ahead of him.

——————————————————————

The tires of Sniper’s van screeched against the concrete outside of the Red base as he came to a halt. He jumped out of the driver’s seat and began jogging to the door leading into one of the hallways when he stopped; he noticed a security camera pointed straight at him. He needed to play this cool.

Sniper slowed his pace and pushed the door open as casually as possible. Immediately to the left of him he noticed Scout flipping through a magazine while squinting at the pages.

Upon hearing the door close, Scout looked up from the pages and gave Sniper a friendly nod. His smile dropped a little when he noticed the forced one on Sniper’s face.

“Hey man you-“

“There are cameras. Go to the shower room with me; there are no cameras in there.” Sniper said in a hushed tone. The confusion Scout felt quickly showed on his face. His eyebrows furrowed.

“Why can’t there be cameras?” He asked quite loudly.

“Shh! Just come on.”

Scout, sensing the urgency in Sniper’s voice, complied and began to follow Sniper to the nearby shower room.

Once the door was shut behind them, Sniper put his back against the door so it couldn’t be opened. Scout stared at Sniper with wide and confused eyes. Sniper took a deep breath before delivering the bad news.

“Scout we’re….friends right?”

“Aw man you finally said it! I’ve been saying we’re all friends for years, but you guys all-“

“So you can trust me right? Cause that’s what friends do? I think.”

“Sniper, what’s goin’ on?”

The genuine confusion on Scout’s face struck a cord with Sniper. Sniper hated to admit it but he felt bad for the poor kid because, he was about to learn the woman he was crushing on planned on killing him.

“Scout I need you to listen to me alright? It’s something you don’t want to hear but I need you to take me seriously.” He waited for Scout to confirm that he was going to listen. Scout slowly nodded. Here it goes. “Miss. Pauling and the Administrator? They are in charge of both teams. Red and Blu.”

“What?” Scout scrunched his nose.

“There’s more. Our teammates? The ones that have been sent on a ‘special mission’? They’re dead, Scout. Permanently. They never left the base before they were killed.”

“But how could they even do that?! The respawn it would bring them back!” Scout tried to reason. The inner corners of his eyebrows were raised and his mouth was fixed in a pleading smile.

“The respawn can be turned off. It would be turned off while we weren’t fighting so they could be killed. And the bodies would be taken care of while we were out fighting Blu.”

“So Administrator hired someone to do this?”

“Scout-“ Sniper let out another sigh. “-it’s Miss.Pauling. Did she talk to you today about going on a special mission?”

“She did but… she wouldn’t do that to me right? I mean we were supposed to go on a date together. She… I mean….” Scout looked absolutely heart broken. “I mean do you even have proof?! I’m just supposed to believe you?” Scout started to lash out.

“Why would I lie to you about this? I do have proof, but I don’t have time to explain. We need to get out of here now. Most likely she’s going to be coming here any second and….and….“ Sniper paused; he noticed the tears Scout was fighting back. He’d never seen anyone in his team cry before. “Scout, go sit on one of those benches for a second ok? Catch your breath.”

Scout obeyed and plopped down on one of the locker room benches with a defeated expression.

“I believe you. I just-“

“Oh please, don’t buy into this Scout.” A voice interrupted.

Both of their heads turned to face a familiar French, Red teammate who was standing in the corner.

“What are you playing at Sniper? You are upset with Miss.Pauling so you make up this preposterous story about her killing us? Why would she even do such a thing?” Spy questioned smugly.

“I don’t know Spy, honestly I don’t, but I’m not making this up. I’m trying to do the noble thing by telling you here. I figured I’d start with Scout since he’s most likely next.”

Spy rolled his eyes and approached Sniper, whose back was still pressed against the door. He stopped when he was face to face with Sniper.

“Move. This is ridiculous nonsense and I’ll be sure to tell Miss.Pauling about thi-“

Spy’s back was suddenly slammed against the wall with Sniper’s hands clutching Spy’s suit tightly. Sniper glared at Spy with a frightening look in his eye and a mean sneer that made Spy sweat.

“Listen you pompous bitch I’m trying to save your life here. You don’t like me? That’s fine, I really don’t give a shit; but you can either listen to me and get out of here or die like the others. Either way I couldn’t care less. I probably wasn’t even gonna warn ya’ in the first place. So what do ya say fancy pants?” Telling Spy off like this gave Sniper one of the deepest senses of satisfaction he had ever felt. He had it coming for years.

The expression on Spy’s face was hard to read. It was a mix of offence, shock,contemplation and perhaps deep down, a glimmer of respect. After a moment of silence the suited man firmly pushed Sniper off.

“Have you told anyone else?”

“No. You should.”

“Why me? I barely even believe you.”

“Exactly my point. They’ll believe it more coming from you. The others respect you Spy. God knows why, but it’s the best shot. Tell them to leave tonight. And we all need to split up. Harder for them to track us down that way.”

Spy bit his lip as thoughts raced through his head, before giving a slight nod.

“I saw Engineer go to his work shop not too long ago. I will tell him. The others are likely to believe him as well.” Spy ran his hands over his chest in an attempt to smooth out the wrinkles that Sniper had caused.

“Right, well I’m off then. Bye Spy, it’s been awful.” Sniper said with half joking malice.

“Likewise.” Spy gave a playful smirk before running out of the door.

Then Sniper turned his attention to Scout who was now standing with a dazed look on his face.

“Do you have anything in your room you need?” Sniper asked. Scout nodded.

“I’ll get my stuff after telling the others.”

“No, you’re getting your stuff as fast as possible then getting into my camper. I’ll drop you off somewhere far away from here. You don’t have time to wait for a ride. I’m parked just outside the door you saw me come in from. Running isn’t fast enough for ya this time.”

Scout gave a sad nod and briskly walked out of the room much like Spy had moments earlier. Sniper followed suit and walked back out into the cold crisp night air and climbed into the drivers seat of this camper. He made sure the passenger door was unlocked and the engine was running, so the moment Scout got into the seat they could leave.

As minutes passed Sniper began to get worried. What if Miss.Pauling was already waiting in Scout’s room?

His anxieties were calmed once he saw Scout with a duffel bag running up to the van. He pulled the door open and the moment Scout sat down and closed the door, the van drove off into the night. Both of them silently praying they would make it far enough.

Chapter Text

The van was silent except for the sounds of spinning tires against gravel and Scout’s gentle breathing. The headlights of the car illuminated the long empty road ahead of them. Sniper was staring at the cracked road with blurry, strained eyes; he had been awake for hours at this point.

It has been a week since the two left in the van together. Minimal stops had been made on the voyage because, they both knew they needed to keep moving.

Sniper was startled when Scout suddenly bolted awake in the passenger seat. Scout rubbed his face and let out a groan. He glanced out the window next to him, but was only greeted by darkness.

“What time is it Snipes?”

“Last time I checked my watch it said 12:35 am. That was about an hour ago.” Sniper’s voice sounded tired and his appearance matched.

Scout looked at the road ahead of them to try and get a handle on where they were. Once he noticed they seemed to not be in a populated area he made a suggestion.

“Why don’t we pull over somewhere for a bit. You look tired and I don’t want you falling asleep and killing us.”

“Scout, you know we need to keep moving. I’m fine.” Sniper was always a bit stubborn. Once he set his mind to something he liked to follow through. His stubbornness was wavered for a moment when he glanced over at Scout. Scout looked serious; an expression Sniper rarely saw on the boys face.

With a grunt and an eye roll he pulled over to the side of the road. There was a small patch of trees and Sniper carefully pulled the van among them in an attempt to hide it from any unwanted eyes. He took the keys out of the ignition and drew all the curtains that covered each window in the van.

“Keep an eye out while I sleep alright? Look through the curtains once in a while.” Sniper sat on the edge of his bed and pulled his boots off, before carelessly tossing them aside.

“Okay, fine.” Scout was at the table across from Sniper’s bed. Just as Sniper laid down and closed his eyes, Scout decided that this would be the perfect time to start a conversation. “So where are you going to go?”

“Scout I thought you wanted me to sleep?”Sniper questioned, annoyed.

“Yeah, but maybe we can talk for a sec? We haven’t talked a whole lot since leaving. Ya can keep your eyes closed.”

“I’m not telling you where I’m going Scout. The plan stays the same; I’m gonna drop you off and then we go our separate ways. Think about what you’re gonna do, alright?” Sniper huffed.

“I’m probably gonna go to my Ma’s place. Been a while since I’ve seen her.”

“Mate, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Sniper was paying more attention now.

“Why not? You’re not the boss of me.” Scout eyebrows were furrowed now. Who was Sniper to tell him he couldn’t see his own Mother?

“The same reason I’m not going to my parents place.” Sniper opened his eyes and sat up on his elbows. “If they are looking for us- which they probably are- our families are the first thing they are going to be watching. If you have a girlfriend I wouldn’t go to her either.”

Upon hearing Sniper use the word ‘girlfriend’ Scout’s face dropped and his lips tightened.

“Listen I’m sure your Mum will be alright. Just keep away for now ok?” Sniper did his best to console the younger man.

“It’s not that exactly. Well it is- I’m worried about her but it’s just…. how could she do this? I thought we were friends and that her and I were maybe-” Scout lay his head on the table and groaned into his arms. “-I just don’t get it.” It took Sniper a moment to realize he was talking about Miss.Pauling.

‘She’s a killer just like the rest of us. Of course this was always a possibility. That’s why you don’t get attached.’ Is what Sniper wanted to say but seeing the heartache apparent in Scout’s body language, he took a breath and attempted a gentler approach.

“I-I’m sorry that the girl you felt like you had something with is trying to kill you.”

The look Scout shot him made him try again.

“Look what I mean is, I feel bad for you ok? You’ll find another girl. And this one probably won’t try to off ya.” Sniper wasn’t ever really the best at comfort. However, Scout lifted his head and chuckled slightly.

“Man you’re shit at this.” He said, as he wiped away what he denies were tears from his eyes. Scout couldn’t believe it, but Sniper’s miserable attempt at comfort had actually cheered him up a bit. Scout was always good at bouncing back. “Hey, here’s a question! You have a wife or girlfriend?”

Sniper shook his head no. Scout thought for a moment before snapping his fingers and pointing at the Australian.

“Ah! Husband? Boyfriend?”

“No.”

“Listen you can tell me if ya do. It’s not for me cause I’m all about the ladies, but if you’re into men that’s cool.” Scout gave a cheesy, reassuring thumbs up.

“No Scout, I’m not with a man either.”

“Ok, do you have a crush then? If not, then man you are boring.”

An image of the Blu Spy briefly flashed across Sniper’s mind. He could feel his face heat up slightly. He didn’t have feelings for him…. Did he? Sniper quickly decided to bury that train of thought.

“No. Not that I can think of anyway.” Sniper shrugged.

“Booo lame!” Scout teased. “Are you divorced or something? You look old enough to have kids by now.”

“No ex husband or wife and no kids.”

“That’s too bad.”

“What? You wanted me to have gone through a divorce?”

“No, the kids thing. You’d be a good dad I think.” Scout clarified.

“Didn’t you just say I was shit at comforting you? Doesn’t really make me sound like great dad I think.” Sniper scoffed. He’d thought about having kids, but never considered it for long. The relationship between him and his own father had kind of led him away from that idea.

“Yeah, but with practice maybe. To be fair you did try. And besides you’re good at other stuff. Like when you played darts with me when you didn’t have to. That was kinda dad like.”

“If you squint maybe. And you’re an adult. Not a child.”

“Yeah, but I feel like I can talk to you about stuff that’s buggin me. It’s cool is all. And hey adults have parents too. My man’s still my Ma. ” Scout kicked at the ground a little and chuckled.

“You and your dad like that?”

Scout frowned and Sniper winced. He of all people should know better then to ask about parental relationships.

“Sorry mate. I get it. My old man and I don’t have the best relationship either. I don’t like talking about it much.”

“I don’t have a dad. He’s dead.”

Sniper’s shoulders dropped and he bit his lip. Shit. He had no idea.

“I didn’t know I’m-“

“It’s crazy I don’t even remember what he looks like. And Ma doesn’t have any pictures of him. She like hates him or something and I don’t get it.” Tears were welling up in Scout’s eyes and he was fighting hard to keep them from falling. “It’s just frickin weird ya know. She loved him enough to have a baby with him but not enough to show me a picture?!” Scout slammed a fist half heartedly against the table. Against Sniper’s better judgment he got up and sat next to Scout on the bench. He placed a hand on Scout’s shoulder and gave a reassuring squeeze.

Scout’s lip quivered and without thought he wrapped his arms around Sniper and quietly let some tears fall. Sniper wasn’t used to physical contact so he froze at first; simply staring dumbfounded at the person clinging to him. Then slowly he reciprocated the hug.

“I’m sorry kid- I mean Scout. Parents can be….complicated. Her feelings toward him don’t go the same for you ok? She’s your Mum. I’m sure she loves ya.” He tried his bests to comfort Scout without patronizing him.

After collecting himself, Scout pulled away and tried to discreetly wipe his eyes with his hands. Sniper awkwardly slid further away from him to give him space.

“Thanks Snipes. Also if you tell anyone about this I’ll kill you. Ok?” He said with a lighthearted yet threatening tone. Sniper held up his hands in mock defensiveness, before giving him a slight grin and heading back to the bed.

“I won’t tell a soul.”

“And hey, be proud of yourself.”

“For what?” Sniper raised an eyebrow.

“You were better at it that time.”

Sniper smiled slightly and closed his eyes once again. Maybe he wouldn’t be an awful parent.

“Hey, before you go to sleep I wanna ask you something else. What’s your name? Like your real name.”

“Scout I don’t think-“

“They know our real names already.”

Scout had a point. So Sniper decided to humour him.

“My names Mick.”

“Mick… Mick…. Yeah you look like a Mick. My names Jeremy.”

“Jeremy… Jeremy… yeah you look like a Jeremy.” Sniper said with playful mockery.

“Yeah real funny. But now I know when this whole thing blows over to look for a Mick.”

Sniper couldn’t help but smile. He cared about Scout dispite his own personal policy about not getting attached. So once things got better maybe meeting up wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

“Alright Scout, just wait a while alright? Or better yet I’ll go looking for you. I’m pretty good at not being followed. Now-“ Sniper yawned. “-I’m going to sleep for a bit. Wake me up in a few hours and keep a look out alright?”

“Ok. Night Mick”

Chapter Text

“Alright. We’re here.” Sniper said; pulling the keys out of ignition.

“Where’s here again?”

“Texas. This is a pretty decent motel; I’ve stayed here before once. Pretty cheap.” Sniper glanced at Scout who was now looking at the motel with hesitation. “I can give ya some money if you really need.”

“I’m good. It’s just- are you sure we’re far enough? They won’t find me here?”

“As far as I can tell we haven’t been followed. Should be safe to stay here for the day and spend the night. Then try to keep moving. Alright?”

Scout nodded and clutched his bag tightly in his hands.

“So this is bye?”

“Yeah. It is.”

The van was quiet as neither man spoke. Scout scratched the back of his neck awkwardly before reaching for the door handle.

“Goodbye then….. and see you later?” Scout had a glimmer of hope in his voice.

“Bye Scout.” Sniper caught the hopefulness in Scouts voice and not wanting to disappoint him; so he humoured his hope. “And yeah… see you later Jeremy.”

Scout grinned showing off his buck teeth, before he pushed the door open. Before Scout could get out of the car however, Sniper called him back.

“Wait. Hold on.” Sniper rummaged around his pocket before pulling out three, ten dollar bills. “At least take this, yeah? Just in case.”

Scout hesitated, then decided to reach out and grab the bills, before stuffing them into his own pocket.

“Thanks Snipes. Be safe out there ok?”

“I will. You too alright?”

Scout smirked and flexed one of his arms.

“Course I will. Gonna take an army to take on these guns!”

There was the Scout, Sniper knew. It was nice to see him acting like himself again, despite what he must be going through mentally.

Sniper gave a nod before Scout closed the door behind him and waved. Sniper gave a quick nod back before turning on the ignition. He gave one last look to Scout as he faded from view behind the glass doors of the building.

This marked the end of an era.
—————————————————————-

Sea foam frothed around the edge of ship, that Sniper was staring- with a wince- over the edge at. His stomach growled angrily at him from the lack of food and the waves which only provoked his stomach further.

Groaning, the brunette pulled himself away from the edge with a gag. As much as he prided himself of being an outdoors-man, sea sickness was something that plagued Sniper with a vengeance. And as badly as he wanted to eat- he wasn’t technically even supposed to be on this ship; hence the problem acquiring food.

Sniper quickly ducked into the room he was previously hiding in; the bathroom. Well- a - bathroom. A bathroom that not a single crew member on the ship seemed to not want to go near.

When Sniper first got on the ship several days before, he eavesdropped among the cargo to try and find a good hiding place. And lo and behold, this bathroom was his answer. Immediately upon entering, Sniper found out why.

Apparently, some genius decided that this was the perfect place to debone their fish. Not recently by the looks of it. Sniper had deduced by the appearance of the boat that it was once a pretty elaborate fishing boat; now it made for a pretty lacklustre, sorry excuse for a cargo ship. Obviously the fishing crew didn’t think tidying up was necessary upon either selling or giving the ship away.

The smell of fish is a hard smell to remove, even without all of the caked fish blood and scattered bones that were still present. Sniper clasped a hand over his mouth as the smell was only further urging his stomach acid to make a violent, messy appearance. His other hand clutched a strap of the backpack that was slung across his shoulder.

He slumped to the floor in a corner not as covered in blood and pulled his knees to his chest; being sure to keep his breathing steady.

‘The things humans do to save our bloody lives.’ Sniper mused to himself.
———————————————————-

The boats stillness was immediately recognized through Sniper’s nauseous, food deprived haze and he couldn’t be more thrilled.

He pulled himself shakily to his feet and opened the door a crack, to peer outside.
Thankfully none of the crew members seemed to be around. So Sniper slipped out of the bathroom and began looking for a way off the ship.

After some investigating, Sniper realized the only way off the ship was currently populated by the crew, carrying armfuls of packages off the boat. If he tried to get off that way he’d certainly be spotted. Drawing attention to himself is the last thing Sniper wanted.

‘Aw hell’

Sniper rubbed his neck as he looked around for another escape route.

Not too far from the side of the ship was another boat docked. Carefully, he climbed on the railing at the edge and prepared to jump. Sniper then put on his backpack properly and tightened the straps.

After a quick glance at the water below and a deep breath, Sniper lunged at the boat across the water. He landed with a thud against a solid metal bar. His breathing turned strained as he felt the air get knocked out of his lungs. Gasping for air, he grabbed at the railing his body had just slammed into; doing his best to pull himself onto the deck.

Once on the deck, Sniper rolled over onto his back and placed a hand on his rib cage that was surely bruised at this point. To his joy, it didn’t feel like any of his ribs were broken.

He certainly didn’t have Scout’s parkour abilities or Spy’s elegance when it came to these sorts of things.

When his breathing returned to normal, Sniper grabbed his bag that he had placed next to him and started making his way off of the boat. Walking off of the boat, he couldn’t help but feel the slightest sense of relief. He made it. He was in France. That sense of relief faded quickly when he felt a familiar feeling. The feeling of being looked at. No, not just looked at- being watched.

Sniper scanned his surroundings and felt his stomach drop when he saw someone was in fact watching him. It was one of the crew members from the ship he had just come from. After, looking at the crew member for a few seconds, Sniper picked up his pace and tried his best to appear as calm as possible.

The thoughts inside his head were far from calm however. Because, while the look on the crew members face was hard to read, Sniper could figure out what a few of the emotions the crew member was feeling were.

Anger… and recognition.

Sniper had been recognized.

But, he didn’t recognize the man.

How many people work for her?

Chapter Text

Sniper had been walking around the streets of Paris for hours, glancing over his shoulder and at the roofs of buildings cautiously. If a fisherman he had never met before recognized him, there was no limit to who could possibly also know him; and be on the lookout.

He had a place to go here. He had a plan, but this unplanned confrontation made him anxious. Well, perhaps confrontation was the wrong word but it was a close enough encounter.

Eventually, Sniper decided that if anyone was tailing him, that he had lost them by that point. He had been up and down alleys, up and down staircases and on and off trains. It was hard to judge people’s actions around him anyway, as he currently stunk of rotten old fish. So the squinting eyes and downturned mouths of the people around him could either be angry recognition or simply reactions to the foul oder.
——————————————————————

“And this was a reservation for Mr….?”

“Martin. Gabriel Martin.”

“Right. Monsieur Martin. “ The receptionist flipped through a few pages in a book, humming to herself. “Yes I have you put down for room 127. And the number of nights are unspecified? I apologize that’s against our policy sir I-“

“I’m not sure how long I’m staying, but I can promise I’ll pay for every night I’m here.” Sniper pleaded, giving her the most convincing smile he was capable of producing.

The desk lady looked at ‘Mr. Martin’ with a squint for a moment before scribbling something down in the book next to his name.

“I have that written in the books now. If you try to flee without paying, we will contact the authorities.” She said as she slid a key across the desk.

Mr. Martin ,a.k.a Sniper, picked up the key and gave a slight nod.

“Got it. Thanks. Or uh- merci.” Sniper tried. The lady cringed at his pronunciation before giving a polite, but forced smile.

Sniper was about to leave the lobby when he heard a raised voice behind him. His heart slowed when he realized who was shouting. It was the fisherman from before. The one who knew him. But the fisherman wasn’t yelling at Sniper, he was getting upset with another hotel staff member behind the desk.

“Monsieur Dubois, je suis désolé pour la confusion, mais nous n'avons pas de chambre pour vous.” The man said, trying to calm the fisherman.

“J'ai programmé il y a des mois et vous n'avez pas de chambre?” He responded angrily. His grip tightened around a suitcase in his hand.

Sniper not understanding much French couldn’t fully grasp what this was about. But it didn’t sound like he was asking about Sniper which gave him some relief.

Sniper was about to count his blessings that he hadn’t been spotted by the man again and just walk away, when he noticed something on the fisherman’s wrist. It was a watch. A really nice looking watch. A really familiar looking watch. It took Sniper a moment of thinking where he had seen the watch before, when he finally connected the dots in his mind.

“Aw hell.” Sniper sighed before deciding to approach the confrontation. Once behind the fisherman he clapped a hand onto his shoulder. “Mind if I ask what the problem is?”

The fisherman whipped his head to face Sniper with wide eyes. The man behind the desk explained.

“There was an miscommunication that cancelled Mr.Dubois room. Unfortunately there is no room for him to stay in here.”

“Well that’s because he’s staying with me, must’ve forgot.” Sniper said, pulling him slightly away from the desk. “His memory isn’t what it used go be.” Mr.Dubois gave Sniper an irritated look, but complied with the story he was spinning.

“Ah yes, how could I have forgotten.” Mr.Dubois said through gritted teeth. The desk clerk gave both of them an odd look before nodding and quickly busying himself with paperwork. Clearly he was just happy he was no longer being yelled at and didn’t want to push the issue further.

As the pair of men walked towards the elevators in the hotel, Sniper’s grip tightened on the man’s shoulder

“Nice watch. Which one are ya? Red or Blu?” Sniper asked in a hushed tone.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Mr. Dubois said while trying to get Sniper to let go. As the elevator doors opened, Sniper roughly shoved Mr. Dubois inside.

“Seems like a stupid idea to go back home mate.” Sniper gave Dubois a smug look. “Don’t think this is the first place they’ll look for ya?” Mr. Dubois didn’t face Sniper. Instead he glared at the elevator doors waiting for them to open.

Once they did, the pair walked through the empty hallway together toward room 127. Sniper inserted his key in the door and once again shoved Mr. D, then stepped inside and shut the door behind him.

“Based on how you’re acting and your dumbass decision to come here, I’m guessing….. red.” Sniper guessed as he locked the door.

“Actually, imbecile, it’s me.”

“Blu?” Sniper’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected that.

“And for the record it is quite smart. I can make myself look like whomever I please. If I want to come home I can. How would they tell? Please, I am not a moron.” The man who Sniper now could identify as the Blu Spy folded his arms angrily. “I am hiding in plain sight and I get to be comfortable. Out of both our teams I do believe I got the best end of the stick.”

“Well it didn’t take me long to figure out who you are.”

Spy scowled before walking over to the bed and flipping through the sheets methodically. Sniper smirked to himself knowing he had won the argument, even if Spy would never admit it.

Sniper crossed the room and looked out of the large windows that covered the wall from ceiling to floor. It was a wall of glass. Terribly modern considering the look of the rest of the city. It looked more like a building you’d find in a city in Australia. After looking for a moment he grabbed the curtains that were hanging to the side and slid them shut over the windows. As soon as the windows were covered he heard a huff from behind him.

“Could you have not at least turned on a light first? I am doing something here.” Spy complained. Sniper grunted and flipped on a lamp on one of the bedside tables. “Better.”

“You’re welcome.” Sniper rolled his eyes. “Heck are ya doing anyway?”

“Bed bugs. I refuse to sleep in a bed without checking.” Spy said, not breaking from his task.

“It’s a nice place. I doubt there would be any.” He slumped in a chair that was placed across from the bed. It was next to a small desk with a television sitting on it.

“Yes, very nice. Nice enough to lose my reservation.” Spy dropped the sheets, and sighed with satisfaction. “Nice enough to not have bed bugs, I suppose.”

“When did you make yours?”

“My reservation?”

Sniper nodded.

“Months ago. I have made reservations at several hotels all over the world. Just in case. I have never needed any of them since working for Blu… until now. Of course when I need it they fail me. Ça a du sens. What about yourself? Did you follow me here?”

“I did the same thing. Always good to have a place to go. I don’t plan on staying in France long. My idea was to just get to Europe. Go from country to country. Not staying anywhere for too long.” Sniper looked into Spy’s eyes with a squint.

“What, Jar-man?”

“You can change out of your disguise now. Part of the reason I closed the curtain.”

“You did not need to close the curtain. we are several stories high. No one would see me.”

“Snipers, mate. You standing close enough to a window is all it takes. Either of us really.” Sniper chuckled. “Surprised you didn’t think of that; considering how often I used to shoot you in the head.”

After yet another aggravated noise from Spy, he once again took on his true appearance. Still in his uniform. That amused Sniper.

“Couldn’t get rid of the suit and mask eh?”

“I need some of my dignity. I see you’ve ditched yours rather quickly.” Spy’s eyes scanned the now filthy clothes that Sniper wore. “Please tell me that’s not your only outfit.”

“S’ in the bag.” Sniper pointed with his thumb at the backpack slumped by the door, next to the suitcase Spy had dropped there as well when they had entered.

“Excellent. I do believe I will be taking a shower now. Once I have finished I must insist you do the same.”

———————————————-

“Hell no.”

Spy raised his eyes from the book he was reading.

“What?”

“I hope you plan on getting off the bed. In the next five seconds would be best.” Sniper growled.

“No,” Spy returned to reading his book. “I believe I am going to stay here.”

“Well that’s not bloody fair, I’m the bloke who booked the room. You’re nothing but a free loader.” Sniper could feel his blood pressure rising slightly. A similar feeling the Spy on his team used to give him. Just a weaker version of it.

“Mhm.” Spy hummed, not appearing to have even heard what Sniper said. This only served to annoy Sniper further.

“Well it’s a king. Maybe I’ll just sleep on the other side then. If you would move your ass from the middle.”

“Mhm.” Another absent minded hum. Sniper marched over to the bed, with his hair still soaked from the shower and plopped down next to Spy. He glared daggers into the side of Spy’s head.

“Move.”

“M- ahh!” Before Spy could ignore Sniper again, Sniper had shoved Spy in the shoulder which knocked the masked man halfway to the floor. His book was clutched tightly in one hand; saved from being another casualty to the push. “Jar-Man!” He pulled himself back onto the bed. Sniper smirked and got under the blankets.

“I gave you the chance to move.” He shrugged

“Do you expect me to sleep on the floor?!”

“Sleep wherever you want.” Sniper yawned. “But this side of the bed is mine.”

Spy bit his lip and stared at the floor for a moment, clearly considering his options, before placing his book on the bedside table and tucking himself under the blanket again. Sniper’s eyes widened.

“You’re not seriously sleeping next to me are you?”

“You can sleep on the floor if you like.” Spy smirked at Sniper’s slight pout. “Do not worry, we do not have to cuddle.” That seemed to trigger a reaction out of Sniper. His face was bright red as his eye brows furrowed. He flipped over so he was no longer facing Spy and his shit-eating grin.

“Yeah, like anyone would want to cuddle you.” Then he suddenly flipped over again. “Are you sleeping in the mask?”

“Oui.”

“Did you shower in it too?” He snorted.

“Not that it is any of your business what I do in the shower but, yes sometimes I do.”

Sniper let out a low laugh.

“Are you serious?”

“Sometimes I need to be more careful with showing my face.”

“In the bathroom though? And why are you still wearing that thing anyway? Not like the folks looking for us don’t know what your face looks like already.”

“One can never be too cautious. For example, Soldier never seemed to quite understand the concept of knocking. And the day you ever see my face, is the day I die. Because I will never, ever let you see my face as long as I live.”

“What’s with all your hostility? I mean, I helped save your ass back at the battlefield. We worked together. Didn’t think we were friends but at least you were slightly less annoying than my teams Spy. Thought so anyway.” Sniper glared.

“I could ask you the same thing. I am glad you did not assume we were friends because I can assure you, we are not.” Behind Spy’s returned glare, Sniper could detect a hint of something else. Something it appeared that Spy was trying to repress. It almost looked like…. hurt?

‘No it couldn’t be.’ Sniper thought to himself. ‘He’s too full of himself for that.’ However, Sniper couldn’t deny the slight twinge in his heart when he heard Spy say that. He did his best to shove it down. He never did like analyzing his own feelings.

“You were simply a necessity to an investigation. A means to an end. Nothing more. I do however appreciate you allowing me to sleep here for the night. Although at first it appeared you only offered so you could berate me.” It was then Spy’s turn to flip over and face the wall. “I will be gone in the morning. Then we never have to see one another again. Understood?”

Sniper followed suit and also flipped away from his rival.

“Sounds peachy.” He gritted through his teeth.

“Excellent.” Spy reached his hand towards the small lamp on the nightstand and flipped off the switch. “Goodnight Sniper…. and farewell.”

Sniper didn’t bother responding. The two laid there in the darkness in strained silence until they drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Sniper’s eyes shot open upon waking. This was normal for him; his eyes would shoot open out of instinct. Working a job where people are trying to kill you all the time, tended to have that effect.

He squinted. The sunlight that shone from the edges of the curtains was the only source of light that illuminated the room. Almost nothing beat the feeling of stretching out after a night’s sleep. It was after his stretch that he remembered Blu Spy. He glanced to the side of the bed that Spy once occupied and found it was empty. Sticking to his promise, Spy was gone.

Sniper stayed there for a moment. He simply stared at the neatly tucked sheets on the opposing side of the bed. Sniper was feeling something; a feeling he couldn’t identify. He was never great at that. He hated it. After letting out a sigh, Sniper slowly pulled himself up so he was sitting on the edge of the bed.

Before he could stand up to change his clothes he noticed a suitcase next to his bag. It was Spy’s suitcase. He must’ve forgotten it. Sniper walked over to the bags and was about to pick up his own bag to get fresh clothes, but he stopped.

‘What if he left it on purpose.’ He thought. ‘Maybe there’s something in there he wanted me to see. Info on Pauling and the rest.’

After thinking for a moment, he decided to open Spy’s suit case. He picked it up and sat back down on the bed. As soon as Sniper undid one of the latches, he heard the door swing open.

Sniper quickly pulled himself to his feet and ripped one of the lamps out of the wall and held it in a defensive manner.

“Merde! Easy!”

The person at the door jolted back and his eyes grew wide. It was Mr. Dubois. Well- it was Spy rather. Just in his disguise. When Sniper was able to process who he was looking at he could feel his body slowly relaxing and he placed the lamp back on a bedside table.

“Christ mate. Don’t do that.” He rubbed his eyes and huffed, before glaring at Spy. “Forgot your bag?”

Spy, still in his disguise, shut the door behind him. He folded his arms and glared right back.

“Yes I did and I- did- did you try and open my suitcase?!” Spy beelined to the suitcase placed on the bed, effectively shoving Sniper in the process. “Why would you open another man’s suitcase?”

Sniper felt his face go hot. His jaw clenched, assuring that no words would slip past his lips. Spy seeing Sniper’s face, scoffed.

“What? Did you think I left it on purpose? Like a lady leaving a glass slipper behind so her prince can find her?”

Sniper couldn’t comprehend what was going on in his head at that moment. Why was his face hot? And why did that hurt? Why on earth did he want Spy to… to… well he wasn’t sure what he wanted Spy to do or think.

“Well I’m not a shelia and you sure as shit aren’t a prince. Definitely not a bloke I had wanted to see again.” There, that got a reaction out of Spy. Even if it was slight.

It was odd seeing Spy in the body of a stranger. Despite the unfamiliar face and eyes, the expressions and body language were all Spy. He wasn’t trying to copy anyone like he would during fights. His cold squinting eyes and scrunched nose were looking dead at Sniper.

“Well, I will be leaving now. Goodbye. Again.” Spy picked up his suitcase and approached the door. His hand rested on the handle about to leave for good when.. he stopped. Sniper glared at the back of Spy’s head, confused as to what stopped him.

“Well? Go on then.”

Spy sighed and turned his head slightly over his shoulder.

“Before I leave you for good, I believe it is only fair that I help you blend in a little more here.”

“And how do you plan on doing that?”

“Show you what a French breakfast can look like. There is no where for you to light a fire and eat whatever animal you come across here. You are not living in your van any longer.”

“Are you inviting me to breakfast?” Sniper couldn’t believe it. This man was just fighting with him moments ago.

“I suppose I am. Now get dressed in proper clothes; I am not taking you out in your sleepwear. And then hurry before I change my mind. And be sure to disguise yourself.”

—————————————————————-

“You couldn’t let me order for myself?”

“Can you read French?”

“Not really but -“

“Well then you should be thanking me. I made it easier for you.” Spy said between sips of his tea. The wind was gently blowing across the restaurant patio they were seated at. It was delightful weather.

Sniper rolled his eyes and stared into his cup of hot tea with a slight pout. Spy noticed and raised an eyebrow.

“What’s the matter?”

“You couldn’t have order coffee for me? I don’t like tea much.” Sniper raised the cup to his lips and took a sip. After tasting the liquid he winced at the flavour and put it down quickly. “Ugh what even is that?”

“Manners!” Spy whisper yelled through gritted teeth. “It’s earl grey. Honestly, you eat god knows what most days but this is to much?”

“Like I said, I don’t drink tea much. It’s too.. earthy. I can’t think of the word but you get it.”

“You drink coffee.”

“Yeah but that’s a whole bloody different thing. The bitterness doesn’t bother me personally, the taste of tea is different. And it’s useful for when I need to be aware of my surroundings.”

“So it is for the caffeine? Most tea has caffeine. That is why I drink tea.”

“But it doesn’t do shit, does it?”

Spy scoffed.

“See!” Sniper whisper yelled. He pointed a finger at Spy. “You agree. Tea first thing in the morning doesn’t do anything other than taste like you ate grass.”

A small cough interrupted the pair. The two hadn’t realized that a waiter holding two plates of food had been standing there for a moment. Both quickly regained their composure.

“Apprécier.” That was all the waiter said before placing down the plates and walking back into the building. Both sat in awkward silence for a moment before turning to their food.

“The service always that snippy?”

“Only when one of their tables has a grown man throwing a fit.”

Sniper ignored Spy’s comment and looked at the food on his plate. On his plate sat some sliced baguette with strawberry jam. On the side was some sliced sausages. It looked pleasant to Sniper. Spy got relatively the same thing except with prune jam.

“Personally I do not care for coffee.”

“Pardon?”

“Coffee is more traditional for breakfast, but I prefer tea.” Spy stated. He then began to eat his breakfast while staring at his plate.

“Alright?” Sniper was confused at the random confession. He followed Spy’s example and also began to eat before Spy paused again. He then placed down his bread and stood up.

“I’ll be right back.”

Before Sniper could respond, Spy had disappeared into the cafe.

Sniper continued to eat his breakfast until, Spy returned a few minutes later. Spy didn’t acknowledge Sniper and instead once again focused on his own breakfast.

“What was that about?”

“I was just checking on something. It doesn’t matter.”

Sniper nodded and kept eating.

“Foods good.”

“Happy to hear.”

The awkward tone of their conversation wasn’t lost on Sniper and he imagined it was no different for Spy. It seemed like no matter how hard they tried to have a normal conversation, it would only result in arguing. Perhaps it was the natural stress that would come with a situation like theirs. Or maybe it was a manifestation of something deeper. Something neither man wanted to discuss.

“Votre café monsieur.” The waiter was once again at the side of their table and placed down a cup of what appeared to be coffee by Sniper’s plate, before returning inside.

Sniper gave Spy a quizzical look. Spy briefly made eye contact with Sniper before continuing to eat.

“I didn’t order a coffee.”

“Perhaps they overheard your whining.”

“Or maybe you asked them for me.” Sniper recalled Spy’s unexplained momentary absence from earlier. When Spy’s lips tightened that’s when Sniper knew he was right. “Aw that’s real sweet of ya.” He said in a half serious, half mocking tone. Spy rolled his eyes

“I prefer tea. You prefer coffee. We are different people who have different preferences. It was simply me being polite.”

The two continued to eat their breakfast. Sniper with an amused but slight grin on his face and Spy with a more obvious annoyed expression on his face.

Once the meal concluded and the bill was paid- which surprisingly and much to Sniper’s protest, was paid by Spy - the two stood next to one another in awkward silence. Until Sniper broke it.

“So you’ll be leaving now then?”

Spy fidgeted with the suitcase in his hand.

“Tonight. I was thinking..” Spy glanced at Sniper before clearing his throat. “Perhaps I could show you around Paris. For today…. if you like?”

Sniper’s eyes widened slightly. He took a moment to think through Spy’s offer. Did he really want to spend a full day with someone who saw him as nothing more than a means to an end? With the constant possibility of bickering with one another for the full day? While the rational part of Sniper’s brain was screaming no, his words contradicted him.

“Sure.”

Spy slowly nodded and cleared his throat. Sniper could detect a faint hint of relief wash over Spy’s face. Emphasis on faint.

“Well I thought if you planned on staying here a while, it would be a good idea for you to know how to blend in with the day to day of people. Not just breakfast.”

“Makes sense I guess. Thanks.”

“But of course.”

——————————————————————

“Interesting choice. Figured you would’ve taken me to the Eiffel Tower or something. I’ve never actually seen it in person. I was kinda looking forward to it.”

“I wanted to help you blend in with the citizens, not the tourists. I have seen the Eiffel tour hundreds of times and so has everyone else who lives here. If the people searching for us believed you were here they would go to the places the rest of the foreigners would flock to. The Eiffel Tower being one of those places. And look-“ Spy gestured to the quiet park that surrounded them. “-practically no one is here. That is our best option if you want to be outside of your hotel room.”

Spy had a point. Large crowds allow dangerous people to hide among them. However, standing out in the open like this did leave them potentially vulnerable. That thought troubled Sniper as he glanced around.

“Although, I don’t quite know how I feel about your disguise.”

Sniper was wearing a long coat with 4 buttons and had a large scarf tied around his neck, partially obscuring part of his face. Gone was his normal hat and sunglasses and he had replaced them with regular black shades and a newsboy hat. Spy was in his Mr.Dubois appearance.

Mr.Dubois was the same height as Spy but visually was different from the real Spy in a few ways. He had slightly tamed dark chestnut hair and a barley maintained beard. Sniper knew it was probably killing Spy inside to not make his appearance as prim and proper as he likes. And instead of his piercing blue eyes they were a deep brown. Yet his stare was the same. That was one of the things Sniper first noticed about Spy. The intensity in his eyes. How many words were able to be conveyed with but a glance.

“Jar-Man? Jar-Man?…Sniper?”

Sniper blinked a few times before zoning back into what Spy was saying. He hadn’t meant to focus that much on Spy’s appearance.

“Yeah?”

“Were you listening to a thing I said?” Spy folded his arms.

“My disguise. You don’t like it.”

“I said more than that, but that was my main point.” Spy stepped closer to Sniper. “I fear you are still too recognizable.” He reached out and adjusted Sniper’s scarf slightly. Sniper looked at Spy’s hands that were now inches from his face. Although Spy couldn’t see Sniper’s eyes he could feel his stare. Eyebrows furrowed and face slightly flushed he pulled his hands away again.

“Aww you’re worried about me?” Sniper said with a teasing tone in order to try and cut the silence that was now present.

“No!” Spy answered a little too quickly. Sniper raised an eyebrow. “I care about you blowing our cover.” Spy began tapping his foot.

“Well you won’t have to worry about an ‘our’ when you leave tonight. Right?”

“Correct.” His foot began tapping faster. “This was a mistake.”

“What?”

“Let us go back to to hotel. Being out in public was a stupid idea.”

“Well it was your idea mate.”

Spy’s face went red.

“Oh, be quiet! It is unbelievable how irritating you can be. The moment it hits midnight I will be gone and I for one couldn’t possibly be more excited.”

“Yeah whatever. Let’s go.” Sniper began to march off with his hands shoved in his pockets. After a moment he turned back around to see Spy still standing where he had left him. Spy looked dumbfounded. Sniper raised his hands in an exasperated way as if to say ‘Well are you coming or not?!’. Spy eventually followed after Sniper silently; hands shoved into his own pockets.

Sniper was tired. He was in a foreign country with a man he couldn’t seem to hold a normal conversation with and god knows who was currently trying to hunt him down and kill him. He felt stupid for being intrigued by Spy’s offer to show him around Paris. And how nice it had sounded.

No words were spoken as they both walked back to the hotel; their eyes were still scanning rooftops and the city streets for any unwanted attention. Just because they both were in an unpleasant mood didn’t mean their safety became a second priority. Leaving their hotel really was a stupid idea in hindsight.
——————————————————————

A now empty tray of food now sat in Sniper’s lap; it was once full of more than decent hotel food. Sniper has had his fair share of gross food at hotels so this was a welcome surprise.

He was sitting up in the bed absentmindedly watching whatever was on the tv. Sniper didn’t understand much French so he wasn’t able to fully understand what the newscaster was talking about. If there was a way to turn on English closed captioning he hadn’t figured it out yet.

Spy was sitting in the arm chair, now in his regular appearance. The curtains were drawn closed and the pair had waited with weapons by the door for a few hours upon returning, incase they had been followed. No intruder made themselves known so they felt safe enough to order room service for dinner.

Despite going through all of that they still hadn’t exchanged any words since the encounter in the park. Sniper thought about saying something but he wasn’t sure how to start.

So he didn’t.

Sniper unceremoniously slid the tray onto the bedside table. The noise caught Spy’s attention and he glanced at Sniper.

Sniper didn’t return Spy’s gaze despite feeling it on him. Sniper’s day clothes, hat and glasses were already cast aside. He was now wearing a pair of grey sweatpants and a white tshirt. Things he typically wore to sleep. Especially if others were present.

Still without acknowledging Spy, Sniper tucked himself under the blanket and flipped off the lamp on his bed side table. Other than the dim light coming off of the tv the room was plunged into darkness.

Despite Sniper’s best efforts to sleep he couldn’t fight off a nagging feeling in his brain. The urge to talk to Spy. And he was fighting it hard. He was tired and the last thing Sniper wanted to do was end up in another inevitable spat with Spy.

A hand gently being placed on Sniper’s shoulder made him practically jump out of bed. The hand retracted quickly to avoid being potentially injured. Sniper calmed down when he realized the hand belonged to Spy who was now sheepishly sitting on the edge of the bed.

“I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Thanks. I guess.” Sniper sighed to himself. It was only a matter of time now before they started bickering. “What do ya want?”

“I… I wanted to know if you wanted to see something.”

“Depends.”

“You have never been to France before, right?” Spy asked. His voice was hushed, as if trying not to wake Sniper further. Sniper nodded. “It is almost eleven. It’s the last one of the night tonight. I want you to see.”

“See what?”

“One moment.” Spy changed once again into his disguise. Before Sniper could ask why the disguise was necessary, Spy was already by the window pulling the curtains open.

The city skyline was beautiful. That was the only way to describe it. The lights of the barley awake city felt comforting. No matter how comforting it was however, Sniper became very aware that he was now sitting in front of the window not in disguise. Spy must’ve also realized because he swiftly sat on the bed next to Sniper; placing himself between Sniper and the window.

“You can stand behind me and look over my shoulder. Just to be safe.”

“Uh- yeah, sure mate.”

“Let’s stand by the window. I want you to see this better. “

While making sure to duck behind Spy, they both walked to the window to look at the buildings below. Then Sniper noticed the Eiffel Tower in the distance. He couldn’t see the whole thing but the lights made it stand out.

“You see it, yes?”

“Yeah I do. What happens at eleven?”

“Give it a minute. Keep your eyes on it.”
Sniper slightly nodded and kept his eyes on the tower.

About a minute later all of the lights on the Eiffel Tower began to twinkle. Sniper wasn’t aware that the tower did that.

When the twinkling stopped that’s when he noticed Spy looking at him with a soft smile.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Spy shook his head. He reached for the curtains and pulled them closed. “I wanted you to see the Eiffel Tower.” His hand clutched the fabric of the curtain tightly in his hand. “And I am aware you cannot truly see the full thing but I hope this suffices.”

“It does. Thank you… Spy.” He gave Spy a brief yet, genuine smile. Spy retuned the expression. “The curtain is closed. You can turn back now.”

“You prefer me in my actual appearance?”

“I mean- I don’t- I guess?” Sniper managed to say. “It’s you.”

With a smile, Spy turned back into himself. Pinstripe suit and all.

“Here I am.” Spy dramatically threw out his arms, as if he was showing himself off.

“Yeah.. here you are. For now right?” The mood in the room changed as the tv light danced across their bodies. Sniper sat down on the bed and after a brief pause Spy joined him. “It’s a good idea.”

“What is?” Spy knew, but he wanted to hear him say it.

“You leaving. It’s not safe. For either of us. I was walking around with you outside. I don’t have a disguise. Not a great one anyway. We could’ve been shot. We could’ve died. I could’ve-“ Sniper took a deep breath. “Spy?”

“Yes?”

“I saw Miss.Pauling talking to your teams Sniper not long before we left. Did you know she was?”

“Yes.”

“ I was next on my team… wasn’t I?”

“I believe so.”

“Christ.” Sniper laid back on the bed and rubbed his eyes.

“You are smart. She wanted to keep you out of the way but, she could not get rid of you right away. The team would complain they didn’t have a Sniper keeping watch. The best she could do was keep you out of the way. Until enough of us were gone that is. And it kept you from seeing over the wall; what she was up to while we were busy.”

Sniper squeezed his eyes shut.

“So the rest of em. The ones we didn’t get out; they’re dead.”

“Assuming the rest of them got away.” Spy said grimly. Red Scout flashed through Sniper’s mind. He quickly tried to push down the worry he felt.

“I guess I owe you a thank you.”

“What for?”

“I know you were just using me to get info on my side.. you know.. a means to an end and all.” Spy cringed a little, although Sniper couldn’t see it. “You did save my life. You helped me figure out what was going on.”

“You would have figured it out on your own. Like I admitted earlier, you are smart.”

“Not smart enough to get the hell out sooner.”

“Their deaths are not our faults.” The way Spy said that almost sounded like he was trying to convince himself. “We did what we could.”

“I know.” Sniper sighed. He knew what Spy was saying was true but it didn’t completely stomp out the guilt gnawing at his heart. “I just hope the ones we told are doing alright.”

“That would be ideal. It also makes us not the only targets.” That irritated Sniper. Especially once it made him think of Scout again.

“How can you say shit like that?” Spy’s eyes widened at the scolding. “They might not have been our friends but we fought with em long enough that you should have some sympathy, or attachment, or something! Christ.”

“I am trying.” Spy tensed. “I have been a Spy for many years, worked for many people and seen many die. Getting attached isn’t something that comes easily to me anymore. Because I can’t-“ Spy cut himself off. He yet again had said more out loud than he meant to. Sniper’s glare at the back of Spy’s masked head softened. “You have been a mercenary for a while as well haven’t you? Surely you understand. You have to.”

Sniper grunted and sat up slightly. He did understand. It’s why he slept in his van at night rather than with the rest of his team. Why he did his best to limit bonding. Why he and Spy kept arguing. They didn’t want to get attached.

“I do get it. Sorry for ya know… snapping.”

“Thank you. I apologize that my comment was.. insensitive.”

“ ‘s alright.” There was another pause in the conversation, the hushed sound of news reporters on the tv being the only noise. “You’re still leaving then?”

“Do you want me to?” Spy turned his head and met Sniper’s softened eyes. Sniper through for a moment before he decided.

“No. I want you to stay.” Spy raised his eye brows. “Did you want to leave?”

“No.”

“But we need to work together. Be smart about things. No taking risks just to avoid talking. You showing me around France wasn’t a bad idea, but it put us at risk.”

“What do you mean ‘avoiding talking?’”

“Ya didn’t want to leave. That’s why you showed me around. For a little anyway.”

“That was not my only reason. I did truly want to teach you how to fit in. I wanted to show you my country. Although my judgement may have been clouded.” Spy reluctantly admitted.

“Not all your fault. I went along with it cause, I did want to see it and well.. I didn’t exactly want you to leave yet either mate.”

Spy let out a soft chuckle. Sniper gently smiled.

“So communication between us needs to be improved then?” Spy clarified.

“Yeah.”

“And we need to stop trying to push one another away. No more arguments. Can we agree on that?” Spy stuck out his hand toward Sniper.

“Agreed.” Sniper shook Spy’s hand firmly. “Now, let’s get some sleep ,eh?

“That would be nice.”

Chapter Text

“Morning Spy.”

“Good morning. I took the liberty of ordering room service for the two of us.”

“Thanks mate.”

Sniper rubbed his eyes and propped himself up on his elbows. Across from the bed, Spy was fussing with two trays of food that were placed on the space next to their television.

“What did you order for breakfast today?”

“They were offering a more American version of a breakfast today. I know you’re not American but I assume it’s more to your liking.” Spy picked up one of the trays and walked over to the bed. Once Sniper fully sat up, Spy placed the tray in his lap.

“Letting me eat in bed this morning?”

“I will this once. If you assure me you will do your best to avoid crumbs. Sleeping in a bed with crumbs is one of the worst sensations.” Spy said; scrunching his face slightly.

“I’ll do my best.”

Examining the tray, Sniper recognized food he hadn’t had in a while. Eggs, bacon, fried ham and hash browns. It’s not that these things weren’t served in France anywhere- Sniper had asked Spy- but it’s more what their hotel just happened to serve. They tended to stick to more traditionally French cuisine. Sniper enjoyed trying some new things but you can’t go wrong with what you’re used to.

Spy with his own tray sat next to Sniper. Spy’s tray contained food basically the same as what he had at the cafe.

“So you’ve thought more about it?” Sniper asked Spy, between bites of his food.

“Yes I have. And I agree, we need to keep moving. I might be able to hide here but you cannot. Not for too long. I looked around for some hotels on the other side of the country.” Spy replied.

“Did you find anything?”

“I did. It appeared safe.”

“You’ve been keeping your eyes out for folks tracking us when you go out?” Sniper asked.

Spy had been the only one of the two to leave the hotel, due to his ability to disguise himself as Mr. Dubois. Sniper had remained in the room. He had been relying on Spy to go out and purchase necessities and do Spy work; looking for anyone that might work for the Administrator. Thus far, Spy had yet to find anyone suspicious.

“Of course I have. I still have nothing to report. Thankfully.”

“Good. We’ve been here for almost four weeks. About time we moved on.” Sniper commented with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

“Feeling nostalgic already? We have yet to even leave.” Spy chuckled.

“Yeah, feelin’ really sad about leaving the place where I’ve been hiding from folks trying to kill me for the past while. And hiding in that room with a man who’s killed me a bunch of times himself.” Sniper joked. However, Spy winced a little at what Sniper said. It was brief but regardless Sniper noticed. “Sorry mate I didn’t mean-“

“It is alright Sniper.” Spy finished his own food and took his and Sniper’s now empty trays back over to the desk. “Just odd thinking about it.”

“The old days. I guess they aren’t that old but, it sure feels like it. Never thought we would be on the same side.”

“Neither did I.”

An awkward silence took the place of their conversation. While they had both been making efforts to improve their honesty and communication, the war was one of the spots that they both struggled. It had been a couple of months since the war had ended and had Sniper been this close to Spy back then, he would be reaching for his gun.

“Did you book us a room?” Sniper asked.

“A room?” Spy raised an eyebrow playfully.

“If you booked us separate rooms that’s fine mate. Just thought you didn’t mind my company.” Sniper teased back.

“Yes, I booked us a room. Like we have discussed, the two of us staying together has many benefits. The two of us together are safer.”

Sniper winced.

“What?” Spy questioned. “Do you not agree?”

“I agree it’s just-“ Sniper ran a hand over his eyes. “-back at the base. The Scout on my team. He wanted us to stick together. I said no; and now here I am with you. Even when at the time I thought… I thought he was the one that was next.”

“So you left him to protect yourself?”

“No that’s- god what do ya think of me?”

“I wouldn’t blame you. If that is why you separated from him I wouldn’t hold it against you. You were protecting yourself.” Before Sniper could berate Spy, Spy lifted his hand to stop him. “But I know that’s not why you did it. And I am.. glad that’s not why you did it.” Spy looked intently at Sniper briefly, urging him to continue.

“Right.” Sniper sighed. “I left because I wanted to make him less of a target. Harder to spot you know?” Spy nodded. “I feel- I don’t know I just feel like- ugh, forget it.” Sniper moved himself so his legs were hanging off of the bed and his back was to Spy.

“Sniper..” Sniper turned back to face Spy upon hearing is name. “.. you know you can- it is- it is alright. We can discuss something else.” Neither of them seemed to be able to commit to saying the thoughts they were having in their heads aloud. Sniper was just grateful they were changing the conversation. He hated talking about his feelings. And the feeling he was having, was a feeling he was happy to repress.

“So, we leave tonight then?” Sniper asked.

“Indeed. You are better off travelling under the cover of night. I planned a route that we could safely travel.” Spy sat on his side of the bed. “For now we shall have to entertain ourselves around here again. Would you like me to perhaps translate some more television for you?”

“Yeah, sure. But, I do think I’m starting to pick up on some more of it.”

“I should hope so. You have been watching it enough; I would be rather concerned if you have had yet to learn a word or two.”

Sniper shifted so he was fully sitting on his established side of the bed and Spy clicked on the television with the remote on his bedside table. A news station turned on and a woman with a very sour expression was interviewing a very angry man.

“What’s this about then?” Sniper asked.

“Can you pick up any of the words?” Spy encouraged.

Sniper listened for a moment, trying to focus hard on the words the man was shouting. It was trickier for Sniper to pick up on the words when extreme emotions were added into it. He much preferred the more monotone late night news broadcasters when attempting to decipher the language.

“He said.. government I think. He’s mad at the government then?” Sniper glanced at Spy, awaiting confirmation.

“His shop is infested with rats. He’s upset the local government is not doing more about the rat situation in the area. He had to close because of them.” Spy clarified. “So you are correct.”

“Real upset by the looks of it. Kind of funny.”

“Wouldn’t you be upset if you couldn’t do your job anymore?”

“Mate, I can’t do my job.” Sniper said with a light hearted tone. “Remember?”

“Oh you mean because our boss wants us dead? Hmm-“ Spy rubbed his chin as if deep in thought. “Yes, it is all coming back to me now.”

Sniper chuckled and playfully punched Spy’s shoulder.

“Shame about his shop in all seriousness. Guess we’re both in the same boat. Out of work and can’t do much about it. At least he doesn’t have folks hunting him down.” Sniper adjusted himself so he was laying on the bed.

“What are you doing? I don’t think you can see the television like that.” Spy asked.

“You’re right I can’t. But you can see it, so you can keep describing it to me.” Sniper closed his eyes and yawned. “I’m still tired and you’ve got a nice enough voice.”

“Fine, for a while, only because of that half assed compliment.” Spy chuckled. “Don’t get used to me being this nice to you Jar-man.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t.”
—————————————————————-

“Just keep moving.”

“I wasn’t planning on waiting around.”

It was the middle of the night and Spy and Sniper -both in disguises- were walking down the streets of France; trying their best to avoid detection. Sniper was wearing some new clothes that he had asked Spy to purchase on his behalf so he could hide better. Spy, knowing a thing or two about blending in, got him an outfit that made him obscure.

The only hitch in Sniper’s disguise was his face. They struggled to find a way to cover it without looking suspicious. Sunglasses at night would draw too much attention. The air was crisp enough that a scarf pulled over his lower face wasn’t odd. For his eyes, Spy had picked up a pair of thick reading glasses that, quite frankly were giving Sniper a bit of a headache.

“We couldn’t have popped out the lenses of these things?” Sniper muttered to Spy.

“If the wrong person happened to notice you were wearing lensless glasses, that would get them looking at us closer.”

“How much further are we from this place? It’s been hours.”

“Not much farther. And you should be grateful I let us use the trolley for a while.” Spy replied.

The pair continued walking in silence down the dimly lit streets of France. Sniper’s focus was split between following Spy and looking out for potential attackers. There has been no incidents or need to be suspicious until, Spy suddenly grabbed Sniper’s wrist and dragged him into a nearby alleyway.

“Keep walking. Quickly.” Spy said with a commanding tone. Sniper didn’t argue and kept walking. Spy was still clutching Sniper’s wrist, guiding him down several streets.

After what felt like an hour, Spy finally began to walk at a normal pace again; rather than the speed walking they had been engaged in. Spy did his best to muffled a strained cough that rose from his chest.

Sniper had noticed that the Spy on his team did the same thing after lots of running or fast walking. Sniper wagered it had something to do with the years of cigarettes. So perhaps the Spy on his team and Blu Spy did have some similarities. Not just in attitude, but in traits as well. Although, he was finding Blu Spy much more pleasant than his teammate.

Sniper shook his head slightly; he was getting lost in his thoughts again. He needed to find out what Spy had seen and why he had fled so suddenly.

“Sp- er- Mr. Dubios what’s-“ Sniper was cut off by a quiet shushing from Spy.

“Look around. Do you see anyone looking at us?”

Sniper quickly scanned the area, trying not to linger his gaze too long on anyone. No one seemed to be acknowledging them.

“I don’t see anything.”

“Alright. We are here regardless. Let us get inside, quickly.” Spy said; still tugging on Sniper’s wrist. Sniper still concerned about what just happened followed Spy into the building.
——————————————————————

Spy had let go of Sniper’s wrist back at the reception once he realized he was still holding onto him. He looked quite embarrassed. But, Spy and Sniper were now standing on the sixth floor of the new hotel in front of a door with the number 62.

“This it?”

“It is.” Spy pulled out a small key and twisted it in the lock. The two of them then stepped back and braced themselves for a potential attacker awaiting them. After a moment of pause, Spy pushed the door open with his briefcase. Once inside, Spy and Sniper scanned the room to confirm that it was safe.

“No one’s here. Now,” Sniper locked the door behind them. “are you going to tell me what that was about?”

Spy was almost anxiously flipping through the sheets on the bed. That’s when Sniper noticed that the room in fact once again only had one bed. He made a mental note to ask Spy about that later.

“It was nothing.”

“Mate.”

Spy sighed. He turned toward the window in the room and looked out of it for a moment. Spy then grabbed the curtains and pulled them shut.

“I thought I saw someone.”

“Who?” Sniper questioned. “Miss.Pauling? One of our old teammates.”

“That is part of the problem.” Spy removed his disguise, so he now looked like his true self. “I cannot seem to place them in my memory. I know I have seen that face before but, I do not know where.”

“Is it possible they have nothing to do with us? You’re from here right? Couldn’t it just be a bloke you met once or twice?” Sniper began taking off his glasses and scarf.

“No. I know he had something to do with the war.” Spy brought a hand to his face as he tried his best to recall. Sniper sat down on the bed and tapped the spot next to him, inviting Spy to sit. Spy followed the prompting and took off his jacket; and sat down next to Sniper.

“Well what does he look like? Was he looking at us?”

“No. He didn’t seem like he had noticed us. I didn’t want to give him the chance, hence why I dragged you away.”

“And I appreciate that. Thanks.” Sniper said in an attempt to bring Spy some comfort. It worked, if Spy’s brief smile meant anything.

“He is an older man. Grey hair.”

“Gotta be a bit more specific than that, mate.” Sniper said half seriously but, in a lighthearted tone in hopes to continue to ease Spy’s obvious stress.

“Facial hair. And he is a large man.”

“Not ringing any bells.”

Spy rested his elbows on his lap and threw his head into his hands. Sniper could hear that his breathing was getting faster by the minute. He could also hear him muttering to himself in French. He recognized a few of the words. The words being mostly that of panic and frustration.

Without much of a thought Sniper gently reached out and put his hand on Spy’s back. Spy tensed for a moment, then Sniper could feel Spy’s muscles relax a bit.

“It’ll be alright.” Sniper said that, not because he believed it but, someone needed to be calm. He himself needed the reassurance and Spy wasn’t in the mental space to do so. “You said he didn’t see us right?”

“Right.” Spy’s voice was muffled by his hands.

“So for now we are safe.”

“Yes for now.” Spy whipped his head around to face Sniper. “He didn’t see us but they are here. They are in France. And right by the place I chose for us to go. I failed. I put you at risk.”

“No you didn’t. You couldn’t have known they would be here. Especially if they just got here. You didn’t fail. Besides, I can protect myself pretty darn well. Don’t worry about me.”

“I only worry because we are well..”

“Friends?”

“Yes. Yes I suppose we are friends now.” Spy gave a small smile and let out a stressed laugh. Sniper returned it. “I know you are capable of protecting yourself. You are good at your job.”

“Wow, a compliment. About my skills no less. We really are friends.” Sniper teased.

“Shut your mouth.” Spy teased back. “Promise me something. Do not leave the room alright? I know that was our rule at the last hotel but, it is even more important here.”

“Alright.”

“Thank you. And because I am feeling generous today, here is another compliment. You are alright at comfort.”

Sniper retracted his hand from Spy’s back and he winced. Spy looked concerned.

“What? What is it?”

“What you said. Just made me think about someone again.”

“The Scout?” Spy asked gently.

“How did you-“

“You said again. We were talking about him earlier. I guessed.” Spy explained. Sniper nodded. “You helped me a bit; let me help you.” Sniper was taken aback by the softness of Spy’s gaze. It was a sharp contrast to the harshness of the anxiety that had just clouded it. Sniper swallowed hard and did his best to say what he was thinking.

“I feel… I feel guilty. I don’t know if the kid is alive right now. But now I’m here with you and it’s working. If he was with us he would be safe. He’s a mercenary, I know he can protect himself but he doesn’t have the fighting experience the rest of us have. Especially when it comes to hiding and being discreet. His first instinct was to visit his mom. I mean that says it all right there! And I let him go on his own because I thought he would be better off without me.” Sniper stopped to catch his breath. Spy’s expression was one that Sniper couldn’t decipher. For some reason that last sentence seemed to hit Spy particularly hard.

“You did what you thought was right. You had good intentions. Did you discourage him from seeing his mother?” Spy asked.

“I did. Gave him a bit of cash before he left. I don’t know how much your team was being paid but my team was being paid quite well. But Scout is awful with his money. Whole team knew about it. For a few weeks straight he kept talking about the Tom Jones stuff he kept buying. I might be mistaken but he’s still kickin ain’t he? That stuff won’t have value for a long time.” Sniper chuckled softly despite his conflicting emotions.

“Good. You were trying to keep him safe. You did the best with what knowledge you had at the time. I know it can be hard but, you have to try and let go of your guilt. At least a small amount or it will consume you.” Spy said with a serious tone. Sniper raised an eyebrow. “And you need to focus.”

“Are you alright Spy? You look upset.”

“I-“ Spy shook his head a little. “I am just still thinking about the man that is potentially looking for us. My apologies.”

“ ‘S alright. I appreciate you listening. Saying it out loud is helping a bit. And you’re right, I was trying to keep him safe. And I need to focus.” Sniper noticed the bags under Spy’s eyes and was fighting off a yawn himself. “You look tired. We should get some sleep. We’ve done enough honest communication for one day.”

“Right. Twenty whole minutes of it. Let us get to bed then. I shall go change my clothes in the bathroom.” Spy got up and picked up his briefcase.

“Can’t help but notice you only got one bed. Accident?”

Spy stopped; his back to Sniper.

“Yes. I must have asked for the wrong thing. My mistake.” Sniper didn’t even need to see Spy’s face to see the smirk that was no doubt present on it. Spy without another word walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him.
—————————————————————

Sniper was awoken by a quiet banging noise. He pulled himself up quickly and grabbed his hunting knife that he had left on his bedside table. The room was black except for a small amount of light by the front door that wasn’t immediately visible from the bed.

Sniper, knife in his raised hand, began to creep towards the door. His hand dropped though when he finally was able to see what was going on.

It was a half asleep Spy propping a chair underneath the door handle. Sniper hadn’t immediately noticed Spy’s absence from the bed.

“Spy?” Sniper called out gently.

Spy jumped and turned to face Sniper quickly. He calmed down with the realization of who was speaking to him.

“What are you doing awake?” Spy asked.

“You woke me up. Why are you awake?”

Spy’s eyes dropped to the floor and rubbed his neck sheepishly. Sniper exhaled and stepped closer to Spy.

“You look exhausted. There is barely any light and I can see the bags under your eyes. You need to sleep. What time is it anyway?”

“Almost noon.”

“Christ, hard to tell with the curtains closed. We have been awake all night. Did you sleep at all?”

“No.” Spy admitted.

“Rest. If it makes you feel better I can keep watch. I’ll sit right here by the door with my knife.” Sniper offered calmly.

“Sniper I cannot ask you to-“

“Mate. It’s alright. Go to sleep.” Sniper patted Spy’s shoulder reassuringly.

After hesitating, Spy relented and went to lay down on the bed. Giving a nod as a silent thank you.

For the next few hours Sniper would switch from sitting by the door to looking over at Spy to make sure he was sleeping. Every time he could hear the gentle breathing of Spy’s slumber, Sniper would smile. Never had a sound made him feel so content. It was the small bit of comfort in their impossible situation. His friend was safe.

Chapter Text

Sniper paced around the hotel room, glancing at the clock on the wall occasionally. He felt a new wave of dread every time he would see what the time was. It was late. Very late. One in the morning to be specific.

Spy had left the hotel hours ago. Around ten that morning. Spy was never gone this long and Sniper was fearing the worst.

‘They’re here. Whoever is hunting us down is here. And they killed him. They killed Spy. They killed the only person I-‘

Sniper heard the door click behind him. Along with the door click a surge of adrenaline pumped through his veins. Sniper dived behind the bed and grabbed for a knife he had placed between the mattress and the bed frame frantically.

“It’s me! Relax, it’s okay.” It was Spy’s voice. Sniper raised his head slowly and saw Spy holding his hands out with bags hung on his arms. He had shut the door behind him so he could show his true self. He looked concerned. “It’s just me, Sniper.”

Sniper released the knife that was clenched in his hand and he rushed over to Spy. Without a thought he wrapped his arms around him; holding Spy in a tight hug. Without much thought, Spy returned the gesture with all the bags on his arms awkwardly. When Sniper felt Spy’s arms hold him he realized what he was doing and flinched back.

“Sorry Spook.” Sniper said, clearly embarrassed. Spy gave a nod of reassurance.

“It has been a while since you have called me that. Spook.” Spy noted.

“Didn’t mean it as an insult this time. Do you not want me to call you that?”

“You may.” Spy walked to the bed and placed his many bags down onto the mattress.

“Now the more important thing.” Sniper stepped toward Spy. “It’s one in the bloody morning. Where the hell have you been? I thought that maybe-“

“I got killed?” Spy asked. Sniper nodded. “I do apologize for worrying you. I saw someone who caused me concern.”

The hair on the back of Sniper’s neck pricked up.

“Who?”

“I appear to be having the same issue as last time. I cannot place him. He was walking with a lady, I believe I know somehow as well.” Spy frowned. “I apologize for not knowing who they are. All I know is I get a bad feeling when I see them. Hence the delay.” Spy sat down on the bed and rummaged through one of the bags. He looked stressed. “I had to take extra precautions to ensure I wasn’t followed or seen.”

“And you weren’t?”

“I wouldn’t have come back to you if I was. Here.” Spy held out a small bottle that he had retrieved from his bag. Sniper took it from him and read the label. It was a bottle of sandalwood cologne.

“Is this a gift or an insult?”

“It’s me trying to be nice. You have not been around any of your campfires for a while so this was the best I could do. I know fire scented colognes exist but that was the closest I could find.” Spy didn’t make eye contact with Sniper and kept rummaging through his newly purchased items. Sniper felt his face get a little warm. Spy had gotten him a thoughtful gift. “So, no I wasn’t insulting you.”

“Thank you. Do I normally smell like fire? Didn’t realize I did.” Sniper took the cap off and did an experimental spray on his wrist. Sniper wanted to ask more about the people Spy had mentioned, but he wanted to give Spy a chance to settle.

“You do. After we met I have had a difficult time smelling a campfire or wood without thinking of you. Again, not intended as an insult.”

Sniper could feel his face getting warmer. He raised his wrist to his face, to smell the cologne and also to hide his face a bit from the redness he was praying wasn’t noticeable. He didn’t even want to unpack why that was making him feel flustered.

“Well uh, thanks mate.” He had to admit that the cologne smelt nice. And it did bring him back to simpler times. Him sitting outside of his camper, lighting a fire with nothing but the vast landscape around him. His thoughts distracted him from Spy’s body language. His shoulders were tight and the was fidgeting with whatever was in his hands. A tight and strained smile was on his face.

“Yes well, campfire has a tendency to cling onto fabrics and hair. You couldn’t help but smell like that. I bought us some food and a few other things.” Spy said, more or less returned to his proper composure.

“Like what?” Sniper sat down on the bed next to Spy. He wanted to keep humouring Spy for a while, despite his concern. His question was partly answered by Spy sliding a book into his hands. It was a hard cover book with gold lettering on the front. It was written in French. “What does it say?”

“It’s called ‘The Hobbit’. I considered getting a book called ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ but, I believed you would find this more interesting.” Spy explained. Spy was tapping his foot.

“Gesture is nice, but I can’t read it mate.” Sniper flipped through the pages and was assured that all of the words weren’t in English.

“I thought perhaps I could… read to you. I could translate the words into English while you look at the French words. You have gotten better at listening to French and reading is the next step. Is that alright with you?” Spy asked.

“Yeah, sure.” Sniper sincerly appreciated the gesture and the thought of Spy reading to him sounded delightful. “Pretty sure I heard the Soldier on my team screaming something about these books. I didn’t think he could read though.”

“Perhaps he heard a reading of it over the radio. Regardless, the books written by the author have become quite popular.”

“Well thanks. For, you know, the book and cologne.” Sniper said while he continued to flip through the pages of the book.

“Of course. I am going to put the food into the refrigerator before it spoils. It has all been out of the cold for far too long.” Spy stood up, collected the bags of food and walked over to the small kitchenette in the hotel room.

“Uh, hey Spy?” Sniper called over to the kitchen.

“Yes?” Spy poked his head out from the door to the kitchen.

“I- I’m glad you’re alright.” Sniper rubbed the back of his neck and stared at the floor. Sniper couldn’t see it but, Spy looked at him with gentle softness and a genuine smile.

“Hang on a moment.” Spy ducked back into the kitchen and quickly placed all of the food into the fridge and cupboards. Once all the food was away he walked back over to the bed and sat next to Sniper.

“I apologize for worrying you. I am happy to be back as well.”

“It’s not your fault mate. Like you said, you weren’t sure if you were being followed or not.” Sniper replied.

“You look tired. It wasn’t intentional but.. I played a part in your stress and lack of sleep. So I apologize.”

“Mate really, you don’t need to-“

“Let me have this Gunman. I’m trying to be nice and apologize.” Spy said half joking.

“I know ,I can hardly recognize you.” Sniper chuckled lowly. “Hard to tell if you’re still my Spy or if you’re someone else disguised as you.”

“Your Spy?”

“I didn’t mean-“

“I know what you meant Sniper.” Spy quietly laughed. The laughter and smile on his face didn’t last long however.

Sniper had decently calmed down Spy; but now he knew there was something they had to actually talk about now.

“You’ve seen more than one person you recognize now.”

“I know.” All of the playful energy that was in the room was now gone. A solemn feeling gripped both of them.

“What do you want to do?”

“The two individuals I saw today were not near the hotel. Actually, they were walking the other way.” Spy placed a hand on his chin. “However, that is doing little to ease my mind. It feels like it is only a matter of time.”

Sniper shifted uncomfortably on the bed.

“Then again mate; we have no proof they actually work for the old devil. Like I said before, they might just be blokes you’ve met in the past. There is a chance you’re worried about nothing.” Sniper tried to ease the tension. Even though internally, Sniper agreed with Spy to some degree and shared in that uncomfortable stress.

“Are you implying you don’t trust me?”

“What? I didn’t say that Spy. All I was saying was that maybe you’re remembering things wrong.”

“So it is my memory that you do not trust. I see.” Spy glared.

“Spy stop acting like this. You know what I bloody mean. Obviously I trust ya. I wouldn’t be in a damn hotel with you if I didn’t.” Sniper scowled. “I’m trying to make you feel better, no need to get all pissy.”

Spy’s face scrunched up. He looked hurt and frustrated at the same time. Sniper’s face reflected Spy’s expression nearly perfectly. Without a word Spy stood up and walked over to the dresser in the room. Sniper wordlessly watched as Spy pulled out his fancy night clothes and went into the bathroom.

Sniper sighed and buried his face in his hands. He hadn’t meant to piss off Spy. He just didn’t like how Spy was talking to him.

After a few minutes, Spy walked out of the bathroom now changed into his sleepwear. Spy sat back on the bed and folded his hands in his lap. Spy took in a deep breath and then let it out slowly.

“Looks like I owe you another apology. But why are you doubting my concerns? Have I not earned enough of your trust?” Spy asked.

“I trust you, Spook. I was just trying to not make you worry so much. And I’m sorry for snapping.”

“Worrying is what keeps us alive Sniper. You must have been a mercenary long enough to know that.”

“Yeah, I know how it works. I’m a professional. I’m just.. worried about ya I guess.” Sniper said sheepishly. “This whole thing, it’s doing something to ya.”

“What do you mean?”

“Mate.” Sniper sighed and gently turned Spy’s head, by the chin, to face him. “Have you not looked in a mirror? Your eyes are blood shot and you’ve got dark circles around them, clear as day. You’re not sleeping.”

“I need to keep us safe. I am unable to do that when I am asleep.” Spy replied matter-of-factly.

“Which is why I offer to stay awake instead, but you rarely let me. Maybe you just don’t trust me.”

“Of course I trust you!” Spy looked hurt. “I just need to make sure that you are safe. Besides I am a Spy, keeping an eye on things is my job.”

“Back at my camper, when we found out we were working for the same boss. You said something about you thinking you weren’t good enough. Is that was this is about?” He hated bringing Spy’s moment of vulnerability up, but he wasn’t sure what else to do.

“I do not know what you are talking about.” Spy was getting defensive. “I remember you being panicked. I even drank your coffee because you seemed quite shaken. I did not want to be rude and stress you out further.”

“Spy. You’re the one who said we need to be honest with each other. I want you to be honest with me.”

Spy pushed away Sniper’s hand away from his face gently. He folded his arms and huffed out a frustrated breath. He knew Sniper was right.

“Can I have a drink first? I’ve had a long night.” Spy asked. “There is a bottle of wine in the kitchen. I just purchased it.”

“Then you’ll talk to me?”

After Spy gave a nod, Sniper went to the kitchen and retrieved a glass of red wine. He briskly walked back over to Spy and practically shoved the glass into his hand.
Spy quickly took a sip.

“Talk.” Sniper crossed his arms. Not because he was angry, but because it felt comforting.

“This is all my fault. Our dead teammates.” Spy was fixated on swirling his wine glass while he spoke. Sniper’s eyebrows furrowed with concern. “I am a Spy. One of the best and yet, I did not even know my enemy was being paid by the same woman handing me my cash. I was suspicious when I first got my job offer. I was going to ignore it, but they sent a representative to speak with me. That person was Miss.Pauling. She was convincing. Very convincing.” Spy took another sip.

“Still not seeing how you have anything to do with this, Spy.”

“Let me finish. I was blinded by my own greed. The amount of money I was offered was more than any amount I had been paid by a job in the past. Which is saying something. I have done many jobs and have been paid handsomely.” Spy took a long drink from his wine. It seemed to be taking hold on him fast. “So without even looking into my employer, I agreed. I got my first payment and it was what we had agreed upon. Every pay since then, had slowly dwindled to lower amounts however. When I asked, I was told I would be compensated later. I was assured several times I was being paid more than every member on my team. She said I was the highest quality mercenary on the team.” Spy took a gulp from his glass. “My ego got in the way as well. I never looked deeper. Despite my best efforts I cannot stop myself from thinking. What if I had-“

“Done something different?”

“What if I did my job? Properly. It would have been easy for me to learn the truth of my employment. None of this would have happened. High class mercenary.” Spy snorted.

He silently walked into the kitchen and retrieved the bottle of wine and began to drink directly from it.

“I got attached. I did not want to. It was not ever my intention. I got them killed. And soon enough the same will happen to you. Sniper..” Spy stood directly in front of Sniper and gripped his shoulder tightly. “I cannot lose you too. I cannot handle anymore guilt. I have felt nearly nothing but guilt and regret for years. And if I lose you…” Spy was on the verge of tears. Words were tumbling out of his mouth like vomit. “.. I lose everything I have left.”

“Spook I-“

“I have a son.” The words were sudden. Almost quicker than Spy or Sniper could process. Tears were falling from Spy’s eyes now. “And you know him.”

If Sniper was speechless before he was even more speechless now. He was watching Spy have a full on breakdown. And Sniper was terrified for him. It felt wrong seeing Spy this disheveled and frantic. Almost as jarring as seeing his corpse during the war was. All Sniper could do was place a hand on Spy’s arm to try and comfort him. Meanwhile, Spy downed more of the bottle. Then he continued.

“I was young and in love. She was amazing. I got her pregnant. Playing a happy and calm new father, was the hardest disguise I ever had to pull off. I loved her. I still love her. I love my son. But it was one of the worst choices I had ever made. My job put them at risk. I put them at risk. One of the men at the time I was hired to kill found out about them and of course he tried to kill them.” Spy took another drink. “Thankfully, I was able to stop him. She walked in on me standing over the body and the look on her face was something I had never seen before.” Spy took another drink. “Disgust, contempt, and fear. It happened in Jeremy’s room. Right next to the crib.”

Sniper’s eyes widened. Spy had said Sniper knew his son….he couldn’t possibly mean..

“So he told you his name?” Spy said, his words were slurred. Clearly the booze was taking a strong hold over his decision making. How long had it been since Spy had something to eat? “So you know now. The Scout on your team is my son. Jeremy is my son. I had to kill him over and over. It was… I felt….” Tears continued to fall from Spy’s eyes. “I never wanted to leave my son. I never wanted to leave her. I may not be in love with her anymore, but of course I still have love for her in my heart. I had no choice to not leave. I decided to become a mercenary. Only if I had not made that choice I could have had that life. Protecting the ones I loved meant leaving them behind. I live with that guilt Mick.”

“I never told you my name.” Was all Sniper could stutter out. His brain was going a thousand miles a minute trying to keep up with the information Spy was telling him.

“I have always known your name. I at least did that part of my job. Know your enemy. But the real enemy was right there the whole time. I am still not even sure why they would want us dead in the first place. I know Redmond and Blutarch are no longer alive but that cannot be the only reason.”

“Redmond and Blutarch are dead?” Sniper was flabbergasted. He honestly had no idea. Spy laughed.

“Another benefit of being a high class mercenary. The boss tells you all of the inside information. It is not your fault for not knowing. I was only informed after pressing Miss.Pauling on the matter after I had asked to speak to Blutarch. I am unsure as to what killed them however. Miss.Pauling… merde.” Spy drank more. “She wears purple! Red and blue.” Spy started laughing, but those laughs very quickly turned into drunken sobs. Sniper rubbed his thumb back and forth comfortingly on Spy’s arm. He’d helped Scout when he was crying in his van; he’d never had to calm someone from a full breakdown.

Snipers mind was a buzzing confusing mess. This was Scout’s father? The father that made Scout feel unwanted. The one Sniper had sort of defended. Not intentionally at the time. Sniper felt a bit better about that now, considering he now knew Spy’s side of the story. But it sounded like a huge mess. He would have to touch on that later because there was a much more pressing matter.

“Spy?” Sniper tried to sound authoritative yet calm. “Give me the bottle. It ain’t helping right now. If anything it’s making it worse. I’ve never seen you like this.” He reached out his hand and after some hesitation from Spy, he took the bottle and set it down on a desk near them. “Look I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with all that, but we need to talk about the folks you saw again. And you said the Mann brothers are dead?”

Spy silently nodded. Sniper sighed.

“So it’s not the Mann’s attacking us. That takes them off the list. Who do we have left? I mean we assumed it was Pauling and the Administrator, but maybe it’s someone else. Doesn’t make sense for the old woman to kill those two. Are we even sure she’s still alive?” Sniper thought aloud. Spy was trembling. Clearly this was too much for him to handle at the moment.

“You need to sit mate.” Sniper realized. He slipped an arm under Spy’s arms and guided him to sit on the bed. “There, now you don’t have to worry about standing.”

“I apologize Sniper. I did not mean to.. say all of that.” Spy used one of his gloved hands to wipe away any tears that were left on his face. “I am not sure what is the matter with me.”

“I don’t think anything is wrong with you mate. You’re not okay though. I’m not sure how to help you.” Sniper admitted. Spy tensed. “But I want to. We can’t defend ourselves and find out what’s going on if you’re not alright. And I care about you. Ya know? So uh, do you know what I can do to help?”

Spy weakly smiled. His eyes on top of being bloodshot and the visible exhaustion, now were red and puffy. He shrugged.

“I do not know. It is nice having you here. I know that much.”

“I trust you. Does that help?” Sniper asked. Spy nodded. “Okay. So maybe while you sleep I can think of some way for us to stay safe. Does that sound ok?”

“You are also exhausted. You stayed up this late because you were worried about me. It would be unfair to go to sleep while you work. It also feels unfair of me to rest after I… spilled all of my issues to you.” Spy’s speech was still slurred. It made sense; nearly nothing of the wine in the bottle was left.

To stop more potential tears and drunken confessions, Sniper knew he had to comfort Spy a bit more. He didn’t want Spy to reveal things he might regret. Despite the fact, he most likely already had.He was grateful Spy opened up to him; the info about the Mann’s was appreciated. However, he knew the details about his relation to Scout was unintended information.

“It’s alright mate. I could nap for a bit before I start working on a plan if that makes ya feel any better?”

“That does make me feel a bit better.”

“Right. Lay down then.” Sniper stood up. Spy shuffled up the bed and slid the blankets over himself. “You need water first. When did you eat last?”

“This morning I believe.” Spy admitted. “I had no time to eat. I had to stay alert.”

“Hang on then. Don’t drift off right away.” Sniper once again entered the small kitchenette and browsed through the food Spy had purchased. Sniper settled on a package of biscuits for Spy. It wasn’t the most nutritious thing to eat for ‘dinner’, but Sniper wagered it wouldn’t be too hard on Spy’s stomach.

After getting a glass of water, Sniper was by Spy’s side. Spy’s eyes were closed and his breathing was steady and slow. Sniper set down the food and water down and gently shook Spy. His eyes fluttered open at the contact and he sat himself up. It took Spy a moment to recall what was happening.

“Did I fall asleep?”

“For a bit. Here, this shouldn’t hurt your stomach.” Sniper gestured to the small plate of biscuits. “And be sure to drink all of that alright?”

“Thank you.” Spy slowly took the plate into his hands and began to eat. He only ate two of them before speaking up. “I told you about my past. About my son, right?”

“Ya did.” Sniper hadn’t wanted Spy to think about this again tonight,but clearly Spy had other plans. “How do you feel about that?”

“How do you feel about me? Do you think I am horrible?” Spy’s voice cracked slightly.

“No. I don’t. It’s a lot to take in though.”

Spy’s face fell and he set down the biscuit in his hand. His jaw was clenched.

“I’m not going anywhere mate. Not without you.” Sniper assured. Spy looked into Sniper’s eyes hopefully. “Like I said, I care about ya. We’ve been through a lot. We’re running for our lives here. You having a son isn’t going to scare me off. Alright?”

Spy smiled and he let out a breath of relief. He continued to eat and take gulps of his water. Sniper also gave a brief smile; he really was getting better at this comforting thing.
——————————————————————

Three different people, older, grey hair.

Sniper was flipping through papers of information he had written down. All of which Spy had told him. Unfortunately, it wasn’t much.

Redmond and Blutarch are dead. The Administrator’s status is unknown. Although, Sniper had heard her voice over the speakers up until they left. She was their top suspect of who decided the mercs needed to be offed. Saxton Hale? Maybe he didn’t want them around anymore. But that didn’t make much sense either, as he made money off of the war. With the Mann Brothers dead there wasn’t a need for a war anymore. So maybe that was motivation? A cover up job of some sort?

Sniper huffed and rested the side of his head on one of his hands. He flipped to another page in the notes. Ideas on what to do immediately next. Spy had seen two other people that he recognized as threats they should avoid. Sniper wished Spy was able to place them, so he knew exactly what the best next move would be and how on edge he should be.

He kept his word and took a short nap, but tiredness was nagging at Sniper’s mind. Sniper didn’t even want to look at the clock. The half hour of sleep didn’t nearly make up for the amount of time he had spent awake. Spy’s slow and repetitive breathing wasn’t helping the matter either. Over his time spent with Spy, he now found that it was much easier to sleep when he could hear Spy.

Sniper had made a pro and con list debating whether or not they should leave the hotel. The cons were the same as the last time they moved. The risk of being caught goes up. Although, staying in one spot for too long also increases the chances of being found.

It seemed like a lose-lose situation. After a long yawn, Sniper decided to discuss things with Spy after he got some sleep. He clicked off a desk lamp he had on and checked the locks on the door and confirmed they were still sealed tight.

Sniper had to be careful getting into the bed because Spy was a light sleeper. The last thing he wanted to do right now was wake up him up.

It took effort, but Sniper made it under the blankets, all without waking up Spy. The room was quiet except for Spy’s breathing. Without anything to focus on, Sniper was forced into being alone with his thoughts. People were still trying to kill him and they might be near him at that exact moment. Spy had a breakdown in front of him and Sniper wouldn’t admit it, but it had shaken him. He struggled to figure out what the emotion he was feeling was; that was nothing new. So he decided to try and make note of how he felt physically.

His brain felt a bit numb. The sort of numbness you feel after being told terrible news. He felt cold despite being under a blanket. Sniper’s teeth were clenched. Sniper hadn’t noticed until he paid attention to it. He brought a hand to his jaw and massaged the joints, as he did his best to relax.

He was interrupted by Spy shifting in bed next to him.

“Spy?” Sniper asked quietly. Loud enough to heard if he was awake, but quiet enough so he wouldn’t hear if he was asleep.

“Mhm.” Spy hummed in acknowledgement. He was awake.

“Did I wake you up?”

“No.” Spy’s eyes were still closed. “How long have I been asleep?”

“Not as long as I think you should be. Go back to sleep.” Sniper closed his eyes.

“Did I really say all of that to you? About my past and everything else?” Spy was starting to wake up a bit more.

“Don’t worry about that now mate. Just rest alright. You’re fine.”

“Alright.” Spy mumbled. “Are you sure you are not leaving? Even though you know now?”

“I’m not. You made some bad decisions.” Sniper had also been thinking about this since Spy went to bed. “But so have I. I’ve got bad blood on my hands. I don’t hate ya for it. I still- ya know- care. My parents aren’t to proud of me either.” Sniper confessed. “They’ve uh.. had some thoughts. Some names I don’t care for. I don’t envy your situation.”

Spy was more awake now. Sniper couldn’t see Spy’s face in the darkness of the room, but he felt him sit up a bit.

“Do they still speak with you?”

Sniper didn’t answer. He bit his lip hard. Thinking about his parents hurt. They hated his job and thought he was a maniac. A crazed gun-man. And they might be in danger right now because of him. He was doing the best he could though; he was staying away.

“I should not have asked. I-“

“It’s alright. Just don’t like thinkin’ about them is all. I haven’t talked to them since before we left. I’d call once a week but my folks stopped saying much during the calls when…. ya know?”

“They learned of your employment?”

“Yeah.” It hurt to talk about. He never had talked about it with anyone before. He briefly mentioned it when talking to Scout, but never this much.

“Have you seen them in person since they learned?” Spy asked.

“No.”

“That sounds…. difficult. I apologize that you have to deal with that.” Spy was doing his best.

“Thanks.” Sniper rubbed his temples and groaned. “This isn’t fair ya know? You got to be drunk, why don’t I?”

“Apologies again. And I do feel… bad for putting that on you. I have never had an outburst like that. I am afraid I am not sure what that was exactly.”

“You were stressed. And you apologized already. I appreciate it though. Your brain just had enough of everything I think.” Sniper replied.

“I appreciate your patience. Could I get you a drink perhaps?”

“Nah. I’m just still not used to being this open.”

“Neither am I. Some of the things I said last night were not on purpose. I am not sure how to feel now that you know all of those things about me.” Spy admitted.

“Well how do you feel about me? You know more about me now. My name too apparently.” Sniper also sat up a bit.

“I did not mean to startle you by using your real name. It was not my intention. As far as how I feel about you.. it is the same as it was before.”

“And how’s that?” Sniper hesitantly asked.

“I suppose I care about you. It is nice having you around.”

“Based on one of the things you mentioned last night, it sounded that way.” Sniper recalled. Sniper could sense Spy flinch. “Sorry. Don’t want me to bring it up?”

“If you do not mind. I am rather…embarrassed…about it.” Spy’s face was in a grimace. Although Sniper couldn’t see it, he could hear it in his words.

“Just one more thing mate.” Sniper took Spy’s lack of response as a go ahead. “You won’t lose me. I know I’ve said that before, but I feel like ya need to hear it again. I’m not sure if you need to hear this as well, but Scout-“ he took a deep breath. “-is ok. So is she. I made sure he knew he shouldn’t go back home. I told him to keep moving. You were right a-and I was wrong. When things calm down we’ll find him.” Sniper could hear Spy’s breath start to sound shaky.

“Do you truly believe that? You did not the last time we discussed it.” His voice matched his breathing.

“I do. Promise.”

“Thank you.”

“I care about ya and I’ll be here. That’s how I feel.” Sniper assured. Spy let out a breath of relief. “Im guessing I don’t get to know your name though?”

“Not now.”

“Maybe one day though?”

“Unlike seeing my face, you might hear my name one day.”

After a brief pause, Spy spoke up again.

“As I was falling asleep I did have a thought. A moment of clarity if you will. It was momentarily, however I still remember.” Spy stated. Sniper raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps it is time for things to change.”

“What do you mean?” Sniper was confused.

“I mean we have spent all of this time running. How much longer are you willing to run for?” Spy’s voice was getting firmer and more confident as he spoke. He didn’t wait for Sniper to respond. “I say we fight back.”

“Mate I’d love nothing more than to stop runnin’. We don’t even know if they are tracking us in the first place and we don’t have as many weapons as they might have.” Sniper pointed out.

“We will figure something out.” Spy was fully sitting up now. “We are mercenaries. We are skilled and resourceful. I do believe it is time we take charge. You are a professional correct? With a plan to kill everyone you meet? You yourself said that.”

Sniper despite his exhaustion was fixed on Spy’s words. The man next to him was back to the confidence and conviction he was used to. Spy using Sniper’s own mantra against him, awoken something in Sniper. Even though his first instinct was to hide and wait it out and then strike; he trusted Spy. Sniper was a professional assassin and he knew how deadly Spy could be in a fight.

“Right. I’m with ya.” Sniper confirmed. “The two of us got this. Only after we plan this out first.”

“Prefect.”

Sniper yawned loudly. The exhaustion was proving to be too difficult to overcome. Spy took notice.

“Rest Mick. You have been awake for too long.” Spy whispered.

“You’re using my real name.” Sniper pointed out. Spy chuckled awkwardly.

“Apologies. I seem to be needing to do that a lot lately.”

“Don’t apologize. It’s strange hearing it again. It’s actually sort of, nice, I guess. Hearing, you, say it anyway.” Sniper was thankful for the light being off. He could feel a familiar heat appear on his face. It was always startling and confusing feeling that. He couldn’t deny however, that it felt a bit pleasant. Spy often made him feel like that; pleasant and confused all at once. That’s when he realized- he put words to his feelings. He identified at least to some degree how Spy made him feel.

“Thank you. Are you alright Mick? You got quiet.” Spy reached for Sniper blindly in the dark and his fingers landed on Sniper’s forearm. That only made Sniper’s face grow hotter and his moment of emotional clarity quickly became a jumbled mess.

“Y-ye- yeah. I’m ‘right Spook. Just got tired. Didn’t even notice I stoped talkin’. ” Snipers accent got thicker as he spoke.

“Is my hand on your arm a problem? I didn’t mean to-“

“- s’ alright mate!” He said a little louder than he intend. Spy chuckled. Spy’s hand on his arm felt right. Sniper laid down and sighed. He was trying his best to hide how flustered he was at something so simple. It was odd. This wasn’t how people reacted to their friends.

“Could I try something?” Spy asked, now also laying down. Sniper’s heart pounded.

“Alright.” He nervously answered. He shivered slightly as he felt Spy pull himself closer and slide his hand down Sniper’s arm. Spy’s hand was now resting on Sniper’s clenched fist. That earned another soft chuckle from Spy.

“Your hand is clenched. Relax Sniper.”

“Right. Relaxed.” Sniper slowly opened his hand. Spy quickly filled Sniper’s now open hand with his own. Sniper tensed once more. Again, it was hard to deny that it felt pleasant though.

“Is this okay?” Spy calmly asked.

“Yeah. I’m just not used to it is all.” Sniper tried to ease his tensed muscles. No one had held his hand in a long time. The only time someone would reach for his hand was to try and disarm him in recent years.

“Do you want me to let go?”

“No.” Sniper answered honestly. They both had been though a lot of emotions that night and Spy’s hand holding his began to feel comforting.

“Goodnight Mick. Get some sleep.”

Chapter Text

‘I do hope this is in your size. Go to the restroom and change into this at eight pm. Do not leave the restroom until nine pm. -Spy’

Sniper read those words over and over. The writing was definitely Spy’s; he almost always wrote in cursive. He flipped the small card over in his hand to examine the back, like he had done a dozen times over the course of the afternoon. Upon flipping it over, he once again confirmed that nothing was on the back. However, given the nature of Spy he did do a few tests to make sure invisible ink hadn’t been used. There wasn’t any; not any Sniper could find anyway.

He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was nearly eight. Sniper grabbed a book and the rectangle shaped parcel that the note had been attached to.

With everything in his arms he walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him by kicking it gently with his foot. After placing the items on the counter he made sure to lock the door as well.

The parcel made him a bit nervous. Based on Spy’s note it was an outfit of some sort. Given what they were about to do soon he guessed it might be a bullet proof vest.He hadn’t actually opened it yet. Sniper wanted to make sure he followed Spy’s instructions as closely as he interpreted them. The note hadn’t said to not open it before hand, but he wagered it was what Spy had meant.

After pausing a moment, Sniper gently grasped the lid of the box and lifted it off the base. Whatever was in the box was covered by white tissue paper. Pulling away the tissue paper revealed what appeared to be a suit. The box also contained both a tie and a bow tie. A choice.

The texture of the fabric alone made Sniper guess it was rather expensive. He laughed to himself; Spy really went all out with this.

‘What is that bloke planning?’ He thought to himself as he got dressed.

It had been years since Sniper had worn a suit so it was an adjustment seeing himself in one. The jacket framed his lean figure perfectly. He pondered the choice that Spy had left for him in the box. The tie or the bow.

Ultimately, Sniper decided to put on the regular tie. He figured it matched Spy and in his opinion it looked rather good on the man. The thought of Spy gave him another idea. He reached for the small bottle of cologne Spy had given him a few days ago and put a few drops on his wrist, before quickly running his fingers through his slicked back hair. He decided he may as well make the whole outfit Spy’s gifts. At the bottom of the box was a pair of black dress shoes. Sniper was delighted when he realized they were his exact size.

He smiled at his dapper reflection. This wasn’t anything Sniper would normally wear but, he had to admit he looked rather handsome.

His enthusiasm for the outfit wavered when he heard a thudding noise just outside the bathroom door. Sniper’s breath was caught in his throat and he didn’t dare make a noise. That was until he heard a voice.

“It is alright Sniper.” The voice was recognizably Spy’s.

“You alright mate?” Sniper called back.

“Yes. Do not mind me. Keep doing what you are doing and do not leave for another……ah, forty minutes.”

“Alright. See you soon.” The lack of response from Spy made Sniper assume he was back to fussing with something.
His head was full of guesses. The suit wasn’t part of anything they had been planning for the past few days, so that was off the table of ideas.

Sniper decided to simply keep it a surprise for himself and picked up the book he had brought. He sat on the counter and turned to the last page he had read.
——————————————————————

A knock on the door drew Sniper’s attention away from his book.

“It is nine. You are welcome to leave now.” Spy called through the door. Sniper put the book back on the counter and approached the bathroom door. He undid the lock and twisted the handle and stepped out of the restroom. “Normally I would have asked you to simply leave the room. Walking around is far more interesting than a bathroom I imagine. Although, given our current situation we both know that is not possible. However, I hope this makes up for it.”

Sniper was greeted with a small table covered in a fancy red table cloth. Two chairs were next to the table and so was Spy. He looked dashing as ever. The lights in the room were turned off and the only visibility in the hotel room was provided by a few candles placed about.

“Take a seat, please.” Spy urged and he pulled out a chair slightly for Sniper.

Sniper who was sporting a cautious grin, took Spy’s offer and sat down. Before he could ask any questions, Spy was in the kitchen.

While he waited it gave Sniper more of an opportunity to look around the room. On his bedside table was a small vase with three red roses placed inside. A small gift bag was next to the vase. He made a note of it.

As quickly as he had left, Spy returned with a covered tray in his hands and placed it down on the table.

“So what’s all this for?” Sniper asked while Spy took his own seat. Spy lifted the cover off the tray that was placed on the table

“Well as you know, tomorrow is when we make our move.” Spy lifted a plate full of food off of the tray and placed it in front of Sniper. “I figured we could have a last meal of sorts.”

“Last meal? Do ya think we’re gonna kark it?” Sniper examined the food on his plate. The main entree looked like fish of some sort.

“That is not quite what I mean. I cannot guarantee we will not die but we can never be sure. Both sides of this fight intend to kill, someone is going to die.”

“And we don’t get to choose who lives.” Sniper added.

“Correct. We need to be able to focus and have clear minds. I thought a nice dinner and conversation shared between us could assist with that.” Spy took his own plate. “It is salmon en papillote by the way.”

“Thanks. Looks good. But uh,” Sniper gestured to the tray. “where’d that come from?”

“I may have borrowed it from the kitchen in the hotel.” Spy looked a tad ashamed. Sniper laughed.

“You did not! How’d ya take it?”

“I used my invisibility. Briefly.” Spy picked at his food with his fork. Sniper laughed again.”I wanted to make this as elegant as I was able, alright?”

“Well I appreciate it mate.” Sniper stifled his laughter. “Really, Spook, it’s nice. And thanks for ya know, the suit and everything.”

“You are very welcome. I felt like I owed you something nice. And now that we have spent the past few days doing nothing but planning,I feel now is an appropriate time to talk about a few things, before all of our attention is forced onto the task at hand.” Spy admitted. Sniper raised an eyebrow. Spy noticed Sniper’s confusion and clarified. “After the…. incident I had a while ago. I know I have apologized before, but I recognize that I was not being fair. You should not have had to see me like that. You were right Sniper. This whole thing has been affecting me. Thankfully you were able to help me turn it into motivation but still, I should have handled myself better.” Spy looked embarrassed, he refused to make eye contact with Sniper. “I am afraid I am not quite the man I once was.”

“Spook…” Sniper reached out a hand across the table toward Spy. “…it’s alright. Since we’re being honest here, it felt a bit weird seeing you like that.” Spy cringed. “But, I get it. I mean I don’t get it-get it. Cause like I’ve never had a wife or kid or anything. Or been through a divorce. But I can get why that would make you upset ya know?” Sniper was stumbling through his words. He was trying desperately to convey what he felt. “I mean you didn’t say you got divorced but based off the way you were talking I would think that-“ He looked up at Spy who had a facial expression that was a mix of second hand embarrassment and sadness. Sniper sharply sucked air through his teeth as he thought of how to save this. “- that uh, Spook I didn’t mean… I wasn’t trying to upset ya. I’m still not great at this yet.”

Spy dropped his shoulders and reached his own hand out to Sniper with a sigh. He rubbed his thumb over the back of Sniper’s hand comfortingly. His previous obviously tense expression ebbed away into a relaxed smile. Sniper really was putting his whole heart into this.

“Sniper, you’re doing wonderfully. Like you have always done for me. Do not overthink it, that will only make it harder on yourself. I think I understand what you were trying to say and I appreciate the sentiment.” Spy comforted.

“Right. Less thinking.” Sniper used his free hand to rub the back of his neck briefly. He took a breath. “Like I’ve said before. I’ve come to care about ya and I feel bad that you’ve had to deal with a lot of family drama. I have as well. In a different sort of way, but that’s all I have to go off of. And I imagine it still hurts even though all of that happened so long ago.”

“Thank you Sniper.” Spy replied.

“My main point is this, I’m here for ya. Also I want ya to stop beating yourself up over what happened that night. You’ve apologized. It took us a bit to get settled with each other but, I like how we are now. Ya know? Not trying to kill each other and all that nonsense.”

“I agree. I do think we work well with one another.”

“Right. Well once we deal with the blokes after us, and we will, we’ll go find Scout. Just like we talked about.” Sniper decided.
“That’s really the only thing we haven’t planned out.”

Spy realized Sniper was correct in saying that. They had been so busy preparing themselves for the upcoming battle that they had neglected to figure out just what to do when this was all over.

“Find Scout and then what?” Spy asked.

“Well it’s not my place but uh, you could try-“

“I am not telling him.” Spy interrupted bluntly.

“Mate, ya don’t have to. I just think you should know that he’s talked about it.”

“About me?”

“Not you in specific.” Sniper clarified. “He isn’t sure who you actually are, which bothers him. Do what you want Spy, I just think Scout deserves some closure. Don’t care how ya do it.”

“You are not expecting me to tell him right after all of this do you?”

“Course not. Take time first. Figure everything out ya know?” Sniper took a few bites of his food. “This is really good by the way.”

“Glad you like it.” Spy sighed. “He does deserve the closure, should he want it. But I need time and I am sure he will also need it.”

The pair sat in silence, letting go of each others hands and began eating their food with brief moments of eye contact.

“I’m not trying to make you upset. I’m trying to help. I know I’m still not prefect.” Sniper put down his fork.

“Again, you are doing well mon chéri. I am just dealing with my own feelings. ” Spy gave a reassuring grin.

“My dear?” Sniper perked up. Spy’s face went red.

“Pardon?”

“That’s what you just called me.”

“I apologize. That was inappropriate of me, I was not thinking clearly.” Spy folded his hands.

“You don’t have to be sorry. Just should have been more careful about what words you taught me.” Sniper laughed. The deep sounding chuckles burying themselves in Spy’s heart.

Spy’s heart wasn’t the only heart thumping. It was settling in for Sniper that Spy had just called him dear. If he was being honest, he really didn’t mind it. Again, he had identified more of his own feelings; they felt amazing and frighting at the same time.

“Was that on purpose?” Sniper questioned hesitantly.

“Teaching you French or calling you……” Spy trailed off.

“Both. I guess.”

“I mostly taught you French so you could feel less like a fish out of water and so you could entertain yourself without me translating. You understanding what I say was an unintended consequence. As for calling you dear…. yes Jar-man. I believe I meant it.” Spy tapped his fork against his plate slightly, simply as a way to distract his mind from what he was saying. “You are very dear to me.”

Snipers heart was pounding in his chest and his hands felt clammy. It felt almost like he did back on the boat but with sickeningly sweet undertones. Was Spy saying what Sniper thought he was? He almost thought he was dreaming. That he had simply fallen asleep in the bathroom and none of this was happening. Or perhaps Spy meant it platonically? That was a possibility.

Then, Sniper thought back to the hand holding, the gifts, the way his heart thumped and his brain went fuzzy whenever Spy was around. He thought about just how worried he felt when Spy was late that one night. How devastated he was at the thought of anything bad happening to the man in front of him. How Sniper never felt the way he felt when he looked at Spy’s crystal blue eyes before. Sniper noticed how silent he had been after he watched Spy’s face fall slowly the longer he refused to speak.

“Mate.. do ya have something you want to tell me?” Sniper managed to squeak out.

“Were my feelings not obvious to you?” Spy asked gently with a hint of playful sarcasm. “I cannot help but notice you are also wearing the cologne I got for you. Perhaps, there is something you are not telling me? Then again you can be complicated to read mon cheri; maybe I have been the one reading you wrong.”

And then without any hesitation Sniper spoke his feelings with the upmost clarity.

“I love ya spook.”

“And I love you Mick.”

“Fuckin hell.” Sniper rested his elbow on the table and rested his head on his hand. It has been a while since he said that to anyone. If anyone would have asked him months ago how he felt about the Blu masked killer he would’ve laughed in their face and went on about how annoying he was; how badly he wanted him under the ground. Now however, after spending all of this time together, learning about each other, he knew that if Spy died he would want to be right along side him.

“Are you alright?” Spy was concerned.

“Yeah just, feels weird.” Sniper said. Spy frowned. “In a good way Spook. Just a lot to process. I mean, I mean it. I love ya mate. Just, fuck. It feels weird to say out loud. We’ve been through a lot.” He ran a hand through his hair. “You ain’t just saying this cause I’m the only one here right?”

Spy caught Sniper’s free hand with one of his own and laced his fingers with Sniper’s tightly. He rested his other hand on Sniper’s forearm tenderly.

“I am not only saying that. I mean it.” Spy gave Snipers arm a comforting squeeze. “It might take some getting used to for the both of us. We are moving rather quickly in the grand-scheme of things. ”

“How long have you felt like this?” Sniper asked in earnest.

“That is a bit of a story.” Spy chuckled. Sniper tightened his hold on Spy’s hand; silently asking Spy to keep going. “Well, back when the gravel war was still going and we were not on the best of terms; to put it lightly; I could not help but notice things about you.”

“Mmm? Like what?” Sniper mused.

“I could disappear, which allowed me to get up close to your team without them knowing. You were most interesting to observe”

“Stalker.” Sniper joked.

“You asked. Do not make this weird.” Spy teased back. “Back to what I was saying; you have an air about you. A subtle confidence. Different than the Sniper on my own team. Your eyes are much more intense, your laughter is deeper and the things you would mutter under your breath during battle were quite amusing.” Spy snorted, recalling some of the bizarre quips he had heard Sniper saying in the past. Sniper was a touch embarrassed. He hadn’t realized Spy was listening. “This may sound morbid but, I found it rather sweet what you would do with my bodies on occasion. The few times I was able to see my corpse before harvesting, I could not help but notice you had moved them from the ground. I found it sweet. Again in a morbid way.”

“Seeing you on the floor like that didn’t sit right. Fancy bloke like you? Ought to be kept out of the grime, living or not.” Sniper reminisced. “Is that what our bodies were used for? Spare parts?”

“On my team anyway, that is how it worked yes. I managed to get my Medic to tell me. They would sell some of our old organs off if they could save them in time. Extra income for higher quality weapons. That is how Miss.Pauling explained it to me anyway.” Spy couldn’t help but glare upon thinking about Miss.Pauling again. But she would get hers soon enough. He made a vow to himself to see to that.

“So you were in love with me way back then? We never really ever talked. Nothing beyond death threats really. Doesn’t track.”

“No. Not then. I was curious about you. I knew I found you attractive but beyond that I did not feel much. My observations were able to help me trust you enough to speak with you in the first place. Because you also seemed much more rational than the other members on your team. Certainly more than the Spy on your team.” Spy and Sniper scoffed in unison thinking of the Red Spy. “When we started sharing our living space…. that is when I started to realize. I can admit I was also frightened. As you very well know by now my track record with romance is… complicated. Unlike my previous relationship however, you know how to protect yourself and you know how to protect me. I know how to protect you. So I thought it fair to take chances with you. Slowly of course.”

“You really were a stalker.” Sniper gave Spy a shit eating grin before his wrist got a playful smack from Spy. “It took me a bit longer.”

“Really? I did not notice. I thought you were smitten with me from day one.” Spy teased.

“Yeah, yeah. Well I came around to the idea of you right?”

“It took you long enough.”

“At least I told you before one of us dies, yeah?” Sniper half joked.

‘Maybe that wasn’t the right thing to say.’ Sniper thought as the room once again got silent.

“Sorry mate. Just trying to make light of it. And ya know, sorry for taking this long.”

“Can you promise me something Mick?” Spy asked. Sniper nodded. “If I die, still find Scout and if you think it is appropriate…. tell him.”

“I will. But do me one better; don’t die at all okay?”

“For you? I shall do my best.” Spy pulled Sniper’s hand towards himself and he placed a kiss on Sniper’s knuckles. “Now mon chéri, let us continue our dinner before it gets too cold. I brought dessert.”
——————————————————————

“That was… wow.”

“Hopefully that was not sarcasm I just heard come out of your mouth.”

“Nah not sarcasm. Just can’t think of words really. Didn’t think we’d do anything this quickly.” Sniper breathed deeply.

“Are you regretting it?” Spy asked.

“Not in the slightest, it’s more than alright. Just unexpected.”

“Good unexpected?”

“Spook, it was bloody amazing.” Sniper shifted even more into Spy’s embrace.

“Good. I must say I enjoyed it as well.” Spy complimented. “Cigarette?”

“Please.”

Spy sat up in their shared hotel bed and grabbed a carton of cigarettes and a lighter from his bedside table. He selected one and handed it to Sniper. Once Sniper had the cigarette in between his teeth, Spy flicked on the lighter, igniting the end of it before doing the same for himself.

“The lights.” Sniper said after taking a long drag from his cigarette.

“Hm?”

“That’s when I knew.”

“When you knew you loved me?” Spy asked between puffs.

“Yeah. Didn’t realize it was love then though. But seeing that side of you made me feel -god I don’t know- some type of love. Watching the lights on the tower with you is one of the best memories I think I have to be honest. It was nice.” Sniper replied. Spy smiled and ran a hand through Sniper’s hair lovingly before pointing to the small bag on his nightstand that Sniper had by that point forgotten all about.

“Open it. It is another gift for you. Then we should get to sleep. We have a long day tomorrow and we need to be well rested.” Spy urged. Sniper picked up the bag and reached his fingers inside, retrieving a small photograph. It was of Spy. Still with his mask on of course. On it in small cursive writing it read-

‘To M, If we are separated may you never forget me mon chéri. -S.’

Without saying a word Sniper placed the photo and the bag off to the side before cupping Spy’s face in his hands and placing a meaningful kiss on his lips. It tasted like smoke in the best possible way. They stayed there like that for a while before pulling apart.

“I couldn’t forget ya even if I wanted to.”

“I promise you the same. If in this life we are separated, I will never forget you Mick. If anything is out there after all of this, may we find each other again.”

Chapter Text

Sniper’s breath was steady and his hands even more so. He hadn’t moved at all from his current location for several hours. It was of upmost importance that Sniper was ready and alert.

Spy was currently putting their plan into motion and Sniper was incredibly anxious. But, he needed to keep his composure for Spy. If he failed, both of them were as good as dead.

Sniper was lying on his stomach, in a long abandoned farm house out in the French countryside. The attic he was in was old and dingy and positively covered in dust. He looked out of a small crack in between the wood, just large enough for him to look down his sniper rifle at the wheat field below. That wheat field is where they would make their stand.

At that moment, Spy was walking through France without any disguise at all. Whoever was after them would no doubt be tailing Spy. In order to try and avoid letting his pursuers get too close he would mask his appearance into Mr.Dubois until he was a safe distance away occasionally. As safe as he could be anyway. Sniper had protested when Spy initially suggested the idea, but Spy wouldn’t hear any of it. Sniper protested and offered to do it himself only to be given a dozen reasons why he shouldn’t from Spy. Spy had insisted this was the best way to go about it. Despite the sick feeling in his gut at the thought, Sniper agreed.

They were both decently armed thanks to Spy’s connections in the French underground crime world. Sniper was pleasantly surprised at the items they were actually able to acquire. He had his own rifle, but now with many more bullets that were no doubt going to come in handy. Along with that he had a nice hunters knife strapped to his calf under his right pant leg and with Spy’s insistence he also had a butterfly knife in his back pocket.

Sniper was having mixed feelings at that moment. Feelings he was desperate to try and push aside for the sake of his ability to focus on the task at hand. He was feeling stressed, happy and like an idiot all at the same time. Stressed because he was about to fight for his and Spy’s lives. He felt happy due to the fact he was now in a relationship with someone who he genuinely believed he loved;it was still a new feeling for him. And Sniper felt like an idiot because he got in relationship with a man he loved; right before they were about to fight for their lives. A fight he had little control over the outcome of. He had finally allowed himself to fall in love with someone and if he were to lose him today………Sniper didn’t even want to think about that possibility. He was ready to do whatever it took to keep Spy safe.

At that moment Sniper saw movement to the far right of the wheat field. Through the scope he could see Spy briefly, before he ducked down into the wheat and no doubt in a disguise that blended in with his new hiding spot better. Sniper was now laser focused on the right side of the wheat field to try and catch a glimpse of Spy’s pursuers.

He had to have been waiting there with bated breath for about twenty whole minutes when he saw a flash of blue and movement just barely out of his range of vision. He adjusted himself so his scope was lined up with the spot he saw the movement. The one blue dot was then joined by two other blue specks.

After some time, the three blurs of blue turned into three people as they got closer to the wheat field. Sniper studied their faces intensely. Deep down his stomach churned, although he wasn’t sure why. Off of the top of his head he couldn’t place any of them but something instinctually told him he recognized those people. Based on their outfits they looked like fellow mercs. None he could recall fighting before. That didn’t matter now though. All Sniper had to care about now was waiting for them to get closer. They needed to be closer so the ones he didn’t immediately shoot weren’t able have time to escape.

Closer…. Closer… the trio was standing on the edge of the wheat field now. Sniper just needed them a bit closer. Upon inspection it appeared that the three of them were speaking with one another. It looked like arguing. After a moment of pause they began tentatively walking into the field. They had their guns drawn and were scanning the surrounding area as they walked.

Sniper’s heart was pounding so loud he swore he could hear it. He swallowed hard and carefully placed his finger on the trigger. The trio was nearly in front of him now and quite a few feet away from where they had started. Sniper took a deep breath to steady himself and aimed at the largest of the group.

Then with precision and accuracy, Sniper landed a headshot right between the man’s eyes.

The other two reacted quickly. They swiftly dropped to into the wheat but, not before Sniper landed a shot into the woman’s shoulder. Sniper’s scope scanned the field methodically; searching for any and all movement.

A bullet flew past his head and lodged itself in the wood of the barn wall. Sniper didn’t need to see the bullet to know how close it was. The small cracking nose behind him was all that was required to spike his blood pressure.

Suddenly, everything was still.

The gentle breeze that on an average day would comfort him, only made spotting human movement among the grain irritating. He bit his inner cheek slightly out of irritation, but he never broke his gaze. He could feel his heart thumping against the wood floor he lay on. It almost felt like the ground was vibrating from the intensity of the heartbeats. His enemies were wearing blue, a poor choice when hiding in a sea of beige and green.

After a few minutes, Sniper caught the smallest glimpse of blue and without a second thought he shot at it. Just as another bullet flew in his general direction. The small pool of red he could see forming on the patch of blue assured him he made contact. And the lack of any movement assured him it was fatal.

“One more.” Sniper mumbled to himself under his breath. “Where are ya you bugger?”

He continued his search, but couldn’t find any other hints of life. That was fine by Sniper. He could wait.

Just then a figure stood up in the field and Sniper went to shoot it but he quickly stopped himself. For it wasn’t one person that stood before his rifle; it was two.

“I can see you up there in the barn. Come on out! Unless you don’t care about this Spy here dying! I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t. I personally hate these rat shit Spies!” The man called out to Sniper. The man was holding Spy in front of him with a knife to his neck. Spy’s hands were raised and his face was almost stoic.

Sniper’s eyes widened. How on earth did Spy get caught? He asked himself. And how did he get spotted? Sniper could figure they knew he was in the barn due to his shots, sure, but this guy… was looking straight at him. While asking himself those questions he looked at the scene before him and weighed his options. Every instinct in Sniper’s body was telling him to open fire on the threat; however Spy was positioned in such a way that there would be no chance of hitting the target without hitting Spy. So Sniper restrained himself. He slung the weapon around his shoulder and began to slowly exit the attic.

As Sniper approached the barn door he could feel his stomach twisting into knots. Nonetheless, with a breath he pushed the barn doors open. The man and Spy were standing considerably closer to the barn now.

“Hands up!” The man who held the knife to Spy’s throat called out. He had a long white beard and a large light blue coat. He looked much older than Sniper himself.

Sniper paused for a brief moment before raising his hands. His eyes were fixed on his lovers face. From what he could see, Spy’s eyes were wide and his lips were pulled in a tight thin line. Sniper felt his stomach churn.

“Come closer.” The man called. Sniper complied and walked toward the pair slowly but with purpose. Upon seeing the man’s face at that distance Sniper felt an ever stronger sense of recognition; although he was still not able to place where he knew this guy.

“What do ya want?” Sniper asked.

“Well, I was just gonna kill you both. But now…… two good soldiers are dead because of you. People I’ve been working with for a long time.” The man said.

“Based on the rifle you got on you I figure you’re a Sniper. Not a very good one then.” Sniper mumbled. This earned him a glare from both the man and Spy; for different reasons. “You were tailing us mate. You then walked into an open area without looking for and shooting at possible vantage points. The way I see it you let them down.”

The knife that was pressed against Spy’s throat was pressed against his skin harder. Spy’s breath caught in his throat as he glared at Sniper, trying to silently urge him to stop talking. Sniper gave Spy a reassuring look.

“Well we ain’t dead yet. So what do ya want?” Sniper asked.

He didn’t get an answer right away. The sound of the now rushing wind was practically deafening as it swept across the field. Sniper kept his hands raised and his eyes switched between Spy and the one threatening him.

“You.” Came the eventual response. Sniper was taken aback.

“What?” Was the only thing he could think of in response.

“You’re an Aussie aren’t you?” He asked.

“Yeah? Why?” Sniper asked.

The man’s pupils moved slightly back and forth. It was apparent he was thinking about something. Sniper hadn’t noticed until then but his eyes looked off. They looked incredibly pale and they almost seemed fake. Like they were made of metal or glass. The man briefly glanced over at the still bodies lying among the wheat, then back at Sniper.

“I assume you know what Australium is then.” He said. Spy’s eyes drift toward his captor with a look of confusion. Sniper grimaced however, in painful recognition. The man eyes flickered. “Ah, so you do. How much can it do?”

“If ya know what it is, you should already know what it does.” Sniper replies. Spy’s eyes were now on Sniper as he tried to make sense of the conversation.

“You don’t look like the other Australians. Are you sure you’re one of them?” The man asked. Sniper’s mind raced back to similar comments his peers had made during his childhood.

“I am.”

“Where can I get some?”

“Again you know about Australium already. You know about that, there isn’t anyway you don’t know about the rest of it.” Sniper responds, he stared at the knife pressed to Spy’s throat. “Why do ya want it?”

“Something tells me you’re not sure what it’s actually good for. It does more than turn idiots into hunks of muscle. Like that idiot Hale.” The man scoffed. “Point is, I think my plans are changing. It’s both of your lucky days. Before I got here one of your teammates killed a buddy of mine. Fred. A good engineer. Made me these.” He shrugged one shoulder to gesture to his eyes. “I see everything. That’s why your Spy friend’s invisibility cloaking didn’t work.”

“What do you want?” Sniper asked bluntly. It was obvious he was impatient at that point. He just wanted Spy back and the quicker he got a straight answer the quicker he could have him back.

“Like I said, Australium.”

“ Uluru Rock.” Sniper replied.

“None there anymore. She got it all.”

“What?” Sniper was shocked. He was so busy registering the fact that Ayre’s rock didn’t have Australium, that he didn’t even have time to focus on whoever ‘she’ was.

“Where else?” The older man pressed his knife against Spy’s throat harder. Sniper started to sweat.

“I don’t know.”

“Bullshit. I was specifically told you had some.”

“I really don’t. What do you want it for? Who told you I had any? Whoever said that is messing with ya.” Sniper took a breath. “I’m sure there is something else you can use for whatever it is you’re trying to do here.” Sniper tried reasoning.

“Nah….pretty sure Australium is my best bet for trying to bring back the dead.” The man said. “And it’ll make me a hell of a lot younger.”

“It can’t do all that!” Sniper exclaimed. The man laughed.

“Maybe not all of that, but it sure can put me back in my prime. Now I’m only asking one more time.” With his free hand the man pulled out a gun and aimed it at Sniper. “Where is the-“

Wet droplets splatted on Sniper’s face suddenly. He looked over at Spy who stood completely still. The side of his head was covered in blood. Sniper went on pure adrenaline and ran over to Spy. He pulled both of them to the ground among the wheat. He grabbed Spy in his arms and looked at the side of his head expecting to see a wound of some sort. But nothing other than drops of blood were present. After a moment of processing, Sniper tuned back into his surroundings.

“What- Spook are you…” Sniper stumbled over his words.

“I am fine.” Spy gasped for air. “Him, however.” He pointed to the ground next to them. There lay a now lifeless body face down in the dirt. There was a bullet hole directly through the back of the man’s neck. “We have to go.” Spy whispered as he tugged on Sniper’s arm.

Sniper snapped back into it and both of them started to crawl away carefully. Neither of them were sure who killed their attacker and they weren’t sure they wanted to know. But then-

“Sniper?” A voice called out. Sniper froze and so did Spy. “It’s alright it’s just me, partner.”

Spy looked at Sniper with wide eyes. The accent of the voice calling to them was wildly familiar.

“Don’t worry; I know that Spy is with you. I’ve got no hard feelings with him. Even him being a blu and all.”

Sniper against his better judgment slowly peeked up over the stalks of wheat. In the meantime Spy held onto Sniper’s wrists tightly. He was prepared to pull him down if he suspected Sniper was in any danger.

“Engie?” Sniper asked hesitantly.

“Howdy partner! Glad to finally see some familiar faces!”

Chapter Text

“Well come on now, don’t look at me like that. I just saved your life. I reckon I earned an atta’ boy at least.” The Red team Engineer chuckled.

“Why are you-“

“Why am I here? Same as you; runnin’ from these sons a bitches.” Engineer gestured to the corpse. “Been here for a bit now. Didn’t think I’d see any familiar faces but shoot, I’m alright with it.”

Spy was still ducked down, clutching Sniper’s wrists tightly. Sniper glanced down at Spy’s hesitant face.

“It’s alright Spy. I ain’t gonna do anything. The war is over between us, far’ as I’m concerned.” Engineer promised. “Here.” The sound of rustling wheat could be heard as Engie dropped his gun.

After a moment of hesitation, Spy allowed Sniper to help him to his feet.

“Good to know two more of us are still kicking around.” Engie put his hands on his hips.

“Have you seen others?” Spy spoke up.

“No.” Engineer frowned. “I’m thinkin’ they got a good chunk of us.”

“So the ones that went missing before we all left?” Sniper asked.

“I think it’s safe to say they ain’t with us anymore.”

The three mercenaries stood there in a melancholy silence for a while. They weren’t best friends or anything but it still hurt when a teammate went down. Sniper thought of the Scout again. His stomach twisted as he tried to push away that thought. Looking at Spy’s face, Sniper could sense he was thinking the same thing.

“What made you come to France?” Spy finally asked.

“Didn’t think anyone else would be hiding out here to be honest.” Engineer looks at Sniper. “Thought you would’ve run back to Australia and hid out there.”

“I thought it would be too obvious.” Sniper shrugged.

“And I suppose with your disguise business and what not, you can go anywhere. May as well go home.” Engineer said to Spy. Spy just nodded. “Well I happened to see these guys walking around here and figured I’d try to see what they were up to.” Engineer kicked the dead man’s foot slightly. “Looks like that was a mighty good idea.”

“You could tell they were mercs?” Sniper asked.

“I mean most folks don’t dress like this.” Engineer replied. Sniper couldn’t argue with that point. Mercenaries tended to have a specific…fashion sense, so to speak. Suspenders with slots for explosives and holsters for guns were typically uncommon on everyday fashion.

“What now?” Engineer asked the pair.

“We are going back to hiding out for a bit. Just to make sure things are settled.” Sniper said.

“Easier to defend ourselves in a group. That’s all.” Spy interjected. Sniper could tell by the look on Spy’s face he didn’t trust Engineer yet and didn’t want him to know how deep their loyalty to one another went.

“Well if it ain’t an issue could I stay with you fellas? I’m willing to put aside the fact that you’re a Blu.” Engineer asked with a lighthearted chuckle. Sniper could already see the slight grimace on Spy’s face out of the corner of his eye.

“Can ya give us a sec to talk about it?” Sniper asked Engineer.

“No problem fellas. You get yourselves sorted out.” Engineer stepped away from the pair and looked out at the wheat field.

“Spy-“

“No Sniper.”

“He’s from my team. We have a history, I know him. He’s alright. Bit of a know-it-all but he’s fine.” Sniper reasoned.

“He has killed me hundreds of times.”

“So have I. And that didn’t stop you from-“

“Alright-alright. You have a point.” Spy cut off Sniper’s sentence. His face was just a touch red. “But we need boundaries.”

“Boundaries? Like what?” Sniper asked.

“We need to keep some things to ourselves. If he is not already aware of Miss.Pauling’s involvement, we should not make him aware.”

“Why not?” Sniper couldn’t figure out in his head how that could possibly benefit the two of them. It made more sense for them all to be on the same page to Sniper.

“We only know for certain that one another is trustworthy. Everyone else is off the table currently. I understand that you have some type of bond with your Engineer but that doesn’t prove his innocence. Letting him believe we are clueless may reveal what he himself knows.” Spy attempted to explain his point.

“Let me know if I’m on the right track here. You’re saying that if we keep quiet about what we know, he might feel more inclined to tell us whatever it is he knows?” Sniper clarified.

“Something that might potentially incriminate himself.” Spy nodded slowly.

“Or prove he’s a victim in this, just like the rest of us.” Sniper said firmly. Spy rolled his eyes.

“Yes, fine. I also do not wish for him to know about… us.” Spy looked at the ground. Sniper’s shoulders dropped as he exhaled.

“He doesn’t need to know.” Sniper agreed. Spy raised his gaze to meet Sniper’s again. “We can check what he’s got on him too. Make sure the bloke isn’t wearing a wire.” That idea seemed to comfort Spy even more.

“Alright. He can stay with us. We will check him here first however.” Spy gave in to the idea. Sniper patted Spy’s shoulder affectionately, before whistling to call Engineer back over.

“Well, what’s the verdict boys?” Engineer’s tone of voice indicated he was trying to lighten the tension.

“You can stay with us. Safer with two more eyes looking out, we figure.” Sniper replied.

“We are going to check you first. We hope you can understand where we are coming from.” Spy added.

“I understand. Do what you need to do.”
——————————————————————

“So.. this is where y’all have been staying the whole time?” Engineer looked around the hotel room the trio had just entered.

“No. We were staying somewhere else. We just moved our stuff here before well… you know what happened.” Sniper scanned the room with his eyes to verify that nothing had been changed since he dropped off their belongings the night before. “We knew we needed to keep moving, however that fight turned out.”

“Good idea.” Engineer gave an awkward half smile to Spy, who was currently staring him down. They had confirmed that Engineer didn’t have any tracking devices or wires on him, but Spy couldn’t relax.

Once Sniper was confident that the room was secure, he finally sat down on the bed. The only bed in the room. Engineer took notice as he dropped a duffle bag full of his own belongings on the ground.

“Only the one bed?” Engineer tilted his head slightly.

“We sleep in shifts. We really only need one.” Spy lied. Sniper was impressed with his quick response. Engineer bought it and simply nodded. “There are three of us now so I suppose we could figure out other arrangements.”

“Well I got a sleeping bag strapped onto the side of my bag here. I don’t mind using that. You two could swap out of the bed or use my sleeping bag if you want me to keep watch.” Engineer offered. “It’s not the softest sleeping bag in the world, but it does the job.”

“I think it would be best if Sniper and I kept watch for now.” Spy was quick with his response. Enough to catch Engineer a bit off guard. “Just so you can have time to rest. I can imagine you have not been sleeping well on your own.” Spy cleared his throat.

“That’d be right. It’s hard to relax when flyin’ solo.” Engineer rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “So y’all would be alright if I had a few nights to catch up on some sleep?”

“Don’t see why not.” Sniper responded. “Got time left before dark though.”

“I could set up a few defences around our hotel room. Just incase any other… unwelcome guests decide to show their ugly heads.” Engineer offered. Both Sniper and Spy gave Engineer hesitant looks in response. There were a lot of innocent people in the building and if anything happened to any of them it would bring more unwanted attention to the trio. Engineer caught on to the silent concern and waved his hand nonchalantly. “Don’t go worrying about this. I’m not just capable of making sentry’s. There are plenty of other little devices I’ve made that have saved my ass a time or two. At the very least let me show ‘em to ya.”

“Very well. No harm in showing us. I assume it is the things you had in your bag. What you referred to as your ‘security measures’?” Spy raised an eyebrow. He subtlety maneuvered around Engineer so he was now behind him, while Sniper was still in front of Engineer. Despite the lack of verbal communication, Sniper understood that Spy was prepared to fight Engineer if he pulled out a weapon.

Sniper didn’t fully appreciate the lack of faith in his judgment of his former teammate; but to fully trust Engineer would be against his own philosophy. Have a plan to kill everyone you meet. So he bit his tongue, lest he be a hypocrite.

Engineer pulled out a small metal box. It looked no bigger than the size of Engineer’s palm. With some tweaking it opened and there were four small, black half spheres inside.

“These-“ Enginner picked one up and showed it to the two men. “-are facial scanners. I can pair them to your faces as well.”

“So what’s the point of ‘em?” Sniper asked. He leaned in slightly to try and get a better look.

“I can attach them to the possible entry ways to this room. If anyone tries to come in that the scanner doesn’t facially recognize, it’ll make a sound. Give us a heads up that we got company without causing property damage or putting innocent folks at risk.” Engineer explained. He handed one to Spy to examine. Spy flipped it between his fingers for a moment before agreeing.

“You said you have to pair those things to us?” Spy asked. “How do we do that?”

“Here.” Engineer stands up and takes the scanner from Spy’s hand. He aimed it at Spy and pressed a small button on the side of the device. Spy’s eyes squeezed shut as a red light flashed in his face.

“There. Now Spy won’t set off the alarm. Might be a good idea to get a scan of your face without the mask on.” He continued.

“I have no intentions of taking this mask off.” Spy said plainly. He sat down on the edge of the bed, while Engineer just shrugged.

“My turn then?” Sniper stepped forward. Engineer nodded and got a scan of Sniper’s face.

“Great I’ll just set these up then. One on the front door, one by the balcony, one by the bathroom window, and one by the window there.” Engineer points to a small window by the bed. Sniper doubted anyone would be able to fit through such a small opening but, who was he to argue. After all the nonsense they had been through he was happy to be receiving any form of security.
——————————————————————

3:00 am.

That is what Sniper’s weary eyes read on the hotel provided alarm clock. He sighed and leaned back into his seat. After the battle they had just gone through, a part of him hoped he wouldn’t have to stay up and keep watch anymore. It was a waste of hope. They may have disposed of the immediate danger but the source of the threat was still very much alive.

Every muscle in his body tensed when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head to see an equally exhausted looking Spy standing behind him. Sniper relaxed and slowly took his hand off the knife he had been absentmindedly twirling in his hands.

“Hey, Spook.”

“Do you really trust your Engineer?” Spy cut right to the chase. It was actually a trait Sniper admired about Spy.

“I do.” Sniper decided to rephrase when he saw Spy’s face scrunch slightly. “Not blindly. I know we’ve got to keep our guard up. Trust me mate, I am.” He put his hand over Spy’s hand. Sniper didn’t even do it consciously, it just felt natural and comforting. “I’ve thought about this. It really does seem like we are all in the same boat. I don’t think any of us mercs are working for the old lady anymore. She’s trying to kill us remember?”

“I am aware, Sniper. I am just suspicious.” Spy squeezed Sniper’s shoulder gently for emphasis.

“Suspicious of what? He’s done nothing, but help us so far.”

“Exactly. He just happens to show up at the exact time we need assistance. Of all the places on this planet he can go, he chose here?” Spy tried to explain where he was coming from. His grip on Sniper’s shoulder tightened.

“I get it.” Sniper rubbed his eyes. “But treating him as hostile before he’s done anything puts a target on us. What if he decides we are working for her and turns on us, hm?”

“Assuming he knows the Administrator is an enemy.”

“I have been keeping my guard up. I’m not letting him or anyone else hurt you, alright?” The men made eye contact. They stared at one another for a moment in silence. “If he tries anything, I’ll kill him.”

Gradually, the tension in Spy’s shoulders relaxed. He sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, not too far from Sniper’s chair.

“This is all a mess.” Spy pulled a carton of cigarettes from his pocket. “I thought I would be pleased about now. We handled our immediate pursuers, but you know as well as I do-“

“-we aren’t done.” Sniper finished Spy’s sentence. He rummaged around in his own pocket and retrieved his lighter. His arm outstretched to Spy; silently offering it to him.

The flame flickered against the tip of Spy’s cigarette; after a moment it ignited. He took a long inhale and allowed the smoke to fill his lungs, while Sniper moved to sit next to him on the bed. Sniper’s eyes scanning every visible surface of Spy’s masked face, carefully.

“You uh… you look nice.” Sniper stumbled over his words. That was going to take a lot of getting used to. For the first time that evening, Spy honestly smiled. He pulled the cigarette out of his mouth and placed it between Sniper’s lips

“Are you certain Engineer is asleep?” Spy stared at Sniper’s mouth. Sniper nodded. He had been checking every twenty minutes or so. “I shall miss our shared evenings together. It is a real shame. Things between us were just beginning to get interesting.”

“He won’t stay with us for long. We are just giving him a chance to rest and help us protect ourselves. Not that we need it of course.” Sniper inhaled a mouthful of smoke. A slight grin graced his face; which earned him one back from his boyfriend. Was Spy his boyfriend? Sniper wasn’t sure who Spy was to him, relationship-wise anymore. He sure wasn’t going to ask. He’d rather enjoy whatever they were, in pleasant bliss. Or ignorance. He was fine with either.

Besides, he had much bigger issues to focus on.

“Right. Of course not,” Spy’s shoes tapped against the carpeted floor gently. Sniper rubbed his eyes and held the cigarette between two fingers. He offered it back to Spy.

Spy took the cigarette back and took a long drag. He leaned back onto the bed, placing all of his weight on one hand. The top button of his dress shirt was unbuttoned and his tie loosened. His suit jacket had been lovingly hung up in the closet to avoid wrinkling. Sniper truly did think that Spy looked good.

Sniper chuckled softly, “Were you really sleeping in your uniform?”

“I thought it a good idea to be prepared for a midnight ambush,” Spy gestured toward the closet. “Besides….. I hung up the jacket before my nap.”

“Please tell me ya at least took the shoes off while you were asleep at least.”

Spy didn’t respond. Sniper grinned before collecting himself.

“Mate, I get it. Ya can’t go stressing yourself out though.” Sniper put his hand on Spy’s shoulder. “You can’t protect yourself if you’re half asleep.”

Spy’s eyes moved to Sniper’s hand, “I beg to differ. I am quite good at my job.”

“I didn’t mean to imply that you weren’t.” Sniper tried to move his hand away. Spy quickly grabbed Sniper’s wrist, nearly burning him with the cigarette accidentally. Sniper’s eyes widened, yet he stayed silent.

“I do believe it is my turn to keep watch.” Spy let go of Sniper’s wrist and his hand hesitantly moved to Sniper’s face. “You look tired.”

“So I look like shit?” Sniper chuckled gently after clearing his throat. The tenderness from Spy was unexpected. He honestly wasn’t sure how to react.

“You look perfect.” Spy could only smile at Sniper’s awkward reaction to that statement. A quick glance at Engineer’s sleeping body did immediately confirm to Spy that he was out like a light. He had gotten good at telling if someone was faking over the course of his career. Safe to say Engineer’s body language left no room for doubt. With the slight glimmer of privacy they have continued to be granted, Spy kept holding Sniper’s face.

Spy’s gloved thumb ran over one of Sniper’s eye bags, as if he was trying to reverse the lack of sleep Sniper had been experiencing. In response, Sniper refused to make eye contact.

“Do you not enjoy this?” Spy’s voice was soft.

“I don’t know.”

“I can stop.”

“Please, don’t.” Sniper grasped Spy’s wrist before either of them had a chance to think. A soft smile crept onto Spy’s face. He cupped Sniper’s jaw.

“Better?” Spy asked quietly. Sniper hummed affirmatively.

A grunt from Engineer made the two separate from each other quickly. Both men stared at Engineer and awaited some sort of reaction from him. It never came. The Texan settled and his breathing slowed, indicating he had fallen back into a deep sleep. Spy and Sniper let out a shared breath.

For a while, Sniper and Spy simply sat next to one another on the bed in silence. Sniper hadn’t previously thought the mere presence of a person wouldn’t be able to put all his worries at ease but of all the people he’s ever met, somehow his enemy was the one to pull it off. He zoned back in when he felt the cool leather of Spy’s glove graze his forearm.

“Are you sure telling Scout is a good idea?” Spy whispered. Sniper took a minute to process what Spy had asked. He stayed silent and gave Sniper the chance to explain more. “I have been thinking about what you said to me. When I’ve had any time to think anyway.”

Spy shifted on the bed. “We ourselves have been through a lot. At least we have had each other. The battle we had today? That may have gone very differently if we did not cover one another. Not to mention that if Engineer had not been there…” Spy took a breath. “I nearly shudder to imagine what Scout is experiencing. That is to say if he is still-“

Sniper stopped that thought by clearing his throat gently. It wasn’t a possibility he was interested in considering. No matter how plausible it may be.

Spy laced his fingers together. “I know we discussed waiting to tell him after all of this is over however, I am not certain there will ever be a good time. He has gone this long without a father.”

“Last time I ever talked to him about it, he seemed like he wanted to know. As far as he is aware his dad is dead. He doesn’t have a face or a name to tie to his own father.” Sniper wasn’t fighting with Spy. He just attempted to be honest.

“Would I be the answer he wanted?” Spy questioned quietly. Sniper’s mouth shut. It wasn’t a factor Sniper had considered. Spy awaited an answer but Sniper never gave one beyond a shrug. “I see.”

“I don’t know what he would want Spook. It’s your choice mate. We are gonna find him though. Then we should find whoever is left at some point. We don’t gotta all stick together but I wanna know who’s left.” Sniper said after taking a moment to find the correct words. “Tell him or don’t.”

“Will you resent me if I do not tell him?” Spy asked gently.

“No.” Sniper didn’t even think about his answer. He could see his own father’s face in his mind. He knew if anyone tried to interfere with that dynamic or judge him for his feelings on the matter, he’d be annoyed to say the least. “Not my place.”

“Thank you Sniper.”

The silence returned and Spy laughed to himself quietly. Sniper’s ears perked up at the unexpected sound cutting through the tension.

“You know I do not believe I returned the compliment. You look nice as well this evening. The post near death experience glow suits you nicely.” Spy smirked. Sniper could feel his ears turn red.

“You are an interesting man. You can have a gun pointed in between your eyes and you remain calm. I simply flirt with you and you lose your composure. I would be lying if I said it was not amusing.” Spy laughed to himself. He rubbed Sniper’s shoulder comfortingly. “I do apologize.”

“For making fun of me? Good. Ya’ should be.” Sniper joked. Although he was secretly grateful for the tension being lifted. Spy scoffed at the reaction.

“Not that, you deserve some of that.” He teased back. Spy then got serious. “I mean about this. All of this. I’m aware this isn’t the most convenient time for us to be…. engaging with one another.”

“It really isn’t.”

“But, I do believe it is partially to thank for our bond. All of this forced us to spend time together, rather than attempting to kill each other. For that and that alone, I am thankful.” Spy moved his thumb in soothing circles on Sniper’s shoulder blade. Sniper honestly wasn’t used to this tenderness and open honesty. He would be lying if he said it didn’t freak him out a bit. Sniper attempted to process what Spy was communicating to him.

“I- well- uh…” Sniper cleared his throat gently, as not to wake Engineer who was still passed out on their floor. “I agree. I appreciate ya just being here, I guess.”

He could feel how awkward he was. Spy was right on the money earlier. Of all the things he put up with, he felt humiliated by the fact that basic affection is what threw him off. He was so busy in his own thoughts, that he didn’t see Spy staring at the side of his face with what someone could describe as love. Love- honest love, was a hard concept for either man to grasp. This felt pretty close though.

“Sniper..” Spy’s words seemed to be caught in his throat for a moment, “..when this is all said and done, do you.. still desire to be around me and be in my close company?”

“Yeah. Yeah I would.” Sniper answered honestly. “Do you want me around?”

“I would not have asked you if I did not.” Spy had one of the most sincere smiles on his face that Sniper had ever seen. He felt his heart beat quicker. “It is almost comforting to know I will not be continuing as a solo act any longer. Despite some criticism I may have had of your talents in the past.. I am happy to say you have proved me wrong.”

“Well I’m flattered ya’ stuck up prick.” Sniper said with his voice dripping in sarcasm. Spy shoved him slightly in response, although there was no malice attached. Were Sniper not biting his lower lip he surely would’ve woken up Engineer with his laughter. “All seriousness though, we make a good team Spook.”

“In more ways than one.” Spy gave Sniper a quick wink.

For the first time in a while, Sniper felt secure and safe. He wasn’t sure how long that feeling would last, but he would cherish it until it was gone

Chapter Text

“This is quite the breakfast.” Engineer bit into a pain au chocolat. “I could live with this.”

“This is not quite what I would call a normal breakfast, but I figured we could all use a treat this morning. We have been cooped up in this room for a week now. A bit of sugar might be a pleasant change.” Spy replied as he delicately held his own pastry.

Sniper grinned, “You’ve got a sweet tooth though Spook. Doesn’t matter what time of day.” His smile faltered a bit when he saw the wide eyed- side eye from Spy. Engineer was in the room. Sniper cleared his throat and tried to save it. “Not that I’ve been keeping track.”

“You two seem to have built quite the friendship.” Engineer laughed. “Nothing like the threat of death to bring enemies together.”

The tension left Sniper and Spy who had both been flexing their shoulder muscles and clenching their jaws. Engineer still had no idea that his roommates were…. boyfriends? Lovers? Sniper still wasn’t sure. Spy hadn’t put a label on them so neither would he. He didn’t want to pick the wrong one.

“Yes; never did I think I would befriend anyone from the red team but, here we are.” Spy smirked slightly.

“Well it’s a beautiful thing.” Engineer belly laughed. “What a world we live in huh?”

“It’s not a boring job.” Sniper wandered to the coffee maker in the room. He poured more of the warm coffee into his mug. “Are you set for coffee Engie?”

“I’m good, partner.”

“Tea, Spy?”

“I am alright. Thank you Sniper.” Spy sipped his cup of earl grey.

Sniper sat back next to Spy on the edge of the bed. He swirled his cup absentmindedly. The atmosphere was actually quite calm. In that moment they were just a group of coworkers sharing a breakfast together.
—————————————————————-

“I am going to take a shower now. Is that alright with you both?” Spy asked. It was a few hours after they have had their breakfast. Engineer was sitting on a chair and flipping through a book. Sniper turned his attention from the television in the room and gave it to Spy.

“Yeah, that’s fine, mate.” Sniper replied. Engineer gave a positive sounding grunt in response as he half paid attention.

Spy stayed in the room for a moment. He gestured toward Engineer and Sniper knew what Spy was asking him to do. It was something Spy had been urging Sniper to do for a few days now. He was aware that he couldn’t put it off any longer.

Spy slowly nodded and walked into the restroom; leaving Sniper and Engineer by themselves.

It wasn’t until Sniper heard the shower turn on that he felt the confidence to speak.

“So, Engie?” Sniper tried to get Engineer’s attention.

“Yes, Sniper?” Engineer finally stopped reading.

“I was just wondering, did you ever try to go home after all of this started?” Sniper asked. This was the easy question.

“No. Didn’t seem safe to involve anyone I know from my personal life in this. You didn’t go home did ya?” Engineer sounded a bit concerned.

“No I didn’t. I was just wondering.”

“Why?”

“I thought maybe if you went home and your folks were still standing, maybe mine are as well.” That wasn’t a lie. Ultimately his goal was to find out what Engineer knew about all of this, but he couldn’t help but try to get any amount of closure on a fear that had been making itself known in his nightmares.

Engineer frowned. “Sorry Sniper. I’m not sure how anyone I know back home is doing. Wish I could give you a better answer.”

“It’s alright.” Sniper took a breath. “Do you know about anyone else on the team? How they are doing?”

Another frown from Engineer. “No, I don’t. The kid, Scout, he got out of there with you didn’t he?”

“Yeah he did.” Sniper nodded.

“Forgive me if this is a sensitive subject, but I can’t help but notice that he ain’t here.” Engineer spoke slowly and really thought about every word that left his lips.

“We separated. I thought it would be a better idea to hide out solo.”

“Until you met up with the masked man in the other room?” Engineer asked. Sniper felt his stomach churn from guilt. “Look, I’m sorry Sniper. You were trying to help him out. I’m sure he’s fine, running around somewhere.”

“Retrospect.” Sniper replied simply.

“Yeah. Retrospect is a hell of a thing.” Engineer cleared his throat before trying to slightly lighten the mood. “For example I would’ve never taken this job. Wish I never heard of Team Fortress or the Mann’s. I wish even more that I never joined it.”

“You and me both.” Sniper rubbed his face before pivoting into the real questions he wanted to ask. “Speaking of the team, what do you know about all that?”

“What specifically are ya asking for?” Engineer raised a brow.

“Anything you think I might not know.”

Engineer leaned back in his seat and placed his book down. He stroked his chin in thought.

“Well I know what everyone else knows. Two brothers fighting over land. We got hired to fight for Redmond. The others for Blutarch. The Administrator and Miss.Pauling watching over the whole thing.” Engineer thought out-loud.

“When Spy- the Red Spy, went to your workshop that night, what did he tell you?” Sniper interrupted Engineer to try and urge his memories in the right direction.

“Not much honestly. He just ran in and said something about us being in danger. Said we needed to leave. Spy didn’t say what the danger was exactly. I mean I suppose I know now.” Engineer recalled.

“Did he tell you to warn anyone else?” Sniper questioned.

“No. While I can’t recall everything he said to me that night, I’m pretty sure he said he warned everyone already. I just grabbed the essentials and left.” Engineer responded. Sniper felt his heart drop. He felt like an idiot for trusting the Red Spy. “You alright?”

“You were the first person Spy warned that night. I told him to tell you to help him warn the others. You both were respected, I knew you two would be believed over me. He just left them to die.” Sniper laid down on the bed. He stared up at the ceiling. Guilt creeped through his mind. “Bastard gave up after you.”

“I didn’t know.” Engineer frowned.

“Not your fault, mate. It’s mine.” His stomach churned. “I should’ve stayed.”

“You got Scout out of there.” Engineer sat forward in his seat. “Our Spy got out of there too if I had to guess-“

“-he is not my Spy.” Sniper snapped. Engineer slid back in his seat. Sniper quickly tried to backtrack. “I just mean- a teammate wouldn’t do that to their team. He wasn’t our Spy.”

Engineer’s eyes softened. “I get what you mean. Seems like I owe you a thank you though. I wager that if you hadn’t told Spy to warn me, I might not be sitting here. So thank you.”

The thanks was appreciated, however it did nothing to fix the pit in his gut. Sniper tried to steady his breathing. He knew he needed to finish asking his questions. He could feel awful later.

“So, do you know who’s trying to kill us?” Sniper asked. Since his message apparently didn’t get delivered to the rest of the team he wasn’t sure what Engie believed.

“Not for sure, but I have a few guesses. I figured there were four options.” He raised his hand and counted off on his fingers. “One- Blutarch. Two-Redmond. Three- Mr.Hale. Four- the Administrator.”

“Why do you think it’s one of them?” Sniper pushed to try and see his reasonings.

“Well Blutarch and Redmond seem to have the most invested in this. Maybe they came to some sort of agreement behind the scenes and we were loose ends that needed tying.” Engineer reasoned. “I have less reason to think it’s Saxton. The man has always been a bit of a wildcard though. Shoot, the guy kills folks for little to no reason at the best of times. The only thing that holds me back from that theory is the money he makes off of us. He supplies the weapons. I don’t think he’d want to nip that revenue stream.”

“And the Administrator?”

“What do we really know about her anyway? She shows up and yells at us while we fight. She’s got this little assistant that follows her every whim like a lost sheep to a shepherd. We don’t even know the woman’s name. Yet she blackmailed us. Do you remember that?”

The photos he got in the mail of his mom and dad crossed his mind. The heads that were stolen from some macabre collection Soldier had. All of that felt so long ago.

He nodded.

“We don’t know much about her but she knows a lot about us. How can you trust a person like that?” Engineer shrugged.

“You can’t.” Sniper bit the inside of his cheek. He felt so stupid for ever trusting that woman.

The bathroom door swung open and Spy emerged. He wore socks, black dress pants and a simple white button up shirt, his gloves and of course his signature blue mask. Sniper doubted that Spy took the mask off during the shower. Spy quietly despised the facial scanner that rested by the bathroom window. He appreciated the protection but feared anyone possibly having a scan of his bare face.

Spy could tell by Sniper’s body language- the way he was lying on the bed and staring at the ceiling like it personally wronged him- that the questioning had began. He had wanted to Sniper to start off the questioning; Spy assumed Engineer would be more willing to open up to Sniper.

“I sense I have walked into the middle of a tense discussion.” Spy said as an attempt to insert himself into the conversation. Engineer nodded.

“Yeah. We are just going over everything that’s happened. You alright if we loop Spy in?” Engineer asked Sniper. Sniper proceeded to stare up at the ceiling. He only gave a thumbs up in reply. “Sorry about him… he’s thinking about a lot.”

Spy tried to not let his concern for Sniper, show on his face. He leaned against the wall.

“Well go on, fill me in.” Spy waved his hand.

“I was just throwing out potential subjects for who might be trying to kill us. I figured maybe the Mann brothers cause of how much they have invested in this. Saxton Hale due to his sheer carelessness. Or the mystery lady in purple. We don’t really know much about that Administrator gal.” Engineer recapped.

“Sniper and I had come to similar conclusions. One of them should be the logical conclusion.” Spy replied. Sniper was tempted to speak up and tell Engineer that it was the Administrator, but he knew this was a part of Spy’s expertise. Spy knew which secrets and bits of intelligence needed to be protected. He trusted his ally. Besides, he didn’t feel much like talking in the moment.

“I suppose all that matters now is we keep our eyes out. Maybe whoever is after us will get tired of sending assassins after us after a while. I can’t imagine it’s cheap. I don’t know about y’all but I get paid a healthy amount for every job I’ve ever taken.” Engineer couldn’t help but grin at his own slight brag. He was proud of himself and his work.

“I have definitely taken jobs where the money is the only benefit.” Spy observed Sniper who still stared up at the ceiling. “Few have ever ended with other mercenaries trying to kill me however. Most of my employers tend to be quite happy with my work.”

“What sort of jobs were you up to before all of this anyway? Company espionage? Finding out if someone’s cheating? Or maybe something a bit more interesting?” Engineer asked Spy eagerly. Engineer had been trying to learn more about Spy since he began staying with them. It was to the point where even Sniper had made a mental note of it.

“Hardly any of your business.” Spy sat on the foot of the bed. He meant it as a show of support for the still silent Sniper. “All of my previous employments are highly confidential.”

“Alright. If ya’ say so.” Engineer threw up his hands in mock defensiveness. “Just trying to get to know my new ally better. It ain’t like we ever shared a living space before this week.”

“You have my allegiance after Sniper has vouched for you. That is all you need to know about me.” Sniper shrugged. Engineer was taken aback by Spy’s bluntness. Unlike Sniper he hadn’t adjusted to this personality quirk of Spy’s yet.

He forced a polite smile. “Well, mighty kind of you for not trying to kill me.” He tipped an imaginary hat to him.

“You are most welcome.” Spy folded his arms.
——————————————————————

“You seem a bit more focused now.”

Sniper heard while he felt a hand trail up his spine in a soothing gesture. He was sipping a cup of coffee in an attempt to stay awake. Sniper assumed that Engineer was fully asleep based on the sudden affection from Spy.

“Yeah. I guess I was out of it for a minute.” Sniper tried to brush it off. “I’m alright.”

“I know that is not the truth, Sniper. What did the Engineer say that had shaken you up?” Spy persisted.

Sniper took a breath, “I was told that I probably didn’t save my teammates. The ones that were left before we ran away. Four of us got out. I can’t say the same for anyone who was left.”

“You are not responsible for their deaths.” Spy said firmly. He gripped the fabric of Sniper’s shirt just enough to grab his attention. “Do you understand?”

“I tried to warn them.”

“Which is most likely more than anyone else would have done. I am honestly surprised you are taking this so hard. They were coworkers, not family.” Spy argued. “Death comes with the job. The death of a few coworkers is to be expected. Be grateful you are alive.”

“Is this comfort?” Sniper’s grip tightened on his cup.

“My attempt at it, yes.” Spy moved in front of Sniper. “You cannot take the responsibility. It makes you vulnerable. Having this emotional attachment to Engineer makes you vulnerable. I cannot stand by and let you allow your guard to fall.”

“What about our connection?” Sniper’s voice was beginning to sound strained.

“It made you vulnerable.” Spy’s shoulders fell. “Sniper you should have ran or taken the shot.”

“What are you on about?”

“When that man got the upper hand over me and my life was in danger, you should have been thinking of yourself, not of me.” Spy bit the inside of his cheek for a moment trying to steady himself. “If something had happened to you because of my sloppiness-“

“He had some special tech that let him see you. You didn’t do anything wrong mate. And so what, did you just want me to let you die then?” Sniper raised his voice to soft spoken rather than a mere whisper. Although keeping his voice in check was becoming increasingly difficult.

“If it meant your safety then yes!”

Sniper nearly dropped his mug. Spy’s cool grey-blue eyes pierced his soul. The desperation and what Sniper determined as guilt was crystal clear, in spite of the fabric covering most of it.

“You’d seriously want me to let you die?” Sniper managed to ask after some difficulty.

“If it means you get to live- then yes Sniper. I would die a thousand deaths.” Spy gripped the collar of Sniper’s shirt in his hands.

“I’m not worth that.”

“Sniper you are all I have. This job will likely ruin my reputation, possibly cost me my life, and- I will admit- has shattered a large amount of confidence in my own abilities. I have one son who does not even know that I am his father. My son would despise me if he were to know the truth about me. The one good thing I have left if you. I will not let you risk yourself for my sake. I cannot allow you to undervalue yourself.”

“Spy..” Sniper was stricken with yet another feeling he didn’t recognize. It was one of the most unpleasant feelings he had ever experienced. His stomach twisted and his palms sweat. Yet, there was a hint of pleasantness. Did Spy really think this highly of him?

“I have come to care about you greatly. Despite every obstacle we have been put against, I find myself trusting you. Despite every instinct, I find myself wanting to be near you. Even before all of this, I was drawn to you. I found myself unable to walk away.” Even though he tried to fight it, tears brimmed in Spy’s eyes. Whatever pride he had left is what allowed him to refuse to let them fall.

“I won’t leave ya’ to die. If I have the chance to protect you I will. For the record I risked my life for you because we are a team. If you go down in a fight, I won’t stop unless I’ve won or gone down with you.” Sniper was caught off guard by his own sudden passion. He was caught even further off guard when Spy tugged on his shirt collar and pulled him into a kiss.

Sniper couldn’t even fully register what was happening at first. The warmth that filled his heart. It was such a strong contrast to all the unpleasantness that he was infested with moments ago. The way Spy placed his hands on the sides of Sniper’s face made Sniper melt.

Spy eventually pulled away and stared into Sniper’s eyes intently. Sniper had a big dumb grin on his face. Spy snorted and cracked a smile in response. He kept one of his hands on Sniper’s face.

“I apologize for being tactless about your teammates. They mattered to you.” Spy apologized in earnest.

“I get where you’re coming from.” Sniper gave forgiveness.

“Sniper.. what did I do to be lucky enough to cross your path hm?” Spy ran a thumb over Sniper’s jaw. He seemed a bit more composed.

“So that’s why you’ve been upset. You were worried about me?” Sniper asked quietly.

“I am mad at myself. I put you in a dangerous situation.”

“You didn’t put me anywhere. I made my own choices. I chose to do my best to keep you safe. This job we have comes with risks. One of us could drop dead any day no matter how hard we try to protect ourselves. We even out the odds by being the bloody best, but mate.. if keeping me around is going to make life worse for you. I don’t want that.” Sniper tried to keep a frown at bay. The look on Spy’s face however made that impossible.

“M- I mean Sniper, that is not what I was implying I wanted. I want you to stay.” He clutched some of Sniper’s hair like he was afraid he’d run away. “Are you saying you want to leave?”

Sniper put a hand over Spy’s, “I’m not going anywhere. Unless you ask me too.”

“I cannot imagine asking you such a thing. Mon amour I am so happy I have gotten to know you.” There was slight relief in Spy’s expression. His grip on Sniper’s hair eased. “I will do everything I can to protect you.”

“And I’ll keep doing what I can to keep you safe.” With a burst of confidence he initiated a kiss with Spy. It was a quick kiss but in no way did it cancel out the amount of feeling behind it. “Are you alright keeping me around then? Even though shit might get bad at some point?”

“Even if I knew you were to die tomorrow. I would want to be there until you fade form this world in my arms.”

“Spy-“

The pair was interrupted by a soft alarm sound. Without hesitation the two grabbed whatever weapon or object was closest to them and whipped their heads around; ready for an attacker.

It wasn’t until Engineer sat up and clicked off a small alarm clock that the two lowered their weapons.

“Engineer!” Spy returned his knife into his pocket and put his hands on his hips.

“Sorry fellas I-“ Engineer’s face was flushed and he raised up his hands.

“Why did your alarm sound different?” Sniper didn’t put down the lamp he had grabbed just yet.

“Well Spy said the alarm was annoying him so I altered it. Tried to make it less agitating.” Engineer rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Well now I am more annoyed.” Spy huffed.

“I guess I can make it up to ya now. I’ll stay up and keep watch with stretch over here.” He gestured to Sniper.

“Stretch?” Sniper raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah cause you’re tall- anyway, it’s my turn to help keep watch. You can get some of your beauty sleep now.” Engineer stood up from the floor. “That alright with you?”

Spy and Sniper shared a long look before Spy nodded. Sniper put the lamp down.

“Yes,fine, I will take the opportunity to sleep. Wake me if anything occurs.” Spy tucked himself into bed.

“Goodnight partner.”

“Night, Spy.”

“Goodnight.” Spy’s reply was mainly meant for Sniper.

Within minutes Spy was fast asleep. Engineer made a pot of coffee and poured a cup for Sniper.

“Thanks.” Sniper took the mug as he rested back in his seat

“No worries. Say, Spy doesn’t care for coffee much does he? I’ve never seen him drink it.” Engineer attempted small talk.

“He drinks tea mostly. Though he will drink coffee if he needs it bad enough or he thinks it would be rude to decline.” Sniper thought back to the time in his van when he gave Spy a cup of coffee. He laughed to himself now that he had context for Spy’s expression after every sip he took.

“Well he’s rejected every cup I’ve ever offered him.” Engineer didn’t seem offended; more amused.

“He’s normally a bit less rough around the edges.” Sniper took a sip of his coffee.

“Is that right?” Engineer swirled the dark liquid in his mug.

“He’s just shaken up. If it weren’t for you there’s a good chance he and I would be buried under that wheat field by now.”

“Well I’m glad I was there when it counted.” Engineer took a long drink. “You’re good with him.”

“What do ya mean?” Sniper lowered his mug.

“Anytime he starts kicking up a fuss you seem to know how to calm him. Smooth over any wrinkles or nerves.” Engineer explained.

“You make it sound like all he does is complain.” Sniper tried to not get too defensive. He did take it as a slight compliment however. “And I guess calming blokes is a skill I’ve been learning the past while.”

“Oh I don’t mean that. I get that he’s on edge. I get that my being here makes him nervous. He knows he can trust you. The main interactions I’ve ever had with him mainly involve me bashing his head in with a wrench while he breaks my machines. I get why I’m not his best friend.” Engineer shrugged. Sniper winced as he thought of that happening to Spy. He winced even more when he thought about the things he used to do to Spy. Sniper was sort of amazed that a man he’d stabbed through with a machete would have any desire to kiss him. Then again he used to magically come back to life after being murdered. Stranger things have happened.

“Now if we are talking about Spies that enjoy complaining, Red Spy was a pro at that.” Engineer snorted.

“I hope you don’t take any coldness from Spy personally.” Sniper mumbled into his mug. He tried to switch the focus of discussion from Red Spy back to the Blu Spy. The thought of the Red Team Spy made him feel about as bitter as the coffee.

“I don’t. I just thought that maybe, well, I could get some advice on how to help him relax around me?” Engineer asked. “Ya know, befriend the guy.”

“I mean-“

“I figure you would know how to do that considering your situation.” Engineer bit his tongue as soon as those words left his mouth. The regret evident in his expression.

Sniper felt his blood go cold, “What do you mean? Why do you look so guilty right now mate?”

“Now listen closely, alright?” Engineer set his mug down. “I swear I didn’t hear much. Hell, maybe I was hearing things.”

“Engie-“

“I just could’ve sworn I heard what sounded like…k-kissing and something about wanting to die in the other’s arms.” Engineer grimaced as he saw Sniper get a death grip on his mug. The force threatened to shatter it. “I was half asleep! What do I know-“

“You were hearing things.”

Chapter Text

Sniper and Engineer had been sitting together in silence for what felt like forever. Nervous sips of coffee in between awkward glances were the only interaction either had any interest in engaging in.

Until finally Sniper sighed and was about to speak until-

“Listen I’m not saying what I heard was real alright? But, for the record I wouldn’t do anything. Ya know, if y’all really were.. uh- friendly.” Engineer desperately tried to be as gentle as possible when talking to Sniper. He feared if he said the word dating, that the Australian would freak out in denial.

Sniper simply stared into his cup like it was the most interesting thing on the planet. It was empty by that point and for the past few minutes he had been merely pretending to sip coffee. Any words he had in his head, had all vanished from his mind. He managed to get himself to at least give a brief grunt in acknowledgement.

“Again I might be barking up the wrong tree, but I needed you to know that. I don’t have any issues if you and that Spy over there were hypothetically-“

“Engie. Like I said, you were half asleep and hearing things. Drop it.” Sniper put down his cup; making a clanking sound. He regretted doing it so harshly and made sure he hadn’t woken up Spy with the noise.

“Strong allies. I was gonna say strong allies.” Engineer pivoted. “We are in the middle of a bit of a war here. It’s a good thing to have folks you can trust.”

Sniper shrugged in deflection and fussed with his mug; making sure it wasn’t chipped from how hard he slammed it.

“Folks like me.” Engineers voice was soft. Sniper perked up a bit. “You can trust me, Stretch. You ain’t gotta tell me anything, but keep in mind that you could if you wanted to.”

“Thanks,mate.” Sniper chewed the inside of his cheek.

Engineer stared at the side of Sniper’s head. It was the closest to eye contact he assumed he would be getting for a while. Despite his better judgment he kept talking.

“I imagine it’s lonely being a sniper. Always hiding out away from the rest of the team. Up in your snipers nest on your lonesome.” Engineer attempted to empathize.

“Guess so. Sorta the point of the job to stay out of sight.” He shrugged while he continued to stare at his mug. He hadn’t thoroughly considered that concept while actively on the job. Mainly because he was too worried about getting shot at to fret about companionship. But he’d be lying if he said he hadn’t been resting in his camper wishing on occasion that someone else was there with him.

“Sounds like something a Spy could relate to. Slinking around in the shadows and what not. Having a person you can relate to and trust, especially at a time like this, is more priceless than…..than gold.” Engineer trailed off in thought before he snapped out of it. “I’m real glad I found you fellas and that you’re both alright.”

“Yeah… good to see you alive.” Sniper avoided the rest of Engineer’s statement.

It wasn’t that Sniper was ashamed about his relationship with Spy, it was simply that it made both of them vulnerable. Anyone else who knew about them could inform others. Potentially people who wished harm upon them. If one was threatened it could be used to get the other to comply with demands. Hits and jobs they wouldn’t normally agree to, revealing top secret information, the list went on. Sniper ran through options in his mind of how to deal with this new complication.

He didn’t want to kill Engineer. He was an ally. Having other mercenaries watching his back was a benefit. A benefit that Engineer provided for the moment. There was also the fact that Engineer had saved not only his life, but Spy’s life as well. Sniper couldn’t think of a person Engie would spill his secret to anyhow. It’s not like any of them had a list of people they were dying to talk and gossip to.

“I’d like to keep it that way.” Engineer broke Sniper’s train of thought. Sniper raised an eyebrow; he had forgotten what they were just talking about. Engineer caught on and continued.“Ya know, the whole being alive thing? Big fan.”

“I think we all would.” Sniper replied, completely oblivious to the joking tone Engineer was using. “A lot of death lately.”

Engineer’s lighthearted tone dropped,

“Yeah, there has. Does it bother you?”

“Normally not.” Sniper shifted in his seat. “Being a mercenary usually means being surrounded by death. Just part of the job.”

“But, everyone on Red sorta became friends, right?” Engineer finished Sniper’s thought.

“Yeah, sorta.” Sniper could think of one teammate that he wouldn’t call a friend. Engineer didn’t bother asking for clarification.

“Friendly at the very least anyway. Which made that all more difficult.” Engineer got up to get more coffee for himself.

“Their deaths you mean?” Sniper asked.

“Yeah.” Engineer filled his cup. “Shouldn’t have happened like that.”

“Shouldn’t have happened at all. We had our guards down. It screwed us over. Maybe being all friendly with each other was a mistake in the end.”

“Don’t say that now.” Engineer put down his mug for a moment. “We can’t go blaming ourselves. That won’t solve anything. We all thought we had each other’s backs… and we did. Y’all can’t go blaming yourselves for what happened you hear?”

The sudden sternness in Engineer’s voice caught Sniper off guard momentarily. But as quickly as his tone shifted, he shifted right back to his usual friendly demeanour.

“Sorry Stretch. I just don’t like the thought of anyone on the team blaming themselves for what’s all happened. Blu team as well I suppose. Based on what Spy over there has said, they weren’t any the wiser.” Engie spooned some sugar into his mug. “Just like I was saying earlier, it’s a nice thing to have any sort of companionship. Whether it be family, friends, or even romantic; companionship is hard to come by in this industry. At the end of the day we are still humans. We still crave that connection with others. It’s instinct. My job hasn’t allowed me to be close to any folks who aren’t my kin. I figure it’s that way for all of us. So when we were presented with the chance to bond with each other, we all took it. As surprised as I was to gain any sort of kinship for you folks, I don’t regret having it.”

With that, Engineer finished prepping his coffee and sat back down. They both sat in silence for a while, while Sniper digested what Engineer had said. Even Sniper- with all his difficulty reading others- could tell that he was being genuine. Sure, Sniper had been improving in that department, but anyone could take a look at the Texan and see how shaken he actually was. Something about the shake in Engineer’s voice or the tensed muscles near his brow, made the grief Engineer was trying to contain, easy for anyone to pick up on.

“I think,” He spoke up, “,you spent way too much time around Medic.”

Engineer laughed. He made sure to try and keep it quiet, lest he suffer the wrath of a sleep deprived Spy.

“All that talk of human instinct. God, you sound like the bloke.” Sniper chuckled lowly to himself.

“Yeah, yeah I guess I did.” Engineer smiled at his reflection in his coffee. “Is it weird to say I miss the guy?”

“Considering how many times he’s poked around your organs with syringes and scalpels, I’d say maybe a bit.” Sniper joked back, earning another quiet laugh from Engie. “But, nah. Much as part of me hates to admit it, I miss all those blokes. Most of em anyway.”

“His mind was really something. We could’ve done something great together. Shame I’ll never get to work on another project with Medic.” Engineer’s eyes looked glassy.

“Or share a beer with Demo.” Sniper remembered sitting on the roof of the base, sipping on scrumpy. That was an experience he would never live again. The realization hit him hard.

The Engineer was right. Sniper had mostly led a lonely life. Even back before he was a mercenary he had often been alone. He was nothing like his peers growing up. His strength and physical appearance never matched up with other Australian’s around him. Unfortunately that made him a bit of an outcast in his own community. His parents did his best to make him feel loved and appreciated, but a parent’s love can only compensate for so much.

The Red team was really the closest thing he ever had to a group of friends in his life. And now most of them were gone. He’d never see them again. He’d acknowledged that fact before, but until that moment he hadn’t really processed it. He felt overwhelmed by the emotions creeping up on him. He wasn’t sure how to handle them or what to do.

Thankfully, Engineer caught on to Sniper’s unease. He spoke with gentleness.

“Sniper? It’s alright buddy. You did everything you could, alright?” Engineer was gentle with his tone. He was good at that, Sniper thought. Engineer was capable of making his voice as warm as the coffee they drank. In retrospect, he understood why Scout would often hang around Engineer’s workshop when he was having a bad day.

When Sniper didn’t respond, Engie slid forward in his seat so he was closer to him.

“I’m sorry this all happened Sniper. But, hey, look at what you still have. Spy is right there in that bed. You’ve got him.” He pointed at Spy’s sleeping body. “And Scout? That boy is quick. Trying to get him is like trying to grab an eel. He’s not the sharpest nail, but he can keep himself safe. And well, I suppose I’m still here kicking too. You have friends.”

Sniper’s face softened. “Yeah, I guess I do.” His eyes wandered over to Spy. It was comforting to see him sleeping so peacefully. It showed a level of trust that he imagined Spy extended to very few people. He trusted Sniper to keep him safe in his most vulnerable state. It warmed Sniper’s heart in an odd way. Despite the inherent sad implications of it.

Most of all, Engineer was right. He still had Spy. Spy was still alive and tangible. If he had no one else, he would have him. Boyfriend, lover, partner? The label didn’t matter to Sniper anymore. Spy was his and he wouldn’t let anyone take him away.

His attention snapped back to the Engineer when he realized that he was staring. That’s when he noticed that there really wasn’t an ounce of scrutiny in Engineer being directed toward him. Quite the contrary. He was completely relaxed in his seat and sipping his coffee while he watched Sniper.

“Really, Stretch. It’s alright. I won’t comment on it if that’s gonna be an issue, but you don’t need to tiptoe on eggshells around me. I really am happy for ya. Bit jealous even.” He crossed one knee over the other, in an even more relaxed posture.

Sniper gave Engie a defensive look. Engineer raised a hand and interrupted before Sniper could speak.

“Not jealous because it’s him specifically. I’m just jealous of the fact you got someone like…that. Someone to go to and watch your back.” Engineer made it clear that he had no romantic interest in Spy. That got Sniper to settle down from his momentary jealously.

“Alright then.” Sniper really wasn’t sure how to deal with this situation now. Engineer was being incredibly kind about it. It would really be a shame to kill him too. Especially after losing nearly everyone else. He’d hate to kill a friend. A genuine, real friend.

“I won’t go telling anyone. You can trust me. I got your backs. Believe it or not, I ain’t too keen on losing more folks either.” Engineer frowned.

“Do me a favour.”

“What do ya need?”

“Don’t say anything to Spy. It’ll go over easier if I tell him.” Sniper didn’t even want to imagine what would happen if Engineer confronted Spy about this.

“Yeah, I don’t think Spy would take it well if I brought up your relat-“

“-dynamic.”

“-dynamic. The man is private. Even more so than the average mercenary. I can tell I’ve royally pissed you off, just cause I happened to find out. I doubt he’d take it as well as you are.”

“I’m not pissed off.” Sniper responded, he held his forehead in his hand. He could feel the tension there.

“Then what’s going on in your mind right now?”

Sniper groaned, “Why are we even talking about this? There are more important things going on.”

“You’re right; there is. But Stretch, there ain’t a whole lot we can do about any of that right now. I mean us just waiting out here is the best we got. We should be diligent, sure, but we can’t stop living. Sometimes we need to focus on the mundane. If we focus on the things that stress us out we’ll get ulcers or something.” Engineer pleaded his case. Based on the Texan’s body language, he seemed sincere enough; With those wide eyes and folded hands. Sniper groaned again.

“You wouldn’t want anyone else knowing about your personal life would ya?” Sniper asked.

“Can’t say I would.”

“Do you have folks you care about?”

“Of course I do.”

“Can you get my reluctance then? My whole career I’ve never.. well I’ve never had anything like this before. I’m not letting you take it.” Sniper’s voice had an edge to it. He needed the implications of his sentiment to be clear.

“I don’t wanna take that from you.” Engineer replied.

Sniper looked into Engie’s eyes. Engineer stared straight back without hesitation.

“I like this lifestyle. I like being a mercenary. But we give up a lot. Most folks can’t handle this sort of life. The dangers and what not- it’s too much for ‘em. I’ve been on my lonesome for.. well, a real long while now. So Stretch-“ Engineer got up from his seat and stood in front of Sniper and put a hand on his shoulder. “-if you found someone who can stick with you in this life? Someone who ain’t afraid to dance on the edge of life and death with ya’? Keep ‘em close. You’re alive- don’t forget to let yourself live.”

Engineer placed his hand on Sniper’s shoulder and leaned his face down to look him directly in the face. Sniper could only stare back; the intensity almost intimidated him.

“I ain’t taking it from you, cause if I had anything like I assume you have,” Engineer’s grip tightened,” “-I’d kill anyone who tried to take that from me. Do whatever I had to do to keep it. You don’t gotta worry about me.”

As much as Sniper appreciated the sentiment, it continued to quietly disturb him how easily Engie could change back and forth between blood thirsty intensity and southern charm. He nodded.

“Alright. We’re alright then. Just,” Sniper rubbed his eyes, “-don’t talk to Spy about it. Let me take care of it.”

“Like I already said, it’s between us.”

——————————————————————

“Do you really think this is a good idea?” Spy’s face was scrunched and his brow furrowed. He was staring at the front door of the hotel room. Sniper was leaning against the wall next to the chair where Spy sat.

“He said he just had to step out for a minute.” Sniper shrugged.

“I do not believe you are taking this as seriously as you should. Engineer is waltzing about the hotel unsupervised.” Spy fiddled with his butterfly knife.

“He’s a mercenary like us. He won’t attract any attention. Besides when we were being attacked, he snuck up on the guy with a weapon to your head just bloody fine. No one’s gonna follow him. And if someone does-“ Sniper raised his hand with a hunters knife grasped in his fingers,” -well we do what we’re best at.”

Spy huffed. Sniper noticed a slight bounce in Spy’s leg. A nervous habit? Sniper reached out and put a hand on Spy’s shoulder. His voice was gentle.

“Hey… Spook? Really it’s fine. He ain’t leaving the hotel.”

Spy bit his lip and remained silent. The blade between his fingers flipped around rapidly. Sniper sighed.

“Look I… I appreciate you doing this. Letting him hide out with us, I mean. For taking my word.” Sniper could feel Spy ease slightly. He took that to mean he was on the right track with his attempt at comfort. “Can I somehow make you trust me more here or-“

“-it is not you that I am not trusting, Sniper.” That got Spy’s focus for a brief moment. “It is him I do not trust.”

“Why?”

“You do not find it suspicious that he has not looked into who is after us at all? He seems the perfect level of clueless.” Spy explained. “I believe he is holding information from us.”

“To be fair mate, so are we.”

“For our safety.”

“Maybe he’s doing the same thing?” Sniper twirled his knife absentmindedly as he spoke; unintentionally copying Spy. “I mean, he knows we are closer to each other than to him.”

“What does that mean?” That made Spy break focus from the door again.

“I just mean, we’ve been a team before he got here. We trust each other. He’s the new guy. That’s all.” Sniper knew he had to back-peddle. Now was not the time for that conversation. He hoped that was enough. “But my point is, he saved our lives. The people after us want us dead. Him included. If he was with them or wanted us dead for some damn reason, he could’ve killed us at any point. His fancy tech scanner things could’ve been bombs or he could’ve poisoned the coffee. I think he deserves some trust.”

Both sat in silence until Sniper broke it.

“Remember when we promised not to argue anymore after watching the lights on the Effile tower? That didn’t last long.” Sniper tried to lighten the mood. Spy scoffed.

“All of our agruements since have more so been disagreements rather than genuine arguments. They aren’t nearly as senseless as they used to be anyway. We can’t agree all the time. It is statistically impossible.”Spy took a deep breath and his fidgeting slowed. He put his free hand over Sniper’s and squeezed. “You do know I trust you right?” Spy asked. “Despite how I might conduct myself.”

Sniper hummed in agreement.

“Good. I know I have a habit of being high strung. My heart would break if you took it personally. You have become precious to me. You know this.”

“Do I?” Sniper teased.

“Come here.” Spy tugged on Sniper’s sleeve. Urging him to lean down.

Sniper complied and once in range, Spy kissed him softly.

“Do you know now?” Spy mumbled.

“Yeah. Yeah I think I remember now.” Sniper grinned.

“Thank you for tolerating me.”

“I’m not tolerating anything. I like being around ya. And well I mean that’s saying something. You know how much I don’t like to socialize.” Sniper stood properly back up.

“Oh I know. Trust me, I’m flattered.” Spy tugged Sniper back down to his level. “Perhaps I should take a page out of your book. You dislike socialization and yet you are friends with the Engineer. I already have a….well I have you. Perhaps I can try to have a friend as well. Just for the meantime.”

“Well uh, that’s great.” Sniper’s heart beat heavily. He could’ve sworn he heard the word lover nearly fall from Spy’s lips. Despite the fact that they had exchanged ‘I love you’s’ and expressed their love and affection for one another in various ways, they had not yet gotten used to referring to one another with romantic terms of endearment. Spy had a few times but perhaps it was for the best that it was kept to a minimum. For now at least. It would potentially be the only thing easing the pain if they were to lose each other.

He hadn’t thought simple romantic titles could be so complicated. It was a dizzying thought. The fact that he now had a partner in his life, someone he could see himself missing and grieving for, if anything were to happen. He couldn’t even wrap his head around the fact Spy had fallen for him in the first place. Someone as handsome and refined as Spy wasn’t what he had imagined any partner of his could be like. Spy used to seem so out of reach.

Sniper shook his head. He was so lost in thought he hadn’t even reacted to most of what Spy had said. He needed to get it together for the sake of his ego.

“Are you alright Sniper? You seem-“

The door clicked open. Sniper stood in front of Spy and clutched his knife tightly in a defensive position.

“Just me-Just me fellas.” Engineer’s smooth accent filled the room and calmed the other mercenaries. They only fully relaxed however when Engineer closed the door behind himself.

“Can you let us know what it was you were up to now?” And Spy’s shields were back up. He continued to twirl the butterfly knife.

“It’s a surprise.”

That even got Sniper on edge. He wasn’t one for surprises, especially not now. Spy wasn’t a fan either.

“It’s a good one. I promise.” Engineer did his best to explain himself, without giving what he was up to away. “Just need to wait a bit.”

To Sniper’s surprise, Spy folded his knife shut and stood up.

“Alright then. I want a cup of tea.” Spy began to fill up a kettle with water. “Sniper?”

“Nah I’m alright.” Sniper was baffled by Spy’s laid back response to Engineer’s vagueness. He had to admit that it was nice to see Spy relax though. Maybe he had really perfected this comfort thing.

“Engineer? Would you like a cup?”

“Uh sure. Thank you kindly.” Engineer gladly accepted what he assumed was an olive branch.

Spy plugged in the kettle and watched as the steam began to rise. Meanwhile, Sniper whispered in a hushed tone to Engineer. Despite his plea for Spy to trust Engineer, he’d be lying if he wasn’t curious what Engineer was up to. He was fine with being deemed a hypocrite if it meant making sure Spy would be safe.

“Mate, we are giving you a lot of trust here. Can you at least give me a hint of what it was you were up to?” Sniper and Engie sat on the edge of the bed.

Engineer bit his lip and debated in his head before speaking,”It’s sort of a gift I’ve arranged. A way to say thank you to you both.”

“Thanks for what?” Sniper tilted his head.

“Having my back. ‘Sides I wanted to give you and Spy something nice.” Engie smirked.

“What did you-“

“What are you both whispering about?” Spy approached while holding two steaming cups of tea in his hands. He extended one toward Engineer. “It is camomile.”

“Oh, thank you.” Engineer tipped an imaginary cowboy hat. “Stretch and I where were just chatting about the day. Have you looked out the curtains? The sun is just beautiful.”

Spy turned just enough so only Sniper could see his face. Sniper tried his best to give an apologetic yet reassuring glance. He knew Spy didn’t buy the quick white lie Engie had come up with and he wanted Spy to know it wasn’t anything to truly fret about. The soft smile on Spy’s face conveyed that he was forgiven for the cover up.

Spy approached the curtains and quickly peeked through. It was barely enough to actually see the outside world.

“Yes, the sky is quite blue today. A lovely sight.” He sipped his tea gingerly as to not burn himself. “I do hope you were not standing near too many windows while on your stroll?”

“I wasn’t. I know better.” Engineer tried his tea. “This is good. Thank you.”

Spy gave a nod. “You know I’m curious; what was your life like outside of being a mercenary? I’m not asking for all the details. Simply what you wish to share.” Sniper couldn’t fault Spy for wanting to pry a little.

“Well, I grew up tinkering with gadgets. Something I’ve been good as long as I can remember. So even when I’m not being a mercenary, I’m in a garage working on something. Don’t matter to me what I’m fussing with- a turret or a car- as long as I get to use my hands, I’m happy. My folks were supportive of it. Weren’t too thrilled when I took apart the toaster and made it into a taser when I was a kid though.” He laughed at the memory.

“Makes me think of myself a bit.” Sniper spoke up.

“Oh?” Spy urged Sniper to speak.

“Yeah, when I was a child I’d hide up in trees and throw rocks at other kids. Got real good at that.” Sniper reminisced about his bittersweet younger years. “I wasn’t like the others who wanted to fistfight and roughhouse all the time.”

“Sorry if it’s inappropriate of me to ask but, are you actually from Australia, Sniper? I mean, you’re nothing like any other Australian I’ve ever met.” Engineer asked.

Sniper tensed. His fingers tightened and clutched the fabric of his pants. He knew Engineer wasn’t intending to be cruel but it brought back memories of his youth. His peers questioned the very nature of his existence. His belonging being picked at. He took note of how he was physically responding; his chest felt tighter and his palms sweat. Sniper was taken aback at how powerful simple memories could be.

“Woah, Sniper I’m sorry I didn’t mean-“

“He is unique. Despite the standard he was surrounded by, he developed talents all his own. I believe that shows a strong sense of self.” Spy interrupted. Sniper was broken from his almost trance like state and glanced up at Spy who looked back warmly.

Engineer cleared his throat, “Yeah of course. Sniper I wasn’t implying you were lesser or anything. My genuine apologies.”

“No, it’s fine Engie. To be honest I have questions of my own about it. Like why I don’t look more like Saxton Hale or why I never got the physical strength the folks around me did. I know you didn’t mean anything by asking.” Sniper reassured Engineer. He meant what he said; he knew Engineer was just curious, but that didn’t stop the thoughts. And besides it was different this time. Never had he had anyone other than his parents jump to his defence. Spy thought he was unique, with strong character. He was alright with that. “I might not have been a sniper if I was like everyone else around me. Might not have even given it a try. I would’ve never known that I was bloody good at it.”

“Thanks. And Spy’s right. Forging your own path and developing your own skills despite what others might think is a mighty fine thing. And you’re also right; if you were like the others, you might not have ended up on this team.” Engineer’s face dropped. “Which I mean I guess might’ve been a good thing. At least given the current context of our situation.”

“Ah well, if I didn’t it means I wouldn’t have met you.” Sniper looked at Spy who he could’ve sworn he saw melt a bit, before silently gesturing to Engineer. “Ah- and you of course. Both of ya.”

Engineer chuckled, “Yeah, glad I got the chance to meet ya too.”

“Yes, nice to meet you both as well.” Spy cleared his throat. He tried to change the subject. “I hope the tea I made is still to your liking Engineer.”

“Oh, uh, yeah it’s nice. Don’t drink much tea but this is certainly one of the better cups I’ve had.” Engineer picked up his mug and took a sip to prove himself.

Spy took a deep breath. Sniper noticed and watched him with concern. Spy’s arms were folded over his chest and his eyes were screwed shut. He looked either deep in thought or in pain. Sniper still wasn’t flawless at picking up on what was going on in Spy’s thoughts; it didn’t help that most of Spy’s face was physically covered in fabric. Sure he had gotten better, but he still wasn’t that good. But to be fair to himself- no one was.

“Spy?” Sniper tried to get Spy’s attention.

“I am fine. I just-Engineer?” Spy gave his attention to the Texan. Engineer leaned forward, indicating that Spy had his focus. “I have been cold to you. You saved not only my life, but the life of Sniper as well. I do believe I owe you a bit more grace.”

“Oh. Well, thank you Spy. Really saving y’all wasn’t even a thought in my head. We’re a team. I’m sure you both would’ve helped me out if that was me in trouble.” Engineer responded. He didn’t expect this from Spy. Neither was Sniper for that matter.

“Sniper made me reflect of my behaviour towards you. You have done nothing other than try to help us since we have crossed paths. My reasonings do not matter. Regardless, in truth you have more than proved your trustworthiness to us.” Spy extended his hand toward Engineer. “You have my respect.”

After a moment of disbelief, Engineer took Spy’s outstretched hand and shook it.

“And you have my respect. You’re a good mercenary, Spy.”

“I know.”

“Ah, there he is.” Sniper laughed, which broke any remaining tension. Engineer hesitantly joined in and Spy rolled his eyes.

“I thought you would be pleased to see Engie and I getting along.” Spy said playfully defensive.

“I am. Despite being a sniper and keeping to myself, I know the importance of working as a team.”

“Hence me letting Engineer know that he has my trust. We are a team. As far as any of us are concerned, the people in this room are the only people we can be positive are trustworthy. Do you agree Engineer?” Spy asked.

“Yeah, of course I do. Anyone outside could be wanting us dead.”

“Excellent. Especially considering we have already all shared the information we have with each other. We all have equal knowledge of the threat that looms over us which gives us all the same advantages.” A large smile formed on Spy’s face. His eyes remained fixed on Engineer.

Sniper had to repress a groan. Of course Spy had an angle. He was still convinced Engineer was holding out on them. Perhaps Spy had a point of distrusting the Engineer. Spy and Sniper had been on the same side and have had a mutual understanding since the beginning of this whole mess. It was the two of them that uncovered the shady behaviour of their employer.

However, that wasn’t the current point. The point was, Spy still felt unsafe with the Engineer. There wasn’t real trust in him.

Perhaps a regular person would question the nature of their relationship to someone who extended fake trust to others merely to try and squeeze information out of them; but Spy and Sniper were far from a regular dynamic. Sniper knew that regardless of Spy’s current actions, the trust Spy had in him was genuine. Spy spilled his guts about his past and his son. He wouldn’t share that with just anyone. He sure as hell didn’t share that with the Engineer.

Sniper was brought out of his thoughts when Engineer spoke up.

“All I know is that whoever is after us knows us. They don’t want us hurt, they want us dead. That leads me to think it’s because we know something. We know something that makes us a liability.” Engineer twiddled his thumbs.

“What could we possibly know? I mean, we were merely fighting on behalf of two brothers over a bunch of worthless gravel.” Spy pushed further.

“I don’t know. Maybe that gravel was worth more than we thought.” Engineer’s voice was more mumbled than usual.

A knock on the door got Engineer to jump up from his seat. He haphazardly set down his teacup and marched toward the door.

“Ah perfect. The surprise I set up is here. You two hide around the corner there while I answer this.” Engineer didn’t even bother to turn to face the two. He looked giddy.

Sniper and Spy hid and listened closely. After a pause they heard the door open.

“You ordered room service right? The romance dinner package?” A woman with a thick French accent said.

“Oh, uh, yep that’s the one. It’s all on the cart here?”

“It is. Do you need help bringing it in?” She offered.

“No I got it. Thank ya ma’am. Have a lovely night.”

The door shut and the sound of squeaking wheels filled the room.

“Alright boys. It’s safe to come out.” Engineer said. Both men approached him.

“The romance package?” Spy’s voice had a hint of an edge. His arms were crossed. Sniper could feel himself sweat a bit. This isn’t how he wanted this to happen.

“I didn’t mean for it to be a romance package. I just asked for a nice dinner for two. I uh- I realize how that must’ve sounded in retrospect.” Engineer also sweated. “I wanted a chance to thank you two. So I went down to the kitchen and ordered this as a surprise.”

The skepticism in Spy’s face faded. “Well, thank you. This was far from necessary.”

“Yeah mate. You didn’t have to do this.”

“You both let me hide out here. Because of you fellas I have two more sets of eyes looking out for me. This is the safest I’ve felt this since this whole ordeal started. So I do believe I owe you something at least. So I’ve ordered a fancy three course meal.” Engineer lifted one of the tops off one of the trays. Two smaller warm bowls of a thick orange liquid sat on the metal tray. “Lobster bisque is what I think it was called. Sounded fancy so I picked that.”

Spy perked up. “That is one of my favourite dishes.”

“Well y’all dig in. I’m gonna hit the shower. I need a spa day- or evening or whatever.” Engineer walked toward the bathroom. “Enjoy your dinner guys and thanks. I mean it. I’m real happy I found you both.”

“We appreciate this Engineer.” Spy examined the cart.

“Yeah and we’re glad you’re alright too, mate.”