Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Morning. A gloomy morning in England was always a spoiler about how the day was about to go. If the weather is too grey, it means God feels sad, but not sad enough to cry. So the day perhaps will run decent. 

If the clouds are too white, it means the day will go good, and god isn't sad, neither mad. So it means it'll go extremely good. And when the clouds are too dark it means-

"776! I'm talking to you, dammit!" Yelled the General, causing the girl Infront of him to narrow her eyes and jumb, just a little bit. Shit. She forgot where she was for a few seconds.

"What, are you in love or something?  Asked the man annoyed, his forehead making lines from the noticeable anger. The lines on the forehead only reminded her of that fish she doesn't know the name of. The one that looked like an oiled bald man, just like General Shepherd.

"N-no- sir." Hesitantly 776 murmred, her mismatched eyes shifted from the wooden floor to face the general, who stood Infront of a large window, observing god knows what. 

With a sigh, Shepherd turned and approached the desk. His eyes moved from the modest decoration of the office, the medals, the pictures and the military degrees, to the tall, awkward looking girl Infront of him. 

"As I was saying, the higher ups were being interrogated. I have no choice, but to transfer you to another taskforce." He informed in a firm tone, his pupils stabbing the soul of the little girl. 

And she wanted to ask who interrogated them, and wanted to ask where the hell he would send her, but his voice rang inside her dry brain.

No questions allowed.

Awkwardly she shifted the weight on the other leg, her arms remained behind her back. Her gaze shifted from the man, and moved down at her old, abused boots.

"So, I'm putting you in their entrance exams." Shepherd's voice echoed again in the room, making her snap her attention back to him. His eyes narrowed. "You mess this up, and not only I'll destroy you, I'll make sure your little brother grows up IN PRISON!" He raised his voice, his eyes hardened, fist slammed the desk. 

776's face didn't change, but her heart was racing, and felt like she actually shat herself. 

"Is that clear, 776?" Asked the man in a low, dangerous voice.

She hesitantly nodded.

"SPEAK DAMMIT!" The man yelled again-

"Yes sir!" In a shaky voice she repeated, starting to feel anxiety numb her feet. She knew he meant every. single. word. 

"Good. Now, go to Fyodor. He'll tell ya what to do." In a calmer voice he said as he sat down on the chair Infront of his office and pulled out of the drawer a bunch of files. He slammed them on the desk, ignoring her presence for a few seconds. "He's in his office." 

And with that, she saluted him and stormed outside the room. It didn't take long to find Fyodor's office. She knocked and stepped inside, finding the fat man already sitting on his desk.

"Ah. If it isn't my favourite RPD." He smiled through the double chin. It's obvious he shaved recently. Otherwise the pimples on his supposed jaw wouldn't be this red. Awkwardly she closed the door behind her.

"Take a seat." He added before adjusting himself on the seat. The room smelled like chocolate pudding and coffee, which made her stomach beg for food. Yet, all she got was protein bars and the delicious food from the cantine.

"Good morning, sir." Firmly 776 greeted once she sat down the chair. She crossed her feet and arms. Her jaw already clenching, as this man always got under her skin, even by his presence.

"So you heard the news, huh? You're moving to TaskForce 141." The man smiled, taking out of his drawer her file.

Ohh.. so that's where I'm going.

"Let's see..let's see.." he whispered as he opened it. 776 cringed as she saw her picture on the corner of the file, attached with a clip. She had short hair, was much skinnier than now and had fewer scars. Yet, the gaze never changed. 

Creepy. She thought.

The fat man's finger traced over the unnecessary information, and finally tapped on the “Physical status”. He smirked, she raised a brow.

"Ah. Look at you. You only did thirty pushups back then, but now you're at  sixty." Like a nostalgic mother he commented.

"We gotta update your file, kid." He murmured mostly to himself. 

After a few hours of trying to guess what information needed to change and what not, he finally closed the file and folded his arms.

"From now on, for the whole year we'll train. We must get you through the exams with the greatest grade. Alright, sweet chicks?" Asked he, raising a thick eyebrow. 776 nodded. How hard could that be anyways? She trained her whole life. It shouldn't be this hard.

"We're starting tomorrow, sharp 5 am." Sternly he said and tapped the file. 

At times, he wondered if he spoke to a person or a wall. She didn't respond, didn't move and made zero noise.

The perfect victim, he thought.

"Understood?" Asked the man.

"..yes sir." She murmured.

"Dismissed." 

Chapter Text

TW: physical abuse, gore.

"Alright.. keep going, seven. Only four to go." Said the coach, aka Fyodor. The fat man was sat on a wooden bench, drinking a coca cola zero, while watching 776.

She grunted as she tried to keep up with the rhythm. The ground was firm, the rocks stabbing her skin softly, making small dimples on her palms that kept pushing her body from the ground, and then bringing it closer. She repeated that for about 56 times.

776's arms were shaking, and her biceps underneath the rough material of the fabric had turned red. Yet, her stubborn personality just refused to give up. She grunted once she lifted herself, and once she lowered. 

The fat man observed, taking a sip from his coke. Deep down, admired her strength. Though, it annoyed him that she was starting to struggle.

"Give it up, kid. Admit it, your maximum is 56." He grunted in indifference before taking another sip, glancing away at their surroundings. The backyard of the base was dull. Obviously.

The sun was shining above them, but the roof did them the favour to crate shade.

It had a big quarted filled with grass, the place where every rookie stood there for two hours, the least.

776 didn't focus on Fyodor. 

That fucking fattie. I swear to god, thought she.

She exhaled as she tried to lift herself up again, until she lowered herself. 

A firm kick landed on her hand, causing her to lose balance with the following sound of rustling of her uniform. In seconds, she tasted the ground.

"When I say something, you listen." Sternly the man said as he stood Infront of her. The more he spoke, the more she figured out the man was from Russa. What a surprise, she thought.

She didn't cry, but furrowed her thick brows as she raised her head to face the fattie. She wanted to ask him ,what the fuck?, but only her chin trembled from annoyance.

"Don't look at me like that." In irritation he murmured, clenching his grip around the soft aluminium bottle, before taking another sip. As if taunting her.

She froze there, breathing heavily as she leaned against her elbows. She could feel her shoulders and biceps sore and a few small rocks stuck on the soft skin on her palm. Her gaze never stopped being firm.

What a fucking asshole, thought the sweaty ginger.

"Get up." Harshly he commanded, and she did. She rubbed her hands together, and the small rocks fell ontop of her boots. She shook the small rocks from her chin too and folded her arms. She was actually taller than him.

He sized her up, realising she was in fact, trained too hard by him, for her to be the “perfect victim” he thought of her almost a year ago.

However, he composed himself and cleared his throat, his brown eyes found their way to hers.

"As you know, tomorrow I'll rewrite your file." He started, before taking another sip, almost finishing to sweet beverage.

"I got everything I need."

"Our program will keep going on till the exams." He scratched the double chin under his chin, almost awkwardly.

"So you may as well eat well, sleep well and ..I don't know. Take your vitamins..whatever pills they give you." He murmured and took another sip. He crushed the can in his fist and shoved it against her chest. 776 blinked in confusion and looked down at the can, catching it panicky before it fell.

"You disappointed me today. Let the trash throw themselves." He smirked, before scratching his straight nose. 

"Dismissed." He scoffed before turning to walk away.

776 awkwardly looked down at the bottle, then up at the man. She kept the confusion for herself and turned to the opposite direction. Soon, the hard ground underneath her boots was heard once she made her way to her dorm, still holding the coca cola can in her hand.

Once she stood Infront of her dorm, she unlocked it and closed the door behind her. She dropped it in the small bucket besides her desk, the one that had already a few cans from other times, and she instantly threw herself on the bed. Without changing clothes, or atleast removing the shoes, she drowned her dirty self on the bed.

..

......

..........

There she was, walking towards her house. A small, yet jolly yellow house. She had her black hair tied in a braid, while wearing a beautiful white dress. Her arms weren't rough and strong anymore, but rather slim. 

Once she reached the entrance door, she pushed it open and walked in, instantly facing herself on the mirror.

No weird eyes, no facial scars, no ginger rough hair, no dull eyes.

A small smile scarred her serious face, then looked around. 

"Oh honey. You're back, where the hell have you been?" Asked a tall man with tube glasses on. He had a concerned expression on his tired face for a few seconds, but soon it turned into a relieved one. 

"Alex! Go eat the strawberry smoothie I made." 776 snapped her head to the direction of the sound. Her heart ached. She didn't react. Then, her attention shifted to the man, again.

"Dad?" Asked she.

The tall man warmly smiled and titled his head.

"What is it, little one?" Softly he asked as he approached.

"I saw a bad dream." Her eyes started filling with salty water.

"I..I saw that you gave me to the military, and I-I barely saw you. Then, once I tried to talk to you, you only yelled at me because I ch-changed." Her young, shaking voice stuttered through the tears that slid down her youthful face. Her father kneeled Infront of her to match her height and wrapped his skinny arms around her.

"Oh my baby." He whispered kindly, tightening his arms around her small body.

"There's no way we'd do that, honey. We love you, silly. I'd never..ever send you to such horrible places for money." He whispered softly to her ear, feeling her shoulders trembling. 

"Baby, even at our worst financial situation, I'd never..and I mean it. Ever use you. You're my little goblin. My best friend and daughter." He kept murmuring, rubbing now her back in soft, comforting way.

She cried harder against his shoulder.

"..I was so alone..and scared. I missed you a lot." She cried again. The man sighed and kept trying to comfort her. He kissed her soft, chubby cheeks, making her giggle as his unshaved beard pinched her soft skin. 

After they hugged, she pulled away and walked towards the kitchen to eat the strawberry smoothie the female voice said.

"Mommy, please come. I want to see you!" Excitedly she yelled, rubbing her puffy eyes. 

"I'm sorry baby. I have a lot of work to do.. but I love you really much. Once I finish feeding your baby brother, I'll come and gift you all the hugs in the world." She yelled from the other room. Alex looked over the fridge and looked over at the drawing with the family.

There was a green tall human stick, then a pink one, a little bit shorter than the one with glasses. The black one was her, and the blue one, who was the shortest, her brother.

Ontop of every stick man, a name was written.

Josh (daddy), Giana (mommy), Alexandra (me),  Adam (my lil bro)

Before she could eat the bowl of smoothie Infront of her, dogs started barking. They didn't own one. Neither two, not three.

She snapped her head to the sound, feeling scared. In seconds, the black furries broke into the house and ran towards her father. In terror the young girl screamed at the same harmony as Josh. Blood was scattered on the carpet and the walls. The smell of blood couldn't reach her nostrils, as once the dogs rushed to her, she woke up.

With a gasp she sat up straight on her bed, feeling her heartbeat increase in a dangerous speed. She tried to breathe, and it seemed to work. Alexandra clenched her chest, automatically the sweat staining her clothes. It took minutes to calm down. 

Her gaze moved from the floor to the calendar pinned on the empty, white wall.

March 2016. 

Then, she finally stood up and decided to take a shower. She removed the uniform and stepped in the bathtub, refusing to glance at the mirror. All she saw was this..red head with one brown and one blue eye, with the fucked up face.. as she called it. While showering, she remembered something.

In a week she'd transform to a new task force.

I finally get out of there.

I finally meet knew people.

I finally perhaps be able to see my finally more.

I'd finally have a bit of freedom. 

These thoughts brought a small smile on her face. She forgot about the nightmare that sabotaged her rest. 

She got four hours of sleep, but who cares? 

I'm moving out.

Chapter Text

The days passed and her excitement only grew bigger and bigger.

Only the thought of leaving caused unnecessary adrenaline rush through her veins. Simultaneously, it felt like a betrayal. To shepherd and her base. He always used to brag about how much of a great weapon she was, and how her presence ensures their victory in missions.

Now, she stood besides the general with her hands behind her back. Gaze pierced on the carpet underneath them and mouth sealed.

"That's the soldier I was telling you about." The old man firmly said while looking down at the officer Infront of them.

They were in the office of some man she didn't recognise at all.

From the subtle glances she stole, he looked like a firm, no-bullshit man.

He was looking down at the folder that reasonably belonged to her, in a disappointed way he analyzed the folder.

Silence dominated for a few minutes. 

He glanced at her results on his other hand. The atmosphere was growing heavy, and she couldn't understand why. 776's eyes moved to the golden tag ontop of the desk. She figured it was the man's name, yet she struggled to read it. 

"So..that's the famous 776." Flatly the man spoke, finally looking up at them, mostly at the tall teenager.

"A bloody child." He murmured in disbelief, turning his attention to shepherd.

"You kiddin' me, General." Calmly, yet annoyedly he said. A hint of anger in his tone was detected too.

"That's a fucking child." 

"I'm not here to play the babysitter." 

Ah..British. She thought. 

The rejection stang, but of course, she struggled to show it. Awkwardly, she glanced up at shepherd.

Shepherd didn't back off. He scoffed and smirked.

"Then I've got no choice but to send her to the Shadow company." 

"No- god." In distress he interrupted as soon as he could. His fingers found his temples and rubbed them. 

Silence, once again.

776's gaze couldn't remain on the floor, and shifted to the man's figure. He wore a hat and had a weird beard shape. Only his chin had no hairs, which was funny, considering how crotcheted he seemed to be. Not to mention that he was similar to Papa Smurf.

A small smirk appeared on her face as she tried to maintain her composure, so she didnt look up for her own good.

"You're a sick bastard." The captain snapped, trying to keep his peace.

"Call me what you want, Price. You saw the results yourself, they're the best, ain't they?" Taunted the general. It was true, she tried her best and actually went excellent. 

Price glanced down at the paper again. "..I could sue you for providing child labour." Threatened Price with a serious expression.

General scoffed. He wasn't taking this seriously at all.

Which infuriated the captain some more.

"Little did you know they're by my side. I've connections, Johnny. What do you have?"

"-Common sense. And moral respect." He snapped. "Get the hell out of my office." In a calm, yet threatening voice he ordered.

"You've got no choice, kid." He paused.

"If you got any questions, you know where to find me." And made his way to the door, opening it and disappearing.

776 was frozen by the turn of events. Awkwardly he looked up at captain, then at the door. 

The fuck am I supposed to do now?

Puzzled she stood there like a cucumber. Eventually , she rushed to leave the room. As she turned the handle—

"You." Firmly John snapped, folding his arms while watching the teenager about to leave. She looked up at him over her shoulder and turned her body to face him. Not knowing what to do with her hands, she hid them behind her back.

"Sit down." Price ordered and 776 followed the directions. She crossed both feet and arms.

He couldn't help but sigh at that sight. She was a child, already in a soldier uniform. His eyes lingered over her facial scars. The one that probably effected her right eye, which started from the middle of her forehead, traveled through the side of her eyebrow, splitting it. Then, it continued to her lips, also splitting them and ended to the top place of her neck. God, how painful that must have been.

Not wanting to give the impression of a creep, he also sat down and sighed. He folded his arms, mirroring her pose and spoke.

".. Alright..here we go." He mostly encouraged himself.

"I'm Captain John Price." He introduced himself in a calmer way.

"I'm the leader of task force 141" his expression softened once he observed her more. Her skin was paler that a ghost's and the small scar on the edge of her top her lip, made his heart ache. Even her gaze, despite being empty, it also was clueless. 

"I apologise if I scared you earlier..it's just.. you don't face such case as yours everyday" He unfolded his arms and leaned them against the table. He offered a small, bitter smile, just to appear friendly to the kid.

"Let's start over, shall we?" Continued he. 776 stared hard, not saying anything. As if she's a programmed bot.

The captain guessed she wasn't much of a talker. What did he expect? She probably wasn't allowed to answer anyways. Instead, he spoke again.

"So, what's your name?"

"Seven seven six." Instantly she replied. He didn't expect such rapid reply, but he guessed that's how it was.

"I mean..your real name. The one your friends call you." He tried to clarify his questions. 

"Which now that I think about it..you probably don't have." He mumbled mostly to himself. Not knowing what else to do, he scratched his beard, not wanting to made her feel uncomfortable at any cost. 

She couldn't help but stare. She wasn't trained for conversations. 

After a few seconds, he broke the ice again.

"Your file says your birth name's Alexandra Fisher." He murmured, looking down at the file. She remained silent, doing a great job at not showing that she didn't even know her last name. -She knew her name was Alexandra, however.-

"Your exam results.." he moved on, switching papers while looking down at them.

"They're pretty good. Especially for a kid your age." 

She felt proud, his eyes found the small picture on top and he smirked.

"Ah. That was the first time you joined the army, huh?" Asked he in a light hearted tone, glancing up at her. She only nodded.

Soon, his eyes moved to her personality traits, noted by the psychologists. The flaws seemed to be more than the strengths, which caused a small frown. However, he only swallowed and looked at the kid once again. 

She looked down at the file, hoping it wasn't going to ruin her escape from the base. In anxiety, she bit the inside of her cheek, sending that something was off, but she didn't comment.

"..look..Alexandra.." he sighed in syress, his expression turning serious once again.

"I'm not here to caress your ears, neither be your enemy. All I'm asking you is to cooperative and useful. We've got no time lose."

"You think you can handle that, soldier? Working under peer pressure?" 

Duh?

She nodded.

"Great. Tomorrow I'll introduce you to the rest of us and sign contract. If you have any further questions, you know where to find me."

"Dismissed."

The next day came. 

After a bittersweet dream of hers, she washed herself and put on the uniform. After shoving her feet in her boots and laced them, she stood up and walked out of her dorm room. The one she'll never see again, thankfully.

She made her way to shepherd's office. She knocked once, knocked twice, knocked thrice, but no one answered. What the hell? Hesitantly she hoovered the handle with her hand and pushed the door open, just to find.. no one. 

For a second I thought I'd find him dead. She mumbled to herself as she left a sigh of relief.

Walking inside it felt weird. She was free the search the place, hopefully no one will interrupt.

Approaching the desk, she felt guilty. It was wrong to scoop around, god that curiosity was going to get her killed.

She picked up the pen from the pencil case. She sat down on the chair she always faced. She opened the drawers and pulled out the files it had inside. Then suddenly she got an idea.

After a few minutes of searching and searching, she found her file. A small smirk broke her serious facade and soon placed it ontop of the wooden desk. She opened it and started checking her status. At the notes she frowned. Who the hell said I'm too aggressive? Then, she looked down at her data. Her thick eyebrows arched at the ethnicity.

Half british, half french . What the fuck?

Mother's ethnicity: French

Father's ethnicity: British

What the fuuuuuuuuck, whispered she.

Name: Alexandra Fisher/sevensevensix.

She grabbed the pencil and drew a curvy line on the paper.

Name: Alexandra fisher/s̶e̶v̶e̶n̶s̶e̶v̶e̶n̶s̶i̶x̶

Better.

Her hand closed the file and placed it back to the drawer, making sure the general won't suspect anything and then stood up from the chair. Once she was about open the door and leave, Shepherd stood Infront of her. She narrowed her eyes in panic and stepped back, and so did Shepherd who got startled.

"Jesus!" He yelled.

"What the fuck are you doing in my office, soldier?" His barely nonexistent brows frowned as his expression hardened.

"I-I didn't find you here, sir.." murmur 776 awkwardly and in panic.

"I just got here." She lied.

"Hm." Hummed the general, seeming to believe her enough. He looked at her for a bit more, before passing her, getting inside the office.

"Anyway, Price told be a few things about your little interview." He murmured once he stood Infront of his desk, before leaning against it, now facing her.

"Such a good soldier you are." He taunted.

"You know, I'm regretting sending you there. You're my favourite weapon, 776." He said, sizing her up.

"If you were any older, I wouldn't hesitate to keep you as mine." In a low voice he said.

Goosebumps ran her spine. Alexandra swallowed and remained silent, starting to tense under his words.

"But since ya ugly too, I guess your skills keep ya 'live." She felt like she was spoken to like a waitress.- Not like she knew how they were, but around the base they were underestimated.-

Her gaze hardened, but kept her composure.

"Perhaps it saved me from creating scandals." What the fuck happened to him? She thought in anxiety. Why he's opening up? He is known to be professional at all times, after all.

"'cause I watch those men impregnating their soldiers like some kind of achievement, and I feel stable for not having done the same-"

"But another part of me knows if you were prettier and older, I wouldn't care." 

What the hell.

She remained frozen in her place, not knowing how to feel, neither how to react. Before she'd think more about how she should react, his voice interrupted the train of her thoughts.

"I have no clue why I'm trusting you with that kind of stuff, 776. This is our last goodbye, but don't think I won't keep watching you." In a nonchaland way he spoke, before sighing. He folded his arms and sighed once he noticed her shocked expression.

"You're fourteen, 776. I expect some maturity from you." Firmly he scolded, not liking how she was acting. "All shocked for what? Every man thinks of you that way, probably."

What the fuuuuuckkkk...

Alexandra looked up at him, the front of her brows raised in disbelief. 

"Now go. You have to get ready· the van will be in the backyard in any minute now."

Alexandra nodded and walked outside the room. She couldn't think of anything else than shepherd's words. Did he really mean that? Or was he saying that to mess with me? She couldn't help but wonder.

Now that she stood outside, she needed to calm down. I can't show up like that. Nervously she debated. After checking if anyone's coming, she pulled out of her bottom's pocket a malboro pack of cigarettes. She opened it and her lips pulled a cancer stick. After lighting it up with the lighter -she stole from a soldier in the mess hall- she inhaled a big mount of smoke and blew it from her nostrils. After a few puffs she got lightheaded and decided that it's enough for today. She took another one, last drag and dropped it on the ground and stombed on it with her boot. Exhaling the smoke from the mouth felt like a big refresh. Like she finally calmed down, yet she kept thinking about his words.

A black van drove her way and stopped Infront of her. The window rolled down, exposing a male driver with sunglasses and a rough look on his face.

"Alexandra fisher?" Asked with a brow raised.

She nodded and he unlocked the door.

She sat on the backseat as the man was driving, none of them spoke during the 30 minute trip.

After they arrived she got out and was met with a woman. Wait, a woman?

Alexandra was surprised to finally see a woman. She needed a break from men.

She approached, having a feeling she has to interact with her.

"Good morning. You're Alexandra fisher?" The blonde woman said, offering a small smile.

"Yes, ma'am." 

"Ah great. It's pleasant meeting you in the flesh. I'm Kate Laswell." For some reason, her accent reminded more of an American citizen than a British one, which threatened the ginger to raise a brow. However, keeping the comments to herself per usual, she tried to be as friendly as Kate.

"..awesome." Awkwardly she replied, not knowing how to continue the conversation any further.

"C'mon. Let's meet the boys." The lady motioned Alexandra to follow. While walking behind her, she noticed how much of almost they same height they were. She felt tall, in some way, and more powerful. With a simple move, she'd knock her out in seconds.

Her mismatched eyes lingered more on her short dirty blonde hair that were tied in a bun, then on the blue loose scar on her shoulders and the basic beige jacket and blue jeans.

After walking through the backyard of the new base, she realised the building on the outside was.. exactly the same as the previous one. How grey. She thought. 

"This is your new base. Hope you like it." Dryly the woman said while walking on the front.

No response came from the teenager.

And for the next quarter they walked in silence till they found their ways in the hallways. The hallways were empty, as probably the soldiers were send in missions or were in training. Or perhaps sleeping.

They reached the place where the vehicles were placed and Kate opened the door, allowing the ginger to step inside first. Without being mentally prepared for what she'd come across. "Welcome, 776." Captain price stood exactly Infront of the door, arms folded Infront of his chest, he had a serious expression on his face.

"Here are the boys."

He motioned with his head at the other three men besides him. Her eyes slid with his motion, and looked up at the tall ones. She wasn't considered as short, but Infront of them she felt like an ant. 

"That's Gaz Garrick." It was a brown man, he had a serious expression on his face like the rest of them and nodded as a greeting. 

"Soap." Captain continued.

The other one, a white one with a brunette short mohawk. He offered a kind smile, which she didn't return. 

And finally, "Ghost." She looked up at the masked man, feeling a slight shivery ran her spine, for second time today. The brown eyes of the balaclava man didn't move away from the ginger, but she could tell the man wasn't playing around, unlike the one with the crazy hairstyle. 

"That's your team fro-"

"Ya know," interrupted the soap guy "ye 'n' Ghost will make an excellent team. Yer as pale as a Ghost." He scoffed at his joke and Garrick groaned.

"Bloody hell mate.-" The brown man frowned his brows, slapping his arm while Ghost shook his head in disapproval.

Price sighed and ignored the scene, before turning his attention at the men.

"Focus, boys." Firmly he scolded. 

"Don't let his tease get into your head, girl. He's a fuckass." Gaz tried to ease the situation, and as soap was about to defend himself with a light hearted chuckle, price interrupted.

"Enough." Almost he yelled. He turned his gaze to Alex, who she was just watching entertainment, not seeming to realise the comment about her skin. She knew she was pale, but didn't really care.

"Ready for the mission, 776?" Asked the captain after a few seconds.

She raised her brows in surprise.

What mission? I thought I'd sign a contract.

Chapter Text

"Ya good lass?" 

Price asked as he watched 776 freeze on spot. 

Instantly, just to avoid the awkward silence that could follow right away from the question, she nodded.

"Y-yes, sir." With hesitance she replied, hiding the nervousness she felt.

"Though" she continued, trying to be as smooth as she could.

"thought I'd sign contract first?" She shifted the weight to her other leg, titling her head to the sides and raising both brows.

"Ah..shit." he whispered.

"the contract." awkwardly raising his hand to scratch his jaw, as he moved the free hand to hang from the armpit holes of his vest. 

She raised a brow.

Ah..the contact? In irritation she thought. 

"Erm..we figured you haven't graduated yet.." The man awkwardly spoke, before clearing his throat to perhaps encourage himself not to be so obvious..

"so the military insists on sending ya in a school. Ya know. Fo' kids like ya." 

From the raised brows she had, she frowned them.

"The fuck you mean school, sir?" Asked the ginger in clear annoyance. He forgot the contract, and the fact she is basically forced to go to..school? 

You have to fucking kidding me. 

"Oi. Language." Price scolded, shifting from awkward to firm.

"We'll talk about it after the mission." Then, he turned to the guys.

"Aight folks. Go get ready· we leavin' in ten." He ordered his team before he walked to the other way.

The team started heading towards the lockers room, with Alexandra rushing behind them to catch up. 

Of course, she went to the women's lockers room. While putting her gear on, she could hear faint noises but not understand what was their purpose.

After minutes, she got out the same time as the men did and followed them from behind to the helicopter. 

Minutes later, after crossing the grand helicopter base she clinged and found herself sat across the team and besides Captain price.

No one spoke. 

All of them seemed occupied with their own thoughts, or perhaps scenarios of dying. She wished she did in one of those missions.

Not realising it, she stared on the ground too hard. Expression blank, gaze blank. Emotionless, expressionless.

"Ey, new girl." A voice was heard. The teenager snapped her head to the direction of the voice. Her eyes found Gaz and Soap.

"Ya look young. How old are ya?" Asked he, obviously meaning no harm.

Johnny MacTavish from besides him nudged him with his elbow.

"Gee, Kyle. Didn't they teach ya not to ask a lady's age?" Playfully he asked.

"I don't mind." Interrupted the girl, the voice just as flat as a ruler.

"I'm fourteen and a half." timidly she replied, glancing at the window before looking directly at the men once again. "Theoretically, fifteen." She added, feeling smart, but at the same time felt her confidence melting at the personal question.

"Ah that's right. Price mentioned it sometime." Gaz nodded, feeling proud to trade words with the youngster.

"He also says ya one of the best." Soap added in a matter of fact tone.

She raised her brow, feeling like they're pulling her leg. Yet, like the subtle girl she was, she only shrugged. 

Being modest was the only response she knew. 

The Scots chuckled. "Don't be modest now. It ain't bad to say you're one of a soldier." He smirked, before Gaz raised a brow.

"You're taking it too far, man. I thought I was one of 'em." In a smile he argued and soon they started the playful banter, which she eventually lost interest in.

Her gaze moved to Ghost, who was sitting besides the Mohawk guy. He looked outside the window from besides him and had his arms folded ontop of his chest, boots steadily placed the ground -as if ready to stand up at any second- and stoic. Even under the mask.

The balaclava did him the favour to appear more intimidating than he truly is. 

Ghost felt her gaze, and moved his eyes to her direction, only for her to immediately look away and pretend she's busy looking outside. He said none.

After what felt decades, they arrived at the part of the mission. 

"Alright boys, and girl." Laswell's voice was heard from their radios and headphones. 

"The mission's simple. Gather intel without getting caught. You know the drill." The confidence in her voice was dripping. It was clear the men barely dissapointed the woman.

On the other side, trying to detect any sign of the location they were floating above. Where are we going? She questioned herself, before another voice violently pulled her out of her confusion.

"776." Firmly captain called the girl. She moved her head to look besides her, where price stood.

"Your file said ya flexible. Why not give us a show?" Asked he, making it difficult to direct whether he teased, taunted or was serious. By logic, he probably meant it.

"Yes sir." The girl firmly replied, acting as if she knows what her flexibility will be used to. Probably to sit somewhere in weird shaped places, she figured..

The helicopter finally landed on the firm ground and the team gathered their rifles and stood on their feet. She still didn't know where they were, but they were definitely not in England. She looked around, and the only thing she found similar was the abandoned, wet streets and the moody weather. Perhaps they're in France? She's never been there, actually.

"Ahh. Scotland. Home sweet home." Soap smiled while looking around, smirking to himself as he inhaled the air of mold flavour. 

She heaved a sigh of dissapoint. She really wished they went to France.

"Aight. Gaz and Soap, ya with me." He firmly ordered, having a serious expression on his face, before turning to the other two left.

"You two go. Ghost, guide her through the building and 776, careful not to get caught." 

And with a firm nod the teams separated. 

Lieutenant Ghost was walking forwards, walking rapidly. Too rapidly for her own liking. Not wanting to slack off, she walked faster than usual, not understanding why the rush. The mission mustn't be fast, but carefully done.

Even if the words came out from Fyodor, they were wise from such fattie.

Despite the frustration of having to walk faster the usual, she couldn't help but stare at his back. It was big, with the muscles being shown even underneath the harsh fabric of their uniform. 

What a nice view, thought the girl with a smirk.

Instantly she mentally slapped herself after realising she's probably staring.

Focus. Focus. Focuuuuuusssss..

After their silent walk to the apartment building, he crouched down and she copied his movements. 

They hid behind a car. 

"You'll climb through tha window, shove yerself in and get all the files ya find in the office." Firmly he ordered. The teenager nodded and looked around once again. She peeked her head out of the car and just noticed that building was a tall one, seeming almost like a house. Yet, before she could come with a solution—

"Change of plans." Price's voice was heard from their radios.

"wait fo' us. We cleanin' today.- ova." 

Alexandra frowned her brows at the sudden command, unconsciously doing an enjoyable side eye with Lt. Even the man was confused.

However, they had no choice but to wait. 

One minute.

Two minutes.

..three minutes.

The girl sighed in distress. Aggresivley she lifted her sleeve and revealed her vintage electric watch. She drummed her thin fingertips against the clock's dark green screen, before looking around every now and then.

The man raised a brow underneath his balaclava, but said nothing. He couldn't understand her rush. As long as they hid well, they had nothing to worry about.

"Fuckin hell-" Gaz's whisper was loud enough for her “bionic” ears to detect. Almost robotically, she snapped her head like a k9 moving it's ears. 

All three men finally arrived and the duo stood up. Price was holding a pry bar. 

Without words, everyone took their positions infront of the front door of the house. Alexandra pointed her rifle at the door as Captain threw the tool against the door. On the third time they all rushed in. 

The girl felt a sudden adrenaline rush pump through her veins. The anticipation caused her to clung her weapon and grow more aggressive than she has to be. 

While the team walked inside they found nothing. 

"Find em!" Price ordered, and Alexandra, as if she's a German Shepherd, went for the kitchen. 

The house was a two floor, typical British-Scottish architecture. The kitchen was dark, just like the rest of the house, despite the curtains being wide open. The girl having a suspicion hid behind a wall and with the tip of her rifle, she pointed somewhere. Her finger was touching the trigger softly, ready for action.

And just before she adjusted herself, the sudden movement from the shadows caused her to release the bullet. 

Yellings could be heard from the top floor, so after she made sure the kitchen was clean, she rushed upstairs. It was rather chaotic, since they were supposed to have a plan. 

Perhaps they had and she wasn't aware of it.

The soldiers are supposed to be pressed against the wall of the stairs, but it seems they went through that stage whole she was cleaning the kitchen.

"Seven!" A firm yell broke the eer silence and she rapidly climbed the rest of the stairs. She found herself standing Infront of a large floor with much decorations and walls made out of glass. The place wasn't spacious, so god knows who hid behind any wall.

With not a single thought in her mind, she rushed in the room and instantly accepted the open fire that happened the second she stepped in. Thankfully, after the dodging the first bullet she pulled the grenade from her belt and bit the lid off. In one second she threw it and the glass walls after five seconds shattered as she ran away and covered her ears. The victims of the explosion were just as the offenders were, thankfully. 

"Oi! Here!" Yelled price as he caught a glimpse of her passing the room they were. She heard the yelling and stormed in.

"What psycho threw grenade?" Asked soap with a cough, his worry and annoyance clear, since almost the whole second floor was destroyed. Thankfully they stood from the other side, but risked on being injured by the broken glasses.

She remained silent, since what mattered is that the 2/3 were gone. She pulled her balaclava that hanged from her neck to her face with only her mismatched eyes were visible.

Her eyes finally moved to the poor terrorist, hanging from his arms as they gripped him.

"Seven, grab all the shite he has!" Price ordered as he pointed his riffle close to the man's nose. With no second thoughts, the girl walked to the office and emptied everything, leaving the drawers empty and the the desk with only it's pen. She shoved the folders into her backpack, along with the laptop. She also, grabbed the pencil for her own needs.

As she did so, Ghost grabbed the man by his arms and shoved him against the wall, while Gaz patted his whole body. Soap and price pointed their guns as the man. Alexandra looked around the place, making sure it wasn't no more crowded and looked back at the team. Once again, she stood by. 

Once the search was finished, Ghost started dragging him out of the house with the men following behind. It was truly simple. Usually it was more dramatic than this.

"You're under arrest." The balaclaved man grunted as he dragged him down the stairs. 

Whatsoever, the girl simply following them.

Was the mission completed..?

Like that? Thought she.

As price led the way, he pressed the mic closer to his mouth..

"Mission completed." He glanced behind him and smirked at the puzzled expression of the teenager.

Chapter Text

After the mission, the walk to base was quiet.
The team did the debrief with Laswell and as the ginger was about to leave-

"Not so fast." Price's voice interrupted her daydreaming. 776 turned around and looked up at the man with a confused expression.
What did I do now?

"Walk with me." The beared man said while walking forward and so she'd follow him from behind. Eventually reached and walked besides him. Their feet surprisingly matching speed.
Awkwardly she glanced up at the man before she snapped her gaze elsewhere, Fyodor's words echoed in her mind like a stubborn bell.
No questions allowed, he always repeated that.

Price noticed her uneasiness. How she didn't know how to act around him.
He and pulled a cigar out of his trousers pocket and lit it up swiftly.
The girl besides him raised a brow at the sudden cigar smell and looked up at him.

"I don't think you should smoke in here, sir.. it's forbidden." She murmured, looking around her to check about who will probably snitch on them.

"Don't worry, lass. This place smells like shite anyways." He chuckled.

Finally, they got outside the building from some other door, and now stood Infront of the parking lot. Deep down, she thought he'd kidnap her from here, but he seemed too nice for that.

"Why aren't we in your office, sir?" Asked she as she watched the old man take a seat at a tall step. She folded her arms and looked around once again. She mentally smacked herself for not listening to Fyodor's advice, yet she couldn't help her curiosity.

"We don't have to be in there everytime, y'know. Getting kind of depressing, innit?" In a grunt the man replied as the smoke came out of his nostrils, moaning in relief as he took a seat on the cold step underneath them.

"Take a seat. Don't stand there lass." He patted the place besides him as he looked up at him and took another puff.
The ginger awkwardly looked around her and took a seat across him, folding her arms while slouching forward. Like a shrimp.
"First..let's no ignore how disastrous the mission turned.." he huffed with a brief smirk, before taking another puff.
"But that's who we are."
"So good job, on carrying yerself like that. You're a young one, but good at what ya do." The man nodded.
The girl simply nodded, not really knowing what to reply here.
"Of course I'll keep ya with us. You ain't like the burden I thought you'd be."
"However-" another puff.
"I think we should talk about that..school thing."

Ah right. This bullshit now, she thought.

"Now I know goin' to school ain't your thing, probably. But we need that damn paper. Otherwise the higher ups will put a target on our backs."

She nodded, but couldn't help but wonder who the fuck are these higher ups everyone keeps talking about.

"So it'll only be fo' two semesters. So no worry about that next year."
"You'll start on September. It's an afternoon school, kids yo age will attend going. They also have a job you like you are. Aight? So no worries for feeling different or sum.."
The man asked before taking another puff. "Any questions?"

The girl shook her head and scratched the back of her neck.
"Aight. Today a child psychologist will come to check on ya to fill your background for the school papers.. ion know what type of bull she'll ask- but either way it'll last a few mins." Asked the man, once again. She nodded.
"You sure you've got no questions?" Insisted he, she shook her head
"Aight. Let me introduce you to your dorm then."

The man stood up in a grunt, then moved his hand to rub his lower back. "My bloody back.." the captain murmured as he started making his way back inside the building. Soon enough he put out the cigarette on the lid of the bin and left it there.

The ginger was walking besides him now in silence.

Sooooo awkward.

The hallways were long, the walls were white and the lights made the place more stern than people gave it credit for.

After some time, they arrived at the dormitory hall and passed from a lot of doors.

"That's Ghost." He pointed at the one with the numbers 505 as they passed it, and she glanced at it, before looking forward once again.
"That's Soap." He pointed at the door with the number 506.
"And that's Gaz." He pointed at the door 510.

It didn't take look to stand stand Infront of hers. Both stood Infront of the wooden door and the man took out of his pockets it's keys. Confidently he shoved them in the keyhole and twisted the key. With his foot he pushed the door open and stepped inside first, with her following.
Looking around the place, it seemed pretty normal. A bed, a desk and a bathroom. Since she carried no stuff, that would be her room. So after lending her the keys they greeted eachother and finally she was left alone.

March continued, and so did the other months. For first time, it wasn't as stressful as last year. Sure, missions happened. Stuff went on.

Now,
Alexandra stood on the corner of the mess hall, pressing her ear firmly against the base's phone.
"Mom-! For fucks sakes.." she mumbled under her breath in frustration as the other gripped the thick black metal ontop of her ear. She took a breath.

"I'm not signing no papers, you hear me?!" With broken English the woman on the other side of the line said.

"Mom I swear to god, I'll fucking kill you. Just sign me the fucking papers." Aggressively she whispered, feeling fury as she slightly raised her voice.
When she felt a few stares, she glanced around and instantly lowered her voice.
The other line was just screams in french. She couldn't figure out much.

"Dude it's for a school!" Alex cut her out.
-"yeah well! It probably costs money, and where will I find them? Huh?"
"You know money don't grow on trees, neither do I give birth to them!" The other woman yelled, causing the girl to flinch. She put the phone in distance from her ear.

"It's free- if it's not I'll pay it. Just like I pay for your shit annually!" Yelled she in a whisper.

"Ohh don't act like this. I'm pretty sure you go there and rub yourself to your officers like last year." The mother spat in anger. "Do you think I like listening to some officer saying some shit about you and an officer? You little whore?" Asked the mother. Alex felt her stomach drop.

776 frowned her brows in confusion.
"What the fuck does that mean anyway!" She whispered back defensively.
"What Fyodor did to me wasn't out of love, you remember that, right?" In shame she replied, feeling embarrassed for being reminded that.
Not like she remembered much. She was drunk out of her mind.

The other line scoffed.

"Okay listen. I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier. I love you,-"

-"yeah, you're just saying that." Interrupted Giana.

"No, I'm serious."
"Look- mom I beg you. I pay for everything in the house, don't I? I do. I-, just do me a favour and return the papers I send you with your signature. Or even dad's. I don't mind. I'm just- begging you." The girl in clear desperation murmured and leaned against the glass wall besides her.

Giana sighed.
"Fine."
"I'll reply to your idiot e-mail."

"Th-" before she could finish, the line was cut off by a long beep.

Chapter Text

And the time finally passed.

Two months went by quite fast, considering she couldn't remember what she ate yesterday.

Yet, one thing she remembered is Fyodor and Shepherd.

How are these two going?
She thought, as she sat on the edge of her bed, staring at nothing. Her posture slouched forward as her elbows were digged into her knees. Her ginger locks tied into a messy bun. She hasn't eaten, hasn't slept yet. Her nails spoiled her appetite lately.

"That's not possible." She smiled to herself as her hands interlocked fingers together, finally leaving her nails be.
"How could they forget me?"
"I don't think they have." She debated.

"No. Okay listen-" she straightened her posture and her expression changed. It transformed into a firm, serious one.
Not like you could tell the difference.

"There's no fuckin' way everyone forgot about me. I'm so fuckin' sure of that." Her foot started bouncing.

"I mean they know me since I was a little shit, don't they? They do. Oh hell they do. They fucking do and they know me and they haven't forgotten about me and still consider to someday! Some bloody day! To call me and check up on me- and I'm sooooooooo fucking sure it'll happen one day I won't expect it they will come into this base and search for me and-"
She inhaled some air
"And will ask me how I'm doing." She sighed and smiled.
"Oh yes. Yes they will Alex. And it's gonna be on your birthday- which- is fine. Okay my birthday passed- it's okay next year girl!!" She smiled and inhaled a small mount of oxygen. Her heartbeat started raising again.

And with that, she stood up and went to her wardrobe. She picked up her military uniform from the hangers and swiftly put them trousers and jacket on in anticipation. After zipping her combat boots she snatched her keys and shoved them inside her pockets, then her ciggies.

It didn't take her long to find Price's office. She rapped her knuckles against the hard wood and pushed the door open, peeking her head inside.

"Captain?" Awkwardly she warned him of her presence, before she stepped inside.
Before she could open her mouth, the old man sighed.

"No Alex. This is the third time you're asking for a duty." In disbelief, exhaustion even he replied, leaning his head against his fist.
"I told ya. Nothin' yet." He scratched his forehead in distress.

"But it's been a week." The girl folded her arms as she frowned her brows.

"It's gon' be like that, private!" Snapped Price.
"Don't cha have sum boyfriend or sum?" He sighed.
"Do sumthin' else, lass. Life ain't all guns n' violence." He murmured as he looked up at the angry young woman Infront of him.

She rolled her eyes.
Fuckin asshole, she thought.

"Then gimme the keys fo' the gym."
In a calmer voice she replied, as if giving in. She extended her arm for the kegs.

"No. You already went there." Firmly Captain replied.
"Go scroll on musically ..or Instagram. Chat with your teammates for once, I promise they don't bite."

With a quiet but lazy „yessir” she dragged her feet off the ground and got outside his office.

God.

"Okay Alex. You got this." She murmured to herself, smiling to herself. Unconsciously, she leaned against the wall, just besides the office door.

"Go eat something. No, you'll lose muscle." She mumbled.
"Then drink? No. Either water, or whiskey. Otherwise, you're a puss. A little weakling" She added in a matter-of-fact tone to herself. Not realising it, she brought her fingers to her lips, not realising the subtle nail biting. Her heartbeat raised again.

"Talk to your teammates? Hell no. These guys are fucking weirdos."
"I- I just don't like them, dude. God, especially this Soap dude!" She pushed herself off the wall and started walking alone through the empty halls.
"Who the hell does he think he is? Definitely he ain't funny, neither cute. He's just some jerk who seeks attention." She whispered to herself while walking forward, not knowing where she goes, but definitely going straight.

"And Ghost? He may be hot but, c'mon. That's only it. He's a wall, a punching bag and some short of wanna be gangster or something. Gaz is the only normal of them all."

She thought again, not realising how crazy she seemed now. With a wide smile on her face and her chopped lips constantly opening and closing like some chick on a date.

"Maybe I should speak to Gaz. Maybe he'll fall in love with me and I don't know. We'll have a family- no! Not a family. God, yucks." She shook her head in disgust.

"Who the hell will take care of the disgusting, non-stop-crying sperm? Definitely not me. Ew. Just Ew." She rolled her eyes and pretended to push the baby away, her palm -in real life- pushing the air.

"I don't think he likes me though. So I'll just show up, speak and then I'll leave. This should be ez."

She licked her pinky and thumb. In a swift move she brushed her messy brows just like Fyodor once did.

With her confidence high -for once-, the ginger made her way to the coffee maker. That's where he usually stood for some reason. Perhaps a chick was drinking too much coffee.

After a few minutes of making a scenario of their conversation, in sight the coffee maker and Gaz were included. She gained her serious expression, the one they knew her by, and approached him.

The man was leaning against the machine, scrolling through his phone in silence. She didn't greet him as she stood Infront of the machine -just so he wouldn't suspect anything- as she reached for the paper cup ontop. After placing it under the small sink, she clicked on the icon for the black coffee and left it there. She folded her arms as she watched the process of it and kept her eyes locked on the machine.

"Hey. Drinking coffee?" Gaz asked as he got off the machine and looked down at Alex and the coffee, slipping his phone inside his pocket.

Alex nodded as she briefly glanced up at him.

"mhm." She murmured.

"I mean, you probably need it the most from the team." He said, not realising how it sounded. The ginger defensively raised a brow and looked up at him.

"I mean, I know our work here is tuff. And I also understand why you look so damn tired all the time." The man added, still not getting the hint. Alex just awkward listened to him.

"But anyways. How's yo day goin' miss seven?" Asked he calmly with a smile. Alex took the cup of coffee and looked down at it, before she softly blew it.

"Uhh.." Alex replied.
Then, she took a sip, ignoring how much it burned her tongue and throat.
"Just.. normal." She added, trying to ignore the itch that digged inside her throat.

"Normal, huh?" He teased.
"What's normal for you?" He raised a brow.

"....." Shit.

She never thought of this part in the scenario. And -I think- she got a first degree burn.

It's okay Alex. Think. Think you stupid girl. Stupid. Think. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Fucking stupid people!

"Normal." She shrugged, before taking another sip. Thankfully the coffee now eas cooler. However, it was truly bitter. But that don't matter. It's the only type of coffee a man should drink. It toughens you up. After all, sugar is for the weak.

"..like.. training.." awkwardly she added, waiting for a reaction.

"Training is all you do?" Gaz asked, raising a brow.
"Sounds boring as hell."
"If you wanna join us someday, feel free to do so. We don't mind you here." The brown man replied as he leaned against the coffee machine yet.

"..yeah. I will definitely come by, sometime."

No way in hell I'll do this, she thought.

She took another sip and after realising it finally cooled down, she took a swing and finished the coffee in seconds.

"Aight. I'll go out for a smoke." She announced as she tossed the cup in the trash bin before walking away.

"Hold up. I'll tag along." Gaz replied as he followed from behind. As she walked forward, a small feeling of proudness gave a petit boost to her ego.
The plan worked. I'm so smart, she thought with a subtle smirk.

As they finally got outside the base, Alex pulled out her malboro red packet. She brought a tall cigarette in-between her dry lips and took a long puff. The smoke calmed her heartbeat now.

Honestly, the only reason not to commit. She always told herself.

"Ey." Gaz said as he got out too and stood besides her.
"It's the first time I've actually seen you smoke. You do smell like it, but I was starting to think it was some type of cologne." He chuckled as he brought his camel cigarettes and did the typical moves.

"It's all natural." She tugged her brows twice up as the smoke came out of the nostrils of her curvy nose.

"Yeah, I bet."
"So you've been in your dorm for like..a week now." Gaz continued.
"You good?"

"Of course." She replied rapidly, as if trying to prove otherwise, even if she wasn't, who cares? It's an eternal thing..

Right?

"This week's boring as hell. I just sleep and..." in loss of words she awkwardly glanced up at him, before looking down at the cancer stick.

"I..workout."

"God damn woman!" He laughed.
"No wonder why you're so jacked."

She wanted to dismiss his comment, but instead she looked away.
"Yeah."
"But it's not this boring."

"How?" In disbelief he chuckled, before he took another puff.

"..like..you can.. start thinking about your life? And then ..you know." Awkwardly she replied, tapping with her finger the cig and watched the ashes drop onto her sole.

"imagine your life? My life ain't that interesting, not gonna lie. My momma used to yell a lot, but god damn did she make the best sweets in the world." He smiled at the memory.

"I remember when I was around ya age I went to soccer practice a lot." He smirked at the nostalgia before taking another puff.

"Y'know, I'm trying to quit these motherfuckers." He raised his hand with the cigarette.

"It's just..at times I need to feel relaxed. Atleast I'm not smoking as much as I used to."

Alex nodded, listening intensely as she took another puff. After all, she had no problem listening.

"What about you though? Know you're a baby-" he chuckled.
"But you're not that much of a baby."

776 remained silent for a bit, before looking down and took a drag.

"I don't remember much."

"My mum and I don't speak a lot anyways." Awkwardly and nervously she huffed as smoke came out of her mouth.
"And yeah. I don't know. My dad mostly spoke to me, but y'know. Ever since he got diagnosed with bipolarity he changed completely. And here I am, paying for his pills just so he can atleast be nice to my brother." She non-chalandly replied before taking a puff.

Gaz narrowed his eyes, clearly not expecting such background story. A part of him felt guilty for asking in first place.

"Shit, seven. Had no idea."
Awkwardly he replied, before taking another puff.
"Though, I never took you for a sibling person." He shrugged his shoulders, trying to change the subject.

She didn't realise his awkwardness and the subtle way for the change of subject, but didn't mind.
"yeah. Adam's eight now. I convinced my mum to send him to a private school because he was getting bullied." She replied.

"Woah. So you're the man of the house?" Asked he, taking another puff.

"I mean, I don't have a dick, but sure."
The man besides her burst out of laughter.

She shrugged before taking another puff, before she blew it from her nostrils.

For some reason, it was surprisingly nice talking to Gaz.

"So.." she dropped her cigarette and stomped on it with her boot.
"Got a girlfriend or something?"
She asked out of boredom.

"Yeah. You know, it's this woman in my life.. so grateful to have her." He smiled to himself and he pulled out of his phone to show her.

"Her name's Amara." He pressed the code on his phone before turning the screen to the girl. "We got engaged a year ago." He took another puff before repeating Alex's moves.

Damn, she's ugly as fuck, the ginger thought.

"She's not bad." With an expressionless face she murmured, looking now up at him.

"Yeah. She's my woman." He chuckled, blushing like a schoolgirl.

How pathetic.

"And they tell you men in military are dangerous." She sarcastically responded as she folded her arms.

"When you'll find the right man, you'll act the same way, seven." Gaz replied with a light hearted tone.

For some strange reason, they kept chatting about various subjects.
Guns, military rules, history, random facts ..

"When you first joined the team, I was kinda shocked a kid like you was allowed in the team." Admitted he.
She raised a brow.
"I mean, dozens of soldiers try to do everything to join. They train to the bone and do stuff nobody should. But you? Bro, you just got into this team like a pro."
"What I'm saying is..even if you're a kid, you don't have to be in job mood all-day. Aight? You're a bloody teenager after all.."
Alex nodded.
"I'm serious dude." He insisted.
"I know people who give every year process exams to get in, and never do. You should be proud of yourself." He patted her shoulder.
She huffed in disbelief, as if he's exaggerating, but deep down felt good. Like her confidence boosting.

Surprisingly it was a pleasant situation. She was starting to take a liking to Gaz, despite he was head over heels for his wife.

A man shouldn't be this weak.

The time passed and night outside started being more visible. "Ima head to bed." The brown man sighed, before yawning.

"Night." Dryly she replied as she watched him push himself from the wall he was leaning in for hours. It's weird how easily he finds comfortable spots.

The man waved her bye, and after a few minutes she decided to head to bed too.

She walked through the halls in silence. She passed the open bathroom stall and her eye caught a glimpse of two people. She narrowed her eyes at the realisation.

776 out of curiosity stepped backwards just to ensure what she saw..and unfortunately, it was true.

Soap had pinned against the bathroom wall the blonde nurse. The sweet one. She grimanced in disguist as she watched their lips move in a strange rhythm, so she instantly ran away.

Just to avoid any uneasy situations.

Ew. Yuck.

Chapter Text

(TW: drugs, sexual assault, rape, suicidal behaviour, gore)

Despite being in the middle of July, Alex not once did she go outside the base.

In her dorm room she stared at the door as usually, standing in the middle of the room as her palms held each of her shoulder. Honestly, she was bored to death. She had finished her training hours now, but had nothing else to do.

Then, someone knocked on her door.

"Oi." A firm voice pulled her out of her thoughts, making her jumb and curse under her breath.
She got distracted while changing.

"Ina minute!" She yelled in annoyance as she shoved her feet in her boots. Then, she grabbed her jacket and threw it on, before she grabbed her keys and unlocked the door.

"Jesus." She breathed once she saw Soap outside, waiting with arms folded.

"Did you just wake up?" Asked the man as he raised a brow and pushed himself from the wall he was leaning against.
"Yea." She lied as she buckled her belt swiftly, slamming the door behind her with her foot and locked it again after she buckled herself.
"Damn." The mohawk guy smirked.
"And here I thought you never slept." Which was true, in a way.
However, she simply rolled her eyes.
"Har.Har." sarcastically grimanced as she glanced up at him before she started walking forward, not caring if he followed her or not.

Johnny laughed and fall into step with her.
"Why the hurry?" He teased.
"Cause I'll be late for the meeting."
"Yeah, only you." He shook his head, reminding himself how much of a soloist she was. Is. And perhaps always will be.
She was walking rapidly with her head lowered. Her mind was starting to travel elsewhere, to the point she didn't hear anything from her surroundings.
"Oiii." He nudged her with his palm gently.
"Where are you?" Asked he as he slightly frowned his brows with concern.
"I'm here." Simply she murmured as she rolled her eyes and sighed, starting to feel her heart beat raising again.
"Doncha roll ya eyes at me, lass." He teased again.

Once they arrived Infront of the door, she mentally prepared herself for a scolding. They were late.
"I'm gonna blame soap and everyone will be mad at soap and not me." She thought to herself, and with  confidence she pushed the door open, not holding it for Soap.

Price who was standing Infront of a deck board frowned.
"Where the hell were ya two?"
Alex opened her mouth to reply-

"I had to wake her up." He smirked as he took a seat besides Ghost. Alex's cheeks turned pink and in embarrassment glanced up at Price, before taking a seat in the other side of the room.

"This fucker" she thought as she folded her arms and Price proceeds to continue the demonstration.

"Aight folks. Now pay attention" Said price as he folded his arms across.
"The mission is simple."

"776 will be our spy." He continued.

Everyone's gaze moved to her, and a small whistle escaped Gaz' lips. However the ginger awkwardly looked at everyone before she looked up at price.

"The purpose of the mission will be simple: kill Hassan Zyani." With a click, the picture of a bald, Arabic was shown on the board behind Captain.

"Do not speak to him. By the moment you see him, kill him. No matter what happens, we need him dead." Firmly the man instructed. Alex nodded, her expression turning serious.
"He is the host of a grand paty in Las Vegas."

"What the hell does an arab do in freaking Las Vegas?" questioned the girl to herself, but didn't bother to ask outloud.

"If it's a party, do I have to wear a dress?" Asked she further, worried about the answer.

Price huffled and smirked at the innocent question. "No lass. Just wear something that doesn't give out your purpose for going. I'll ask Laswel to pick your outfit." The man shook his head in disbelief. Honestly, you wouldnt expect a girl like her, a weapon to ask such things. However, small gestures like these reminded people that after all, she's just a child trying to be professional.

After the meeting was finished the ginger stood up from her seat and sighed, starting to feel nervous for the mission. She reminded herself that she had gone to plenty solo missions before. What would possibly go so wrong anyways?
"Rest now, tomorrow be at four in the lockers." Said price and headed out, just like the rest of the team.

Alex in anticipation, perhaps a bit of excitment, made her way to her dorm. All she could think of was a plan for tomorrow. Party,  dancing, alcohol.. there could be a change she would meet her future boyfriend. Or maybe just find awesome friends. She was deeply blinded by the scenarios playing in her head. All of them had one and only ending: she would come out alive, blood in her hands and a cocky smirk on her face. Everyone will celebrate the fact a fourteen and a half years old managed to make it through a brutal mission. Oh, how excited was she to see the smile on Fyodor and Shepherd. For a second, she felt her cold demeanour cracking with a small, timid smile. People passing her would think she was turning slowly insane, but she didn't care. She would prove everyone how good of a soldier she is. And that was all that mattered.

Unlocking the door for her dorm, she stepped inside and grinned to herself some more. She pulled a cigarette from her pocket, not caring how wrinkled it was. She smoked it in one or two drags. It helped. Relaxed enough to sleep she laid on her bed and closed her eyes.

After a peaceful sleep, her wristwatch vibrated. Her heartbeat increased as she started gaining her consciousness. In hurry 776 cleaned herself and got dressed. She pulled her hair into a tight low ponytail, even if she hated tying her hair up. Sure, had no reason not to follow orders. After all, since when do weapons disbobey?

In confident steps she crossed the empty halls. The time was already 3.45 am. The weather outside was dark, but it happened to appreciate darkness more than lightness. Growing up in the dark since the age of eight never effected her opinion about rainy days, dark winters and lonely cold nights. Some would say its a fetish, some would say opinions are different.

She reached the lockers room and after checking around, she sneaked out of  her long sleeve a protein bar with strawberry flavour. It seemed to be good quality and definitely expensive. She didnt care. She didnt even pay for it. People were too busy minding their business in the grocery shop. Carefully she unwrapped the snack and took a seat on one of the benches infront of the blue, old and small lockers ,which were also attached to the wall. She didnt realise how hungry she was the whole time, as she couldn't help but take big bites. She hoped the party woud atleast have drinks. Strawberry flavoured.

Once finished, she tossed the trash in the trashcan besides her and folded her arms. From time to time Price would arrive. Nervously her leg bounched, glancing over her dark green plastic wristwatch the time.
"Jeez.. when is he coming.." she muttered to herself, feeling the need to throw up from stress and excitment. While looking around out of boredom, she remembed the first time she went to a party. The first time she got drunk, the first time they banned her from the local church of her hometown. She chuckled at the memory. That priest had gone complete nuts. In the dark lockers she chuckled and grinned, not managing to hold back her laugh at the man who made her pray for three hours.
"It was just a little kiss dude.." She mumbled to herself and folded her arms as she leaned agaisnt the wall behind her, spreading her legs slightly open, getting comfortable. A few strands of ginger hair peeked out of the ponytail, but she ignored it.

Finally, the door of the lockers room opened and the lights turned on. Price semed to have just woken up, holding a paper cup in his hand.
"Goodmornin, sir." 776 greeted with a firm voice, causing the Captain to narrow his eyes and flinch.
"Goodness sake girl..!" Price chuckled and looked down at her. Obviousy, he didnt expect her to be earlier than him. He noticed her clothes and raised brow.
"That's what youre wearing..?" Asked he as he folded his arms.

''Yeah." The ginger murmured. His eyes roamed at her form. She didnt look like going on a party at all.
A dark green jacket with black shorts and..her combat boots.
''Did..Laswell dress ya up?" Asked he, a bit unsure. Alex nodded.
"Aight..if ya say so.." awkwardly he shrugged and took a seat across from her, on the other side in the room.

''So. Remember your character today. Quiet, cute, sneaky. Your purpose is to find Hassan, the bald guy and kill him on spot. Do not worry aboutlooking like a murderer, we've contancted with the police of the area. They will make sure to turnoff every camera.'' The man firmly replied, looking at her in the eyes.
''Remember, accept no drink from anyone, no cigarettes or drugs. Your job there is to kill hassan, i repeat. Do not get influenced easily. No one there has good intentions for anyone, especially for women and especially for someone as young looking as you. If anyone approaches you, dismiss them and respectfully and discreetly tell them off. Do not help anyone vulnerable and do not, and i repeat, do not trust anyone in there. The party isnt just a teenage experience. There people who make important deals, buy prostitues and act as if its a strip club. Do not help any dancer.'' He spoke with arms folded. Alex nodded, taking in any information. He pauses.

''Theres no rooms for mistakes, 776.'' The man added. ''Understood?''
776 nodded. She was tarting to get in war mode, not thinking about the hot chick she once kissed and the mad priest. He nodded and stood up. She followed from behind as they made their way outside the lockers room. Out of routine she kept her head lowered. Her jaw clenched while she was mentally preparing herself for the worst possible situation. She couldn't help but smirk. The walk to the helicopter was silent. Price patted her on the back before he got inside and sat across her. Both folded their arms and spread their leg to get comfortable.

Half an hour passed and price couldn't help but start a small talk.
''Ever been to vegas, 776?'' Calmly he asked.
''No sir.''
''Ahh. And here I thought you had seen the big casinos.'' He chuckled.
''Even if i went there, they wouldn't allow me to get in."  She raised a thick brow.
"Yeah, i know. But when i went there, they accepted my team for free, without checking ID either. Perhaps you'd be lucky, y'know?'' He slightly titled his head.
''You guys dont look a day under the age of 20. I'm not surprised." She murmured. He chuckled.
"Cheeky." He smirked.
''You know, the boys are curious to see how you'll do in the mission. Soap even told me to give you this.." He shoved his hand into his trousers pockets. Alex raised her brow again, titling her head to the sides. She watched him pulling a small, pink lipgloss. It had the colour of faint pink in the liquid inside. She had no clue what that "Dior'' brand was, but couldn't hep but smile a little. Timidly.

''For..me?'' Hesitatntly she asked, accepting the lipgloss. Her cheek turned slightly pink from the warm gesture. Her eyes melted at the cute packaging. Price smiled watching the reserved girl smile warmly. Even if the smile was barely noticeable. He could tell it wasnt everyday she got gifts for no reason.

''Its not my birthday.. y'know.'' Akwardly she replied, looking up at price, surpressing her timid smile.
"I know kid. He said its for the mission. To look prettier, he said. Since youre going to a party.'' Warmly he replied, chuckling at her timid reaction.
''Well..tell him I thank him.. he didnt have to..'' She awkwardly huffed, looking down at the packaging again.
"Will do"

After 11 hours from Herefordshire to Las Vegas trip, the heli landed to the agency “Maverick helicopter” base, Alex and Price jumbed off and their feet felt the ground underneath their boots. Alexandra looked around, feeling the sun burning her back. She looked at her wrist watch, the green screen showed a complete different time. "7.00 am" showed on her wristwatch screen.
''Follow me." Said price and Alex listened. She walked besides him, her expression firm. Both of their eyes were scanning the area. Soon, a middle aged man walked towards them. Wore sunglasses and suit. 776 instantly threw him a sharp glance, before looking up at price. Surprisingly he was calm. She could see a smirk forming on his cold expression.
''Mike.'' Said price as he kept walking.
''Price.'' With a smile the bald man greeted. They did a handshake and he moved his sunglasses to his forhead.
''how's it goin' mate." Mike smiled as he crossed his his arms ontop of his chest.
''The usual.'' Simply he replied. Alexandra besides him folded her arms and observed the man as if he had personally offended her.
"And thats 776, right?'' Asked mike, pointing at her with his big nose.
Alex frowned her brows. She didnt even know the man, but he knew her. That made her wonder if they gossip about her scars all around the world. Price noticing her firm expression patted her on the shoulder.
"Dont mind that face. She ain't aware about her popularity yet.'' He smirked, ruffling her hair playfully, messing her low bun slightly. She raised a brow, dozens of questions form in her little head at the words.
''how even.." she thought to herself.

''I bet.'' Mike huffed and turned around.
"Follow me.'' He said to the pair, and Price started walking. Alex, having no choice, drugged her feet to walk besides the man. She looked up at him and her expression hardened.
"How in the bloody hell does he know me?" She whispered as their steps matches while walking. The air blew the few strands that peeked out of the ponytail.  Price noticed her demanding tone.
''Not now.'' He murmured, slightly annoyed, yet he didnt let that sow.
''Now focus on the mission. I will explain to you when its all over." He added, sparing her a firm glance, as if ordering her to obey, and she did. God, at times this man could be firm when he wanted to.

Meanwhile Mike guided them towards the exit of the area. He pulled a key from his belt and unlocked the tall fence as approached the end of the terrain. They approached the crowded with black vans area. Soon, they approached a one. Mike rapped his knuckles against the anthentic glass and once the window opened, a black woman apppeared as the driver.

''How much, Mel?'' Asked in a low voice to the old woman.
"700 dollars." With a hint of sassiness in her tone she replied. The baldman cursed under his breath looked back at the duo.
''Get in.'' ''My treat." He smiked and put the sunglasses to cover his tired eyes.
''Thanks mate.'' Price patted his chest and opened te door for 776 to climb inside first. Once she got comfortable she watched him take a seat on the other side of the backseat place. He slammed the door closed and sighed, grunting as he tried to get comfortable. In pain he grimanced.
"My back." He whispered to Alex, giving a small nod as he frowned his brows. The ginger expressionless she remained. Her arms folded due to muscle memory and her eyes roamed on the car. It was dark. Soon they felt the machine turning on.

The ride was smooth and quiet. Only the radio played country music on the background in a low volume. That's when she realised they were in America. She turned her gaze from the window to price.
"Do I have to speak in American accent?" Asked she awkwardly, breaking the ice.
"No." Simply replied the captain, still looking outside the window.
"When are we arriving?" Instantly she asked, growing bored and more anxious for the mission.
Price shrugged.
"Ask Mel."
"No." Sharply Alex replied. No way in hell she'd speak to the driver. Fuck no.
"Why not?" He finally turned to look at her.
"Shy?" He teased, a smirk forming on his face.
Alex raised in disgust the top lip of hers, her curve nose wrinkling
slightly. "Fuck no."
"Then?" He kept pushing her for an answer.
"I just.. what if she knows me too?" Asked she, her concern clear to his ears.

"So?"
"What do you mean so?" In defense and surprise she asked.
"Want me to ask for ya?" He raised a brow.
"Yeah." She murmured, looking away again.

The old man leaned forward, holding the driver's seat with one hand, then tapped her shoulders.
"Oi, Mel. When are we arriving?" Asked the man, dropping himself on the backseat.
"Why? Got a date?" Teased mel, looking at price from the rear mirror.
"Oh..no. just curious." He chuckled, placing a hand on his stomach, as if he's Santa claus.
"Since ya ask so nicely, we'll be there in five hours."

"Where even is this party?" Asked Alex, interrupting their conversation.
"Ah, ah, ah, sweetheart. Let adults discuss this.." strictly the driver said, moving a hand to massage her scalp among the afro hair.

" 'xcuse?" Alex frowned her brows, taking an expression that gives away her intentions. Price tensed and raised a hand Infront of Alex, as if she's a dog ready to bark.
"Ey ey. No fighting 776." Firmly he replied, looking down at her like a dog owner.
She sighed and rolled her eyes, before looking away.

The past four and a half hours passed. They were slowly arriving to the region.
"Remember. No interacting and focus on the task at hand." He suddenly said, grabbing her attention. Alex nodded.
"I'll send Simon and a few men to take you once you're done. I've got to do another business here, aight?" Asked he, waiting for her nod.
She smirked and squinted her left eye.
"You'll go to the casino, huh?" She teased, yet price never smiled.
"That's not the time, 776." He firmly responded. ''Where have you hidden the gun?" he added.
''In my underwear.'' Casually replied. Price raised a hand to rub the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Lord help us all.." he mumbled, yet alex could clearly hear him.
"Alright- focus. We've got no room for mistakes. I've said it and I'll keep saying it till the day I die." He looked up, removing his hand from his face. His tone caused Alex's smirk to die down.

The van parked outside of the gates of a big Maison.
"Good luck soldier." Price patted her on the soldier. Alex nodded and saluted him, before she took a big breath and confidently opened the door, stepping her foot on the ground.

On the two sides of the gates were heavily protected by cameras and two security guards. She looked up at the cameras, yet the red light wasn't on.
"Damn. Police here don't play around.." she thought. Before she'd approached the guards, she took out of her shorts pockets her dior lipstick and applied it to her lips. She didn't know if she looked good with it or not, but who cares. The least she wants is grab attention.

However, once she shoved the lipstick back to her pockets, in seconds she stood Infront one of the bodyguards. One bulkier than the other.

"Name." The black man with a tear tattoo underneath his eyes sternly ordered, looking down at the ginger. From experience, she knew black men were stricter than the one's in UK. Perhaps more consious and sharp. Who was she to judge anyways?

Though, 776 didn't back down.
"uh..hello" She murmured timidly already having a plan in her mind.
"i-i think my mommy is there..." timidly she replied, putting her hands behind her back to appear as innocent little kid. Her voice more high pitched than normal.
Even if shes too tall for that.
The security guard raised his brow and looked over to his coworker who was watching from afar. He looked back down at her and folded her arms.
"How old are ya, kid?" Asked, not convinced yet.
"twelve.." Hesitantly she murmured, looking up at him and pouting.
"Hell nah. The fuck do these white folks feed their kids.." He chuckled in disbelieve, obviously judging.
''what's yo name?" Asked her, folding her arms.
"Melissa..and i need my mommy.. daddy is really mad and ..and he told me to go found her.. so.. so i followed her here and i saw her getting inside.." Alex kept going. Nobody in base knew this, but she was agreat actor. Fyodor taught her well.
The tattooed man narrowed his brows and awkwardly glanced at his coworker. He whistled to the shorter's man for attention. Now, with both guards standing besides eachother and looking down and at her, she titled her head.
''The hell we do with her now?" Murmured the tattooed man to the short one.
''Holy shit.'' He chuckled. ''Y'know who she looks like?"
The other man shook his head as no, frowning his brown puzzled.
''Emma. The ginger chick with the titties.'' He whispered to him.
''No way man. The kid's scarred.''
''So? Her daddy sounds like an ass, he probaby beat her to death.'' He shrugged. Alex remained silent, watching them trying to find a solution. She made sure to sniff at times, just so they can see how much of pain melissa is in.
''You thinking what I'm thinkin?" Smirked the short one.
"Fuck..I dunno man. She a little girl..'' The tattoo face moved his hand to scratch his chin.
''Bro, chill out. She a big girl to go find her momma.'' The short tried to pursue.
Eventually, the tall sighed and turned to Alex.
"Aight.. we will allow you to come in, but one you find your mommy you'll leave, alright?" Asked he in a soft tone. Alex nodded and once they opened the gates for her, hesitantly she stepped forwards.

A cocky smirked appeared on her face as she approached the open party.

''Here I come.." The ginger sighed and made her way towards the inside of the maison. Alex felt her heartbeat slightly raising as she realised how many people were were gathered. God. Prices words suddently ringed like a bell in her head. ''Remember, your task is to find hassan."
The house inside had all kinds of lights, as if its a club. Loud music played on the background, shitty one too. Walking throught the huge place, she located a convertastion couch. It was filled with men and their women. The women seemed scared, but were smiling as if it was the best moments of their lives. While trying to search for the criminal, she made eye contact with a short woman sittig in a middle aged man's lap. Clearly he was intoxicated, but the woman wasn't. He was caressing her waist which was covered by a long black hijab. Her features weren't developped yet and had dark circles under her puffy eyes. For some reason, she couldn't keep her eyes off the girl. Something was off. Both seemed to be by the same nationality, as, as she had noticed people from all over the world danced, drunk, smoked and had intimacy moments wih their half other. Atleast thats what she thought. She moved her gaze away, not knowing if she could handle watching their interaction more. The girl was obviouly young. She'd bet money she was younger than her. She decided to walk away and ignore the girl's silent pleadings for help. As much as she wanted to help, she had a job to get done. With a heavy heart and expresionless face kept going. Turning her head to the left,  the kitchen was filled with fat, obviously american men playing cards. Laughter and smoke came out of the room. Many drunk players pulled waitresses down to their laps. One in particular protested politely. Thats when the ginger narrowed her eyes at the sound of a smack over the blonde woman's face. The girl wimpered and placed a hand over her chek. Other men laughed and congratulated him, making alex's blood boil.
''Good job putting the whore back to her place." One laughed hysterically, as if it was the funniest thing in the world. A tap on the shouler pulled her out of her thoughts, not realising how much she was staring. To the point the risk of being noticed was big.

She turned around, looking down at a really old woman. She had wrinkles all over her face, smudged makeup and red eyes.
''Hey girl.. wanna smoke something?" With a smirk she said, leaning closer to the ginger.
She shook her head as no. Price told her not to, so she had to obey.
''I dont smoke cigarettes.'' Politely she refused. The fake blond frowned her brows and rolled her eyes.
''Yeah. Like you could. No freak like yo ugly face smokes weed like a pro." Defensively and annoyed the woman replied, pushing her away by the shoulder. Alex frowned her brows but did not fight back. She shouldn't cause a scene right now.
''Fuckin pussy.." Murmured the lady and walked away. Alex sighed out of relief as she relalised the woman wasnt further a threat.

Soon she was starting to feel thirsty. Really thirsty. So shhe walked around some more, ignoring the dance floor that took most of the place and oushed her way to the buffe. In relief she found a bottle of water and opened. After making sure it wasnt secretly vodka, she took a few sips and soon drunk the whole thing. Relief washed over her again. Instantly she turned back to work and started searching.

But then...

''Fuck my life.."
She murmured as she felt the need to pee. God. Why now?! She sighed and tried to find the bathroom. It took some time, but find the way.
As she was in the bathroom, she coulnt help but feel the urge to help the girl in the hijab. She cant just ignore it. Guilt has already started taking over her, because she knew she couldn't really do it. She wasn't brave enough to move out of her comfort zone and ignore commands. It will be just..out of character. God, she'd burm in hell for leaving the hijab girl alone with this monster. She felt her eyes sting as finally her eyeballs felt water in them after weeks. She slapped herself, mentally.
"Pull yourself together." Alex murmured to herself firmly, talking to nobody but a broken door. After seconds she finished her bussness and tried to forget about th e girl and focus to mission at hand. She decided to climb the stairs and search on the second floor. Theres no way she got into the wrong party..He was nowhere to be seen in the first floor.

The second floor was quieter..darker in a way. Less people were there, talking, drinking, smoking, making out. The music was now faintly playing in the background. She felt a headache forming. Her stomach dropping. Nothing had happened, yet she started feeling weird. Like something was screaming at her to  leave immediately. To run without looking back.
"Shut up.." She thought to herself. She pulled the dior lipstick out of her pocket again to gain her comfidence, to perhaps feel soap's energy. To get strenght. She applied it, carelessly if it was perfect or not.
After she was done, she took a deep breath and shoved the lipstick back into her shorts pocket and walked thhrough the hall. She passed multiple doors. Some shut, some not. Either way she did not care. She started drifting back to her thoughts while looking at each open door for this bastard. She already wanted to go home. Go to base and forget about the hijaby girl, the harsh smack the woman received, the high lady who called her ugly. Okay, she did have a few scars, so what.
"I already know how hideous i am. No need for a recall" She thought to herself bitterly. While walking forward, for a strange reason, her heart started beating faster. Her hands started trembling and her inner voice yelled her to go back. Why, though?

Looking down and walking, accidentally bumped shoulders with a guy around her height. She looked over her shoulder awkwardly.
"Sorry.'' she apologised, watching how the man was stubling on his steps. He looked vulnerable enough..
''Oh.. don't worry.. you goodd.." Slurred the brown haired the man. He wore a suit, had a tattoo on his palm and a few piercings. She thought he was cool, and perhaps not as much of an asshole as the others. It wouldn't hurt to help a vulnerable guy..right?
She approached and titled her had.
''Hey.. you good?'' Asked the ginger awkwadly, grabbing him by the arm to support him. The man looked up at her, narrowing his eyes in surprise. He fixed his septum piercing and nodded.
"Yeah.. t..thanks.." He slurred. He was obviously older from her. He had mustage. Not that she minded.
Carefully she dragged him towards the main lobby of the second floor and genly placed him on the couch.
The man looked up at her and titled her head.
''I..like your scars..'' He murmured, leaning against the couch. Her cheeks turned pink, but soon regained her composure.
''Thanks.. I guess.", "I'll go now." She announched and the man frowned his brows. She turned around to walk away, and the pierced man smirked at the sight of her back. He stared at her lower back for a few seconds, before he smirked and looked around. He adjusted his pants, pulling them slightly down, just to get comfortable. Suddenly he stood up and walked besides her, as if he was sober.
"Hey..cutie..wait.." The man smirked. Alex raised a brow and turned to look at him from over her shoulder.
"Is your boyfriend at the party?" He asked, approaching. Alex felt her heart racing. Awkwadly she sook her head as no.
"I dont have a boyfriend. I'm fifteen.'' She replied confused. The man smiled.
''So..you're innocent, huh?" He leaned closer.
Alex frowned her brows. She moved her hand to push him away from the shoulder, but the man grabbed her wrist and pulled her close. Before she would react, his lips crushed agaisnt hers. The girl felt instant panic, one she had never felt before. She snapped her face to the sides, finallly disconnecting their lips. Her brows arched in fear, her mind fogging. Suddenly, all her confidence had vanished. She wasnt 776 anymore. She was Alexanda fisher, a teenager playing soldier.
"Get off me!" Alex yelled in panic, pushing him away. The man frowned his brows and grabbed her wrist, trying to throw her over the couch. Out of stubbornness she resisted, her strong legs pulling her to the opposite direction. He got frustrated and changed plans. He let go of her wrist and ran to her, pushing her against the wall. She hit her head against it but ignored the pain. A whimper escaped her lips as she struggled, starting to get worried, her mind acting as if she's unavailable.

His hands roamed to the sides, his neck buried against the the crook of her neck. She felt kisses on her skin, sending a wave of disgust and chills through her spine.
"Let me go." She insisted, her stubbornness never dying in her. She tried to push him away, but hissed as his teeth dug into her pale skin. A small tear escaped her eye as she felt his hand moving to her torso. He squeezed the non-existed chest, as his free hand went to the zipper of her dark green jacket. He unzipped it, but she grabbed his hand and zipped it back. He unzipped it again, she zipped it back.
"You wanna play games, baby?" He whispered against her neck, his tone lustful.
"Fuck you!" She yelled in his ear. The man frowned his backs and pulled back and slapped her sharply. She narrowed her eyes, frozen.
"I'll show you hoe." He took a bit of a distance to unbuckle his belt.
Quickly, out of panic she kicked him with her boot in-between his legs. He groaned and dropped to his knees Infront of her, his head lowered. The teenager grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, pulled him up to his legs and pinned him against the wall. He was still groaning in pain, out of rage and willing for revenge, she punched his face.

Once.

Twice.

Thrice.

Her knuckles stained with his blood. He was pathetic, looking like that. His nose became one with the face. The septun was nowhere to be found.

She let go of his collar and steped back. He started crying, dropping to his knees as his trembling hands moved to his bleeding face.
Watching that, she punched his stomach and spit on his face. The ginger was about to leave. Turning around, but she had the urge to kick him again. That's why she turned around and her expression hardened. As if she's on the field, she kicked him, not looking where her boot landed, but the man screamed in pain. That's when once he screamed she flinched and turned around, running away.

Without looking behind her, she ran and stormed inside of the first door she saw. She opened it swiftly and out of panic closed the door behind her.

The two people in the room turned their heads towards her direction. She looked back at them and narrowed her eyes. She pulled out of her shorts her gun -which barely made any sound- and pointed at the man. It was Hassan.
Before he would react, she pulled the trigger, shooting twice to the man's chest and head. The woman pulled him out of her mouth and looked up at Alex. As if she was her saviour.
The ginger mind was a mess. She was shaking, feeling ready to cry. Her mind was fogged by the previous events, for some strange reason still feeling his hands on her chest, squeezing.
The black haired woman was naked underneath her, just like hassan's naked body. Puke was laying on the floor, blood was leaking in-between her inner thighs. Alex at first hadn't noticed it. But once the woman crying got louder, Alex snapped her attention to her. She just took a look around her, narrowing her eyes at the sight. The puke, the blood, the dead body lying on the bed. Her heartbeat raised, wondering when she shot Hassan.
The black haired woman was crying hysterically. Alex wanted to ask if she was okay, but was frozen up.

"Please!" The woman cried, crawling towards Alex, almost gagging on her own saliva.
"Please! Please kill me! I beg of you!" Hysterically the woman screamed, insisting. She crawled off the bed and looked up at her, moving her hands to grip her ankles. The soldier couldn't believe her ears.
"No-" the girl protested, trying to step back, yet the woman's fingers dug in her socks.
Out of the blue, a voice came out of the hidden earbuds on her ear.
"Kid, put the woman out of her misery."

She froze. The voice didn't belong to Price. Not to Ghost, soap, Gaz ..

"This is shepherd. I repeat." Firmly the man commanded through the radio.
"Put the woman out of her misery. Now!" Almost the General shouted on the mic. With no choice, she pointed the gun to the woman's direction.
"I'm ..so. so. sorry." She whispered as she closed her eyes and turned her head away. Silence ringed in her ears as the bullet did it's job.

That was it.

The mission was done.

With a shaky hand, she pressed the earbud to activate her microphone. Atleast that's what that button was for.
"M.. mission accomplished.." in a shaky voice she said.

"Good job soldier." Price after seconds replied.
"Ghost's on the way." He informed before he logged off.

Alex shared down at the two dead bodies, her will to cry vanished. She stared with a blank stare at the dead woman. She had puke on the corners of her lips, and a few white liquid. Probably milk. She wasn't sure. She didn't know. She didn't care.

That silence was the first silence she didn't enjoy. The first silence that was louder than any other noise. Her heart started calming down.

She didn't feel relieved the mission was finished as she had imagine.
She didn't feel proud of herself.
She didn't want anybody to feel proud of her.

"776. You there?" Shepherd asked through the radio.

No response.

"776?"

"..."

"Bloody hell, 776. I know you're ignoring me." Firmly the man replied. 776 right now barely moved. She was frozen in there, not taking her eyes off the dead woman. Blood leaked from her naked chest. She noticed the bruises on her hips, her red cheeks and thighs. She looked down at her gun. She stared at it for a good mount of time.
"Should I.." she raised her gun to her lips, opening them a bit so the head of the gun would fit. Before she could pull the trigger, a sharp yell snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Alex!" Yelled Simon Riley from the radio.
"Do you copy?" Firmly and annoyed he asked. God knows how many times he called out for her.
She flinched and instantly pulled her gun out of her mouth.
"Y-yes sir." In a slightly shaky voice she replied.

"Good. We here. We on the backside of the maison." His British voice firm like always. Obviously, not knowing what she was about to do.

"Copy." In a cold voice she replied.

In a hurry she hid her gun back to her shorts and ran downstairs. The party kept going. The smell of something like tea was intense but she ignored it. She sneaked out of the maison from the front door, nobody saw her and nobody cared enough to notice her stained legs, boots and knuckles. She rushed to the back of the building and found a white van with Simon standing outside, smoking a cigarette.

She rushed towards it and once she was at the van's area, she didn't space ghost a glance. She roughly opened the doors and got inside, sitting on an empty seat. The van wasn't filled with soldiers like she expected. It actually had nobody.

Fuck.

The lieutenant had no time to react. She was always damn fast. He sensed something was off, but decided against to confronting her now. The masked man took another puff from his cigarette and dropped it on the grass. Quickly he stombed on it so no fire starts and got inside the van himself.

The driver started the machine and soon, they started heading back to the helicopter base.

Chapter Text

The only noises breaking the tense silence was the van noises. Alexandra's eyes were on the ground, arms were clenched around the riffle unconsciously.

"Where's your mind?" Interrupted his rough voice. He's been watching her for a while now, not understanding why the sulking. The ginger snapped from her thoughts, awkwardly shifting under his gaze.

"Where's.. my mind?" She raised a brow, mirroring his expression. Atleast the one she thought he had. Her brows arched upwards, as if casualty lingered between them.

"You tell me." Ghost rolled his shoulders and leaned back, spreading his legs a bit more. Her mind started being filled with weird thoughts. She rolled her eyes, wanting to punch herself. She resisted to look down there.

"Nowhere."

"Yea, ion believe that bull." The man adjusted himself on his seat, his amber eyes roaming over her figure. Not in a creepy way. In a what-the-fuck-is-on-woth-you way.

“So damn nonchaland. Little shit.” thought he.

Alex, not knowing what he was thinking, neither knowing what he wanted to do, leaned against the van's wall, resting the rifle on her stomach while allowing her legs to split slightly. Her dirty hand moved and pulled the collar of her jacket over her mouth. Like a bored teen. Her mind gifted her the flashback of the hijabi girl. Those eyes she will never forget. "I should've helped." Over a thousand times this phrase was repeated to herself as the silence suddenly became loud enough to block any other sounds coming from the outside world. And all of the sudden, house music played faintly on the background, staring at the woman who cried and wished to die. Vomit over her collarbone. The weird smell in the room, mixed with acid and something unknown. Her knuckles sore from earlier and her hand trembling for a reason nobody understood yet. The crying became too loud. The woman's wrinkles swifted shape, turning into a face a little too familiar to her. One she stopped seeing after she got enlisted. Before she could identify the face, the lights went off. Barking sounds activated like sirens, the sound footsteps of multiple yet skinny paws started getting louder and panic washed over her. The gun in her palm suddenly fell from her slippery, greasy hands and green lights went back on. The door bursted open, a tsunami of skinny dogs with black thick fur and sharp white teeth ran to her. One particular one with a scar running through it's forehead and ending to its chin bit her jacket. Too frozen by fear she let the dog tear the piece of clothing off. Then another dog—

"Oi!" The firm yell and smack on the cheek caused her to open her eyes and sit up in panic and confusion.

"Ow!" Alex frowned her brows and looked around, placing her trembling hand to her red cheek. Cold sweat felt she on her back and armpits as she started realising no dogs were attacking her at the moment. In reality.

"The fuck's wrong with you, 776?" With annoyance the masked man asked as he sat back to his seat across from her. The ginger in confusion stared at him, not realising it her palm went to sooth her red cheek the whole minutes.

"You fell asleep. Saw a nightmare or sum?" He asked, voice steady, not betraying anything but concern and annoyance. With hesitance keeping her back from answering, still exhausted from the nap, she nodded. She sighed and pushed a few hair back, watching him watch her.

"..did something happen ..?" Quietly she murmured, her grogginess noticeable.

"Ye." Dryly he answered, looking towards the driver's direction.

"The van broke down. We'll wait for another one." He paused. "Meanwhile, we have to stay put."

Alex sighed and leaned against the van's wall once again. Hated the feeling of the cold sweat but had no other choice.

"How much will it take?" She asked, slightly frustrated.

"No idea." "So, we got time to talk about the hickey on your neck." He added, his tone returning back to the usual no-bullshiting one. Her dead eyes finally showed an emotion: surprise.

"W-what?" She asked, moving her hands to each side of her neck. Alex didn't want him to find out, but apparently the bastard did leave her a mark. She had to find a quick excuse.

"The fuck did you do?" With a more stern voice he asked, starting to get firmer and more demanding. He leaned slightly forward, pressing the matter.

"You got yourself a lil boyfriend, huh?" In annoyance he asked. Her heart started pounding loud, her brows unconsciously arched and frowned at the same time. If she said the truth, no one would believe her. If she lied, she'd show how unserious she is. Saying she hooked up with someone in five minutes didn't sound very convincing. "What the hell is a hookup anyways?" She questioned to herself again.

"It's old." Eventually she said with a slightly shaky voice.

"Looks pretty fresh to me, though." Sharply he argued.

"Fuck my life.." she thought. "..uhm. yeah. I-it is because.." she looked around, biting her bottom lip in stress. "Y'know. Teenagers." She gave a weak huff to the lieutenant, praying to the god -that she wish still loved her- he'd believe it. Simon on the other side stayed silent. His eyes stayed on her for a good minute.

"You've been off since you came here." He stated.

"I haven't." Sharply, she almost interrupted. Her expression shifting to an angry one.

"Don't get defensive, private." The lieutenant ordered. Just the mention of her rank pulled her back to reality. She shifted under his gaze. That's what she was in the end of the day. A private. 776, the supersoldier who was supposed to be emotionless. "I'm so failing this supersoldier private shit." She thought to herself. However, she did not add anything else outloud.

They stayed like that for a few more minutes. All she did was tear her lip's skin and lick the blood coming from the small injury. Her other hand reached her cheek and teased the red pimple which definitely wasn't ready to pop. Either way, she picked at it. She couldn't handle it anymore. She needed immediately a cigarette. Alex stood up, feeling her heart ready to break out from her chest. Carefully set the rifle on the bench where she sat and announced her intentions.

"I'm going for a smoke." She opened the van's door. Simon sighed, and having nothing better to do, followed right away. Now, both outside, the only thing breaking the silence are the cicadas. No stars were viewable from where they stood. Once she lit the cigarette she took a deep, long drag and closed her eyes, feeling a sudden relief. Even if there was nothing to feel relieved about. Once she'd return back they'll ask about the hickey and a report.

"Are you okay?" They'll ask

"Did you have trouble?" "How did you get the hickey?"

"Why are your knuckles covered in dry blood?"

The answer is yes, no, it's old and fresh cause her boyfriend -which doesn't exist- missed her from Canada ,where he lives, and I just got my period so I've got nothing to wipe myself. No. I punched Hassan and knocked him out. Yes.

She exhaled the smoke from her mouth, which is rare for her. Simon lit up his own cigarette and simply stood besides her. He lifted his balaclava to the nose and took a puff. Alex only saw the jawline and  unshaved beard. How better can this man be? Jesus. The ginger instantly looked away as he spared her a glance, using her dead and tired look to pretend that she's thinking of something deeply philosophical. For example about what's the point of life. There's no point, that's why it's cool. Nothing matters when you're rich, nothing matters when you're poor, everything matters when you're one second from dying. 

"Y'know." Broke the silence the lieutenant. "I get you're young and stubborn ..but don't smoke too much." Hypocritical coming from him, but the advice was sincere. The ginger scoffed, then took another puff, completely ignoring him. Her eyes roamed on the sight infront of them. Unlimited darkness, but a soft breeze brushing against them. The hair that cascaded from her shoulders for some reson made her believe that was acting in a romance movie. Pretending to be a heartbroken actor after a pointless club fight. She took a puff and blew it from her nostrils like always, using her hair as curtains to hide her hideous side profile. For a moment, she swore everything was fine. Was it? The silence wasnt as awkward as before. Neither of them spoke, just smoked their cigarettes. In a way, it felt relieving having silence for once.

No annoying questions,

no unnecessary bickering,

no nothing.

She hoped he felt the same way.

She dropped the cigarette on the grass and immediately crushed it with her boot. She shoved her hands inside her jacket's pocket's and titled her head to the sides. 

"Does fyodor know about your nightmares?" Out of the blue the lieutenant asked. She rolled her eyes and sighed.

"That does not concern you." In a sharp, almost defensive tone she replied.

''Like hell it does." He demanded. "We're in the same bloody team, soldier.'' Irritated, he tured his head to her direction, seeing nothing but hair.

"If you haven't told him yet, I have no choice but to report it myself.'' Alex frowned her brows and turned to look at him, giving him the look. In seconds he turned from the most precious man she has seen, to the worst villain she had to fight agaisnt.

''Excuse me?" Her peacefull obviously gone. ''You're excused." Indifferently he murmured and leaned against the van, taking another puff. She sighed and realised there's no point in arguing. He had the power after all. Her youthful expression softened and rolled her shoulders.

"Jeez." She murmured, her eyes moving to the dry grass underneath them.

"Fyodor ..knows a bit." Soon she folded her arms as she pulled her hands out of her pockets. Her voice calmer than earlier. She took a small pause.

''But either way, he doesn't care. So I don't care either." She swallowed and looked down.

"Perfect, huh?'' Asked he.

''Yeah."

"Why perfect?"

"..cause he minds his buss, and so do I." With a shrugg she murmured, crossing her ankles. "Do your parents know about this?" He kept asking. She huffed and smirked, now looking up at the lieutenant.

"My mum's workin' her ass off everyday and my father's too busy complaining. I don't wanna be a burden." She murmured again, her confidence six feet under the ground this time. Her head lowered again.

"Ah shit." " Sorry 'bout that, lass." The man said, feeling the heavy the atmosphere against his chest. His hand reached his nape and hanged from there. He kicked his cigarette away and stomped on it. "Jus' so you feel less shitty.. my ol' man was just as bastard as yours." Her protectiveness hit her hard with his words. Her expression changed again and almost growled. Almost.

"He's. Not. A bastard."

"Woah damn. okay. Sorry." With a small huff he said, sighing as he dropped his hand to the sides. "My point is, clearly you've got your issues." "Everyone does. That's why it's good to speak." He adviced. She scoffed mockingly. He didn't know what he was talking about. She was sure. The ginger swallowed and looked around, yawning. When will this bloody thing arrive? Silence lingered between them again. This time slightly more awkward. Her folded arms tightened again at the thought of him just telling on her.

"Do not tell on me." Almost sharply she warned the man, looking up at him with pure hate in her eyes. Just in seconds he made her hate him.

"Why not." He simply replied.

"Gim'me a reason not to." He added then.

"Okay..you want reasons?" She asked, smirking with annoyance. New target: convince that shithead not to expose her. "Okay." She pushed herself off the wall and walked Infront of him.

"Number one: you'll lose my trust." Nailed it. "Number two: I can expose Soap's secret." She smirked, feeling the sudden power pleasuring. Simon raised a brow under his mask, with a swift move pushing it back down under his chin.

"Yeah? What's his secret." He folded his arms. "It's a secret." "Smartass." He rolled his eyes.

"So you don't know his secret." He added.

"Oh I do." Her mood lifted, just a bit.

"Then, enlighten me." He lazily murmured. That's when she got an idea. She bit her bottom lip, not caring if it still stung a bit, and smirked again.

"Then, you won't expose me." She titled her head slightly. Simon groaned. He moved his hands to the bridge of his nose and massaged them.

"Why are you so pressed on the issue?" Asked he. Her expression changed again. "Because it's my buss." She insisted, taking a step closer, just to assert dominance. "Gosh.." he murmured.

"Fine." Finally he gave in. Alex felt a small weight leave her. "I caught soap kissing a nurse in the bathroom, once." She rapidly replied, stepping back. Simon's eyes narrowed.

"Jesus, kid.." he murmured. "That's why he can't get laid." He mumbled more to himself, before he moved his hand to the bridge of his nose again. She frowned her brows.

"Get laid?" She raised a brow.

"Do something with someone." He tried to get her to understand.

"..do what?" She asked again, genuinely confused. Simon frowned his brows.

"How old are you again?"

"Fourteen and a half."

"..get fucked." He said again. Alex narrowed her eyes, her jaw slight dropped. Instantly she looked away and sighed. Why is everyone so dirty minded.

"Let's sit." He suggested and took a seat Infront of the van's behind wheel.

"I'm good." Alex murmured, watching him cross his ankles.

"Sit your ass down." He ordered with a firm tone. The ginger sighed and sat down across from him. Silence again. Her hand found it's way to the grass and curled her hand around the tall grass and ripped it off the ground, before tossing it to the sides. She seemed bored about everything. She wanted to go home and forget about the weird feeling she felt on her chest. She'd take a long shower and cover the mirror, just like she did that time with Fyodor. It took her long to start feeling clean, and she was afraid to cross that path again. She didn't want to be questioned about anything, she didn't want to confess about anything. It didn't identify her. She was lucky not to be remembered for being a victim, but she won't be this time again. Simon noticed her skeptical attitude. He did realise over time she mostly kept to herself, but from experience, it never ends up well. Questioning straight up about the hickey didn't work. Threatening her didn't work either. She was smart, unfortunately.

"If I was a traumatized teen, how would I not notice being interrogated?" He thought to himself while watching her. Everything from the start was wrong. A young teen in the military is wrong. When he was fourteen he was trying to figure out how to speak to girls. Now she was probably trying to figure out her next MAT move. Just the look on her eyes seemed blank, which was worrying, in a way.

"Let's play a game." He offered, his voice turning softer.

"Games are for little kids." She scoffed and glanced up at him, as if judging him.

"What are you?"

"A soldier."

"You seem like a kid to me." He raised a brow under his balaclava. She rolled her eyes.

"I've got nothing better to do so.. spare me." Lazily she murmured and yanked the last piece of grass in her palm. She wrapped her arms around her knees and rested her cheek against her knee, looking away.

"It's called, two lies and one true." He explained.

"Never heard of it." She murmured.

"Didn't ask." He replied. She rolled her eyes. Again.

"So you have to say two lies and one truth, and I have to guess which is the lie and which is the truth." Alex nodded.

"Go first then." She murmured, bored. Simon looked away for a bit.

"Okay.."

"..here we go." He sighed, thinking while rubbing his thighs.

"I'm fourty two, I play the guitar and I hate the zoo." He said. Alex, frowned her brows and looked up at him, trying to guess what's the lie here. Considering she only knows his reputation and him, it was hard. Using her logic, he seemed like the type to like the zoo. For a date or something? Save the girl from the annoying monkeys. On the other side, he seemed the type to play the guitar at campfire. Maybe some country music. It'd be cool. Now, fourty two? No way in hell.

"There's no way you're forty two." With determination she guess.

"I'm flattered I pass for younger." He teased, his expression softened.

"Well..I am fourty two. Sorry to break it to ya, kid."

"There's no way." She insisted, titling her head.

"Yes way."

"How can you hate the zoo? It fricking awesome." She smirked, starting to forget about the weird, imaginary squeeze she felt on her butt. It wasn't from the grass.

"Don't you feel bad for the poor animals being caged in there for so long?" He asked. "..I mean.." awkwardly she murmured, starting to consider his point of view.

"It's still cool.." in a subtle stubbornness she murmured, scratching the back of her neck. She didn't want to be proven wrong. Neither seem too easy to pursue.

"Your turn." He said.

Alex thought for a bit. "I like strawberries, I've been to Jamaica and ..I like men." She smirked, thinking he won't guess it right. She was correct.

"There's no bloody hell you've gone to Jamaica. You don't seem the type to like sweets, so.." he leaned back against the van.

"You like men?"

"Wroooong." She huffed.

"You don't like men?" He questioned, titling his head.

"The correct answer was strawberries. I like sweets."

"Damn. So you've got a sweet tooth. Noted." He nodded.

"And what, you're a lesbian?" He asked out of curiosity. Alex shared at him confused.

"Uhhh..no,.. I'm British." Awkwardly she replied. Simon stared at her confused.

"What?"

"I'm not Lebanese.." She corrected him hesitantly. Simon mentally facepalmed himself. He forgot how naive she was.

"I didn't mean Lebanese. Lesbian. Y'know. When a woman dates another woman." He raised a brow, hoping she'd get the hint. However, grimanced and tightened her arms around her knees.

"Ew, man. No! I'm not a faggot." With annoyance she replied. Simon definitely didn't expect that answer.

"Why do you even hate us?"

"You're just annoying. And so dumb." She chuckled.

"And because you're dumb, the whole world is dumb. Besides, they're selfish, whiny little pigs who need their mommy to rub their belly and their little girlfriend so they can slide their dick in and out of." She rolled her eyes, yet her tone expressed real hate.

"..woah." awkwardly Simon replied.

"Not all men are like this.." he tried to defend himself.

"You may not be like this, but you definitely used to. Or, will be."
"..damn." he huffed. All he could hope for is nothing too bad happened for her to gain such negative feelings about men.

This little game went for half an hour. She learned a few stuff about him. That he as a dog named Riley, which is ironic, since his last name is Riley. That when he was a kid he drew a lot. That he had a little brother but died in a classified way and bunch other stuff. Once she got bored of the game, she got silent and yawned again. When would this stupid van come? She didn't want to sleep, but she had to. Not realising it much, she started feeling comfortable around him. He was cold, but not heartless. Something that was rare in this kind of job. She let go of her knees and slowly laid down on the grass, staring directly at the dark blue sky above them. Despite no stars filled the sky, it felt like looking into the deepest level of a sea. She put her hands ontop of her stomach and let the cicadas do their job to fill the calm silence between them.

"I wanna go back to the base." She murmured as she yawned.

"We will once you stop complaining." He teased as he moved his boot and nudged her foot. She chuckled once he did, and for once it didn't feel like a threat.

"Fuck off.." she huffed and kicked his boot away.

"Oi. Language." The man scolded.

"Don't forget I'm still your lieutenant."

"Yeah yeah." She murmured and sighed. Feeling extremely bored, she yawned and spoke again.

"..just so you know, that hickey is old. Like, a one day old. My boyfriend from Canada just missed me so much, he couldn't resist." She informed him. For some reason, he wasn't convinced.

"Yeah? And here I thought you hated men." Casually he said.

"Not all men, obviously!" She shrugged her shoulder.

"I dunno. Ya seemed pretty determined back there. Like a pro hater." The man shrugged his shoulders as he looked down at his arms. He did have a feeling she lied. That something worse happened than a small lovey dovey moment. She cursed under her breath when he called her out. Why was he not dumb to believe her already? She sighed and moved her hand to her face.

"..okay fine." She gave up. She had sensed he didn't buy her bullshit, so there was no point in lying.

"I'm not a stupid whore..okay?" In annoyance she asked, yet it was mixed with humiliation and defeatness. Her hand moved to her face and pressed it over her eyes, shutting them closed.

"I won't judge." He softly said, feeling she'll spill the beans. There's no space for mistakes, otherwise she'll shut down again. "Swear on your mum you'll keep it a secret, okay?" She asked, sitting up on the grass now.

"I swear." He said, looking at her dead in the eyes. Hesitantly Alex sighed.

"Will I really tell him?" She thought. He did swear on his mother, though. Awkwardly she bit her bottom lip, considering her choices for a second.

"So the hickey obviously didn't come from my boyfriend." Awkwardly she admitted, almost hesitantly.

"I don't even have a boyfriend." She added, avoiding to look at him in the eye. However he didn't interrupt at all.

"..it's strange because I'm supposed to feel dirty and stuff..but I don't feel anything. So I don't know if it's that bad..y'know." she murmured, huffing. Silence.

"Go on.." encouraged the lieutenant. Seeing her so hesitant didn't add to the picture of her usual powerful attitude. Her hands moved to the grass and tore apart a small part of it. Started repeating the same tearing-apart-random-pieces-of-grass motion.

"I did the mission successfully. That's all that matters. But for once, I feel like I failed." She replied. "I don't know why's that. The poor lady I killed.." she mumbled.

..

"What?"

Firmly Simon asked.

"Hassan had security?" She frowned her brows.

"What? No."

"Then?" He asked again.

"What do you mean, then?" "Why did you kill the lady?"

"Because shepherd told me to. And besides that, she was begging me to shoot her." Simon frowned. Confused, puzzled, lost.

"Alex." He called firmly, knowing to these type of people their real name will cause a different reaction. That's why, she tensed at the seriousness his tone held once he called her by her name. She looked up at him confused.

"Shepherd wasn't aligned with us." He informed, his voice holding a hint of judgement.

"You're sure it's shepherd." More like he doubted.

"I swear!" She raised her voice. "You have to believe me." She insisted.

"What the fuck happened in that mission, Alex?" He asked in a low voice, genuinely confused. The ginger sighed and sat cross-legged.

"I got to the villa. I searched for Hassan. I walked upstairs and and accidentally bumped into a gay-looking dude. He tried to rape be but I punched him and got away." Casually yet in all seriousness she spoke. Simon was listening without any reaction on his face.

"I then opened a door where Hassan and some woman were getting laid. I instantly killed Hassan, but the woman underneath him crawled towards me and begged me to kill her. Shepherd ordered me from the radio to kill her, and so I did." Simply she said, not breaking their eye contact.

Silence for a bit.

"Jesus fucking Christ.." Simon mumbled, rubbing a hand over his face.

"You're in deep trouble." He murmured and looked away.

"What do you mean?" She asked, her brows clenching.

"You got fucking assaulted, and killed a citizen." He reminded her sternly. Alex frowned her brows.

"You'll go to court for this." He added. Alex froze.

"What?" She asked in shock. Court? For following orders?

"I had no choice!" She stood up and raised her voice.

"I followed orders, why am I the one going to court?" She asked, looking down at him. The man stood up and looked down at her.

"We have to report this immediately." "No no. If we don't say anything-"

"That's not how it works!" He snapped.

"Yes it is!" She yelled back, her expression hardening.

"How did you put yourself in such trouble?!" He asked, feeling distressed as he moved a hand to his chin, looking away.

"Me?!" She asked with a chuckle. A furious one.

"I'm the one who got send here. You're acting as if I'm searching for trouble!" She tried to find his eyes as she stepped forward. Simon sighed.

"Bloody hell.." he murmured.

"Alex, do you hear yourself?" He asked.

"I'm not losing my job over a fucking child who doesn't know shit!" He yelled at her. She frowned her brows, starting to feel a sudden urge and push him and kick him. Her fists clenched besides her hips.

"I'm not the villain here!" She weakly replied, her voice slightly shaking as she did a small voice crack. One that she hated so much to have. She looked away and folded her arms. This silence was the worst thing that could happen between them.

"Say something!" She demanded, looking up at him. God, how she wanted him to say something. Anything.

"Did you really knock his ass off?" He softly asked. He knew for a fact she was still a child. No, she didn't know any better, but atleast stood her ground when she had too. She was taken aback by his soft tone. She expected him to yell at her, either smack her harder than before. Atleast that's what she had learned from Fyodor. She didn't want him to find out how caught off guard she was and nodded.

"It doesn't matter. I don't wanna go to jail." She replied, looking away. Simon sighed.

"Me too." Finally, lights of a car were shown from a distance. Inside the new van, both of them were deep in thought. When they reached the helicopter base they made their way to one of the helicopters and soon were on their way to base. After ten hours in silence, the helicopter found it's way to the helicopter base of their building. The moment she stepped her foot on the ground, she regretted every decision she took in that mission. She regretted accepting on going to this stupid mission. In silence the duo walked towards the building. The England weather was harsher than expected, but all she could think of wasn't the weather no more. Just the court waiting ahead of her, her future getting ruined by a stupid decision she took out of panic. As if she did it intentionally. They reached the building and started walking towards Price's office. He had to know. Without warning, a large hand grabbed her shoulder and turned her around.

"Not now." Simon said lowly, his expression still unreadable. Alexandra looked up at him and frowned her brows.

"No. He has to know first." She responded sharply.

"No. It's late." "It's 10 pm. Nobody sleeps know!" Firmly she insisted.

"Alex!" He snapped, his tone harsh, sharp.

"It's an order!" He yelled through the empty entrance. She flinched, but frowned her brows instead. It's strange how from soft he turned to ..this. She had no choice but to listen. Both of them walked towards Price's office. He changed his mind, it seems. When she was about to leave for the dormitory, he murmured something under his breath and headed towards his office.

She had to follow him.

All they'd do is report they're alive and took Hassan down. Nothing else. Into the same step they fell as they walked, the tension between them could be cut with a knife. They reached the office after five minutes and Simon knocked on the door.

"Come in." A calm voice spoke from inside the office. Her heart started beating fast. Both now stood Infront of Price's office, her head lowered as her hands both behind her back. Thinking she'd prove herself to anyone was so funny now.

"Ghost, 776." Price calmly said, looking both at them.

"Report." His eyes moved to the girl. Alex swallowed and sighed.

"..faced small issues on the process.." she hesitated, avoiding to look at him.

"But Hassan's down." She added, biting her bottom lip as she finally made eye contact with him. Price huffed and leaned against his chair.

"I knew I could count on you, seven." He smirked and lit up a cigar. However, her expression didn't betray her fear and worry. "You shoul' loosen up, lass. We'll do a barbeque tomorrow, ay, ghost?" He moved his eyes to Simon, who was just listening. The man didn't nod.

"There's something you must know." Firmly he stated, letting his monotonous attitude put price into the mood. Price raised a brow and took a puff.

"I'm all ears." His tone also turned low. Simon looked at Alex, waiting for her to announce the happy news.

".." Alex sighed and rolled her eyes, wanting to shoot herself on spot.

"So.. because Simon will probably tell on me." She folded her arms and glanced up at the lieutenant with a hateful look. "

Despite of the fact some bastard ..y'know-" "She got sexually assaulted." Simon interrupted Alex. Price frowned his brows, taking a drag from his cigar, his gaze focused on both of them as they spoke. Alex clenched her jaw but didn't comment.

"That. Anyways.." "I killed Hassan. But a woman begged me to kill her too, as he had probably done something to her.. shepherd ordered me to kill her too, and so I did." She quietly informed. Price tensed at her words, feeling a sudden emotion of his stomach dropping to his feet and not knowing how to gather it. Both soldiers noticed the look on his face and exchanged a small eye contact, before looking down at him again. The stillness felt too intense. Like a dry throat simultaneously with a headache. The captain put his cigarette on the ashtray besides the papers ontop his desk and remained silent. As if processing the information.

"Are you okay?" He softly asked. She didn't expect this tone, but she definitely preferred it than getting yelled and slapped.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I knocked his ass off." She casually replied.

"But that's not the issue." She stepped slightly forward.

"Am I in trouble for killing the civilian?" Asked she, frowning her brows more. This, out of fear and worry. Price sighed.

"..yea." he moved his hand to his forehead.

"I don't understand why shepherd got involved in the mission. What he did was illegal, so as what you did." He sighed. "Fuckin' hell." He sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"I'll report it to the military police." He stood up and leaned against his desk with his hands.

"I'm sorry to hear that from you, Alex." She frowned her brows. She stared at the man and didn't say anything. What should she feel? What shouldn't she feel?

"The military police..?" She hesitated to ask. Almost stuttered.

"Correct." Firmly Price replied.

"You don't believe me that shepherd sneaked in commands and ordered me, do you?" Asked she with a small anger forming inside her. She unfolded her arms.

"It's not possible, Alex." He firmly responded, huffing.

"Are you kidding me?" She asked in annoyance as she frowned her brows.

"Do you not trust me?!" Alex stepped forwards. Simon watched from behind, watching Alex incase she attacks.

"It's not that, fisher." Firmly the man replied, his expression definitely changed.

"But it's not possible either. He just can't do it! It's paranoid!" He almost raised his voice. Alex frowned her brows more.

"You think I'm making this up?" She asked, her fists clenching.

"Oi!" Simon noticed the small action and walked towards Alex. In a swift move his arm was wrapped around her kneck, his other arm moved to her wrist. The ginger panicked at his sudden attack.

"Hey!" She yelled and looked behind her. "What the fuck?" She asked, looking at price. "Price! Say something!" Alex with that pleading look ordered, confused of the sudden action. Price didn't move. Not his mouth, not his hands. He glanced at Simon and only sighed.

"Price please!" She begged again, her voice doing the crack again. God, how much she hated being seen like that.

"You have to believe me! I swear on my mom!" She did the voice crack again.

"Keep your promises for the court." He murmured softly.

"I'm sorry kid." He sighed and approached her to pat her shoulder, before he nodded to Simon. The man let go off the girl and nudged her to the door. She almost tripped, but looked up at him from over her shoulder, before she opened the door.

"Go to your dorm." The man ordered and Alex, having no reason not to, she walked towards her dorm. That went so wrong. "I fucked up" she thought to herself as with trembling hands so unlocked the door. Once she shut it behind her, without second thought, she hopped in the shower.

Today was no time to admire her big biceps. All she wanted to is sleep and never wake up. However, once she laid on her bed, even if she felt exhausted, she couldn't sleep. Was it so easy for everybody to turn against her? Even price? The man who she liked most? What will Gaz think about her? Ghost hated her already. Laswell won't even acknowledge her anymore. Fyodor will beat the shit out of her. Mom won't even want to look at her in the eyes.

Mom...

Alex staring at the ceiling suddenly remembered the time her mother braided her hair. When she got send to the military she didn't know how to, never had the time to learn, never asked how to. How much she wished her mom would braid her hair right now. Tell her small little lies, for example, everything will go alright. What will Adam think of her? She promised him she'd return for a visit once she's done with the season which was filled with missions, but now almost six months have passed since then. Not only did she lie, but now she'll be the worst daughter example. Other mothers will say their daughters are successful doctors, lawyers, teachers, mothers, architects. Her mother had to say she was a successful prisoner at the age of fourteen for killing some suicidal woman.

On the bed she sat up and staring at absolutely nothing, something wet and salty came out of her eyes. It stings, but..she couldn't control it. Tears rolled down her chips as she closed her eyes firmly, imagining her mother rubbing her back and trying to sooth her. All she had, was this stupid pillow that was harder than Fyodor when she changed. At the thought of Fyodor, hell did she cried in her hands. Her palms hid every bit of her ugly face while snot came out of her curvy nose. But she didn't care. Her sniffs here quiet, but not quiet enough to break the tranquility. Dark as her room was, everything felt darker. Few drops of salty drops of tears stained her dirty uniform. Why Simon couldn't apologise for being rude to her earlier? Why not apologise for not keeping his promise? She was so stupid to trust him..so..stupid. She grabbed her pillow and slammed it against her crying face.

She cried about everything.. Jail, court, mom, Simon, price, the random man who sexually assaulted her, Fyodor, soap who gifted her the dior lipstick she'll never use.. Everything felt so heavy. Too much to handle.

That's just too much, man.

Chapter Text

Next morning was a disaster. All she did was wait in agony as she sat on the edge of her bed, feeling like a bug was pinching her chest, trying to reach the warm guilt she felt heavy inside. She had no other nail to bite either-
Her malboro pack was empty by the first hour of the worst night ever.
Many thoughts went through her head, reasonably. How she should've pulled that trigger the day before, how she felt his hands so intense on her body. She wanted to rip her skin off. Rip it and feed it to stupid Shepherd, who thought she was just some useless toy to pull her leg and destroy her life in seconds.

That's when a firm knock interrupted it all.

"Open up, 776." A male voice interrupted the sea of dark fishes, called silence. Alex, hands already shaking, she stood up, approaching the door. Once she did she felt a firm punch on the stomach, causing her to lean over and cover the attacked area, the air from her lungs left too. Instantly four hands found their way to her, a set of two held by the shoulders and the other pulled her hands away from her stomach and trapped them under rough silver handcuffs, tightening them.

"776, you're under arrest for premeditated death of a civilian while on duty- your rights will be readen to you right away." She didn't remember what else he said after that. Her mind fogged with fear, brows arched for the first time, expressing her confusion. It was first time getting arrested too.

They dragged her through the empty morning halls, too damn early for anyone to witness this. All she felt was the need to run away. She didn't.

Finally after what felt an eternity, she was shoved inside some police car, Fyodor and Shepherd also getting shoved in different vehicles. Alex, despite her feeling lost, she was turned back to reality when she witnessed the scene of another police officer shoving Fyodor to the vehicle.

It didn't take long to settle into prison either. Said she had to stay there till they decide her fate, some anonymous- her lawyer said- recommended she shouldn't take part in the court. Said something like "doesn't even know how to write"

However that anonymous was, she was gonna destroy him once she got out of there.

So now, she sat Infront of a psychologist, a blonde woman wearing glasses. Perhaps in her mid forties. She was sat cross legged, her notes on her lap. She smiled gently at Alex, who was sitting with folded arms, legs spread open and a bored expression on her face. How much she hated those fucking therapy sessions.
Already done two this damned month.

"So, Alex." She started. The sound of her name was so weird. It made her cringe.
"776." She corrected, as if it was her real name. The therapist wrote something down.
"How do you feel?" She asked, hiding damn well the fact she's gathering material for the upcoming court.
Alex rolled her eyes and sighed, looking down at her arms. The couch she sat on was hard enough to make her want to complain. She didn't.

"I dunno. Guess." In a mutter Alex replied, tone a bit more annoyed now.
"Well, I'm guessing..the usual?" Hesitantly replied she.
"What's the usual, huh?" Almost offended she asked, as If she hasn't progressed at all. Which..is true.
"..just, you're angry at me, for some reason." She huffed, adjusting her glasses.
"I'm truly trying to do my work here and all you're saying is .. nothing. Absolute nothing." The therapist was starting to feel mutual feelings too.

Alex watched, wanting to huff and be sarcastic. Her eyes roamed at the woman's figure, skinny to the bone (literally) and this annoying style many women with no personality have. Leggings and a white hoodie, trying so hard to fit in with the so called youngsters. She wanted to sigh and avoid thinking how easy she could take her down. It was an issue.

"Well..I am angry." Alex admitted.
"Angry at the fact some bastard I don't fucking know has the right to kick me out of my own court case!" She scoffed.
"Are you shitting me?" She asked again, as If the silly woman Infront had the answer. She nodded and remained quiet.
Alex ran a hand over her face.
"What the hell am I even doing here? All I did was follow orders. Like I always do!" She sighed, pinching the bridge of her curve nose.
Leg started bouncing again.

"What do you do when you're angry?" Asked the woman.
"Smoke." Instantly Alex replied.
"I sometimes punch my stuff.." she added quietly now, looking away.

"Have you thought of hurting yourself?" Asked softly the woman, deep down wondering what gotten into her to finally speak. Maybe she needed time.
"Duh?" Alex frowned her brows, admitting it as if it was fishing.
The room fell silent. Again. Her pen scribbled over the paper.
"Hey. Don't mention that to the court." Alex softly said.
"You know I have to." She awkwardly said, giving a small forced smile.
"But don't worry. I won't mention details."

Alex dropped her hand off her face and dropped it to the couch, like it was tired from pinching too hard.
"Oof.."

That was gonna be hard to deal with.