Frank Woods x Reader

Thirty-Four

"Yamantau...", Adler hummed.

Mason pulled a face.

"Send me and Woods.", he suggested and locked eyes with Frank.

He just nodded halfheartedly, but wasn't fully present. All he did was stare into nothing while leaning against a wall, arms crossed.

The distance between you and him was barely more than a few steps. But it felt like a million people could have fit in between. A deep sigh made your chest shiver.

"I'll pass.", you said to lighten the mood. "My shoulder won't do another field trip."

Displeased, Adler hummed.

"I'd prefer you out.", he said.

"(Y/N)'s not a fucking field solider.", Woods suddenly jumped in. "We've made it out that thing by a hairs width. Bell and I alone would have been better off."

It stung that he was all passive aggressive again, but you didn't comment on it. It was better this way.

Agreeing, Mason hummed.

"Sorry to say it, but this mission needs some skilled soldiers, not someone with your skills.", he gifted you an apologetic smile.

You raised your hand.

"It's fine.", you sighed. "I'll try and assist from afar. I'll keep an eye on Bell."

"No.", Adler lit himself a cigarette. "You'll watch Woods."

Surprised, your eyes jumped to Woods.

"What?", you asked, one eyebrow raised.

Woods disagreed as well.

"This is ridiculous!", he threw his hands into the air. "Mason and I always work together."

Adler shook his head.

"You need some cool down time, Woods. And (Y/N) needs someone to stand guard in case anything happens."

"You two need time together anyways.", Hudson agreed. "We want a team that works, not fights."

"We've made up.", you interrupted. "You can send him on this mission."

"The decision is made.", Adler blew a grey cloud into the air. "You and Woods stay put. Mason will go with Bell. We'll send for you once we're done."

A soft curse escaped you.

But it was no use arguing with Russell Adler. Once he had his mind set on something it was impossible to make him back down.

Not even Woods tried to argue with him. He just pulled a face and turned away to disappear in a corner of the house.

Taking a deep breath from the cold night air, you let your head fall against the rough stone of the house and followed the lights of the car with your eyes.

Hudson had been the first to leave.

Mason and Adler had followed shortly after.

Now, you were all alone in this safe house, trapped with that one man you wanted but knew shouldn't have. It was a bad idea to think about getting back with him.

He was right, it probably would only end in disaster.

But you couldn't help it and kept thinking about the what if part.

What if things worked out this time?

What if you reassured him a little more, told him you truly loved him a little more?

What if you'd stop getting mad at him all the time and explain things with a bit more patience?

Maybe he'd understand.

Maybe he'd try to be a bit better with his emotions.

With a deep breath, you blew white fog into the night.

The sound of a door opening caught your attention.

Tilting to the side, you glanced around the corner.

Woods noticed your movements. His head turned to you, but he didn't move.

You looked at him, indifferent if he'd come over or not and turned away again after it started to feel like an uncomfortable amount of time to stare.

Steps sounded. They walked into the opposite direction.

Squeezing your eyes shut, you sunk onto an old tire and let out a sigh that made you feel like an entire mountain fell off your shoulders.

"Shit...", you breathed, halfway disappointed how poorly things had developed and halfway mocking yourself.

At the beginning of this mission, you would have done anything to get rid of Woods. He had been that one and only thing you didn't want to have close to you ever again.

But now things had changed.

You realised how much you've had missed him. The familiar smell of his was stuck inside your nose. His voice still echoed inside your ears.

It was like a dream and torture at the same time.

"May I?", his voice suddenly sounded.

Torn from your thoughts, your eyes snapped wide open.

"Huh?", you blinked.

He pointed at the broad space in front of you.

"Can I join you for a while?", he asked again.

You shrugged.

"There's enough space for the both of us.", you gifted him a polite smile.

Silence spread between the two of you.

But it didn't feel awkward. It kind if hurt instead.

You wanted to talk to him. But you didn't want to push him away again. Anything that could have left your mouth would have bothered him.

At least that's what you've thought.

On the other side, Woods was itching to get something off his chest as well. But he wasn't good with words, never had been.

And making a physical move on you would have crossed the line.

He swallowed hard.

"Hey...", he tried to start. "I know you're not thrilled to be stuck here with me..."

You let out a huff.

"Well, guess we both have a reason to be unhappy right now."

"I'm not."

You glanced up at him, one eyebrow raised.

"How so?", you asked and started chewing on the inside of your cheek.

A deep sigh escaped him. He knelt down next to you.

"Sure, I'd rather kill some Reds with Mason.", he admitted. "But... now that we get along without yelling at each other..."

You rolled your eyes.

"Cut to the chase, old man."

"I enjoy being with you. I never stooped enjoying your company. It just... got harder over time."

You frowned.

"Why start with that now?"

"I... I don't know... I just... thought it needs to be said.", he got back on his feet again and turned away to leave.

Your eyes wandered over his torso.

"Blue really is your colour...", you mumbled with a smile. "Makes you look like no other."

He froze for a moment, then turned on his heel again.

"So we're doing this?", he asked with a huff.

You shrugged.

"Sure. Let's talk like normal people... let's just pretend were not two idiots..."