When the going gets Tough

Chapter 5

Sniper's eyes snapped open, a sense of urgency flooding his senses as he realized that something was amiss. He sat up, his heart pounding in his chest, and scanned the darkened room. The other bed lay empty, the sheets rumpled and abandoned. Panic surged through him as he quickly grabbed his gear and made his way out into the city night. Maybe he didn't care to admit it, but he did care for Scout, and this had set him off quite a bit.

The neon lights and pulsating energy of the city enveloped him as he hurried through the bustling streets, his mind racing with worry and frustration. He couldn't believe Scout had slipped away in the dead of night, especially in an unfamiliar city. He had to find him before something went terribly wrong.

He scoured the streets, the neon lights and raucous sounds of the city assaulting his senses. After some inquiries, he learned that Scout had been spotted at a dingy club a few blocks away. He hurried there, his heart pounding with a mix of worry and frustration. As he pushed through the club's entrance, the stench of alcohol and sweat hit him, and he scanned the crowded room, searching for Scout's familiar silhouette.

Scout was slumped over the bar, a half-empty glass in his hand. With a grimace, Sniper made his way through the throng of revelers, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. Before he could reach Scout, a commotion erupted in the corner of the club, drawing everyone's attention.

Scout had gotten into a heated argument with a burly, tattooed patron, his words slurred and belligerent. The confrontation escalated quickly, and within moments, punches were thrown. Sniper pushed through the crowd, shoving aside onlookers as he reached Scout's side.

"Scout, come on, let's get out of here," Sniper grunted, trying to pull Scout away from the brawl.

But Scout was beyond reason, his eyes wild with alcohol-fueled fury. "No way! This guy's asking for it. He thinks he can mess with us? Not on my watch!"

Sniper sighed, realizing he had no choice. He swiftly stepped in, using his training to subdue the aggressive bargoer without causing serious harm. With the help of the club's bouncers, they managed to defuse the situation, but not before the room was thrown into chaos.

Dragging Scout out of the club, Sniper shook his head in disbelief. "What were you thinking, Scout? You could've gotten yourself killed in there."

Scout's drunken laughter rang out as they stumbled onto the street. "Relax, Sniper. I had it all under control. Just wanted to blow off some steam, you know?"

Sniper rolled his eyes, a mix of exasperation and relief washing over him. "Let's just get you back to the hotel before you cause any more trouble. We've got a job to do, remember?"

Scout nodded, his earlier bravado fading as the effects of the alcohol began to take their toll. "Yeah, yeah, I remember. Sorry, Sniper. Won't happen again."

With a weary sigh, Sniper guided Scout back to the hotel, his mind racing with the challenges that lay ahead. He resolved to keep a closer eye on his impulsive companion, knowing that their mission required them to be sharp and focused. As they stumbled through the quiet streets, the night air cool against their skin, Sniper couldn't help but feel a gnawing sense of unease about what they might encounter in the coming days.