When the going gets Tough

Chapter 7

(A/N) This part of the story was highly inspired by the song above!! also this chapter is a long one

With the night enveloping the outback in its cool embrace, Sniper steered the van to a gentle stop, the engine's rumble fading into the quiet stillness of the wilderness. He climbed onto the roof of the van, the metal cool beneath his palms, and settled himself, gazing up at the vast expanse of the star-studded sky. The constellations twinkled above, each one a familiar marker in the endless canvas of the universe.

After a moment, Scout joined him, clambering up beside him with an excited grin. They sat shoulder to shoulder, their eyes fixed on the twinkling spectacle above, the vastness of the cosmos stretching out before them. A peaceful silence settled between them, the weight of their mission momentarily set aside as they reveled in the simple joy of stargazing in the heart of the outback.

"You know, Sniper, sometimes it's easy to forget how small we really are," Scout murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper against the backdrop of the night.

Sniper nodded, a rare tenderness softening his features. "Yeah, out here, it's just us and the stars. Makes you wonder about the bigger picture, doesn't it?"

Scout's gaze shifted, and a tumult of emotions churned within him. He had always been drawn to Mrs. Pauling, their mission handler, her poise and intellect a constant source of admiration. But now, sitting under the vast, unyielding expanse of the cosmos, he couldn't deny the unexpected stirrings within his heart, feelings that seemed to be directed toward someone entirely different.

He stole a glance at Sniper, the starlight casting a gentle glow over his features. A rush of confusion and realization swept over him, and he felt the weight of his emotions settling like an unspoken truth in the quiet of the night. It was a revelation that left him simultaneously exhilarated and afraid, his mind grappling with the unfamiliarity of it all.

With their moment of introspection under the starry night sky, Scout and Sniper climbed back into the van, seeking the comfort of their makeshift sleeping quarters. The bunk bed in the back and the warmth of the van offered a temporary refuge from the vast and unpredictable outback.Sniper settled into his seat, his eyes heavy with exhaustion, and gave Scout a weary but understanding nod. "We should get some rest. Tomorrow's a new day, and who knows what it'll bring."

Scout nodded in agreement, his earlier revelations still swirling in his mind but ultimately set aside for another time. He closed his eyes, leaning back against his seat, and gradually, the rhythmic hum of the van and the serenity of the outback lulled them both into a peaceful slumber.

Scout's eyes fluttered open, the soft light of dawn filtering through the windows of the van. He stretched, his muscles stiff from sleeping in the confined space, and blinked in confusion as he realized Sniper was nowhere to be seen. Sitting up, he peered through the dusted window and noticed the familiar surroundings of a bustling city, the distant sounds of traffic and voices permeating the air.

Frowning, Scout pushed open the van door and stepped out into the parking lot, squinting against the early morning light. He spotted Sniper leaning against the side of the van, the red embers of a cigarette glowing in the dim morning haze.

"Sniper, what's going on? Why are we back in the city?" Scout asked, his voice tinged with concern as he approached.

Sniper took a final drag from his cigarette and flicked it away, the embers dissipating into the concrete. He met Scout's gaze with a measured expression, his features betraying a hint of weariness.

"We had to make a detour, Scout. Mrs. Pauling called last night, said the contract was put on hold" Sniper replied, his voice low and guarded.

Scout nodded; his earlier revelations momentarily pushed to the back of his mind as hunger took precedence.