COD Oneshots

Cowboy (Gaz)

The bar was alive with the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses as the team from COD, fresh off another successful mission, celebrated their hard-earned downtime. The dimly lit space buzzed with energy, filled with the chatter of patrons and the occasional raucous cheer from the rowdy group in the corner. Gaz, always one for a challenge, found himself in the thick of it, a pint of beer in hand and the thrill of the night in the air.

"Come on, Gaz! Bet you can't flirt with that redhead at the bar, I'll even buy your next round if you do it."" one of his teammates, Price, said with a mischievous grin. Gaz hesitated. The redhead wasn't exactly his type—too fiery, too loud. But the prospect of free beer was too tempting to resist. After a few more rounds of teasing, he accepted the dare, making his way through the crowd.

He approached the bar, heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. Just as he was about to speak, the redhead's friend, a petite brunette with striking green eyes, turned sharply and shot him a glare that could freeze hell.

"Don't even think about it, Cowboy," she warned, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Confused and slightly embarrassed, Gaz stepped back, watching as the redhead turned her attention back to her friend, who was swaying slightly, clearly drunker than anyone should be. Defeated, he walked back to his table, where his teammates erupted into laughter.

"Looks like our brave soldier got shot down!" Soap cackled, slapping Gaz on the back. The friendly ribbing continued as he took another swig of his drink, trying to shake off the humiliation.

Later that evening, Gaz noticed the brunette again as she was trying to help her friend to her feet, guiding her through the throng of bodies. This time, he took a moment to really look at her. She was small but carried herself with an undeniable strength. Her dark hair framed her face beautifully, and when she laughed at something her friend said, it lit up the entire room. Gaz felt something shift within him.

With newfound determination, he approached her again. This time, she looked at him with curiosity rather than disdain.

"Hey, I just wanted to apologize for earlier. Didn't mean to offend," he said, trying to keep his tone light.

She smirked, crossing her arms. "Well, it's good you didn't think I was trying to be rude. My friend just got dumped, and she didn't need a cowboy trying to sweep her off her feet."

Gaz chuckled, appreciating her honesty. "So, is 'Cowboy' my new nickname now? I'm going to need some context to live up to that."

Her laughter was warm and inviting, making him forget about the embarrassment from earlier. They exchanged playful banter, teasing each other and discovering a shared sense of humor. She was feisty, no doubt about it, and it only intrigued him more.

"Seriously though, I get it. Breakups are tough. But you should let her know that not all guys are bad," Gaz said, leaning against the bar casually.

"You have no idea how bad they can be, Cowboy," she replied with a mischievous glint in her eye.

As the night wore on, Gaz found himself more captivated by her. They swapped stories, laughed over shared experiences, and even danced a little, drawing curious looks from his teammates. When he finally made to leave, he glanced back at her, noticing the sparkle in her eyes.

"Hey," he called out, feeling bold. "What's your name?"

"Call me whatever you want, Cowboy," she quipped back, her smile infectious.

He turned to his friends, who were waiting outside. "What can I say? I like 'em feisty," he said, feeling a warmth spreading in his chest.

Just then, the brunette overheard him and laughed. "Better watch out, Cowboy! I might just lasso you in!"

As she walked away, Gaz couldn't help but smile, feeling like something special had just begun.

As the laughter from his friends faded into the background, he whispered to himself, "I will marry that woman." The night had changed him in a way he hadn't expected, leaving him eager for what tomorrow might bring.

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A few weeks had passed since Gaz's unforgettable night at the bar, but thoughts of the feisty brunette lingered in his mind. He'd never quite forgotten the way she made him feel, and every time he thought about her, he felt a spark of excitement. Tonight, his team was hosting a dinner, and he had volunteered to gather the ingredients, hoping to impress them with his culinary skills.

Walking through the aisles of the local supermarket, Gaz was preoccupied with lists and meal ideas, only half-listening to the background chatter of shoppers. Just as he rounded the corner of the produce section, he caught sight of her.

She stood there, perusing the ripe tomatoes, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, and her dress hugging her figure in all the right places. Gaz felt his heart skip a beat as he walked up to her, unable to suppress the grin spreading across his face.

"Well, if it isn't the most beautiful sight in the supermarket," he said, his voice warm and teasing.

She turned, surprise lighting up her face, quickly replaced by a playful smile. "Cowboy! Fancy seeing you here. You do know this isn't a bar, right?"

He chuckled, taking in her sparkling eyes. "I know. Just thought I'd brighten your day a little. You look stunning in that dress."

She laughed, the sound like music to his ears. "You've got quite the charm, don't you? Flirting with me in the produce aisle—very smooth."

"Only the best for you," he said, leaning casually against the display of avocados.

They fell into an easy banter, their chemistry as vibrant as it had been that first night. Gaz found himself mesmerized as she recommended various ingredients for the team dinner, her knowledge about cooking evident in the way she explained each choice with enthusiasm.

"You definitely need some fresh basil for that pasta dish," she said, grabbing a handful. "And don't forget garlic. It's like the magic ingredient."

He nodded, pretending to jot down notes in his mind. "I'll have to remember that for next time. I might need a few cooking lessons from you, though."

She laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Just invite me over, Cowboy. I'll whip you into shape in no time."

As they moved through the store, they continued to flirt, the easy camaraderie flowing between them. They exchanged stories about their lives, each revelation drawing them closer together.

Finally, as they reached the checkout, Gaz knew it was time to take the plunge. "So, we've been flirting like we've known each other for ages. How about we finally exchange names? I'm Gaz, by the way."

"Y/N," she replied, her smile broadening. "Nice to officially meet you, Gaz."

"Nice to meet you too," he said, feeling a warm thrill at hearing her name. He hesitated for a moment before pulling out his phone. "Can I get your number? I'd love to invite you over for that homemade dinner."

Her eyes lit up with excitement. "I thought you'd never ask! But you have to promise to actually use it. I want a personal invite when you're next in town."

"I promise," he said earnestly, saving her contact. "I won't let you down."

As they exchanged numbers, Y/N raised an eyebrow. "And don't think I'll let you off easy when it comes to cooking lessons. I expect you to live up to your promise, Cowboy."

Gaz laughed, feeling exhilarated. "I wouldn't dream of backing out."

With a last lingering look, they both stepped out of the store, the weight of the world seeming lighter. Gaz watched her walk away, feeling hopeful and eager for what was to come.

As he drove home, the ingredients for dinner in the backseat, he couldn't shake the smile from his face. He felt a flutter of anticipation at the thought of their next meeting, the promise of a homemade dinner, and the potential for something more between them.