Nikto and Krueger [Call of Duty AI Generated Stories]

Duty Calls: A Nikto and Krueger Story

(P5)

Nikto sat quietly by Krueger's bedside, his hand gently resting on his partner's as the warm glow of the infirmary lights bathed them both. It had been a long, grueling descent from the mountain, but they had made it. Krueger was finally resting, the cast on his leg a stark reminder of the close call they had endured together.

For the first time in days, Nikto allowed himself to relax, sinking into the chair next to Krueger's bed. The soft sound of Krueger's steady breathing was a comfort. Nikto leaned back, closing his eyes for just a moment, feeling the weight of exhaustion tug at him.

But the peace didn't last long.

The shrill ring of his phone shattered the silence, and Nikto's eyes snapped open. He pulled the device from his pocket and glanced at the screen. It was König.

Nikto hesitated, glancing at Krueger, who was still resting. The last thing he wanted was to leave his partner, especially after everything they'd just been through. But a call from König wasn't something he could ignore. With a sigh, he answered the call.

"Colonel," Nikto greeted, his voice calm despite the fatigue that weighed him down.

"Nikto," König's voice was sharp on the other end of the line. "Report to me immediately. We need to discuss the events from the last mission."

Nikto's heart sank. He knew this wasn't going to be a pleasant conversation. "Understood," he replied, his tone steady. "I'll be there shortly."

As he ended the call, Nikto stood, casting one last glance at Krueger, who had stirred slightly at the sound of the phone. When Krueger's eyes fluttered open, he spotted Nikto standing by the door, ready to leave.

"Leaving already?" Krueger rasped, his voice hoarse but laced with his usual sarcasm. "Don't tell me you're abandoning me for König."

Nikto smirked, though the weight of the upcoming meeting was heavy on his shoulders. "I'll be back soon," he reassured, his voice softer than usual. "Just a meeting."

Krueger, ever the joker even in pain, sighed dramatically and clutched his chest with exaggerated flair. "Oh no, Nikto! How will I survive without you by my side?" he groaned. "Don't leave me, I'm too fragile!"

Nikto chuckled, shaking his head at Krueger's theatrics. "You'll be fine, drama queen," he teased, but his tone softened as he walked back to Krueger's side for just a moment. "I'll make it quick."

Krueger reached out, grabbing Nikto's wrist. "You better. I'll start thinking you prefer König over me," he added with a smirk, his playful nature shining through the pain.

Nikto gave a rare, genuine smile and leaned down, pressing a brief kiss to Krueger's forehead. "Don't push yourself," he said quietly. "I'll be back before you know it."

With that, Nikto reluctantly left the infirmary, his steps heavy as he made his way toward König's office. He knew the conversation ahead wouldn't be easy, but he also knew he had to defend the choices he made during the mission—and most of all, defend Krueger.

As he reached the office, König was already waiting, his tall frame looming behind the desk, arms crossed. His eyes flicked up as Nikto entered, the tension in the room palpable.

"Sit," König commanded, his voice low but authoritative.

Nikto obeyed, sitting across from him, though his posture remained straight and unwavering. The exhaustion from the past days was clear, but Nikto kept his composure.

"Explain yourself," König began without preamble. "The mission was nearly compromised, and I've received reports that Krueger's actions endangered the team."

Nikto's jaw tightened. He had anticipated this. "With all due respect, Colonel, that's not the full story," Nikto replied, his tone steady but firm. "The terrain was difficult, and Krueger did his best to keep the mission on track."

König narrowed his eyes. "From what I've gathered, Krueger slipped and was injured, forcing you to divert from the mission plan. It put the entire operation at risk."

Nikto bristled at the accusation but kept his voice measured. "It wasn't his fault," he insisted. "The conditions on that mountain were far worse than we expected. It wasn't just Krueger's fall that caused the diversion—it was the circumstances. And if it weren't for him, I wouldn't be sitting here."

König raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Explain."

Nikto took a breath, choosing his words carefully. "I had a... moment of weakness, sir. The heights, the snow, it got to me. Krueger was the one who pulled me back. He kept me focused, even when I wasn't at my best. Yes, he fell, but his injury was the result of his attempt to keep me from falling again. If he hadn't been there, I'd be dead."

There was a pause as König considered Nikto's words. The silence stretched on, the weight of the conversation settling between them. Finally, König spoke, his tone softer but still stern.

"You're telling me that Krueger's injury was the result of him saving you?"

"Yes, sir," Nikto confirmed, his voice unwavering. "He put himself in harm's way to protect me. And because of that, I was able to carry out the rest of the mission."

König sighed, rubbing his temples. "You two always have each other's backs, don't you?"

Nikto didn't flinch. "Always."

König sat back in his chair, his expression softening slightly. "I see. I'll consider your explanation. But you should know that this won't excuse every misstep in the field."

"I understand, sir," Nikto said, his tone respectful but firm. "But Krueger didn't make a mistake. He made a choice, and that choice saved my life."

König let out a deep breath, leaning back in his chair. "Very well, Nikto. I'll review the reports and take your input into account. But remember, next time... the mission comes first. Always."

Nikto nodded, standing as he was dismissed. "Understood, sir."

As he left König's office, a wave of relief washed over him. He knew that defending Krueger might not have fully swayed the colonel, but he had done his part to protect the man who had risked everything for him.

Without wasting another moment, Nikto made his way back to the infirmary, where he found Krueger still lounging in bed, though now he was looking much more comfortable.

"Back so soon?" Krueger asked with a playful grin as Nikto approached.

Nikto shook his head, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "Didn't take as long as I thought."

Krueger gave him a knowing look. "How'd it go?"

Nikto sat down beside him, his hand resting on Krueger's. "I told him the truth. That you saved me."

Krueger raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "You make me sound like a hero."

"You are," Nikto said simply, squeezing his hand.

Krueger's smirk softened into something warmer, and for a moment, they just sat there, hand in hand, in the quiet safety of the infirmary. No words were needed. They had each other, and that was all that mattered.