COD Oneshots

Finally (Gaz)

Y/N worked the night shifts at a small diner nestled at the edge of town. It was the kind of place that had its regulars, the late-night truckers, insomniacs, and the occasional group of rowdy night owls looking for greasy food after the bars closed. But there was one particular group that always brightened her shift: a team of soldiers who'd often stop by after a long day.

They were a friendly bunch, respectful and always polite, often cracking jokes and lightening the quiet nights. They'd troop in with their military precision, though as soon as they sat down, they'd relax, shedding the tension that hung over them like a shadow. Y/N had come to enjoy their company, and their tips, which were always generous.

But there was one soldier who caught her attention more than the others—Gaz. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a Scottish accent that made Y/N's heart flutter every time he spoke. He had a bright smile, one that always seemed to be reserved for her. At first, it had been innocent banter, his flirtations wrapped in playful teasing. He'd ask her how she was doing, compliment her smile, and wink whenever he caught her looking his way. She wasn't blind to the glances he shot her when he thought she wasn't paying attention. Over time, she'd come to look forward to the nights when Gaz and his team showed up, her heart skipping a beat the moment they walked through the door.

It had become something of a routine, and though she was never one to flirt back openly, there was a warmth in her chest every time Gaz smiled at her. His teammates had clearly noticed too. They'd nudge him, throw in teasing remarks when she came to their table, and she could swear she'd even caught them making bets about whether he'd ever work up the nerve to ask her out.

On one particular night, the air in the diner felt different. It was quieter than usual, with just a couple of customers here and there, and Y/N had been idly wiping down tables when the familiar clink of the doorbell signaled the soldiers' arrival. Instantly, her mood lifted.

There they were, the same bunch of friendly faces, but as she approached their usual booth with a smile, she noticed something different in the way they looked at Gaz. His teammates were grinning, exchanging conspiratorial looks as they slid into the booth, Gaz included. He looked a little more nervous than usual, but still flashed her that same charming smile.

"Evenin', lads," she greeted them as she filled their water glasses. "The usual?"

"Aye, you know us too well," Soap replied with a cheeky grin, glancing at Gaz.

She chuckled, scribbling down their order. As she turned to leave, she heard one of the men whisper, "Go on, mate. You got this."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, half-turning back to catch Gaz glaring at his friends. She smiled to herself, pretending she hadn't noticed anything, but there was a spark of curiosity blooming in her chest.

As the night went on, she found herself wandering back to their table more often than usual, making sure their glasses were filled, their plates were cleared, or just offering an excuse to linger a little longer. Gaz seemed more fidgety, his fingers drumming lightly on the edge of the table, but every time their eyes met, his nervousness would melt away for a second.

Finally, when she returned to refill their water again, Gaz cleared his throat. His team went silent, all eyes on him. She looked down at him, waiting patiently, though her heart raced.

"Uh, Y/N?" Gaz began, his accent making the sound of her name that much sweeter. His teammates exchanged glances, practically buzzing with anticipation. "I've been meanin' to ask ye somethin'..."

"Oh?" she replied, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Gaz looked like he was working up all the courage he had, his fingers nervously tapping against the table for a moment before he blurted out, "Would ye... like to grab dinner with me sometime? Just the two of us?"

There was a beat of silence, his team sitting up straighter, barely containing their grins. Soap let out a quiet chuckle, quickly elbowed by Price.

Y/N felt warmth spread through her chest, her heart skipping a beat at the question she'd been quietly hoping to hear for what felt like weeks now. She bit her lip to suppress the grin that threatened to break out, pretending to consider it as she poured the last of the water.

"I think I'd like that," she replied softly, meeting his eyes.

The wide smile that spread across Gaz's face made her stomach flip, and his teammates let out an exaggerated cheer as if they'd been waiting for that exact moment. She laughed, feeling her cheeks warm under their playful teasing.

"About time, mate!" one of them called out, slapping Gaz on the back.

He flushed slightly, shaking his head at his friends before turning back to Y/N with that boyish grin of his. "Great. I'll, uh, I'll figure out the details then."

"I'll be looking forward to it," she said with a smile, already imagining the evening ahead.

As she walked back behind the counter, her heart raced with excitement. The long nights suddenly didn't seem so quiet anymore, and she found herself counting down the days until Gaz would walk through that door again—this time, for their first date.