We station our flag beside a jagged boulder. Ryan, Tyler, and Josh offer to stay around and protect it while the rest of us split up to capture Sierra Company's flag. Now all we have to do is coordinate a plan.
No one ever told Capture the Flag was this difficult, or this stressful.
The forest is eerily silent as we huddle around to formulate a plan of attack. The wind is chilling now that the broken branches above block out some of the sun's heat. Forests have always been creepy to me, but there's something about this one that just sends shivers down my spine. Maybe it's because another company is hiding out there among the trees, and we have no idea what we're doing with ourselves.
That's probably it.
"We could go in groups of two or three," Pete suggests. "Split up and search the forest, so that way if one group gets caught, we're not all screwed. It gives the other groups a chance to find the flag."
"There could be a distraction team, too," Spencer adds. "If we get close to the flag but there's a Sierra group in our way, someone could distract them and give us a chance to steal the flag."
"So who's going with who?" Brendon asks, and it just baffles me that every single member of Delta Company turns to stare at me.
"What?" I question. I'm not cut out for the leader type. "What's everyone looking at me for? I'm not good with strategies."
"Gioia gave you the flag, so he must see something in you," Patrick pipes up. "You're responsible and trustworthy. All you have to do is make up the groups."
Great. Not only do I make a terrible leader, but I also crack under pressure; the fact that everyone is staring at me only makes the situation ten times worse than it needs to be.
"Hey, don't sweat it, Gerard," Frank says. I hope he doesn't notice how badly my hands are trembling at my sides. "I'll help you out. Who do you wanna be in a group with? We'll go with three per team, I think."
"Mikey," is my automatic response. "And maybe you," is my slightly more hesitant response.
But instead of judging me--like the conclusion my brain always instantly jumps to--Frank smiles. He has a nice smile. I've noticed that over the past couple of weeks. It's not an outrageously unique smile, but the way the corners of his eyes crinkle up and the way the light shimmers in his gaze is unique to him. I don't know how he does it. I've never seen a smile quite like his before.
"Sounds good to me," he says, pulling me from my wandering thoughts. I need to focus on grounding myself more often. Daydreaming is going to get me in trouble one of these days. "Group one will be me, Gerard, and Mikey. Any volunteers for group two?"
"Me!" Brendon chimes in, his voice far too loud for my liking. We're in a silent forest, and voices carry. There's no doubt Sierra Company heard him shouting.
"I'll go with him," Spencer volunteers. At least he's much quieter about it. See, there's that level-headed and intelligent attitude of his.
"Me too," Jon agrees.
"Perfect." Frank motions for them to gather. "Group two will be Brendon, Spencer, and Jon. Group three?"
Pete raises his hand.
"Good on ya, Pete. Who else wants to go with him?"
Dallon volunteers, and so does Patrick. That just leaves Ray. We're at an odd number. I think about suggesting that he stay behind and help Ryan, Tyler, and Josh protect the flag, but that's far too many people, and Frank seems to be on the same page.
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The Ghost of Him |WWII Frerard AU|
Fanfiction"You are never coming home." * * * There are some days in life you'll never forget. Your first date, perhaps, or even your first kiss. Maybe even your first experience with death, because not all of these days have to be good. Some of these day...
