And so began the evening Scout thought would never end.
“Scout... I didn’t-”
“SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!” Scout ran to his daughter’s side, cursing under his breath. If you asked him today, he still wouldn’t be able to pinpoint the moment he started crying; all he’d tell you is how pained his daughter’s expression was; she didn’t scream, she didn’t struggle, nor did she immediately respond to her father lifting her from the ground. But she was alive; a miraculous silver lining despite the situation, but it wasn’t enough for Scout.
“... this is all your fault.” He stood up with the bloody child in his arms, “You let this happen!” he stormed towards Spy, fueled by an anger that none could match, “I am going to rip you limb from limb-!!!” Heavy and Demoman quickly stepped in, restraining his arms.
"Scout, there is no time for this!" The Heavy squeezed his wrists until he finally complied, "Doktor..."
"Say no more, my friend," Medic approached Scout, harboring the noblest of intentions, "We must be-"
"Oh, hell no! I'm not letting you anywhere near her, you sick freak!"
"She will die if we wait any longer!!"
His gaze was cold, though he knew the doctor was right. He recoiled in submission, handing off Melissa, "... I know..." and like that, Medic and Heavy bolted to the infirmary post-haste.
The other seven men shared an anxious gaze upon eachother, unsure what to think. The Demoman, still restraining Scout by his arm, released his grip, "Aye... I'm real sorry, lad..." he gave him a manly, yet sympathetic, pat on the back, "I'll save you a few drinks for later..." He kneeled beside the Spy (who, incase you don't remember, still has a lovely stab wound in his back,) and helped him to his feet. Walking back to the base, the two kept their voices down, "You didn't mean for it to happen, did you?"
"Of course not...-" he paused to hiss in pain, "To tell the truth... she reminded me of someone... someone very important to me..."
And truth be told, that someone was one of the few reasons he regretted leaving his home. It hurt him to think about... all who he had abandoned.
Speaking of hurt, Scout wasn't feeling too hot either. He was so embarrassed and angry that he let something like this happen. What was he gonna tell Janet? What was he gonna tell his ma? How was-
"Scout? It's just me..." Ms. Pauling invited herself in and sat by his side, "I... I can't imagine how you feel..."
Believe me, you don't wanna. Scout sighed heavily, slumping over on the bench.
“I know this is probably the last thing you want to think about, but what are you going to tell your mother? Isn't she expecting you soon?"
“I... I just don't know. What am I supposed to say? Oh, hey ma, just wanted you to know that I almost got my child killed and now she's bleeding out in some unlicensed wackjob's pigeon infested basement in a military base that I work at that you're not supposed to know about. No big deal, right?"
“Scout, this was a genuine accident. Spy didn't mean to-"
“Don't even talk about him." Scout snarled.
“Okay. Fine. But we have to do something. I know how he works and Medic won't be able to do this in one evening." Especially without some form of narcotics...
“Well what am I supposed to do? I'm an unfit parent and my kid got shot the first time I got to see her."
“You're really hung up on that. Fine, I'll figure something out. Under one condition..." She touched his cheek, engaging Tue contact with him, “You run to that little girl's side the moment she wakes up and you stay there. She needs you now more than ever." She gently kissed his face and gave him a warm side hug; what a pick-me-up. “I'm gonna go see about delaying a flight. Hang in there, Scout..."
And there she left him to lament in private.
On her way out, she visited the Engineer, “Hey Engie.”
“Hello again, Ms. Pauling. Do you want to see those new rocket boosters I’ve fixed up now?” he crossed his arms over his sentry gun, smiled cocked to the side akin to a southern gentleman.
“No- actually… maybe. Listen, I need your help.”
“With what exactly?”
“I need you and Pyro to help me delay a flight.”
His kind smile slowly twisted into a sadistic smirk, he kicked his toolbox shut and twirled his wrench with his gloved hand,“When do we start?”
YOU ARE READING
Family Time #1: Scout
Hayran Kurgu[This story is the first story in the Family Time series based off of the Daddy Fortress AU by tumblr-user paperfrays] Scout spends time with his long lost child, Melissa, at Red Base. Hilarity and endearing awkwardness ensues. Mostly awkwardness.
