#141!oc

Cook!reader x oc(platonic) (141 involved)

A/N: Hi! Small blurb for being back. I'll input this in the cook!reader masterlist where it should be read and where it takes place in the time of events. Thanks!

You broken?

You heard the question between the four men when they would return to the mess hall after sparing. After anything really.

Truly it came from the Captain the most. Directed to his team after any mission. Good or bad.

Never would you imagine having to hear it being said with your own voice.

It's scary. It's chilling. It feels like lumps coming up and out of your throat. Like your producing bile as you speak. But what did you expect?

This was bound to happen.

You just weren't ready to accept that.

You didn't even find out until they got back from their last mission. It was fortunate that you decided to spend the night at your grandfathers.

Only he knew how to handle a situation like this.

Where a soldier falls in the line of battle. Countless MIA's and KIA's. When you experience death first hand.

Although this wasn't as serious as the three above, you're not a soldier. You didn't sign up to experience that. It doesn't mean you were safe from it. It didn't mean he was safe from it.

Your grandfather held you tightly as you rocked with him on the floor, back and forth.

"It's not looking good at all, Crook. But the man's pullin' through."

Price's voice rings in your head as you replay the conversation.

"We're done with the mission. Medvac already took him back to base if you want to see him but we won't be there until tomorrow."

It was pointless to offer. You're sure they won't let you in. Price can tell you all he wants that it's alright, that you can just waltz right in there and they'll lead you right to his battered and bruised-

Oh that poor boy, you think.

Missing for only two days. Two days and they broke him. Two days and they erased the joy from the soldier that just got out of basic training the year prior.

Soap tried to explain how it comes with the job. You feel like an idiot for still having that hope that when they all leave they'll return like they always had.

This only solidified the truth; the smiles never reach the eyes. And you were a fool for thinking they might.

You broken?

It's Sevan that finds you the next day. Followed by Jason. They two pause in the kitchen entry, afraid to step in further without proper sanitation. You, Lottie and Paul stop what your doing to stare back.

As soon as you let go of what your holding onto the counter, Lottie is the first to break the silence.

"Where is he?"

Jason looks at Sevan, not ready to open his mouth until he realizes his comrade can't...or doesn't have it in him to speak.

"He's alive."

Paul breaths out, his shoulders dropping with the air. "How is he?"

"He wants to see, Crook." Jason chokes out. "He...He wants to talk about what's gonna happen if he can't move like before."

If he can't move like before...

The sting of tears burn your eyes. But you genuinely refused to cry in the kitchen. You damn right refused.

It's a battle you don't think you can stand to lose, even if the whole room wouldn't mind a single bit. One of you almost died. And you didn't even get to say goodbye.

You would have never seen his face again. You would've had a new stranger permanently take his place. No one can match his energy. No one can match his love for the kitchen. As cheesy as it sounds.

But to you're utter shock. To your total suprise. He's sat up in the bed. Laughing it up with the nurse that looks to be a blushing mess. He spots you and acknowledges your presence almost right away. "Hey there she is. This lady's like my sister, I mean that. She's family."

Her eyes meet yours and she immediately begins to fiddle with her hands. "Well, Alright then. Take it easy now, Marco."

The wide grin that grows upon his face falters a bit with discomfort as he bids the nurse farewell.

Your eyes trail all over what you can see. His whole arm is covered in bandages, his whole neck covered as well. Cut cheek bone. Stiches upon his brow. Side of his eye looks to be swollen. His earlobe is stitched up. Busted lip...You can only imagine what else happened.

"Crook, can you believe I didn't break a damn thing while I was gone?" He cackles like it's a everyday joke. "Honestly. Put me in the fuckin' font lines."

"Marco are you-" Your voice cracks before you can finish. It has Marco pause and stare back, his smile fading.

It's silent. Sure you faintly hear a bunch of footsteps headed your way down the hall. But you need to hear it from him. You need to know.

"You broken?"

A smaller, gentler grin sprouts upon his face. "Could be worse. I'll be gone from the kitchen for a while but-"

Marco watches from the hospital bed as you step towards him. Slowly and cautiously.

"'m not broken. I'm just gettin' started afterall."

No, he's not broken yet, you think. Your arms immediately reach for him, holding your breath as you do. Tears swell in your eyes. You try to refrain from squeezing him. But it's his arms that bring you in instead.

"I'm alrigh' Crook." He sighs. "I'll always be alright."