#fuzeying

Being forced to work alongside Fuze was a frustrating ordeal.  He was always hard to get along with for most people, and it was even harder to get any idea of what he was thinking with the helmet he wore.  But, he at least wasn’t someone who dragged her down on a mission.  A small comfort, really, in having to work with someone she really couldn't stand, more often than not.  

Both of them knew what they had to do, and they didn’t need to be right next to each other to do it.  She doesn’t let her feelings interfere, of course; the last thing she wants is for anyone on her team to get hurt.  Thankfully, the chalet is large enough that they can keep their distance, but still be close enough to assist each other if need be.  

Fuze wasn’t someone who really talked beyond the bare minimum, and that sometimes proved tricky.  But, she had learned that he tended to speak when he needed to and no time else if he could help it.  If it wasn’t for the loud gunfire or explosions, she would be able to pretend she was out here alone.  That’s fine with her, since she can safely take out hostiles with good droning or with help from her candelas.  

She was handling the top floor while Fuze took care of the first floor and basement.  She still didn’t approve of his methods, but at least the underground floor was more out of the way of where people spent most of their time.  She takes care of the top floor safely, letting out a sigh of relief once she does.  

“Fuze, top floor is clear.”

She isn’t concerned until the silence persists for a few moments longer than is normal for him.  

“Fuze, answer me, where are you?”

More silence, and it only serves to make her more nervous.  She moves carefully down the stairs, ready for any potential hostile threat that came her way.  She had no way of knowing if the area was clear or not.  The first floor seemed entirely clear, leaving only the basement.  Each step is slow and careful, not wanting to walk right into an ambush if something had indeed happened to Fuze.  She can see where he’s already been, in a way, due to the excess of collateral damage.  

“Where the hell does such a big fuckin’ asshole go?!”

She has to bite her tongue at the unfamiliar voices, instead moving to get as close as she can without being detected.  Surely the terrorists were searching in the general area of his last known location.  

“Wrong step, bitch.”  She stiffens, glancing over her shoulder at the Mask standing behind her.  Before she could say anything, they were shot dead and promptly collapsed to the ground, alerting the other two she had heard before.  This time, she has the time to raise her rifle and take them down.

“Are you hurt?”  

She turns, face to face with Fuze now.  She’s surprised for a moment, then the surprise is replaced with seething anger.  

“You asshole!  I thought that you had gotten seriously hurt, or worse!  And you ask me if I’m hurt?!”

He stayed quiet, not saying anything in the few seconds it takes for extract to speak up.  Ying just huffs, turning to walk out.  She couldn’t stand him, and now was especially one of those times.  She thought he was gravely injured, and he has the audacity to act like it was alright!  She didn’t exactly get along with him like with most others, but she still cared!  She was silent until they got back to base, where she made a beeline for the armoy.  

As she’s taking her gear off, she finally has a moment to calm down.  She sits on the bench and lets out a sigh.  Guilt was starting to work it's way into her chest.  He had been just as concerned about her as she was about him, and she responded to that by freaking out.  

“Mei Lin?”  

She jumps at the sudden voice, looking up to see Fuze at the entrance.  She stiffens, averting her gaze for a moment.  

“...I’m sorry, Shuhrat.  For snapping at you earlier.”

He shook his head, slowly stepping into the locker space.  

“You were worried.  I wasn’t responding because I wanted to take them out quietly.  Still, I’m sorry.”

She keeps her eyes on the floor for a few seconds, then glances up to him.  She reaches to remove the helmet and stare into his eyes.  Funny he left it on but took off the rest of his protective gear.  Maybe he forgot.  But, now she can see the confusion clear on his face, and she can’t help the sigh.  Stupid, destructive Russian.  She cups his face with her eyes narrowed, staring for a few moments before she stands up on her toes and pulls his face close to kiss his lips.  

It was impulsive, she knew, but he also didn’t push her away.  That’s a good sign, right?  When she felt his hands rest gently on her hips, it washes away any concern and encourages her to take it a step further.  She shifts to wrap her arms around his neck, suddenly desperate for as much contact as she can manage.  She leans into him, her back curving to press her body against his.  

She stays there for awhile, before she slowly pulls away, taking a few breaths to recollect herself.  Her cheeks were definitely flustered as she realized the situation she was in now.  

“Don’t tell anyone.”  

His arms were firmly wrapped around her back, keeping her close.  In response, he shook his head.  

“I won’t.”  

She nods, hesitating again before slowly letting go.  After he does the same, she clears her throat.  

“I’m heading in now.  I’ll… see you.”  

“Mhm.”  

He takes a few steps backwards, then turns to walk out, leaving her to try and recompose herself before she left the locker.