Chapter Text
After dinner was finished and the dishes taken care of, Sniper decided to face where he’d be living for the next few days. He knew there would be a decent amount of work to be done if he wanted to sleep comfortably tonight. So, he figured he might as well get started now.
The Australian noticed the offense team was settled back into the common room as he passed by on his way to the dorm hall. Solly was back in his spot on the couch and Pyro sat on the floor between his legs. She was curled up, staring intently into the flames of the fire he’d rebuilt, head resting atop their knees.
Scout sat in Soldier’s lap as the patriot combed out his hair, apparently having won the right to in their scuffle earlier. Scout didn’t seem too displeased about it, though. His back was slouched against Soldier’s front and his eyelids hung heavy over the blue-gray irises he inherited from his father. Seemingly lulled nearly to sleep by a warm meal and the soothing repetition of Solly’s grooming.
Sniper kept walking down the hall until he was in front of the big red door to his room. It was unusually pristine compared to the other doors that filled the dorm hallway, unmarred by graffiti, bullet holes or black streaks from rogue explosives. He stared into his reflection in the little placard on the door that brandished his name before stepping inside.
To his surprise the room was not barren with a great pile of boxes in the middle. But instead it was fully furnished and set up to resemble the lay out of his RV.
There was a lofted bunk bed in the corner of the room, made up with Sniper’s well worn and loved sheets. He could even see the dingy green snout of his beloved childhood crocodile plush poking out from beneath the covers. Underneath the lofted bed sat two chairs and a small portable radio; presumably to replicate the cab of his truck. There was a desk in place of his usual kitchenette and similar substitutions made for the other appliances and furnishings in Sniper’s van. Most notable, though, was what looked to be a hand crafted wardrobe that housed all of Sniper’s clothes; his mason jar collection stuffed into the bottom. Best of all was the walls. They were covered in family photos, mounted weapons, team pictures and Sniper’s large Australian flag.
“Do yah like it?” A voice called from behind him. Sniper turned to see Engineer standing sheepishly in the doorway; worrying his tail in his hands as he waited for Sniper’s appraisal. “I thought that maybe you’d be more comfortable if things were similar to how you’re used tah.”
“Ya did alla this, Truckie?” Sniper asked, still in awe as he took in everything. “Thank ya,” Sniper said, turning to look Engineer in the eyes as he did, touched by the gesture.
Engi certainly wasn’t wrong, a contributing factor to why Sniper hated staying on base was how depressingly barren his room was. He never bothered to take anything but the bare necessities with him when he moved in; stubbornly insisting to himself that professionals don’t need homely comforts like a childhood plush toy for company at night, or photos of their parent’s smiling faces to wake up to in the morning.
“Of course, Slim, you deserve to have your space feel like your own.” Engineer said as he came to stand beside the sharpshooter, resting his human hand on Sniper’s shoulder and wrapping his tail comfortingly around his leg. Sniper tilted his head against the top of Engi’s, their height difference rather pronounced when they stood side by side. They stood like that for a few moments, silently enjoying each other’s company.
“Ya didn’t have tah do alla thois for me.” Sniper said simply after a moment, his insecurity worming its way out of him and into the quiet air of the room. Feeling a little pathetic for how much of a burden he was being on his team over something so benign.
“I know,” Engi chuckled in response, drawing Sniper closer and squeezing his leg with his tail reassuringly. “I did it ‘cause I wanted to.” Engi leaned away from the sharpshooter and lightly pinched his nose with his free hand. “Silly goose.”
Sniper chuckled at his friend’s mock chiding, swatting Engi’s prosthetic hand away from his face playfully. “Okay, okay, oi get it.”
“Good,” Engi hummed, letting go of Sniper’s nose in favor of tucking the Australian into a hug, squeezing him tight before letting go. “You sleep well now, Mick. Let me know if there’s anything that you need.” Engi said warmly, getting up on his tip toes to press a gingerly kiss to the tip of Sniper’s nose.
“Noight, Truckie,” Sniper replied, a smile splitting his face at the bid of affection. He waved farewell to the Texan as he made his way out of the room, his electrical cord tail unraveling from Sniper’s leg and trailing behind him in one fluid motion.