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The adrenaline slowly faded. Gaz’s senses slowly came back to order. Laswell was safe, their mission was over. They’d leave and he’d have to wait god knows how long to see Farah and her crew again.
His whole body ached, who knew getting thrown out of a helicopter and being dangled mere inches off the road would hurt? If it wasn’t for Farah slowing down the truck ahead of him, he’d surely been a meat paste.
Looking away from the happy reunion something caught his eye.
A vivid pink flower shone through the sandstorm. The beauty was breathtaking. Despite better judgment, he broke away from the group.
Walking to the side of the road, stepping over the bodies of dead Al Qatala. Their blood soaked the cracks of the road.
The flower was untouched, the vibrant pink in the center dulling towards the base. The needles guarding it were large and fierce, protecting the beauty with all of their might.
Crouching down he reached for the base of the blossom, hoping to give it to Farah.
“Sergeant?” The firm voice spooked him.
“Bloody hell!” Losing his balance he fell forward. his hand slammed into the spines of the cacti.
The collar of his plate carrier slammed into his neck, his weight being held by the loop on the back. A soft chuckle pleasantly filled his ears.
“Are you okay sergeant?” She pulled back on the loop allowing his feet to touch the floor.
Realizing the flower was in his hand he quickly stood up and turned around.
“Uh, yeah! Yeah yeah yeah! I’m fine.” Shooting his hand out he offered the flower to Farah. She raised her eyebrow.
“For you! It’s pretty…and dangerous, you know? Like you.” A soft smile pulled at Farah’s lips. Then a chuckle fills the air.
“Give me your hand.” Gaz took the flower with his other hand and raised the spine-riddled hand.
Farah gently took his hand looking intently at the needles. She began to pull at one causing a stinging pain. Gaz grimaced as the needles were removed.
“Sorry, wish it didn’t hurt,” Farah said.
Looking up he smiled, Farah glanced up flashing him a small smile as she pulled the spines out.
Looking at the flower in his hand, he glances at Farah seeing a gap between her head and the hood she had on. Raising his hand he gently placed the flower nestling it behind her ear.
“For you.” Gaz was glad he was focused on her hand or else she’d notice his nervousness.
“You’re very sweet Gaz.” Farah smiled as she pulled the last needle out.
“Kyle.” Was all he could say, as his face heated up even more.
Farah let out a pleased hum as she pulled the Velcro strap of his glove off, gently pulling it off to reveal tiny cacti spines.
“Kyle… I like that name.” She smiled as she pulled on the straps of her vest, pulling out a small bottle of glue and a bandage roll.
“Glue?” The sergeant asked wearily as the woman unscrewed the cap pouring some onto the back of his hand.
“It sticks to the spikes, then when you remove the bandage it takes them all off.” She explained while she carefully wrapped his hand.
“It should dry in 20 minutes, then you can take off the bandage.” Farah handed him back his glove.
Before Gaz could respond he looked behind her. Price and Lazwell had been looking at them for god knows how long. Price gave him a thumbs up, while Lazwell chuckled and gently pulled Price away. A harsh blush shot across his face.
“Hey Farah, thanks… Stay safe okay? I want to see you again.” Gaz called out as she walked towards her bike. Farah let out a laugh and then smiled.
“You be careful Kyle, I’d like to receive more flowers from you.” Farah took the flower from her ear and gently put it in the big pocket of her vest.
Kyle waved as she left with her militia, they had their country to save. Price walked next to him as he patted Kyle’s back.
“Let’s get ready lover boy, the world’s counting on us.” Kyle exhaled, 141 would never let him live that down. Sighing he spun on his heel, anticipating the next time he’d see Farah.