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Sniper has always been an observer, since he was a kid, he would notice small parts of people or the world that others wouldn’t even think to look for. It wasn’t even like he was trying to look; it just happened, he seemed to study every person or thing he came across.
It started when he was younger, his dad had brought out his Winchester Model 70, giving Mick a rundown of the function of the gun before he even let him hold the thing. When his dad placed it into his hands, he noticed the markings on it, how faded some of the coloring was because of the age of this gun.
He noticed the weight, and how heavy it felt in his hands, he positioned it onto his shoulder and noticed how it rubbed up and down while he was adjusting it. He felt the ringing in his ears as it was shot, it was all too much. He remembers it being so loud, he had never had it be this loud before.
Another time he was on the battlefield, leaving his shooting nest to go and chase after the Blu Spy that had just gotten past his grip, when he was interrupted by the enemy Soldier who was racing right towards him.
Before Sniper could even begin to think, the Soldier had fired a missile into his direction, Mick jumped away from it, landing on his ass, as the rocket landed into the wall behind him. He was alive, it was okay, but it wasn’t, his ears hurt so fucking bad. He felt like his head was going to explode.
The ringing didn’t stop, he grabbed onto his ears so tightly, it hadn’t been this bad in years. There’s something wrong with me.
Eventually the Soldier took a second shot, and Mick felt the unfamiliar relief that came from respawning, the ringing was gone, he was okay. But he was soaked with sweat, those few seconds had felt like an eternity in his mind.
A third time this happened is with Scout, they were both in his camper, Sniper splayed back on the couch while Scout was on his lap. Their mouths intertwined, at these late hours were usually Sniper’s favorite time, but this time was different. There was no music playing, only the wet sounds of their mouths colliding and this would usually be plenty for Sniper, but it wasn’t. The ringing started and he tried to ignore it, but it got so loud, he could feel too much of everything, to the point Scout pulled away to ask why Mick had stopped. But when he saw his face, he looked shocked, pulling away from him, afraid he had done something wrong. Sniper couldn’t say anything, he only covered his ears, and shut his eyes tight, shaking his head trying to make this unbearable sound go away.
Jeremy reached his hand out to touch Mick’s cheek, he flinched, opening his eyes a little to see his lover worried, “Snipes, babe, is it happening again? You’re worrying’ me.”
Sniper can only make out a few words in the midst of this, “Music, please I need music Scout.”
Scout’s eyes widened in realization, and he immediately hopped up, walking quickly over to the stacks of records Sniper kept in his camper, he pulled out the first Tom Jones vinyl he could find and took it out of its sleeve, placing it onto the player.
The sweet melody of Tom Jones’ “Love Me Tonight” starts playing, and Scout walks back over to Sniper, who has removed his hands from his ears. He sits there, eyes still closed, but he looks content. He feels Jeremy’s presence and opens them, his eyes softened looking at him, he was so worried for him, but he was still so caring. Mick reached for his hand, feeling the much smaller man's palm in his own, he looked at him, “Thank you roo’, I don’t know what I’d do without ya around.”
Jeremy’s expression is soft, “It’s nothin’ to thank me for big guy, I love every part of ya’. I want ya’ to feel comfortable and all dat’, I’m here no matta what.”
Mick feels a ping of guilt, shame building up over the thought of his lover having to deal with him, “It’s bloody rotten work mate, lot’ to handle.”
Jeremy doesn’t back down, “Nah, not you Mick, not if it’s you. Nothin’ about you is rotten.”
Sniper smiles sheepishly. Even when things are loud, Jeremy is louder, and Mick knows that it makes everything worth it.
Something is burning inside.
Something that can’t be denied
I can’t let you out of my sight darling, love me tonight.