"What the hell is this place?", Woods asked and glanced at you confused as you approached a window.

Without being asked, Bell wiped out a camera and snapped some pictures.

You pressed your back against the wall and looked outside.

All of a sudden, an alarm sounded. The deep, beeping sound was so terrorising and odd that it felt like it came straight from hell.

On the other side of the window, numerous soldiers appeared. Some jumped from behind cars, fully geared up, looking like they were about to go to war.

At the ceiling, the model of a helicopter hung. On a rope, a troupe of men slid down and onto the streets.

Russian commands filled the air.

People ran around.

Nervously, you let your eyes jump to the doors and openings from which people could have surprised you.

"It's a Spetznaz training course.", Woods realised. "Made to look like fucking Anytown, USA."

Your eyes jumped back to the modelled city outside the window.

"Looks like the Anytown you're from.", you smiled.

Woods frowned, a bit offended.

"Hey, you said you liked it there."

You shrugged.

"Didn't want to disappoint your parents. They were so nice to me, I couldn't let them down."

His lips moved and the expression on his face softened. Anger turned into a hint of nostalgia. He seemed to think about something.

"Huh.", he sighed. "Would have been hard for you to do that... They loved you."

"No offence, old man, but judging by your partners before and probably after me, it's not a challenge to be the perfect future family member."

Snorting, he shook his head.

In that moment he looked a lot like Woods. The old Woods, your fiancé and best friend.

The sight made you smile softly as well.

Some memories of him were truly good. Some were the best you've ever had.

So why did you only ever think about the bad ones?

Bell's head popped into the picture.

"I don't want to ruin the mood between the lovebirds...", he started.

But Woods silenced him with a raised hand.

"Careful...", he growled and gifted him a glance that was more than easy to understand.

Lowering your gaze, you took a deep breath.

"Bell's right.", you said.

Shocked, Woods looked at you.

"Not the lovebirds part, old man.", you rolled your eyes. "Calm down. But he wants us to move on. I think he's right. Let's get going."

All of a sudden, steps sounded above your head.

Woods head snapped up.

"Ah- shit! They're starting...", he cursed. "Fuck! Let's move."

He rushed to the closest door and tore it wide open. But before running, he looked at you.

At that point, you didn't even try and argue with him. You didn't need to ask. He wanted you to go after him, in the middle. It was easy for you to tell that he didn't trust Bell fully. But it was enough to trust him to secure your back.

With bated breath, you followed Woods every step, up some stairs and onto a level that was right inside the training course. Below your feet, soldiers walked.

The surroundings looked a lot like a typical American diner, neon lights, red benches and mint coloured tiles on the floor and walls. It really did look a lot like home.

But you were only three against, what felt like, an army. The odds didn't look good.

"Old man.", you grabbed him by the shoulder. "Let's agree that we don't need unnecessary danger. We've got bad cards."

For a moment, he eyed you, then turned back.

"Stay back, Bell and I will handle it.", he said and turned to Bell. "If they want a live fire drill, let's hook these fuckers up!"

Without hesitation, Bell fired the first shot.

Annoyed, you groaned and jumped behind a metal wall to seek cover.

"If Adler's mad, I'm blaming you, old man.", you hissed and started to shoot as well.

Woods shrugged.

"So nothing new.", he shot two men. "You've always blamed me for everything."

Rolling your eyes, you slid further into hiding as a unit of soldiers came running into the diner.

One tried to climb up the ladder, to get up.

You put a bullet to his leg.

As he lost his grip and fell, Woods freed him from his suffering and placed a perfect headshot.

"I never blamed you.", you locked eyes with your ex fiancé in a moment of calm.

"Are you fucking delusional? Did I date you or are you the better twin of (Y/N)?"

Pulling a face, you fought back a wave of anger.

"Oh, fuck off. I've tried to talk to you, but your thick skull always picked it up as a personal attack."

"You did attack me! And you're doing it again."

Before you could scream at him, Bell interrupted.

"Stop fucking fighting!", he gave each of you a deadly glare. "You two are the worst! We're under attack, stop having relationship issues."

Curling his lips, Woods briefly glanced at you before gesturing towards a door.

"Let's go...", he ordered and pushed past you. "Bell, head for the control tower."

While he passed you, his shoulder bumped against yours. It was a silent attack, a warning.

Curling your nose, you clenched your jaw and let out a deep breath. You didn't want to pick a fight. Not this time.

With your head pulled in, you rushed up some stairs and over a bridge. Bell helped you climb over a fence.

Gasping, you landed on your feet and helped him in return to get down on your level.

Woods refused to take help, as always, and jumped down on his own. The impact of his weight made the ground shiver.

"That elevator leads straight to the control tower.", he gestured towards an elevator across the room.

"I'll go first.", you said and took the lead before he could interfere. "Bell, cover me."

Bell nodded and followed you, but not before exchanging a glance with Woods.

But he just let out a displeased sound and started moving.