After getting the information you need and tearing up the KGB Headquarters, you, Belikov and Adler had made a quick getaway, aided by Lazar.

However, not without hindrance. As one of the remaining Russian soldiers had managed to catch you while you were still making your way out from the basement level of the building, and the bullet had hit you right in the side. It looked nasty, but you assumed that you’d be fine, since the adrenaline kept you going and gave you the strength to keep on fighting — at least long enough to take out the remaining soldiers that were tailing you.

It’s only once you book your way out of there and see Lazar pull up at the exit that the full effects of your injury start to kick in. It hurts like hell, and though someone less battle-hardened than yourself may have passed out from the pain alone, you’re stronger than that.

…Strong enough to haul ass out of the building with your last shred of energy, at the very least. Though, you very quickly begin to feel off balance as you succumb to your injuries.

The only thing that stops you from kissing the concrete before you can make it into the car, is a pair of large arms finding a grip on you and hoisting you back up onto your feet.

“Jesus, Bell. You took a real hit, huh?” Adler sighs, one hand draping your arm over his shoulder, while the other holds your torso for support as he half drags you into the backseat. As soon as the door shuts, you speed off before the Russians can load up their vehicles and go after you.

He pulls his hand away from your side for a second, looking at the blood that had seeped through your shirt and is now staining his palm. “Hang in there. You’ll be fine, just stay alert.”

You’re not really sure whether he’s lying to keep you from panicking, or if he’s actually telling the truth, but the man has a stupidly convincing poker face. Adler just keeps his hand pressed firmly against the wound, and decides to make idle conversation with the goal of keeping you conscious. “You did good out there, kid.”