Missions often took John and his team in cities, which meant the situations he and his men were going to be in were very sticky. Battlefields in hot deserts or snowy forests were a lot better, away from civilians, he could take care of the bad boys however he pleased, but cities meant civilians, and lots of them at that, so they always had to move with extreme care.

This time, Task Force 141 was sent somewhere in the Netherlands, where the tulip season was in full swing. Flower shops were filled to the brim in colourful compositions, people stopping to admire them, or to take them with them to add a touch of life to their homes.

The bomb threat was supposed to be located in the square, so when John saw your flower shop, he decided it would be the best observation post. The bell chimed the moment he opened the door, and when you greeted him with a smile that put the flowers around you to shame, he had to remember he was on a mission. “Just…takin’ a look.” He said gruffly, moving around the shop as he felt for his pistol under his jacket.

He updated his men through his earpiece, making sure they all found their posts as well. Then he realised he probably looked threatening, creeping around like that, so he decided to come to you, the same bright smile on your lips. He was about to ask about the red tulips behind you, or maybe for your name, but that’s when he felt the ground rumble, and he was quick to throw himself over the counter to protect you, the fountain in the middle of the square exploding with a thunderous boom.