You had been looking for Mick, the team's sniper, for the past hour. You needed some critical equipment from him, and everyone kept pointing you towards his van parked outside the base. Sniper was an odd guy, always preferring his own space in that beat-up van rather than the comfort of the base, but you figured he must be in there.

As you approached the van, you knocked lightly, but there was no response. Hesitating for a moment, you decided to open the door slightly. “Sniper...?" you called out softly, peering inside.

And there he was. Shirtless, lounging on his couch with a huge python draped around his neck. "You're a beauty, aren't you, Sheila?" he murmured to the snake, gently stroking its scales. His voice was soft, almost affectionate, as he continued talking to the creature.

Then, his head snapped towards you. His intense gaze locked onto yours, and for a split second, you felt the temperature drop. His eyes narrowed in surprise, clearly not expecting anyone to walk in on this rather intimate moment with his snake.

"Oh... oops," you stammered, not sure where to look—between the snake, his bare chest, or the floor.

Mick’s lips twitched slightly, a rare expression of amusement crossing his usually stoic face. “What d’ya need, mate?” he asked, sounding far more casual than the situation felt.