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Dev’s face didn’t change I didn’t see any happiness in it I just saw disappointment “I meant like a doctor or lawyer or so where you used this”
“Snipers are the fucking nuts, Dev The recruitreed Smart, patient, focused It takes a special kind of someone to be a sniper Takes skills not everyone has” My chest swelled “I can be that fucking soed ood Marine”
Dev’s shoulders sagged, and a small wash of pride settled on his expression “I know you can, kid,” he said thickly “I ain’t got no worries about that, never have done I justI just”
“We can fight together, and e’re on leave, we can co ride until we have to leave again That’s e sonna be our life” I looked hi better tothe open road It’s what I want For real”
Dev looked as though he wasn’t gonna agree, like he was still gonna say some shit to try and dissuade me, but then a voice came from the doorway
“What do you want for real, Xavier?” I turned to see Tina,me and my brother, curiosity written on her face
Before I could answer, Dev slung his arned up to the Corps Scout Sniper”
Tina’s eyes widened, and I saw a mixture of pride and worry cloud her blue eyes “Xavier? Is this true?”
“Yes, ma’am”
Her hand flew to her mouth, and she
rushed forward and pulled“I’m so proud of you,” she whispered She stepped back “So now I have two of you to worry about when you’re away Great!”
I play-punched Devin on the shoulder “I’ll look after hihed when my brother rolled his eyes
Tina laughed too, but I saw her lingering concern
She and Devin had been together since they were fifteen Tina always said I was her brother too; that’s how she viewed me But she was more than a sister To me, she was the only mother I’d ever really had She’d raised me, cared for me when I was sick and helped me with school When Dev ay on a tour, it was just her and me Well, her, me, and
“Uncle X!”
Little feet pattered down the hallway, and h the door
“Zane! Get the fuck here, kid!” He plowed into s, and I picked him up
“Guess what?” I said as he laid his head on my shoulder
He lifted his head and stared at me
“I’onna be a soldier, just like your dad”
His mouth dropped open dramatically “Wow! A real life a solider? Just like my daddy?”
“Yeah”
“Cool!”
“Well,” Devin said froo buy so man”