Chapter Text
When you’re the fastest member of the team, the main runner on missions and in combat, and your job is to scout ahead, you’d expect to have a pretty good sense of direction.
That, however, does not apply to Jeremy, better known as Scout.
Whenever Scout takes off running, it’s not uncommon for him to get lost, on new maps and even on old ones. It just… happens. There was even a time when, after a match, he got so lost that the RED team had to help guide him back to BLU. Almost everyone was aware of this serious problem, except Scout himself, who always said: “C’mon, it’s not that bad, you don’t gotta babysit me.”
So when the BLU team decided to go shopping in a large mall today, it was agreed that someone had to keep an eye on Scout at all times.
The last thing they wanted was to hear an announcement over the speakers calling Jeremy’s name like he was some lost five-year-old. Though honestly, a five-year-old would probably come to the information desk when called. That couldn’t exactly be guaranteed with Scout.
The mall was busy. Lights were shining, people were moving between stores, and loud music mixed with the echo of footsteps.
The mercenaries split up for their shopping tasks. Medic and Heavy went to buy cotton so Heavy could sew sweaters for Archimedes and the other doves for winter. Spy went alone to buy new packs of cigarettes. Engineer went with Soldier and Pyro to get groceries. Sniper hid somewhere quiet, since he didn’t like crowds.
And finally, Scout and Demoman went together.
After stopping by a shop where Demo bought more alcohol and Scout picked up the latest comics, Scout began enthusiastically explaining why apple juice was better than orange juice as they walked out. Demo argued that orange juice was good too, but Scout brushed him off, saying he didn’t know anything.
That’s when an idea crossed Demo’s mind. “Wanna bet? First one to the van wins. Winner’s right about which juice is better.”
Scout immediately perked up. “You seriously wanna race me? I am speed, man.”
“The van’s in the underground parking, second level, section E,” the Scotsman said, already turning away. “See you there, lad.” And before he even finished, Scout was already gone. Demo smirked and took a different route. “I’ll let the lad win, give him a bit of joy.”
As he walked, something nagged at the back of his mind.
“Did I forget something? Nah…” he muttered and headed into another store to finish buying some flammable chemicals.
Ten minutes later, Demoman walked along contentedly.
“Ah, look at the time,” he said, checking his watch and seeing the agreed meeting time. He walked down the hallway toward the stairs, where a sign read: PARKING 2.
“I wonder how long the lad’s been waiting by the van,” he chuckled to himself, whistling as he headed to section E.
The van was there. So was the rest of the team. Except Scout. He was missing.
“Where’s Scout??” Demo asked, confused. The boy was fast. They split up ten minutes ago, he should’ve made it easily. Unless -
“WHERE DO YOU HAVE SCOUT?!” Spy snapped immediately, noticing his only child was missing.
Scotsman froze. And then it hit Demoman. “Oh… that’s what I forgot.” “I shouldn’t have left him alone. Damn it,” he cursed, sweat running down his forehead.
“…uhm.” he tried to speak.
“Demoman.” Medic’s voice was dangerously calm. “Where. Is. Scout?”
“We just… had a small bet, and split - ”
That was a mistake.
A few seconds later, Demoman had several fresh bruises, Spy was adjusting his gloves, Heavy held him by the collar with one hand, and Medic looked on the verge of a breakdown.
“YOU LEFT HIM ALONE?!” Engineer exploded, pacing back and forth.
“I forgot!”
“HE CAN’T EVEN FIND A BATHROOM WITHOUT A MAP!” Sniper yelled.
“LET ALONE A NEW OPEN AREA!”
“Scout is small baby,” Heavy muttered angrily.
“OKAY, OKAY!” Demoman raised his hands. “We’ll find him!”
“Immediately!” Spy hissed.
How could this happen? How was he supposed to explain to his mon amour that he lost their son? This is what he got for leaving him with an alcoholic. He should’ve taken him with him. What was happening to his child right now?!
Medic quickly took charge and started giving orders. “Split up and search. He’s most likely in the parking area, but we don’t know which one. Two of you stay by the van in case, by some miracle, the Junge finds his way back.” Engineer and Sniper stayed behind, while the others went searching.
Meanwhile, with Scout…
…in the next chapter.