Cruz's Dilemma: The Call of Rainbow

Prompt: Lioness r6 siege fanfiction Joe learns that Cruz was asked to join rainbow so she asks her if she’s going to do it and leave the team

The sun dipped low over the horizon, casting long shadows across the training facility where Team Lioness was in the final stages of their evening drills. Joe watched as her fellow operators broke off from their tasks, some settling down for a night of camaraderie while others sought solace in solitary training. Despite the cheerful chatter and playful banter floating through the air, Joe couldn’t shake the unease coiling in her stomach. She knew something was off. It was Cruz who had been the source of her concerns. Joe had always admired the woman’s skill, her ability to command both respect and affection from the team. But recently, a cloud of indecision hung around her like a shroud. Joe noticed the way Cruz would stare out into the distance during practice, her mind clearly elsewhere, and how her laughter lacked its usual vibrancy. Making her decision, Joe approached Cruz, who was absentmindedly cleaning her weapon. “Hey, can we talk?” she asked, her voice soft but firm, cutting through the noise of their teammates. Cruz looked up, her blue eyes momentarily surprised before settling into a look of wary acceptance. “Sure. What’s on your mind?” Joe gestured to a quieter spot under an overhang, the chill in the air slightly less keen there. The evening breeze ruffled their uniforms as they huddled together against the cold. “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed a bit… off lately. Is everything alright?” Cruz hesitated, her fingers running over the gun’s grip, her thoughts clearly battling behind her eyes. “I guess I’m just thinking too much about things,” she finally replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “About what?” Joe pressed, sensing there was more beneath the surface. It was rare for Cruz to be so closed off, and every instinct inside Joe told her that this was serious. Cruz bit her lip, looking away. “You know that invitation I received from Rainbow?” The words hung between them like a heavy fog. Joe felt her heart race, twisting in a way that told her this was not just idle conversation. “You mean… the elite unit? The one they don’t just invite anyone to join?” Cruz nodded, an expression of conflicted emotions playing across her features. “Yeah. They want me to join them.” “Wow, Cruz… that’s huge!” Joe’s excitement was quickly tempered by concern. “But what about us? Your team?” Cruz sighed, her shoulders sagging as if the weight of the world rested on them. “That’s the thing. I have a choice to make, and it’s tearing me apart. I love our team, but then there’s this opportunity to be part of something even bigger, more challenging.” Joe leaned closer, her voice turning earnest. “What does your heart tell you? I know how much being part of Lioness means to you.” “It means everything,” Cruz confessed, her voice shaking. “But what if I could make a bigger impact with Rainbow? What if I could save more lives?” “Cruz, no one is saying you can’t make an impact here. We’ve done incredible things together,” Joe argued. “Plus, doesn’t it bother you that you’d be leaving everything we’ve built?” “I don’t want to leave! But who knows when an opportunity like this will come around again?” Cruz’s voice cracked slightly, revealing the turmoil inside her. Sparks of frustration ignited within Joe; she had always been supportive of Cruz’s ambitions, but this felt different. “But is it worth leaving the people who have your back? Think of all we’ve sacrificed together! The bonds we formed!” Cruz looked pained, torn between loyalty and ambition. “You don’t understand. This could be my chance to really prove myself. To show I’m more than just a part of this team.” “I do understand.” Joe stepped forward, her expression softening. “But I want you to look in the mirror and see the person we all see—a fighter. You’ve already proven yourself here ten times over.” Cruz lowered her eyes, still contemplating. “But what if they need me? What if I’m meant to be there?” “Then you make your choice, but I don’t want you to choose out of obligation to them. I want you to choose where your heart leads you,” Joe said gently. “You’re an amazing operator, Cruz, but choosing to leave Lioness… it comes with its sacrifices. You’d be leaving family behind.” The silence between them felt heavy, the weight of their friendship hanging in the air. Cruz finally met Joe’s gaze, the struggle evident in her features. “What if I regret it? What if they’re not what I think they are?” “Then we’ll support you. That’s what family does,” Joe affirmed. “We’re here for you, regardless of what you choose. But know that running away to chase something else doesn’t mean you can’t be happy here.” Cruz nodded slowly, absorbing Joe’s words. “You’re right. I need to think about this some more. I can’t let ambition cloud my judgment.” Joe smiled warmly, relieved to see a flicker of clarity return to Cruz’s eyes. “Take your time. Talk to me, talk to the others. No rush, alright?” Cruz took a deep breath, her body relaxing as Joe’s unwavering support enveloped her like a safety net. “I really appreciate this, Joe. It meant a lot to me, more than you know.” As they left the sheltered spot and returned to join the team, Joe couldn’t help but feel lighter. The path of choosing where to go next can be fraught with uncertainty, but as long as they remained together, they could weather any storm. Joe knew that whatever decision Cruz made, it would be the one that truly reflected her heart.