In The Army

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Song: Future by Transviolet

She rode with ross since raini had driven her to the club but didn't think to ask where he was taking her until they'd gone off post.

"Uhmm, where exactly are we going?"

"I thought we'd go back to my place." He shrugged then looked over to see one very wide-eyed laura. "Just to hang out, nothing more. You have my word," he reassured her.

"Good, because I'm not in the mood to get brought up on charges for assault and battery."

He laughed then suddenly remembered something. "Tell me, Marano. Were you a good girl while I was away?" She arched an eyebrow in response to his question, crossed one leg over the other and both arms over her chest. "Got somethin' for you." He reached in front of her and told her to relax when she jumped. Taking a small sack out of the glove compartment, he handed it to her. "Here."

"What is it?" She pulled out a pink T-shirt and held it up to read what it said aloud. "Army of One. Not that I'm not grateful but, uhmm, I don't get it."

He chuckled then composed himself before explaining. "Don't you remember?"

She pursed her lips and slowly shook her head. "Can't say that I do."

"Remember that day at the mall when you told me you were an Army of One when it came to taking care of your..." he exaggerated his cough for emphasis. "Needs?"

"Yeeeeeah," she answered cautiously, wondering where he was going with this.

"Now don't take this the wrong way, but that's the reason why I bought it for you."

"I still don't get it."

Ross took a deep steadying breath, and took turns looking between her and the road as he drove. "If and when you ever feel ready to have a battle buddy for that... particular exercise, you can wear it to let me know. Because I'm not gonna bring the subject up to you ever again... I've learned my lesson." He held his breath, hoping she wouldn't get mad over what he thought was a perfect solution or think he was being too presumptuous in assuming they would one day be in a relationship together.

She stayed deadly quiet for a moment, just studying him and the pink t-shirt, the wheels in her head turning as she decided on the best words to express what she was feeling. She doubled over with laughter, clutching her stomach and trying to catch her breath long enough to tell him, "Only you, a-HA-HA-HA, would think of, A-HA, something like that." It took her a few more breaths to calm herself so she could voice her approval in her own way. "I'll do that. And thank you." She folded it up and was grateful her purse was big enough to accommodate it with no problem.

Thankfully she missed the huge grin on his face. He was immensely pleased with himself that it went over so well, but even more so over what she'd said. He hadn't wanted to get his hopes up too high, but it sounded as if she just might give him the chance he'd asked for. Pulling into the driveway of a two story house he informed her they were at his place.

________________________

Ross led her up a set of stairs on the side of the house and opened the door so she could walk in first.

"It's only four rooms but it's home."

"It's bigger than my room at the barracks."

He took her coat and purse from her to hang up and pointed in each direction. "Kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom around the corner. Why don't you make yourself comfortable and I'll get you something to drink?"

"Sounds good, thanks." She walked into the tiny living room that housed only a few pieces of furniture, a small love seat, coffee table, a short entertainment center with TV and a book case. Only two walls held any picture frames housing mostly military plaque awards, certificates or Infantry related photographs.