Stand By Me (Liliana & Rskde)

[Risky]

On a base in Pendleton, California known of course as Camp Pendleton, the United States Marine Corps trains its personnel on their Military Occupational Specialty, or MOS. But more specifically it keeps them combat ready at all times. It is currently January 22nd in the year 2003, United States Armed Forces are ready to enter Iraq under the code name 'Operation Iraqi Freedom', an attempt to win the hearts and minds of Iraqi citizens while also disarming the very dangerous and unpredictable city of Fallujah.

Jason Howard has been a member of the United States Marine Corps for around a year now, he had joined up early in High School and hasn't had any regrets since. He currently obtains the rank of Lance Corporal, the minimum rank to enter Scout Sniper school, which is why he is currently assigned in California. On the morning of January 22nd, he starts his journey towards becoming a Scout Sniper, today he would be assigned a spotter which he would more than likely keep at his side through combat, that is, if he and his spotter make it through the school.

He walks to his mirror in his barrack, where other male Marines are beginning to wake up. He examines himself. The man staring back at him in the mirror stands at 6'2, sporting a muscular and athletic build that he had obtained easily through his time at Bootcamp and the rest of his time exercising on base, as he hadn't been assigned to any active duty positions yet. He has a set of pale blue eyes and has his standard Marine Corps buzz cut. He quickly brushes his teeth and shaves his face that seems to always have an ever growing beard in the mornings. He then walks over to his bunk and gets dressed in a green t-shirt and a pair of BDU's.

Once he has himself prepared he steps out of his barracks and walks to his assigned classroom, the Scout Sniper course would consist of an orientation of classroom work and then field work where they would test his and his spotters skills on shooting and blending in with the environment around them, along with other smaller things like positioning and picking a sniper's nest. He sits down in the classroom and prepares himself mentally for the long day ahead, the instructor takes to the podium at the front of the classroom and starts listing off names, the Spotters are all standing at the front of the class, as their name is called they are assigned to a sniper, who raises their hand, the spotter would then sit next to them.

Jason awaits anxiously to see who among the group of spotters in front of him would become his spotter, the person he would be working with for the rest of his career as a sniper.

 

[Liliana]

Having been up for hours, going out for her run. Which she did every morning before starting her day. It cleared her head for the mission that was before her. This was a mission that she had wanted for the longest time. To follow in the footsteps of her grandfather. He had been one, of the best spotters in their family. Eden Matthews would be the next in the family if it was the last thing that thing that she would do. She was already the rank of Corporal. Which also happened to be the rank of her grandfather, when he entered sniper school. Having joined right out of high school. It was a given that she would do just that. Working up the ranks, never having seen any combat, but having been in the Marine’s for the last two years.

The sun was just starting to raise when she made it back to her barracks. Some of the women there had started to get up to just start their day. Making her way to the showers, pulling off her USMC grey shirt, slipping her white bra off, her shorts and panties were the last to be taken off. Grabbing her showering things, pushing her feet into her water shoes. She starts to get ready for class. It was would be a long day, and she would also meet the sniper that she would be spotter for. She hoped that they would raise to the task of being the best of the best. Washing within 10 mins of getting in the shower. She was out and getting dressed. Hating to be late, and it wouldn’t look good for today if she was late. Pulling her BDU’s on, standard green Marine shirt. Pulling her dark auburn hair into a tight bun at the base of her neck. Making sure that it wouldn’t move out of place.

Happy with the way that she looked, heading out and over to the classroom. As she entered she was the first of the spotters to get there. Not trying to be kiss ass but that is the way she was. Arriving before she was needed to be there. Slowly the other spotters came in, lined up in front of the would be snipers. Not standing very tall to the others, only 5’6”, hour glass body shape, but toned. Lightly tanned skinned, start grey eyes are what stuck out with her. Most would notice that first about her. Standing with her hands behind her back, her legs spread just wide enough. Not making any eye contact with any of the spotters that sat before her. No reason to see which one would be her sniper until the time came for her.

Once the names started to be called, her name was almost the last to be called. But that didn’t bother her in the least. “Corporal Eden Matthews, standing at up taller. Lance Corporal Jason Howard.” Her steel grey eyes, looking for the hand of Lance Corporal Jason Howard. Though it wasn’t hard to tell which one he was. For she was the last name to be called. Making her way to him. Sitting down beside him, ready for this day to get on. Holding out her hand to him. “Pleasure to meet you.” Leaderhip ran in her blood, but this was not about that. Smiling at him. “We will do great don’t you worry.” Her voice not above a whisper. Not wanting to get called out on their first day of class. How would that look? Not every good and she didn’t want to have any troubles.

 

[Risky]

Jason watches her approach, he knows girls in the Marine Corps were not a force to be reckoned with but considering he's 6'2 and she's 5'6 he can't help but feel a little underwhelmed, especially considering she was a rank higher, she would probably be considered his handler, she would be handling any cases involving him whether its a court marshal or just a simple talking to, she would be able to take rank over him. His eyes size her up, something he had gotten used to doing, as if his eyes were trying to find flaws within her, he knows they would have to be each other's fix for flaws, if she had flaws then he would fix them, and vice versa. His eyes lock with hers when she speaks to him, he hadn't even noticed how grey they were, though the fact that he was thinking about how small she was compared to himself didn't exactly help him notice.

He takes her hand firmly and shakes it, nodding his head. "Nice to meet you as well." He says quietly. "I'm sure we'll do just fine, I scored a 63 on my rifle range." He says with a smile. "Top of my class, if you can get your spotting skills nailed we'll be perfect." He says before turning his head back to the instructor, who hadn't noticed their little chat as he was finishing up with assigning the final spotters to their snipers. Once everyone is seated, the instructor looks around at them, nodding to himself as if confirming that the pairs he chose for the snipers and spotters was good.

"Welcome to Camp Pendleton's Scout Sniper school." He says, his voice ringing throughout the classroom. "Today is your orientation time, it will only take another hour and then you'll be free to get to know your partner, it's imperative that you form a strong bond with your partner so that way you will be able to work as one fluid team, though one of you will have the shooting skills and the other with the leadership and eagle eye skills, you both are meant to be working together as a complete trusting unit." He says. "In a combat zone, you will only have each other to rely on, you may often stay in the same place for days at a time, you will be attached to a unit but you will not be with them most of the time." He says.

'Now, the basics, so you all can get out of here." He says before taking a small sheet of paper from the podium. "The main duty of a Marine Corps Scout Sniper is overwatch, normally the Scout Sniper will watch over a small unit, a squad or platoon sized unit perhaps. But that brings them to their second duty, counter sniping and spotting." He says. "The spotter and sniper will be on the lookout for enemy snipers, they are as deadly as you are, but not nearly as competent." He says with the shake of his head. "And of course if you can, while your unit is under fire it may be best to set up a sniper's alley in order to take down as many key targets as you see fit." He says.

"So of course it will be the sniper's job to shoot accurately, and the spotter's job to give him or her wind, distance, and an identification of the target. You will not want to shoot at grunts, you will be looking for any enemy that is key to their unit, for instance officers and squad leaders, or men holding weapons that could be destructive towards your unit.. For instance in Somalia Army Rangers and Delta came across enemy forces firing RPG's, rocket propelled grenades for those of you who do not know. The men holding these RPGs would be high value targets, or HVT's, you'll often find yourself assigned to an HVT." He says. "Now, the last part is knowing your rifle."

The overhead light clicks on, showing a rifle on the board behind him. "This is the M40A3 standard Marine Corps sniper rifle, which is the sniper rifle you will be using most of the time unless you are asked to use the M107 anti material sniper rifle or a different rifle, it just depends on who is handing you the rifle." He says. "The M40A3 fires a 7.62x51mm bullet and is usually effective up to a kilometer in range, though nobody has really been able to get a kill at that range.. Ever.. We hope that our Scout Snipers will one day break that mold and become the best in the world, but even the best need training." He says. "So tomorrow you will come in and start your shooting requirements, unless you feel you need time to practice then we will reschedule your range testing." He says. "Class dismissed, your homework is to get to know your partner, I'm not going to ask for proof of you doing so because you'll fail this course if you hate each other." He says.

Jason looks at Eden and nods to her. "You wanna go somewhere and talk?" He asks. "I'm sure you're so interested in learning about me." He says with the roll of his eyes as he stands up, shaking his head.

 

[Liliana]

Feeling that he was sizing her up, all the men around her that didn’t know her, always did that. So at this point she was use to it. Also it made her work harder than most. But she wasn’t one to brag about what she did. Letting what she did show in her actions and how she handled herself. Letting go of his hand. This was going to be one hard mission for her. Looking to the front of the class, as his words brought her eyes back to him. He didn’t know a damn thing about her skills. Narrowing her eyes at him. “Well good for you.” Her voice flat and even. But she wouldn’t tell him, that was actually pretty good. He would have to play nice with her if she was going to be nice to him. They actually might make it through this school. But they would both have to work together, be a team. That didn’t look like it would be easy by a long shot. Their lives would depend on each other, if they happened to go to war. There would be no time to hate each other. “I will be sure to work on that.”

Turning her attention the the front of the room. She knew most of this, but it didn’t hurt to actually pay attention. And she might actually learn something new. Having a love of learning all things about the Marines, even at a young age. Her eyes locking on the image that comes up on the screen. Taking everything in that she could, not wanting to miss a thing. Not that she would be handling them. But it was always good to know what type of weapon your sniper would be using. Yes, the sniper did the shooting. Though the spotter worked to guide the sniper to the right spot. And it get what they all wanted in the end, what was called the red mist. The point where when the bullet takes out the target. Shooting them through the head, when it went through the skull. Blowing out the back of the head, there was a red mist, which was blood. And you knew that you hit the mark. All teams wanted that perfect moment. Some didn’t get it, working their whole military careers to get it. Never to see it, but then you had your lucky ones. That got to see that perfect moment. Having heard that it was a great moment. Hoping that her and her team mate would get to see that. But they would have to get through this school first.

As he came to the end, telling them the homework they would have to do. They would have to get passed whatever it was. Because if they didn’t they would fail, there was no way in hell they would fail because of that. Flickering her eyes to Jason, he had a chip on his shoulder. She would have to find away to buff that off his shoulder. Because it would get under skin quick. Standing up from her chair, narrowing her eyes at him, as she looked up at him. “Well we kind of have to. If we want to pass. And for one I do want to pass this course.” Brushing past him. Making her way to the door, her hand on the handle of the door. Looking back at him over her shoulder, sighing to herself. She needed to work on dealing with him better. If she didn’t he would buck up about everything they had to do. Turning back and walking back over to him. Standing in front of him, “Listen I know we don’t like each other. I think it is best we both try to be kind to one another.”

Looking back to the door, “Come on let’s go and get to know each other.” Trying to offer a olive branch to him. Maybe that is what it took for him to see her as his team-mate. Not someone that was above him in rank, and that very well could put him in his place. She had deal with guys like him in the past. And they were all different in how they reacted to someone that was above them. “We can find some place on base if you like, or we could head off base for a little bit.” Shrugging, as she turns for the door once again. Making her way back over to it. Stepping outside, the sun beating down. Taking a big deep breath, being outside always helped her in so many ways. Though she would rather be out doing something then getting to know someone. But this was her mission, code name, Jason. She wouldn’t fail this mission. This had to work, she had to make her family proud of her. To stand among her family, holding her head high. As being a scout and being good at what she is trained and born to do. She could play nice if that is what it takes to get them to the top. And they would raise above all this shit.

They would be what the other needs. Jason might be able to get her not to be so hard on herself about things. But that is something that most couldn’t do. Her dad had tried for years to get her to go easier on herself. That just made her want to work harder, push herself even harder. And it paid off in the end. Standing amoung the few that actually got into this course. That should have been enough for her. But it wasn’t, she needed more. Though her dad worried that it would drive her into early grave. Eden wasn’t one to run into something without some kind of plan to handle it. That wasn’t about to change in her. And when she went to war. She would make sure that all under her came home to their families, safe. Maybe not untouched, because no one comes back from war untouched. There is always some kind of mark that is left upon that person, their very soul. And one day she would be marked just as all the others are. She would always have her partners back no matter what, even if she didn’t like him. They were now in this together. And they would be together until either one of them stepped away, or got out. That was the way of it now.

She just hoped that she didn’t fail him in some way. There maybe a guard up up around her, most didn’t see her for who she was. She didn’t take time to get to know others. To busy with what she wanted out of her career in the Marines. And if they saw her softer side, they wouldn’t be able to follow her. She had to be strong, there was no other way to be. Jason may not be able to ever see that part of her, because he might think her weak as well. But would they ever be able to become close, if she didn’t show him that. Shaking her head, pushing the thoughts down. There was nothing that she could do about it right now. She would have to see where all this went with them. Be it good or bad, they would either come out on the other side stronger or break apart before they even had a chance to bound.

 

[Risky]

Jason stands and looks at her with one of his eyebrows raised. "Let's head off base,I've got nothing else to do." He says. "I'm sure we can find a restaurant or something just off base, camp chow is starting to get to me." He says while leaving the classroom. From what he could tell this girl wouldn't give up on anything, which would explain why she's in the position she's in even with her size, which is good for her, though Jason would never mention it. The Marines were always about tearing down the soldiers under you in order to build them up again to make them better, and then tear them down over and over until they are literally the perfect soldier, which most never accomplish.

Jason wasn't about to let this girl tear him down. "So, where do you wanna go, Fun Size?" He asks with the raise of his eyebrows as they approach the main gate of Camp Pendleton. "Sorry, Corporal Fun Size." He says with a laugh, trying to see how she reacts to this. "Question for you Fun Size, if you were to go into combat, if you moved your head would your helmet wobble all around?" He asks with the raise of his eyebrows. "Just wondering." He says casually.

He walks out of the main gate, tapping his pockets to make sure he has his ID on him before heading up the road, a multitude of big and small brand restaurants and fast food joints sit around, cars zoom by every once in awhile until he starts walking across the crosswalk, which prevents them from going across. Jason wonders to himself what kind of experience Eden has with being a spotter, of course he might not have much experience shooting sniper rifles but he's damn familiar with shooting.

Jason picks one of the smaller establishments, one called Hal's American Burgers, which he figured sounds good as he steps inside, motioning for her to do so as well. He sits down in a booth, a waiter walks over and takes drink orders. "Coke please." Jason says with a smile, he honestly never watches what he eats, his metabolism always had been very high. He looks across the table at her. "So Fun Size, what do you want to know about me?" He asks with the raise of his eyebrows. "I'm dying to know so much about you." He says while sitting back in his seat, thinking of more ways to point out how tiny she is compared to him.

He picks up a menu and bites the bottom of his lip as he reads it, humming to himself before setting it down, having decided on what he wants to order. When the waiter comes back and asks what their food order would be, after setting down their drinks of course, Jason replies. "Hal's Bacon cheeseburger sounds good, with fries." He says before taking a sip of his drink, sighing quietly. "Been a long time since I last had a coke." He comments.

 

[Liliana]

The moment he calls her ‘fun size’ her blood boils. Wanting to slap him on the back of the head just to prove a point to him. Eyes narrowing into slits, oh he wants to play this. Then it was game on. Just because she was small didn’t make her unable to something. He just wanted to get under her skin. But was in he in for a surprise. Smiling as sweetly as she could, “I’m not picky about where we go. I have faith in you to pick something that will be just fine.” Looking him up and down, “Though I hope they can fit the Jolly Green Giant in the place.” Heading off beside him. As they walked she kept her eyes forward, not looking at him at all. She was to pissed at the moment. But it would be fun to get back at him for his jack ass remarks to her.


Flickering her eyes to him, “It doesn’t wobble!” It hardly moved at all, “Let me ask you this then, my big Jolly Green Giant. Is it hard for you to hide? Does your feet and head always stick out from anything you are behind?” She couldn’t help laughing. It was actually fun to go back and forth with him. Maybe in time she wouldn’t have a problem with the nickname ‘fun size’. But she wasn’t about to tell him that at all. Let him think that he was getting under her skin still. Heading off base with Jason, it was nice to be out for a little while. Yes they weren’t required to stay on base all the time. But it was still nice to get out, even if it was just for a little while. She was always able to think better when she went out. But now she had Jason with her. Though she wouldn’t let him ruin this for her.

Not really saying anything to him as she followed him to Hal’s. Sliding into her set, picking up the menu. Looking to the waiter, “The same please.” Her eyes flickering back to the menu before her. Peeking over the menu at him, she glares at him. “Oh I bet you are just wanting to know everything about me. I can see how excited you are about it.” Rolling her eyes, if she was going to do this, no time like the present to do so. “I guess we can start with easy stuff first. Don’t want to make it hard on you.” Finding what she wants, setting the menu down. “Tell me about your family. Do you have brothers or sisters? Any military in your family?” That should be enough to keep him going for a little while.

Once he placed his order and waiter looked to her. “I will have the all american burger, fries with cheese sauce and a chocolate shake.” She maybe be small, but she could put away food with the best of them. She would run it off in the morning, it kept her in shape. Though she always had a sweet tooth, especially when it came to chocolate. It always made her happy. And right now that is what she needed. Taking a sip of her coke, placing her leg under herself. She leans on the table, holding her head up with her fist. Even though she was tough, she still looked gentle.

As she leans on the table, she studies Jason. To look at him he didn’t seem like a mean guy. That would out right be mean just for the hell of it. But you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. She would have to get to know him before she could make up her mind. He didn’t seem like he was hard around the edges, not like her anyways. That is what growing up in a military family does to someone. They become hard to protect themselves from all the moving, the loss that feel day in and day out. It wasn’t a easy life to live. But it made your stronger that was for sure.

 

[Risky]

Jason raises his eyebrows at the name. "Doesn't have the same ring to it." He says with a shrug. "It's three words, most nicknames are only one but a max of two, like Fun Size for instance." He says to her. "And no, I'll have no problem hiding after sniper school." He says while sitting back, stretching quietly. "And also.. I'm not yours, though I'm sure you'd love to keep me and care for me." He says with a laugh.

"Once we're out in the field I'm going to constantly remind you to tighten your helmet straps." He says with a smile. He says while taking a sip from his drink, the glass already half empty from his drinking. He runs his hands over his head and looks over his shoulder when he hears a giggle across the room, one of the waitresses was looking over at them, noticing his Marine corps BDU's. He winks at her before looking back to Eden.

"Sorry, natural charm." He says with a laugh. "Any way.. Family." He says. His family was a touchy subject, but he decided to share any way. "I have a sister, few years younger than me who is studying Marine Biology in the University of Florida right now." He explains. "And no, nobody from my family is military." He says. "In fact my family wanted me to go to college and study business." He explains. "Never happened, I enlisted early and got away from them, haven't talked to them since." He says.

Their food arrives and he digs in, taking a bite of his burger and groaning quietly, it was really good. "I'm gonna guess, you're from a military family that thought you couldn't be a Marine, so because of that you joined the Marines and continued to work super hard in order to prove people wrong about you." He says to her. "Right?" He asks with the raise of his eyebrows. "I know you probably strive to be the best, and you may have several things you're better at, but there are also things you will never top me on." He says to her, his face not changing.

Suddenly it shifts and he laughs. "I'm fucking with you." He says while sitting back, continuing to eat his food. "So I guess my question is.. What are your weaknesses?" He asks with the raise of his eyebrows. "Our strengths and need to cancel out each other's weaknesses, which means we need to figure out our weaknesses in order to better ourselves." He says. "Personally, I want to show that DI that we're the best, tgat he can send us any where and we will destroy anything in our path." He says.

 

[Liliana]

Rolling her eyes, sitting back she thinks of other names that would be perfect for him. One pops in her head, to her it fit him very well, “Alright then, Troll. I won’t call you that anymore.” Sighing and shaking her head. He wasn’t about to let this goes. It would be a running thing with him. “Fine you do that, I will always remind you to that your feet and head are sticking out. Hell, maybe even your ass sticks up.” Raising her eyebrow, “Never said I wouldn’t you to mine. Don’t think I could put up with you in that manner.”

Following his eyes to the ‘girl’ that was giggling. Rolling her eyes, as she scoffs, “Let her spend sometime with you. I bet she would change her mind quick and run for the hills.” She laughs. “And all those ‘girls’ see is a uniform, oh and can’t forget the money that comes with it.” They never knew how strong you had to be to be with a Marine. With all the shit that they went through. No one ever really understands. That is why you don’t find her with anyone. Because it never works out in the end.

Listening to go on about his family. She was actually shocked to hear that he had nothing to do with them. This is a hard life, you need the support of your family. If you didn’t have that, what else did you have? It did make her heart go out to him. The smile that was on her face now gone. She didn’t know what she would do without her family to back her in her career. They were are what drove her, pushed her to be the best. To never settle then what you want out of life. She would be lost with them in her life.

Once the food was placed in front of her, starting to eat her food. Though she didn’t put it away like Jason did. She was to deep in thought for the moment. Looking up from her food, letting him assume what he wanted. After he was done, she told him the truth. “Yes, I come from a military family. All Marines in fact.” Taking a sip of her coke. “No, I didn’t join the Marines to prove that I could one, because they didn’t think that I could. They know what I can do. My dad, grandpa, his dad and so on and so fourth were all spotters. I’m the oldest in my family, my younger brother is not even out of grade school. I want my family proud of me. I push myself to fill the shoes of my dad and grandpa. Because its an honor in our family to be a spotter. Guess you could call a family thing.” She shrugs. Narrowing her eyes at him, “We will see about that.” She grumbles.

“You know I’m going to learn when you are being a Troll.” Shaking her head, not able to hold back her laugh. Now he was talking about what she wanted to talk about. Getting right down to the dirt of the matter. As much as anyone hates to point out their flaws it was a good thing to do. But she wasn’t about to tell him he was right, that would good to his head. He wouldn’t be able to walk out the door with his big head. “Well, I’m always pushing myself. That can be good sometimes, but the way I do it. It can turn into a weakness and quick. I have a great fear to fail at anything I set out to do.” Casting her eyes down to her food as she picks at it. “I have a need to be the best at anything I do. That can lead to some problems. And one more, I second guess myself sometimes.” She had laid herself bare to him. In a restruant god knows who was listening to her. Looking up to him, her grey eyes, turning to steel. “We will show him just what we are made of.” Starting to eat again. “What are yours? We are in this together. We make up for the other’s weakness. And be amazing at what we do. That DI won’t know what hit him when we show him what we are made of.” That she knew with every fiber of her being.

 

[Risky]

"Troll sounds better, Ogre might work too." He says with a chuckle, rolling his shoulders which had been sore from daily workouts, he had always tried to push himself during those, just to make himself stronger, and it paid off. While he wasn't body builder muscular he was big, also probably one of the reasons the waitress was staring at him.

While he doesn't exactly like the idea of the little Marine before him being in charge of him, he has to admit to himself, something he would never say to Eden's face of course, she was pretty, beautiful even. He hadn't even had the opportunity to study her curves, he can just see it in her head. Her eyes, face, hair, everything literally within perfection. He wonders to himself how she manages to keep that look in the Marines.

Jason shakes his head at her remark. "If the pretty waitress wants to spend a night with me, I don't think I'd mind." He says with a smile. "Though if I'm honest, not looking for a clingy gold digger right now." He says while eating. "I have enough shit on my plate to worry about buying a house and settling down, fuck that." He says with a chuckle, moving his hands to his head to run his fingers over his buzz cut.

He listens to her speak about her family, nodding. "So did your family of spotters ever teach you a thing or two on spotting?" He asks. "I didn't really have anybody to teach me shooting, had to learn on my own." He admits to her while watching her. "But because of my raw skill we'll get that red mist, the moment we deploy." He says with a smile on his face.

"My weaknesses? I'm cocky, arrogant, I think too much of myself often times, and.. Listen, you can't laugh at this one." He says to her. "I'm terrified of the dark." He admits. "It's like.. I can't sleep without noise, because then I start hearing shit, seeing shit, it's scary." He says. "I just.. I just hate not knowing what's around me, y'know?" He asks while finishing his burger, now working on his fries.

The waitress who had been staring at him walks over with another coke for them. "On the house." She says, flashing a smile at Eden while placing the two drinks down. He starts working on the drink, but he almost spits it up with laughter when he sees the napkin the waitress had put Eden's drink on. A small handwritten note says 'Call me anytime, beautiful' and a phone number written next to it. Jason has to shake his head at that one. "Turns out she was not staring at me."

 

[Liliana]

Laughing, “Oh I think I like Troll better, Orge’s are nasty looking things.” Watching him roll his shoulders. He was the kind that she loved to look at it. Built but not built to the point of actually be oversized. And she would never say this to anyone. It gave her a sense of being safe, being around someone like him. She would have to keep her head in the game, and not fall for him. Not wanting to be hurt like she had been in the past.

The way that he rolled his shoulders, made her mind wonder. Just how strong he was, and what it would feel like to actually have his arms around her. Pushing those thoughts aside. She couldn’t afford to let her head get away. Her grey eyes, fall to his chest. Yep hold it there Eden, now is not the time for that. He kept himself in good shape, though the way that he ate. He could put away a whole cow and it not stick to him. The thought made her laugh to herself.

They sounded a lot alike, when it came to being with others. Right now in her life, she didn’t want to have to worry about another person. “Well, it looks like we agree on something then.” Sucking the cheese off her fingers, as she took a large sip of her shake. “We are both smart in that reguard.” At least he had a good head on his shoulders when it came to that. They would just work to become the best that they can be. And they would be the best.

His question brought a smile to her face. “Actually they did. When I started to show interest in it. I got to spot a few times for both my dad and grandpa. It was one of the best things I have ever done.” Remembering how they use to be with her. Taking in everything around her, the wind. Always account for everything around you. “Guess you can say its a special thing between all of us.” Her eyes brighten as she smiled up at him. “I know in my gut, you will be a great sniper. And what a wonderful moment that will be when we see it.”

Laughing some, “That I could see just how you acted when we first met each other.” Her laugh cut off. “You have my word I won’t laugh at you.” Her face growing serious as she listened to him. It didn’t make her laugh one bit. Everyone had fears, she even had them. “Tell you what, when we are out in the pit hell, I promise not fall asleep. I will hum or something, so you can sleep. On my honor as a Marine.” She would do this for her partner. “The dark can be a scary place.” She wasn’t perfect. She had fears, sighing, “Since you told me yours I will tell you mine. If you laugh at me, I will pop the back of your head.” Laughing some. “I have a big fear of spiders, you never know where those things will go. And fuck if they crawl on you.” Shivering in her seat.

Smiling back at the waitress, “Thank you.” Eden always said thank you to everyone. Picking up her drink, she takes a big drink. Flickering her eyes to Jason as he almost her drink. Looking down at the napkin, laughing. “Well, I guess I have the charm huh?” She was never rude to civilians. Looking over to the woman she nods and smiles. Turning back to Jason, leaning in some. Her voice going just above the whisper, “I prefer cock and balls to silt and tits any day of the week.” Leaning back she gets done with her food and drink. Taking the napkin, putting it away. But never going to use it. “Well, lets get out of here.” Standing up, she walks over and pays for hers and his, her hips swaying as she walked to go. Leaning on the counter, waiting to get her change. She comes back over and leans on the table and puts a five dollar bill under her glass. Standing back up she heads to the door, waiting on Jason.

 

[Risky]

Jason nods to her. "I personally think I'll be great too, though I shouldn't get ahead of myself." He says while leaning back in the booth. "It's good to know you have experience I suppose." He admits. He sighs quietly at the fact that waitress wanted Eden, his ego had taken a little bit of a blow from that one.

"I guess we finally agree on something." He says with a laugh, shaking his head while finishing up his fries. He drinks the rest of his coke before looking back up at her to listen to her while she is talking to him. He almost laughs at her fear. "I don't mind spiders if I'm honest." He says with a shrug.

"Good to know." He says on her comment, at least he had a chance with someone. He stands and straightens out his uniform as she leaves the booth, leaving for the door with her. He walks out of the restaurant with her and back to Camp where they show off their IDs to get back inside. "I'll see you tomorrow." He says to her before walking to his barracks to go to bed.

For the next three weeks they are trained vigorously, the two of them had connected on the first day and that chemistry made them a great team. They are taught on stealth and shooting, they become masters of their craft before they are finally allowed to graduate from the sniper school.

After graduation day they both receive their orders, both of them are to be deployed to Iraq later today, which they do. They get on a plane in their BDU's, their gear in the bag bay already. He looks over at her while they sit on the plane. "You ready?" He asks halfway through the flight, it would take a long time for them to get to Base. "Personally I think we're ready." He says with a smile.

 

[Liliana]

Smiling at him, “Its good to have some cockyness when it comes to shooting. We will work as much as we have to with one another. To get to be perfect.” Though if she had to, she would call him on it, she wasn’t scared to put him in his place if need be. Just as she was sure that he would keep her in check as well. That is what partners do. Keeping the other at their best. They were in this together, if he failed she failed. It was the same when it came to her.

“Well then you can kill them for me. Because I won’t go near them.” Shaking her head, it looked like was about to laugh at her for that. Narrowing her eyes just a bit, she was waiting for him to laugh at her, but when he didn’t she relaxed. Not liking to be laughed out because of her fear. But that is something that she couldn’t change about herself. Having tried that in the past and it never worked out in the end. He would laugh at her if he saw what she did when she did see one. Climbing on the tallest and cloestest thing to her. Be it a person or something else. Yeah she had it bad when it came to them.

As they walked back to Camp, she felt better about them being a team. They would round out each other nicely for what was to come. It would be hard that is for sure. But nothing great ever came easy to people. You had to work for what you wanted. And when you got it, you had a pride that you could always carry with you. To know that you went through hell and became what you were suppose to be. They didn’t talk much on the way back, but it wasn’t uneasy between the two of them. It was..comfortable. “See you tomorrow.” Watching head off to his barracks she headed to hers. This was the start of the best thing in her life that she was sure of.

As the weeks passed, they became closer to one another. They would still pick at each other. Spending most all of their time together. When not in class they were working on his shooting or her spotting. They became one of the top teams of the class. They even ate together, if you saw him you saw her not far behind or right with him. Making sure that each other knew their shit forwards and backwards.

Laying her head back on the seat, that was right by Jason’s. Closing her eyes, knowing that it would be awhile before they reached their base. Opening her eyes, looking to Jason. Smiling at him, “Yeah, I’m ready. We have trianed so much in last few weeks. We will do great, I know it.” Reaching over and patting his hand. “All we have to do is trust each other. And I know I trust you.” Turning her face to him, “Are you nervous?” Laughing softly, “Truth be told, I know that I am.”

 

[Risky]

Jason raises his eyebrows at her. "Nervous? No, not really." He admits with a shrug. "We're just supposed to be on standby any way, not like anything will happen." He says before resting his head against his seat. "I hope you know that I will be keeping you awake throughout this entire flight." He says to her with a laugh, a flight attendant walks over and asks for drink orders, which of course both of them order the same thing they ordered at Hal's.

Strange how they can disagree on skill but agree on a drink order. "So you're nervous then?" He asks while looking at her. "What is there to be nervous about?" He asks her, looking down at the hand she had patted, he had started not to mind being around her at all, and also not minding that she had authority over him, she seemed to have that leadership personality. For a moment he looks out the window next to him, as he loved the window seat on the plane, at the blue sky outside. He then looks back at Eden.

"I guess the fact that we could die has me a little scared, but I'm not too worried about that considering how good we are at our jobs." He says to her. He crosses his arms over his chest and watches her. The day he had met her he had thought she was beautiful, though he didn't want to get too attached, now he had forgotten what it was like for her not to be by his side, a mental note suggests they should always be together, which he attends on achieving.

It's a few hours before they land, they make their way off of the plane and are assigned to a barrack, the Marines not really caring about their gender when they give them a room, though it has two beds on opposite sides of the room and a shower behind a lockable door, so there is a little bit of concern. Jason puts his things down on his bed, walking over to their small arsenal they had been provided with, which is only their clothing gear, their weapons would be stored in the armory.

For him, a large helmet and chest carrier along with a pair of combat goggles on top of the helmet and a pair of ballistic glasses that were completely polarized. For her, the same gear but much smaller and attuned to her size. "Wow, they managed to Fun Size their Kevlar." He says with a laugh, lifting up her chest rig and pulling the plate out of it. "Jesus.." He says before slipping the plate back inside of her rig.

He leaves his armor on its stand, walking back over to his bed and sitting down on it. "Maybe I was wrong, they might be planning something." He says with a sigh, it wasn't really his job to worry about orders, he would be relayed orders from Eden.

 

[Liliana]

That was just like Jason, he loved to shrug about things. But it just was how he was, and she wouldn’t change him for anything. Laughing, “Why doesn’t that surprise me. You always keep me up when I want to sleep.” He always pushed her when she was about to drop, even she bit his head off for keeping her awake. “But you know I always get you back for it.” Smiling over at him. Having gotten him back real good a couple time for keeping her awake.

Nodding, “Yeah, I’m nervous.” Looking down and away from him, they had shared so much with each this shouldn’t bother her. “What if I mess up and we were spotted? I mean I have to hope that won’t happen. But I don’t want anything to happen to you.” She would lay down her life before they would even touch Jason. To make sure that he would have a long life ahead of him. And no matter how good she was, she still was nervous about that. True they were on standby, but at any moment they could be called out to do their job. And anything could go wrong when they were out doing their job.

Pushing her thoughts aside, nothing had happened yet. She didn’t need to put extra worry on herself. Sipping her drink as she glancing over at Jason, once she couldn’t stand to be around him. He use to get under her skin. Well, he still did from time to time. It was hard for her to think of him anywhere but with her. And she would admit, that she would want that a lot. She would be happy. After all this was over, she would have to see if he felt the same about her. Though she didn’t know how she felt about him herself. In time maybe it would become clear for her.

So thankful to be off the plane and on solid ground once again. Though when they got to their room, looking around the small room. Now she would have to sleep in the same room with Jason. Not that she minded that, but now she had to sleep across the room from him. But it would be nice to know that he was close to her. And not all away across the base. It was a confornt for her. Placing her bag on her bed, starting to unpack and put things away. Hearing him she laughs, grabbing the pillow off her bed. Throwing it at the back of his head. Walking over and picking up her pillow. Watching his reaction, then sitting down on the bed.

Walking to the front of him, holding the pillow. “It could get bad before it even gets better. We have to be ready for anything.” Touching his shoulder softly, letting her hand fall from his shoulder. As she walked back to her bed, sitting down. She would know the moment they would be called out. Smiling at him from across the room, “I need a shower.” Putting her pillow to the side. She stands up, grabbing up some clean BDU pants, a green shirt and her bathroom supplies. He didn’t need to see the worry she was feeling. Heading into the bathroom, not even worrying about locking the door. Stripping out of her clothes and boots. Stepping into the shower. She stands under the water, trying to push the worry out of her mind.

 

[Risky]

Jason turns around as she throws the pillow at the back of his head, laughing. "C'mon now.." He says to her, shaking his head at her as she touches his shoulder. He then watches her walk into the bathroom, hearing the shower turn on. He decides to leave her alone, he takes off his boots and pulls off his shirt, tossing his pillow on his bed before sitting on the edge of it.

He slides his duffelbag out from under his bed, opening it up and taking a book from it. He closes it and slips it back under his bed, he lays back and starts to read, but reading and jetlag wear off at him. He groans quietly, leaving the book on his chest and falling asleep, deciding that if Eden wanted to get back at him for keeping her awake she might as well do it now.

Meanwhile an order is passed down, a company of Marines and a platoon worth of scout snipers were to be deployed to the city of Fallujah to suppress the insurgent forces currently starting to take up arms against UN forces stationed in Iraq as of this moment. Eden and Jason are on the list of scout snipers to be deployed.

Jason starts to dream, seeing Eden in front of him. He thinks to himself about combat, what would he do if it came down to his life or Eden's? He'd sacrifice himself.. He watches a moment of this exact thought, feeling something hit his chest as if he had actually been shot by an enemy. But what if she dies? He sees himself at a funeral, it feels like someone has taken their hand and is squeezing his heart. He wonders to himself what he even feels about Eden. He pushes the thought away and continues to peacefully dream.

 

[Liliana]

Shutting off the water Eden steps out. Drying herself off, slipping back into some clean BDU’s. Pulling her wet hair back into a tight bun at the base of her neck. Picking up her things, stepping out into their room. Looking over and seeing Jason fast asleep. She should get him back for keeping her awake the whole flight over here. But she had things that she needed to do. It wouldn’t take her long to do it. Putting her clothes on the floor by the bed. Digging in her bag, finding some paper and a pen. Writing out a note, in case Jason woke up before she got back here.

Troll,

Went to go check in. Will be back in no time.

Fun Size

Folding the paper, walking over and putting the note just under his book on his chest. One last look at him. Leaving the room, making her way across the base to check in with the higher ups.

Walking into the building that held the offices that ran the whole base. Though they weren’t much to get excited about. Once getting to where she needed to go. Knowing that something was going to be happening just by what they had given them to wear. It wasn’t just stand by, she knew this. But she couldn’t tell Jason until she knew for sure. Heading into to talk with her superiors. Learning that they would be heading out to Fallujah.

Not knowing what to think as she made her way back to their room. They would be leaving in a few hours. The fears that she felt before were starting to creep up inside of her. It wasn’t fears for her life, it was fears for Jason and his life. She would make sure that he came back alive now matter what that meant. Shaking her head, no they both would make it out of whatever they were to face out there.

Getting back to their room, stepping inside. Walking over and sitting on her bed. Staring off into nothing. She needed to tell Jason they were to leave. Her face a mask, no emotion was showing. It was very different than what was going on inside of her. Her feelings at war with one another. Hoping that Jason wouldn’t notice that. But he knew her pretty well. It was getting hard to hide anything from him.

 

[Risky]

He had woken up, looking at the note before nodding, crumbling it up and tossing it into the trashcan in their room. He pulls a shirt on and puts his book away before walking into the bathroom with his own wash supplies, turning on the shower and undressing himself before taking a nice quick cold shower.

Once he steps out he dries off and then he gets dressed into his BDU's and green t-shirt, stepping out of the bathroom and putting away his shower supplies. He sighs quietly before sitting down on his bed, deciding it would be best to wait for Eden, just so he could get the scoop of things. He watches her walk in, his eyebrows raised expectantly, wanting to hear what was going on.

When she starts staring off into space, he can tell something is up. "We're getting deployed, aren't we?" He asks her. "You really can't hide things from me, Fun Size." He says with a laugh, standing and walking over to her. He sits down next to her on her bed and claps her on her shoulder. "We'll be just fine, you know that." He says to her quietly, his face softening to show off that he isn't lying or just saying that to make her feel better.

"I'm sure once we get out there we're gonna kick ass and then get sent back, two weeks at most." He says to her, taking his hand off of her shoulder afterwards. "When are we leaving?" He asks her with the raise of his eyebrows, a part of him wondering if they were leaving right this minute.

 

[Liliana]

Feeling him sit on the bed with her, makes her look back at him. “Yeah, we are. We are on a list of others to go out to suppress the insurgent forces currently starting to take up arms against UN forces stationed in Iraq.” Nodding her head, she at least felt somewhat better about all of this. One corner of her mouth pulling up in a half smile. Laughing some, “I hope you are right about being back in two weeks.” Reaching up and patting his hand that was on her shoulder.

Getting up from the bed, “We leave in two hours. They have to get everyone together and send us out. So, we better get ready ourselves.” Walking over she starts to put on her gear. Making sure that it was on tight and wouldn’t make her uncomfortable. Placing her helmet on her head, checking the strap around her chin. Turning to him, “We need to go get out weapons. If they don’t rush us to get where we are going.”

Once she her gear was on, walking to the door. Pushing out of the door, god it was so damn with all her gear. That was going to suck balls. But this was all part of the job. To sweat like a whore in church. Her game face was in place. No telling what they were going to face once they got there. And she wanted to be ready for anything that might come their way.

Upon getting to the armoy getting her gun, and sidearm, ammo. All that she would need to help out there. Placing her side arm onto her hip. Looking to Jason, “Remember to keep your ass and head down.” Laughing a little, trying to tease him a little. “But if you don’t I will cover it no worries there.”

Walking out, heading over to the trucks that would take them where they were headed. Standing around with the others that would be going to war. Some looked scared shitless, others looked like they wanted to kill something. She hoped and prayed that all these men and women would come back unhurt. Most of all her and Jason made it through this. They would fight like hell to do just that.

 

[Risky]

Jason nods to her. "Two hours isn't enough time." He says quietly. He stands and walks over to his gear, making sure he has his desert camy's on before grabbing his chest rig, pulling it on over his head, rolling his shoulders. He then takes his ballistic glasses, putting them on over his eyes before taking his helmet and putting it on his head, tightening the straps to make sure it wouldn't fall off.

He walks to the armory with her, grabbing a kitbag from the rack and placing it in front of him. He takes a couple sticks of morphine and epinephrine from the medical rack, not enough to be yelled at for. He takes an M40A3 from the rack, taking as many magazines as he can fit on his chest carrier and then some into his backpack. He puts the rifle over his shoulder with the strap before taking an M1911 from the armory, but only three magazines for it. He slips the pistol into the holster on his left hip, which indicates his left-handedness.

Jason also grabs two pairs of ear plugs, putting one pair into his ears and stuffing the other in his pocket, knowing Eden often forgot to bring ear plugs. He walks out of the armory, following Eden out to the trucks. He motions for her to follow him as he climbs into the back of one. He takes the ear plugs from his pocket, offering them to her. "Forgot something? Or have you improved?" He asks with the raise of his eyebrows, a grin starting to spread across his face.

The truck only takes them to the outskirts of the city, the two dismount and wave them goodbye as they drive off, Eden was handed a mission file before hand, which was to set up a sniper's alley near the town hall of Fallujah, which was only a couple of kilometers away. He starts walking in the direction their compass pointed them in, his rifle in his hands as they start to walk through the city, their heads on swivels. "Construction site ahead, let's use it." He says, as they walk up to it they find it abandoned. He walks up to the top of it, dragging a tarp from across the roof and setting it up to give them some shade.

 

[Liliana]

Looking over and seeing him motion for her to follow. Stepping up into the truck and sitting down beside him. Raising her eyebrow, looking to his hand. Laughing some, “Nope I haven’t. Though already knew that didn’t you? But thanks, you are a lifesaver.” Taking them from his hand, placing them into her ears. “I would go deaf if it wasn’t for you that is for sure.” Sitting back, trying to get comfortable. But it was hard to do just that when they were packed in here so tight. But thank god she was small enough, it didn’t make it that bad. Though it might for Jason. Pressed as close as possible to him. That just made her sweat even more.

As the rode in the back, taking the file out. Scanning all the information that laid inside. Wanting to keep on top of everything. Looking at pictures that showed where the town hall was placed. Trying to figure out what would be the best place for them to set up. Once she was happy with knowing all in the file. Putting it away in her vast. Not needing it fall into the wrong hands. Once they had stopped. Jumping down off the back the truck. Following as close as she could to him. Her eyes always looking at what was around them. Her hairs standing on end as they walked into it. Some people watching every move that they make. “Got to be loved to be watched.” Grumbling.

Once Jason got the the tarp in place. Sitting down, placing herself, in a place that she could see out but not be seen. Watching all the people on the street. As they went about their lives, or trying to go about them. “And now we wait for the action to start.” Reaching back into her vest pulling out the file, handing it over to Jason. “Read up, best you know what is going on.” Knowing that he wouldn’t tell what she had just done. She could get in trouble if it was ever found out. Checking the wind, how hard it was blowing and from where. “We don’t have much of a breeze which is in our favor.” Looking over to him. “You set us up in a good spot you can see right where we need to.” Sitting back on the wall near her. Keeping an eye on things. Trying not to think about all the things that could go wrong. Her gun across her body, ready to draw at a moment’s notice.

Things down below, stayed pretty normal for awhile. Nothing that wasn’t normal to their life it would seem. Eden keeping watch over anyone that would stand in groups for to long talking. Damn she wish that she knew what they were saying. It would make this so much easier. To be let in on the plans. So to stop them before they started. But that wasn’t the way of war. You never knew what you truly were going to face, until you actually faced it. At least it was some what cooler under the shade. Though at night it will be much cooler. Knowing better than to actually take off anything that she wore.

“Some of the leaders are pictured in the file. But the ones that do the dirty work. It will be hard to tell who is really going to kill us. Makes it harder for us.” Hating the idea of taking any innocent live. In times of war it would be hard not to. They don’t know what they are doing. All because they are being scared by people that want to harm others. This is what they were here for. To free them from the rule of the others that would want to harm them and Americans.

 

[Risky]

Jason nods to her, taking the file from her hand and sitting down under the tarp, taking a drink from his canteen while reading over it, nodding as he absorbs all of the information. He hands her the file back and nods to her. "All set." He says before crawling over to the edge of the building, setting up his rifle. He had left their radio behind him in his pack, which rests under the tarp, the pack also contains MRE's for two weeks, which Command had mentioned that the operation would only take that long.

"You know, we could just wait until we start hearing gun fire to be on alert." He says while sitting back, dragging his rifle back with him as to not let it possibly fall off of the side of the construction site. "These guys are militia according to the file, so they'll have un-suppressed weapons and no training." He says to her with a yawn, leaning against a pillar sticking up next to the tarp. "You should relax, you seem tense." He says jokingly.

Jason listens to her speak about the leaders, nodding to her words. "Honestly, the leaders probably won't show their faces around here, they'll be hidden while they let their militia do the dirty work." He says before taking off his helmet, placing it on the floor next to him. "And yeah, I picked a good spot, what else did you expect from me?" He asks with a laugh, giving her a playful shove. "Would've thought you knew me better, Fun Size." He says.

He finds himself watching her again, thinking to himself about her looks, even in the uniform with all of that armor on he can see her curves, and the fact she is as petite as she is really had him looking from the start, as he had always preferred smaller girls to taller girls, probably one of the reasons he had called her Fun Size to begin with. He crosses his legs and runs his gloved hands over his head, the sun had already started to get him sweating. "Hot as hell out here, eh?" He says to her.

 

[Liliana]

Sighing, nothing was going on. This had to be one of the worst part of the job that they had. Just to sit and watch until it was their moment to shine. As Jason read over the file, Eden glances over to him. He was handsome in ways that she enjoyed to watch him. Especially his eyes, they were the first thing that she noticed about him. She could look into them all day long if she could. But if he knew what that she looked at him as much as she did. He would never let her live it down. Before he could catch her looking at him, turning her eyes back to the street. Taking the file from him, placing it back into her vest. "Good reading huh?" Laughing some.

Placing her chin on her hand, glancing back to him once again. "Yeah we could, it wouldn't make it less fun then it already is." Turning her back to the pillar that next him. Crossing her legs out in front of her. Slipping her helmet off, placing it in her lap. Seeing him yawn, "Are you tired, let me guess you didn't get enough sleep from keeping me up the whole time." Nudging him. Laying her head back on the pillar behind them. Her eyes softly closing, "Yeah, you are right. We will hear them coming a mile away from here." She was burning up already, she would love to be able to strip down to her normal clothes. But that wasn't going to happen. "And here I thought I was relaxed." Peeking over at him, as she laughs. "I promise to relax Troll."

She liked how easy it was to be around him, she could be herself and not have to worry about what he thought. Because he always told her what he thought about things. She always knew where she stood with him. They were good friends and team. "But we can hope that they show up, it would make things so much easier. Then we can get the hell out of here." Laughing as her body sways, "Something with more shade would have been nice that is for sure." Teasing him, pushing him playfully back. "Oh trust me I know you. Still my troll, weather you like it or not."

Laying her arm in his, he was much better to lean on then the pillar that was digging into her back. "To damn hot, we are going to smell so nice when we get to head back to camp. We might not be able to stand each other when that time comes." Smiling at him. Taking the file from her vest, fanning both herself and him. Hoping to cool off some. "We are going to be cold tonight though. I heard that is the way things go around here." Shaking her head.

 

[Risky]

Jason leans his rifle against another pillar, the safety on just in case something were to happen. "I wouldn't exactly call it a phenomenal read." He says with a laugh, shaking his head. "I'll leave all of that technical and paperwork shit to you, you're team lead after all." He says with a chuckle, putting his hands behind his head. "You know me, I don't like the behind the scenes, I shoot shit and get the job done." He says.

"Eden, you know I'm always tired." He says with a laugh, taking off his helmet and placing it down next to him. "Man, fuck this..." He mutters, pulling off his Kevlar vest as well, rolling up his sleeves and sighing. "That's better." He says with a laugh. "I only need that shit when we're getting shot at, so what's the point in sweating my ass off?" He says with the shake of his head. He closes his eyes and sighs. "Then relax, I don't care." He says with a laugh. "You're always really uptight any way, you might need a professional to unwind you, otherwise people are gonna start using you to make diamonds from coal." He says.

"Eden, you probably know that the people we're after are like, Iraqi high command, so I seriously doubt that one day they're just gonna show up in the middle of some market place with their little Hadji hoods and stuff." He says. "I think we might have to go find them, but I ain't doing that shit right now." He says with a laugh.

"The heat sucks ass, I was born in a very cold state during a very cold month, the heat is slowly killing me." He says with a sigh, looking over at her when she rests her arm on his. "That pillar can't be comfortable, you can lean on me if you want." He says with a shrug, not caring what she decides to do.

 

[Liliana]

Laughing, "Really? I thought that would be a best seller right there." Smiling at him, "Why thank you for leaving it to me. I do know how run with the big boys." Teasing him. "And I like you the way you are. I don't want to be on your ass all the time to get things done. You listen to me." And she was glad that he didn't give her to much trouble, like some of the others gave their officers. "Well, you are the best of the best." They both were, but making him feel better, even to feed his ego, which she had grown used to. That was just how Jason was. And she liked that, a lot. Not that she would tell him that though.

"I think I work you to hard Jason." Winking at him as she laughs. They would work out together, when he would get tired, she would push him. And the same went for her. Though he would keep her up all hours of the night just to bug her. She would sleep unless he got to be to loud. Watching him take off his vest. Her eyes watching his muscles move with his body. Biting her bottom lip, he did have a great body that was for sure. "Well if bullets come flying this way, I can only jump on one half so take your pick. Your upper body or your legs. I can't cover all of you." Once the words left her mouth. She shut her mouth up tight. Damn it, she didn't want to say that. Popping him in the leg, "I'm not uptight. I do relax, and if they can get diamonds out of my ass. I will be reach. Do you know of a professional to unwind me? Do you have that done a lot." Laughing.

Nodding her head, "Yeah, I know you are right. But one can hope they would make easy for us. I know that won't happen. And we aren't leaving this spot that is for sure." Nothing was ever easy in the marines. When you got shit done, you got it done. And it felt good to do it to. "Well, I think I'm going to join you. Until we hear something from command or out on the street. It is just a waiting game anyways."

Smiling at him, standing up. Slipping out of her vest. Placing it down on the ground close to them. Her shirt underneath was soaked with sweat. Sitting back down beside him. Taking him on his offer, leaning her back into his side. She was the perfect size for under his arm. Wiggling her ass to get comfortable. A soft yawning coming from her lips. Her head falling onto his shoulder. "Thank you Jason, for letting me lean on you." Smiling up at him. "I won't let you die, I promise." It felt nice to actually be close to someone, even though it was hot as hell here. Reaching over and grabbing her water can, taking a drink. Holding it out to Jason. So, he wouldn't have to move.

 

[Risky]

Jason raises his eyebrows at her. "I'm closer to the door, if anything I'd have to jump in front of you, knowing your reaction range scores." He says with a laugh. "I've never seen you struggle so hard, but on that range it was funny as hell, gotta admit." He says while resting his head against the wall, they were slightly in the shade now that the sun was getting lower and lower on the horizon.

He puts his arm around her when she leans against him, just a habit of his. He takes the bottle from her, raising his eyebrows at her again. "I dunno, it might have Eden cooties on it." He says with a chuckle before taking a sip of it. "Hey, if I put my lips on this and you've done the same, wouldn't it be like kissing every time we take a drink of the bottle?" He asks. "Sorry, that's just the random shit that pops into my mind." He explains.

His eyes close and he sighs softly, handing her back her water bottle. "You know, I give you a lot of shit, Fun Size." He says to her. "But that's kinda my way of interacting with other people, you know?" He says. "I don't really mean any of the shit I say.. Well, sometimes I mean things, like compliments and random thoughts and such." He explains.

"I dunno 'bout you, but I'm gonna catch some Z's, so you can keep watch if you want." He says, giving her shoulder a squeeze. He hadn't noticed her head on his shoulder until now, causing him to bite the inside of his cheek softly. He closes his eyes and sighs as he falls asleep, the warmth of her body against his easily lulling him into dream induced slumber, of course most of the dreams feature Eden as the main character.