Two pairs of footsteps could be heard hitting the ground as they neared the base. Soon enough, Nalani and Grif appeared near the entrance.
"Grab her!" Grif shouted and Donut, not knowing what's going on, grabbed the woman and held her.
"Donut! Let me go or he's going to get the top bunk!" She squealed humorously.
"Sorry!" Donut apologized and and let her go.
It's my turn! Grif!" Nalani's voice could be heard throughout Red Base as she and Grif raced around corners. They now shared a bunk bed and sometimes switched on who would get the top bunk.
"You better find a way to beat me, Nala." He replied, using the affectionate nickname. Nalani was just a pace behind Grif, right until he stumbled over something in maroon armor and fell. Nalani leaped over him, giving a triumphant laugh, and darted for the room.
Nalani pressed the button and the door slid open, just in time for Grif to come around the corner. Nalani gave a silent squeak and darted inside and up on the top bunk and Grif came in a second after.
"Nope." He said grinned as he lifted Nalani from the bunk and placed her on a beanbag, climbing to the top. The woman huffed at the Hawaiian as he smiled down at her, Nalani then went to the kitchen and grabbed a handful of Reese's Pieces. Returning to the room, she plopped down and looked up at her friend, who was now staring at the candies
Gotcha.
One by one, she would flick one up at him, occasional eating one herself. Nalani could tell that he was close to giving in, but determination for the top bunk was battling his love for the little candies.
"Nalani," Grif muttered, "I love you to bits...but fucking quit!" A smile spread on his face. The woman laughed and tossed one more up at him before eating the last one.
"Hey, Simmons!" Nalani shouted, "Get your arse in here!"
"What is it?" The maroon soldier asked, looking back and forth at the two.
"Mind giving me hand?" She pointed to the larger man above her and Simmons smirked and nodded. Together, they managed to remove Grif from the bunk and Nalani leaped up onto it.
"Thanks for the help...again."
"Wait. Again?!" The Hawaiian exclaimed.
"What do you think you tripped over in the hallway, fatass?" Simmons and Nalani grinned at Grif, who was sporting a funny look. With that the maroon soldier headed towards the shower room, leaving a happy Nalani and an annoyed Grif.
"Cheater." He muttered, getting up from the floor.
"Hey, all is fair in love and war. Besides, you started it." Nalani replied as she let her legs dangle from the edge, then rolling back over and onto her side. She felt the mattress sink as a heavy body rested next to hers, chest lightly against her back. Nalani felt Grif's arm wrap around her waist and pull her close.
"Looks like you win this one, Nala." Grif whispered and flicked off the light switch that belonged to the lamp providing the only current light. Nalani flipped herself over and snuggled into Grif's chest.
"Maybe so," she whispered, "but I could share it this time." Soon enough, both of them were fast asleep, comforted by the warmth radiating from each other, the sounds of breathing lulling them to sleep.
(A short story I wrote during class a few weeks ago, and just now managing to post it.)