Disclaimer: I own nothing but two dogs and a cat, and sometimes the kids when they'll claim me.
Author's Note/Summary: Lady Jaye has finally discovered that beneath the arrogant exterior of the Warrant Officer there beats the heart of someone she would like to be friends with, or maybe more. Warning: A bit of fluff romance!
It had been a long mission and she was glad to be returning to base. She looked at Roadblock and had to smile. The big lug was asleep, his head resting on her shoulder.
She had been too keyed up after the success of the mission to sleep. It was a lot like being in a show, she thought. You immersed yourself in the character and it took a little while to come out of it. Of course, all she wanted now was a shower and a soft bed to sleep in. Her latest role as a lounge singer hadn't exactly come with luxurious surroundings!
She was also looking forward to seeing Flint. They had gotten along better recently and she had to wonder if there was something more there. She was really enjoying spending time with him, finding that underneath the arrogant exterior there really was an intelligent, interesting man when he finally let her see that part of him.
It had been on a recent mission. She had been injured and had to wait for medical attention along with her extraction. It had been a difficult period and Flint had kept her amused with his stories of home as well as his time at school. Something had changed between them after that, and they often sought out one another's company while on base together or on a mission.
He still acted like the arrogant jerk now and then, but Jaye often wondered if it was something he used to cover up his insecurity. Most men were like that, she reasoned, thinking of some of the boys she had known growing up. However, whenever it was just the two of them, he didn't seem to have that problem.
She nudged Roadblock awake as they landed at headquarters. "Hey there, sleepyhead," she joked. "We're home."
Roadblock stretched and yawned. "I have to say, it's been fun working with you, Lady Jaye," he grinned.
"Same to you, big guy. You ready to get off this plane?"
They grabbed their bags and joined their teammates. "I'll see you tonight at dinner?" she asked Roadblock, patting him on the back.
He nodded. "Before the end of this day, we have a rematch to play," he reminded her, alluding to the chess game they had played before they had left. Jaye laughed. "You're on!" she answered.
She wanted nothing more than a shower and change, but first, she had to go to Duke's office and give him the details on the mission. Afterwards, she headed back to her quarters for a much needed shower and change. She met Scarlett in the shared living area and greeted her friend.
"Anything new going on?" Jaye asked. Her mission had lasted over two weeks, but she felt she had been away longer.
Scarlett shrugged. "Same old, I guess. We got a couple new team members, but you'll meet them soon enough. You heading to dinner?"
Jaye smiled. "Yeah, and then Roadblock and I have a hot and heavy date to play chess," she laughed.
Scarlett smiled. "I'll walk with you. Interesting new recruits. I believe you may know one of them."
Jaye stopped and looked at her friend. "I know that smile! What are you up to?"
Scarlett tried to look innocent, but ending up bursting out laughing. "Let's just say it's been interesting since you've been gone. You'll see at dinner," she promised.
Jaye sighed. She searched her mind for anyone she knew who would likely be Joe recruits.
Her question was soon answered as she entered the mess hall and was immediately lifted into the air, enveloped in a huge hug. "Ali! Good to see you!" a male voice said into her ear.