Okay, so this is of course trash fic for my love, Filthyscience. And usually, I would post it on tumblr, but it's 30 pages and I'm not going to jam up my followers' dash with this, so I'm gonna post it here. You don't have to read it if you don't want to - I wrote this because I was born and didn't have internet for several days due to a move. This is based entirely off of headcanons and OC, so again. You don't have to read if you don't want to.
I own nothing except Blake and Ruby (whom I share custody with filthy). This is based entirely off of the portrayal of the actors in the TV show, and is in no way related to the real men of Easy Company.
If you asked Blake what she hated most in life, she'd give you an extremely long list; she hated sharks, she hated running, she hated arguing, she hated insects, and she hated spiders, and she hated so much else. But at the top of her list, sitting proudly in the top five, were bars - she couldn't stand them. Because amongst the things she hated were loud noises, crowds, people without self-control, and alcohol, and each one of these was extremely prevalent in bars. But as much as Blake hated bars, she loved Ruby more. So anytime Ruby grew bored and wanted to go live a little, Blake would tag along with her to a bar, and each time, she would regret it.
The loud noise and large crowds never failed to give her a headache and she always left a little hoarse after profusely telling no to the drunks that hit on her and Ruby. But it made Ruby happy, and if Ruby were happy, Blake was happy. So, for the sake of her best friend, Blake suffered; watching as her best friend drank to excess and laughed in excess, usually leaving in the company of the people she drank with – but only after Blake made sure they were reputable people and Ruby was going along by her own free will.
And each time Blake left alone, she would go back to her apartment, drink several glasses of water and swallow some ibuprofen before climbing into the shower to wash off the scent of alcohol and sweat – none of which was hers – and then go to bed. It was a routine, one they had been doing for years and would probably do many more.
Nothing changed when Blake starts dating Dick, except that when she came home alone, there was already a glass of cool water and ibuprofen lying on her table and there's a bath drawn instead of her usual shower. Ruby made fun of her for it for a while, but just like going out made Ruby happy, the little things that Dick does made Blake happy, so the teasing didn't last long.
So here Blake sat, alternating between staring at her glass of water and watching the crowd for Ruby while nursing a painful headache after only an hour. It's when she was downing her third glass that Ruby approached her, a sloppy grin on her face and three drinks past drunk.
"B!" She slurred, throwing her arm over Blake's shoulders and crawling into her lap. Blake merely shrugged and adjusted herself to better hold Ruby's weight. "You'll never guess who walked in," she's leaning a little too close and speaking a little too loud, but Blake just smiled.
"Who?" She asked, ignoring the glares she received from Ruby's drinking partners and instead focused on making sure Ruby did not slide from her grasp.
"Webgoat and skin!" She's grinning far too wide and her words are too slurred, so Blake cocked her head and quirked an eyebrow.
"Webgoat and skin?" She asked. "Ruby, have you taken any drinks from strangers?"
"No! Of course not! Well, okay. Maybe once? But how else am I gonna get drunk!"
"Okay, that's it. I think we're gonna call it a night," Blake gently extracted Ruby from her lap before moving to stand. Just as she grabbed her jacket from her chair, someone wrapped their arms around her shoulders.
"You know, I never really thought of you as the bar type," the low voice whispered into her ear.
"Mmm," Blake laughed, unhooking the arms from where they hung against her chest. "That's because I'm not," she spun around and grinned up at Joe, "but Ruby can't get enough of it."
"Now that I can believe," David grinned as he took up the seat across Blake's now empty one. "But that still doesn't explain why you're here," he fought back a grin as Ruby flung herself at Joe, grinning lewdly and giggling.
"Do you think I'd let her go to a bar without someone to watch her?" Blake asked as she threw her jacket back onto her seat, turning and unhooking Ruby's arms from Liebgott's neck. "Can you imagine the trouble she'd get into without me there to keep her out of it?"
"You're attractive," she giggled over Blake's shoulder at Joe, batting her eyelashes in a manner that could only assumed to be seductive. "But you'd look a lot better pinned against that table without a shirt."
"See?" Blake tossed a glance at David as she pulled Ruby back against her chest.
"Babe," Ruby grinned as she leaned back in Blake's embrace. "I didn't know you wanted me that way. You should've said something earlier."
"Well, we were gonna invite you to have a drink with us and Skinny," David pointed to the silent bystander who leaned against the table, "but I don't want to imagine her any more drunk."
"She's not even sloppy drunk yet," Blake laughed as she spun Ruby around and pointed her back to her original drinking partners. "Go pester them for sex."
"Oh, sex," Ruby waved sloppily at Blake and the three members of Easy before stumbling her way back to her friends.
"You're letting her drink more?" David asked as Blake slid back into her seat. Skinny and Joe wandered over to the bar to grab a few drinks, leaving the two of them alone for several minutes.
"If I took her home now, she'd wake up angry and complain about everything. If I let her drink a few more, she either goes home with her friends, or she passes out at my apartment and wakes up with a headache so painful she doesn't speak. Either way, I don't have to deal with her anger," Blake dug into her bag for a bottle of ibuprofen, sliding two pills into her hand before throwing them in her mouth and chasing them down with water.
"You feeling okay?" David stared at the bottle of ibuprofen in concern.
"Yea, I've just got a headache," she waved vaguely at the crowd around them. "I've never been one for large crowds. If I start getting a little snappy, I apologize. I tend to begin to shut down if there's a lot of noise and people."
"Understandable," David looked up as Joe and Skinny returned, setting the drinks on the table before sliding into their own seats. Skinny took up position beside Blake, while Joe planted himself next to David.
"So are you guys out by yourself? Or can I expect the rest of Easy to come sauntering through that door at any moment?" Blake grinned as she took another sip of her water.
"Just us for the night, at least, as far as I'm aware," David took a small sip of his beer.
"Nah, a few others will probably stop by. I think Muck, Luz, Malark, Penkala, Perco, Grant, Guarnere, and Babe are heading our way. Least, they were when I last checked," Joe took a huge swig of beer.
"Sounds like a party," Blake smiled.
"Yea, we've got training tomorrow, so a bunch of us decided we'd go ahead and get a few beers now."
"And not tomorrow after training?"
"We are not smart men," Skinny intoned with a grin.
"We volunteered to jump out of planes," the four looked up as Luz pulled over a chair and set himself down in it heavily, a lit cigarette dangling from his mouth. "Smart flew out the window when we jumped out that first plane." He rolled his eyes at Skinny before turning to Blake. "Never figured you for the bar type."
"I'm not," Blake pointed across the bar to Ruby, "but she is."
"Say no more," Luz nodded his head and took a drag on his cigarette.
"Hey, what's a man gotta do to get a drink around here?" Guarnere cried as he joined the group, slapping his hand down on Luz's shoulder. "Hey! There you three are! Figured you'd be at home, safe in bed." Joe opened his mouth to refute the claims but Guarnere merely shook his head before looking at Blake. "Huh, I figured you were like the Captain and not one for alcohol."
"She's not," David spoke up, earning a grateful smile from Blake, "but Ruby is."
"Really?" Guarnere scanned the bar, looking for the shorter brunette. "I'm actually surprised."
"You fell for the goody two shoes act, didn't you?" Blake shook her head and laughed. "Most everyone does," she pointed across the bar to the couple making out, Ruby watching with a laugh. "Let me assure you though – she is most definitely not a goody two shoes."
Guarnere laughed loudly and mumbled something before sauntering over to the bar with Babe. As they returned, Blake watched as the group fell into the normal state of the members of Easy company, and as Malarkey and the others began to file in, Blake found herself finally relaxing, her headache still persistent, but not as prominent as it had been before the members of Easy had joined her. By the time Ruby sauntered back over, Blake had completely forgotten about her headache and was instead enjoying the banter.
"Babe!" Ruby slurred as she crawled over Skinny and back into Blake's lap. The men offered up several knowing looks and raised eyebrows, but Blake merely shook her head and held tight to Ruby.
"Yes?" Blake asked as she reached past Ruby for her glass of water. As Ruby caught sight of the clear liquid, she snatched it from Blake's hand, spilling several cold droplets onto Blake's chest, and brought it to her lip. "That was mine…"
"Finder's keepers," Ruby grinned as she slammed the cup back down. "But it wasn't vodka so I'm depressed."
"Why would I have vodka?" Blake asked curiously as she slid Ruby from her lap. Ruby immediately crawled against the wall, stretching her legs out to rest against Joe's knees. "I need to use the little lady's room, if you wouldn't mind," Blake gently nudged Skinny aside and slid from the booth. "Don't let her get into any trouble while I'm gone." Skinny nodded, knowing it would be almost futile to speak over the raucous laughter of Guarnere and Luz.
Blake wove through the crowd quickly, politely nudging aside the drunks that stood in her way. She made it to the restroom without a problem and was grateful for the muffled silence the small room offered. She splashed some cool water and washed her hands before exiting, immediately turning towards her group of friends.
She was little more than half way there when a hand landed a little too tightly on her wrist, spinning her around to face an obviously drunk man. He grinned at her as his glazed eyes roamed her body. "Hey baby, why don't I buy you a drink?"
Blake glared down at his hand before snatching her arm back, holding it to her chest before she turned her glare to him. "No thanks, I don't drink," she spun back around and began making her way back to Easy once more, but the man clasped his hand around her arm again, this time hard enough to hurt.
"Then you're at the wrong place," he was grinning lecherously, and unlike Ruby's grins, which always left her smiling, this man's smile left her extremely uncomfortable. "Now how about a drink?"
"She said she doesn't drink," Blake breathed a sigh of relief as Joe moved to stand beside her, immediately removing the hand restraining her. "I'd say that's a pretty clear signal."
"You okay?" David asked as he moved her back, allowing Joe to take her place.
"Yea, I'm fine," Blake rubbed her arm but nodded. Joe and David shared a nod before David gently took her arm.
"Let's get you back to Ruby, alright?"
"You guys don't have to do that," Blake glanced over her shoulder to see Joe leading the man towards the back door, his fists clenched tightly by his side.
"You're right, we don't. But we want to," David lead her back to the table where most of Easy now stood, their expressions set and their eyes cold. "Are you heading home?" David asked as Blake moved over to the seat, Skinny standing to allow her to slide by.
"I probably should," Blake smiled at him as she began to shrug her jacket on; Skinny offering his help with a smile when she had trouble locating the other arm. "Ruby looks too drunk to drink anymore, so she's coming home with me."
"Well let us walk you to the car," Guarnere offered as Blake slid Ruby from the booth.
"It's not that big of a deal." Ruby hung limply from Blake's grasp as the girl struggled under the dead weight of her friend.
"Which is why we're offering our help," Guarnere and Babe took Ruby from Blake before letting the sober girl lead the way out the bar. Blake thanked the rest of Easy profusely before making her way towards the front door, looking over her shoulder constantly at the two men carrying her best friend. Blake held the door for them, shaking her head with a grin as Ruby flirted with Babe, her hand stroking his face.
"Just put her in the back seat," she commanded as she opened the doors of her truck. The two paratroopers nodded and helped Ruby into the car where she promptly struggled to buckle herself. "Thank you guys, so much," Blake leant forward to help Ruby buckle up before turning back to Guarnere and Babe.
"Any time," Babe smiled at her, wrapping her in a quick hug. "We'll see you tomorrow at the battalion?"
"Sadly no," she closed the door before motioning to it with her head. "I've gotta take care of her," she hugged Guarnere before moving to her side of the car. "But are you guys going drinking after training?"
"Most likely," Guarnere nodded his head.
"Well, I'll see you then. Ruby's been in a drinking mood, so she'll definitely want to go back out tomorrow night."
"Is the Captain aware of all this?" Guarnere asked, crossing his arms over his shoulder. Blake nodded before resting her weight on the hood of her truck.
"Yeah, he's done the same for Nix several times, so he understands and is aware."
"Maybe Ruby and Nix should hook up instead of her and Doc."
Blake laughed loudly and shook her head, "Can you imagine that? Neither of them would ever be sober – and would never leave Dick and I alone. No thank you, I do rather enjoy my quiet time."
"Now that you've mentioned it," Guarnere rubbed his face in thought. "It's definitely not that great of an idea."
"That's cause you had it Bill," Babe piped in. "Can you get home okay?" He turned back to Blake.
"Oh of course – I'm perfectly sober and have driven home from this bar more times than I wish. It's you guys I'm worried about – if you need a ride, call me okay? Don't drive drunk," Blake opened her door and set her foot inside.
"Okay mom," Babe grinned. "Text us when you get home, just so the Captain doesn't skin us tomorrow?"
"Sure," Blake climbed in with a wave. "Night boys."
"Night Blake!"
"Ruby, you know, when you want to be a dead weight, you can seriously hinder movement," Blake ground out between her teeth as she struggled up the stairs, Ruby's arms strewn around her neck.
"Are you calling me fat?" Ruby mumbled into Blake's hair.
"I would never," Blake inhaled deeply and trudged up the next stair. "But you're definitely not the lightest dead weight in the world."
"So you're calling me fat," Ruby's fist slammed against Blake's chest dully. "How dare you?"
Blake groaned, forcing herself up the last set of steps that led to her floor, and rolled her eyes at her friend's drunk theatrics. While she normally would've taken the elevator to safe herself the trouble, Ruby wasn't feeling too well, and Blake didn't think her stomach could take the slight Gs of the elevator. Heaving a sigh of relief, she threw herself against the heavy door and rejoiced at the carpet under her feet. Dragging Ruby behind her, she made her way down the hall.
"Dick!" Blake called silently, kicking at the door. "Please open the door," she cried, adjusting Ruby once more. By the time she had repositioned Ruby against her back, Dick had opened the door, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "You're a God send," Blake heaved a sigh and forced her way into the open doorway.
"Hello to you too," Dick chuckled as he took Ruby from Blake, helping lead her to the couch. "I see Ruby is staying the night tonight."
"It seems that way," Blake adjusted Ruby's position on the couch before placing her hands on the small of her back and stretching. "Can you go get the trash can, water, and ibuprofen please? I have a feeling it's going to be a long night for her."
"Sure," Dick stepped away from the pair, placing a kiss on Blake's cheek before walking towards the kitchen. "You gonna go ahead and help her into some pajamas?"
"I probably should, shouldn't I?" Blake looked down at Ruby who grinned up at her. "Alright, come on you lazy drunk. Let's get you into something comfy?"
"Like your pants?" Ruby lifted her hands, waiting for Blake to take them and help her to her feet.
"There will be no getting in anyone's pants," Blake groaned as she pulled Ruby up.
"Not even between you and Dick?" Ruby frowned as Blake pushed her to the bathroom. "I'm very disappointed."
"Aren't you always?" Blake slammed the door of the bathroom shut before walking towards her bedroom. She returned moments later, a pair of pajamas hanging loosely in her hand. Just as Ruby opened the door, screaming for pajamas, Blake shoved them in her face and slammed the door shut once more. Dick bit back a laugh at the muffled thank you that floated from the closed door. "What am I going to do with her?"
"Shove her at Doc?"
"The poor man doesn't deserve that," Blake heaved another sigh as she made her way to the small kitchen, taking the proffered glass of water and ibuprofen.
"And you do?" Dick asked with a smile as Blake downed the pills and water. "Has it been eight hours since you took them last?"
"I only took a half dose, and that was almost four hours ago," Blake leaned against the counter and sighed again.
"You look exhausted," Dick stood in front of her and wrapped her in his arms, pulling her into his chest. "Long day?"
"I'm just sick of creeps."
"Are you okay?" Dick tensed up and began to pull away. "I figured something was wrong with how late you were gone."
Blake smiled up at him and shook her head. "You worry too much."
"Well almost every single time you come home, you have some story. I think that warrants a little worry."
"Well then you can thank Joe."
"Joe?"
"Yep, and Bill and Babe. Also Webster."
"You ran into them at the bar?"
"More like they ran into me," Blake looked over Dick's shoulder as Ruby staggered from the bathroom and towards the couch.
"Don't mind the drunk. Just let her fall and crack her head on the floor why don't you?" Ruby groaned as she walked past them.
"That was the plan," Blake laughed. She turned back to Dick, "But yes. We ran into several of the boys." Blake's eyes went wide and she immediately dug into her back pocket. "I also promised them I'd text them when I made it home safe," she typed out a quick message to Babe and Guarnere before setting her phone on the counter.
"Seems like the boys are worried about you," Dick smiled down at her.
"No, mostly afraid of you."
"Now why would that be?"
"Would you two get a room? Your ooey gooey romance makes me want to vomit!" Ruby cried from the couch as she flipped through Netflix.
"Just use the trashcan!" Blake grinned as she grabbed her phone from the counter before walking towards the bedroom. "But after all you put me through at bars, I wouldn't mind torturing you a bit more."
"Screw you Blake!"
"You'd like that, wouldn't you? Well too bad," Blake hopped into her room with a grin as Dick shook his head and shut the door.
"I hope you guys are getting busy in there!" Ruby's voice was muffled by the door.
Blake narrowed her eyes at the door before shaking her head. "I'm going to take a nice shower and wash off the stench of the bar," she grabbed a set of pajamas before making her way to the door. "Keep the door locked – I don't know if she'll try anything," Blake opened the door and made her way towards the bathroom.
"Are you calling me a slut?"
"I'm saying that you've been trying to get with Dick for a while now."
"Can you blame me?"
"Yes, I can. Now go to bed."
"Aye aye captain!"
"Ruby," Blake kicked the couch. "Ruby," she repeated the motion, earning a groan from Ruby as she rolled over on her side. "Ruby you lazy slut."
"Fighting words," Ruby groaned as she lifted her hand to her face. "What do you want?"
"We've got Claire for the day, and since she's technically going to be yours get your fat butt up and help me." Blake tucked Claire against her side with one arm before reaching down and taking the blanket from Ruby. "Up," Blake rolled the blanket against her body and threw it on the opposite chair before making her way to the kitchen.
"Jerk," Ruby grumbled as she scrambled to the floor, leaning against the couch and nursing her head. "Where's the ibuprofen?"
"Bedside table by the water."
"This isn't vodka, is it?" Ruby asked as she grabbed the pills and threw them down her throat. She chased them down with the water before crawling to her feet.
"Regardless of how hilarious that would be," Blake looked up from the stove, "I am not that mean of a person."
"Thank you," Ruby made her way to the kitchen and set herself down in the chair beside Claire. "Bonjour mon bébé," she planted a kiss on Claire's ebony hair, "comment allez-vous aujourd'hui?"
"I'm surprised you're sober enough to actually form coherent sentences," Blake set a plate of eggs, pancakes, and bacon in front of Ruby before cutting up Claire's and setting it in front of her. "We have to go to the store today," Blake leaned against the counter and watched Claire as she shoveled eggs into her mouth. "Think you're up for it?"
"Yea, just let me shower," Ruby took a bite of her pancake and nodded.
"Alright, well finish up and get ready," Blake helped Claire finish the rest of her food before taking her plate and setting it in the sink.
"So impatient!" Ruby grumbled as she quickly wolfed down her food, throwing the plate into the sink and then stomping into the restroom. Blake chuckled and pulled Claire up from her seat, kissing her on the cheek.
"Ruby is silly, isn't she?" She walked towards the couch and sat down with a flourish. "Whatever are we going to do with her?" She grabbed Claire's stuffed toy from the corner and handed it to her.
"Hug her!" Claire chirped, spinning around on Blake's lap to face the young brunette, the toy tucked tightly against her chest.
"Oh, are we now?" Blake asked curiously.
"Yes!"
"And why should we hug Ruby?" Her fingers danced across Claire's stomach, eliciting several high pitched giggles and squeals. "Why does she get hugs? I think Claire deserves all the hugs! Why does Ruby get the hugs?"
"Because!" Claire managed between laughs, her chubby cheeks red and her grin wide.
"That's not a very good answer," Blake halted her attack and instead planted a raspberry on the smooth skin of her neck. "Because why, silly?"
"Because she is cute and loveable." Blake looked up to see Ruby exiting the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her body and her hair dripping water upon the floor.
"That was fast."
"Yea well, vomiting in the toilet one or two times definitely makes you feel a bit better, and therefore longer showers aren't really necessary."
"Yea, but you never take shorter than thirty minutes," Blake stood up and set Claire on the couch before making her way to the bedroom. "Did you even wash your hair?"
"Yes mom, I did," Ruby leaned against the counter with a huff. She watched Claire as she waited for Blake to return, another pile of clothes in her hand. "You're so bossy."
"Yes well, if it weren't for me, nothing would ever get done in your life."
"That's rude!" Ruby stuck her tongue out at Blake before shrugging. "True, but rude. Also, I resent your tone."
"Of course you do," Blake shook her head. "Go get dressed you lazy bum."
"Rude!"
"Oh, really?" Blake quirked an eyebrow and walked towards the couch. "Do go on – but after you've gotten dressed." Ruby muttered grumpily under her breath but stomped her return to the restroom, closing the door and locking it behind her. "Part of me wonders who's the adult in your relationship," Blake looked down at Claire with another grin.
"I can hear you!"
"See? Silly!" Blake grabbed her wallet from the counter and slid it into her pocket before sliding on her boots. Just as she had begun tying one, the bathroom door opened and Ruby stepped clear. "You ready to go?"
"If I must," Ruby made her way to the door, sliding on her own pair of boots. "What all are we getting?"
"Not a lot. Just to get us through the week." Blake tied her other boot and straightened up, beckoning Claire towards her. "You ready to go out?"
"Wee!" Claire slid off the couch and towards the two women, both of whom still found the young girl's French pronunciation absolutely adorable.
"You have to admit," Blake knelt down to help Claire slip on her shoes. "She's getting a lot better."
"Oui," once Claire's shoes were secured to feet, Ruby scooped her into her arms. "Les fançais de mon bébé reçoit beaucoup mieux."
"You know I don't speak French, b." Blake opened the door and ushered the two through.
"Which is a shame - it's the language of love!" Ruby made her way towards the elevator, leaving Blake to close and lock the door.
"Technically, any language is a language of love when spoken properly," Blake began as she strode up behind them, her hands shoved in her pocket.
"First off," Ruby looked at her and glared, "Nerd! Second off – that's not what I meant!"
"I know it isn't," Blake pointed to the elevator as its doors began to open. "But technically, it's true."
"No one wants your technicalities, Blake."
"Dick doesn't seem to mind them…" Blake stepped into the elevator last and pushed the button for the ground floor.
"Well Dick also has a tendency for technicalities."
"You say that like it's a bad thing." Blake met Ruby's glare with a grin. The short ride in the elevator was mostly silent and, by the time they had arrived on the main floor, Claire's eyes were drooping and her head was resting in the crook of Ruby's neck. "Is she always this tired?"
"Not usually," Ruby cast a glance down at Claire. "I think she might be going through another growth spurt."
"At this rate she'll be taller than us," Blake led them to her truck. She opened the rear door and situated Claire's car seat before stepping back so Ruby could buckle her up.
"I don't like that idea."
"I don't either," Blake made her way to the driver's side and climbed in, starting up the engine and turning the AC to full blast to cool off the cab.
"We must rectify this situation," Ruby shut Claire's door and climbed into the passenger's seat.
"Oh? And how do you propose we do that? Cigarettes?"
"Never!" Blake looked at her friend in curiosity while waiting to pull out of the parking lot. "Sugar. Lots and lots of sugar."
"Oh, yea." Blake turned down the road. "That's a much better idea."
"It is!"
"If you say so. Look, we could just tie her down with weights. That ought to impede growth."
"I like the way you think, babe."
"Unless I'm being technical."
"Unless you're being technical," the girls shared a grin.
"So what are we getting again?" Ruby asked as she leaned against the cart, following Blake into the Commissary.
"Just some necessities."
"Like cookies?"
"Cookies are definitely on the list," Blake turned down one of the isles. "We're also getting stuff for sandwiches, spaghetti, ribs, and some other stuff."
"Sounds yummy."
"Who says you get to eat it?" Blake looked over her shoulder at Ruby.
"Rude!" Ruby chirruped in indignant disbelief. She purposefully rammed the cart into Blake's hip, earning a cry of surprise and pain from the younger woman.
"You keep that up and I'll show you rude," Blake stuck her tongue out before turning back to the rows of shelves. She grabbed several items and threw them into the cart before moving on.
"You seem to have a system," Ruby commented as Blake quickly and methodically made her way through the aisles, stopping only to pick up the food she needed.
"Well, grocery shopping with mom always took hours of your life," Blake crossed something off her list before continuing on. "We once spent four hours in the commissary."
"That sounds miserable," Ruby grimaced for her friend.
"It was one of the worst days of my life. And I made the mistake of complaining. Let's just say that she made almost every commissary trip after that just as miserable."
"I now understand your system," Ruby followed Blake into the chips aisle.
"Hey, could you go farther down and grab us some soda?" Blake took the cart and vaguely pointed at the soft drinks.
"Sure, any specific kind?"
"None really," Blake glanced over the chips as Ruby made her way down the isle. "Hey, want any chips?"
"I'm always a slut for Doritos!" Ruby called back enthusiastically, a huge grin on her face and her eyes sparkling as she skipped back to Blake. Blake's eyes went wide as the few other people in the aisle looked over at them in concern. "Did you get that babe?" She asked as she set the soda in the cart.
"Yea, Ruby," Blake breathed out in between deep breaths. "I think I got that. I think the whole store got that," she chuckled under her breath and shook her head, setting the bag next to the soda.
"Just making sure," Ruby took up position behind Claire, giggling at her young charge, before pointing down the aisle. "Lead the way, oh fearless leader!"
"Whatever happened to grouchy hungover Ruby? Can I have her back?" Blake continued down the aisle. "Generally she's a lot more quiet and easier to work with. All she does is grumble and curse at you."
"Well, if you really want me to babe," Ruby opened her mouth and inhaled deeply. Blake quickly spun around and marched towards her, clasping a hand over Ruby's lips.
"I swear that if you say anything unacceptable, I will rip out your tongue," Blake's voice was low but her eyes sparkled with mirth.
"You drive a hard bargain babe," Blake's hand muffled Ruby's voice, "but I'll accept the price." She swiped her tongue across the inside of Blake's hand, causing the girl to grumble in disgust and pull it away from her lips. "Besides, I'm trying to set a better example for Claire here," both girls looked down at the young girl fast asleep in the cart. "Well, when she's awake, at least."
"You do a wonderful job when you go get hammered," Blake wiped her hand on her jeans and turned back down the aisle.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ruby asked seriously.
"Nothing really babe."
"No. You obviously meant something."
"I just…" Blake looked back at Ruby and shook her head before facing forwards once more.
"Tell me."
"I just think you're toeing the line again," Blake shrugged. "I'm not condemning you – we know I don't really agree but I'm not condemning you. I am saying, though, that you're slipping back into looser practices."
"Oh," Ruby was silent for several minutes. "I can't help it babe."
"I know you can't," Blake sighed and turned around, making sure the area was clear before speaking. "And it's not your fault. But babe, you like Doc, right?" Ruby nodded. "He likes you too. So I just want you to be aware that it seems like he's working on a proper relationship, and you need to decide whether or not you want that." Ruby nodded silently. "Look, let's just finish shopping and then go home and watch some Veggietales, okay?"
"Yea…" Blake sighed at Ruby's less than enthusiastic response, but understood her friend's problems, so accepted the answer and led them towards the checkout.
"What are we going to do with Claire tonight?" Ruby asked.
"Dick said he'd take her," Blake set the girl in her booster seat and set a plate of chicken nuggets down in front of her. "Don't worry Ruby, we'll leave soon. It's not even six o'clock yet. Scotty probably hasn't even opened up the bar."
"Yeah," Ruby nodded dumbly.
"Alright, what is it?"
"What?"
"You're moping."
"I am not." Blake put her hands on her hip and stared at Ruby. "Okay, maybe I am."
"Exactly, now tell me why."
"Well…" Ruby sat down on the couch. "What if I screw things up with Doc? I don't know what I want, but I know I want him."
"Babe," Blake moved to the couch and sat down gently beside Ruby. "It'll be okay, okay? I know you like Doc, and I know that when you like someone, you won't screw it up. I'm living proof. We've known each other for years now, and I'm not going away – you won't let me." Blake wrapped Ruby in a hug. "And Doc won't go anywhere either, okay? There might be times where he'll be a little distant and you'll toe the line, but it'll be okay, okay?" Ruby nodded her head. "Good, now. We're going out. You're going to have fun."
"What happens if I get too drunk and trashy?"
"What am I there for?" Blake smiled at Ruby. "Don't worry. I'll help out, okay?"
"Thanks babe."
"It's why I'm here babe." Blake stood up, pulling Ruby up with her. "Now, let's go."
"We're waiting for Dick though."
"You're right," Blake shrugged and sat at the table. "We will leave as soon as he gets here."
"You're eager to get out," Ruby sat down beside her.
"I'm eager to see you happy again."
"Ruby!" The bartender called as Ruby waltzed in, her hips swaying and a grin on her face. "I see you've dragged Blake along as well."
"When haven't I?" Ruby grinned as she sat at the bar. "Give me my usual, Scotty."
"Yes ma'am," he turned to Blake, "Water?"
"As always," Blake smiled and draped her jacket over her lap. "Seems a little empty," she glanced around the sporadically lit room.
"You're here early; it'll pick up. Don't you worry."
"Oh, I'm not," Ruby threw back her drink and set the glass on the table. "So Scotty, you Nordic bastard, how have you been?"
"Been better Ruby," Scotty set down the glass he was cleaning and leaned against the counter. "Stuck between a rock and a hard place with my relationship –"
"When aren't you?"
Scotty ignored her and continued on, "But I think I can work my magic and get her to take me back."
"What even happened this time?"
"She caught me kissing another woman."
"That it?" Blake asked, sipping her water.
"Well, it was gonna escalate a bit from there," Scotty shrugged his shoulders. "But she came home before it did. Word of advice," he turned to Ruby. "Never cheat on your girl when you're at her house."
Blake choked on her water, earning several glances from the few patrons and a chuckled from Ruby and Scotty. "Sorry but you were going to…" Blake blushed and shook her head before continuing, "the um, deed, in your girlfriend's house?"
"Yea," Scotty scratched the back of his head, "definitely not the brightest idea I ever had, I can tell you that." He stepped away to take the order of another patron.
"How either of you are still alive is of great curiosity to me," Blake looked over at Ruby, watching as she fiddled with the rim of her glass. "I mean, did you ever do anything like that?"
"Oh, come on babe," Ruby looked up and grinned. "You're privy to everything that ever happens to me."
"Yea," Blake looked away with a chuckle. "Sometimes I wish I wasn't," she looked back and grinned at Ruby.
Ruby grinned back, "You know though, something similar did happen."
"Oh, do tell," Blake leaned closer.
"Well, let's just say that Sheryl, from CVS?"
"Yea?"
"Well, I don't recommend going on her shift. Let's just say our last encounter didn't end very well."
"What happened?"
"She punched me."
"She did what?!" Blake leaned back in surprise, then moved forward again. "Is that why you had the bruise on your face earlier this week?"
"Yeah," Ruby admitted, rubbing her cheek in remembrance. "She packs a bit of a punch for a history buff."
"Well what do you expect?" Blake laughed, "We're still upset about all the knowledge lost in the burning of the Library of Alexandria."
"Hey! Don't bring that up! I don't want to ruin my makeup," Ruby dabbed at her eyes gently.
"Okay, okay," Blake nudged Ruby. "So, what did you do? Wait – do I even want to know?"
"I don't even know what I did. We were just doing our thing, and it was progressing really well if I do say so myself. But I gave her a compliment and – oh…"
"What?" Blake tilted her head curiously.
"Let's just say that I uh, might have compared her to a certain medic…s daughter."
"Oh?" Blake smiled slyly. "How so?"
"Well, her hair was just the right shade of blue black and I might have mentioned how it looked like Doc's – Claire's – and she punched me."
"There has to be more to it than that."
"Not really," Ruby shook her head and watched as Scotty returned to their side. "Give me another."
"Well," Blake straightened up and shook her head. "I'm rather glad my love life is as simple as it is."
"Yea, it's so simple it's almost nonexistent," Scotty laughed as he refilled Ruby's drink.
"You wanna go little man?" Blake mock glared at Scotty.
"I wouldn't do it if I were you," Ruby swallowed her drink. "She's a crack shot with her rifle. I'm pretty sure most of Easy is afraid of her."
"I'll take your word for it," Scotty grinned, topping off Blake's water and settling into the conversation amicably. As more and more people filed in, Scotty found himself consistently being drawn away and constantly lamented how hard it was without Ruby helping out.
"You know," Blake watched Scotty saunter off after complaining that no one he hired worked as hard as Ruby did, "you could probably go back to it."
"To bar tending?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah," Blake nodded. "You're not bad at it, and it'll get you back in the night scene – without some of the problems that your usual soirées usually get you in." Ruby nodded and shrugged. "It's just an idea, babe."
"Well, I see you're back out on the night scene." The girls looked up as David sat beside Blake, Joe, Skinny, and Jackson behind him. "I'm kind of surprised."
"Hey Web," Blake nodded, saluting to Joe and Jackson and Skinny as they took up various seats amongst the bar. "You guys the first again?"
"Yeah," Joe caught Scotty's eye and motioned him over. "They're all heading over though."
"I figured."
"Is Doc coming?" Ruby asked, motioning for Scotty to hit her again.
"I think so," Web said as he took a drink of his own beer. "I think Babe convinced him to come out." Ruby nodded her head and swallowed her drink. "You gonna flirt?"
"When do I not?" Ruby gave a sly grin before sliding from her seat. "I'll be back; save my seat, will you babe?"
"Sure," Blake propped a leg on the seat. Ruby nodded her thanks before melting into the growing crowd.
"You been here long?" Joe asked. Leaning against the bar with his glass of beer in his hand, he looked completely relaxed and at home, unlike Blake who wanted nothing more than to go home.
"Enough for Ruby to throw back three drinks."
"Really?" Web asked curiously. "She didn't even look fazed."
"She can hold her alcohol, that's for sure," Blake shrugged.
"Did you get home okay?"
"Yes, thank you," she looked between the four boys. "I didn't cause too much of a problem, did I?"
"You weren't the problem," Joe growled. "That bastard was the problem."
"Yes, well. I thank you for that."
"It was my pleasure." Joe downed his glass of beer and motioned for Scotty once more.
"You didn't do anything too drastic, did you?"
"Just reminded him that when a girl says no that she means no." He watched Scotty refill his glass, thanking the bartender with a nod. "Might've done it with a fist or two to the face, but that's how they learn."
"That's how their type learn at least," Web shrugged. Blake smiled at him knowingly, watching as Ruby rematerialized from the crowd. Blake removed her foot, allowing Ruby to claim her chair once more.
"You didn't flirt too much while I was gone, I hope," she purred as she leaned against Blake.
"I don't flirt, babe." Blake shook her head and nudged Ruby away. "You know that."
"I know. It's always frightfully boring when I flirt with you and you don't flirt back."
"Even if I could flirt, I hate to remind you that you're not quite my type."
"Another setback I'm afraid," Ruby sighed wistfully. "It's a shame you're attracted to the silent, commanding types."
"Yes. Especially because you're neither of those." Blade took the slap to the shoulder with a grin.
"Do you see what I have to put up with?" Ruby asked Joe. "She has no respect for me. Isn't that a tenant of Christianity? Respect thy elders?"
"Yes, it is," Blake seceded with a nod. "But I don't think you classify."
"Rude!" Ruby chirped, stealing a sip of water from Blake's glass.
"What'd she do this time?" Ruby looked over Blake's shoulder with a wide grin and sliding from her seat, moved towards Doc. She wrapped him in a tight hug and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Well," he looked down at her with a shy smile. "Hello to you too."
"I was doing what I normally do," Blake offered him her usual salute as Ruby attached herself to his side, her fingers dancing along his arm. "Which is usually treating her like a normal human being."
"Lies!" Ruby cried. "You treat me like I am a snail."
"I would never," Blake offered a lopsided grin. "Snails are cuter."
"I!" Ruby stuttered several times before finally deciding that words had failed her and settled instead on blowing a raspberry at her best friend who promptly returned the gesture.
"Now ladies," Skip intoned as he, Malarkey, and Penkala walked over, followed closely by Talbert, Tipper, Shifty, Perconte, and Luz. "It's always a shame to see such beautiful women fighting."
"Well apparently I'm not beautiful," Ruby huffed. She placed her hands on her hips and turned her nose up at Blake. "Apparently a snail is more beautiful than I am."
"Oh babe," Blake shook her head and struggled to hide her laugh. "I never said snails were beautiful," she bit back a grin as the true meaning of her words registered in Ruby's brain.
"Why I oughtta!" The group laughed loudly as Ruby started for Blake but was promptly spun back around by Doc who pulled her to his chest, biting back his own smile as he stroked Ruby's hair.
"I love you babe!" Blake laughed.
"I don't love you, you rude nerd. How could you say such things?" She removed her face from Doc's chest and threw a mockingly scalding glare at Blake. Doc whispered something to her ear, which seemed to calm her, and as she disentangled herself from him, she nodded her head. "I hope you know that, next time, I'm gonna do it in your bed."
Blake cringed visibly, choking on her water and turning extremely red. Web slapped her back gently, laughing loudly with the rest of the members of Easy. When she finally regained her ability to breathe, she spoke, tears in her eyes, "I feel like that's just cruel and unusual punishment."
"I think it's just punishment!" Ruby pulled Doc into the seat, settling herself onto his lap and motioning Scotty over. "Give me something stronger," she turned to look at Blake, "there are some rude people I would like to drink to forget." She punctuated her sentence with a sharp kick to Blake's shin.
"Ladies!" Skip cried, resting his arms over their shoulders. "Violence is never the answer! But if you do wish to duel it out, I request that you do it in skimpy outfits and allow me to watch." Ruby laughed loudly as Blake grumbled, turning towards Webster and muttering under her breath as to how if anyone was going to get punched, it would be him. Webster laughed loudly at the words, earning several curious glances from Skinny and Joe.
"Seems like we're a little late to the party," Guarnere called as he, Babe, and Julian made their way over, Bull, Martin, Grant, Lip, and Buck behind them.
"Seems like it!" Ruby called, throwing back another drink. "I figured you'd be coming in with Doc here," she stroked his leg before continuing, "seeing as how you're the ones that convinced him to come along."
"He went on ahead," Babe explained as he joined the group growing along the bar. "Said he wasn't in the mood to listen to Winters chew out Guarnere again."
"Uh oh," Blake leaned against the bar and looked at Bill. "What did you do this time?"
"Nothing serious," Bill motioned for Scotty, who nodded his head and set to work in handing out the beers. "Just got a little excited with rifle training is all."
"I'm not surprised," Blake's voice was drowned out by the sudden influx of cheers. She turned to Webster with a grimace, throwing her jacket over her shoulder. "I think we should find a table instead."
"Agreed," he stood and helped her to her feet and forged a path out of the growing crowd of Easy. Ruby watched them curiously, wiggling her eyebrows at Blake who looked at her blankly and shook her head. She pointed at several empty tables in the far corner. Ruby nodded, understanding her meaning and turning to Doc.
"You should let me get that," Jackson set his hands and Blake's shoulders as she lifted one of the tables. He gently moved her away and took the table from her, sliding it into place beside Web's.
"I could've done that," Blake crossed her arms with a sigh and watched as Skinny and Joe helped align the tables.
"We know that," Skinny intoned as he began moving the chairs back. "But that doesn't mean you have too."
"Your mamas raised you too well," Blake smiled kindly as Web pulled out a seat for her.
"We jump out of planes for a living," Luz commented as he sat down farther along the table. "They obviously did not raise us very well."
"Oh, I don't know," Blake conceded with a shrug. "We could let them be the judge of that."
"Ha!" Bull chuckled as he grabbed his own seat and sat down. "I think our mom's would urge you against being in our presence."
"Well that's not for them to decide, is it?" Blake dug into her bag for her bottle of ibuprofen. "Besides, I grew up military. Nothing I haven't seen or heard or done before." She set the bottle on the table as Web, Shifty, Talb, Tipper, Skinny, Jackson, Julian, and Babe, joined by Lip, Martin, Grant and Buck all sat down in various spots as well.
"Already?" Web asked as Blake swallowed a pill. "It's not even that loud in here."
"For you, maybe." Blake chased the pill down with some water. "But with the way my father trained me, I've taken in a lot of information and it's starting to get just a tad too noisy in here."
"Well, if you need to step out, let one of us know and we'll join you," Shifty said. Web, Skinny, Jackson, and several of the others voiced their agreement.
"Thank you," Blake smiled at them and slid the bottle back into her purse. "I'll be sure to do so."
Blake watched the crowd for Ruby, making sure the other young woman was still in the company of Easy or other companions that would treat her properly while listening to the men around her. They carried on various conversations, many of which pertained to the training that occurred today, while others spoke of the latest women that had caught their eye.
"Lost in thought?" Web drew her back to the conversation with a slight nudge in the knee. "What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing in actuality," she folded her hands in her lap and shrugged. "Just taking in the sights and sounds."
"They are a little extra tonight, aren't they?" He turned his own gaze to the crowd. "Ruby look's like she's having fun."
Blake located her friend once more, watching as she played pool with Skip; Doc, Malarkey, and Penkala watching on the sideline. "Yea, she does. I'm glad."
"Are you having fun?"
"I guess," Blake shrugged and wiped some condensation from her glass. "In all honesty though, I'd much prefer to be back home with a good book."
"Read anything interesting as of late?"
"I'm currently rereading "War of the Worlds.""
"Ah, the classic by H.G. Wells."
"Of course," Blake smiled.
"It is good, though I may prefer "The Invisible Man" a bit more."
"Blasphemy!"
"Well, you must admit, it does have an interesting story."
"I agree," Blake took a sip of her water before continuing. "But "War of the Worlds" is truly classic. I mean, I enjoy "The Invisible Man" just as much as the next man, but "War of the Worlds" very well might be Wells best work."
"You two nerds need to shut up," Ruby commanded as she strode towards them. Her rosy cheeks were the only hint of the alcohol she had consumed, and Blake was surprised to see her reach instead for her water than summon Scotty for another drink.
Blake stuck her tongue out at her before speaking, "Are you having fun?"
"Of course," Ruby wiped some stray droplets of water from her face before continuing. "I'm destroying Skip at pool and it's beautiful."
"I'm glad," Blake grinned and watched as Ruby scampered back to the pool table.
"Did you know the Captain was planning on coming?" Web asked Blake. She cocked her head in curiosity so Web pointed to the door where Welsh, Speirs, and Nixon sauntered in, Dick close behind them.
"I did not but if there's alcohol involved, you can bet that Nix is going to involve himself. And much like I do with Ruby, Dick watches after Nix when he gets a little too drunk." Blake waited for the redhead to scan the bar before she waved, hoping to catch his eye and lead him to join the rest of the company.
"Well well," Nix spoke as he lead the four to Easy's table. "I never expected to find you here, Blake."
"Most don't Nix," Blake smiled tightly before standing and moving to hug Winters, who reciprocated. "Just like they don't expect to find my fiancé. But, we both care a bit too much for our best friends, and therefore will follow them to bars, because if we don't, who else is going to keep them out of trouble."
"Touché," Nix conceded before striding towards the bar, Speirs and Welsh behind him.
"I figured you'd still be at the office," Blake sat down and watched as Skinny slid down a seat, allowing Dick to sit beside her.
"We finished up early, and when Nix heard that everyone was gathering at a bar well," he shrugged and Blake nodded understandingly. He nodded to Webster, who responded with a "sir" before speaking again. "I'm not interrupting something, am I?"
"Oh, no," Blake shook her head and Webster agreed, "we were just discussing which of the H.G. Wells books we prefer more."
"Oh?" He settled into his chair, "well, feel free to continue."
"There's nothing really to continue," Blake explained. "It was just a simple discussion based entirely upon opinions."
"More nerd talk? Really?" Ruby grumbled as she slid up behind Blake, draping her arms over her shoulders. "Do you ever stop?" She turned to Dick with a grin, "I see you've brought your nerd husband in on it as well."
"We weren't even discussing anything relatively nerdy this time," Blake chided as she flicked Ruby in the hand. "What are you doing over here? Your boy toy is over there," she lifted Ruby's hand and pointed across the bar.
"Yes, he is," Ruby pouted, "but Skip beat me at pool. It was humiliating. I cannot show my face over there now."
"Oh b," Blake sighed and pet her arm consolingly, "I'm sure it wasn't that bad. Besides, weren't you beating him initially?"
"That's why it was so humiliating. I had only the eight ball left, and he somehow managed to knock in every single one of his balls before I hit that stupid thing in." Blake, Dick, and the few Easy within earshot all bit back a grimace. "See! Absolutely humiliating," she lowered her voice and growled in Blake's ear. "He must go."
"Oh babe," Blake shook her head, "it's not that bad."
"Says you. At least no one can beat you in your little nerd discussions," she came back around and settled in Blake's lap, wiggling her eyebrows seductively at Dick and draping her arms lovingly over Blake's shoulders.
"That may be true," Blake looked up at Ruby with blank amusement, "but I can beat you for excess flirting."
"But you can't beat me with it," she turned to Dick. "I don't even know how you found out she was interested. She couldn't even flirt with a snail."
"But I flirt with you all the time," her laugh ended in a cry as Ruby slapped her upside the head.
"As I was saying," she turned back to Dick. "I can offer you so much more." She grinned lecherously as Dick turned red, coughing into his hand and shaking his head.
"Leave him alone, b. Why don't you go torture Doc?"
"Because he reciprocates – sometimes at least – and I like doing it with Dick because he's more shy than you are."
"Yea well he's mine, so back off."
"Only when you guys get hitched. Or have sex. Whatever comes first." This time both Blake and Dick turned red. "Ah, now we're talking."
"No, no we're not." Blake slid Ruby from her lap and pointed to Doc. "Go to him."
"Fine," Ruby began, "but Skip and Malarkey and Penkala might get punched if they give Scotty another glare anytime he flirts with me." She skulked off and melded into the crowd, Blake watching. She was almost half way there when someone called her name, and she spun towards them in recognition. Blake groaned into her hand before digging into her bag.
"Problem?" Skinny asked over Dick and Web's conversation.
"Not at all," she checked her watch and swallowed another pill.
"You need to be careful with that," he pushed a small plate of fries her way. "If you don't eat, you can damage your liver."
"Thanks," Blake smiled at him kindly and took a bite of a fry.
"So what brought the sudden need for ibuprofen?" Dick and Web ended their conversation and turned to Skinny and Blake's instead.
"Some of Ruby's more, I guess a good word for them would be 'outgoing,' friends just walked in. And generally, when they're around, Ruby gets absolutely hammered, which usually means a headache for me," she swallowed some more water before shaking her head. "But with all of you around, we'll just have to see how she does."
"Blake!" Ruby slurred as Blake made her way towards her, Doc close behind, gently maneuvering past Skip and Malarkey who looked on in concern. As Doc wrapped his arm around her waist, Ruby leaned forward, a sly grin on her face. She pulled him onto the chair, where she then sat in Doc's lap, her slim fingers sliding up and down his leg and her body pressed against his more roughly than normal.
"How many has she had?" Blake asked Scotty and Ruby's old partners, glaring down at them.
"I think she's making her way past her tenth," Scotty offered weakly with a shrug.
"Only her tenth?" Blake shook her head in disbelief.
"No no," a young blonde woman in Ruby's crew spoke up, "her tenth one of these," she lifted the cup heavily.
"That makes a bit more sense," Blake reached forward and took the drink from Ruby's hand, passing it off to Malarkey who set it on the bar. "Come on Ruby," she took Ruby's hand from where they pressed against Doc's body and coaxed her up.
"But the things we could do," Ruby slurred, grinning up under her long eyelashes at Doc.
"Yea, well you won't be doing any of them in this state," she propped Ruby up against her shoulders and led her away.
"Need any help?" Skip asked as he, Malarkey, and Doc followed behind.
"Nope, I got it," she adjusted her grip on Ruby, forcing her to look ahead instead of flirting with the men. "I've been doing this for at least two years now, and for years before. I'm gonna go ahead and apologize now for her though," she made her way back to the table where the rest of Easy now gathered. "Here, Lip, would you mind," Lip stood and, joined by Buck who helped hold up the inebriated woman, held Ruby while Blake wondered back to her side of the table.
"This seems to be a reoccurring theme," Web intoned as Skinny held up her jacket for her.
"So it seems," Blake sighed but smiled as she slid the jacket on. Dick held her bag out to her.
"Need a ride home?" He asked.
"No, I'll be fine," she motioned towards Nix, "besides, you've still got to take care of him. I'll leave the bottom lock unlocked for you," she planted a kiss on his lips before making her way back to Lip and Buck. "I apologize for leaving you all like this, but adulthood calls," Blake slid Ruby's arms over her shoulder.
"You sure you don't want any help?" Bull asked. "Ruby weighs nothing anyway."
"You're all so polite," Blake smiled and made her way to the door. "But I've been doing this for years. Thank you though."
"Well, let Guarnere and Toye walk you to your car at least, please?" Dick asked, his eyes pleading.
"If you insist," Blake smiled at the two men who nodded back at her.
"And since they're helping you out," Liebgott came over and took Ruby from her arms, Web, Skinny and Jackson close by.
"Now you're all just being ridiculous," Blake huffed as she slapped her thighs. "I'm a big girl."
"We know that, but we worry," Webster replied.
"Beside, Cap skin us if we didn't offer our help," Joe offered. Ruby slumped against him, her nose buried in his chest.
"I can't decided who this is worse for," Blake smiled and pointed at Ruby, "her or me. I'm leaning towards me, though, because at least she get's carried."
"Is that what you want?" Web asked with a grin.
"I swear that if any of you even think about it, we're going to have some issues," Blake looked pointedly at each of the men, Web specifically.
"Alright, alright," Web held up his hands in mock salute before continuing on. Blake watched him carefully before following after him.
"It doesn't take six men to escort two women out of a bar," Blake huffed again as Jackson held the door open for them.
"It does take six Easy men to escort two Easy women out of a bar though," Toye grinned down at her as he slung his arm over her shoulder. "Just think of us as a bulletproof vest."
"Yes, because we're very obviously being shot at and therefore are obviously in need of bulletproof vests."
"Hunkiest bulletproof vest I've ever had the opportunity to wear," Ruby slurred, fingering the buttons of Liebgott's pants.
"Ruby! Down," Blake smacked her hand away. "Here, give her here."
"We're almost to your truck, Blake." Liebgott laughed. "I think I can survive a few more seconds of this."
"We'll see about that," Blake sighed but nodded. She grabbed her keys and unlocked the door. "You can put her in the front seat this time."
"You sure?" Guarnere asked as opened the door, helping Liebgott load her up.
"Yea. The second I lean it back she's gonna pass out, so I'm not too concerned about her vomiting everywhere," she helped Ruby buckle herself once more closing the door. "Now, away with you, you pests."
"Yes ma'am, Captain ma'am!" Guarnere winked and saluted before doing an about face and making his way back to the bar. Toye saluted as well before following after Bill, Jackson and Skinny following behind. Liebgott and Web stayed to make sure Blake climbed in safely. Once her door was shut and the engine on, she rolled down the window.
"Thanks again. Sorry to be such a bother," she spoke past Ruby, the drunk brunette now lingering on the edge of sleep.
"It's no problem, Blake. Honest," Web looked at Joe who nodded.
"We just want to make sure you get home safe."
"Don't worry, I'll text Dick when I get home, and I'll have him let you know when I made it."
"Good," Liebgott smacked the frame of the window before waving. "See you later Blake."
"You too, Lieb!" She waved and watched as he walked back into the bar. "Don't get too drunk, eh Web?"
"You're one to talk," he laughed, his hand on the window frame. "It's nice seeing you out."
"Careful," Blake smiled at him, "you wouldn't want Dick to think you're flirting, do you?"
"You're right. The Captain does seem rather fond of you," he laughed. "I think we all are though."
"Same here. And I'm very thankful you guys have been watching out for us. But we are grown women," she looked over at Ruby before continuing, "well at least I am."
"We know. But, just indulge us a little."
"I think I can do that," she yawned and Web took that as his cue.
"See you later Blake."
"See you Web," she waved, watching as he made it back into the bar before rolling up the window and pulling out of the parking lot.