AN:
I am so happy with the response to this fic. Right now it hates me but I'm sure we'll come to an agreement before its over. Maybe.
Be sure to let me know what you think.
~Kelly~
Chapter Two
Jason inwardly groaned as he looked over at the small brunette. As he thought about what she could possibly want with him as a 'model' for anything he inwardly groaned, again. He could, however, think of a few different ways of making her groan with pleasure instead of dread.
Seriously, Morgan! Knock it off!
"So…" he quirked a sandy brow in question.
Elizabeth's smile widened as she turned toward him, "I've been awarded an assignment by the Office of Public Affairs to design and produce a campaign that targets and engages the right audience in order to enhance the overall status of ROTC and hence, the Navy."
"And that means what in regular language?" Jason held several degrees, but there wasn't much of what she said that made any sense to him.
"That means the Navy wants more recruits for ROTC," she explained as she pushed a folder towards him.
Jason groaned inwardly for the umpteenth time and leaned forward putting his arms on the table. He wasn't quite sure if it was to steady himself or to keep from strangling someone. Mainly, the brunette sitting opposite him. Maybe it's not as bad as I think. Maybe she just needs an escort through the Navy, someone to do Navy speak for her, although she sounds like she might be alright on he own.
"And I would be doing what, exactly? You need someone to escort you around, get you to the right places?"
Elizabeth let out a small throaty chuckle, "Oh, no, Commander, an Ensign could to that, or even a seaman. I think," she leaned toward him, "that you're just right to represent the Navy in this campaign.
"You do realize," he locked his eyes with hers, "that the only reason you met me in that podunk town you call home is because I was a very bad boy."
"I know," she said on a chuckle, "otherwise I wouldn't have a shot at getting someone like you for this."
Jason let out an audible groan, "You're not serious?"
Elizabeth looked over into his impossible blue eyes, "Oh, I am. I think," she sat back in her chair, "that you are the perfect person to send the message out to young men and women everywhere that the Navy is not just a job it's an adventure, it's a journey that will take your life full speed ahead, it will accelerate your life, it's a global force for good."
"I'm a pilot," he insisted, "not some poster boy!"
"Exactly!" Elizabeth leaned toward him again, "You're a pilot, well educated, all on the Navy, and you've been decorated several times." The expression on his face just forced the laughter that had been taking refuge in the back of her throat since he came in. "Look, I promise, it's just pictures. We won't hurt you, no bombings, we won't shoot at you, or throw knives," the chuckle finally escaped, "we won't even do the bubble bath ones."
"I think I'd rather get shot at."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Lucky was bent over a laptop working on proofs when Elizabeth waltzed in. Their makeshift studio occupied what once was a garage and was attached to the house Elizabeth's grandparents left her when they died. It had slowly become their home base. Something he had come to appreciate. "I take it things are all set?" he asked despite knowing the answer. The only reason Elizabeth would be in a good mood is if things had gone her way.
She nodded setting down her ever present camera bag gently. After all it contained her most prized passions. "Commander Morgan has agreed to work with us."
"Us?" he asked his blue eyes darkening at the word. "Oh no Sweetie this is your project and I want nothing to do with it."
"But Lucky." Elizabeth pouted laying her head on his shoulder. "I can't do this without you."
He laughed before carefully pushing her away. "That doesn't work on me anymore."
"Sure it does."
"Okay, usually it does," Lucky conceded easily. "but not this time."
"No?" she asked pouting up at him once again.
Lucky shook his head at the action. He hated that she could make him cave every time with that look. "I want nothing to do with this Elizabeth."
"Please? It'll make me happy if you help. And I know you want me to be happy."
"Alright fine I'll help." he relented finally with an exasperated sigh.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Johnny couldn't believe what Jason was telling him. Models? Somebody thought they'd make good models? Maybe this was his friend's sick idea of a prank. "Have you lost your mind?"
"It's not that bad Johnny."
"Not that bad? If you were anyone else I'd ask what the admiral has on you."
"Now you're just being mean. Look it's a chance..." Jason paused not wanting to fight with his best friend. Johnny was right this idea was insane. But for him at least it was worth the reward. "possibly the only chance we have to get reassigned."
"Okay so you have a point. But modeling? Really Jason wouldn't it be less painful to just shoot at us?"
"Apparently not. Elizabeth says..."
The way Jason said it more than the actual name is what caught his attention. "Wait. Elizabeth? Why do I think you mean Elizabeth from Jake's Elizabeth?" he asked noticing how uncomfortable Jason suddenly looked.
"The very one."
"How in the hell..." Johnny paused mid-sentence the how unimportant for the moment. "Oh man. This is going to be fun."
Jason knew that look. He might have been the one to get them exiled but not from Johnny's lack of trying. "You're scaring me."
"Don't be such a baby."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"EW Images. How can I help you?" Lucky said automatically into the speakerphone. He hated office duty. There was nothing more demeaning than being forced to answer the phone all day.
"Is Elizabeth there?"
"Maybe. Depends on who's calling."
There was a long tense pause before he said, "Can you tell her it's Jason Morgan?"
"Hey Sweetheart," Lucky called out to where Elizabeth was shooting some model Crimson had sent over. "Your new pet is on the phone."
She paused and rolled her eyes. Really the boy was fortunate she loved him most days. When the model laughed Elizabeth couldn't help but join in. "Be nice." she scolded picking up the receiver. "Jason, I didn't expect you to call me so soon."
"You said you wanted to meet." he reminded her gently. "I figured we should get started right away."
"Still can't wait to get out of our podunk town huh?" she asked snapping a few more pictures. Elizabeth was pretty sure she had gotten the perfect shot already. Of course with Kate you never really knew.
"Something like that."
At least he was honest. This assignment might be through more quickly than she anticipated. "Well then let me give you the address."
