Disclaimer: i do not own the A-Team but Alexandra Hale is Mine
A/N: HI! Yeas Im still very much alive! sorry if i havent updated in very long time... but oh look an update! Yay! Hehehe...
Chapter 4: doggy demeanor
Alexandra groaned and rolled on her stomach as a loud knock on her front door assaulted her two hour sleep. She reached out for her bedside clock and saw that it was still quite early, its 7: 00 a.m. Another loud knock rang through the house.
" Coming!" She yelled, she reluctantly got out of bed and trudge down stairs. Once she's near the front door she could hear shuffling behind it and someone talking but its muffled by the door. More awake and alert she held the door knob and the door lock letting her hand linger there not unlocking it, she's preparing her muscle for any needed sudden movement.
" Who is it?" She called out
" ALexandra its me, Peck" Faceman's voice answered through the door. Alexandra relaxed a little, she took a peek on the door's peep hole and saw the conman's smiling face. She didnt see anyone suspicious and she knew Face wouldnt lead the CIA to her, so she opened the door.
" Hey Face wha-" Alexandra didnt get to finish her sentence as she was jumped down. Alexandra fell flat on her back and the body of her assilant was pinning her down. She lift her head and she's faced with a mass of brown hair.
Then her face was assaulted with slobbery licks. She tried to push it off but she couldnt.
" Face!" She yelled in between the licks. He conman just smiled at her as he put down a duffle bag on the floor.
" Im sorry Alexandra." He apologized though he didnt look apologetic. " I have some business to attend to..." he added, a smile spread across his face. Alexandra tried to protest but when she opened her mouth she snapped it shut again as more licks ran across her face.
" Murdock, behave." He said while patting Murdock's head. Murdock barked loudly then panted, Alexandra on the other hand glared at the conman. Before she could say another word Face was already closing the door on his way out mumbling irritably under his breath 'Hope yah happy! You kept fetchin' her bloody picture' which Alexandra didnt hear as she was again licked on the face by Murdock.
Murdock barked at Alexandra happily his blueish green eyes shone with excitement, his socked hands pressing down on the sniper's shoulders.
" Get off!" She groaned, but Murdock just barked and licked her face again. " Down boy!" She rephrased her command and Murdock slid off her and ran through the house amazingly in all fours. 'This is one of those days' she inwardly groaned . She usually find Murdock's fixation and antics amusing, but at her sleep deprived state she finds it a little annoying. When this thought crossed her mind she wondered if she was all Alexandra at the moment. Alex was the one who would think that, but she shrugged it off thinking a cup of coffee would fix her up. Alexandra stood up and dragged her feet through the kitchen door that always bugged Faceman because of the words laboratory written across it.
Alexandra chuckled as Murdock bounded in the kitchen, she had already drank half of her coffee. Murdock ran out of the kitchen again while Alexandra finishes her coffee. After a while she noticed Murdock didnt came back from the kitchen, she put her empty mug in the kitchen sink and went to the door and poke her head out.
She saw Murdock sitting infront of the big glass sliding door and staring longingly at her backyard. She approached him and she could hear a soft whine slip out of Murdock's mouth. She smiled thinking, acting like a dog or not Murdock really liked being outside. She knows why, all those time being cooped up in a room, forbidden to go out you'll also would like to take every opportunity to get out.
" Wanna go out?" Alexandra asked crouching down beside Murdock. Murdock barked as if saying 'Hell yeah!' While wagging his invisible tail happily. Alexandra chuckled at the pilot turned dog " Ok, but dont go too far. Stay by the trees where i can see you." She reminded because she didnt want him wandering too far in the forest like vegetation that connects the edge of her backyard to a near by park, though she wasnt sure if the pilot's doggy persona would heed her request.
Murdock gave her big slobbery lick on the cheek to say thank you before Alexandra manage to stand up. She just laughed softly as she wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand and stood up to open the sliding door. As soon as the opening was big enough for Murdock to squeeze through he immediately dashed out of the house and ran excitedly around Alexandra's fairly big backyard. She on the other hand went back to the kitchen to fix some breakfast.
In the kitchen, Alexandra could only find a couple of bread in the cupboard and some left over roast beef and half empty carton of orange juice in the fridge. She made a mental note that she need to buy some supplies later in the day. She settled to make some toast for her and murdock and a fresh cup of coffee for the pilot. She took the food to the back porch that is facing her fairly big yard ,but Murdock was nowhere in sight.
She sighed, as her suspicion was right. She put the breakfast on a picnic table she have on the porch, then she looked around for Murdock. But no luck the pilot was not to be seen in her back yard, she figured he had ventured into the woodlands that merges with her yard.
"Murdock!" she called out, she waited for a moment in silence, then she heard a faint bark coming in from the trees. Smirking at herself she marched into the woods " Murdock! Here boy!" She called again once she was inside the forest. She heard a bark, this time closer. She spun on the spot trying to locate the direction from where the bark came from. The she saw him, a little ways of her left Murdock was staring at her and panting merrily. Alexandra approached him but she when she got close Murdock ran off again.
Alexandra groaned but she smiled at the pilot, which was sitting beneath a tree. When she reached where Murdock was sitting he bounded off again. She sighed " Murdock come on its time for breakfast!" She called again , this time murdock skided to a stop and turned back to Alexandra. He strutted happily back to her, she smirked at him and reach out , he looked at her with his doggy grin and tounge lolling at the side like a true dog.
A flash of mischievousness shone in Murdock's eyes,when he closer to Alexandra he turned around again to run off. But Alexandra was faster, before Murdock could take off again she had grabbed the collar of his jacket.
" Ha! Now, come. Let's eat." She said truimphantly as she herd Murdock back to her backyard. Murdock followed walking in all fours. When the reached the lawn table on Alexandra's back porch, Murdock managed to wriggle out of his jacket, which the sniper placed on the table, but this time he didnt run, instead he wagged his behind and crouched on his legs while his hand folded in front of him. Alexandra was amazed how realistic Murdock's impression of a dog begging, even the whines.
"Ok, ok" she chuckled, patting the bench to tell Murdock to sit, but Murdock just looked at her curiously tilting his head. " What's wrong buddy?" She asked as Murdock didnt budge. " Go on, sit here." Murdock just whined. Then she remembered Hannibal saying sternly, for B.A's sake, that no dog is allowed on the table.
"Figures..." she said, being a dog and all he still follows the colonel. So she set down the plate of toast and the hot cup of coffee on her porch, Murdock barked excitedly as she did so. Once cleared, Murdock began tearing the toast with his teeth. Alexandra nibbling at her own toast, Murdock took a drink or rather lapped his coffee which sent him suddenly crying out and whimpering when the hot coffee burned his tongue.
"sorry sweetie. i'll get you something else." she said as she patted murdock's head to console him. " Now stay." she prompted before she leave. Murdock barked and gave her a lopsided grin. she left the coffee on the table and went back to the house to find another drink for her doggy companion. She poured the orange juice in a bowl and went back and was glad to find murdock still sitting on the backporch beside the picknic table. when she got near enough to set the bowl down Murdock bounded off again to the trees where a poor squirrle was traumatized to see a grown man growl and barked at her.
Alexandra sighed and contemplated about the perks of building a fence around her backyard. But she smiled in amusement to see the pilot trying to climb a tree to chase a squirrle. " Murdock! here boy!" she called to him, he gave the squirrle one last look and treathening growl before running back to Alexandra.
Murdock jump up to Alexandra putting his hand her shoulders and licked her face profusely. She chuckled as she gently pushed Murdock off " ok, ok" the pilot lapped at the orange juice in the bowl and continued to gobble his remaining toast. Alexandra drank the rest of Murdocks coffee while she finished the rest of her own toast. They finished their breakfast Alexandra took her own dirty dishes as murdock followed her with the bowl on the plate and the plate between his teeth. she laughed at his antics and thank him as she took the dishes and start washing them in the sink.
Murdock bounded through the house again running around enjoying the freedom of her backyard. he would, after a couple of lap around Alexandra's backyard, he would jump up at her inviting her to play she would chuckle every time smiling, his favorite warm and amused smile.
After Alexandra finish up with the dishes she went to the living room and lounge on the couch. Moments later Murdock came bounding in the living room, he sat in front of the couch and started pawing Alexandra with socked hand . She turned to him, Murdock gave her a big slobbery lick across the face. Some more licks and nudges and Alexandra sat up laughing.
"ok Murdock. ok" she stood up then noticed the pilot's duffle bag on the floor she picked it up and put it in the lounge chair, then she grabbed the stress ball from a shelf on her way out the yard. The pilot had already ran out and excitedly run a lap around the yard.
"here Murdock! here boy!" Alexandra called at Murdock, this caught his attention and he ran to her then jumped for the ball in a true dog manner. Alexandra had to stretch her arms up to keep the ball out of his reach, lucky that Murdock was sticking to his dog posture. Since Alexandra was a head shorter, she wouldnt stand a chance if the pilot would stood straight, he wouldnt even need to jump for the ball.
"do you want the ball?" she asked and Murdock barked profusely, "go get it boy!" she cried with a wide grin plastered on her face while she threw the blue stress ball. Murdock ran after it in all four in a surprising speed, Alexandra let out her uneven laugh which is a mixture of peels of bell that is partially manic and subtle but undeniable snorts.
the ball hit the grassy ground once then bounced off just a little when Murdock finally caught it with his teeth. He then strutted proudly back to Alexandra dropping the ball in her waiting hands.
"good boy!" she said as she ruffled his messy brown hair. Alexandra threw the ball a couple of times which Murdock would return the ball without a fuss. But as Alexandra threw the ball more the more reluctant Murdock become when returning it.
"drop it Murdock!" Alexandra wrestle the ball out of the pilot's teeth, one of her hand pulls the ball out of his teeth while the other was on his shoulder pushing him away but not too forceful just to keep him from yanking the ball back and to keep them from tumbling over. " drop it!" she emphasized on every word the Murdock finally opened his mouth and released the ball. She stood up and tried to tuck the ball away in the shallow pocket of her cotton short shorts.
the pilot whined and pawed the grass beneath his socked hands. he looked at her with pleading puppy dog eyes, Alexandra's hand was on her waist trying to look firm. Murdock kneeled his head at the level of the sniper's waist he put his hand on her stomach as if to support his stance and let out a pleading whine.
" Ok. one last time alright?" Alexandra said as she held up her index finger for emphasis of one. Murdock face lit up and hopped into all fours wagging his non-existent tail in anticipation. Alexandra took the ball from her pocket, the doggy pilot didnt took his eyes off it.
Alexandra pitched the ball forward, Murdock sprinted after it and with a jump he caught it in mid-air. "wow! that was awesome!" Alexandra remarked, the sniper was amazed that Murdock caught it mid-air with his teeth and that Murdock can ran at that speed in all fours.
"ok now buddy. come on" She said holding her hand out to get the ball but Murdock didnt move he just stared at her with a gleam in his eyes that Alexandra knows well, and its something infectious and she extremely susceptible to it."Murdock, come back here." she said making her voice sound like a mother scolding a child.
Instead of moving Murdock sat on the grass the ball between his teeth trapped in a taunting grin. Alexandra tilted her head curiously thinking what might be the pilot's plot. She marched to Murdock to retrieve the ball herself but when she got closer, he rolled over then run further away from her. Then he rested on his belly, set the ball down between his hands and started to gnaw it.
"Murdock no!" Alexandra moved closer but Murdock took the ball again and posed to run. " so thats how you want it huh?" she said to him, her eye narrowing but the smile on her was playful. Alexandra started to edge towards Murdock, tensing her muscles for a sprint. Murdock was doing the same, then they both broke into a run.
in no time Alexandra was closely tailing Murdock she could out run him if she wants to, he maybe fast in all four but he was still slow as compared when he ran in two feet. The sniper tried to swipe the ball but the pilot was quick and manage to veer off the way.
"oh no you dont!" she cried as Murdock tried to get away. Alexandra jumped at Murdock taking a hold of his waist, they rolled uncontrollably on the the grass. The ball escaped the pilot's teeth, projected somewhere, the sniper's hand lost its grip and since she was lighter she was yanked off and rolled further than the pilot.
Alexandra manage to stop rolling and steadied herself in a all-four crouch on the grass. Her onyx eyes gleaming with a manic excitement that reflected the same gleam in the Murdock's blueish green eyes. they circled each other trying to read each others move, Alexandra pounced at Murdock. He narrowly escapes, he run to try and get away but Alexandra is in hot pursuit. She chased him unaware of her stance that is becoming more like the doggy pilot and the ball she originally wanted to retrieve lies forgotten near her back porch, she just thought on how the grass felt good under her hand and bare feet and how to catch him. Alexandra manage to take hold of his feet and pull him to her. With a fluid motion Alexandra manage to trap Murdock between her knees and her hand pinning down his shoulders.
"oh no you dont. no licking." she said pushing his shoulders down. Murdock panted and sniffed the dark brown hair that touch his face, "hey!" Alexandra tried to flick her hair away when the pilot tried to snap his teeth at it. He took advantage of her momentary distraction and switched their places. Her onyx eyes were wide at the sudden change of events while Murdock's face broke into a grin.
"no-aaahh-" she tried to push him away as the pilot gave her slobbery licks on the face again. Alexandra couldnt push him and broke into fits of her uneven laugh. "ok! you won! i give up!" she said exasperated and Murdock step off her and sat on the grass beside her.
she laid on the grass looking up into the blue sky scattered with fluffy white clouds. She heard the the crunch of fresh grass beside her and saw Murdock rolling happily on the grass. then her foot brushed on something hard she lifted her head and saw the new recliner chairs Face brought from last time. her backyard is wide and enclosed by trees she didnt put up a fence except for the narrow pathway beside the house that leads too the street, which she had to put the gate to prevent strangers from wondering in her yard. she never bother to put anything on her yard, the ground was leveled and was hidden by trees so there are no fence or chairs. she liked sitting and laying on the soft wild grasses that grew on her yard, it was Face who was concern of grass stains that liked to put the recliners out but she didnt mind though sometimes she would use them but most of the time she and Murdock would play Frisbee bare footed or tag with water balloons on the grassy lawn.
It was when Alexandra heard the rumble of her own stomach she realized that it was late for lunch. she stood up and stepped up onto to her back porch and peeked at the clock on the wall and saw it was already one o'clock " oh no Murdock! its late i have to fix our lunch or we'll be eating them at dinner." she said to Murdock who was scratching behind his ear like trying to scratch a flea off then he barked in response to her.
Alexandra bend over and slip her hand in the railing of the porch to retrieved the ball. Murdock who was sitting on the porch behind her saw her shorts hitched up an inch or two as she bent down. he tilted his head and stared at Alexandra's ... his thoughts were cut off as the ball expertly found its way between his eyes, the crazy pilot shook his head in reflex as the ball hit him.
" look lively Murdock, you're losing your focus." she frown at him and give him a chastised look mixed with amusement. Murdock slid down on his belly, he rested his chin on the wooden floor while he place his socked hands on the floor near the side of his face and whimpered apologetically. She knelt down in front of him
"Naughty!Naughty!" she reprimanded with a sing-song voice and pinched Murdock's nose and tried to wiggle it out of place then she let it go. Alexandra stood at her full height, she took Murdock's jacket that they left at the lawn table on her porch and went inside followed by the pilot who picked the stress ball with his teeth.
Alexandra draped the jacket at the backrest of one of her single lounge chair. She was momentarily distracted as she watched the clinically insane pilot plop down on the carpeted floor and playfully gnawing on the stress ball. Then she strutted to the kitchen and looked for some thing for lunch, she manage to find some potatoes and peas in the cupboard. she peeled the potatoes and boiled it then she popped the slices of roast beef in the microwave to heat it. while waiting Alexandra strained her ears to hear what Murdock is doing, but before she manage to the Microwave announced his job well done in a loud beep. She took out the roast beef and placed it on the table, then she prodded the potatoes in the pot and turned off the heat. A dull thud caught her attention, she drained the pot and set the potatoes in a bowl only then she poked her head out of the kitchen and saw clothes strewn on the floor.
she picked it up and recognized it as one of Murdock's t-shirt. the pilot stuck his head inside the duffle bag and pulled out a short with his teeth and tossed it aside. Alexandra shook her as she saw him, he manage to pull the bag off the chair and open it.
"Murdock what are you doing?" she picked up the clothes that he tossed aside as she went to him. Murdock lifted his head out of the bag and barked sheepishly at Alexandra. she went to him sat on the floor and pulled the bag to her. "at least Face packed enough of your things." she mumbled as she saw the pilots belongings in the bag the pilot barked at the sniper urging her to look further in the bag
"do you want something from here?" she asked he gave a bark in response. taking it as a yes she plunge her hand in and rummaged in the bag after a few moments she felt something hard and angular when she pulled it out she saw it was an open box of dog biscuits. "is this what you're looking for?" Murdock barked and shifted his weight hand to hand in anticipation.
Alexandra read the brand name and it was a legit brand for dog biscuits. She knows knows it safe to eat anyway for they know the company, they've been their clients once and they were honest entrepreneurs when they say all the ingredients was organic with no mystery meat in it, was true, after all Faceman wouldnt have bought it for Murdock. " but its almost lunch Murdock it'll ruin your appetite." she said to Murdock like she was talking to a child. She stuffed all the clothes back in the bag and took the box of treats with her back in the kitchen.
" no Murdock." she said as Murdock tapped her with his socked hand, he gave a doggy whine and puppy dog eyes. Alexandra heaved a sighed and conceded. "just one. ok?" with that the dog of a pilot barked happily. she took the box and fished one biscuit and placed the box on the counter.
" here you go buddy." She handed the dog biscuit to him and he playfully snapped at it narrowly missing her finger. Alexandra turned her back to the counter and started to mush the potatoes in the bowl on the table. A few moments later after Alexandra felt two hands on her shoulder when she tried to glace back she felt the hand slip down. She turned to be startled to see the pilot suddenly jump at her, she caught him reflexively, her hand was now occupied by his socked hands . She could feel him weighing down on her, as if he was using her hand to support his upright posture.
"what is it buddy?" she asked then she saw a dog biscuit being held by his lips and pushed it forward to her. "are you giving that to me?" she asked again glancing behind him and saw the box of treats on its side on the floor. Murdock managed to grab the box from the counter.
"well im more particular to cat food, but this looks yummy too." she said smiling, she ate cat food before it was alright it taste meaty but she stopped eating it when the store refused to sell them to her when they offered her a new brand and ate a spoon full in the store. she smiled to her self and shook her head when she remembered that silly day, she tried to take the dog biscuit but Murdock shifted his weight so that she wouldnt be able to remove her hand. again Murdock pushed the dog biscuit to her this time closer that the tip of his nose almost touch hers.
she did what was left for her to do, she took the dog biscuit with her mouth. she open her mouth and enclosed it at the biscuit, her lips was less that an inch away from his. their breaths dance at each others faces, his blueish green eyes bore into her onyx black ones and for a moment Alexandra could see the recognition of their predicament shine through Murdock's eyes. She pulled the dog biscuit out of his lips which in turn crept slowly towards hers trailing the biscuit that she slowly pull in her mouth, a faint blush tainted her cheeks, she had always been a touchy person and had also grown accustomed to her close proximities towards Murdock for he is also a touchy person like herself but that doesn't mean that she was oblivious and indifferent to this kind of incidents between them. Sometimes she would wonder if Murdock notices those incidents too, because if he did he hides it very well, or maybe it doesnt really affect him at all that'll be a little disappointing.
Alexandra saw the recognition dissolve into a glimmer of mischief and the next thing she knew she was wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand as Murdock licked her face yet again. He barked and crouched back on the floor and gave the sniper a dopey grin. " thanks buddy." her voice drip with sarcasm but her eyes were amused and continued to munch the dog biscuit in her mouth. She finished up the potatoes and put her hand on her waist while telling Murdock off when she saw that he had attacked the box of dog biscuits scattering crumbs and a few parts of the box on the floor.
they both cleaned up the mess (Murdock threw the large remaining part of the box in the trash bin with his mouth) and Alexandra put together their lunch of roast beef with mashed potatoes and peas.
she put Murdock's food in a bowl down on the now clean kitchen floor as he still refuse to sit at the table. She sat down at the table and she watched him tore his roast beef as she took a bite at hers as well. A she smiled fondly and took her plate, she got down on the floor beside Murdock. " lets dig in!" she chirped happy as the dog pilot looked at her curiously, when she saw that she settled down beside him he gave her a slobbery lick of appreciation. They ate their lunch in comfortable silence occationaly broken by Alexandra's uneven laugh at the pilot as he got oil smeared on his cheeks and mouth while trying to eat the roast beef without using his hands and the peas that got stuck in the mush potato in his face.
after eating Alexandra gathered all the dirty dishes and and washed them and also cleaning Murdock's oil face. she dried her hands and climbed to her room to change out of her shorts and tank top in which she slept in and wore jeans and a purple shirt that says 'I'd give you moral support but my morality is questionable.' when she reached the stair Murdock was sitting at the foot of the stairs looking at her with wary eyes.
she went to the living room and grabbed the keys of her Motorbike in the glass bowl where she kept her keys. she locked the front door and closed the sliding glass door that leads to the back porch, as she moves around the house Murdock was tailing her quietly watching her every move. while grabbing everything she needs like wallet and keys she entered the kitchen.
" Murdock im going to grab some supplies ok, behave." said to Murdock who she knew was behind her, he tilted his head as if he didnt grasp any of the word she's saying. She opened the door that connects her kitchen and the garage, she pushed the lock on the door knob to lock it from the inside and pulled it shut at Murdock who still looked blissfully unaware that Alexandra is leaving. Once Alexandra closed the door he heard barks coming from behind the door, when the pilot didnt hear a reply he barked more urgently. all the while Alexandra looked for the saddlebag she uses for her motorbike.
"dont worry Murdock i'll be back, i'll just buy some groceries " she called at Murdock who started scratching the door. she put the saddlebag on her motorbike, Alexandra was going to mount her bike when she heard a howl and a whimper behind the door. She bit her lower lip when she heard another pitiful howl from Murdock, he sounded hurt and abandoned, something she's familiar with. But she wont be out too long she reasoned with her self, but a soft heart broken whimper crumbled her resolved. she crossed her garage and took out the ring of keys that contains most of the keys for the house. she inserted the key for the kitchen/garage door thinking what might transpire if she bring doggy Murdock along she ,silently pushed it open.
Alexandra saw made her forget whatever might happen if she bring him along with a dog spirit in him. Murdock was on the floor in front of the door, by the looks of it he planned to wait for her on the cold kitchen floor. Murdock hugged his knees and buried his face, it was certainly not a position a dog would take but she knew what it meant. she knelt in front of him and stroked his brown hair, he looked up to see the warm and amused smile.
" come on Murdock, lets go." she said tenderly, he barked and panted happily. she stood up and went out to the side door again but before she locked it, she waited for Murdock to pass through. After making sure that the door is locked, she patted the seat of the motor bike apologetically. Alexandra walked pass it and halt beside something under a tarp, she tugged the tarp off and Murdock helped him by biting the tarp pulling it while growling.
the tarp fell and under it was a black vintage Chevy impala. Alexandra preferred her Motorbike over the car but she feared that Murdock might get too excited and jump off the bike when they sped off. She always carry the keys with her, she opened the passenger seat and patted the seat and Murdock climbed in and crouched on the leather seat. This would've made B.A and Face cringe and would tell her that it would ruin the leather but Alexandra didnt mind. She climbed on the driver seat and brought the car to life.
the journey to the supermarket was quite enjoyable, Alexandra had opened the front window when they set out and Murdock was ecstatic at the rush of the wind on his face while his tongue lolling between his teeth like a true dog. though from time to time she pulled him in by the collar of his t-shirt to avoid being decapitated by the cars speeding from the opposite lane. "ok Murdock we must behave in the super market. its big and we dont want to get lost do we?" she said as she pull the socks off his hands. It wouldnt give Murdock a good grip if he tried to run in all fours on a tiled floor.
They both got out and she locked the car door. she bent down to fetch Murdock's hand on the pavement and placed one of it on her shoulder to keep Murdock on an upright stance. Not that Alexandra hand any qualms in him walking in all fours but the security of the of the supermarket might and she didnt want that attention.
But the moment they entered the establishment Alexandra realized how hard it'll be to keep Murdock in check. There were a lot of things to see in the grocery, a lot of things looked interesting and once one of these caught the doggy Murdock's attention he run off without hesitation. Alexandra cussed under her breath and chased the pilot.
they spend a good half hour running around the isles and a few wary looks before Alexandra managed to catch up with Murdock. "Murdock please no more running around ok? lets just finish our shopping." the got a shopping cart and started to go down the isles to hunt down their needed supplies like four carton of milk because B.A. visits often, a couple of different cereals for her and Murdock, two packs of beer and two packs of soda in can and other usual grocery supplies.
Alexandra was dumping everything they plan to buy in the shopping cart they brought in. One of her hand was pushing the cart while the other one was on Murdock's hand which was on her shoulder, when suddenly the hand on her shoulder disappeared. she spun around just in time to see Murdock's black sneakers disappeared into the next isle. Alexandra let out an exasperated sigh and ran after the pilot while dragging their cart behind her.
Alexandra finally caught sight of Murdock but she was too late. The pilot run straight to a tower of toilet paper that a staff just finished, and Murdock demolished it.
" im so sorry!" Alexandra said as she helped the staff stand. "he was just excited and lost control. the floor is very slippery, yes?" she put on her charming smile the would rival Face's. the staff a gangly teenaged boy, looked annoyed for a moment but it dissipated to a gawk as the sniper smiled at him. Before the smitten boy could answer Alexandra noticed that Murdock was starting to rip the toilet paper to bits. She grabbed him by the collar of the shirt on his back and drag him away in half crawl.
Alexandra would have giggled at the whole situation if it wasn't for Murdock successful escape yet again as she drag him away. Exasperated she had no choice but to leave their shopping cart aside and ran after him again but she couldnt catch up.
"maybe i should start to take up on running again" Alexandra huffed as she stop to catch her breath. she could hear Murdock's happy barks as he run around the grocery. At least one of us is having so much fun she thought, then she saw a glint at her peripheral vision. It was a long silver chain and at the end of it was a thick padded collar.
Alexandra stared at it for a moment and a mischievous grin slowly spread across her face as an idea bloomed in her mind. The sniper grabbed the dog collar and head straight to the counter, ignoring the sound of clatter followed by all too familiar bark. She paid for it and immediate set off to hunt Murdock down. Alexandra found Murdock at the same isle were she just left which is an isle dedicated for pet supplies.
"Here Murdock, sweetie." she cooed sweetly. as she approached the doggy pilot that was attacking a box of dog biscuits of the same brand he gobbled up at home. 'if your a dog today then why not complete the get up' she thought as she slowly inch towards Murdock. Alexandra managed to get beside him and when she held on to the collar of his shirt he let out a yelp of surprise.
" ha! got you! Now hold still.."Alexandra managed to slip the collar on the neck of a squirming Murdock. the collar it self was not uncomfortable, Alexandra made sure of that, it was padded so it wouldnt cut the skin. It was a large plain black leather collar, and attached to a buckle was a long shiny chain. Murdock' s eyes were wide with surprise at his new accessory and Alexandra's triumphant grin. He stood at his full height, which he immediately loom over the sniper, he stared at her intently.
He grinned at her slowly, he had a wild look upon his blueish green eyes and together with the wide grin made the ten years of Murdock's stay in the V.A. Psych ward evident. If he directed that look of his to another person they would've run away in fear, Alexandra on the other hand matched his manic look with one of her own.
She gave the leash a small tug. " Now be a good boy and lets grab what we need, ok?" she said her manic grin unwavering. Murdock answered her with an enthusiastic bark, even the leash didnt dampened Murdock's spirit. Alexandra gave him her warm and amused smile as she lead the pilot to the place where she left their shopping cart. they continued their shopping without any trouble, Murdock can still roam around and somehow satisfy his curiosity at the things he see. The leash on him was long and Alexandra was willing to stretch her arms as far as they would go to give him more distance and small tugs on the leash to remind him not to run off.
Alexandra was busy with her groceries, that she didnt notice people was starting stare at them, not that she would mind, she let Murdock do whatever he likes whether putting on cape and run around as a superhero or taking his invisible dog Billy for a walk. She would go with Murdock without minding the stare people give him, heck she'd even join in. But they cant afford to catch attention right now especially with the supermarket they're in is very close to a police station. It was only when they were picking some cold cut meats, the last thing on their list, that she noticed the attention people gave them.
Murdock was standing beside Alexandra eyeing the meat infront of him when a couple noticed them across the open freezer. "what do you think? we can have some barbeque?" Alexandra asked Murdock looking up at him, then she noticed the couple staring at them. When she caught their eye, they gave her and Murdock a sly grin while eyeing the leash on him and the end of the chain in her hand as her fingers absentmindedly fiddling with it.
" Kinky. Nice.." the lady said with a malicious giggle. " You know, we know a shop where you two could get a whip that would go in splendidly with that collar" she said her voice laced with flirtatious amusement, then she looked at Alexandra from head to foot that made her uncomfortable "they also have a leather out fit that would look gorgeous on you." she rummaged in side her purse and procured a business card.
" here. they give a reasonable price for their toys." she handed her the card and winked. the man she was with gave Murdock a dopey smile and a thumbs up, in return the pilot gave him a lopsided grin of his own.
Confused, Alexandra read the business card on her hand. It took moment for what the lady had said and the name of the shop to process. When it finally clicked in place, Alexandra's face grew hot. She cursed her self for her buried self-consciousness was clawing its was out, she didnt usually felt self-conscious so she doesnt know what to do. Alexandra grabbed the first pack of meat her hand landed on and threw it in the cart.
An amused Murdock followed the sniper who walked straight to the cashier and dumped everything on the counter. The cashier a woman with brown hair and eyes stared at the pair infront of her, she eyed the leash on the pilot. Alexandra took a few deep breathes and looked at the cashier with a bright smile.
"Is there a problem?" she asked innocently, the cashier almost jump when the sniper addressed her directly.
"no mam." she said apologetically, she avoided Alexandra's gaze and fumbled with punching the items in the register. The doggy pilot glanced at the sniper and he saw the sniper smirk in amusement despite the slight coloration of her cheek. Murdock liked the reddish tint on Alexandra's cheek. He leaned in to give the sniper some slobbery licks who cant help but giggle at him but at the first lick they heard a loud clatter of assorted material. Murdock stopped at mid-lick, his tongue stuck out a hare breathe away from Alexandra's cheek. Both of them turned to the brown haired cashier whose face was as red as a tomato and her brown eyes wide.
"Now, now. behave." Alexandra said to Murdock, she put her hand on his cheek to prevent him from licking her face. As she did that the cashier's face, if possible, grew redder.
"So-sorry!" she blurted out then she looked down and punched the item to the computer as fast as she can. They paid for what they bought and they left a red-faced cashier behind.
Then the pair loaded the supplies at the back of the car. Alexandra then ushered Murdock to the passengers seat then climbed to the driver's side. The tint of the sniper's face subsided but the amused expression was now evident. She unhooked the chain from Murdock's collar and said " Let's go home." then she brought the car to life.
The trip back to Alexandra's house was as enjoyable as their trip to the market. when they reached her house Alexandra stopped the car beside the sidewalk of her house and fumbled for a few seconds for the remote of the garage door. when she found it they heard a screech of tires quickly getting near.
when Alexandra turned, she saw Murdock rushing out of the car and her neighbor's little girl running after her red wagon while the seemingly out of control car is heading towards her. She rushes out of the car to help the girl but Murdock beat her there, he grabbed the girl and rolled themselves to safety as the car screeched to where they were moments ago.
The car plowed on until it disappeared down the road never stopping. Alexandra would've shot the car down but she doesnt want to scare the little girl. She rushed to them and found Murdock kneeling and holding the kid close to him.
"Are you guys alright?" she asked as she crouched at their level. the little girl looked up at them with wide innocent green eyes, she seemed to be surprised but not scared which is better in her opinion. "you're Sylvia arent you?" she asked vaguely remembering her neighbor calling the little girl that.
"yes. you're miss Hale, our neighbor across the street." she said as brush the locks of her red hair that got plastered on her face.
" Are you hurt?" the sniper asked, before the girl could answer Alexandra checked the girl her self. when satisfied that Sylvia was unharmed she frowned at her "Now Sylvia, you know better than to play on the street." she said frowning at the girl.
" I know, im sorry. Its just my..." then Sylvia's eyes widened as she remembered "my wagon!" she attempted to run to her red wagon across the street but Murdock's arms stopped her.
" Ill get your wagon. Stay here with him." Alexandra said then she stood up and crossed the street to get the wagon contain assorted stuff from toys to snacks. She walked back to them pulling the wagon behind her. " you're lucky Murdock got to you in time." she said as she handed the wagon to Sylvia.
"Good job Murdock!" Alexandra then she patted his head. Murdock barked and panted happily obviously happy at his deed. Sylvia looked at him curiously.
"why is he barking? are you playing pretend?" she asked innocently, then she pet Murdock who was acting like an excited puppy.
" something like that." Alexandra said smiling at the pair. Sylvia giggled then she took out a baggie of cookies, she took out two. She handed one to Alexandra " thank you" the sniper said, then Sylvia gave the other cookie to Murdock who ate like a true puppy dog. the little girl giggle again, she the leaned into Murdock and gave him a hug.
"thank you for saving me." the little girl said. Murdock smiled and hugged the girl back lifting her up and twirled her around. Sylvia laughed, the doggy pilot set her down and Sylvia bid them goodbye. when Alexandra turned she didnt saw Murdock behind her.
Alexandra looked around for the pilot and then she saw him on her neighbors yard rolling on a puddle of mud. "Murdock.." she said between a groan and a giggle. she trudged where Murdock is, and as she expected he jumped at her. Alexandra manage to catch both of Murdock's wrist and hold it tight, but that didnt deterred Murdock. He brought down his weight on to Alexandra pushing he a little causing her to slip and fall. Murdock had attack the laughing sniper with nudges, push and licks. In a few moments both of them is covered in mud.
Alexandra stood up and wiped the mud off her cheek, but only add more mud on the process. "its not like playing in the muddy ditch but a puddle is also fun." she laughed as she shield herself from the splashes of mud the pilot makes from jumping up and down in all fours. After a few moments of jumping, rolling and digging around the mud Alexandra grabbed Murdock by the leash and lead him across the street to her house. "Come on sweetie, Hannibal would have my neck if I dont give you a proper wash."
She climbed to the car and Murdock climbed to the passenger seat. Alexandra pushed the remote and drove into her garage. She and Murdock got out as the garage door closes. Alexandra momentarily looked for a washcloth while Murdock barked, sniffed and run like a exuberant puppy around the garage.
when she found what she's looking for, Alexandra wiped the mud off the leather seat, and thanks to their brief time in the car, it didn't stain or left a smell.
" Come now Murdock time for your bath." she said cheerily, at the mention of bath Murdock's blueish green eyes widened in horror. The sniper took a step towards the pilot and chaos ensues. After they run around the garage Alexandra managed to grab the chain in the car and clip it on the pilot's collar.
" now, now its just a bath sweetie." she huffed as she dragged Murdock to the bathroom on the ground floor. Once she dragged him in she manage to fill the tab in one hand while keeping Murdock in the bathroom. After a few more struggles later, Alexandra managed to strip Murdock leaving his boxers and made him climbed in the tub.
the sniper scrubbed the pilot clean. " see, clean and fresh!" Murdock gave a grudging whine, then bark indignantly. She then wrapped him in a bathrobe, he stepped off the tub and wriggled out his boxers thankfully after being securely covered by the bathrobe.
Alexandra drained the dirty water in the tub, then she start to fill the tub again for her bath. She ushered Murdock out and took off her muddy clothes. she dipped into the warm water, trying to relax herself .
Murdock then suddenly peered form the edge of the tub, Alexandra gave a startled squeak and slipped deeper in the tub to hide her body in the bubbles.
"W-what are you doing Murdock?!" she piped as she curl up in the water to cover the inappropriate things the pilot might see, even though the bubbles are thick enough, its better safe than be sorry and agonizingly awkward later. she felt her face warm up a little as Murdock yet again stared at her like he knew what exactly is going on the whole time, but then the pilot barked like an exuberant puppy.
Alexandra flicked his nose, which earned a small yelp from the man. "bad dog!" she said fuming a little then she drew the shower curtain to block her from view. Alexandra quickly finished her bath and wrapped herself with a bathrobe as well. She made her way to her room followed by Murdock.
"stay." she said to Murdock as he was about to step in her room. Murdock did stop but looked at her questioningly, she closed the door of her room. she shuddered a little, even though she didnt locked it she felt strings of uneasiness crept over her. But she just know Murdock would roam inside her room while she tries to dress which will awkward for her. Alexandra put her clothes on quickly which were a very light and loose black shirt(it was so loose that the neckline kept falling off one of her shoulders) and a gray cotton shorts. She open the door as soon as was able to put something on, and she finally released the breath she didnt realised she's holding and as she predicted Murdock bounded in the room barked and smelled at the things in her room.
"come on buddy let's get you dressed." she called at Murdock, and he followed her to the spare room that Murdock commonly occupy when he stay over. she opened the door just across hers and the pilots room was in view it has a collection of different things. The pilot started to sniff and play with the things lying around while she looked for some clothes for him.
Alexandra found some underwear, jogging pants and a t-shirt. She had to tackle and wrestle him to get him to wear underpants and jogging pants, she was thankful for the collar that seemed to find its way back to his neck which enable her to catch him, but she gave up altogether in trying to get him in his shirt.
Murdock ran around the house shirtless. Alexandra started on making dinner since it was getting dark, dinner was ready by the sun had completely disappeared from the horizon. Alexandra and Murdock ate their dinner on the kitchen floor again, the sniper giggling occasionally at the pilot's antics.
After finishing up dinner and the dishes, they decided to spend some time in the living room. Alexandra opened her T.V and found some cartoon to watch while lounging on the couch.
" what is it sweetie?" she asked as she felt Murdock was staring him and he was also looking at the couch, he seemed to be pouting a little. "wanna come up here?" she asked again while patting the vacant area beside her. The doggy pilot gave an affirmative bark and the sniper chuckled as Murdock climbed up on the sofa.
The man curled up beside her like a puppy while watching the cartoon with her. They stayed like that for a while, enjoying the shows their watching but the day spent running around in all fours had finally caught up with Murdock as he gave a big dogish yawn.
"Let's call it a day sweetie." she smiled at Murdock. the doggy pilot bit Alexandra's sleeves and tugged it causing the neckline to fall off her shoulder "ok im gonna tuck you in."
She stood up and turned the T.V off and slung the pilot's duffle bag on her shoulder and followed Murdock who was scrambling up the stairs. Once they reached the pilot's room she placed the bag on a vacant chair while Murdock jumped on the bed. Alexandra pulled the blanket while he rolled on the bed, Murdock circled twice on his spot and he flopped down when he found a seemingly comfortable spot.
" Goodnight Murdock." she patted his head, the she head out if the room closing the door behind her. Alexandra then opened the door across it and entered her room. she pushed the door enough for it not to be wide open but she didnt close it, it was still quarter of a foot open.
she turned off the light and crossed her room with ease. Even though its dark she knows the layout of the room well, in no time she was already beside her bed and turned on the lampshade on her bedside table. her room was now dimly lit but it was bright enough on her bed to read.
Alexandra pick up the book she was reading the night before and opened it where she have marked it as she wriggle under the blanket getting comfortable. after a few chapter Alexandra heard a soft uneven foot step more like padding sounds. she looked up from her book and to the slightly ajar door.
nothing seems out of the ordinary so she thought it was her imagination. Alexandra resumed reading, but a few more seconds she heard the tattle tale creak of the door and she looked up just in time to see her door pushed open a few inches the swing back to its first position. Alexandra heard sniffling, she wondered what Murdock is up to but she remained in her comfortable position. she lay there half reading half waiting for whatever Murdock is planning, after a few silent minute Alexandra's onyx orbs peeked from the edge of the book and saw the blueish green eyes of the pilot looking at her peculiarly almost longingly.
Alexandra brought her eyes back on the book and continued reading. A few more moments she was again engrossed with the story of the book that she didnt felt Murdock climbed on the bed and crawl under the blankets until his nose grazed Alexandra's thigh.
"Murdock?!" she cried as Murdock's head popped out of the covers successfully getting in between Alexandra and the book she's reading. Murdock gave a series soft yips and whines he looked like a happy puppy.
Alexandra sighed, Murdock propped himself by putting his arms on either side of the sniper and coincidentally showing his bare torso. He licked her face and barked softly sounding happy. But Alexandra found something off, his blueish green eyes seems to darken a bit, his eyes looked a bit hollow almost as if there's some fear in them.
Alexandra stared at Murdock, he seemed happy but there's something in his eyes that just doesnt add up. Again she wondered what could the pilot be thinking. what could possibly cause that fear in his eyes? it doesnt seem to mean that they're in trouble. A thought crossed Alexandra's mind, could it be that he's afraid to be alone for the moment?
"fine. you could stay for the night." Alexandra said and Murdock gave her another slobbery licks. the sniper saw his eyes brightened, she chuckled and kissed Murdock's forehead. Murdock closed his eyes and smiled when he felt Alexandra's soft warm lips on his forehead. the sniper leaned her forehead against his, while tucking the book she's holding in one hand and her other reached up to pet the pilot's head.
"You're a good boy. You're my good boy."she closed her eyes and sighed but smiled fondly, To find whats going on Murdock's mind you have to venture into it and that is an adventure she wouldnt miss for the world.
"now get some slee-ooofff!" Alexandra didnt get to finish her sentence as Murdock flopped down on her squishing the wind out of her for a moment. Murdock laid on top of Alexandra snuggling on her small warm body while nuzzling his face in the crook of her neck. Alexandra laughed her sweet but manic laugh which caused Murdock to smile, then she stroked his head repeatedly as she read her book and this comforting gesture lulled him to a peaceful sleep.
It was almost noon and Alexandra was relaxing on the couch as she just finished with their lunch. they heard the sound of tires on cement as a car parked on the driveway. Murdock run to the front door backing happily, his antics earned a growl from B.A who was watching T.V in the living room. Hannibal just chuckled around his cigar while reading the paper and sitting on the other side of the couch he's sharing with Alexandra.
Everybody turned when they heard the pilot's bark closer and the amused chuckle of Tempelton Peck. He sat on a lounge chair opposite of B.A and closer to Alexandra's side.
"how was the business Face?" Alexandra asked while she patted Murdock's head. she smiled mischievously at the conman.
"it was good." Face said simply then flashed a bright smile at Alexandra. "What was her name?" Hannibal asked not taking his gaze off the newspaper.
"Veronica." he said in a monotone. B.A, Hannibal and Alexandra chuckled. "My Tempelton! i never imagine that you would dump your best friend for a girl?!"Alexandra asked in mock surprise clearly teasing the conman.
"Wha-! Hey, its not like that!" He cried defensively. Bosco chuckled at the conman. "yeah Face! thats low.." he teased. Hannibal laughed while Alexandra giggled at Murdock who is now wearing a T-shirt that B.A wrestle onto him this morning when they came, literally. Murdock climbed on the sofa and wriggle him self onto Alexandra who was half sitting-half lying on the couch with her foot lying a couple of inches away from where Hannibal sat comfortably reading. Murdock who managed to climb up and squish himself between Hannibal and Alexandra, barked happily and gave wet licks to the sniper.
"I didnt just dump him!" Face said hotly, then he slumped back to the lounge chair " Besides he kept pulling out of bed and fetching your bloody picture while shoving it into my face since 4 in the morning..." He grumbled under his breath irritably. Hannibal who finally looked up from his paper, gave a hefty chuckle at the jealous conman while Bosco laughed at him.
"Its fine Face, you know i dont mind you guys coming around.." she said smiling while petting Murdock's head who was still playfully lick her face and nudging her neck while his behind wiggle like a tail between Alexandra's legs. As compromising as their position may seem especially to outsiders, the others brush this off as common occurrence, they're used to Murdock's physical (albeit more physical and unusual than others especially towards Face and Alexandra) display of affection. " You know this place is also your home." Alexandra smiled warmly as the other guys looked at her with familial affection.
She twisted her torsoto look at Face causing Murdock to fall face first to the throw pilow behind Alexandra as he tried to nuzzle her neck, a small pout crossed his features much to his dismay. "so if you say it was good, it meat every thing went smoothly." She smiled again at him, Murodck on the otherhand was starting to emit low growl that only the colonel can hear. He folded his paper and watch the three thinking 'this will be interesting'.
"well not all that smoothly.." Face trailed off, leaning a little closer to Alexandra to to talk to her more and probably to tease her. The sniper smiled at him while absentmindedly ruffling Murocdock's brown hair.
"is that so-" Alexandra suddenly stopped in mid sentence her face suddenly blanched slightly. Everyone eyed her curiously, then her nose twitched as if smelling something. "what's that?" she asked while slowly creeping closer to Face.
"huh?" Face then looked down at his clothes and saw pieces of green grinded leaves cling to his shirt and jackect. "this? Well this is-" he was cut off by Alexandra climbing on to his lap and burried herself in Faceman's chest. They stared at the sniper wide-eyed, she was not this cuddly with other people except probably with Murdock.
Then Alexandra snuggled into Face's chest deeper and rubbed her face against it while audibly purring. Wait?! Purring?! "Face what's that Green stuff on you?" B.A asked putting down the remote.
"Catnip. Veronica has a cat and she accidentaly dumped a container at me before I left." He stated while staring at the sniper. Hannibal laughed while B.A grumbled about how this day will turn to be crazier than yesterday. Alexandra looked up at Face and gave a loud meow the snuggled back to his chest again.
Murdock who was left on the couch recovered form his shock and growled loudly. Face turned to look at his seemingli livid bestfried that was dangerously growling at him ready to pounce any minute. Then he barked sharply causing Face to jump in his seat, Alexandra turned slowly towards the pilot then hissed like a cat corned by a dog. Murdock crawled forward, Face felt the sniper tensed and every eye was now on the two. The doggy pilot pounced but the kitty sniper jumped out of Face's lap, Murdock landed on Face knocking the winds out of him then bounded after Alexandra who ran out the living room. They could hear furnitures being knocked down and the cacophany of growls, barks and disgruntled meows,
"What are we gonna do Hannibal?!" Face asked their amused C.O. Hannibal only chuckled and unfolded his paper once again.
"What are you going to do lieutenant? It your fault you brought the dog and the Catnip" the silver haired colonel said simply with finality. B.A sniggered at the conman who flopped down into the chair while rubbing out the headache forming.
A/N: Yay! Finally i finished a chapter! It a bit long... thank you for reading this chapter! For those who are waiting for updates in my stories (if there are people out there who read my stories...) please hang in there! I know i practically update only once a year but when summer comes hopefully i could update often... but i cant really promise but i'll try! I swear i will. My work really takes alotof time, but when summer it'll be less hectic.. thank to the people who are still reading this story. If you havent read 'Normal is Over Rated' please check it out. Ok... soo.. let me know what you think about this chapter. Comment are very much welcomed and highly appreciated. Bye for now! ^J^ (yes... if you're wondering this is Russia)