Series 9 one-shots: Gatekeeper
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the ideas
Trying hard not to get too behind on this but RL is a pain and a half at the moment. Will do the best I can. I am sure some of my timings might be out on this but it is really had to cross ref David Rossi's back story with facts (seems not to always fit together) so please allow me a bit pinch of fictional play with the timings of this.
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. . .
The Prompt
Rossi: Right over there . . . that's where I saw Carolyn for the first time.
. . .
Taking another swig from the beer bottle, David Rossi tried hard not to spill any as he laughed, listening to Private Holmes drunken escapades from the night before. Rolling his eyes as the tale culminated in the sort of unmentionable boasts they all liked to share, Dave took another long glug.
As his group became unusually quiet, he turned to glance towards a loud shriek followed by a bunch of giggles. Settling into the booth on the far side was a group of women. Obviously as they had made their way into the seat one of the drinks had spilt, hence the shriek.
"Oh dear, I've seen that look before," Private Jenson wrapped a heavy arm around Dave's shoulder. He wobbled slightly as he continued with a slur, "I have definitely seen that look before. Someone is on the prowl and has just spotted his pray. Go get her Tiger."
Dave smiled at the way the words his friend spoke begun to blur into each other. He knew they had all had more than they should but some of them were starting to make the overindulgence obvious. Though Jenson had a point, the elegantly dressed young lady sitting in the far corner had caught his eye. There was a definite something about her that stood out from the others with her. She had the same look of excitement on her face, but with a slightly more reserved expression at the same time. She wasn't anywhere near a giggly and flappy as the others.
He guessed they were here to catch tonight's star performers. The Beatles may be here to boast moral, but Beatle mania brought in a bevy of hotties to boot. Tonight was no exception. Soon the over excited gaggle of girls that were filling the room would be a screaming on mass and making it near impossible for a man to get a decent drink. Somehow he couldn't image the mystery woman as one of those shrill voiced fanatics.
Shrugging off Jenson's arm, Dave decided to meander over to find out more about the individual who was slowly sipping on her drink.
"Evening Ladies," Dave said with a winning smile on his lips and a twinkle in his eyes, "I couldn't help but notice the little mishap you had. Would any of you fine ladies care for another drink?"
Three heads nodded eagerly, the forth, owned by the woman his had made to journey over for remained still. However her deep eyes were firmly focused on him, as her fingers circled lazily round the rim of her glass.
Ok so she was willing to play it cool, he could live with that – after all the fun is always in the chase.
"So let me guess, I see a set of Blue Hawaiians, very classy. But you're drinking a . . . ?"
The fad for fancy cocktails lead to a batch of brightly coloured over priced drinks that in Dave's opinion reminded him of chemistry class back at school. He preferred his drinks straight up and if he could afford it expensive. But he had learnt the way to a woman's heart was knowing the difference between a Blue Hawaiian and a Sloe Gin Fizz.
The mystery woman smiled, Dave froze, and there was something dangerously intriguing about her. He knew he had a reputation for being a bit of a ladies' man, but this time his first thought wasn't what they could be getting up to in a couple of hours time.
"Sorry Mama always taught me not to accept drinks from strangers, especially those wearing a uniform!"
"Oh come on Lyn," her friend nudged her, "One drink isn't going to hurt."
"Well if being strangers is bothering you let me introduce myself, Sergeant David Rossi, at your service Mam," Dave snapped to attention and saluted.
'Lyn' shook her head, her eyes closing as she tried to hide a smile. It was enough to let him know the charm was working.
"So now we are aquatinted, Lyn, may I buy you a drink?"
"It's Carolyn, only those who have known me too long, or wish to annoy me call me Lyn."
She really was one cool customer Dave thought. Slowly taking a slug of the beer he had brought over with him, he used the time to contemplate his next move.
"Is that a no to the drink, or are you just making sure we get to know everything about each other first?"
Carolyn snorted a sarcastic hint to the sound. "You don't give up easily do you?"
"Nope, so what will it be? Need to get a round in before it's impossible to get to the bar."
"Come on Lyn just tell the guy whatever it is that you are drinking."
Draining what was left in the tumbler she held Carolyn looked up, "Whiskey Sour."
Dave saluted once more, "I shall be back shortly Ladies."
Up at the bar, Dave felt a heavy arm hit his shoulder once more, "If you're getting them in?"
Dave nodded, holding two fingers up to the young girl that had served him, letting her know he wanted another beer. This had better be worth it as Carolyn was costing him a fortune already.
"So Davy Boy, any luck? Which one you hitting on?" Jenson turned and leant against the bar as he watched the group Dave had been chatting to. "Any chance of us teaming up? Could do with a bit of your luck tonight."
"You know when we are back on base we need to have a little chat about you respecting your superiors."
"Yeah right, known you too long for that. On base you can kick my ass all you like but out here we're even."
Dave smiled, agreeing with his friend. It had been one of the hardest parts of receiving his recent promotion, suddenly taking charge of the guys that you had trained with.
"To be honest if you want to grab Watson and Thomas I could do with some help separating the pack."
"Sure thing, just confirm the target and the additional defences will be removed," Jenson added a mock salute to boot.
Dave took a step closer to Jenson, heads together they plotted the next attack.
. . .
Standing behind Carolyn, Dave was close enough to smell the clean freshness of her hair as she watched her idol up on stage. Unlike her friends Carolyn's hair was cut into a sharp bob, dark and sleek. Glancing sideways, as the music blared; he smiled as Jenson was 'busy' with one of the three young ladies that had been glued to Carolyn's side. Stepping closer Dave tentively put an arm around her waist and tugged her back towards him. He felt her stiffen, but before he spoke she soften and relaxed against him.
Leaning in so she could hear him, he spoke; "I know the reputation we Marines have but I wanted to let you know that I would like to have the opportunity to take you out to dinner. I am not sure when I will next be off base, and it's not long until we are back out to 'Nam, but if you let me have your number then I will call you as soon as I know."
Carolyn turned to face him, "Really you want me to believe that line so you can get in my pants tonight?"
Dave shook his head; he had no intention of trying such a move. She had caught his attention and right now he wanted to know more. Holding his hands up defensively he then pulled her close as he whispered in her ear; "Honestly Carolyn I want to earn the right to call you Lyn. This isn't about tonight."
. . .
"I could not tell you if I loved you the first moment I saw you, or if it was the second or third or fourth. But I remember the first moment I looked at you walking toward me and realized that somehow the rest of the world seemed to vanish when I was with you."
Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Prince
