Chapter 24
Arlene POV
Arlene lazed on her best friend's bed as the blonde rummaged through her trunk, muttering to herself. She was staring out the window, follow a puffy cloud's path as it slowly glided across the blue sky, day dreaming about the afternoon Joe had planned for them.
Suddenly her view and day dreams were interrupted by a waterfall of crimson fabric covering her head.
"Jessica," she grumbled, tossing the discarded dress to the ground where it joined the rest of Jessica's limited cupboard.
Jessica waved one hand over her head as she continued to rummage through her nearly empty trunk with the other. "Yes-yes, I'm sorry. I'm just so damn mad I could throttle someone!"
She rolled her eyes, having heard varying versions of the same story the night before. They'd gone out to the pub and Jessica's brother had sauntered in around midnight. When she'd asked him where he'd been, David had smiled coyly and simply replied, "A gentleman never kisses and tells. I hope your paratrooper knows that."
Of course he'd know. He and Jessica shared almost everything and with her connections she was able to get letters to him which bypassed the censors.
The evening had been pleasant, if a little to boozy for her taste. Richard had left early, but only after agreeing to David's plan for an afternoon picnic in the countryside. All plus ones welcome he'd added with a mischievous grin.
She swore she'd spotted Richard blush. Then again it had been warm inside the confined space of the small pub.
Joe had made a painfully brief appearance. Bill had gotten into a scuffle with someone from Dog Company and soon enough half of the pub was being kicked out. Joe, never one to walk away from a fight, had of course been sent packing by the owner along with the rest of his friends, but not before he'd managed to pass a note to Luz who handed it to her as he'd stumbled out.
Joe had planned their own countryside picnic. Somewhere he was certain no one they knew would be. Jessica had helped him find a car and she knew her friend would make sure their group outing didn't come close to her and Joe's date.
As she reluctantly propped herself up on her elbows she asked, "With Richard? Personally, I thought it was adorable how protective he got. Actually, considering how stoic the man normally is, seeing that flare of emotion was quite thrilling. And promising if you know what I mean."
A blonde head popped up over the foot of the bed. "I know, right? I swear if we'd been alone…"
"I really don't need the details. Well, not right now at least."
Her friend shot her a glare a second before her head vanished as she continued her rummaging.
"So, if you're not mad at Richard, then Speirs?"
Jessica slammed closed the lid of trunk, smacking the palms of her hands on the closed lid to emphasise her point. "That bastard does not get to feature in this conversation. We've already spent far too much time discussing him."
Arlene held up her hands. "Then who? Surely not those silly replacements?"
Jessica just snorted and rolled her eyes.
"Then who?"
Jessica rocked back on her heals and she could see the fight slowly leave her friend. "Myself. I'm furious with myself."
Her brow furrowed and she sat up straight on the bed.
This is new. Or was I so drunk I'd missed this part of the story last night? Hmmm…nope, I hadn't had that much.
"What? Why? You didn't do anything wrong? Sure, you stared at Richard when he not so subtly threatened Speirs. A truly fantastic moment by the way."
Jessica's lips softened into the start of a smile, so she continued, "But we were all staring and no one noticed. Well, except Nixon but he was looking."
Her friend half stood and crawled onto the bed, flopping down on her stomach next to Arlene, and turning her head so it was facing her way, cheek pressed into the soft bedding. "No, it's the fact that I've never reacted that way. Usually, when someone I'm spending time with starts to act overly protective or possessive or jealous, I'm put off at the very least. But yesterday I… I wanted him more because of it. I liked it."
Jessica turned her head and groaned into the bed.
Even if she wanted to, she couldn't stop the grin that crossed her lips. Lying back down, she twisted her neck so she could look at her friend. "Well, I think you just pointed out the problem."
Jessica lifted her face from the bed so they were facing one another. A deep frown was etched across her forehead and she made no move to say anything in reply.
Either stubborn or clueless.
"When describing the men in your past you said 'spending time with', not relationship or romantically linked or any other euphemism. You've always kept men at arm's length. And most of the time that's for the best all things considered. But Richard really isn't like any of the men you've spent time with before."
Jessica continued to frown, but didn't interject, which she took as a sign to carry on.
"You have genuine feelings for him and judging by his uncharacteristic reaction yesterday he shares those feelings. I suspect neither one of you is really adept at letting your guard down, but I don't think you're going to have a choice."
Jessica pouted, the stubborn little frown staying in place. "Yes I do."
"No my girl, you don't. That's not how feelings work and you know it. You can shove them down but that doesn't make them go away."
Jessica stuffed her face into the bed. "Smarty pants," came the muffled reply.
"So what are you going to do?"
With a huff Jessica turned back to face her. "I don't know. I'm not going to run or push him away if that's what you're asking. But, not being in control of my emotions isn't something I'm comfortable with. God, considering our line of work it's downright dangerous."
She turned her head to stare up at the off-white ceiling. She's had the same fears and considerations about her relationship with Joe. Still did.
"I believe," she started unsure if what she was about to say was for Jessica's comfort or her own, "When the shooting starts and we're all up against the wall you'll put your feelings aside. I've seen you do it before. We'll get the job done, whatever it takes."
There was a long, heavy silence. Neither woman spoke because they both knew intimately the price they may need to pay to do their duty. And with Joe and Richard now part of their lives, not to mention the other Easy men they'd grown close to, the price had sharply increased.
Just as the thoughts threatened to take a darker turn there was movement to her side. Turning her head, she found Jessica laying on her side, body raised on an elbow and her signature mischievous glint in her eyes. "But no one's shooting at us now, and we have a 24-hour pass. Speaking of, you haven't thanked me yet you know."
"Thanking you would imply you'd arranged the pass on purpose to coincide with Easy's so I could spend time with Joe."
Jessica gasped and pressed her free hand to her chest. "Who, me? I'd never to such a thing! I simply decided it would be good for our men to mingle with Easy outside of training and our formal activities to further their brotherly bond knowing how valuable that is in the line of fire."
"Oh, I see. So the fact that Joe is taking me on a romantic picnic far away from prying eyes, a picnic he'd started to plan a few days ago already, has nothing to do with it."
"Coincidence, that's all."
"Interesting. And the fact that you now get to spend a day with Richard far away from Aldbourne? Just another coincidence?"
"Oh, no. Not at all. Richard and I had planned it. Alex was more than happy to oblige."
"I cannot believe Alex and John know about you two and not Nixon. The man's more invested in this relationship than either one of you, and yet he's the only one in the dark! I assume David knows?"
"I told him last night when he walked me home. I told him about Speirs as well."
One of her eyebrows arched in surprise. Yes, Jessica and David shared almost everything, but aside from the occasional outburst Jessica hadn't discussed the Speirs incident in detail after she'd told her the story for the first time. And even then Arlene had gotten the feeling her friend was leaving some things unsaid.
"David had asked about Speirs. They'd met remember? And he'd liked him. You know my brother keeps tabs on the people he likes. And the ones he hates now that I think about it."
"Which one does Speirs fall under?"
Jessica lightly shook her head. "I don't know. He wasn't impressed. If Speirs had been there last night he would have punched him right in face."
"Oh, well that would be a pity, damaging that pretty face. Maybe David could punch him somewhere less visible. I can think of a few options, all of whom would also be more painful."
"There will be no punching. But I'll let him know you have some suggestions."
"So, Nix? You going to put him out of his misery or keep a safe distance from Richard for the entire day? A day where, I might add, you're both away from base and everyone you're with, with the exception of Nix, already knows."
Jessica opened her mouth to reply when two soft raps to the bedroom door interrupted her.
"Come in!" Jessica shouted in reply.
The door slowly creaked open and Nixon's thick brown hair appeared from behind it, followed by his bushy eyebrows and deep brown eyes.
I can see why all those women fall over themselves for him.
As he fully opened the door and stepped inside both of those bushy eyebrows shot up as he surveyed the chaos in front of him. "Jesus, did the Germans attack?"
Jessica pushed herself so she could sit crossed legged on the bed. "It's not that bad."
"Yes it is," they both chimed in unison.
Jessica rolled her eyes. "What can I help you with Nix? Or did you just miss me?"
"Beautiful, a moment away from you is a moment too long."
Both of them giggled and she spotted a feint blush creep into Jessica's cheeks. It was silly, but considering the state of the world they embraced silly with open arms.
What a charmer.
Nixon leaned against the doorframe, watching the two giggling women, a boyish smirk transforming his face, giving it an air of innocent playfulness that suited him well. And for a moment she could imagine him in a life where the war never happened. Thick hair effortlessly styled, his smirk and boyish charm making him the guest of honour at every society event. The life of the party.
"Okay, now that your ego has been sufficiently boosted for the day. I do need to get dressed, and maybe do a little tidying up, so what can I do for you?" Jessica asked.
"I'm bringing a certain lady along to the picnic today," he started to say, but before he could finish his thought Jessica interrupted him, "Not the blonde with the small teeth. I detest that woman."
"You hardly ever spoke to her, how can you detest her? And how do you know what size her teeth are?" he asked.
"Okay, first off, I spent enough time in her presence to know we would not get along. And, secondly, how did you not notice how small her teeth are? You did spend quite some time getting to know her mouth intimately."
Nixon had the good grace to shift his weight uncomfortably before settling back into his position against the doorframe.
She happily watched the exchange between the two friends. Nixon it seems had adopted Jessica as a type of a younger sister and Jessica in turn treated him as if he were her brother. Which wasn't too difficult since he and David were similar in many ways.
"Well? Is Small Teeth coming or not?"
Nixon shook his head and sighed. "No, she isn't coming. I invited Poppy."
"The brunette you disappeared with last night?" Arlene asked, unable to hide her surprise from her voice.
He doesn't waste time. I guess life is short and all that.
Reading her mind he replied, "Life's short. Got to take every chance you get at little bit of happiness."
"I can't argue with that," she replied.
"So, does she meet your standards Jess? Or should I look for another companion?"
"No, she's fine. She seems nice enough," Jessica replied.
"And her teeth are in proportion to her face," she added with a wink.
Jessica gave her a conspiratorial smile and Nixon shot her a flat look. She just beamed back up at the man.
Deciding to have some fun she asked, "Nix, did you just come in here to tell Jess you're brining a plus one?" when she knew full well what he was angling for.
Shame, the poor man. Jessica and Richard are going to give him an ulcer.
"Actually, I wanted to hear who else was joining us? Poppy doesn't know anyone and it would make her feel more comfortable if we weren't the only couple."
Wow, subtle, she thought, resisting the urge to smile and shake her head.
"Oh, Alex is bringing his fiancé Bell," Jessica replied, her wide eyes innocently staring up at Nixon.
Arlene coughed and hid her smile behind her hand.
"Of course. They are pretty inseparable. Anybody else? I just want to prepare her."
"Well, John won't bring anyone. Arlene isn't joining us as you know. Prior engagement and all that. Then we have Richard. And I know he isn't bringing anyone with him."
Nixon actually glared at Jessica, but she swore she spotted the corner of his lip twitch up.
He's enjoying this. God, they're perfect for one another.
Nixon straightened out as he asked, "Aren't you going?"
"Of course, I'd assumed we'd covered that when we were discussing one of your many conquests a second ago."
The man set his jaw and she was sure he was going to give up the game, but instead he nodded and said, "I'll see you downstairs in an hour then."
"M'hm," Jessica hummed in reply.
As soon as the door shut behind Nixon she playfully slapped her friend on the arm.
"Hey!" Jessica exclaimed.
"You deserve that. Torturing the poor man like that."
"Oh, please. He's a big boy, he can handle is. Besides, if he just asks I won't lie to him."
"Yeah, but he wants to catch you out. That's part of the fun. It's like winning."
"Well, that's not going to happen."
She gave her friend a lopsided smile. "So what's the plan then for today? You and Richard going to just stare at one another from across the picnic blanket?"
"No. I mean we did consider it briefly, but honestly as fun as tormenting Nix is, that would be more effort that it's worth. Besides, like you said, it's one of the few times we'll be in a place where we don't have to be discreet."
As her friend spoke Arlene swung her legs off of the bed and reached to the floor for one of the dresses Jessica had discarded during her frantic rummaging.
"Here," she tossed the dress over her shoulder.
It was a soft, dove blue day dress with a delicate flower pattern. The skirt had an endless number of pleats giving the knee length fabric a beautiful drape.
Jessica smiled sheepishly over at her. "Thank you. I really caused a scene here didn't I?"
"I've seen worse. Of course, those towns had been bombed."
"Oh, ha-ha. But fair."
She smiled as she got up from the bed. These normal moments where their main concerns were clothes and men always felt so surreal, she had to keep reminding herself this wasn't a dream.
Walking to the bedroom door she spoke over her shoulder, "Have fun today. I want to hear every detail of the big reveal."
"Arlene," Jessica called softly, causing her hand to pause on the cool metal of the round doorknob.
Turning so she could see her friend still sitting on the bed, blue dress draped over her lap she replied, "Yeah?"
"I love you."
Her lips move into a smile and felt it reach her eyes. "Twice my girl. Twice."
David POV
The jeep he shared with Nixon, his plus one and Dick pulled to the side of the dirt road just as the second car stopped behind them.
Looking around he could see why Dick had been so adamant they come here for the impromptu picnic. A low wooden fence constructed with thick beams was all that separated the road from the rolling green field, the endless green broken in patches by white flowers. A massive tree stood tall on the nearest rise, its leafy branches casting long shadows that would provide welcome relief from the late summer sun.
"I see what you mean. This is one hell of a spot," he said as he clambered out of the jeep.
His sister skipped over to their jeep, stopping next to Richard. "Isn't it just," she said and he recognised the smile she had on.
When they were kids and she had a secret she couldn't share, the good kind, she'd always smile like that.
Richard glanced down at her and he didn't miss the way his sister's eye softened when they met his.
He loved seeing her like this. Young and beautiful and carefree. He'd like to tell himself that it was only since the start of the war that this side Jessica had begun to vanish, but if he were honest it had become an infrequent site long before she was shipped off.
He tried not to think too much about the years before the start of the war. At least once they were fighting, the enemy was someone far removed from you and the war didn't hit close to home anymore.
He grabbed the blanket and picnic hamper from the back of the jeep. Nixon was too preoccupied simultaneously trying to entertain his date and keep a watchful eye on Dick and Jessica to be of any help, and he was actually quite glad. Whenever thoughts of their life back State side crawled up from the recesses of his mind it always helped keeping his hands busy.
"You lot coming or are we going to stand in the road all day?" John shouted from atop the fence, one leg dangling on each side.
He shook his head and plastered on a smile. He had enough experience to know pretty soon it would be genuine. The darkness never hung around for long anymore.
Walking to the fence he handed John the hamper. "Yeah-yeah, take this."
John happily obliged, easily managing to keep the basket steady while dropping to the other side.
"You coming sis?" he asked over his shoulder.
Jessica finished her whispered conversation with Dick, and he watched her make a point of walking right by Nixon, shooting him an innocent smile that no one in their right mind would buy.
"What?" she asked him.
"How long you two going to keep this up? I just want to know if I should start a betting pool on how long Nixon's sanity is going to last."
Jessica playfully glowered up at him.
He tilted his head to one side and simply waited her out.
Finally conceding defeat she huffed. "Fine. We're going to let him in on the secret today."
"You mean the worst kept secret of all time? Is it really even a secret if everybody here knows? Really?"
"Oh, shut up."
He smirked. God he loved getting under her skin.
"Hey, David, hold this will you?" Alex said and he turned to see the man holding their second hamper out to him.
He took the hamper and watched is Alex easily jumped the fence before helping his fiancé down from the top.
"Here, I'll take it," Nixon, who was casually perched on the fence said, holding out both hands.
"Thanks," he replied handing him the hamper.
Quickly glancing behind Nixon he saw Alex and John racing up the hill and he assumed the tree was their finish line. Bell and Dick were slowly walking after them, an easy conversation obviously flowing between them.
Well, they're both easy to get along with.
Nixon handed the hamper down to Poppy, his date for the day, before easily dropping down next to her.
"Seems it's just you and me sis. Want me to give you a boost?"
Jessica rolled her eyes. "The fence isn't even as tall as I am and there's a bar half-way up."
"So is that a no or are you just showing off your ability to state the obvious?"
"Wow, you are just on a roll today huh? What, haven't spent the night in someone else's bed in a while?"
"If you must know-," he started but she cut him off by clapping a hand over his mouth. "No, I do not need to hear that. I prefer to imagine you a chaste virgin."
He snorted and she recoiled, pulling a face as she dramatically wiped her hand on his jacket.
"That's what you get," he said.
For a moment she glared up at him, but then in a flash her face changed and before he could say or do anything she tapped his shoulder and shouted, "Tag! You're it!"
He stood there in a state of disbelief as she easily pulled herself up and over the fence, the fact that she was wearing a dress apparently all but forgotten.
"You little brat!" he shouted after her but a sing-song laugh was all he got in reply.
He grinned and laughed as he watched her skip a few steps and then turn to wait for him to follow.
"C'mon David!" she called and for a moment he was back in their childhood home during happier times. The two of them playing tag, chasing one another all over the place, their mother playfully scolding them for climbing on the furniture and trapesing dirt onto her clean carpet.
He could almost feel the tears sting his eyes, but the pure glee of the moment swept him up. He easily vaulted the fence and the moment his feet touched the other side he pounced forward. A carefree youthful energy drove his feet as his sister's laughter and teasing spurred him on.
As he got close to her he knew what was going to happen next. This was their game after all.
Jessica waited until the very last second to jump out of his way. Just-just escaping his grasp.
"Catch me if you can!" she shouted over her shoulder as she sprinted up the hill, her blue dress and long hair streaming behind her.
She was quick as hell, but he had longer strides so it didn't take him long to catch up to her. His fingertips just grazed her arm when she suddenly vanished from sight. He turned sharply to see her standing still, feet planted firmly and a smug grin on her face.
Oh, you think you're smart.
He slowly walked towards her, hands in the air. "C'mon sis, aren't we getting too old for this?"
One step closer. Two.
She playfully narrowed her eyes at him. She knew exactly what he was doing.
"You can quit anytime you want to," she replied.
Almost got you, he thought as she came within reach.
He made to lunge to the right and she dashed left. At the last moment he changed direction and with a yelp he wrapped his arms around Jessica's waist, easily lifting her off of her feet.
She giggled and shouted, her head falling backwards onto his shoulder as his own unconstrained laughter filled the summer air.
He easily carried her the short distance left to their waiting group, gently placing her down on the edge of the shade.
When her feet touched the soft grass his arms tightened around her and he pressed a kiss into the back of her head. "I win," he mumbled into her hair.
"This time," she replied and he could hear the unspoken 'until next time' in her voice.
With a final squeeze he reluctantly let her go. He would never call himself melodramatic, but he swore every time he let her go it felt like that was the last time he'd hold her close.
Richard POV
Richard smiled and any strain which had been in his body melted away watching the two siblings horse about.
After his emotional upheaval the previous day he'd promised himself he was going to keep his feelings for Jessica under control. He'd hoped he'd be able to put a tidy box around them to keep them from expanding even one more inch.
And as always, whether intentionally or not, Jessica had found a way to undermine his well laid plans.
It's not even noon yet, he thought, even as his face melted into an indulgent smile when David put Jessica down and her eyes met his.
The rest of the group faded into the background of the picturesque day when she lazily walked over to him, her eyes never wavering from his.
He knew Nixon was watching them intently, waiting for them to slip up so he could win their little game and prove they were an item. Nixon could just have asked them outright, but then that wouldn't have been much fun for either side.
The previous evening though he and Jessica had decided it was time to put Nixon out of his misery. Although if David hadn't suggested this outing who knows how much longer they would have kept going.
When Jessica reached him he wrapped his arms around her waist as she rose onto her toes. He dipped his head slightly until their lips met in a feather light kiss which sent his heart skipping.
"Thank God! Finally! I knew it! I knew it!" Nixon's excited shouting shattered their moment of perfect solitude.
He felt Jessica's lip turn into a smile against his and he whispered, "I guess Nix knows now."
"You think?" she whispered back.
Jessica lowered herself back down and rested her face against his chest, the top of her head tucking in right under his chin. He peered over the top of her head to find Nixon staring and pointing, his face split in half by a massive smile.
From the corner of his eye he could see David grinning and Alex and John shaking their heads, Bell tucked herself into Alex's side staring adoringly up at her fiancé.
"You didn't know?" Poppy asked.
Nixon slowly turned to look at his date, his face a mixture of shock, joy and possibly the beginning of indignant outrage.
"Here we go," he heard Jessica's muffled voice.
He muffled his laugh by kissing the top her head.
"You knew?" Nixon asked, and he was sure two words had never been spoken so slowly before.
Poppy shrugged. "Well, Richard and I spoke when we walked over here. I just asked if he was seeing anyone because if not, I have a few friends who would love to meet him."
Jessica lifted her head and he could feel a pair of blue eyes staring up at him. He didn't dare look down.
"And?" Nixon pressed.
"And he said he was with someone already. I asked who and he said Jessica."
"That's it? Just like that?"
"Well, yes. I'd thought it was odd since they hadn't travelled here in the same car but he said they had a reason. I'd assumed it was because they're both soldiers, but I think it was for the entertainment value of this exact moment."
The rest of the group chuckled. He could see why Jessica liked the woman.
Pity she wouldn't last long.
"You just asked? And he told you?"
Poppy just shrugged. "Pretty much."
Nixon turned his attention back to him. "That's it. She just asked? And what about the rest of 'em. Because apparently I'm the only one not in on this little tryst."
He raised one eyebrow. "Tryst?"
"You know what I mean. So you told everybody else but not me?" Nixon pressed and he wasn't sure if his friend's feelings were genuinely hurt or if he was just play acting.
"We didn't tell. They asked and we didn't lie to them. Just like we wouldn't have lied to you if you'd asked."
Nixon threw his hands in the air. "Where the hell is the fun in that?!"
Jessica turned in his arms so she could face Nixon. Resting back into him, his arms draped around her, she said, "The fun is in this moment Nixon darling. Well, for us at least."
"Oh, you think you've won, huh?"
"Well, we didn't lose," she retorted.
No, I definitely didn't lose. I just have a lot to lose now.
Nixon gaped at them, eyes jumping between their faces as his mouth opened and shut but no sound came out.
"I think you broke him," David said, his brow slightly furrowed in concern.
"Nix?" he asked.
Nixon's eyes stopped moving and his chest rose and fell as he took a deep breath. "Firstly, let me say this is not the end. I will get both of you back. You won't know when or how, but I will have my revenge for the torture you put me through."
"And secondly?" he asked, and he'd admit he was a little apprehensive at what could come next.
But he shouldn't have worried because his best friend's face broke into a grin and he quickly closed the distance between them.
"Secondly, I'm just so goddamn happy," Nixon answered, embracing them in a huge hug, squishing Jessica between their bodies.
Jessica's giggles quickly turned to squirms and he heard a faint, "I need air," from somewhere between them.
"Stop your complaining. You'll live," Nixon retorted, but he stepped back and winked at the woman in his arms.
Nixon really did look, well, happy.
"I would say we should have a celebratory drink the three of us, but since Mr. Perfect over here doesn't drink, it seems it'll be up to you and me beautiful," Nixon said as he reached inside his jacket for the flask of Vat 69 he always kept on-hand.
He rolled his eyes at the other man. Nixon didn't really need an excuse to drink some of his favourite Vat 69, but he definitely wasn't going to let an opportunity to celebrate pass him by.
"Wait Nix," Jessica said and his friend's hand paused inside his jacket, "I brought something special. I've had it for a while and figured today would be the perfect day to open it."
Nixon raised his eyebrows and removed his hand from his jacket, his grin only getting broader if that were even possible.
Jessica chuckled. "I thought that might get your attention. I'd borrowed some very fancy wine from a German general a while back. Don't ask me where I found it or how I got it here, that is one secret I will be taking to my grave."
Nixon held up his hands. "I believe a lady is entitled to a few secrets. I won't ask you about this as long as you keep sharing any more of your secret stash."
"Deal. C'mon, help me pour glasses for everyone."
Jessica made to move away from him but his arms kept her in place. She glanced up, brow furrowed with concern and confusion.
He smiled down at her and pressed a kiss onto her forehead. "I just wasn't ready to let you go," he assured her.
Her body relaxed as she raised herself onto her toes so she could place a kiss on his cheek. "I won't be far."
"You coming? I'm not getting any younger," Nixon interrupted their moment.
He let Jessica go as he shot Nixon a scowl over her head. Nixon just ignored him since he was now the sole focus of two women's attention and had the promise of a glass of something special to look forward to.
"She looks happy."
He hadn't seen or heard David approach, so when the man spoke out of nowhere he nearly jumped, stopping himself in the nick of time from making a fool of himself.
Still, the surprise must have been written all over his face because David chuckled and slapped him on the back. "It's a King skill. Sneaking up on people. Don't worry."
"I'll remember that," he replied a little awkwardly.
He really liked David, but there was just something about being alone with him that made Richard nervous. He chalked it up to the fact that he was in some sort of a relationship with his younger sister and David didn't strike him as the type to take something like that lightly.
As if he could read his mind, another King trait it seemed, David said, "Don't worry Richard. If I had a problem with you and Jess I would have made damn sure it never got this far."
Before he could think he blurted out, "You think she'd listen to you? Because that's a trick you need to teach me."
He cringed a little when he heard the words but David just smiled. "Sorry mate, that's something you have to figure out for yourself. And good luck to you."
"That's what I thought."
"Has she told you anything about our childhood? Or how she ended up in the programme?"
Apparently changing the subject on a dime is another thing they have in common.
It took him few seconds to sort through all the conversations he and Jessica had shared, and when he realised she'd never spoken about either topic he was surprised.
How had it not come up?
"Don't worry 'bout it. She's good at avoiding a subject."
He watched Jessica laugh at something John had said, her head thrown back and eyes closed. She looked innocent and beautiful, but it seemed around every corner there was another surprise waiting for him.
"Is there something I should know about either one?" he asked David, a little dread gnawing at his insides.
It felt like he was going behind Jessica's back, but then again David had been the one to bring it up, so he pushed aside his guilty conscience.
"She'll tell you the details when she's ready. They're part of the same story and it's not the type of think you bring up when you're trying to create happier memories."
Hm," was all he could think of replying, eyes still focused on Jessica as if by watching her he could decipher what David was trying to tell him.
David moved so he was half standing in front of him, the two of them now facing one another. David was nearly as tall as he was, and where Jessica's eyes were a translucent blue David's reminded him of a stormy ocean.
"She's good at hiding her feelings. Always has been. No matter how rough things got you'd never know just by looking at her. Hell, you wouldn't even know if you spent an entire day locked in a room with her."
His stomach tightened a little more and he could see David studying his face, looking for something and he hoped the other man found it.
David must have been satisfied with what he saw because he continued, "When things go from bad to worse, because we both know unless Hitler decides to call this whole thing off that's going to happen, I need to know you'll be there for her?"
The question caught him off guard. Of course he'd be there for her. What else was he going to do?
He started to respond but David cut him off. "No, Dick, you don't understand. She'll try and keep it from you, whatever horrible thing is eating her up inside. And I get it, it's how she survived, it's what she knows. It's what makes her so damn good at her job. I just need you to make damn sure she knows you're really there for her."
"Of course," he answered without thinking.
David paused, lips pursed as he continued to study him. "Good, because if you're not all in and you're not really there for her when she needs you, you'll lose her and there will be no getting her back. She won't forgive you. And of course I'll have to kill you," he added with a smirk which didn't reach his blue-grey eyes.
This time he waited before he replied. He allowed his eyes to look past David to the rest of the group. Alex and Bell where sitting on one of the blankets they'd brought, half helping John and Poppy to unpack the food they'd brought but more interested in one another.
Nixon and Jessica were dancing to a song she was signing, he could hear the rhythm but not the words, each one with a glass in one hand, the other arm draped around their companion. They were twirling and smiling and every few seconds the song was broken by a giggle or a whisper.
The frown that had creased his forehead since David had surprised him eased, replaced by a small smile as he continued to watch Jessica and Nixon dance, and drink and laugh. Finally turning his attention back to David he found the other man still staring patiently at him.
With all the sincerity he could muster he said, "When she needs me, I will be there for her. I won't abandon her."
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Hello everyone! Another week another chapter. So far so good on the "posting more than once a year" front.
I hope everyone had a fantastic week and a great weekend to look forward to.
To everyone that read, reviewed, favourited and followed this story (or me) thank you so much! It really keeps me going when things get rough at work and the inspiration leaves me.