Chapter 39
Holy moly every episode of this season has felt like a season finale thriller! Wow! They are making this super intense and I don't know where anything will go lol. I still miss Mandy though and every episode can find scenes that would've involved Mandy! I'm still hoping for a comeback, but we shall see. As far as I know, they haven't gone back to set yet unfortunately. I can't take these gaps between episodes. Anyways, I continue with my story. I'm trying to get to the plot of things, but I also feel we need some romantic vibes for Jandy. I love exploring just them cuz I picture them being super private and cute (most of the time) lol. Enjoy!
"So, I heard you're suspended for two weeks. Sounds harsh for going behind Reiss who was a traitor anyways," Lisa said sitting next to Mandy on the top deck of the plane. The two were having their girl time and sipping beers.
"You know how the higher ups are," Mandy shrugged as she took a sip of beer.
"You're not telling us something," Lisa stated as she eyed Mandy intently.
"Leave it Lisa. One thing I learned on this job is when to leave certain topics alone and this is one of them," Mandy replied seriously. "It's okay. I could use the time off anyways. I'll be back with a fresh set of eyes and energized."
"Energized, huh?" Lisa said with a smirk as she looked over towards Jason.
Mandy looked over as well smiling. Then Jason looked up and both women started chuckling and turned back to each other. Jason continued to look in confusion.
"What do you reckon that was all about?" Sonny asked.
"I don't know if we want to know the answer to that," Jason replied shaking his head.
"Road trip with the missus then?" Sonny smirked causing Ray to choke on his beer.
"Missus? Really Sonny? We're not married," Jason replied with a stare.
"Not yet," Ray muttered. "Yeah Sonny, it's not like he's whipped or anything."
Before Jason could answer, Lisa and Mandy laughed loudly, and all three guys whipped their heads around to see what was happening. They couldn't hear what they were talking about, but both were trying to get a hold of themselves from whatever it was that set them off. Almost as if they knew they were being watched, they looked up only to start chuckling again.
"What the hell is going on up there?" Sonny muttered towards the guys.
"Well, they are the only two females on this plane full of men. Also, girl's night gets wild if bringing home Naima completely wasted says anything," Ray smiled shaking his head. "Maybe they're comparing notes," Ray smirked as he took a sip of his beer.
"Mandy doesn't kiss and tell," Jason said confidently.
"I don't know Jason. Those two look awfully close," Sonny replied.
"I'd be careful gentlemen," Thomson said approaching with Blackburn. "I know Mandy and she recruits well. If they wanted to commit a crime, they'd get away with it."
"They really are something though aren't they," Sonny observed.
"With the obstacles they put up with in their line of work, yeah," Thomson replied.
"What does that mean?" Ray asked.
Thomson looked around at the team standing with him and realized they really didn't know or just didn't see the world like most did.
"They're lucky to have guys like you who have their back," Thomson stated.
"Of course, we'd have their back. Why wouldn't we?" Sonny responded.
"Take a look around you, what do you see," Thomson said as the guys glanced around slightly confused.
"Is this a trick question," Sonny asked with a tilt of his head.
"No," Thomson smiled shaking his head. "Those two over there, they're the only women on this plane and they have an entire team that has their back. That is rare. I don't know about Ensign Davis, but I know what Mandy's been through," Thomson said with a dark protective look in his eye as he watched his daughter.
"They're good at their job and have our backs. Doesn't matter you're a man or woman," Ray said seriously. "Never heard either of them say anything about being given a hard time or harassed though," Ray continued tilting his head thinking about it.
"What has Mandy gone through," Jason asked with a protective look. In the past, he had seen Mandy battle against different people and she always held her own. Mandy's Dad was right, it was tough being a woman in this line of work where they were constantly surrounded by men who undermined them.
"I probably don't know all of it, but I've heard and witnessed some of it. She holds her own though. Mandy isn't someone you can force to do anything. Honestly though, there's been a few guys out there I've stepped in and made their lives hell," Thomson replied. "Some she's destroyed herself," Thomson smirked.
"They'd tell us if someone was yanking their chain," Sonny said. "They know we'd kick ass if needed."
"Like I said, they're lucky to have you guys. It's refreshing to see guys treat them like their equals and take them seriously," Thomson said as they all looked over to see the two laughing again. "But just remember the saying is hoes before bros," he smirked as the guys all laughed hearing him use the slang saying.
The guys knew they were the lucky ones to get two of the best working for their team. To them it didn't matter they were women. All that mattered was that when the team was in trouble, they came in to save the day and be the true heroes.
Hours later the plane was descending down to base. Everyone was a little anxious to be home and see their loved ones. Jason had found a seat next to Mandy once again. Mandy was reading over some files with her Dad on the other side of her. Jason listened in and watched the two work together. Once in a while Mandy would look to Jason for his take. Once the plane had landed, they started packing up and grabbing for their bags.
"Oh, I should warn you," Director Thomson said suddenly.
"Warn me about what," Mandy said distractedly as she grabbed her things and Jason waited for her.
"Your mom is here. Said she wanted to see you in person immediately. She'll probably be barging up the ramp as soon as it touches the ground," Thomson replied with a smile.
"Only my mom would be able to get every security clearance thrown out the window," Mandy said shaking her head. "Hope you're ready," Mandy said looking at Jason with a wide smile.
"Uhh, what should I expect?" Jason said suddenly nervous as they started to walk towards the ramp. He placed his hand in the middle lower part of her back, guiding her.
"Don't worry son. She is going to love you. Mandy never introduces the guy she's dating to us," Thomson said with a smirk. "My wife is intense and feisty," he said dreamily as Mandy rolled her eyes.
Jason loved seeing this new side of Mandy. She was like a teenager who got all embarrassed by her parents. The slight blush was nice as well. There was this innocence and sense of ease around her when she was with her Dad. It didn't seem like the weight of the world was on her shoulders and he vowed to try and make her feel the same way. The world was a brighter place with her smile. Especially his world.
"I'm the first you've introduced to your parents?" Jason asked surprised.
"The first worth introducing seriously. I've brought a few before but it wasn't anything serious. Just be aware that she might start planning a wedding and the rest of our lives," Mandy replied as they descended down the ramp.
"What is with everyone and marriage?" Jason muttered.
It wasn't that he was annoyed with the idea of a future with Mandy, but he figured they'd just started this relationship, so they had a little time. He saw a future with Mandy as his wife and maybe them having a kid or two, but he wanted to tread carefully. As much as he was all in with Mandy, the little voice in his head sometimes told him it wouldn't work out this time either. At the same time, he had faith in both of them to work through the tough times. He knew he would never find someone who knew the different sides of the Jason Hayes he was today. The group had gotten a few feet away from the ramp before Mandy was caught up in a hug by a woman on the tarmac.
"Mandy!" Susan Thomson exclaimed by passing her husband.
"Mom," Mandy said as her mother squeezed her to death. Mandy dropped her bag to put her arms around her mom fully. Mandy closed her eyes and squeezed her Mom back.
"Let me look at you. Are you okay? Should we go to a doctor to get you checked out again? What happened out there?" Susan rattled off with a little country twang as she did a once over Mandy, who could barely get a word in.
"What am I? Chopped liver?" Director Thomson pouted.
"You're not the one who was attacked," Susan said sternly.
"Ma'am, Mandy is okay. We took care of her very well," Jason said gaining Susan's attention.
Susan looked at Jason and then back at Mandy, "You must be Jason Hayes. He is much more handsome in person."
"Oh my god," Mandy sighed looking up towards the sky in vain.
"Yes, ma'am," Jason replied putting out his hand to shake. "Handsome, huh?" Jason smirked at Mandy. Before Jason knew it, Susan had him in tight hug as well catching him by surprise.
"Figures the boyfriend gets greeted before me," Mandy's Dad muttered as Mandy bumped his shoulder.
The rest of the team watched on as the scene unfolded. Mandy had quite the set of parents it seemed. Mandy always seemed so cool and calm, yet her parents were the opposite. They were learning the different sides to Mandy. They knew she could be laid back and relaxed, but it was nice to see her interact with her family. Mandy kept so much close to the vest due to her job. She was a part of the team before, but the bond was stronger now. She made Jason happy and the two could always reign each other in when necessary.
Once they pulled back, Mandy started introducing the two, "Mom, this is Jason. Jason, this is Susan. Off to the side, we have the rest of Bravo team."
The team all said hello and before they knew it Susan was hugging each one of them as well. As she hugged them, she thanked for their service and protecting Mandy. Mandy watched on and shook her head with a smile. That was her mom for you.
"She likes to hug a lot," Jason chuckled. "Unlike you."
"You told me once you weren't a hugger," Mandy arched her eyebrow at him.
"And I said for you, I'd make an exception," Jason replied stepping closer to her with a smirk.
"You're my exception too," Mandy said with a smile tilting her head up to him.
"Should we save them?" Jason said with his lips barely away from Mandy's. He kept looking at her eyes and then down to her lips. Instead of answering, Mandy moved to close the gap and gave him a kiss like she was the one welcoming him home.
Mandy's mom had turned around to see the kiss and was like a kid on Christmas. Her husband had seen her about to burst and swooped in to get his own kiss. Susan had heard from her husband that their daughter seemed to be in a serious relationship with a man. Mandy has had a tough life and all Susan wanted was for her daughter to find happiness. It seemed like Jason Hayes was the one to give that to her. Susan had heard a lot about Jason over the years Mandy worked with him. She always saw the look in her daughter's eye when it came to talking about the Master Chief.
"Now Mandy, where are you staying now that you're home? Your Dad and I are at the beach house and you can stay with us, since your lease expired while you were gone," Susan interrupted.
"I don't actually have any plans. Didn't quite plan for being suspended and figured I'd get shipped off on to my next assignment," Mandy replied thinking how over three months things had changed.
"You can stay at my place," Jason said.
"Oh, I wouldn't want to intrude since Mikey will be home anyways," Mandy started rambling.
"Nonsense, you're staying with me. What's the point in finding a place if we're leaving for two weeks anyways? Mikey would love to have you over," Jason stated.
"You're sure?" Mandy asked.
"Yes, plus it's me paying you back for your hospitality while out in J-Bad," Jason answered with a quick peck as they started walking towards the parking lot where everyone had already gone.
"How about we go for some lunch then?" Susan suggested.
"Actually Mom, we have plans," Mandy said looking at Jason. "Got our own little tradition we do when we get back home."
Jason smiled thinking about all the times the two went out for food once they got home from a long deployment. It had become their own tradition the last few years and their way of getting re-entering the civilian world. Like Mandy said though, normally she'd be around for a short amount of time before she was off to the next target. He was looking forward to taking a vacation with her.
"You guys enjoy today," Jack said grabbing his wife's hand to start leading her away. "We expect to see you for dinner before your road trip. Bring your son along as well, Jason. Mandy, I'll see you tomorrow for our briefing."
"Will do, sir," Jason replied.
It was just the two of them left now and they had gotten to Jason's truck. Both threw their bags in the back before getting in the car.
"Step on it, I'm starving," Mandy ordered.
"What briefing was your Dad talking about?" Jason asked as he started driving out of the parking lot.
"Just the usual. We go over everything after deployment and I'll get an update on Roman," Mandy replied as Jason reached for her hand on the consol.
"You going to be okay not working leads on Roman?" Jason asked.
"Probably not," Mandy sighed. "But my Dad will probably keep me in the loop unofficially. I'm sure if we get something big the agency will call as well. Thanks for letting me stay at your place again."
"After the last couple weeks, I don't think I can sleep without you in my bed," Jason smirked, and Mandy leaned over to kiss his cheek.
"Me neither," Mandy said softly. "Are we crazy for feeling what we feel?"
They came up to a red light and Jason looked over at Mandy who was looking at him intensely. Were they crazy for feeling such intense feelings for each other? Probably. It scared the hell out of them both how quickly things had changed between the two even though they'd both known for a while what was going on between them.
"Maybe," Jason said squeezing her hand. "But I think it's about time we put ourselves first, don't you? We serve and protect everyone else. That's who we are to the world but right here this second, we're just Mandy and Jason."
"I like the sound of that," Mandy smiled softly.
"Mexican food truck?" Jason asked.
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Mandy smiled brightly.