Murdock sat on the back porch, staring at the water of the ocean as the sun slowly sank beneath its waves. He briefly wondered why the sun would willingly fall under the surface of the water everyday instead of staying high in the sky. Didn't it ever wish for just five more minutes in the air like he always did? The door opening behind him startled him out of his thoughts, and he briefly wondered if Face had realized his absence. But the soft steps didn't sound like those of his friend's, and soon he saw Jess standing beside him.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
Murdock just nodded mutely, not feeling up to conversation right now. He would've stayed inside if he wanted to entertain, but all he wanted was solitude and quiet. He felt her eyes on him and squirmed unwillingly; he wasn't used to being studied like that. Than she was looking at the sunset again, silent.
"Can I sit down?" She asked after a while. Murdock nodded, sliding over slightly on the steps. He didn't understand why she had to ask; it wasn't his porch. They sat in silence again, watching the clouds change colors.
"I hear you're a pilot," Jess started. Murdock only nodded silently. "You like flying a lot?" She asked. Murdock nodded again. There was another moment of silence, making Murdock wonder when she'd give up and leave him to his solitude. He knew it was unlike him to want so much alone time, but he'd felt like this for the past few days now and just didn't care.
"I used to paint sunsets," Jess tried again.
Murdock nodded.
"You have to be quick when you paint them, since they're constantly disappearing."
Another nod.
"You paint much?"
Murdock shook his head no, realizing at the same time this wasn't completely true. The VA had him painting every so often, but he didn't fell like explaining that. After another moment of silence Jess stood again. Murdock relaxed; satisfied she'd given up when she turned to the door.
"You don't like me much, do you?" She asked suddenly, looking back at him.
Murdock was caught off guard by her accusation. He tore his eyes away from the sunset, focusing on her for a moment. "That's not true," He protested, yet he felt like he was lying. He had no reason to dislike her, but he did. He just couldn't get himself to trust her. His gaze fell as he realized this, and he turned back towards the waves.
Jess frowned, sitting back down next to him. "I don't need you to like me, Murdock. I just want you to know I care about Temp, and if he wants me and you to be friends than I'm willing to try."
Murdock sighed, realizing he didn't seem to do anything right anymore. He was trying so hard not to hurt Face, yet he ended up doing it anyways. He glanced at Jess, nodding slightly. "Alright," He said quietly, smiling slightly. "You must be Jess. I'm Murdock, as I'm sure you know." He held out his hand, mimicking what she had done earlier.
Jess smiled back, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you Murdock. I'm sure we'll get along fine."
Murdock released her hand, his eyes turning back to the sunset. The sun was only a sliver now, but the clouds above it were on fire. Murdock stood, looking around for a stick. "I'm gonna play fetch with Billy," He announced as he found the perfect stick. "You're welcome to join."
Jess laughed, realizing how interesting this might be. ""Alright," She agreed as she stood. She started to follow Murdock out towards the water when the door behind her opened quickly, showing Face.
"Jess, phone call. The guy said he was your boss or something…" Face announced, glancing at the two. Jess had informed him why she was coming outside and asked for no interruptions, but her boss was persistent.
Jess nodded, glancing back at Murdock. He seemed completely caught up in trying to get a patch of air to pick up the stick he'd just thrown. She looked back at the Face, hurrying inside towards the phone.
"Hello, this is Jess," She said quietly into the phone.
"What've you got?" Asked a man's gruff voice on the other end.
"Everything's going well, sir. Peck would follow me into a military base if I asked. Smith and Baracus are getting there, and Murdock has just turned our way. In a few more weeks they'll be ready."
"Good. I want them in the next month, Jess, or you're part of the bounty is cut."
Jess snorted, rolling her eyes. "If you cut my pay then I don't deliver, Richard. You want the team, you'll give me my cut as the deal says."
Richard laughed. "Alright, Jess. It shouldn't be a problem anyways if they trust you so well. Just remember, the boys higher up want them quickly."
"Don't worry, they'll be ready. You can always count on me." Jess hung up the phone, smiling as she went into the living room.