I own nothing but Julia. Please review! :) ~Elenya

After the formation was handed back over to the 1SG, the company was broken up into ability run groups. The Rangers were separated according to the time they ran on their last PT Test. I was stuck in C group. Distance running was never my strong suit, nevertheless it was a point of pride not to fall behind too much. I can't stand being left behind. Consequently I slowly had improved over time through sheer stubbornness. Sometimes in the evenings Jackson would take me running to improve my time. I still hated it.

Normally after PT there was free time to shower and have breakfast. Because of the late time table, the Platoon Leaders pushed for all the prep work to be done right away. No rest for the wicked. So we fetched, counted, and carried.

After about 2 hours all of the glow sticks, engineers tape, water cans, and MRE boxes had been taken out, inventoried, and loaded up. The weapons and Night Vision Goggles or NVGs were always handed out right before hand from the armorer. We worked quickly and efficiently, but not without the customary bitching. It was a time honored tradition, if there was work to be done, there was someone to bitch about it. But everyone knew that if they busted their ass now, they'd be released early and get to have some time to themselves before the fun began. So it was really just token bitching.

Back in my barracks room I laid out my uniform, plate carrier, kevlar, and various other gear I might need that night. It didn't take long so I had some time to kill. The sun was particularly potent today so I decided to grab a book and spend some time out by the base pool. I figured I could do a little sunbathing and maybe catch a little nap if I was lucky.

It was just not to be. Before I could get to chapter two of the latest Michael Crichton a rowdy group moved onto the sand volleyball court that backs the outdoor pool.

"Hell, I've seen better sand in Colorado!" One of them loudly complained as he bent to retrieve a ball from a duffel bag. I gazed over my sunglasses at the unfamiliar group. There were about 8 of them in a range of ages between about 28 to maybe 36. They were all very fit most in board shorts and not much else. There was a certain disreputable air about them. It was a little strange since almost all men on base were close shaven with buzz cuts. Some of these men had short hair, but none had shaven in at least a week. Their toned and tan bodies were easy on the eyes, no doubt about it, but they smelled of trouble.

A younger blonde replied, "You're in Georgia man. What do you expect?" He then got swiftly batted upside the head by a tall, dark haired, and very bare chested man.

"You got a problem with Georgia Gordon?" The man asked with a thick Georgia drawl. The man called Gordon held up his hands.

"No problem, just why the hell are we here?" Gordon paused for a second, his train of thought abandoning him as his eyes scanned his surroundings. "One thing I'll say though, Georgia does have one hell of a view." He indicated the pool deck that did have a number of female figures, the majority of which were in bikinis soaking up the hot Georgia sun.

"We're here for a bit of fun is all." Hoot replied as he let his own dark eyes take in the sights. "Just a bit of fun."

Back on the lounge chair I smirked, not very impressed with at least this group of Delta. They seemed as just as cocky as I had expected. I went back to my book. Well, I tried. As the volleyball game went on, every once and a while I snuck a peek over the pages to watch the boys at play. The abs and bicep flexing was quickly filling the quota of a body builder competition. At least I was trying to hide my ogling. I had to admit though, it was a very nice way to spend an afternoon. Most of the other pool goers were openly ogling the new arrivals. And they, of course, were just soaking up the attention.

One thing I did notice as the played was that they worked very well together as a team. The score was even until the last when the team with the tall dark one edged ahead by two points. The rays of sun on the pool deck were getting a little long and apparently the guys decided to pack it in. Instead of hitting the showers they headed towards the water. The first wave hit the pool at a run with a splash that threatened Marren's book. She jumped when the cool water hit her sun warmed skin.

"Sorry about that." A voice drawled from behind her. I almost jumped again. "They don't know the meaning of slow." The owner of the voice circled into her view. How on earth did he get behind me so fast? I wondered, I didn't dare ask. That would have given away the fact that I had been watching so closely. It was the tall one; he must have topped 6 feet by at least 4 inches. He had curly back hair with week old stubble covering a very nice jaw line but had a pair of Oakley's concealing his eyes.

"That's alright, no harm done." I smirked as I looked down at my poor book. "Well, almost none." The pages were in a sorry state, it would have to be dried out before I could read it.

The man winced. "Sorry." he said again. "Is it ruined?"

I shook my head dismissively. "No, it just needs to dry. Guess I'm not meant to read today." I replied, setting the book spine up on the lounge chair beside me. I did try to fan the pages as best as I could so they didn't get stuck together.

The man smiled when he heard no anger in my voice. "Guess not. I'm Hoot by the way." He offered his hand and I extended my own. To his credit, his gaze only briefly left my face. I really couldn't take offense considering where my gaze had been lingering for the last hour.

Hoot quickly took in the tanned, toned body; the relatively modest bathing suit and the dark curly hair pulled up and out of the way. "I'm Julia. So what brings you here?" I asked knowing full well who they were. But I wasn't expecting the response I got.

"Well, a chopper usually gets the job done." Hoot deadpanned.

I stared at him for a second, then smirked as I got the joke and realized my mistake. "Alright wise guy, what events require your presence at Ft. Benning in this particular instance?" Hoot grinned as he sat down on the lounge chair opposite. He had a boyish smile that really lit up already handsome his face.

"We're doing a few maneuvers with the Rangers. We'll be here for about a week."

I noticed the slight change in his demeanor at the last question and cocked my head in curiosity. "You don't sound too thrilled. Do you not like the maneuvers or the Rangers?"

Hoot considered the question for about a half a second. "Eh, neither really. Rangers are a little too new at the game. They're not bad I guess, just still really green." I nodded my head. I really couldn't argue with that even though the sentiment did include me.

"Still, I see you guys have found ways to entertain yourselves nevertheless." I gestured to the pool where some of the guys were flirting with some girls from Admin, some were having races and others were just relaxing.

Hoot had to nod. "It's a survival skill, to be able to not go crazy with boredom no matter where they send you."

I agreed. "I know how that is. Except these days I'm usually too busy to get bored. We're prepping for our rotation as QRF (Quick Reaction Force) and everything has to be perfect. All the new equipment is a pain in the ass." I complained a little.

Hoot looked sympathetic but a little confused. "How did you get suckered into a QRF unit? You're too cute to be a cook." He stated. I couldn't help but laugh at the compliment. "Admin or Supply?"

I crossed my arms in mock anger. "Hey! Those are not the only MOS's for females in the army these days."

Hoot leaned back in the lounge chair and considered it. "Hmm, Medic?" I shook my head no. "Petroleum specialist?" I shook my head again. "NBC?"

"Nope, you're getting colder." I teased, enjoying the guessing game a little. Most men never got close. But I debated over actually revealing anything. Delta had a reputation for being the manly men. Even worse than the guys I have to deal with every day. I was enjoying talking to Hoot but if he knew that I was encroaching on the Special Forces territory just because of what my job was, I'm not sure he would think I was worth the time. I had already run into a few men like that and I was hoping that Hoot wasn't one of them.

I sighed and decided to get it out of the way. "I'm HUMINT (Human Intelligence Collector) with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Hoot's eyebrows nearly rose off his forehead, he look so surprised. I wasn't sure yet if that was a good thing or not. I shrugged and downplayed my role in the unit. "Rangers need support staff like everyone else."

Hoot snapped himself out of his daze. "No, I know that. But HUMINT aren't exactly a desk jockeys. How do you manage to actually do your job with those airborne airheads?"

I had to laugh at his assessment of my battle buddies; I was delighted that he was curious rather than offended at the boys club being infiltrated. "They're not actually that bad." I stopped for a moment to think. "Well, not anymore. It was rough at first trying to keep up with the training and avoiding the jerks. Once they learned that I wasn't going to take their crap we started to get along."

Hoot listened with an understanding face but then grinned again. "And here I thought the only women in combat arms were indistinguishable from the men."

I put a mock indignant look on my face as I picked up my soggy book and threw it at him. He caught it easily, laughing. "Are you calling me butch?" I demanded as I looked around for more ammo.

Hoot waved off more incoming fire. "Far from it actually." If he didn't know any better he would have thought that his face was unnaturally warm.

I grudgingly smiled. "Oh stop. You're going to make me blush."

Hoot leaned over. "Well, I'd continue just to see that. But then again, you may be equally as likely to kick my ass with your awesome Ranger skills."

I had to laugh. "Yes, my 'Ranger skills' are a thing to behold." I told the Delta Operator as I stretched a little. "Bad guys of the world beware. Tremble at my awesome 'Ranger Skills!"

Hoot was nearly doubled over laughing. I didn't know exactly what got into me. I was usually only goofy like this around Jacks or Jamison. Around most of the others I wasn't as comfortable and easy going, and I had just met this guy. Hoot regained his composure but there was a very pronounced twinkle in his eye.

"What?" I asked. "What are you thinking about?"

"Something I probably shouldn't." Hoot waved off her inquisitive look. "I'll tell you later…maybe."

I may have pouted a little. "That's not fair." But Hoot just grinned.

"I know." As the thought tumbled through his mind again he knew he had to change the subject quickly are else he'd be in trouble. "So how long have you be in?"

I raised my eyebrow at the attempted diversion but decided not to push it. "I enlisted when I was 23 so I've been in for a little over three years now. How about you?"

Hoot had to think for a moment. "Well, I joined right out of High School so that's 11 years I guess." Julia was about to ask if Hoot enjoyed what he did when one of the guys splashed them from the pool with a surprising amount of very cold water. Much to my chagrin, I eeped a little in surprise. "God dammit Sanderson! What do you want?" Hoot yelled.

"We have to get back soon." Hoot just stared at the wet man. "Thought I'd let you know what time it was."

"Thank you." Hoot said very deliberately while shaking some of the water off his arms. "I appreciate it." He added with a look that said 'Shut up and go away or I will kill you.' Which Sanderson blatantly ignored as he pulled himself from the pool.

"So who's your new friend?" He asked Hoot with a shit eating grin. Hoot sighed, murder would be on the menu later. I just watched the two, a little amused at the exchange.

"Julia, this is Jeff Sanderson occasionally known as my best friend. Sanderson, this is Julia." He gestured back and forth as he made the introductions.

"Nice to meet you." Sanderson offered his hand to shake, trying not to drip on me too much but showed no such consideration for his friend.

I smiled as I shook the proffered hand. "You too."

"But really Hoot," Sanderson continued, turning to his friend "we have to get going. We've got new equipment this time. Gotta make sure it all checks out."

Hoot nodded his head. "Alright, round up the boys. I'll be there in a minute." Sanderson flipped him a thumbs up, nodded to Julia, then walked back to the pool yelling at the men to get going. Only after he was gone and incidentally out of earshot did Hoot turn back to his companion. "It was nice talking to you. Would you like to continue our conversation tomorrow, over dinner maybe?"

I didn't know what possessed me, but my mouth suddenly opened of its own volition and the words "Yes, I'd like that." came tumbling out. Hoot flashed a wide smile that must have had something to do with the sudden giddiness I was feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Great! Where can I pick you up?" It was a simple question but I had to think about it. He couldn't come to the barracks. Invariably someone who see and then she'd never hear the end of it. Who said men don't gossip?

"I'll meet you in front of the Px." That was only a short walk from my friend's place. I could get ready there.

"I'll be there at seven?" Hoot queried.

I nodded, that worked for me. "Seven it is." Hoot reached for my hand and gave it a slight squeeze, not daring anything more with so many prying eyes around.

"I'll see you then." He stood with one last smile.

"Bye." I looked up at him and wondered what exactly I had let myself in for. This couldn't have been a good idea.

Hoot walked off, yelling at the last of his men as he went. "Stuart! Get your ass out of that pool on the double!"

I waited until they had all wandered back to the volleyball court before getting up. I was a little confused at what exactly just happened and a little nervous. It had been a while since I'd been on a date but Hoot just seemed so easy to talk to. It was almost time for me to head back but I had just enough time left to take a quick swim.

Hoot looked back just in time to see a lithe and muscled form diving into the cool water. He smiled.