You wake up right before dawn and can't get back to sleep so you decide to go for a run. You throw on some sweats and a t-shirt, being as quiet as you can so as not to wake Ilona. You step out into the hall which is eerily quiet at this time. You walk and reach the doors that lead you outside. There has to be a track around here somewhere. You find signs labeled TRACK and smile as you follow them. As you reach the track you notice someone else is out there running as well. Guess I'm not the only one... You'd notice that wavy, black hair anywhere: It's Mitchell. He doesn't notice you yet, but you notice him...you definitely notice him. A hot and sweaty Mitchell...breathing heavily...those blue eyes looking into yours...STOP! You stop those thoughts just in time to hear him yell "Hey!" a little too loudly and you notice he's listening to music. Words won't come out, he wouldn't hear you anyway so you just smile and wave. "Oops...was that loud?" he asks. "Maybe a little," you say trying not to laugh. "Couldn't get back to sleep either, huh?" he asks. "Nope, but I'm usually up early anyway. Mind if I join you?" You ask while stretching your legs. "I don't mind at all" he says enthusiastically. You look at him and though the light from the sun is not bright enough yet, you know his blue eyes are bright and glowing. "Think you can keep up?" he asks jokingly. "Oh, I know I can," you answer, already picking up speed.
You lose count of how many times you two run the track, but when you stop you are both gasping for air and sweating. "That was exhilarating. It's nice to find someone to do that with." Did that sound dirty? "Yeah, it was and now a shower would feel great!" You nod and you both take your time walking back to the barracks, talking and laughing. "So...will I see you at breakfast?" Mitchell asks. "You sure will. If you get there before me, save me a seat." "You got it," he says and starts walking back to the men's barracks. You rush inside and burst into the room, forgetting you have a roommate that could possibly be sleeping. Luckily for you, she's awake and dressed. She looks up at you from her desk. "In a rush?" she asks. "N-no...just wanted to hurry and take a shower so I can go get some breakfast." You answer not making eye contact. "You wouldn't happen to be meeting someone at breakfast, would you?" She looks at you questioningly, eyebrow raised. "Why would you think that?" you ask and you know your face gave away everything. I can never play poker. "You said someone's name when you were having that 'nightmare' last night." You close your eyes and give up on trying to keep anything from Ilona. "Are you having breakfast with Gideon?" she asks, smiling, "That's the name you said out loud after all." You groan.."Actually, I'm meeting Mitchell. He was out running this morning and I joined him." You look at Ilona innocently. "Well, make sure you don't tell him you are dreaming about Gideon." Your head snaps up, glaring at her and you notice she's laughing quietly. "It didn't mean anything!" You say defensively which makes Ilona laugh even more. "Oh, shut up!" You pick up a pillow and throw it at her, but you start laughing too. "I'm going to shower now and pretend that we never had this conversation," you say. "Are you kidding? I will never let you live this down! Dreaming about one man while dining with another..you vixen!" You walk out of the room, hearing Ilona laugh as the door closes.
You shower quickly and try to calm yourself as you get dressed. You tuck your ATLAS t-shirt into your brown cargo pants and put your hair up into a ponytail, a few strands of hair still hanging in your face. When you get back to the room Ilona is gone, but there's a note on your desk. Had to go deal with some new recruits, but we will talk later. ILONA. You sigh and throw the note in the trash as you walk out the door. You walk to the mess hall and grab a tray to get some food. As you're getting food you look around to see if you can spot Mitchell. You find him and he's talking and laughing with someone. You don't know who it is because their back is turned towards you. Mitchell finally looks up and waves you over. You walk over, getting a more nervous with each step. Mitchell stands as you approach and the person sitting with him turns around...shit, it's Gideon. You didn't notice him without his beanie. His dark brown-blond hair goes well with his dark blue eyes. Your steps falter as you make eye contact. "Well, good morning there, princess," he says with a smile. "Captain," you say calmly although your body is extremely tense. Mitchell pulls out a seat across from him and next to Gideon. You thank him and sit down, keeping your eyes down. "Great run this morning!" Mitchell says and you smile up at him. "Yes, it was. I'm glad I'm not the only weirdo running before the sun rises." Both you and Mitchell laugh while Gideon shakes his head. You find yourself afraid to look at Gideon. That dream. His lips against yours. His hands on your ass. Your hands down his pants. A warm feeling pools in your lower stomach. You shift in your seat slightly and drink some water. I can't look at him. Don't look at him. You focus only on Mitchell. You can almost feel Gideon staring at you, but you keep avoiding his gaze. "Did I upset you so much that you can't even look at me?" Gideon asks. You close your eyes briefly and look up at Gideon slowly, "I'm sorry I guess I'm still a bit nervous." You try to smile, but you know it looks forced. You look down at his lips and you automatically feel your face get hot. "Well, I guess I tend to make people nervous, especially new recruits," he winks at you and you choke on your food. "Are you alright?" Mitchell asks. You nod and you feel a hand patting your back. "Yes, I'm fine...wrong pipe," you say as you wipe your eyes.
"So this weekend we're allowed off base and Gideon and I were going to head to the pub with a few of the other guys. You wanna tag along? You can invite your roommate so you don't feel overwhelmed by all the testosterone." Mitchell looks at you expectantly. "Mate, all you had to say was 'would you like to go with us?', fuck me." Gideon makes a face at Mitchell and Mitchell gives him the finger. You put your head down so they can't see how hard you're laughing. "Anyway," Gideon says, "are you coming or what?" "Sure I'll come. I could use a drink or 5 thanks to you. You buying?" you ask. "What do I get in return?" Gideon lifts his eyebrows. You look at him in shock for a minute and smile. Mitchell scoffs and says, "I'll buy you as many drinks as you want and I expect nothing in return." You smile at him and Gideon mouths "wuss" to Mitchell and you all laugh. You eat your breakfast quietly for a few minutes then Mitchell asks "How old are you? You look pretty young."
"I'm [your age]. What about you two?"
"I'm 34," Mitchell says and you gawk at him. "No way!"
"Is that a compliment?" Mitchell asks looking at you with those eyes. This man could undress me with his eyes. "It definitely is a compliment. You look much younger." Mitchell smooths his hair back and thanks you. You laugh and look at Gideon.."And how about you, Captain?" Gideon looks at you and says, "I'm 35. I may not look as young as Mitchell, but that's because I'm under a lot more stress. It also means I have a lot more experience." You feel yourself starting to blush so you look down at your food. "You're going to scare her away, grandpa," Mitchell says. "It takes a lot more than that to scare me...something like the captain aiming a gun at me, now that's scary." You look at both of them and you all smile and laugh. "It only means I like you," Gideon says still laughing. "Aw, how sweet," you say, "I feel so loved." Gideon shakes his head, smirking. You go to stand and Mitchell pops up quickly. You look him up and down. "At ease, soldier." You laugh. Mitchell turns pink. "I can walk you back if you like." You shake your head, "No, you sit and enjoy your breakfast and I guess I'll see both of you gentlemen this weekend. Thanks for having breakfast with me." You nod at both of them. "Mitchell. Captain." You walk away smiling, beaming actually. You can feel their eyes on you. "How come she calls you by your name and just calls me captain?" Gideon asks as he watches you walk away. "Because I'm cooler than you," Mitchell answers, also watching you. "Fuck off, Mitchell." Gideon says, mocking the way you say Mitchell.