Chapter 3

Amidst the casual gathering, Major Elaine Ramirez, a seasoned Army officer, engaged in an energetic discussion with Saint and Mustang about their joint mission. Major Ramirez shared her insights into coordinating ground strategies based on her experiences. While Saint brought key perspectives from the air, and lastly Mustang shared his experiences as a Master Sergeant.

Together, they emphasized the need for harmony between air and ground forces, pinpointing pivotal areas for joint efforts. Despite the casual environment, their exchange was marked by genuine care for both their teams as they collectively crafted an extensive strategy for a successful mission.Bottom of Form

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Saint had continued to deftly navigate his way through diplomatic conversations, as was expected of him due to his position. However, seeking an escape, Saint slipped out to what he thought, was a semi-private outdoor area. There he attempted to find a reprieve from the complexities of the earlier conversations. Saint was usually indifferent to politics and played the game well, but tonight he felt suffocated. He wanted a laid-back evening, to relish the moment, maybe make some new friends or explore the new surroundings. Soon, a rich and melodious voice interrupted his thoughts from behind, "Mind if I join you?"

Saint turned around and saw the Army Ranger sniper he and the other knights had been introduced to earlier today standing there.

"Sergeant First Class Locksley, wasn't it?" Saint asked, studying the man in front of him. Locksley was a tall thin man with an attractive athletic build and a hint of gracefulness in his movements. His face was framed by a strong square jawline with a hint of stubble giving him an allure of ruggedness and charm, his eyes were a vibrant green shining in the moonlight and seemed to be able to portray an array of emotions. However, Robin's eyes seemed to be full of curiosity and mischief at this point. His choice of smart casual attire added a touch of refinement to his rugged demeanor. Locksley wore well-fitted khaki chinos that accentuated his athletic build, paired with a forest green button-down shirt. The shirt was neatly tucked in, showcasing a polished and professional appearance.

"You remember my name, that's quite flattering, but please call me Robin. I'm not a fan of titles unless they're unavoidable," he chuckled softly, a playful undertone apparent in his voice. "But I'm not sure I caught your name earlier." Flashing Lancelot one of his famous smiles that had been dubbed the "Robinisque Grin*", revealing an overly confident charm that seemed to carry a touch of sass with it.

It was all Lancelot could do to not roll his eyes and snort at the blatant flirtation, two could play at this game. "No, the formalities were skipped earlier this afternoon. Our superiors likely assumed introductions could wait for future trust-building exercises. However, you wouldn't find me complaining if I learned a few things about you here and now." He said with a wink before pressing forward. "If we were going for formal titles, I'd be Staff Sergeant Du Lac**, but since we're both not big on titles, you can call me Lancelot. You're welcome to join me if that is what you wish." Lancelot gestured towards the space next to him. Playing off of Locksley's first move and flashing one of his own charming smiles at the man. He knew he could play this game all night, but the question was could Robin keep up with this back-and-forth game they were engaging in?

Robin made his way over to Lancelot, positioning himself against the wall as he took a casual sip of his soda. He discreetly observed the man before him, a skill ingrained in him both by nature and necessity. Such keen observations were not just a facet of his personality but also important to his profession. As a sniper, the ability to swiftly distinguish between friends and foes was paramount. Failure in this regard could have dire consequences, leading not only to his demise but also that of his comrades, causing them to both be buried six feet under.

Observing Lancelot, Robin couldn't help but register the nuances of his demeanor, mentally observing details that might go unnoticed by the untrained eye. Lancelot was towering slightly above Robin's 5' 8', and the man emitted a subtle air of confidence—something to take note of in their line of work.

The controlled chaos of Lancelot's dark brown curls spoke about a man who valued function over form, each strand styled to avoid obstructing his field of vision. Lancelot's face showed a hint of unwavering determination, and his hazel eyes held a glint of resolve.

Robin further noticed Lancelot's choice of dark trousers that were crafted from a fine wool blend. Not just a simple dress choice, but an effort to blend style and comfort, acknowledging the importance of blending in without compromise.

Moving upward, Lancelot's heather gray V-neck sweater on the man's frame was a testament to the combination of comfort and practicality. It clung just enough to emphasize his well-honed body, yet without sacrificing the ability to move should trouble arise.

The dark leather jacket draped casually over Lancelot's shoulder was a statement in itself. Its sleek design and worn-in texture suggested that Lancelot was a man who valued functionality in every aspect of his gear.

Robin, considering Lancelot's overall appearance, guessed him to be around thirty-five give or take a few years. Robin found Lancelot's attire was more than clothing; it was a reflection of a meticulous, and strategic approach to every detail.

Robin fought the urge to grab the front of Lancelot's shirt and pull him in for a kiss after that smile, it had made him weak at the knees! Since the two of them had just met, he didn't want to alarm the man with rash actions. Besides, what impression would Lancelot have of him if he showed reckless behavior and not the restraint that was befitting of his rank, but also as a rational adult? He knew taking it slow would be beneficial to both of them and allow this connection, which he felt, to evolve on its own. For Robin, he had never been one to focus on a person's looks, or how they themselves identified. For him, it had always been about the other person's personality, mutual consent, and respect.

"Given your rank, I was wondering, how long you've served?" Saint asked, his tone carrying a sense of genuine interest. Saint figured Robin's service duration to be around a decade and guessed the man to be in his early thirties, compared to his age of thirty-five.

"I think it's been about twelve years at this point," Robin replied, recalling his journey in the Army Rangers. He smiled "It feels like basic training was just yesterday." Shifting the conversation back to Lancelot, he asked with a curious expression on his face.

"You? I'd wager at least fifteen years judging by the insignia I saw earlier on your uniform. You must have seen a lot in that amount of time!" Robin remarked, equally as curious about the man's experience in the Air Force.

Saint responded with a dry tone, "Almost seventeen years come spring. It feels like the Air Force has been my entire world; I don't know much outside of it."

Robin could hear and sense Saint's reluctance to further go into detail about his career.

"What do you folks do around here for fun?" Saint asked, deciding to steer the conversation in a different direction.

"Well, it depends on who's asking." Robin set his drink down on the wall and turned towards Lancelot taking a small step towards him. "Some like to go down to the local shooting range and have a little competition, while others, enjoy taking the short drive down to Seattle and shopping at Pike Place Market." Robin's green eyes were locked with Lancelot's hazel ones, sparkling and full of desire and playfulness. "I, on the other hand, enjoy the scenery of the local forests and all they have to offer."

Saint was caught off guard by Robin's sudden advance, causing him to raise an eyebrow and pause momentarily trying to better assess the situation at hand. He needed to avoid any unnecessary drama during the mission, after all being Mustang's right-hand man came with a heavy load of responsibilities and Saint knew he was not above reproach should something happen. He had to be focused on the bigger picture, regardless of how magnetic Robin's sparkling green eyes seemed to be! Leaning in slightly, Saint returned the playful tone, keeping things flirtatious but also proceeding with some caution. "Those who are looking for a night of fun and are single, what would you propose?" he asked suggestively, his voice dropping an octave.

The air thickened with sexual tension as Robin enthusiastically spoke of a spot nearby, boasting of its "magnificent views". While Robin had caught Lancelot's implication, he was hesitant to accept it fully. Recent encounters had unfolded in a familiar fashion: playful banter evolving into deeper connections, only for the other party to pull away, claiming an unexpected turn of events.

Saint decided to take the initiative, quickly closing the distance between them, and gently holding Robin's face in his hands as he kissed the man slowly and deeply. After a moment, he pulled back slightly, assessing Robin's response. Before Saint could fully retreat, Robin in a deliberate movement, entwined his hands in Lancelot's hair and used the hold he had on the man to draw him closer, so there was no space between their bodies. Their lips sealed in an intense kiss, a sudden array of emotions and desires bubbling to the surface at that moment.