Blind Promises

44. A Little Bit of Sport

A/N: Mild situational violence, may be triggering to some.

The sun had risen to an abnormally pretty day in Texas, it wasn't too hot so as to keep her inside that afternoon, besides the sweat glistening on Liam's back was pretty glorious. Football, a pickup game, southern traditions. It hadn't taken the younger men long to figure out those two still had the ability to keep up with their stamina, the airmen who picked the pair for their side were beside themselves boasting.

Some of the soldiers had wives there, others didn't, there were children playing in a playground off in the distance.

Gwen remembered her name was Mandy, warm chocolate eyes smiled when she'd greeted her, it was a nice day but still too warm for the long sleeve silk shirt Mandy wore over her tank. She reached down to shake her hand and as Mandy reached up to take the proffered greeting, a cuff slipped down just enough, Gwen knew her instincts were right. Her stomach flipped, the deep purple made her heart pound too fast. "Is anyone sitting here?" she tried to be charming as she asked, to let the rising anger go.

"Oh no, go ahead, I usually sit by myself. I don't get out much and all the other wives have their social circles, you know?" Mandy seemed relieved she wouldn't have to sit alone. It may have been a nice day but the grass was still crunchy under the blanket Mandy had brought with her. "I do know, following these guys around, I don't make too many lasting relationships. Especially on bases where they're the outsiders. I'm sure there is a term for it, I'm purposely remaining ignorant so as to not be overly offended."

Mandy ducked her head while she tucked her hair behind one ear, "That's probably wise, some of them can be jackasses."

"It doesn't really change from base to base." Gwen winked. Mandy's smile was pretty, her husband hadn't gotten to the point that he had lost complete control, her eyes were still clear and no bruising that she could see lingered. But who could say how long it had taken her holed up since he had lost it. Mandy was curious, but she often hid her face when she spoke, "Are you married to one of the Rangers?"

Gwen looked at Liam and Rich, they played well with others, but the way they played together was unrivaled. They'd came to this park to try and build a few interpersonal relationships. It was working, the boys were impressed with their skill, the intuitive nature of just being where the other wanted him to be. One game had turned into two. They were gorgeous. "Yeah, I am, but they're not Rangers, Special Ops Delta Force Airborne Ninja something, they keep telling me and I keep smiling and acting confused every time I have to ask again. Works every time, Liam gets soft-eyed and kisses me, Rich just rolls his eyes and bitches a lot. It's not like that's not what he does anyway. I guess they started out as Rangers when they were baby soldiers."

"Which one?" Mandy asked. She was watching the game with interest now, trying to guess, no doubt. Sometimes it was hard to tell. Rich treated her like he was her dad and some people mistook that for intimacy. Gwen leaned in toward Mandy and gently bumped her shoulder, "The really hot one with the adorable face."

Mandy turned toward her searching for some hint of a clue, a bit of seriousness, her face confused. "I'm sorry, I'm not following, they're both attractive men."

"Yeah, they are. Sorry sometimes I can't help myself. Days like today, I don't know why they don't just call it what it is, Special Ops Panty Raiders. Did I just say that out loud? I really shouldn't be allowed outside unsupervised, yet here the colonel lets me sit. All alone and without a handler." Gwen shook her head in mock consternation. "I'm married to Liam, he's the super hot one that keeps looking over here occasionally, pissing Rich off at his lack of concentration. Rich is the big guy with Adonis features, except not as Greek, more Southern." Gwen informed her matter of factly.