Broadened Horizons

Chapter 3

Ed didn't give Sam any say in the date he planned for the two of them and even though Sam pretended to be put off by that they both knew that secretly he loved it.

Ed picked Sam up on their day off and as he drove they kept talking with Ed even going as far as reaching out and holding on to Sam's hand for a second before putting it back on the wheel.

Ed: I'm really glad we all took this chance, I hope you know that.

S: You have no idea how happy I am Ed.

...

Ed: We're here. (He announced stopping the car in front of a familiar place)

S: The gun range, this isn't really what I had in mind when we decided to go on our dates.

Ed: When people go on dates they do things that they like, if we liked skating I'd have taken you to a rink. You like shooting right?

S: Of course I do.

Ed: Do you like shooting with me?

S: I love shooting with you Ed.

Ed: So you see, it's for the two of us. Who cares what the rest of the world thinks, plus there's this new gun with ammo that they want my opinion on and I thought it would be something fun we could do.

S: Well I'm gonna kick your ass.

Ed: I'll believe that when I see it, there's a reason I'm Sierra 1.

S: That's only because Greg knows you'll be sulking the rest of the week if he doesn't give it to you.

Ed: As if he'd even consider it for those reasons.

S: Yeah, none of us stand a chance for that favouritism at least not on the job.

Ed: Spike does, do you see how much time he spends in that truck while we're running up and down stairs.

S: Utilizing his talents he'd say but we wouldn't be half as good of a team without him there doing his thing.

Ed: No, we wouldn't.

Ed went to sign in and was giving the equipment that was sent for them to use. The two of them made it to the outdoor shooting area and started setting up.

S: So is this the part where you come and stand behind me to "check my form"?

Ed: It's a rite of passage; I have to make sure you've got it handled before I let you do this. It's my responsibility as a trained professional to make sure that you don't end up hurting yourself.

S: I was an army sniper, if you've forgotten old man but I'll humour you. Can you please show me how to stand?

Ed: Of course, I'd love to.

Ed gave him one of his famous smiles before getting behind him and enveloping him in his arms.

S: I don't think this is conducive to shooting.

Ed: I know. (He held him like that a bit longer before finally "helping" him get into the perfect stance)

The two of them started their shooting session, having the time of their lives doing something that they both enjoyed.

...

After the shooting Ed drove them to a diner that he visited regularly.

S: That was absolutely amazing. I've been reading about that model, it's not even out yet, how?

Ed: I've been a cop for many years, I know people. Thought it would impress you.

S: You don't need to impress me. If anything I'm the one that has to impress you.

Ed: How do you figure?

S: You're in a happy relationship, I'm the one that wants in. I ... I need to show that I won't mess up what you guys have.

Ed took a hold of his hand and made sure that they were making eye contact before speaking again.

Ed: You don't need to do anything; we don't want you to do anything. Enjoy this, it's for all of us. This isn't some kind of interview where we see if you'll be a good fit. We know you're a good fit Sam, we want you. This is just so each of us can get some one on one time. You're a part of us. You're not going anywhere.

S: Thank you, Ed. (He said holding tighter to the hand connected to his)

...

Ed and Sam were sitting right next to each other when their food was brought out and Ed quickly removed a piece of paper from his jacket.

S: What's that?

Ed: Spike said that we both lack in the communications department which is bogus seeing as we're both negotiators but I'll humour him. It's a list of questions.

S: Like a questionnaire?

Ed: Something like that but just so we can get talking.

S: Okay, go ahead.

Ed: How do you like to spend your mornings? (He asked with a bright smile)

S: When my Team Leader isn't being a sadistic bastard... (He said with a laugh) I like going for a slow jog before making myself breakfast, which is one of the few meals of the day I'm absolutely capable of making.

Ed: We're the best for a reason Braddock, keep up.

S: What's next?

Ed: What are you most afraid of?

S: Whoa, he went right for it didn't he?

Ed: I actually chose this one. We want to be in a relationship and I believe that knowing what makes each other tick is important. I'm most afraid of messing up at work and having someone killed especially you guys, what with Greg more often than not in the line of fire. It scares me. (He sighed)

S: I'm most afraid of disappointing the people around me. Letting the people I care for down and then losing them.

Ed: Even though Spike is clearly the St Bernard in our batch, I'm standing by your side no matter what, that's not something you should ever be afraid of.

S: They really do have similar characteristics. (He smiled) You make me smile Edward Lane, I so glad we're doing this.

They finished their food while periodically reading and answering the questions Spike set up for them. Sam and Ed left the diner hand in hand and Ed drove Sam back to his apartment.

...

***Sam's Front Door***

Ed: Oh by the way, I won earlier today.

S: It wasn't even a competition, so how do you figure that you won?

Ed: Because I finally get to do this. (He said pulling Sam in for a deep kiss) That was absolutely worth the wait. (He said after they came up for air)

S: I think we need to try that again, just to make sure all the data is correct.

Ed: I agree.

Ed pulled Sam in for a kiss and Sam went willing. Both snipers were left with soft smiles on their face and bright eyes.

...