Open Case File [COMPLETED]

Asking Captain For Permission

Taking a deep breath, Donovan tugged at the cuff of his shirt. Nerves set every inch of him on edge.

"You ready?"

James leaned on the doorframe to Donovan's bathroom. With a sandwich in his hand, he met Donovan's eyes in the mirror. The day was just beginning to shift into evening and the shadows were crawling along the floor. At the question, Donovan swallowed, his apprehension intensifying.

"No," he said. "I'm terrified. You've met her father, he could snap my neck and not think twice about it."

A laugh slipped out of James' mouth. "That's right, I like that guy."

"Of course you do. You're not the one about to ask him if he will give up his daughter to a Marine."

For a second, James merely watched his younger brother, noting the stiffness in his movements and the tension in his muscles.

"Ah, well then," he took a bite, "maybe it's not worth it," he said, around a mouth full of food.

Donovan narrowed his eyes at his brother.

"Are you trying to ease my fear or talk me out of this?" he asked.

Taking another bite, James just shrugged.

"Do you want to be talked out of it?" he asked. "Cause where I can't convince with my words I usually do well with my fists."

Donovan faced James, crossing his arms. "You can't be serious about this?"

"All I'm saying is it's not too late to back out," he said. "Carter doesn't know you're doing this. Really, I know she's a great girl and everything but it will change your life. Do you want to tie yourself to someone just yet? You're still young and your career is just starting for you." James gave an easy laugh. "I mean, is she really worth it?"

Anger coursed through Donovan at the thought of Carter being easily tossed aside. Before he knew it, his hands were curled in his brother's shirt and he was slamming him against the wall. The sandwich fell to the floor and was smashed beneath his foot.

"Don't you ever ask that question again," he snarled, his voice low and threatening. "She's worth everything. I would die for her, got it? Carter is my life."

Despite the anger rolling off his brother, James didn't seem the bit shocked by the out burst. Instead, he smiled.

"Good, now you have exactly what it takes to convince her father of the same thing."

Surprised, Donovan took a step back, releasing his brother. James smoothed down the front of his shirt. Understanding dawned on Donovan. Letting out a breath, he chuckled and shook his head.

"You're so ridiculous."

"I wanted to make you sure," James said, grinning.

The expression then morphed to something serious and he cupped the back of Donovan's neck, forcing his to look at him.

"You got one of the best girls. Don't lose her." Something savage glinted in James' eyes. "Also if you hurt her I'll break your face."

Donovan mimicked James' hold. "I'm sure Carter would be the first one to break it but you can come in second."

Both brothers laughed and then James pulled Donovan in for a rough hug.

"Go fight for your girl, man."

Clapping James on the shoulder in farewell, Donovan grabbed his keys and headed to the door. Before he left, a thought occurred to him. Retracing his steps, he found a pair of boxing gloves.