#bfhs

Mark is regaling you and Cynthia with a story of his latest bad date when the phone on your desk rings. While you almost never use it, your email signature lists your office extension so it wouldn’t be unheard of for someone to try to get a hold of you this way. You’re not expecting a call and you can’t immediately remember if you’ve sent anything out that might prompt someone to call you anyways so your attention is elsewhere as you answer.

“Good afternoon.” You pick up the phone with one hand, twirling a pen aimlessly with the other.

Even when the voice on the other line asks for you by name, you don’t immediately think anything of it. You work on a Navy base, you’re used to the formalities. At every turn, it’s “Ma’am” this and “Miss” that. So while you confirm that yes, that’s you, you’re still half-listening to Cynthia and Mark. 

“This is Lieutenant Sanchez at the Naval Medical Center at Miramar. I’m calling in regard to Lieutenant Robert Floyd.”

“Sorry, what? What was that?” At the desk opposite yours, Cynthia looks over, drawn in by the shock in your voice and watches as your pen slips out of your fingers and onto the desk.

“I’m with the Naval Medical Center at Miramar. I’m calling on behalf of Lieutenant Floyd, you’re listed as his local emergency contact.”

“Yes, that’s correct.” You sit straight up.

“Lieutenant Floyd has sustained injuries and is currently in our care.” 

You miss his next sentence entirely, too focused on the phrase sustained injuries. The man on the other end of the phone – Lieutenant Sanchez? — is telling you what entrance to use to get to the base hospital and what kind of ID you’ll need to get in, when your brain starts working again.

“I’m on base now. I work here. I’m a contractor.” 

“Okay.” He says, altering his instructions. “You can use your base badge but I recommend bringing your civilian ID as well since you work in a separate area and they’ll want to verify your identity at the front desk.” 

You nod and then remember he can’t see you, so you thank him for the information and hang up. You look at Cynthia who has been looking at you with concern. Even just hearing your side of the call, it’s clear something’s wrong. 

“Is everything okay?” She tentatively asks. Mark has gone quiet.

“No, I don’t know. Bobby’s in the base hospital. He’s hurt.” You slowly stand up, in a daze.

Cynthia’s hand flies to her mouth in shock before she starts to collect herself.

“Alright, let’s go.” She stands up and shakes her head at Mark to let him know that she’s got you.

“What are you doing?” Your brow furrows.

“Walking with you. I can’t get back there with you but I’m not sending you alone.” 

While you grab your purse and lock your computer, Cynthia ducks into Captain Tompkins’ office to let him know that she’ll be back but that you’ll be out the rest of the afternoon. Mark chimes in to indicate that he’s available if the Captain needs anything. You follow Cynthia’s lead as she guides you out of your office and towards the hospital. 

You’ve only been Bob’s local emergency contact for a few weeks. He had asked somewhere around your fifth date. The two of you had been officially dating for a few days, and were laying on your couch watching tv when he turned to you with a question.

“Hey darlin’, I was wondering,” he started nervously, “and you can say no if it’s weird. Would you be interested in being my local emergency contact? We can list someone in the area we want contacted in an emergency who can come visit and get information. It’s not the same level as a next-of-kin, or anything.” He rubbed the back of his neck, and you could practically feel the tension radiating off of him. You didn’t even have a chance to reply before he barreled on with more information, hoping to reassure you in case he’d already overwhelmed you. (He hadn’t.)

“I’m not asking as your boyfriend. Well, I am a little bit. But mostly because you’ve known me forever, and it would be nice to have someone local to be able to put down. Not to guilt you though. Just if you want.” Bob shrugs.

Gently, you grabbed Bob’s face with both hands. “Bobby, hey, it’s okay. I know what you mean. Yes, you can absolutely put me down. Thank you for asking.” You pressed a kiss to his cheek. “That’s actually a great idea, I don’t think I’ve updated mine since I moved. Is it alright if I list you, too?” 

You could practically see the tension melt away from your boyfriend as he agreed.

That’s one of the best things about your relationship – you two get each other. Even in a situation like that where you might be a little worried that it could be construed as too soon, you’ve known the other long enough to know that they’ll get what you mean. It’s why you decided to make it official after four dates instead of possibly waiting longer. You got the surface level, laying the groundwork, attraction-defining stuff done ages ago. 

Besides, even if you weren’t official yet, you couldn’t think of anyone you’d feel more comfortable with in an emergency than Bobby. It’s a relief for him, too, to be able to list someone local after bouncing around from place to place for years. It’s even better because it’s you.

You both knew there was the chance you could get a call like this, though you both prayed you wouldn’t have to. You certainly didn’t think it would happen so soon. 

You’re thinking back to that conversation while Cynthia leads you through and around base. You focus back on her as she’s in the middle of a sentence. 

“– take care of the rest of the day.” 

“Sorry, Cyn, what?”

“No worries, honey. I was just saying that Mark and I can take over for the rest of the day. No matter what, you focus on that sweet boyfriend of yours.” 

“Thank you.” 

You’re not sure what else to say, not sure what you’ll be walking into. Cynthia seems to pick up on this, changing topics entirely. 

“So how long do you think it’ll take us to get feedback on our draft this time?”

You’re thankful for the distraction, thankful that you’ve worked together long enough that she knows what you need right now. You let Cynthia steer you where you need to go, and just focus on your conversation so you can avoid panicking. For all you know, things could be fine. Maybe it’s just a minor injury and this is protocol. You’ve been around the Navy long enough to know how protocol can be (which is to say, a massive headache). 

Finally, the two of you arrive at the medical center and Cynthia walks you right up to the main desk before giving you a hug and departing. 

“May I help you?” The nurse at the desk greets you. 

Out of habit, you offer her your name and base ID. 

“I’m sorry, Ma’am.” She says after swiping your ID. “It doesn’t look like you have access back here.”

“Oh, right.” You say, pulling your wallet out to get to your driver’s license.

You’re too frazzled to elaborate further, you just silently present her with your license. 

“Ma’am, I can’t let unauthorized individuals back there.” She continues sternly. 

“I understand that. I’m not trying to access the hospital in my role as a contractor, I got a call as an emergency contact.” You’re trying to remain calm, you know the nurse is just doing her job but you’re overwhelmed and you want to scream fuck protocol. Just take me to Bobby!

It’s as if the words “emergency contact” are a magic password, and suddenly her tone changes entirely.

“Oh, absolutely. I can help you with that. Apologies, Ma’am.”

Your head is still swimming as you sign in as a cleared visitor. Eventually, she points you in the direction of Bob’s room and lets you know that the doctor will find you with an update.

The walk through the doors behind her, down the hallway, and through to the wing that allegedly contains your injured boyfriend feels like the longest drag of your life. Eventually, you turn a corner and find a familiar face. 

“Hey there, Tiger.” Jake greets you, and your knees almost buckle. 

You had still been hoping this was all a big misunderstanding, that you were going to get here and find Natasha waiting for you with an explanation, something less serious – a nosebleed, a rolled ankle on the tarmac, anything other than an injury sustained flying. But it’s not Nat standing in front of you, which means she’s hurt too. It’s the only reason she wouldn’t be standing here outside Bob’s room. You haven’t known her nearly that long, but you already know enough about her to know that. 

“Jake.” His name is the only thing you can figure out to say at first. “Are you okay?” You say after a moment of staring at one another. 

“I’m alright. How are you doing?”

“I don’t know. I don’t really know anything right now.”

“Shit, has nobody talked to you yet?” He rubs a hand over his face, clearly exhausted.

“No, not yet. I only just got back here. They said the doctor would come find me shortly.” 

“Alright. Come on Tiger,” Jake places a steady hand on your back, “let’s go take a seat. They’ll know to look for us over here.” He guides you towards a waiting area where you’re greeted by Mickey, Reuben, and Javy. 

You nod at the guys as you take a seat next to Mickey. You have so many questions but you don’t know where to start. You also don’t know how much they can tell you. You wonder if they watched whatever happened, you almost feel selfish for being so scared. An hour ago, they were probably up in the air, just as at risk as Bobby and Nat while you were safe and sound in your office with Cynthia and Mark. Realistically, you know it’s not that cut and dry but your mind is spiraling, trying out every scenario it comes up with. 

Jake sits across from you, next to Reuben and Javy. Maybe it’s because he’s the one who greeted you, maybe it’s because he’s sitting across from you, but you don’t know how to look away from him, from the way he seems to be the calm to your chaos right now. 

“Jake, how do I do this?” You blurt out.

“You can be scared, Tiger. He’ll understand. You’re here. That’s what he needs.” The others all nod in agreement. 

“I haven’t told him I love him yet. I didn’t want to scare him, it’s so soon. But of course I love him, how can you not? Do I tell him now? I don’t want him to think I’m only saying it because of this. But I don’t want to not say it after this. Jake, what do I do?” You bring your hand up to your chest, grabbing tightly onto the top of your blouse as if you can physically grab hold of the weight that feels centered right on top of you while you let loose your every thought at your boyfriend’s teammates.

“Alright, come here.” 

Instead of answering your question directly, Jake just kneels down in front of your chair and pulls you into his chest. For the first time since you answered the call, you start to cry. For his part, Jake just sits there silently, letting you hold onto him for dear life. You feel a hand on your shoulder that probably belongs to Mickey, and someone offers a quiet “it’ll be okay” from behind Jake.

“It’s alright. You can be scared. You can tell him you love him. Or you can wait. Either way he knows.” It’s the kindest thing Jake’s ever said to you, and somehow exactly what you need to hear.

The two of you sit there for another minute as your tears slow down. With some of the tears gone, the immediate weight on your chest feels lighter, you feel like you can at least make it through the next minute. And maybe even the one after that. You sit back in your chair and take a deep breath.

“Well shit, Bagman. I didn’t know you had it in you.” Rooster says as he walks up. 

Jake immediately turns around, ready to scold him. He’s ready to tell Rooster that it’s too soon for you to make jokes, that this might be the reality they face every day but it’s not yours.

But then you laugh. Loudly. Loudly enough that Reuben starts checking to see if someone is going to come out and quiet you all down, and suddenly they’re all laughing with you.

“Nat’s going to be so pissed she missed Jake being a human.” You joke as you gently pat Jake’s shoulder in a thank you. 

“How’re you doing, Tiger?” Bradley asks.

“Oh you know, I’ve had better days. But I’m okay, just a lot of uncertainty. How are you guys?” You look around earnestly. It’s one thing to hear their stories day in and day out, and to work on base and logically, conceptually understand the risks they take every day. It’s another thing entirely to sit here next to them after two of their own have gotten hurt doing it. 

“She’s still waiting for news from the doc.” Jake tells the guys, who all missed your first conversation in the hallway.

“We’re okay. We just want information too.” Reuben says, answering your question.

“Do you want to wait for the doctor or do you want us to tell you what we know?” Javy asks.

“I’m up to it if you guys are. But if you’d rather not, that’s okay.” You’re trying to be considerate, trying to walk the line you can’t locate between thoughtful and not treating them like they’re made of glass.

“Phoenix and Bob were up in the air with me, so was Mav.” Javy starts.

“Coyote went into G-LOC and almost crashed and then almost as soon as everyone was in the clear, there was a bird strike.” Mickey takes over telling the story.

“Bird strike?” You’ve listened to them talk about work enough to understand most of what they’ve said until that point.

“It’s sort of what it sounds like, Tiger. A bird hits the plane. It can be a bigger deal than it sounds sometimes.” Rooster chimes in and you appreciate his attempt not to scare you but still tell you what you need to know.

“Oh. Okay. So what happened?” 

“It got sucked into their engine. They did everything they could to recover but they had to punch out. Phoenix and Bob had to eject.” Jake steps in with the worst part of the story, leaving out the gorier details regarding the fire. A look passes between the four men as they all silently agree you don’t need to know more than that right now. Nobody is going to tell you how scared Phoenix and Bob sounded, how scared everyone was that they weren’t coming home.

“Oh my God.” For a moment, you’re frozen. Just long enough for the team to start to worry that they’ve told you too much. Then you straighten up and say “okay. That sounds really scary for all of you. I really appreciate you guys being here and telling me. I know Bob and Nat will too.” 

Then, because you’re so glad they’re okay and thankful for them, you launch yourself at them one at a time. Javy gets the first hug and you make sure to tell him that you’re glad he’s okay too. Then Mickey, and Reuben each get a hug. Next is Rooster and you know just enough from Bob to understand why he holds you a little tighter than you might expect, why today’s hard for him. Then it’s Jake, who has somehow become the glue holding you together. 

Stepping back, you thank them all again, right as the doctor appears. Hearing your name, you turn around and identify yourself.

“Hi, that’s me.”

“Great, follow me please. I understand you’re Lt. Floyd’s local emergency contact.”

“Yes, ma’am.” You nod as you walk towards the doctor, following as she leads you back down the hallway by the patient rooms.

“I’m not sure how much information you’ve been given, so I’ll cover the basics. During training this afternoon, Lt. Floyd and his pilot were involved in a bird strike. Their engines caught on fire and they were forced to eject. As far as ejections go, they’re doing alright. Lt. Floyd has some superficial lacerations from the landing, bruised ribs and he’ll likely have some bruising and soreness. Ejection is hard on the body, even if they’re ‘lucky’ enough to get by without any breaks but he didn’t sustain any injuries from the fire.” 

“Okay. What will he need, medicine wise? Or treatment?” There will be time later for you to focus on the words fire and landing, but for now your priority is learning everything you can to help Bob.

You listen while the doctor explains that the medicine they’ve given him will make him a little bit groggy for the rest of the day, and that barring a bad reaction during the concussion testing you can probably take him home in a few hours.

The doctor lets you know that the nurses around can help if you have any additional questions and that you’re free to visit Bob. You don’t waste any time thanking her before letting yourself into his room.

Unsurprisingly, Bob is asleep. You take a minute just to look at your sweet boyfriend. Someone must have already cleaned him up, all of his cuts and scrapes have been tended to but that doesn’t hurt you less to see. In a way, you’re glad you got your tears out in the waiting room because you don’t think you’d want him to wake up to that – you’re determined to set aside your fear in front of him as best as you can, and just be there for him. 

You pull up a chair next to his bed, so you can be as close to him as possible and sit down. Now that you have some answers from the doctor and permission to be there, you’re not going anywhere.

You think about calling Allie but decide to wait and see what Bobby says when he’s awake. The med center has probably already contacted his family, and you really don’t have any more information to offer yet. You’re trying not to stare at your watch, but roughly half an hour after you sit down, Bobby starts moving. At first, you stay silent, not sure if he’s really awake and not wanting to risk waking him if he’s not.

Finally, he groans and slowly opens his eyes.

“Hi there, handsome. I heard you had a rough day at work.” You’re not quite sure what the protocol is for greeting your boyfriend after he ejected from an airplane, but figure that maybe a little levity is okay.

“Hi, darlin’.” He groans again as he tries to adjust his position in bed. 

“Hold on, sweetheart. Let me help you.” You gently place one hand on his back and one on his arm to help him sit up, trying to avoid putting any unnecessary pressure on his injuries. There’s a cup of water next to his bed, so you offer him some and sit silently while he drinks it.

“How’s Nat? Is she okay?” He asks. It’s so typical of Bob to be thinking of someone else at a time like this. It’s partly the bond between a pilot and their WSO, and partly just the kind of man Bob is.

“I haven’t heard much yet, they really only told me about you but as far as I know she’s alright. Want me to ask the guys if they know anything yet?” 

When Bob nods, you pull out your phone to send a quick text to Jake and Rooster asking for an update that they’re quick to share.

“It sounds like she had a slightly better landing than you, honey. She’s sore, but she’s alright. Bradley and Jake are in with her now. Do you want to see them?” 

At the news that Nat is doing okay, Bob relaxes, as much as he can given his injuries. You know it’s just the lighting, but you almost swear that some of the color returns to his face.

“Not yet. Can you sit with me?” 

It almost breaks your heart how softly he asks. You don’t even take the time to answer out loud, you just immediately slide over and gently sit down next to him on the bed, making sure not to put too much weight on him.

“I’m sorry if I scared you. I can’t imagine what getting that call was like.” Bob says, and you think back to your conversation with Jake.

“That’s part of loving someone, honey, being scared when something happens to them. It was scary, but I’m okay. I can’t imagine how it was for you. I’ll be honest, this is all new to me. I don’t know if you want to talk about it, or not talk about it, or how best to support you. But I’m here for whatever it is.” You lean back against the bed and Bob leans his head against your shoulder. 

For a moment, you think that maybe the first part of your sentence slipped right by him. But even given his condition, on medicine and so injured, you should have known he’d have heard you.

“Part of loving someone?” It melts your heart the way he perks up, fighting against the exhaustion.

“Yeah, Bobby, loving someone. I know it’s soon but I think I’ve loved you for quite a while. Don’t you dare think this is just because of today.” 

“Yes ma’am.” He says with a smile and as much of a salute as he can muster. “I love you too, honey. Thank you.” 

As gently as you can, you lean over and press a soft kiss to his forehead. The two of you just sit there silently for a while, holding onto one another until Bob finally breaks the silence.

“Okay. I think I’m okay to see the team. Do you mind getting them?” 

“I can do that. They’re probably all with Nat, so just give me a second.”

As soon as you leave the room, Bob wants you back with him. He doesn’t know how he got so lucky. All he could think about as he was ejecting was how badly he wanted Nat to be okay, how badly he wanted to come home to you, and how scared he was that he wouldn’t get to tell you he loved you. Waiting for S&R, he couldn’t help worrying about you, about how scared you’d be getting the call. He’s glad you’re here with him, loving him the way you do. 

He knows ejection and injury are possible. It’s a reality he faces every time he gets in the plane, he just hoped he’d never have to experience it. He knows there was nothing they could do and that they’re safe now, but that he’ll feel a lot better when he can lay eyes on Nat again and confirm for himself that she’s okay. He’s glad that you seem to understand when his first question is about her, when it’s clear that you care about her, too. 

You’ve already told him that the doctor tentatively cleared him to go home later and that, in no uncertain terms, you’ll be inviting yourself over to take care of him. He wonders if maybe he can convince Nat to spend the night, too, so neither of them have to be apart from each other yet. 

It doesn’t take too long for you to return with the entire team in tow. Including Nat.

“The doctor said I could only leave my room if I did it like this.” She gestures down at the wheelchair that Javy is pushing her in. “But, she didn’t say anything about when I got here.” 

The second she stands up, the entire team encourages her to sit back down. The only person who doesn’t, is you. Instead, you take a step forward and silently offer her your hand. The guys all watch, shocked, as she accepts, letting you lead her right over towards Bob and helping her get settled next to him, right where you were sitting before. 

“We got you something.” Hangman says with a smirk, holding something behind his back.

“Do I even want to know?” Bob asks dryly. 

Suddenly, Hangman reveals a teddy bear and a card. He hands Phoenix the bear and Bob the card. The front of the card reads: “Woah, Baby!” and underneath, someone has added “On Board!”. Before he can even read the message on the inside, Bob starts laughing. It hurts his ribs but that’s okay right now. He’s alive, and his friends are assholes, and his pilot is okay, and his girlfriend is perfect, and he’s alive. 

Leaning over to read the card, Nat throws the bear at Jake. 

‘You’re such a dick, Bagman.” Bob says, but everyone knows that he really means thank you . 

At some point, while you’re telling the guys secondhand gossip about Mark’s disastrous date, Bob gently nudges Nat and whispers to her.

“Hey, you okay?”

“I don’t know. Are you?”

“I don’t either. But I think we will be.” 

“I trust you.” Nat says, and they both know she means it implicitly. 

“You’re my partner. I trust you.” Bob watches Nat breathe a sigh of relief at the news that he doesn’t blame her, doesn’t harbour any animosity about needing to eject. Bob laces his fingers with hers and gives a quick squeeze. There’ll be more to say later, but for now they each know what the other means. It means we’ll be okay, you’ve got me and I’ve got you, we’re in this together.

It’s been one hell of a day, but everyone is alive and you’re all here together. One of his hands is in yours, and the other’s is in Nat’s and you all sit that way for a little while, just holding onto one another.

When the doctor stops by an hour later, if she’s surprised to see the entire squad in the room, she doesn’t say anything about it. Natasha is still perched on the bed next to Bob, and you’ve moved your chair to the other side of the bed where you’re nestled as close as you can, still holding his hand. 

“Alright, well that would explain why Lt. Trace isn’t in her room.” Nat shrugs shamelessly. “Can I have all of you clear out so I can check Lt. Floyd out one last time?” Everyone else stands up to go back to the waiting room, and Bob maintains his grip on your hand so you stay. This time, Rooster guides Nat back into the wheelchair and helps her back out into the hallway, towards her own room.

While Bob and Nat are busy signing their release forms and changing out of their hospital gowns, you make your way back to the waiting area.

“So, good news is that I get to take these two home. The bad news is that my car is all the way on the other side of base by my office.” 

Silently, Reuben holds his hand out for your keys. You already knew they were a team, but after today it’s clear that they’re a family and that you’ve become part of it so you don’t ask any questions as you hand them to him. You just tell him your license plate number, make and model, and he and Mickey set off to get your car.

“We’ve gotta wheel them out to the car, but otherwise the doc says they’re okay to walk around. I’ve got the instructions on how to check for a concussion or any other concerning signs over the next few days and instructions for medicine for both of them.” 

Rooster grabs the paperwork out of your hands, looks down at both packets and hands you back Bob’s. 

“I’ve got Phoenix.” You recognize the look in his eyes, if you had a mirror right now you’d see it reflected in your own. There’s nothing more to say so you just nod.

When the nurses handling their discharge papers poke their heads into the hallway to summon you and Rooster, Jake and Javy tag along.

“Do y’all want to come over for dinner? We can order something.” Bob asks as you all head out to the parking lot, where Reuben has your car waiting.

“Sure thing, Baby on Board. My treat.” Hangman says. 

“I can do it, Seresin.” Rooster offers, and you and Nat roll your eyes simultaneously at their antics, even though you’re both glad that things seem okay enough for them to go back to normal.

Even though they don’t need to, the guys help Nat and Bob get into your car. 

“Why don’t y’all head over to your own cars and meet us at Bobby’s? I’ve got them.” You say, grabbing your keys back from Reuben. “Maybe later a few of us can swing back and pick up Bobby and Nat’s cars?” 

With everyone in agreement, it’s your turn to get in the car and you start driving. Nat and Bob are both in the back seat, where it was easier for everyone to help them in. You put some music on and let the two talk to each other, trying not to listen in. You know they need this time, whether they’re talking about this afternoon or not.

When you get to Bob’s house, you’re wholly unsurprised when Nat bounds out of the car, as quickly as her body will allow without help. Bob waits silently for you to walk around and open his door. You both know he’s just as capable as Nat, but is trying to give you the chance to help, to do something . 

By the time the three of you make it up to the door, Nat announces that she’s going to change out of her flight suit.

“Does she have clothes here?” You ask, amused. “I feel like I would have noticed them at some point.”

“Probably. I stopped questioning it a while ago.” Bob shrugs, unbothered by his best friend’s antics. 

You and Bob head to his bedroom in silent agreement to also change – you out of your work dress and Bob out of his own flight suit. Just like at the car, Bob lets you help him more than is strictly necessary. As you unzip him and help lift off his undershirt, you softly place a kiss on each of his collar bones and then pull him in for a hug. 

He’s shirtless, with his flight suit around his waist and you’re still in your dress but you don’t care. Well, at first you don’t, until the overwhelming need to feel him, to have his skin against yours takes over. You take a step back, quickly discarding your dress before stepping back into his arms.

You lay your head on his chest, lightly adjusting until you can hear his heartbeat. In reality, you probably stand that way for a minute or two, but it feels like a lifetime of just holding onto one another. Bob lets out a big exhale, the kind that just indicates pure, deep exhaustion. 

“I love you. Thank you for being here.” He says into your hair.

“You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried, Bobby. I’m not sure if you know, but I’m pretty stubborn.” 

This time when Bob laughs he instinctively places a hand over his ribs, trying to minimize the pain. 

“Alright, sorry, sorry, I’ll have to rein in the funny tonight.” You joke. “Seriously though honey, you tell me what you need. If you want to talk about it with me, or specifically with the team but not me, you just tell me. I’m out of my depth here, Bobby. I’m just really glad you’re okay.” You’re trying your hardest not to cry again, but you can feel the tears welling up in your eyes.

“Thank you. I don’t really know right now.” He admits.

“And that’s okay.” You reassure him. “Do you want to finish getting dressed and go get comfy on the couch?”

Bob just nods, and you resume your efforts to help him get dressed. If you stop every few seconds to sneak another kiss, neither of you are going to say anything about it. 

You’re delighted when you get to the living room and Natasha tells you that Jake and Reuben are going to pick up dinner on the way and that everyone else is almost there.

Bob sits next to Nat on the couch. Close enough that they could reach each other without much effort, but far enough for the pretense of space. It’s another way that they’re saying I’ve got you, and you’ve got me . They stay that way all through the night. It’s easy when you and Rooster insist on getting them everything they could possibly need. Eventually, even Nat stops fighting you guys on it. 

As if by unspoken agreement, the team stays the perfect amount of time before departing in duos. First, it’s Jake and Reuben. Jake grabs Bob’s keys and the two head back to base so Jake can drive Bob’s car back while Reuben heads home for the night. A few minutes later, Mickey and Javy make a similar journey in Mickey’s car for Javy to drive back Nat’s car. If you ask Bradley, Nat’s car will stay in Bob’s driveway overnight. If you ask Nat, she’ll drive it home today. It’s anyone’s guess which one of them will win out. Well anyone but you, you’re already planning on where you’ll hide her keys.

It’s a complicated game of musical cars, but everyone’s more than happy to do it. To go above and beyond for each other, even if they spend half their time bickering.

When Jake returns, you meet him on the front porch.

“Thank you for today. I don’t know how you knew what I needed, but you did. You’re a good man, Jake.” You say, offering him another hug.

“Don’t mention it, Tiger. Seriously, don’t. You’ll ruin my reputation.” He jokes, as he returns the hug.

“Nah, you can’t stop me.” You tease.

“Bob, your girlfriend is bullying me.” He calls through the door into the house.

“Good, someone should.” Bobby calls back. 

You wish Jake goodnight right as Javy returns with Nat’s car. You toss him his keys in exchange for Nat’s and while everyone’s busy saying goodnight to Javy, you hide Nat’s keys in Bob’s pantry.

Eventually, it’s time for Nat and Bradley to leave. Rooster declares you his favorite when it’s clear that you know something about Nat’s missing keys, and you laugh and blow Nat a kiss when she says you’re undermining feminism. Later, you and Bob will agree that you’d both love to be a fly on the wall when those two arrive at Nat’s house.

You and Bradley exchange numbers and promises to keep each other updated while Bob and Nat do the same. Nat threatens to steal the Bronco to check in on Bob if she thinks he’s hiding something, and Bob just rolls his eyes and pulls her in for a hug. 

Finally, Nat and Bradley leave and Bob’s house is silent. It doesn’t take too long for the two of you to decide you’re ready to call it a night.

“I’m so tired, but I can’t even think about climbing into bed without a shower.” Bob says once you two are in his bedroom.

“I know what you mean. Why don’t I hop in there with you?” 

“That sounds nice.” 

Sex is the furthest thing from your minds right now, but the room is heavy with the intimacy of you two caring for one another. First, you help Bob undress and then he insists on helping when it’s your turn. While he goes to turn the water on, you grab the towels and turn on a playlist, silently navigating around each other. Once you’re in the shower, you hum while you wash Bob’s hair. Bob argues but eventually acquiesces to letting you wash your own hair, with a promise that he can do it once his ribs aren’t hurting so bad. 

When you delicately trace the bar of soap over his torso, as careful around his injuries as can be, Bob finally cries. You notice immediately, you’re so tuned into him, you notice the second he starts shaking. But you know what he needs, so you let him get it out and just keep taking care of him. 

Once you’ve finished with the soap, Bob pulls you into his arms and just holds you. He’s getting you all sudsy but neither of you care. You just stand there feeling the warm water, and each other. It’s the most important thing either of you have done all day.

“I love you. Thank you.” He says again.

“I love you, you’re welcome. I’ve got you, Bobby.” 

Eventually, Bob releases you and rinses off what soap is left that the water couldn’t reach. You quickly turn your attention to cleaning yourself before following suit. By the time the two of you are done, the water runs cold. It’s soothing though, so you stay a little while longer – not saying anything, just being together. 

“Tell me everything. How is she? What is she up to? Is she still as pretty as she was in high school? Do you still have a big fat crush on her? Have you asked her out?” Allison asked, so excited it came out all in one breath.

“She’s good, working on base too. No, I think she’s even prettier now. Yes, and no. All in that order.” Bob admitted. 

“Oh my god and she works on base too? Bob, come on, you have to ask her out.”

“I don’t know about that, Allie, I don’t even know if she’s even into me. Besides, we’re just reconnecting as friends right now.” 

Allie hummed in a way that made Bob think she knew something he didn’t. Then again, maybe that was just wishful thinking. You and Allie had been friends and were on the softball team together but aside from following each other on social media, he didn’t think you talked much nowadays. 

By the time he finally got off the phone (it had taken a while to even get Allie to move on to another topic of conversation), it was already right around when he would normally be arriving at the Hard Deck. Remembering your promise to be there, he quickly changed into a dark green shirt that Phoenix always said looked great on him before heading to his truck and making his way to the bar.

There are plenty of cars in the parking lot as he arrives, but he manages to find a spot right near Nat’s car. Walking inside, he notices the bar is similarly packed. Normally he might go say hi to Penny first but she seems pretty busy so he makes his way over towards the pool tables, where he knows his friends can normally be found. 

He hadn’t noticed your car in the parking lot, and is a little bit surprised when he’s suddenly able to see you in conversation with Nat and Reuben.

“Hi guys. Sorry, I meant to get here earlier but Allie called.” He greets you all.

“Nah, you’re good.” Reuben says.

“You’re not really late as long as you’re still here before Bradshaw.” Nat laughs.

“No way! How is Allie? I miss her!” Your eyes light up at the mention of his sister.

“She’s good. She told me to say hi to you.” Actually, she was too busy grilling him to say such a thing, but he figures it was implied.

“God, we haven’t talked in ages. I’ll have to text her.” You say as you pull out your phone, presumably to do that right away. 

“Nice shirt.” Nat tells him with a knowing smile, and a quick glance to you where you’re busy texting Allie. 

“Yeah, that’s a really nice color on you, Bobby.” You say as you look back up, tucking your phone in your back pocket.

“Thank you.” He says, trying not to look at Nat who is wiggling her eyebrows as if to say I know you’re wearing that for her. “I didn’t think I saw your car out there.” Bob tries to change the topic of conversation.

“Nope, Nat was kind enough to give me a ride.” 

“Don’t worry, Bob, she hasn’t given me too much embarrassing high school information. Not yet anyways.” 

Bob rolls his eyes as you all laugh. He knew that you two had been texting all week and is glad you’re becoming friends, but didn’t realize you were close enough for her to offer you a ride. He’s not sure when he’ll have a chance to get Phoenix alone later, but he makes a mental note to ask her more about this.

Somehow despite (or maybe because of) his recent arrival, Bob gets talked into going to get drinks for everyone. Luckily since everyone seems to want something, and Bob only has two hands, Payback offers to go with him and help carry everything back. Bob says hi to Penny and chats with Payback while they wait, and tries not to stare at you too much on the way back with the drinks. You have your phone out again and given the way he can see you scrolling, it looks like you’re looking for something while chatting with Phoenix. 

“Okay so as requested, straight from my Facebook, here it is!” You hand Nat your phone. “I have to warn you, I got talked into getting a few inches cut off a week before prom by my hairdresser and ended up hating it. In retrospect, it’s kind of cute though.” 

Nat looks down to see a photo of you and Bob all dressed up. Bob is in a full suit with a boutonniere, and you’re in an emerald gown with a silver corsage on your wrist. You two each have an arm around the other, and Nat notes with pride that Bob’s hand is securely on your waist. 

“Shut up, did you two go to prom together?” Nat exclaims as you indicate she can swipe through to the next photo. Nat nearly screams at the next photo, a sweet shot of you two looking at each other, clearly mid-laughter, arms still around one another. 

“No, unfortunately. I was going to ask him but it was too late and someone else beat me to it.” 

Right then, Bob walks back up to join you.

“What’s that, oh is that prom?” He asks, trying to look at the photo in Nat’s hands as he passes you both your drinks. 

“Yeah, she was just telling me how she was going to ask you until you got another date, heartbreaker.” Nat bumps her shoulder into his.

“She told you what? ” It’s comical the way Bob whips his head in confusion to look at you.

“Come on, you can’t tell me you didn’t know.” You laugh.

“I promise you I didn’t.” He says, with equal parts sincerity and bewilderment. “What do you mean you were going to ask me?”

“Oh Bobby, I had this whole plan!” 

By now, the rest of the team (including Rooster who must have arrived while Bob was up at the bar) have started paying attention to your conversation. Your phone is getting passed from aviator to aviator, all of whom heard the words “Bob” and “prom” and reacted like a dog hearing the word “treat”. All of the attention is on you, but you don’t seem to mind in the slightest. 

“Alright, I don’t know if you remember but I asked you one day if you were planning on going to prom. I figured that was a good place to start because if you weren’t going at all, I didn’t want to make you feel like you had to just for me. Actually, now that I think about it, I think that even though she was in college by then, I texted Allie about it.” 

Bob doesn’t entirely remember this, there were so many conversations about who was or wasn’t going to go to prom and who they were or were not going with, that it isn’t surprising that he doesn’t remember you asking if he was going but he nods anyway, interested to hear the rest of your story. 

“You had mentioned recently that you wanted to get a copy of the Hobbit. With all of the attention on the movie, you said it was about time you had a copy of your own, since you originally read a copy you borrowed from the library.” 

“Right, I remember, you gave me a copy one day, which was really nice of you.” He nods as he says this, clearly visualizing the copy you sweetly pressed into his hands during last period one day. 

“Exactly!” You say, blushing slightly, despite the fact this happened close to a decade ago. “So, that was part of my plan. Originally, there was a bookmark tucked into the cover that I had decorated with the words “Will you go to prom with me?” on it.” 

“What? I know I opened the front cover, you left me a note in it. But it didn’t say anything about prom, I’m sure I would have noticed that.” There’s no way Bob would have missed that, is there?

“No, you’re right. I left a little note on the inside cover about how you had your own copy now, but I was too worried to mention prom right there since it would be in the book forever.” You laugh. “No, I gave you the book and not-so-smoothly brought up the conversation of prom, and you said something like ‘oh yeah, I figured you might have heard.’ and mentioned how Jack had arranged your date. Something about how his crush would only go if everyone in her friend group had a date, so you ended up agreeing to go with Julia.”

Bob hears a muttered “Oh shit” from somewhere to his left, and looking back on this moment later, he’ll realize how objectively funny it is for a group of adults to be so engrossed in a conversation about a prom that you both, happily, attended so long ago.

“I had not, in fact, heard anything about this date so while you were telling me about it, I grabbed the bookmark out of the book and handed it back to you, sans bookmark. I think I lied and said that it was the receipt I had left in there. You didn’t open the book and see the other note until after I said that, so you didn’t notice.” You shrug.

“You were really going to ask me to the prom.” Bob says in amazement.

“I really was. I think I called Allie the second I got home to tell her about it. I know she and I were good friends too but there was something almost mortifying to have to admit to your sister that I didn’t even get the chance to ask. But, it was okay! You went with Jack and that group, and I asked a friend from another school.” 

“And you just ignored your dates and took photos together anyways?” Hangman asks with a wry smile. 

“Oh god no, I think we took hundreds of photos before that. I took a friend’s brother, Ben, who was our age. Since I was friends with his sister and knew his whole family, we did photos with them, and with my family, and then all of the group photos, and that was even before we even met up with Bob’s group.” To prove your point, you swipe out of the photo quickly to show the hundreds of thumbnails of other photos.

Bob holds a hand out to you, and you wordlessly pass your phone back to him. Bob takes a second to look at all of the images before re-opening the photo of the two of you. 

“Allie took this, didn’t she?” He asks, as the memory comes back to him.

“Yeah, I wanted a photo with you so badly but was worried I’d show my hand if I asked, so she did it for me. I nearly killed her for it.” You laugh at the memory.

“I thought she was asking for me, I think I did the same thing.” Bob admits. 

“I’m pretty sure she also made you promise to ask me to dance at least once.” 

“Oh my god you guys are too cute. Did you end up dancing?” Nat asks. 

“We did.” Bob says as you nod. “Julia was nice but we were really acquaintances more than friends, and we really only went together since my best friend wanted to date her best friend. She didn’t seem to mind when I asked you to dance.” He looks at you. 

“What song did you dance to?” Fanboy asks.

“I have no clue, honestly. Do you remember? Something quintessentially prom, I’m sure.  Maybe some early Ed Sheeran? Bruno Mars? Probably a country ballad, actually.” You shrug and laugh.

“I can’t remember either. I know we hung out during some of the fast songs too, but we definitely had one slow song in there, I think you’re right it was probably country.” Bob admits. Neither of you notice the way Nat nudges Rooster, or the way he disappears over towards the jukebox across the bar.

“So if this was junior year, why didn’t you go together senior year?” Hangman asks.

“Oh, rumor got around that he was getting ready to ask someone so I texted Ben and asked if he wanted to join me again.” You say, matter-of-factly.

“I was going to ask you .” Bob blurts out.

“ Oh .” Your eyes widen in shock. “Well, it’s about a decade too late, but I would’ve said yes.” 

“Do you have photos from that one too?” Nat asks. 

While you and Bob are busy, leaning over your phone scrolling to the correct album, Rooster walks back up and nods at Nat. 

“Let me see those.” Rooster says, taking your phone. “Look at these cute kids.” He says, with a teasing smile towards you and Bob. 

This time, you’re in dark blue but once again, you and Bob have your arms around one another and big smiles on your face. 

“Look at those legs!” Natasha says, swiping to the next photo where you’re posed much less formally. You’re standing on your right leg, right arm propped up on Bob’s shoulder, your left leg is bent at the knee with your foot kicked up towards your butt. The pose highlights your sparkly high heels, and the slit in your dress that goes up to your mid-thigh. In addition, the arm that isn’t around Bob is thrown up straight in the air and your mouth is wide open in laughter.. It looks like you’re caught mid-celebration.

For Bob, he’s got his left arm still tight around your waist, and you can’t tell from the photo but you both remember his steady grip, worried that you’d topple over balancing on one foot. While you’re looking right at the camera, Bob is looking at you. Truth be told, it was one of your favorite photos from the night, from high school overall. 

Hangman asks you a question, but Bob is too busy staring down at the photo of the two of you to hear him. Maybe Allie was onto something earlier, maybe he should ask you out. 

While you turn towards Hangman to answer him, the song playing on the jukebox fades out and Bob hears the opening few notes of a Shania Twain ballad. It’s not really the normal soundtrack for the Hard Deck, and remembering your comment just a few minutes ago trying to guess what you might have danced to at prom, Bob looks up at Natasha who has the biggest smirk he’s ever seen.

“Come on, Bob, ask the girl to dance.” She says, nudging him.

“Nat, we’re in the middle of the Hard Deck. Nobody else is dancing. Do you even know the meaning of the word subtle?” It’s not that Bob doesn’t want to dance with you, he just doesn’t want to do it in the middle of a bar, crowded with people who aren’t dancing. He doesn’t want to put you on the spot, or make you uncomfortable. Before he can figure out what to do about it, Nat just winks at him.

“Alright, we’ll give you someone else to dance with.” To Rooster’s clear surprise, Nat grabs him by the hand and drags him over closer to the jukebox to dance. 

“We’re doing this for you, Bob.” Fanboy says with a joking salute, as he goes over to sway by the jukebox, not afraid to dance by himself. 

Bob thinks about the way you smiled when you told him you would have gone to prom with him, he thinks about how much fun you two had getting coffee, and he thinks that if he waits any longer, Hangman might scoop you up for a dance himself. He takes a breath to prepare himself to brush it off as purely platonic, in case you hesitate, and takes a step closer to you.

“What do you say? I know it’s not prom, but maybe for old times sake?” Bob has one hand held out, and the two seconds it takes you to reply feel like the longest of his life. 

“I’d love to, Bobby.” You grab his hand, and he leads you over towards Phoenix, Rooster, and Fanboy. It looks like some other people have followed Phoenix and Rooster’s lead and have coupled up for a dance, and he finds himself glad about the way his friends seem to draw attention and start trends. It makes him less nervous, to think that there are less eyes on the two of you.

Bob pulls you into him, and you immediately rest your head on his chest, still holding onto the hand that led you through the throngs of people. Bob rests his other hand gently on your back, and as the two of you sway back and forth together, all he can think is how right it feels to have you in his arms like this. 

“You’re right, it’s not prom but I think it’s still pretty good.” You mumble, and Bob fights the urge to press a kiss to the top of your head.

Bob hears you giggle and follows your eyesight over towards Fanboy, who has somehow roped Coyote into a very dramatic, very ridiculous dance. 

“I like your friends.” You say, when you finally get your giggles under control.

“I’m glad. I know they can be a lot.” He says.

“I think Allie would like Nat. They’re both trouble.” You say and Bob bites back a groan. Of course you noticed Nat’s not-so-subtle attempt at matchmaking. “But it’s hard to be mad when they’ve got such good ideas.” You reach up and brush back a piece of Bob’s hair that’s fallen across his face. 

“Do you want to go out with me? On a date, sometime?” Bob surprises himself by asking.

“Yeah, that sounds great.” Bob feels a swell of pride at the way your face lights up at his question. You tuck your head back into his chest, and the two of you stay like that through the rest of the song.

As the final notes of the song die down, Bob takes a step back from you, keeps his left hand in yours and uses his right hand, already on your waist, to gently guide you into a little spin. He thinks there might not be anything better than the way you laugh as you twirl, before you come crashing back into his arms. That is, until you lean up and press a quick kiss to his cheek. 

“Thanks for the dance, Bobby.” 

He’s sure that Nat couldn’t have seen the kiss by the way she comes flying over to grab you to go grab another drink together. 

“Way to go, Bob.” Rooster says, clapping him on the back. 

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but thanks for the assist with the jukebox.” He replies.

The two make their way back over to their original corner, where the rest of the team shortly joins them. You and Nat come back, and you each have your hands full. You’re carrying a tray full of everyone’s preferred drink for the night, and Nat has a tray full of shots. Somehow between the two of you, everyone (Bob included) gets talked into taking the shot together. 

While everyone talks and laughs, somehow you end up right back next to Bob. You’re standing half a step in front of him and are leaning back so that your back and hip are pressed against his. You look up at him with a smile, subtly making sure he’s okay with it. He definitely is. 

As conversation turns back to someone else in the group, Bob is thinking back to your not-date from last week and remembers what you said about the Farmers Market. “Hey.” He nudges you gently. “Do you want to go to the Market for our date?” He remembers too late that the Market is only open on Saturdays and that he’s inadvertently asked you out for the very next morning. Before he can clarify that it doesn’t have to be tomorrow, you smile and nod. 

“Sounds like a plan. Want to come to my house first and we can go together?” 

“Okay, yeah. We can figure out a specific time later.” Bob tells you. He can’t even imagine what Allie will say when she finds out, and wonders which one of you will manage to tell her first. He figures it’ll probably be him, that he’ll call her on his way home tonight while you’re likely getting interrogated by Nat. 

The two of you are so lost in your conversation that you don’t notice that conversation has slowed down.

“What was your high school mascot?” 

“What?” The two of you look away from one another to see Hangman looking at you.

“It was the Tigers. Why?”

“If you’re going to be joining us more often, you need a name too, Tiger.” Jake says.

“You know what, it could be worse. I’ll take it.” Bob half expected you to argue, to point out that you do have a name, thank you very much. He’s glad when you recognize it for what it is, an invitation into the group as more than just a one-off. 

“By the way, Tiger,” Jake continues. “My bad about interrupting your coffee date last weekend, it was genuinely an accident.”

“Nah, don’t worry about it.” You say, brushing him off. “Besides, it wasn’t a date. Just two friends catching up.” 

You gently bump your hip into Bob’s and he tries not to smile at the flirty contact.

“Okay, that’s it. Bob, we love you. This is an intervention. Ask the woman out.” Hangman tells him and Bob can hear you trying not to laugh, especially as Coyote reaches over to smack Jake.

“Subtle, Bagman.” Nat groans.

“I have.” Bob says, to everyone’s surprise.

“No fucking way, Baby on Board. Get it. So where are you going?”

“No way, Jake.” You say. “Last week might have been an accident, but you can’t convince me you guys wouldn’t show up if we told you. No way. You’ll have to be patient and find out after.” 

You’re laughing as you tease Jake, and Bob feels like he’s on top of the world. He’s surprised to find that he’s not nervous or embarrassed to have everyone know about your date but then again, just through your attention, you’ve always brought out his confident side.

Bob tests the waters and slides an arm around your shoulders. In response, you look back up at him with that sweet smile, and go back to laughing with everyone. He’s got a pretty girl leaning against him, a pretty girl who he has a date with tomorrow, who fits in well with his friends. Life feels pretty good right now. 

He’s spent the better part of the last 12 hours thinking about this plan, ever since he asked you on this date. In a way, it’s perfect that he has barely 12 hours between asking you and the date itself. This way he barely has any time to worry about it, to overthink it. People have a tendency to think Bob is too shy or nervous to go on dates, but that’s not true. He is, however, a little nervous to go on a date with someone he’s known and liked as long as you. But who could blame him?

He’s ready a little bit earlier than he needs to leave to go pick you up, so he figures he might as well call Nat. It’s earlier than he would normally call on a weekend but she’s already texted him and he knows she’ll want to talk before his date. He’s a little bit surprised when she immediately declines the call but laughs when she quickly FaceTimes him instead.

“BOB. Date day!” She yells through the phone, in lieu of a normal greeting.

“Yep. I know, Nat.” He chuckles.

“Okay, what are you wearing?” He’s not surprised by the question, if anything he was expecting a text with it sometime while getting ready.

“I’ve got on a pair of jeans and –” Bob briefly looks down at his outfit while starting to describe it before Nat quickly cuts him off.

“No, show me! Come on, Bob!” 

Rolling his eyes at her antics, Bob takes a second to try and prop his phone up on the counter before giving up and taking the phone into his room, flipping the camera around and showing her in the mirror. Natasha quickly gives her approval before making him show her which sneakers he’s going to wear as well.

“You know I do manage to dress myself every morning, Nat. And it’s not like this is the first time I’ve gone out on a date.”

“No, I know, but she’s so cute and you liked her in high school, and it’s just cute, Bob. Besides, she’s funny and I like her already.” Bob feels a surge of pride at this. You’re not even his girlfriend (yet), but the idea that his best friend really likes you and that you fit in well with his friends makes him smile.

“I was surprised you drove her to the bar last night.” He says as he sits down to put on his sneakers.

“We’d been texting throughout the week and I offered to pick her up.” She shrugs. “I figured it’d give me a chance to get to know her better, and maybe make it a little less intimidating for her to come hang out with everyone. It’s not like I knew I’d get to interrogate her about your upcoming date on the way home, that was a surprise bonus.” 

“I didn’t really plan it either, Nat. But I’m glad I did it. Wait - what do you mean interrogate?” 

Nat laughs at this, and despite her promises that she was perfectly normal and polite, Bob is suddenly a little bit worried. He loves his best friend to death, but there’s nobody who would better be able to embarrass him. That’s friendship, though. Plus he knows she wouldn’t say anything too crazy, it’s not like she’s Hangman or anything. 

The two talk for a few more minutes before Bob checks his watch and realizes he has to leave to pick you up. He almost hangs up when Natasha interrupts again.

“Wait - you didn’t say anything about flowers! Bob, tell me you got her flowers.”

“Well, no –” He starts to say as he runs a hand through his hair.

“– Bob come on!” Nat interjects.

“– But , I’m going to get her some at the market.” Bob keeps talking despite the interruption.

“Oh.” Nat softens. “Good. That’s cute. Damn, you do have game. Alright, go pick up your girl, I can’t wait to hear all about it.” 

Bob says goodbye and hangs up the phone before heading out to his truck. He takes a quick second to text you that he’s on his way before starting the car and heading over to you.

As he pulls onto your street, he’s suddenly hit with a case of nerves. Maybe he should have gotten you flowers. Will it look rude if he shows up empty handed? He thought his plan to get them at the market was pretty good, and Nat seemed to think so too, but will you be disappointed when you open the door? He hopes not because he’s already at your driveway so it’s too late to change his mind now. 

Bob parks his truck behind your SUV and looks down at the clock. It’s 8:29, he’s exactly one minute early which he thinks is perfect. Traffic was on his side this morning which is good because he wouldn’t want to leave you waiting, and he also wouldn’t want to get there too early and make you feel rushed. He gets out of the truck, and walks up your driveway to get to your front porch. 

He’s still a little bit nervous so as he rings the doorbell, he takes a deep breath. He tries to remind himself that it’s not like you’re a stranger he’s trying to impress for the first time. You already know so much about each other. You know what the other looked like at 16 sweaty in math class after gym, you know the other’s siblings and family, you know when you each learned to drive, what your favorite sports are, and what your favorite subjects were in school. You’re incredibly easy to talk to, but if all else fails he can bring up old friends and memories and you two can spend time reminiscing on the past. 

He hears you call out that you’ll be there in a second and even though he knows his clothes are clean, neat, and have the Nat seal of approval, he looks down one more time as if to make sure this isn’t a dream and he’s not suddenly pantsless. 

Suddenly, the door flings open and you’re standing there, phone pressed between your ear and your shoulder while you half crouch to pull on one of your shoes. You’ve got a lot going on but you look beautiful, and he’s even more excited to take you out than he was just a minute ago. You’re in a t-shirt dress with a jean jacket and sneakers and he thinks it might be the prettiest thing you’ve ever worn, and he’s seen you in a prom dress.

“Bobby, hi! Come on in!” He loves the way your eyes light up when you see him. “I’m so sorry, I’m just finishing getting ready, because someone wouldn’t let me hang up because she wanted to stay on the phone to say hi to you.” You move out of the doorway to let him in, and hand him your phone where he can already hear his sister’s voice coming through the speaker.

“I’ll be right back, I just need to finish putting on a little sunscreen. This California sun is a killer.” You say as you head deeper into your house. From this angle, he can see that you have another cute ribbon in your hair. This one is green, matching your dress. He doesn’t know what it is about those ribbons but damn does he love you wearing them.

“Hi, Al. What are you doing on the phone so early?” 

“Bob! Way to go asking our girl on a date.” Allie completely ignores his question.

“Thank you. Again, what are you doing?”

“She’s going on a date with my baby brother! I couldn’t not talk to her in advance.”

“What did you say?” He groans. He should have known that between Phoenix and Allie, someone would have embarrassed him and since Phoenix swore she didn’t, obviously the universe made sure that Allie did. 

“Nothing, nothing. Just a little girl talk. She texted me last night on her way home and I made her promise to call me while she was getting ready. So, how does she look?”

“Allie, I’m not having this conversation with you right now, I’ll tell you later.” Bob hopes that Allie gets the hint that he wants to be able to tell you first how beautiful you look, and doesn’t want you to overhear him telling someone else. 

“Alright, fine. But seriously Bob, I’m excited for you two. I’m also selfishly very excited that this has brought us closer again, I didn’t even realize how much I missed her.”

“You’re telling me. I’ll call you later, okay?” 

After extracting a promise for a full play-by-play debrief later, Allie finally hangs up. You’re still in the other room and Bob doesn’t want to be rude and wander, and he’s not sure if you’re a shoes on or off in the house kind of person, so he just sort of stands there, looking at anything he can see, just taking it in. From his position by the front door, he can see how lived-in you’ve already made the place, with photos and art everywhere. He thinks it's adorable, and exactly like the type of place he’d picture you in. 

Less than a minute later, you come back into the room, apologizing for running late. 

“Sorry, I really meant to be ready when you got here. I’m choosing to blame your sister.” You joke. “But I’m also really hoping that we’ll write that off as an accident and I promise I’ll do better next time?” Your shoulders raise just the tiniest bit, giving away your apprehension at the question.

If life were a musical, this is the scene where Bob would break out into song and dance at the idea of you wanting to go on a second date with him, especially given that you haven’t even left the house to go on your first one yet. Inspired by the vague memory of your performances in the fall musical every year, Bob can just picture it: an upbeat number where he confesses his elation, maybe there would be a dance sequence with an entire ensemble backing him up. No matter what that would include, he thinks the most important thing is that you’d be standing right there with that same sweet smile you already have on. 

As far as Bob knows (and he thinks he would have picked up on it by now), life isn’t a musical and he’s not sure that being in high school theatre necessarily translates to wanting a man standing in your kitchen ready for a first date to burst into spontaneous song. So instead he summons his confidence, and replies, “I’ll hold you to that one.”

He’s delighted when in reply you wink, and say “You better, Bobby.” 

Bob watches as you grab a tote bag and quickly look inside, checking to make sure you have everything else you need.

“Alright, sorry again. I’m ready to go.” You smile at him. 

“I am too, I actually haven’t been to this market yet.” He admits.

“Well, aren’t I lucky to get to go with you.” You say sweetly. “I love going to the Farmer’s Market. I used to go all the time back in DC. Honestly, there were times I’d go to multiple different ones in a weekend - not even to buy anything, just walk around, get some fresh air, and enjoy the community.” You tell him as the two of you walk out of your house and you lock the door behind you.

“Huh, I don’t know that I ever thought about it like that.”

“Oh, Bobby, people watching at the market is the best. It’s right up there with people watching at the mall!” You exclaim, and Bob knows exactly what you mean.

“It’s also great at the Hard Deck.” Bob says, launching into a story about some of the things he’s witnessed at the bar while the two of you climb up into his truck. Bob looks over at you while you’re getting buckled, and from this new angle he can see a spot of sunscreen on the side of your face, at the very edge of your cheek, that you missed rubbing in. Without giving it much thought, Bob reaches over to gently get it for you. 

“You missed a spot.” Bob suddenly realizes that he probably should have told you first before just reaching over, but you just look up at him and smile. He doesn’t notice the way your breath hitches as he gently touches your face, but he does notice the way you instinctively lean into his hand. 

“Thanks for getting it.” You say, more shyly than either of you might expect.

Bob removes his hand from your face, and has a second realization: he hasn’t told you how great you look today. Truthfully, it was the first thing he thought when you answered the door. He hopes it isn’t too late to mention it, he doesn’t want you to think he didn’t notice immediately. 

“By the way,” he starts to say as he puts the key in the ignition, “you look beautiful. I mean, you are beautiful, and you look great today.” Bob turns to look at you as he starts the car and the two of you just smile at each other for a moment. Bob wonders if being that smiley all the time hurts your cheeks. He hopes not, because he loves that expression on you.

“Why, thank you.” You seem almost surprised, so Bob rushes to explain himself.

“I meant to say it as soon as you opened the door. Honestly, I think I just got thrown off by Allie being on the phone.” Then, remembering what you said earlier he says, “I’m choosing to blame my sister, and promise I’ll do better next time?” 

His teasing grin only widens when you wink and reply, “I’ll hold you to it.” 

On the drive to the market, he points out some of the places he’s been so far, and while you haven’t been in the area as long, you do the same. Neither of you say it directly, but there’s a clear undertone of I’d like to take you there sometime whenever one of you recommends a place to the other.

“Alright, I’ve got a plan.” You tell him. “So, I looked up the list of vendors in advance and have a general idea of what I might be interested in and want to see, but I think we should just take a lap around the whole market first to see what stands out to us and then on our second lap we can actually get breakfast or produce or anything. Does that work?” 

“Am I going to sound like I’m trying too hard if I admit that I did the same thing and that I was going to suggest something similar?” Bob asks. 

“Aha, perfect! Do you also look up the menu for a restaurant before you go?” 

When Bob admits he does, you let out a little “yes!” and laugh. It doesn’t take much longer for you two to arrive at the market and start looking around. It’s a little busy, but neither of you mind. It just gives you an excuse to stand closer to one another while you go from stand to stand, pointing out what you might want to get on your second lap. You stop to look at the produce at each one of the farm stands to be able to decide which one you’ll get some berries from, and Bob takes a look at the flowers you walk past, hoping you don’t notice him doing it.

A few minutes into your first lap around the market, your fingers brush against Bob’s. Neither of you say anything, but given the way you each freeze for just half a second, it’s clear you notice. Then somewhere around your second produce stand, about a third of your way around the market, it happens again. The third time it happens, you’re almost right back where you two started. 

While Bob’s busy trying to decide if it’s too soon or too weird to just grab your hand, you’ve already moved past those reservations. One second he’s thinking about if you’d mind if he tried to hold your hand and how he might play it off if you’re not interested, and the next his hand is right in yours. 

As you interlace your fingers with Bob’s, you offer a simple, innocent, “it’ll be easier in the crowd.”

Bob almost laughs. You both know that the group of people around you has nothing to do with why you’re holding hands, but instead of saying something about it, Bob just lightly squeezes your hand. You two smile at one another and then keep walking.

“So, what are you thinking for breakfast?” You ask.

“I’m okay with anything, but those breakfast burritos looked good.” He gestures with his free hand in the direction of the stand he’s talking about.

“Amazing. I mean I guess there’s no reason we couldn’t get food from different stands, but I was thinking the exact same thing.”  

“It might take them a few minutes to make, do you want to order them and then we can grab coffee while we wait?” He asks.

“Definitely, and then maybe we find somewhere to eat? Would you be up for a third lap of the market after that for anything we want to take home? My plan made so much sense earlier but now I realize it’s just dragging you in circles.” You almost look sheepish.

“Nah, I like walking around with you. And you’re right, it’s got great people watching.” 

The two of you head off on your second lap of the market, stopping to order your breakfasts. You only agree to let Bob pay once he reminds you that that’s his right as the person who asked you on the date. When you roll your eyes to agree, promising that you’ll buy the coffee, Bob already knows he’s going to pay for that too. Instead of putting his credit card all the way back in his wallet, he keeps it in his front pocket to help him be faster than you when it comes to paying for coffee.

With your burritos ordered and an estimated time of 10 minutes until they’re ready, you two head over to the coffee stand you had noticed. Just as he planned, Bob quickly gets his credit card out to pay. When you predictably complain about it, Bob tells you that he might let you pay next time. 

You still have time before your burritos are ready, and Bob is trying to figure out when and how to duck away to buy your flowers when another woman, about your age, walks up and compliments your bag. The two of you strike up an easy conversation, and Bob realizes that this is his perfect opportunity. 

You’re busy chatting, coffee in hand, so you don’t think much of it when Bob offers a quick “I’ll be right back” and heads to the next stand housing absolutely gorgeous flowers. 

Bob has no idea what your favorite flowers are, and he’s only mildly certain that you don’t have any particular floral allergies. Even if what he grabs aren’t your favorites, he’s hoping that its the thought that counts and that for a first date, it’s an okay mistake to make. 

His eyes are drawn towards a beautiful bouquet full of spring colors and he decides that’s the one. He doesn’t want to take too long to look at the options and risk you wondering where he’s gone, and if it drew his attention so quickly, maybe that’s a sign that they’re the right ones. He hands the bouquet to the vendor to be wrapped, pays, and somehow manages to make it back to your side all while you’re still chatting with the woman at the coffee stand. 

Your back is to him, so he steps up behind you and leans forward as he lets you know he’s back. 

“Hi, you.” You say, leaning back against him, without even turning around. With your body pressed against his, you introduce him to your new friend Maria.

“You two are so cute together.” Maria says. She glances down to see the flowers in Bob’s hand and gives him a quick wink. You're too busy smiling up at Bob to notice. Maria offers you her instagram handle so you can stay in touch and get coffee together sometime, and after saying goodbye you finally turn around to look at Bob.

“Bobby, are those for me?” You ask, noticing the bouquet in his hands. 

“Nah, I thought they were perfect for your new friend.” He teases as you lightly shove his shoulder. “Yeah, they’re for you.” 

As you take the flowers he’s offering, you lean forward and press a kiss to his cheek. 

“Thank you, they’re gorgeous.”

“I didn’t know your favorites, I was just hoping you’d like these.” He admits.

“Luckily for you, I don’t have a favorite. I actually prefer mixed bouquets.” 

“Really?” Bob trusts you, but he wouldn’t put it past you to just say that politely for now. 

“Really.” He knows you mean it. 

“Oh good. Full disclosure, Nat gave me hell when she heard I wasn’t going to have flowers for you when I picked you up, but I saw multiple florist stands on the vendor list last night and thought you might like that better.” 

“You know me so well.” You beam. “Come on, let’s go check on our breakfast.” 

Bob expects that between your coffee and your flowers, your hands will be full but you surprise him by tucking your flowers into the crook of your arm, transferring the coffee to that hand, and then using your (now free) right hand to reach out and hold his hand again. 

You wait a few more minutes, telling him about your conversation with Maria, before your burritos are ready. After you get your burritos, you find a bench in the shade where you can sit down and eat. You do a silly little happy dance when you take the first bite of your burrito, and Bob laughs with you. He’s so endeared by you – the way you’re not afraid to be a little silly, to chat with a nice stranger, to be the first one to reach out and hold his hand. 

While you eat your breakfasts, he’s thinking about all of the little things you’ve each done first so far. You approached him in the bar, you were the first to mention texting, and you kissed him on the cheek and held his hand first. It feels like so much of the ball has been in your court and don’t get him wrong, he’s been loving it, but he doesn’t want you to think he’s not interested. It’s funny how he can go up in million dollar aircraft every day, but in matters like this, it feels like you’re the brave one. 

Sure, he could consider it even since he texted first (well, technically Phoenix did but that doesn’t count), he asked you to get coffee, he asked you to dance, and he asked you on the date. Given the way you’re looking at him, and how well the morning is going, he thinks maybe he might try and kiss you today. It doesn’t feel quite like the right moment, but he really likes you, and he’s wanted to kiss you since you were both 14 sitting next to each other in homeroom, so maybe he’ll borrow some of your bravery and do it. 

Either way, the two of you finish eating and decide to walk around the market again while you drink your coffee and laugh kindheartedly about the various people watching you're doing. When you walk by the stand where he bought your bouquet, you make a point to tell the florist how gorgeous the flowers are and how much you like them. She gives Bob an approving glance, and he really likes the way that everyone who sees you today thinks of you two as a unit, a couple. 

Once you finally start picking up some berries and the other non-breakfast goods that caught your eye, Bob reaches out to grab your tote bag. Up until now, it’s been more purse than grocery bag, but now that you’re loading it with your purchases, he’s going to carry it for you. You don’t even notice at first, you’re busy paying the man and listening while he tells you more about his family’s farm as Bob takes your bag out of your hand. 

Even once you leave that stand and head to another one, you’re so busy talking about how excited you are for how fresh those berries look that you still don’t notice right away. 

“I love getting fresh berries at the market. I know they might be more expensive than from the grocery story but I’m more directly supporting the vendor, they’re usually fresher, and I just really prefer it, ya know? Wait – my bag!” You suddenly look down, as if your bag is going to miraculously appear in your hands. 

“Right here, darlin’.” Bob turns so you can see it on his opposite shoulder, and you immediately reach a hand out to grab it.

“Oh, thank you. I swear, sometimes my mama was right. I would forget my head if it wasn’t attached.”

“Nah, you didn’t forget it. I grabbed it already. I’m carrying it.”

“Bobby, you don’t need to carry my bag.” You stop walking and look at him with a curious tilt of your head.

“I don’t need to, I want to. This is a date, ma’am. I had three goals this morning: buy you breakfast, get you flowers, and carry your bag. You can’t leave me at two out of the three, it would just be cruel.” Okay, so Bob’s hamming it up a little, but if you can be fun and silly, so can he. 

“Oh it would, would it?” You grin. “Alright, well only because you’re so cute.” You tell him, as if it’s some kind of hardship for you not to carry your own bag. You put your hand right back in his and pick up where you left off, looking at the various stands to decide what, if anything else, you might want to take home with you.

Your last stop of the morning is a delicious looking bakery stand where you get some bagels and a box of cinnamon rolls and Bob gets some bread and a few cookies, including one double chocolate cookie for Nat and a snickerdoodle he grabs without you seeing, and tucks in your bag to surprise you with later. 

Finally, the two of you decide you’re ready to head out. Well, you would each spend hours together if you could but there are really only so many times you can walk in a circle around the same market. Today, your limit is three. It was a good plan, but you’re both ready to get back inside since that California heat is starting to pick up. 

“I had a really great time today.” You tell Bob as you climb back up into his truck.

“I did too.” 

“Is it too soon to ask about a second date?” You ask.

“She asks, as if she hadn’t mentioned it hours ago.” He teases. “No, I’d love to go on another date.” He says sincerely. 

“Good. Me too. Is it crazy if I admit that I’d go tomorrow?”

“Not tonight?” Bob doesn’t even have time to worry that it came out the wrong way, you’re immediately smiling, in on the joke.

“Nah, I’ve got some standards of what is and isn’t crazy. But more realistically, it's because I’m grabbing dinner with one of my colleagues.” 

“Fair enough, how’s tomorrow then?”

When you agree, Bob feels like he could float out of the car. Your first date isn’t even over yet and you’re planning your second, like you can’t get enough of him. (You can’t.) (It’s mutual.) Bob’s trying not to let his thoughts race towards a third date, a fourth, how long until you can be exclusive and official? He’s fully aware his mind is rushing things, but somehow he’s not sure you’d mind. 

With a tentative plan for tomorrow, you start telling him more about this dinner with your colleague.

“Bobby, last time I let her pick the place she took us to this snobby wine bar. When I asked if they had anything sweet the waitress rolled her eyes and told me to consider a cocktail instead.” 

“No she didn’t. So what did you do?”

“I ordered a cocktail. And it sucked.” You burst out laughing. “The thing is, I like wine, I just prefer something on the sweeter side. I just wanted a recommendation!” You put your head in your hands, laughing at the memory. 

The drive home flies by, and before you know it you’re back in your driveway. 

“Can I help you bring everything in?” Bob asks, and you nod gratefully. You could easily carry it in yourself but neither of you are ready for the morning to end. 

As you walk up to your front door, Bob insists on carrying your bag and your (now empty) coffee cup. You make a show of rolling your eyes, but let him do it. It’s a little old fashioned, but it’s sweet, and you both like it. 

“What are you up to between now and dinner?” He asks, leaning against your kitchen counter as you put away everything you bought. 

“Hmm, first I’ll hop in the shower and rinse off my sunscreen. Then it’ll probably be nap time.” You shrug as you close the refrigerator and lean on the counter next to Bob. “I am not really a morning person.” 

You seem to realize what you’ve said before Bob can say anything, so you quickly add, “but I can do it. Especially when there’s something worth doing. I’m just not going to be up early on the weekend just for fun. But if there’s the chance to go to a market? I’m there. Even better when that chance involves you.” 

This is it, Bob realizes. The air suddenly feels heavy with something he thinks is anticipation. He doesn’t know how he knows, but he knows this is the moment where he’s going to kiss you for the first time. 

You’re already right next to each other, so he doesn’t have far to move. In all honesty, Bob has no idea whether he takes a step towards you, he’s so focused on that look in your eyes and how badly he wants you in his arms. One second you’re both leaning against the counter, facing one another, and the next second Bob’s got one hand on the side of your face and the other wrapping around your waist as he leans down and kisses you. 

You don’t hesitate to kiss him back. 

Your hands quickly find purchase wrapped around his neck, and the way you lean into him makes him hold your waist even tighter. With your weight balanced between Bob's strong hold on you and your body pressed against him, your back leg gently flicks up, foot leaving the ground a few inches. It’s probably a little obscene for not-quite noon in your kitchen, but it’s the result of years of mutual pining, of fate bringing you back to one another, of the greatest first date either of you have ever had. 

“Hi.” You giggle as you finally pull away, leg lowering back to the ground. 

“Hi there.” He says. “I’ve been thinking about that all morning.” 

“Me too.” You admit. 

Bob ducks down and presses a kiss to your forehead before helping you finish put your things away. You get out a spare grocery bag for his bread and cookies, and when he surprises you with your snickerdoodle, you kiss him again. 

"I didn't even ask, what are you doing later?"

"I've got plans with Nat. Truthfully I don't even know what we're doing, I don't bother asking half the time." 

"She's a woman on a mission, I get it." You laugh. "I like her a lot. In some ways she's a lot like Allie." 

"Oh I know. The day those two finally get in the same room, my life is over." He groans.

"Nah, it won't be that bad." You stop and think for a second. "Well, maybe it will be. But I'll be there to help." 

"Oh, you better." Bob teases as he steals another kiss.

It's unreal how easy it is with you. Flirting with you comes naturally, and not that he was worried about it but woah is it incredible to kiss you. 

Bob has to go sooner than he likes but you walk him to his truck despite his protest that he just walked you to your door. With another quick kiss and a promise to see him tomorrow (and definitely text more later), you finally say goodbye.