Against All Odds (Closed!)

[TheMysteryGuy]

He smirked at her annoyance but held his tongue, Mark didn't want her to entirely hate him. "Of course." he agreed with only the slightest hint of incredulity.

Under normal circumstances Mark avoided these conversations like the plague, but having a pretty girl sitting there waiting on his every word it was actually quite enjoyable, even if it was connected to that infuriating personality. Sticking to the shadows all his life was one thing, but being the centre of attention, even in a room of two people, was nice. Mark watched her as she talked, realising after a moment he hadn't taken his eyes off her. He quickly looked to the window, anywhere, but those deep green eyes called him back. He had questions of his own, but he thought it best to save it for when she was in a better state.

Luckily that question was easy to answer, this time. "No, everyone else got out fine. A friend of mine got a piece of shrapnel in the shoulder and another was grazed by a ricochet, but that's about it." He gave her another warm smile but beneath it his the truth of just how close they'd come to screwing the whole thing up. According to the battle report he'd read after the operation, if those Little Birds had arrived fifteen seconds later they'd all be six feet under right about now. Still, no point dwelling on that!

 

[momoftwins13]

Candice sighed in relief when Mark said no one else had been injured. It was such a burden off of her shoulders. Now she just wished Mark hadn't been hurt either. She looked at him and was startled to find herself gazing straight into his gorgeous eyes. A flush crept up her bruised cheeks and face.

"What happens to you when we get back to the states?" She asked. She felt terrible he had been injured merely to save her... It ate at her conscience. She hoped he would make a full recovery. He was a big, healthy, strong man. He had to make a full recovery, right??

She briefly wondered what things he had seen in his career. Terrible things, she was positive. She had seen enough horrible sights in her semiconscious state in just those few minutes... How many missions had he been on? How many people had he saved? How many friends had he lost? Did he have a family who worried about him? They were all entirely too personal of a question to ask... But she silently thought about it and wondered anyway.

 

[TheMysteryGuy]

Her gaze, although entirely curious with a mix of something he couldn't quite pit his finger on, in combination with the midmorning heat made his green army-issue shirt cling to his back uncomfortably.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw her looking once more, only for an instant before she tore her eyes away. Was she ashamed to be face to face with the man who saved her life? She was proud, Mark gave her that, it wouldn't be surprising. Still, despite everything, he found himself wanting the girl to like him for some alien reason. Another thing to work out later.

"We both actually have to go to the same place, Fort Bragg, you for your debrief and me for... something similar. Then I'm off for some tests on this thing" Mark motioned to his leg "and if I know you well enough you'll be off shouting at some CBS men." He meant it as a joke, but wondered how far from the truth that really was.

"So on the way back do I get my own little twenty questions session?" Mark liked talking to Candice, he decided, she had a lot more brains than the women he was used to conversing with, but at a bar in the early morning interpersonal skills were less important. Not that he didn't enjoy telling this young lady about all his many adventures, oh no, for once he found himself taking an interest in her. He was willing to bet she'd been to as many far off corners of the world as he had, and that was certainly something!

 

[momoftwins13]

Candice smiled briefly at Mark. "I have nothing to hide. I'm an open book so yes, you can ask whatever you want to ask me" she replied in answer to his question. "Unlike some people I know" she cut her eyes playfully at him. She knew he couldn't speak of his job and stuff but she found herself curious about more than just that.

She wanted to know his past. Why he did such a dangerous job?

If he had a woman in his life.

WOAH. Where had that thought come from? She was a dedicated professional and rarely ever dated even though she got asked all of the time. She had never found someone who tempted her to want to take time away from her work.

"I have more questions though, ya know" she stated finally just as a nurse walked in. The nurse began to poke and prod again at the various cuts, bruises, etc on her body.

"Good news" she said. "You get to go home earlier than expected. You need MRI and we don't have that equipment here. They want to make sure you don't have any internal brain or organ damage, but we think you are probably ok".

Lydia's face erupted into a beautiful smile that completely transformed her face from looking broken to gorgeous. Her eyes lit up and she glanced to Mark with the beautiful expression on her face.

"We get to go home" she said softly.

 

[TheMysteryGuy]

One of the few benefits to his job was that everything that wasn't happening in direct accordance with a mission went down in style. Mark imagined that the higher-ups took pity on them and so tried to make up for the horrific conditions they were exposed to half the time, or maybe they'd decided he needed comfort for his leg. In any case, being in first class for the next twelve hours would certainly make the trip much smoother.

CBS had decided to give Candice a little bump up too, and seeing as most of both of their pain and suffering could be blamed on them it was probably only the first of many nice gestures. Still, Mark appreciated the company, she was good and fun to talk to and even if she got frustrating she wouldn't be hard on the eyes. Being stuck together for over half a day including messing around at the airport would test their ability to cooperate no end.

Luggage stowed, he looked around at the little cabin compartment. It was more like a small hotel room than a seat, with top rate service, food, and a mini fridge filled with the best alcohol selection he'd ever seen. Mark bit his lip as he sat, holding inside the small cry of pain as his leg gave out ever so slightly. Thank goodness this wasn't economy, because those cramped conditions would most certainly leave him in a less than amicable state.

Candice, on the other hand, seemed the veritable picture of ecstasy. He supposed that the fact they were going home had finally sunk in, and it warmed his heart to see her so happy. Her arm was still in a sling and her face had two prominent scars, but with the bruises gone it was clear to see she was stunningly good looking. No, the next twelve hours would not be an issue, Mark decided.

 

[momoftwins13]

Candice couldn't be happier to be heading back to the states. While she had enjoyed being away and getting great photographs, the whole getting captured and tortured thing had kind of taken away the allure of traveling for a while. Even better was the fact that CBS and whoever Mark's bosses were, had upgraded them both to first class seats and they were next to each other on the plane.

Once their luggage was checked, they boarded their plane. She saw at one point, Mark wince in pain and she frowned, feeling guilty. If he hasn't went to take those pictures... She shook her head slightly.

If she hadn't went to take those pictures she wouldn't have been doing her job. Plain and simple. She had not done anything wrong.

She sat down in the comfortable seat and smiled as Mark sat beside her.

"Is your leg hurting you?" She asked quietly, glancing down at his injury. She couldn't imagine the pain a bullet wound must radiate... Her injuries were painful enough.

 

[TheMysteryGuy]

His companion's presence managed to lift his spirits somewhat, but the pain from the injury was acting up today, and Mark only hoped the altitude wouldn't effect things further. Still, he couldn't wait until they were in the air and he was allowed a stiff drink to take the edge off things.

Candice's voice startled him as he looked from the window at the tarmac below. Her voice had two tones it would seem, proud, loud, and pretentious like a controlling mother or soft and innocent, almost shy. It was funny to see her persona at work.

"No, it just feels a little funny, that's all. I'll just have to get used to it." Truth be told it worried him, and the pain was severe, but there was no way he was going to act weak in front of this particular woman. It wasn't a fear of judging just... something else. Another reason for a strong drink to make things simpler and hopefully set him on a course for a decent night's rest.

"Anyway, how're you holding up? I think you got the worst of our little adventure..." Mark had been watching her from the corner of his eye as his training dictated, and had spotted her own little winces of pain, especially on the heavily bandaged arm. He felt for her, it was his job to get banged up but she was hurt because of someone else's mistake. Like him however she seemed to be trying to hide her discomfort.

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia gave him a small knowing smile. She did know how he felt. Like him she was in pain but trying not to show it. Her ribs hurt like hell along with her burned arm. "Ive been better" she admitted. "I'll BE better once we lift off from this god forsaken country."

Just like that the plane began to roll down the runway slowly, gaining speed as it went. Usually Lydia enjoyed the feeling of a plane lifting off but this time it put pressure in her ribs causing her to grab the nearest thing and squeeze... Which just so happened to be his hand on the armrest between them.

She squeezed her eyes shut in an effort to ignore the pain. Once the plane was up in the air the pressure eased and she was able to take a bit deeper breath. She realized then what she was holding and slowly took her hand away.

"Ok... So it hurts" she said quietly, smiling a little now that the pain had ebbed.

 

[TheMysteryGuy]

Mark froze when he felt the contact on his hand. Her skin was soft yet hot to the touch, almost on fire. She held quite a grip on him, strength in those slender fingers, but instead of pain his palms started to sweat, ever so slightly. He was not used to that...

"It's okay, I can hardly blame you." Mark reached out as she retracted, brushing her forearm lightly. He wasn't quite sure why but it felt right. "Some things get easier, getting hurt isn't one of them. Now don't you go making a habit of getting yourself kidnapped, eh?" He tried to change the subject but their little personal contact stuck with him.

Suddenly they were I'm the air proper, and the seatbelt light went out. Mark took that as his cue to lean forward and properly examine the drinks on offer, settling for a glass of whiskey on ice. He felt Candice's gaze upon him still, but he couldn't bring himself to face her. 'Jeez Bush', he told himself, 'how old are you? You kill people for a living but can't look a pretty girl in the face?'

 

[momoftwins13]

Candice smiled briefly at Mark and then gazed out the window for a bit as e fixed a drink and the plane soared out over open water. A scenario flashed in her head of herself and Mark stranded on some deserted island together wearing leaves for clothes and eating coconuts, which made her giggle.

At Mark's questioning glance she laughed again. "Sorry" she said still laughing. "These pain pills are crazy... I've got a picture in my mind". She proceeds to tell him what she had saw. "Sorry but I dont wanna be stranded on an island... Not even with a sexy man like you".

She realized what she had said immediately and blushed. "Shit" she murmured quietly. "Inappropriate... Sorry". Inwardly she cussed whatever pain medicine she was on because apparently it made her tongue loose... But could she really blame the medicine? Probably not. He WAS sexy... In an arrogant jerk kind of way...

 

[TheMysteryGuy]

It would appear Candice had completed an entire conversation all by herself, but Mark wasn't about to complain. Instead, rather taken aback, he necked the strong whiskey and poured himself another. From the lingering looks and little blushes he'd suspected as much, but the audacity to come out and say such a thing was striking. Kinda impressive, too.

He pictured her thought in his mind too, and sighed heavily. Wow, that certainly was something! Mark couldn't help but picture his companion scantily clad in ferns, and now it was his turn to blush. Being in the military and being so dedicated to his career, it'd been a long time since he was in a position like this... what now? Do I say something?

Instead he smiled. Sexy, eh? He could live with that. Previous confidence back, he remembered all that time ago when picking up ladies took up the majority of their Friday nights. Silly times, he chuckled into the glass, taking a swig. Another sigh. Looking over he saw Candice avoiding his eye, ashamed almost, looking out into the aisle. Evidently that little comment wasn't on her script.

"Hey, I've put up with worse conditions in my time! You're certainly easier on the eyes than most of the lads I bunk with, plus I reckon I'd pull off the whole leaves look quite well!" Perhaps a little humour would help remedy the situation, it'd be much better to be able to look into those pretty eyes than have them fixed upon the back of her seat, Mark figured.

 

[momoftwins13]

"...plus I reckon I'd pull off the whole leaves look quite well!"

Candice cut her eyes and raised her eyebrows at this comment while smirking. "Not as good as I would" she teased him. Humor was the right key to easing the tension between them and pretty soon Candice relaxed again. She lay her head back, knowing that it would take hours to get to their next destination. Pretty soon se felt herself drifting off to sleep.

A couple of hours later the plane hit a bit of turbulence, which jarred Candice awake. Her eyes flew open and the first thing she noticed was how comfortable she was. The second was the fact that she was leaning over slightly and had her head on Mark's shoulder.

She had to yawn but was careful to keep it shallow so as not to hurt her ribs.

"Sorry, Mark" she said. "Guess I was exhausted".

 

[TheMysteryGuy]

It was about halfway through the in flight movie Mark felt a weight against his shoulder, and was startled to turn and receive a face full of hair. He was initially rather uncomfortable and tense, but as the film meandered along (he'd worked out it was the CIA man halfway through, but the betrayal scene was well acted) he relaxed, and even enjoyed the feeling of the warm body upon him.

Candice's hair was a strange zest of orange and lemon, and went nicely with the whiskey he was still drinking, now five small glasses down and feeling it, so much so he rested his own head upon hers. A little later the captain announced over the tannoy that the plane was running into a storm over the Pacific, and within seconds those deep green eyes flickered open.

Mark was surprised to find himself disappointed when she sat up, no longer warm, connected, and comforting. "That's quite alright, I don't blame you, you've been through hell. I'm pretty shattered myself." He took another sip and gave her leg a slight squeeze. Perhaps it was the alcohol talking, but Mark added abruptly "It wasn't too bad, I mean it didn't bother me really... You can lift up the arm rest and shuffle over, I mean, if you fancy..."

 

[momoftwins13]

The plane bounced and shuffled amongst the turbulent air, causing a few passengers to squeak a few times in dear. The turbulence don't bother Candice except for the few times it caused her a little pain in her ribs. She yawned sleepily.

Then Mark said he hadn't minded her head on his shoulder. Her eyes darted his quickly. He invited her to lift up the arm rest and slide over. It probably wasn't a good idea, her to lay against him. But at that point in time it sounded wonderful.

Without a word, Candice lifted the armrest between them and moved until her hip pressed against his, thankful that it was his uninjured leg. She then leaned into him so that her head was resting partly upon his chest and partly on his shoulder not was much more comfortable on her strained body, and the warmth and physical contact was welcome also.

"Thanks Mark" she whispered quietly as she focused on the movie playing above them.

 

[TheMysteryGuy]

The constant juddering was a nightmare for his injury, and Mark sat with his teeth gritted. He wanted to reach for the drinks fridge again, but he'd figured seven glasses was half a dozen too many already. When the captain finally announced calmer skies and the flight returned to a smooth meander, it was quite a relief.

Part of him was surprised Candice had taken him up on the offer, the silent manner she slid over indicating her reluctance. Her body was warm and comforting, slightly chilly was the journey, and it helped him to relax having someone close like that. It'd been a long, long time since a woman had fallen asleep on him, but within minutes of the plane returning to a calm state her chest was rising deeply and her eyes were lightly closed. Mark tried his best not to look at her chest, full and impressive upon her petite frame.

After a while the weight of the woman on his shoulder became a tad uncomfortable, so Mark instinctively lifted his arm up and put it around her, letting her head nestle against his chest. She moved slightly, adjusting to the new position but otherwise nonplussed. It took him a moment to realise what he'd just done, but he figured what the hell. Things might be a little awkward in the morning when her pills and his alcohol had worn off, but they were adults. They could talk when they were both less shattered, it was a long journey.

As the climax of the movie came and went, setting things up perfectly for a sequel, Mark began to yawn and his eyes felt heavy as the credits rolled. Unplugging his headphones, he rested his head against Candice's, squeezed her gently, and began to drift off, his hand falling softly into her lap.

 

[momoftwins13]

When Candice awoke her head was on Mark's shoulder and his arm was slid around her body, holding her close. He was asleep and his hand had slid down into her lap. She studied him quietly for a moment. He looked so different when he was sleeping. Not like the war hardened veteran that he was but like someone who she could learn to like, trust and... Well she wouldn't say the ore word cause it would never happen. But if she allowed herself to...

Her pain meds were wearing off by then And she was in considerable pain even without moving. She also really had to pee. As slowly as she could she sat up, trying not to disturb Mark, but as she did a stab of pain screamed through her body and she moaned a bit, allowing herself to slumb back against Mark, thankful for his warmth and stability.

She closed her eyes and took a few short breaths before gathering her strength to try and get up again...

Just as she steeled herself to get up the captain came over the loudspeaker and announced their approach to their first layover. Thinking it was hopeless to try as stand right then she sighed and glanced up to look at Mark, shifting slightly so that her weight washer on her seat than his body, but she was still touching him. For some reason she wasn't yet ready to give up that contact with him. She really needed to stop thinking like that though.

He had been her beacon through this storm but once they got back to the US she was afraid she work probably never see him again... Which hurt a little more than it should have if she were honest with herself.

What a mess..." she thought to herself.

 

[TheMysteryGuy]

Her movements caused Mark to stir, and when his eyes opened he saw her sitting almost on his knee, using the seat to stand up. Falling back against him she paused, and he remarked on how small and light she was. Strangely, Mark liked having her so close, it felt protective, and he was amazed once again how unbroken she was after her ordeal. Feeling a little more rested now, hr yawned.

"Hey, you okay?" Mark asked, half-asleep, taking his arm from around her. "Are you hurt?" He was genuinely concerned for his female friend. Looking up, her hair was a mess, frizzy from where her head had rested upon him, but for a brief moment he smiled; no matter what, she was still one pretty lady.

Despite being gifted in the regard he never got hangovers (much to the disgruntlement of many the morning after) he knew a glass of water was well needed to prevent dehydration. Perhaps a short walk would do him good too, to prevent cramp despite the luxurious conditions they were treated to.

 

[momoftwins13]

Candice glanced up at Mark when he asked if she were ok. "I'm ok" she said softly. "Just really stiff I think from sitting so long". She knew she needed to get up, and once they touched down on the Tarmac she fought her way to her feet, grimacing in pain as she did.

She watched as Mark too got to his feet as well. She couldn't help but smile. "We make quite a couple" she said as they both got off of the plane and walked out into the airport.

People milled all around speaking all kinds of languages she didn't understand. She wondered if Mark spoke a lot of lain gushes from his travels. She grabbed herself a vitamin water and then joined back up with Mark.

"How much longer til we are back home?" She asked anxiously.

"Thank you, by the way for letting me lay on you it made it a lot more comfortable. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable though" she said, worried she had hurt him. "I didn't hurt you did I?" Why she really wanted to ask was if he had enjoyed it as much as she had... But she wouldn't ask that.

 

[TheMysteryGuy]

Mark was glad she wasn't badly hurt, but in reality he was concerned for his own wellbeing. He couldn't wait to complete the tests and have put his mind to rest, if not stop the intermittent blinding pain. He looked out over the mezzanine at LAX, a journey he'd done before but never in such a stylish fashion. Being in first class meant they got off first, and had no issue collecting their luggage, not that Mark had any.

He laughed at Candice's comment about being a couple, and pictured what a dysfunctional pair they'd be. They got on fine with enough alcohol and pain pills, but they bickered like old women for the most. Still, after all this time he'd forgotten what that felt like. Mark took the opportunity to put his arm around her, and replied "Oh yes dear, I hear Martha's Vineyard is exquisite this time of year..." in a mocking, jovial tone. Smiling, he returned his arm to his side, as much as he wanted to leave it there.

As Candice disappeared to find some water, he stood in the middle of the arrivals lounge, looking and listening. His training kicked in, and he scanned the faces and movements for any suspicious activity; one could never be too careful at an airport, Mark told himself. Soon however she was back at his side, and he felt a little more at ease. He couldn't help but feel like he should be looking after her.

"Well unfortunately we have a long layover ahead of us." They had arrived at six thirty local time, and there were no more flights to their destination until tomorrow morning. "The plane to Raleigh to get to Fort Bragg leaves tomorrow at eight." She walked with grace next to him, an air of confidence and belonging. It felt good to be by her side. "I was thinking we could find a hotel close, get a proper night's sleep. I'm sure you have people to call and things..." Personally, Mark was rather looking forward to swindling a room in a nice hotel from the government. He took a bullet for them, he knew the least they could do was give him a decent bed for once.

As for the rest... Mark chose to let it go. It was probably a mistake to fall asleep half-cuddled up like that, but as much as he tried not to he had enjoyed it rather a lot. Still, no use getting too attached.

 

[momoftwins13]

Candice smiled dreamily at the thought of a proper hotel room. A huge king sized plush bed sounded like heaven on earth... Almost. The only thing that would made it better would ... Well she wouldn't go there.

Together they started towards the airport hotel to try and swing a room. Once there Candice let Mark do most of the talking but what they heard surprised them. There was some popular festival in town and nearly every local hotel was sold out. They just happened to have one open hotel room with one kind sized bed. It had been a cancellation. That was their only option.

They would have to share a room. And a bed.

The thought sent a shiver of nerves down her spine.

"I can sleep on the couch in the room" she offered, not wanting mark to feel uncomfortable with the arrangement.

 

[TheMysteryGuy]

It was a nice hotel, that was true, but the room situation left a certain predicament. "Oh don't be silly, if anyone's taking the couch it'll be me, you've earnt a nice big comfy bed. Just try not to get too lonely!" Mark teased, but with a tiny edge of seriousness. His mind started to wander, sharing a bed with Candice, that petite frame in his arms, that impressive chest... He shook his head, what was he thinking? He swore the alcohol wore off hours ago. Still, as they stood silently in the elevator, he felt a slight tingling down his body.

As they stepped into the room Mark held his arms wide and smiled. "Five star accommodation in the one of the finest cities in the world." It wasn't quite five star, but the room was lavishly furnished with a floor to ceiling view of the airport. The noise was muffled but noticeable, although the view of the planes taxing and taking off was impressive and more than made up for the minor disturbance. Mark stood by the window for a moment as his companion popped into the bathroom.

The hotel said they'd compensate for things and Mark put things on his business card which was essentially limitless, so they could spend the next eleven hours or so in modest comfort. Candice's bags were to be brought up, but he himself found himself lacking when it came to spare clothes. Perhaps a trip into the city was required.

He leant up against the wall as the woman reappeared. Her pretty features seemed to shine in the light of the room, skin glowing with a golden radiance. Once more he had to prevent the thoughts growing in his imagination.

"I umm.. Yeah, I don't exactly have much so I was thinking we could go into town in a bit, I'm not that tired and I mean you don't have to come with me, you can stay here if you prefer, I just thought it would be nice..." He stopped talking. Despite everything, all he'd seen and all he'd done, Mark was scared witless by the beautiful woman in front of him.

 

[momoftwins13]

Candice didn't want to make Mark have to sleep on the couch because of his leg but she thought that they could hash the sleeping issue out later. For now she just looked around the luxurious room in awe.

"This is gorgeous". She said as she walked around looking. She excused herself to go to the bathroom and went inside.

Once inside, Candice took a few moments to compose herself. She brushed her hair and washed her face off. Once she felt a bit refreshed she stepped back in to the suite. Mark looked gorgeous standing there amongst all of the lavish furnishing. Even travel weary and jet lagged he was gorgeous.

Mark then asked if she was interested in going out into the city for a bit. She hurt and was tired but she couldn't resist the allure of the city especially the city with Mark by her side. As they walked back to the elevator they were unaware of the attention they received ... Not only because of their injuries but also because they made quite a striking couple when walking side by side.

"Where are we going?" She asked Mark as they got putty the street. She didn't know if they needed a cab or what. She also wondered what he would want to do for a meal...

 

[TheMysteryGuy]

A basic plan began to form in Mark's mind for the evening. It amused him to plan their little trip in the same way he'd plan an assault. He had nothing to wear, well, nothing worthy of wearing with such an elegant lady on his arm, he needed something more... classy. Stepping out into the brisk fall night, the wind blew through his thick hair and for a second he was transported back, memories of being in a helicopter, flying... He shook the thought from his head. There was time for that later.

He hailed a cab and as it slowed, he opened the door dramatically and indicated for Candice to enter. "Ladies first." Mark said smugly, pretty sure it'd tick off her fiercely independent nature. "West seventh, please." The taxi sped off the moment he shut the door, and as he leant to clip in his eyes ran over Candice's legs. Wow... This time, he let that idea stick and grow in his mind, and he grinned.

"Ready for a night on the town with yours truly?"

 

[momoftwins13]

Candice smirked when Mark opened her door for her, his eyes practically laughing as he knew it would bother her. Instead of giving him the satisfaction of her getting mad, she curtsied jokingly to him and drawled "why thank you kind sir".

With that she climbed in and sat with her nose practically pressed to the window. "I've never been to this city before" she said, excitement lacing her voice. "Where are we gonna go?"

It felt so good to be on home turf for her... No terrorists trying to torture or kill her. That felt amazing.

"Are we gonna go to dinner? I'm kinda craving a good old American meal" she grinned at him across the seat.

God he looked so handsome, sitting beside her and she itched to cuddle up to him as she had on the plane but that had been a mistake and she knew it.

 

[TheMysteryGuy]

"I've been here once or twice but only for a short little trip, I've never had the chance to explore this place properly..." Even Mark wasn't able to avoid the allure of the lights and the activity of a city which never sleeps, and he let himself get lost in the sights and sounds. It was rare he got to relax completely like this, and he almost missed Candice's question.

"Aha, I was just thinking the very same. However, I don't think I'm really properly presentable for a meal out, especially not with someone of your... standing," he teased diplomatically, gesturing to his current attire. "I was thinking I'd jump out on seventh, find myself something more fitting while I let you choose us somewhere fancy to eat. I've only got more money than I could ever spend, so don't go too crazy!" Candice's eyes seemed to Mark to sparkle with every passing light as he winked at her, the woman's perfect features almost glowing in the half-light.