ORP: Dust to Dust

new

Gracie "Fae" Bridges
Homeworld Command

Posts: 0

Rank: First Lieutenant (O-2)
Organization: United States Air Force

ORP: Dust to Dust Dec 2, 2013 23:40:38 GMT -5

Post by Gracie "Fae" Bridges on Dec 2, 2013 23:40:38 GMT -5

0115 Hours
I-95 Southbound
Just north of Aiken, SC

It was dark inside Gracie's Tiburon as it drove down the near deserted Interstate 95 towards Aiken. She had dimmed the gauge lights - and the garmin that was suction cupped to the windshield to the left of the steering wheel was in night mode, with the colors inverted. The lights illuminated the road ahead of them - the tail lights from a semi ahead in the distance. It was eerily void of other traffic. She hadn't seen anyone in the oncoming lane for miles. The rear-view mirror was empty of lights. Her butt was sore from hours behind the wheel. The leather racing style seats had always been sort of hard and uncomfortable - but she fell in love with the way the tan leather clashed against the dark blue - from the day she bought it.

Her left hand rested idly on the bottom of the steering wheel, barely ever needing correction on this straight stretch of road. Her other hand was draped across the center console, loosely resting in Lucas's hand next to her. In the cup holders sat a couple large cans of Monster energy drink. Gracie looked at Lucas out of the corner of her eye, his head just barely below the roof, and his knee's almost touching the dash - even with the seat all the way back. The car suited her tiny frame, but someone of even ordinary size seemed a giant in it. The back seats were more than useless. She could barely sit back there comfortably, and the passenger seat all the way back really limited any occupancy.

Driving nearly 8 hours, the pair hardly spoke. Idle conversation would pick up here and there, passing a destination one of them fancied visiting, seeing that Ferrari back before it got dark, that sort of thing. It was a night for silence. It was dark before they departed Lucas's place - though the sun shone. At first - Lucas had offered to drive - not to share the trip, but to take it all on himself. That was his way, he was a gentleman. Gracie loved that about him, but he needed time to think, he needed to not be behind the wheel of a car. She worried that post-traumatic stress would be an issue tonight. She had been through bad things, shared those experiences with Lucas, but this was different. Perhaps, in retrospect, letting him drive might take his mind off of things, but she understood.

She remembered the day of Audrey's funeral. Her mom was driving, and before they could get to the highway from their gravel lane, she remembered the tears in her mother's eyes, as she struggled to drive straight. She had made her stop the car, so that Gracie could take over. She was hurt, upset, and grieving as well, but she did so internally, almost always. It alienated her to an extent, on days like that, days like her grandparents' funerals. She was expected to be a wreck, but rather served as the rock. She was solid and maintained, almost always - except for that night in Iraq.

She bit her lip to keep herself from crying - as she drove on towards Aiken. It was just a few miles away, now, after a night behind the wheel. Even still, after a few of the energy drinks, she began to feel fatigue creeping in. Call it the impending destination, call it simple exhaustion. She was simultaneously happy and sad to see the destination coming. Happy to be out of the car, to get a chance to stretch her legs, and move tired limbs. Sad for what awaited them the following day.

Gracie had only just returned on board the Odyssey - and Lucas from his own assignment. The most exciting deployment of her life so far couldn't buffer the emotions that would come. They had met at his apartment, in Arlington - and prepared to catch a movie, while spending the entire two hours devouring each other instead - when Lucas received the call. She knew from the tone of his voice that it was not good news. The octave switch from a pleasant 'hello' to a heart-breaking 'what?' It was simple, it was short, it was terrifying - standing there - waiting for a report - time stood still.

He didn't say much after that - but he was going to have to leave again, he had to attend a funeral. Gracie had pried, but met resistance. She pried with kisses, and cracked the wall. Mike, the only surviving member of his old team, had had an accident, and was dead. The weight of that truth hit Gracie with an unimaginable force. He had survived the firefight on the ground, survived the helicopter crash, and her and Lucas had carried his wounded body for miles across the desert to save his life. He never met Gracie, because she was shipped off to Bagram for medical care - he may have been too, but they never met up. Apparently Lucas had stayed in contact with him, though - and the loss weighed on him doubly hard.

It was for this that Gracie didn't press Lucas for details. She knew it was an accident, and she knew Lucas had heard details over the phone - but she knew when he didn't want to talk about something. He would grow distant and foggy - she didn't want to lose him, not even for a second. She let it go, but insisted that she accompany him. No-one deserves the silent hell of attending a friend's funeral without support. She couldn't even attempt to explain to Lucas how she cared for Mike as well, it was different - he wasn't on her team, but she had poured so much energy and effort into keeping him alive in the desert, that this felt like a personal failure. She instantly hated herself for not keeping in touch with him, she could have wrote a letter, or called him, anything. Instead, she had been so caught up in her own selfish affairs, that he had eventually died, never hearing the voice of one of the two who saved him.

Aiken's city lights loomed in the distance, a globe of brightness that ripped open the night. Her fatigue was replaced with anxiety as the four-lane highway transitioned into two. She slowed the car down, and gave Lucas's hand a squeeze. Even through the silence, she showed her affection in little ways such as that. Ahead of her on the right sat the Willcox Hotel. She had called ahead while Lucas was in the bathroom, reserving a room. No doubt he would have been fine with a Days Inn or Motel 6, she was a lady, and she had needs. Regardless, a couple hundred bucks for what they called a 'deluxe' room was nothing to her, if she could sit on something other than a bed, watch a decent tv if she needed to kill time, and when it was time for bed, she wanted a comfortable one. The thought of a bed brought a small amount of joy to her, as she turned into the parking lot.

As she found a parking spot, the song playing on the car radio caught her ears. Up until this moment, it had been white noise to her, distraction, idle, and useless. Her mind ignores audio queues when she's in a mood - especially a mood like this one. It had her iPod hooked into it, playing everything she had on shuffle. She loathed playlists. The song that was playing wasn't one she was familiar with, it was too gloomy and slow for her tastes, but friends were always putting tracks on it. This song brought a tear to her eye, however, as she pulled her hand free of Lucas's, and shifted into park. A light, faerie voice - much like hers - was singing - and it only added to her sorrow, in that ironic and beautiful way that only songs can.

She reached up, looking over at Lucas for some sign of life, as she turned off the ignition. The headlights went out, but the radio kept on going.

Let me in the wall
You've built around
We can light a match
And burn it down
Let me hold your hand
And dance 'round and 'round the flames
In front of us

Dust to dust

Tag: Lucas "Saint" Clark

Last Edit: Dec 3, 2013 0:30:01 GMT -5 by Lucas "Saint" Clark

Please Direct all PM's to Logan Blackwood

Lucas "Saint" Clark
Homeworld Command

Posts: 0

Rank: First Lieutenant (O-2)
Organization: United States Army

ORP: Dust to Dust Dec 3, 2013 0:12:21 GMT -5

Post by Lucas "Saint" Clark on Dec 3, 2013 0:12:21 GMT -5

0120 Hours
Willcox Hotel
Aiken, South Carolina

Death was something that Lucas Clark had come too familiar with. He had lost all but one member of the first team he had ever been on as a Special Forces Operator. They had been together for nearly two years fighting, going strong. They were best friends, they were brothers, and he had attended each and everyone of their funerals. He had made the rounds to each of his family to tell them about their loss. He had refused to let another person do it. It was on his shoulder, their deaths were on him, and he alone had to deliver the news. There was something calming about hearing the noise from a man who served with their brother, son, cousin, husband apparently and all but one family had accepted him. The other blamed him, screamed at him, cursed, and kicked him out, but they were suffering and Lucas hadn't held it against them.

Now he was the one who received the call. No one dressed in their dress uniform and holding their loved one's preferred religious 'holy book'. No one apologized or told him how his friend had died a hero. All he had gotten was a phone call from a man he barely knew and it was only because Mike had left a letter addressed to Lucas in his nightstand. The Lieutenant knew that it was the only reason the Corporal's friend had called with the news. That night was supposed to be a happy one. Gracie and him were meant to go to a movie, grab some dinner and maybe a few drinks, then go back to his apartment to spend some more time together. With her being stationed on a ship and him on the planet's surface there weren't very many days that they could spend together and this was the one night it was just supposed to be the two of them.

Then his phone rang. The number was registered to a South Carolina area code so he had picked up. The only person he knew from SC was Mike. If anything he figured it'd be a call asking to bail the kid out of jail for doing something drinking, or maybe Mike had lost his phone and wanted to let him know. Of course the call couldn't have been that lighthearted. He had known from the tone of the man's voice on the other side. Chris was a man that Lucas didn't know all that well, but he had served with him for a little while. He was stationed on another Special Operations team and was one of Mike's best friends. They had been through boot and all of their other training together.

Ever since he had heard the news Lucas became a ghost of himself. His smile hadn't returned, he hadn't laughed, and he was barely talking. He didn't want to tell Gracie what had happened. She had known the man in passing, but he knew that she'd take his death hard. The two had walked miles to save him and now he was gone. An accident. That was what he had told her had happened. He couldn't bare to tell her the truth or speak the words. He was protecting her heart as much as he was protecting his own.

He hadn't expected her to join him. He didn't think she'd want to go but he very well couldn't have said no. They had opted for her car instead of his truck because it'd save them on gas and now here they were. He had barely moved in his seat since he had gotten in it hours ago. The only comfort he had was Gracie's hand that he only let go of when she needed a drink or when they arrived at a gas station. He wasn't hungry and the dinner that they had picked up on the way still sat in the bag by his feet and his Monster was half-drank and resting in the cup holder between them.

Lucas' head was propped against the window as they pulled into the parking lot of what appeared to be a hotel. He hadn't realized the car had slowed until the shining lights of the building were right in front of him. He blinked a few times and dropped his Saint pendant that he had been turning around in his hand. The cool metal chain hit his chest again and he shifted in his seat. He was sore and as he stretched his legs out as far as he could he released Gracie's hand from his own. Lucas ran his hands over his face before he looked out through the windshield and then to his girlfriend.

"You alright?" He asked, finally speaking. She looked tired, he could see that, and he knew that it would be best to get them both into a room and more comfortable than they were now. He doubted that he would sleep much that night - he rarely did anymore - but Gracie had driven the entire way and she needed to get comfortable. Maybe a nice hot shower would make her a little less sore and no doubt a hotel like this had comfortable beds.

Lucas stared at Gracie as if she wasn't there. With all the thoughts that were swarming his mind and the loom and gloom that hung over them he could barely get his thoughts focused on anything else for too long. He wiped his palms on his jeans as he lifted his hand to the door. He had to get out of the car - he was starting to feel as if the walls were closing in. They had spent too much time in the small car.

He pushed the door open and swung his right leg out to rest on the ground. "I'll grab the bags." He hadn't packed much for the trip. He had simply placed his spare clothes in with Gracie's and then packed his dress uniform. He was going to wear it to the funeral so it was a good thing that he had gotten it cleaned and pressed only a week earlier. As he pushed himself out of the car he walked around to the trunk and knocked on it with a closed fit, waiting for it to be opened. He had to keep his hands busy.

< Tag: Gracie "Fae" Bridges >

"I fear no evil for the shadow is mine and so is the valley."

Gracie "Fae" Bridges
Homeworld Command

Posts: 0

Rank: First Lieutenant (O-2)
Organization: United States Air Force

ORP: Dust to Dust Dec 3, 2013 13:01:05 GMT -5

Post by Gracie "Fae" Bridges on Dec 3, 2013 13:01:05 GMT -5

0120 Hours
Willcox Hotel
Aiken, South Carolina

"Sure, hang on," Gracie said as she popped the trunk with the button on her keyring. It wasn't the fanciest of cars - but it did the job while looking attractive - so it fit her. She walked back behind Lucas as he grabbed the bags, "Don't grab the camo backpack," she said, lowering her eyes. "thats my bugout bag..." she trailed off, blush filling her cheeks. Ever since the young girl had started watching 'The Walking Dead' - she had kept the bag in her car. It had survival gear like a life straw, paracord, a couple changes of clothes - albeit military BDU's - some clean socks, and that sort of thing. Anything she might need in a pinch if zombie's ever turned out to be a thing. It was goofy - but not a terrible idea all around, it could translate to any situation - not just zombies.

Tired, and fully embarrassed, she lead the pair into the reception area of the hotel. It was late at night, but these places always kept someone out front, usually bored, playing on a computer. She opened the door - holding it for Lucas with the bags. It was her turn to save his day, in the tiniest way possible. Tiny proofs were important, they kept everything alive in the silence. In the pain. For a moment she forgot it all, she only focused on him. She could be caught just looking at him, "I'm sorry we have to be here. Like always though, I am glad It's you I'm here with." she said. Her words seemed heavy and awkward, as if she hadn't used them in forever. It was more or less accurate. She would do anything, however, to help Lucas out of his darkness. She would likely sacrifice her innocence, if he asked. Nothing was off limits right now. It was about survival.

Approaching the desk, she said "Gotta reservation, under Clark." she said, fishing in her purse for her wallet. Meeting success, she opened it and yanked her credit card out - sliding it forward on the desk. The man sitting back there said something, and she missed it. "Hm? whats that? - yeah, two nights." after the processing, she took her card back, and put it back in her purse. She tsked herself for noticing her hand gun was still in her purse. She had driven through a couple of states without checking weapon laws. She decided she would likely lock it up in her glove box tomorrow - just in case.

The man handed her a couple key-cards - in little envelopes. That was the most pointless thing she'd ever seen, but oh well. "I collect these," she said to Lucas, Loud enough for the night-manager to hear her. She headed down the hallway, towards their room. She looked over to Lucas once more, "It's been a long day - lets go babe," she said softly. It wasn't a long walk to the room, she removed a card from the envelope, and slid it into the door thing, pulling it back after the light turned green. She popped the door open, and walked in.

The room was nice, roomy, almost Victorian in decor, a big bathroom, a big closet, an even bigger bed - and a flatscreen on the low dresser. "No dead bodies." Gracie said, disappointment hung heavy in her voice. "I'm disappointed with you, The South." She pulled off her sweatshirt, and unbuttoned her jeans, stepping out of them, leaving the only clothes on her to be her bright teal undergarments. This sudden display didn't bother her anymore - not around Lucas. Besides, she was tired. She jumped back onto the bed, sinking down a bit from the down comforter, and memory foam. She grabbed the alarm clock next to her. "What time you thinking?"

Tag: Lucas "Saint" Clark

Please Direct all PM's to Logan Blackwood

Lucas "Saint" Clark
Homeworld Command

Posts: 0

Rank: First Lieutenant (O-2)
Organization: United States Army

ORP: Dust to Dust Dec 3, 2013 15:32:43 GMT -5

Post by Lucas "Saint" Clark on Dec 3, 2013 15:32:43 GMT -5

0122 Hours
Willcox Hotel
Aiken, South Carolina

Lucas didn't think much of Gracie's bugout bag - he had one of his own somewhere in his apartment. It was useless where it was, now that he thought of it and he made a mental note to find it in the boxes that were still unpacked. Growing up in Boston had taught him one thing: to always be prepared. Countless winters his family had lost power due to storms and his mom's emergency supplies were what got him through.

The trip from the car to their room passed in front of Lucas. He didn't think much about what was going on but when the man behind the desk asked him for his ID he reached into his pocket for his wallet and he pulled it out. His driver's license was nestled behind his military ID and while he would usually be proud of said ID, tonight he covered it up with his driver's license when it was returned to him. Normally he would have paid for the room, like a true gentleman, but Gracie beat him to it and he didn't have it in him to argue with her right now. He'd make sure to change the card on file before they left though. She had done all the driving - the least he could do was pay for the room and gas money.

"Why do you collect 'em?" He asked softly on their trip to the room and looked over at Gracie. It was a curious thing to collect but everyone had something. He collected shot glasses. He had a nice little wood framed box with glass that he kept his in - one for every city he went to. There weren't many in his collection as of right now but with the traveling he had done with the military since he joined it was starting to fill up.

Once they were inside the room Lucas placed the bag inside the closet and hung the garment bag above it. He unzipped it and pulled out his dress uniform. It was in perfect condition - the lady who had cleaned it for him had done a good job. He didn't want it to get wrinkled so he took it out of the bag completely and hung it up. His fingers idly traced over the medals he had received from his time in service. Four of them were from his time in Iraq alone and he had earned them standing beside Mike.

"Hm?" He asked idly when he realized that Gracie was talking to him. Lucas turned to face her and then glanced down at his watch. "Prolly around 0730." He responded as he unbuckled his watch from around his wrist and he placed it on the nightstand. "Funeral isn't until 1000 but we have to get breakfast first and actually find the place..." As Lucas spoke he pulled his jacket off and followed it by the light blue Henley he was wearing. He took a seat on the edge of the bed and untied his shoes and those came next.

Lucas turned his body so that he was facing his girlfriend and he reached a hand out to run up her arm as he scooted closer to her. Gracie and him had a wonderful relationship - he knew that - and it was odd in a way too. She was the only woman that he had shared a bed with and it hadn't escalated to sex. He didn't mind that, though, having a warm body next to you to hold as you slept was a luxury he never really thought he'd enjoy but the more time he spent with Gracie the more he realized that nights without her were rougher than others.

Lucas rested his chin on her shoulder as he watched her set the alarm. The red numbers flashed before his eyes and he took in a slow breath as he idly moved his hand to her lower back and gently rubbed it. Being in the room was calming and he felt a little better - in the car there was too much time to think, to analyze, to hold on to the secret he had been keeping from his girlfriend. "Thank you for this, by the way." He murmured softly, pressing his lips to her jaw.

< Tag: Gracie "Fae" Bridges >

"I fear no evil for the shadow is mine and so is the valley."

Gracie "Fae" Bridges
Homeworld Command

Posts: 0

Rank: First Lieutenant (O-2)
Organization: United States Air Force

ORP: Dust to Dust Dec 3, 2013 18:04:03 GMT -5

Post by Gracie "Fae" Bridges on Dec 3, 2013 18:04:03 GMT -5

Some Time
That place where dreams manifest
You Know

Gracie had drifted easy enough into the land of sleep. She had spent some time playing at kisses with Lucas, but exhaustion had been a stronger force than passion after the long day. The plush bed cradled her in it's warm embrace, the cool air of the air conditioner lulled her to sleep's beautiful eaves.

She could feel the comfort of Lucas's arms around her, the weight of the bedding on top of her, it was the ultimate comfort to her. At first, sleeping in the same bed as him had been odd for her. The anxiety of bodies that close together pressed on her, with nothing between them but thin underwear. The heat of his breath against her neck, even through her hair. It had taken some time to really get used to it. She had a habit of sprawling out to every inch of a bed when alone, but slept like a rock in one location with ease now.

She rolled around in bed, facing Lucas, but he was fast asleep. She kissed him gently on the lips, but he didn't stir. Aggravated, Gracie crawled out of bed, her toes gingerly touching down on the cool carpet. The room was much brighter than it should be, the curtains were drawn - where was it coming from? It was getting even brighter, almost blinding, Gracie had to close her eyes to it, she couldn't control herself. The brightness behind her eyelids faded - and she slowly opened them. She stood, beside the bed, Lucas resting peacefully, in the middle of the desert. It was probably Iraq, but she couldn't be sure. A cool breeze blew in from somewhere, she couldn't tell the direction, but she realized at once that she was naked. Had she been when she awoke? She couldn't remember.

The breeze picked up, and she felt as if it were urging her along - guiding her. Compelled, and unable to control her body, she was walking. The sand was not hot, but it was mid-day, she was almost cold really - it should have seemed out of place, but it didn't - it felt as natural to her as walking through it without clothing. The wind blew harder, beckoning her to run, so without reason not to - she was running. Her hair flew freely behind her, and the wind began to howl. No, it wasn't the wind - on the dune to her right sat 3 wolves, watching her. The middle wolf's head to the sky, piercing her ears with it's shrill tone.

She grew panicked. Her pace became hurried. The wolves made no effort to chase her, but they felt evil to her, malignant. The wind guided her on, but every time she looked over her shoulder they sat there, on a dune that constantly kept pace with her - never moving. She ran harder, tears running down her cheeks, they fell on her bare shoulders, not bothered by the wind or her running. Her legs were growing tired, as if she had been running for hours instead of mere minutes. Muscles ached and burned, her lips were dry and beginning to crack.

Ahead she saw a shape on the ground, surrounded by crows or vultures, she couldn't be sure. The wind urged her towards it, her destination - her ending. She approached, to see a body - or the remnants of one, a torn set of BDU's identified him as a soldier. Fear gripped her harder now, she had to know - had to see. She crept closer, noting the bones, blanched white by the sun, picked clean by the carrion eaters. The name - she had to know the name. A crow sounded behind her, loud and menacing. It broke the silence. The wind wasn't blowing anymore - when had it stopped? She turned around at the sudden noise, hand going to her mouth as she saw a sign sticking from the sand, made of crude boards, worn with time. A gasp escaped her mouth as she read 'Abandon all Hope,' quickly she turned around, back to the body - the name patch had been ripped by a vulture, but she could make out 'Mike.' She let out a scream, or tried to, but her voice was gone. The crows began to call out in harmony, an evil orchestra, she covered her ears, huddling down on the ground as they moved in, the sound transformed - beep beep beep. Confusion gripped her, replacing the fear. She looked around, beep beep beep. It kept on, as the light grew brighter. The sun, overhead, turned black, letting out eerie flares, the light grew brighter still, untill she had to close her eyes.

0730 Hours (Military time is easy in the morning)
The Willcox Hotel
Aiken, SC

The sound forced her eyes open, beep beep beep beep. The alarm clock. She reached a hand, groggy with sleep, and shut it off. The dream was quickly fading from her mind. It was no real surprise, she had often had dreams since Iraq, never pleasant. She slipped out of bed, out of Lucas's arms. To her great relief, she still wore her bright teal bra and panties. Her toes brushed the cool hardwood floor of the hotel room, and she quietly made her way to her bags. Lucas stirred behind her, as she squatted down to unzip hers, pulling out her toiletries. She grabbed a change of clothes, and headed into the bathroom.

She didn't need to change into her mess dress right now, there was plenty of time for that later. She hated the uniform more than she hated her dreams. There was something so demeaning about being forced to wear a full-length skirt. The men's mess dress was handsome, bold, with sharp lines, and upcuts, hers was plain in comparison. Even the medals from her time in service didn't help the outfit convey pride.

She slipped a conforming navy blue babydoll on, white words on the front read 'back to back world war champions' with a picture of the united states below it. She pulled on a pair of faded black denim jeans, and pulled her toothbrush out of her bag. She turned on the water, and rummaged around for her little thing of travel toothpaste. She found it, and applied some to her brush. Her stomach rumbled, breakfast was definitely in order - she wasn't going to face this day hungry.

Tag Lucas "Saint" Clark

Please Direct all PM's to Logan Blackwood

Lucas "Saint" Clark
Homeworld Command

Posts: 0

Rank: First Lieutenant (O-2)
Organization: United States Army

ORP: Dust to Dust Dec 3, 2013 18:27:54 GMT -5

Post by Lucas "Saint" Clark on Dec 3, 2013 18:27:54 GMT -5

0732 Hours
Willcox Hotel
Aiken, South Carolina

Sleep didn't come to Lucas that night. Every time he tried to close his eyes to fall asleep he was met with flashes of his time in Iraq, of the night that he lost his entire team, of Mike. He should've been used to them by now - he had been dealing with it since his return but they were never as bad as this night was. As the minutes ticked by he kept Gracie in his arms, not wanting to let her go. She was all he had right now and the feeling of her leaving him filled his mind. She couldn't leave him, not when he needed her.

As he watched the digital display of the clock change every minute his mind wandered to the desert, to the time he spent there with Gracie, with Mike. To their mission. Countless times he had run the mission over in his mind trying to find where they had went wrong, if there was some way - any way - that they all could have gotten out safely. There was no way, he knew that deep down, but it didn't stop him from torturing himself with the thoughts.

Gracie was silent for the most the night, only a sound or two escaped her and when it did Lucas looked down to make sure she was alright. She was dreaming, he could tell that much, and he couldn't help but wonder what about. He hoped that they were happy thoughts - it's what she needed. The next day would be hell for them, so he only prayed that her dreams would give her peace. The sound of the alarm going off brought Lucas out of his thoughts and he couldn't reach the alarm - it was on Gracie's side of the bed but when she stirred and turned it off before climbing out of the bed he watched her.

Lucas pulled the blankets off of him and he swung his legs over the bed. He dropped his head to his hands and rubbed at his face as he let out a breath. His stomach rumbled for the first time all evening and his hand dropped to it. He was hungry and he took that as a good sign. The night before he hadn't eaten anything at all.

Lucas grabbed his small toiletry bag from Gracie's suitcase along with a change of clothes - just a pair of jeans, his favorite don't tread on me t-shirt's his mom had gotten him for Christmas and his black boxer briefs. He moved towards the bathroom door and knocked on it once. "Are you decent in there, babe?" He asked, and once Lucas received the all clear he stepped inside. He came up behind her and after placing his clothes and toiletry bag down on the corner of the sink he kissed her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Mornin' gorgeous." He murmured, pressing his lips to her cheek. He wasn't going to kiss her full on just now. His breath probably smelled like something awful. He would wait. "I'm just gonna take a shower then we can go get breakfast. Give me five minutes."

< Tag: Gracie "Fae" Bridges >

"I fear no evil for the shadow is mine and so is the valley."

Gracie "Fae" Bridges
Homeworld Command

Posts: 0

Rank: First Lieutenant (O-2)
Organization: United States Air Force

ORP: Dust to Dust Dec 3, 2013 22:47:20 GMT -5

Post by Gracie "Fae" Bridges on Dec 3, 2013 22:47:20 GMT -5

0732 Hours
Willcox Hotel
Aiken, South Carolina

Gracie melted as Lucas wrapped his arms around her. The sight probably could have become viral on the internet, as she stood there, in front of him, toothbrush in mouth. Morning Gorgeous he said, and she melted further, she was goo on the floor. Lucas knew how to talk to a lady, that was for sure. He was so different this morning, than she figured he would be. Perhaps a good night's sleep calmed his nerves and mind a bit - she imagined that it wouldn't last - as the day went on. Nobody could ever be happy at a funeral. It was a physical impossibility. Still, alone with him, here, for a time, things were normal. Things were as they should be.

Lucas still behind her, she slowly bent over, pressing against him. She brushed her hair back with her hand and spit the toothpaste into the sink, letting the water from the faucet rinse it down. She rinsed her toothbrush in the stream of cool water, and sat it down after a quick shake. She turned around and wrapped her thin arms around Lucas's chest, and raised her head to kiss him on the neck, right below his jaw. She rested her head against him, and whispered "Morning," she nuzzled his neck as he said he needed to take a shower before breakfast. She liked the sound of breakfast. She'd have to get on her phone and find someplace tasty.

"Hurry up with that shower, you stink," she teased as she turned to leave the bathroom. Visions of eggs and bacon spun in her head as she reached down to grab her sweatshirt from the night before. She pulled her phone out of the front pocket, and clicked the power button. Thankfully it still had charge. She'd have to get her charger out of the car when they got back from breakfast, though.

She pulled up the browser and typed in 'breakfast aiken sc' and was shocked at how few results came up. It shouldn't have come as a surprise - but after spending so much time in the DC area lately, where there was literally 10 of everything, she was becoming spoiled. There was a Waffle House, though - that would work. She had never been to one in the daytime, usually it was reserved for that fix you needed around 2am after drinking to excess. She found her purse, and tucked her phone away safely. She retrieved a vial of lip balm and applied some, puckering her lips to apply it evenly.

She sat her purse down on the night stand, and flopped back down on the bed, waiting for Lucas to finish in the bathroom. She immediately regretted not peeing before he took over - but she could hold it until they reached the restaurant. She wasn't sure what the day would hold. She didn't figure the funeral would last overly long. They had missed the visitation, but that was the only real tedious part of the process. They had the room for another night, but unless they stuck around with army buddies, she figured they might cancel the second night and just head back.

Tag Lucas "Saint" Clark

Last Edit: Dec 3, 2013 22:49:26 GMT -5 by Gracie "Fae" Bridges

Please Direct all PM's to Logan Blackwood

Lucas "Saint" Clark
Homeworld Command

Posts: 0

Rank: First Lieutenant (O-2)
Organization: United States Army

ORP: Dust to Dust Dec 3, 2013 23:02:05 GMT -5

Post by Lucas "Saint" Clark on Dec 3, 2013 23:02:05 GMT -5

0739 Hours
Willcox Hotel
Aiken, South Carolina

The shower was something that Lucas really needed. It helped to wake him up fully and it left him feeling refreshed. After drying himself off he wrapped it around his waist and moved to the sink. Everything this morning was so monotonous. Bathroom, shower, brushing his teeth, shaving. It didn't take him very long to get dressed and he spayed two squirts of his cologne - nothing more was needed. He didn't fancy the overpowering smell some people seemed to like.

As he stepped out of the bathroom Lucas looked to Gracie and he offered her a small smile. Most of the pain he had felt after hearing about the death of his friend had been replaced with numbness. He didn't want to focus on it. He had to keep his head clear for at least a little while. As he sat on the edge of the bed Lucas pulled his socks and then shoes on. He laced them up and then stood to his feet. It was simple enough getting ready this morning but he knew they'd be back here in no time at all to start preparing for the funeral.

As he stood back up Lucas grabbed his jacket and pulled it on. He doubted he'd need it for long but it was better to be safe than sorry. If it turned out to be warm outside he'd simply ditch the jacket in the car and be done with it. "Did you find where you wanted to eat?" He asked Gracie, already picking up her keys from the table along with his phone and wallet. She had driven the entire night before so it was only fair that he did the driving today. He needed to do something to get his mind off of things and driving seemed like the best course of action.

Now that he was smelling good and dressed, Lucas walked over to where Gracie was and he gently grabbed her face before pressing his lips to hers. Her being there was enough to make him feel better about the events the day had in store and although they hadn't been together for long, she had become his rock in the short period of time. They fed off of each other and their relationship was strong.

As they moved out of the hotel and back to her car Lucas unlocked it and walked around to the passenger side to let her in. From here they would go to Waffle House and more than likely have to come right back to change and get ready for the funeral. He pushed the thought from his mind - one minute at a time he had to remind himself. Lucas climbed into the driver's seat and he pushed the seat back all the way before climbing inside. His head just barely missed the ceiling and he glanced up, thankful that he didn't smack his head off of it.

"Alright Miss Navigator, just tell me where to go." Lucas murmured, start the car up and pulling his seatbelt on before adjusting the mirrors. He shifted the car into reverse, lightly pressed his foot down on the gas and backed the car out of the parking space.

< Tag: Gracie "Fae" Bridges >

"I fear no evil for the shadow is mine and so is the valley."

Gracie "Fae" Bridges
Homeworld Command

Posts: 0

Rank: First Lieutenant (O-2)
Organization: United States Air Force

ORP: Dust to Dust Dec 4, 2013 1:00:26 GMT -5

Post by Gracie "Fae" Bridges on Dec 4, 2013 1:00:26 GMT -5

1800 Hours
Harry's Local
Aiken, SC

Gracie felt good to be back in her T-Shirt and jeans, mess dress was more trouble than it was worth - all the time. It had to be dry-cleaned, and even getting the uniform was a hassle, she had to go to two separate bases to find it, in her size. Comfortable, but not exactly in good spirits, the large group of people descended on the little local bar called Harry's. Lucas was with Gracie, back in his civilian clothes, along with 4 of his buddies from the army. Gracie wasn't exactly keen on the idea of going out tonight, but it seemed important to Lucas that they share a drink or two in Mike's honor. She wasn't one pass that off as foolish, because truth be told, she needed a drink as well.

All things considered, the day had not gone as badly as she had figured. Her and Lucas had gone to breakfast, went back to the hotel and did some talking, and some serious kissing, and hit the funeral. It had been hard, but Lucas and Gracie both managed to keep it mostly together. There were a lot of servicemen present, and regardless of branch, if your in, you have a massive support group. For that reason, Gracie had actually taken a liking to the guys with them tonight. They had served with Lucas back in the beginning, when they all went through training. Mike had been one of them. They were lighthearted, and didn't give Gracie any shit for being Air Force - special forces guys usually did.

As they pushed through the door of the hole-in-the-wall place, Gracie was greeted by a thick wall of cigarette smoke, and the smell of alcohol and fried food. Simple, down to earth, and gritty. This is what a bar should be, this is what Gracie knew from back home. Not the posh polished bars in the DC metro. Gracie let go of Lucas's hand as she walked to the bar, the group's energy didn't match the energy of the bar - and truth be told, they were all a little more jovial than you might expect, coming from a funeral. Old times and future drinks were often used as masks for true feelings. Gracie intended to start them off with a bang. She clapped both hands down on the bar, biting her lower lip through a grin. Her hair was wild around her shoulders as she looked to the older bartender.

"I think we need a round of Jamieson - and an extra, for our fallen friend." she said, loudly. "and I'll be needing a crown and coke," she added. The bartender looked as if he might be annoyed with the group, until she mentioned a fallen friend. In a town as small as this, he likely knew exactly who they were talking about. A POW*MIA flag on the back of the bar told her he understood exactly what they were all feeling inside. She wasn't happy, she didn't want to be the loud and forward and energetic Gracie tonight, but she had to be, otherwise there was only old memories to toss around.

As the bartender poured the shots, Gracie handed them to the guys. She thought they were Rick, Kasey, Scott, and Jim. James. She wasn't sure. She handed Lucas his and took her own, the extra remained on the bar while the old man fixed her cocktail. She held hers up, they all followed suit. Silence was the only toast they needed. Even still, she mouthed 'Mike' right before she downed the shot. It burned all the way, smooth oaky burn. She turned away from the group, and took the other shot glass, dumping it into the sink behind the bar. "Here's to you," she whispered, picking up the squat cocktail glass that held her drink. Even whiskey and soda was a decent chaser following the shot. Turning back to the group, she took Lucas's hand with a squeeze.

Tag Lucas "Saint" Clark

Please Direct all PM's to Logan Blackwood

Lucas "Saint" Clark
Homeworld Command

Posts: 0

Rank: First Lieutenant (O-2)
Organization: United States Army

ORP: Dust to Dust Dec 4, 2013 1:34:59 GMT -5

Post by Lucas "Saint" Clark on Dec 4, 2013 1:34:59 GMT -5

1801 Hours
Harry's Local
Aiken, South Carolina

Dressed in a pair of dark-washed jeans, a v-neck t-shirt with a light checkered shirt to match over top of it, and a pair of boots was Lucas' normal and comfortable attire. The uniform he had been stuck in all day was uncomfortable and sweaty, especially in the heat that South Carolina experienced this time of year. He was grateful to get out of it after the funeral and into something a lot more comfortable.

The funeral had been hard on him, as it had been on everyone else present, but they had made it through. Lucas didn't tear up until Taps began to play. Mike, despite how he passed, received a full Military funeral. He was still a faithful soldier at the time of his passing and while it had been a small funeral, it suited the young southern boy. Lucas knew that his friend would be proud of how things went.

All things considered the day hadn't been horrible. After the funeral Mike's parents had a little get together at their home with light refreshments and drinks to thank those that had showed up. Stories had been told about Mike as they all tried to remember the good times and it had went rather well. His mother cried a lot, as did his sister, but there were plenty of shoulders to cry on. All of those that attended knew Mike well - from his brothers in arms like Lucas, to kids he grew up with in Aiken. No one had a bad word to say about the guy, which is something Lucas hoped would happen if he were to ever meet his demise.

The bar that they had decided to go to was apparently one of Mike's favorites. It reminded Lucas of a place at home that he had found when he first turned 21. Dirty, gritty, loud, but damn good fried food and drinks. This was more than suitable to give their friend one final wave and toast. As Gracie spoke to the bartender Lucas came up behind her and rested his hands on her waist as he blocked the rest of her body from prying eyes. A few of the guys had already made a comment to him about her ass and he was going to try and avoid another one if he could help it.

He murmured a 'thanks, babe' to Gracie when she gave him his shot and as he lifted it up in a toast. "To Mike" he mumbled softly before downing the shot. The alcohol burned his throat but Lucas was used to it - Jamieson had always been one of his favorites after all. "Just keep 'em comin', man." He spoke up to the bartender and grabbed Gracie's hand before tugging her towards the table that one of the guys had managed to snag for them. Lucas dropped down on a chair and tugged Gracie on his lap before kissing her shoulder.

"D'ya remember the first time that little shit tried to fire a rifle?" Scott started and Lucas laughed. He could remember that day like it was yesterday. They were all down on the range and Mike was the most inexperienced of them all. The gun had nearly broken his arm. "It never was a dull day with that kid, I'll tell you that much." Mike had always been the life of the party when the guys got together and that would be sorely missed.

As another round of shots was delivered and passed around more stories of Mike began to pour out of his friends mouths. Some were met with laughs, others a simple chuckle and the shake of a head. Mike was the type of guy to keep you on your toes and to make sure that everyone around him as having a good time. No one was ever sad when he was in the room. Rick ordered them all a round of beers as another story started but it was soon interrupted by Kasey.

"Enough with the stories. We shouldn't be glorifyin' that coward."
"Knock it off, McGillin."
"Why? You don't want to hear the truth about your little friend - is that it?"
Lucas gently nudged Gracie from his lap so that he could stand up when Kasey did. "Let it go. He was a hero."
"Hero my ass. He was a goddamn coward. I know that, you know that-" He shoved Lucas back. "So what are we all doin' here celebratin' him for? He didn't deserve that funeral, those medals, or the honor y'all are givin' him."
"Watch your mouth, Sergeant, don't start. Drop it." Lucas warned, shoving the man back.
"No, you're not doing that, pullin' rank around here. Just admit it. He was a coward. It wasn't a goddamn accident. We're all here livin' our lives. We all have seen shit but you don't see us puttin' a gun in our mo-"
"That's enough! You don't know what happened over there!"

Lucas snapped at Kasey, his hands grabbed the front of the other man's shirt and he threw him back against the bar before lurching forward and punching him in the face. He was fueled by his anger and as the man fought back Lucas was thrown down to the floor. The crowd parted with them and Lucas kicked a leg out to knock Kasey off of his feet before the two grown men were rolling around on the floor with their fists flying.

< Tag: Gracie "Fae" Bridges >

Last Edit: Dec 4, 2013 1:35:23 GMT -5 by Lucas "Saint" Clark

"I fear no evil for the shadow is mine and so is the valley."

Adam "Sly" Collier: Oh-oh Mar 10, 2015 0:35:47 GMT -5

Jay: Working on my bio, hoping to get it up over the weekend! Mar 11, 2015 6:53:45 GMT -5

Riley "Pyrex" Peterson: Working on Riley as well.

Hi all Mar 14, 2015 23:06:37 GMT -5

Riley "Pyrex" Peterson: My color is purple!! xD Mar 19, 2015 19:10:58 GMT -5

Farrah Byrne: it's a very pretty color :3 Mar 20, 2015 12:42:52 GMT -5

Riley "Pyrex" Peterson: haha it is and so is yours

Mar 20, 2015 21:56:46 GMT -5

Ronald "Otis" Hudson: Blah. Post is up, pretty rubbish, still getting into the character Mar 31, 2015 4:27:50 GMT -5

Farrah Byrne: [stares at thread] I should reply to you Apr 2, 2015 13:05:12 GMT -5

Farrah Byrne: SHOULD I DO FARRAH OR MY NEW MAN Apr 2, 2015 13:05:18 GMT -5

Farrah Byrne: I did the thing ;D Apr 2, 2015 13:16:54 GMT -5

Katrina Logan-Walker: Well look who is baaaaack lol. New character coming soon as a civvie if possible

Apr 15, 2015 14:03:54 GMT -5

Mere: wooooord Apr 16, 2015 17:18:24 GMT -5

Farrah Byrne: gonna ACTUALLY do the final graphics this weekend >< sorry this has been taking me so long Apr 16, 2015 17:34:55 GMT -5

Renee: Ehhh, did my edits. Would like to RP soon please <3 Apr 27, 2015 1:02:17 GMT -5

Farrah Byrne: [crawls back in] I THINK I have life balanced. finally. Apr 29, 2015 18:54:58 GMT -5

Farrah Byrne: [spoons site] Apr 29, 2015 18:55:00 GMT -5

Elizabeth "Beth" Houghton: Sorry about my post. I'm so rusty. Need a nice sig too May 2, 2015 16:55:18 GMT -5

Adam "Sly" Collier: Hello, my people! Sept 3, 2023 15:00:52 GMT -5

Cara Coyle: *peek* Sept 3, 2023 19:59:05 GMT -5

Katrina Logan: *fights the urge to sign back up* lol Oct 26, 2023 9:18:29 GMT -5