OUTBREAK: ZERO is a semi post-apocalyptic pandemic roleplay set in the fictional city of Lethford, USA. Current season: Winter, 20/21.
March 2020. The world is in pandemonium as one month ago, GHNv-20 was confirmed, five months after the beginning of norovirus season. The number of the infected are in the higher hundred thousands, and the death toll is at an estimated 250,000, with about seventy percent of the rest of the population experiencing mild to moderate illnesses connected to the S. pyogenes bacteria.
The fear of the unknown has caused mass hysteria and panic.
In an attempt to provide a semblance of safety and control, military personnel patrol the streets, even here in Lethford City, and the police force is trying to keep up with the rising street violence, assault, and theft.
Welcome to OUTBREAK: zero. Will you survive?
HAYANA
SITE OWNER + HEAD ADMINISTRATOR
Hi! I'm Haya. I'm pretty much your girl for everything! If you have any questions regarding our plot, membergroups, etc. don't hesitate to ask me. I'm also in charge of coding, graphics, anything skin related, and advertising/affiliates.
GENERAL INQUIRIES
CODING
GRAPHICS
ADVERTISING
CHARACTERS
ADDI
ADMINISTRATOR
Hey! I'm Addi. Hit me up if you need help with anything. I'm always for plotting so don't be shy. I like coffee, booze, and working out. I'm back from a long hiatus the dead so if you need anything, best ask the others until I get back into the groove of things!
GENERAL INQUIRIES
APPLICATIONS
THREAD MODERATION
MEDIATOR
CHARACTERS
FINNLEY
GLOBAL MODERATOR
Hi hello! My name is Finnley, or Finn, call whichever and I'll be there for you (yes like the FRIENDS theme song). I am in charge of the claims and helping with miscellaneous things. Let me know if you have any questions!
GENERAL INQUIRIES
CLAIMS
DIRECTORY
CHARACTERS
STAFF NAME
OPEN MODERATOR POSITION
outbreak
/ˈaʊtbreɪk/ zero /ˈzɪərəʊ/
a sudden occurrence of something unwelcome, such as war or disease. number, no quantity or number; nought; the figure 0.
Kane pulled his ride onto Brynlee's street. He had checked the weather…three times. He had grabbed his insulated thermal pack to store their dinner until they could get to where they would be eating. He had brought two kinds of wine and packed enough blankets to keep an army warm. His fingers lightly tapped the steering wheel as he made his way to her home. It had been months of run-ins, work calls, and her saving his rear end, but they were finally going to have their first date.
Kane had gone to the underground base in the early hours of the morning. He had maintained the police officer cover, at least until he had checked in at the gate. As soon as he was cleared, he switched his credentials and met with his covert commander. There had been a handful of things he had needed to brief the man on. There were also a few he had needed to be made aware of. The meeting had been short and brief, but had gotten the job done. As he was making his way out, the date with Brynlee came across his mind and a few signatures and strings-pulled later, he was driving out of the base in one of the JLTVs. He was wearing his military uniform, in case they were pulled over. Though his credentials weren't the actual ones that would be pulled up if his information were scanned. They would show just enough rank to cover his little outing tonight and be scrubbed by tomorrow morning.
Kane parked the JLTV in her driveway and got out, adjusting his cap. He grabbed the dozen red roses from the seat next to him and made his way to her door. Sure the roses might be a little cheesy, but he was a romantic at heart and it didn't seem right to bring anything less to a date than roses. Especially the first one. What he perhaps lacked in experience, he made up for in instinct. He had been a witness to his parent's marriage his entire life. His mom and dad still went on dates and their relationship was 50 years strong and going. He didn't know if that was something realistically obtainable, but he knew he was going to give it his damndest. Kane walked up her steps, knocking lightly at her door.
Brynlee didn't actually think this day would come. For some reason, she felt like their entire relationship, if it could be called that, would only exist in run ins and her treating him at the hospital. That seemed to be their track record to date at least. But finally, today was the day. She hadn't forgotten about it. She had it marked in her calendar in her phone. She temporarily blocked her works phone number, just so she wouldn't get guilted into going into work if they dared call her. This was important to her. Even if she wouldn't tell Kane the extent of what she did to ensure her night was free.
Actually, she most definitely would not be telling him. No need to embarrass herself for seeming that excited for the date.... or maybe if she did tell him, he'd grin down to her and that might be worth it. She bit her lip and shook her head, focusing back at herself in the mirror. A pair of dark jeans on, something Kane had possibly never seen her in. Actually, he had always seen her in scrubs, hair a mess, and probably looking exhausted. For once, she was so happy that she had gotten some sleep. No bags under her eyes, hair freshly washed and down in soft waves. A dark gray sweater on top of a tank top. Combat boots to top it off and she was ready to go.
She tried to not pace around while she waited. He had plenty of time still, and yet she was nervous. What if something came up? What if he got called away again and she had gotten her hopes up? She couldn't be mad at it, just upset. She was pretty sure she had walked a whole ditch into her living room by the time she heard the knock on her door. Her heart leaping into her throat as she tried to not run to the door, opening it and unable to stop the bright smile that spread over her face when she saw him. Decked out in a military uniform, cap and all, with an arm full of roses.
"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes," She said, leaning her shoulder against the door frame for a moment to look him over. He was really there, and judging by the fact that he brought her flowers, it was not to tell her that he got called away for a job. "Do you want to come in while I find those guys a home?" She asked, nodding to the flowers. She honestly couldn't remember a time that someone had brought her flowers, and it made her heart flutter in her chest. If he agreed, she'd hold the door open for him.
Kane knocked on the door, his stomach feeling jittery as he waited for her to open it. It was silly, he knew that. He had been around Brynlee a hundred times. He had seen her in the most insane of circumstances and situations. She had become a comforting presence, a solid part of his life that he found himself needing to have. Yet today, as he waited, he was a bundle of nerves. He hadn't dated anyone in a very, very long time. And the handful of times that he had, it hadn't gone well. There were too many people who couldn't put up with the life of a soldier. Especially not the kind of soldier that he was. She was different though. She was wholly and completely unlike any other woman he had met before. He didn't know realistically where any of this could go, but he was going to jump in with both feet and see where they landed.
The door was opened and Brynlee appeared, a bright smile on her face. He found himself returning the grin almost instantly. His eyes glanced over her and he felt the air momentarily leave his chest. She was stunning. Most of the time spent with her thus far had been while she was in scrubs. She had been beautiful in those, but in jeans with a bright smile on her face she looked like a goddess. "You look beautiful." He held her gaze a moment before she leaned against the door frame. Brynlee mentioned he was a sight and he chuckled, "I hope you don't mind the uniform. I'll need it where we're going."
Kane held the roses out to her and stepped inside as she held the door open, "Sure." He followed her in, glancing around her place. It was exactly how he would have guessed. A nice place, touches of Brynlee here and there. He followed her path, his eyes scanning over the pictures and books she had around. "So how was work? I heard the hospital was trying to raise funds for a new PET scanner." He had caught word of it as someone read the paper out loud in the breakroom the day before while he was getting coffee. He had instantly thought of her of course. It was yet another thing that he was sure made her job that much more complicated and frustrating. Machines breaking down, low beds, low equipment. He was hoping the military wouldn't have to step in, but if things continued the way they were going, he wasn't sure they'd have much of a choice.
Putting his attention back to her, he watched her a moment before speaking up. "I'm glad we're finally getting to do this." He gave her a half-grin. It felt like they had been planning a date for ages. Almost like the world didn't want them together. "Speaking of tonight...you can swim right?" He asked her, a playful smile on his lips. It was freezing cold and he had no intentions of actually getting her in water, but wanted to keep her on her toes, "All vaccinations up to date?"
A light blush broke out under her freckled cheeks at his comment. Though the smile didn't dim on her face. She wanted to look good for him. Enough of the times of him catching her with her hair falling halfway out of its pony tail or braids, or her day olds scrubs that she would desperately need to change at some point. It was about time that she showed she could clean up decently. And that she had a look outside of 'permanently exhausted' for her face. His comment on his uniform had her lifting a brow as he stepped inside her home.
It was nothing super fancy. But it was very homey. Hard wood floors, a simple couch in the living room with perhaps one too many fluffy blankets over it. A coffee table that still had a forgotten coffee mug on it from where she had curled up and watched a movie on her own that morning. Pictures scattered across the walls and end tables throughout. Pictures of her and her family, a few friends. Perhaps a photo of her in her bartending days as well, leaning over the bar to squeeze into a photo with friends who were visiting her. She was definitely a hit in college. The friend who worked the bar and could make a mean drink? Favorite. "Does this mean I have a matching outfit in the... vehicle?" To be honest, she wasn't sure what that thing was, but it looked like fun.
"Or are you going to be smuggling me in the trunk somewhere?" A glint of mischief shined in her eyes as she looked over to him. Watching him move through her space. There was something comforting at the sight. Though also something very nerve-wrecking. The place was still pretty new to her, she had gotten it in the past year. And now that she really thought of it, he was the first person outside of her sister that had been in her place. A small laugh left her when he mentioned that PET scanner. It was not a laugh of amusement. "That thing. Will be the absolute death of me." She mumbled, her hands gently laying the roses down on her counter as she looked under her sink for a vase.
"I still cannot figure out why its showing these odd results. I pushed back several times that the results were accurate, but after the fifth patient... well. It's hard to believe that all five non related cases were showing the same thing." She finally dug one out and set about rinsing it out and then filling it with water. "So needless to say, thats a bill the hospital is not quite able to afford after everything recently." Her hands worked to get the roses into the vase and a ghost of a smile landed back on her lips. This boy brought her flowers. One point to him right out the gate.
"I'm glad we're finally getting to do this."
Brynlee turned back towards him, her hands resting beside her on the counter top as she looked back at him. Kane freaking Shelby. Who would have thought... "I am too." For once she didn't have smart remarks for him because she was genuinely happy about it. But his next questions had her tilted her head at him, eyes widening a bit in complete amusement and yet question. Brows pulling slightly together and lips tugging upwards at the corners. "I can swim, though I am not sure how much I want to do that in this weather." She laughed and then shrugged at the second question. "And, with the exception of possibly an expired tetanus shot... I think I am good." She answered, slowly pushing herself off the counter to walk towards him. Eyes bright as she looked up at Kane, stopping only a breath away from him. "Just exactly what kind of trouble do you have planned tonight blondie?"
Kane laughed lightly when Brynlee asked if she had a uniform that she'd be wearing too. "And rob me of seeing you in those jeans?" He shook his head, "Not a chance." He wouldn't have asked her to put on the uniform, couldn't have technically either. That would have been a worse no-no than what he planned on doing that evening. Sneaking a civilian inside of a restricted zone was a whole lot less of a penalty than willingly posing her as a soldier would have been. Not that he planned on getting caught of course. "Now what kind of gentleman would I be if I stuffed you into a trunk on our first date?" He asked, his head tilting slightly, a grin on his lips as he gave mock offended look. "Setting the bar that low for me ADA?" He grinned, leaning against her kitchen counter, watching her hands move over the glass vase, rinsing it out.
A soft smile was on his lips as he listened to her talk about the PET scan machine. He could do this for the rest of his life and be content. Listening to her talk about her day, about the things that challenged her and made her happy or frustrated. Conversations that didn't involve leaving or orders that he couldn't control. Conversations that seemed to always have an expiration date. He watched her arrange the flowers inside the vase, a smile ghosting on her lips as she spoke about the machine. "You'll figure it out. You always do." There was never truer words spoken. She was a problem solver, a determined fireball with grit in her veins. There was nothing she couldn't do. Roping him in like a lost calf was a testament to that belief.
She turned to him and for a moment they both looked at one another in the silence of her kitchen. He wished he could read her mind, to know if her thoughts were bouncing around as much as his were. To know if she was as nervous and excited as himself. It tonight meant to her as much as it did to him.
Kane resisted the urge to laugh as her eyes widened at his question, breaking the tenstion. It wasn't often that he was the one throwing curveballs. "Well, that's a relief." She moved towards him, her bright eyes asking what he had in store and he motioned with his hand towards the door, "There's only one way to find out…" He waited for her cue before making his way out of her place, back to the JL. He walked to the passenger side and opened the door, holding his hand out to her to help her up if she wanted it. The smell of their dinner had filled up the vehicle's interior and he hoped he had made the right call on his pick.
As she climbed up he began speaking, "Let me present my favorite military ride, the JLTV. Half a million dollars to produce. Armored to the teeth and operates easily in minus 500 feet to upwards of 12,000 feet. Fits a crew of four easily and will provide exactly what we need to get where we're going tonight." He waited for her to get settled securely in her seat before shutting the door carefully and going to the driver's side. Kane climbed in and fired the engine up, the engine purring and ready to go. "Last chance to change your mind Valentine." He looked over at her with a sideways grin, hand hovering above the throttle.
"And rob me of seeing you in those jeans? Not a chance."
A smile came across her lips as she purposefully gave a slow turn for him, so he could 'examine' said jeans on her. Only stopping once she made a full 360 and was facing him once more. "Definitely an upgrade from the scrubs you are used to seeing. And a better color if I do say so myself." She smoothed her hands down the front of the jeans for a moment. She wanted to wear different color scrubs, but something about everyone looking 'uniformed' at the hospital made it that they had to stick to one of two colors. And maybe, if they were in a celebratory mood one month, allowing them to have one day of 'wacky scrubs' day. You know, to boost moral during the rough times.
She shrugged at his comment of low bars. "Listen, I just like to be prepared. Because these are definitely not my trunk jeans. Which means I would need to go change and I just like to try and be prepared. Even though we seem to fly by the seat of our pants when together." A quick little quirk of her brow sent his way, biting back the smile. ADA, she liked it too much. Almost too much overall. Brynlee chuckled lightly at how he had faith in her figuring it out. She hadn't done it yet, but maybe she'd go in and push to fix it that much more now. As if she wanted to prove that his faith in her was a correct one.
There was no hesitation on her end when he motioned to the door. She was quick in her steps, following him as if he would vanish if he got too far ahead of her. She only paused long enough to pull on her jacket and lock the door behind them before she was eyeing the vehicle as they approached. Taking in the size of the beast and the overall armored look of it. What exactly did he have planned for the night that needed this heavy machinery? Whatever it was, she was sure that she was going to love it. The wild side of her was making her heart race as he pulled the door open and offered his hand to her. Which she took. Any excuse to touch him really, and she was taking it.
Kane's explanation of the vehicle made her grin as she settled into the seat and looked down at him. "And I'm assuming that smell is just a really good air freshener?" Oh, she smelled the dinner and she was excited. Her eyes followed him around the vehicle until he was pulling his door open, before she was moving her eyes over the dashboard. She really didn't feel like she should touch anything. He did say it cost half a million dollars to make the vehicle and that was a bit out of her price range if she was to break things. "Not a chance in hell, blondie." She replied, reaching over and with her hand, she'd guide his hand to the throttle with a bright smile. Her hand squeezing his. "Let's see what trouble you are getting us into," She almost bounced in her seat with excitement.
Brynlee turned in a slow circle and Kane was thankful she had medical training because he was certain his heart stopped. A devilish grin spread across his lips and as she stopped to face him, his hand slowly moved to her waist gently settling on her hip. "I think you could wear a pillowcase and you'd still be the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." He wanted very much to softly pull her closer to him, but he had promised a date and he'd be damned if he didn't follow through with it.
Brynlee spoke about setting the bar low and Kane chuckled, forcing himself to step away from her. "Think they'd cast us in a reality show?" He grinned after his little joke. They certain had some crazy situations together. Trouble always seemed to find them. Not tonight though, God willing. He planned on tonight going right. Had made backup after backup in case it didn't. Brynlee was prepared for anything, but tonight Kane wanted smooth sailing.
The pair had exited her home and he gave her his hand to help her into the seat. He chuckled when she asked about the smell. "Bath and Body Works wishes they had a scent this good." He was a little proud of himself for knowing the name of a scent company. The only reason he did was due to a fellow SEAL who always insisted on hanging up air fresheners in their base the minute it was set up. The first time that it had happened, he had made fun of it. But he'd be damned if it wasn't settling to come back from a mission in the armpit of nowhere and walk into a place that smelled like cookies. Now he couldn't smell the scent without thinking about sand.
He joined her in the vehicle and hovered his hand over the ignition. She gave him a million watt grin and moved his hand towards the gears and his smile mimicked hers. "Here we go." He turned the key, the engine roaring to life. The inside wasn't loud, they'd be comfortable to talk, but there was no denying the rocking powerhouse the vehicle was. Her hand squeezed his and he brought the back of her knuckles to his lips, pressing a kiss on them softly before moving his hand from hers and working the gear. "You got it."
Kane backed the beast up and pulled out of her driveway, heading down the road. There weren't too many people out but he kept it at the speed limit. No need to detain their date longer than needed. He motioned with his head towards the backseat. "When I tell you to, I need you to move to the backseat, there's no visibility from the outside there so you'll be completely hidden. You won't have to stay long, just long enough to pass checkpoint." He followed the posted signs, heading towards the East District. It was quarantined, but where they were going was safe. He had no plans to be anywhere near the unsafe contagious areas.
The drive lasted another seven minutes before he spoke to her, a grin on his lips. "Alright ADA, I need you in my backseat." The words came out before he could catch himself and a red blush rose to his cheeks, shaking his head, "Didn't mean for that to sound….ah never mind." He cleared his throat as they pulled up to the checkpoint, his smile instantly gone.
"ID sir." the armed guard held his hand out and Kane handed the papers over, along with his ID. The young man left and moved to the small covered area joining another guard. Normally they'd be required to search the vehicle, but his clearance didn't give them the permission. Kane waited patiently as his papers were scanned and brought back to him. Giving a small nod he tucked his ID back in and pressed the button to secure the window back. One small wave as the guard motioned him in and through the checkpoint they went. He waited until the guards were well behind them before speaking again, "Alright. All clear."
He waited for Brynlee to get back to the front and secured in before he took a gravel road to their left that led to the side of the old mall. The road forked off once more and he took the more rockier of the two paths. Behind the mall and through the gravel road was a hilly area, usually reserved for old logging trucks that had started the process of clearing the area out before the virus hit. Now the path was all but washed out. A car would have no chance of following the two mile path that led to where he was going, but the JL could handle it. "Hold on. It might get bumpy." He spoke, a playful grin on his face before beginning the ascent up a large hill.
The hand that snagged out and rested on her hip was a total distraction. Enough of one that she almost found herself drawing him into her. Reaching out and pulling him to her to kiss him in her kitchen. Though they wouldn’t get very far if that started and he seemed to have had some things planned. He went through the effort of dressing up in a uniform and the large vehicle that was parked in her driveway. Her eyes flickered down his chest then back to his face. Behave. Yes, that was a good idea, and it would probably allow them to get out of her kitchen in the very least. So when he released her, she let out a breath and didn’t chase after him.
“We are definitely prime time daytime drama,” She teased as they left. And then it was up and into the vehicle for her. She had to say she was impressed. They were in and out of her door in no time. No lingering in the doorway, not grabbing one another and finding the stairs up to her room. They had acted like adults and now she sat in the passenger seat and chuckling at the idea of Bath and Body Works trying to make things that smelled as good as the food in the cabin of the vehicle. “If they made scents like this, I would be hungry all the time.” She chuckled.
The kiss to the back of her hand had that grin remaining on her face as they got on the road. Her opposite hand absentmindedly running her fingers of where her skin was still on fire from where his lips touched her skin. Brynlee had never really done the dating scene too much. She didn’t like bringing people home to be scared off. She did things more in secret than anything else. Which meant she normally just didn’t do anything. She didn’t have the time really to be rushing after others. But with blonde over there... she wanted to give it a shot. That smile he gave her the first time they met. The flirtation that he tossed her way while still seemingly so... pure, it all sucked her right in.
After a few minutes, the mention of getting into the backseat had her burst into laughter. “Oh, so my earlier guess of getting in the truck wasn’t too far off then. See? This is why the bar is low.” She laughed, her eyes flashing over to him for a moment. Biting the bottom of her lip before she looked back ahead. Watching the warning signs come up as they got closer. Her interest peeked and she started leaning a bit forward in the seat to try and read the signs before they even passed by. Just where exactly did he plan on bringing her?
Before she knew it, he was asking her to get into his backseat. At first it didn’t register as anything, until he seemed to stumble over the words. Which just made her chuckle as she unbuckled and got ready to climb over the center console. “If that’s where you want me, blondie.” She whispered as she pressed a kiss to his cheek before she slipped into the back area. Brynlee wasn’t exactly sure where to go, so she slid her butt to the floor behind his seat and pressed her back into the back of the drivers seat. Listening to the exchange between Kane and whoever was outside the vehicle. Her head turned as she tried to catch a look outside. But she couldnt’ see anything. Which meant she just had to sit there and wait.
She climbed back to the front when he told her to. Trying her best to not shove her body into his as he drove. Her arm brushing his and her hip bumping his shoulder lightly. A small apology falling from her before she settled back into her seat and tossed him a look. “I can handle a rough ride. Punch it!” She teased, her hands securing the seatbelt as she sat back and prepared for the ride. And whatever twists and turns awaited the two of them along the way. Her hand gripping the door when a few bumps sent her jarring one way or another. Though a laugh always seemed to leave her. “I hope you secured that food down, or else its all going to be tossed.” She laughed.
As Kane drove the large vehicle down the road, Brynlee's form sitting shotgun across from him, her perfume lingering with a smile on her lips, he had to keep reminding himself that he wasn't dreaming. It seemed almost too good to be real, almost too perfect to be true. She was fire to his ice, the one person who had come into his life and refused to be sidelined. The one who saw his career for what it was and met it head on with a career of her own. She didn't need his standing or security, she had her own and didn't let him forget it. She was everything he had been looking for without knowing he was ever even looking.
Kane laughed as she commented about the bar being low, "Touché. I guess that means I need to pull out all the stops tonight. Don't want to end up with a failing grade." He gave her a smirk before putting his attention back to the road. He supposed if the fairy tales did come true this would make one hell of a story to tell their grandkids.
He handled the vehicle easily enough as they moved along, steering it off of the civilian road and heading towards the military gates. As she moved to the rear of the vehicle, aside from the deep scarlet color that was creeping up his neck, he found himself grinning as he watched her get situated. Her eyes were bright, her smile wide and catching his attention from the road ahead. Kane had to force himself to drop the grin as he pulled the JL up to the gate.
When the checkpoint was over, he gave her the word and she moved towards the front of the JL, her body softly bumping into his. She murmured an apology and he shook his head, "You don't ever need to apologize for that ADA, I promise you." He maneuvered the JL around a large ditch in the gravel and glanced over at her briefly to gauge her response. He couldn't promise an entirely smooth ride, but if she was nervous or scared he could decrease speed and make it a little easier on her. As he glanced over though a laugh left her lips as she told him to punch it. He grinned back, "Affirmative." the word coming out before he pressed the gas, the JL powering up the hill. As it crested he let the vehicle come down the other side as fast as gravity would allow, pulling the steering wheel once they were at the bottom so the JL skidded a bit before the next climb.
Kane shook his head, a playful grin on his lips as she mentioned dinner, "Nah. MREs don't need to be tied down." He did another glance to make sure she was alright before gunning it up the last hill, the tires fishtailing to the left before he corrected it and brought them to a clearing at the top. They were out of sight of almost anyone, save for someone passing by aerially.
He stopped the JL and turned the engine off before looking over at her. "Give me three minutes." He gave her a wink before getting out and moving to the back of the JL. He worked quickly, unfastening the straps and buttons to pull off the soft canvas that covered the rear of the vehicle, making the back exposed, similar to a truck. He already had the pillows and as many blankets as he could stuff into the backseat to cushion it, ready to go.
Kane moved back to the passenger side and opened her door, extending his hand out to help her down. As he did, he spoke up, "Aside from showing off my favorite toy…I picked this spot because it's hands-down one of my favorite places in Lethford. I actually found it while on recon a few months ago." He walked her around to the back of the JL and pulled the small ladder down on the back so she could climb up. "If you look to your right…you can see the lights from downtown." He pointed to the spot where the lights below them were just beginning to come to life. He then pointed to the left, "And you can't see it, but over there is the airport and every now and then a plane will fly right above this spot." The landing zone was just close enough for the planes to fly in at the perfect height. Not too loud, not too far. And in between those moments, the clearing in the sky was littered with stars. It was as close to perfect as he could get it, at least in his mind.
Kane climbed up the short ladder after her and sat down across from her. "Are you comfortable? I have more blankets in the backseat if you need them." He waited for her reply, a small part of his chest tight, wondering and hoping she wasn't hating his choice of venues. Most of the women who he had dated wanted the nice restaurants, the expensive jewelry and dates. He didn't mind those things, but they weren't exactly him. He was banking that they weren't exactly her either.
"You don't ever need to apologize for that ADA, I promise you."
A little lift happened to her mouth then. Interestingly enough, she found her head twisting towards him as she studied his profile. "Have I told you how fond I am of this little nickname you've given me?" It was honest, sincere. She had gotten the typical nicknames her whole life. Bryn, Lee, B, Red. More annoyingly 'Little Red'. A few kids in middle school liked to call her 'soulless' and she took full advantage of that. But ADA was unique. It was different to her. And it was something he had given her all on his own. No prompting, never asked for it. It was something he felt about her and it warmed her chest to think about it.
Bursts of laughter left her every time the vehicle seemed to skid one way or another. As they cleared the next hill and then started taking climbs that made her think there was no way they were making it. Her heart worked like a jackhammer in her chest as she stole glances at him from the passenger seat. Gauging his reaction to each climb before her eyes were back out the front of the vehicle. By far, this was the most daring and fun date she had ever been on. And it had only just begun. Her hair bounced with each downward pull of the vehicle and she couldn't wipe the smile from her face if she tried.
By the time they reached the top, she was breathing irregularly and though her hands were tight on the door and her seatbelt, it was clear she had enjoyed what they just did. Dark eyes flashed to him as he told her to hang tight and then disappeared. She sat for a moment in silence, taking calm, deep breaths to try and calm herself before she reached up and ran her hand through her hair. She didn't think it had been that rough of a ride, but this was a date. She wanted to look good for him and show that she cared. Her hands worked on the seatbelt as she heard the shuffling behind her and she peeked over her shoulder to try and see exactly what he was doing, but he was already to her side. The door opening and a hand being extended her way.
Brynlee took his hand and hopped down, skipping any sort of foot rail that might have been their for her ease and she flashed him a bright white smile. Easily falling into step with him as he explained why he had chosen here. With the ladder down, she climbed up, her face softening as she saw the arrangement of pillows and blankets that waited in essential the bed of the military vehicle. She paused a moment, something rushing over her in that moment, even as she heard him continue to talk. No one had ever done something like this for her. Dinners, sure. Movies, yes. But dinner under the stars and where they could curl up to watch any flights pass over head? It touched her.
She heard him coming up behind her and she moved forward, finding a spot and pulling a blanket over her shoulders as she sat down on a pillow, making herself comfortable. The moment he was up with her, her eyes were looking at him as if she had not seen him before. As if he was suddenly casted in a new light and the affection she had for him was clear on her face. "No, I think I'm just fine." She responded, looking at him for a brief moment before she completely settled in.
"I have to say, you always seem to take me by surprise. No one... has ever done something like this for me." She gestured almost aimlessly around them. Gesturing to everything and yet nothing all at once.
Brynlee's voice drifted over and he found himself glancing over at her. She was smiling the most genuine and honest smile that he had ever seen in his life. The edges of her lips tilting up as she mentioned she was fond of the nickname he had given her. "Well I'm glad because I have no intention of stopping." His smile matched hers as he tried focusing back on the road in front of him. It was a lot harder than he had imagined.
Kane was trained to drive across IED laced roads, to constantly have his head on a swivel and his concentration sharp. He had never had a problem with keeping focus during any of those scenarios. As he sat across from her however, his head was inclining more in her direction than towards anything the road was offering. She was grinning ear to ear and every time he made the tires slide and squeal she elicited a laugh that made him wish the drive would never end. The road was just washed out enough to get the vehicle muddy, the tires leaving deep grooves in the earth's surface but not too messy enough that they might get stuck. As the vehicle bounded along he found the trip over much more quickly than he had wanted. Though, as he had parked it, the butterflies had returned to his chest taking his nerves to a whole other place.
Brynlee slipped her hand into his and he helped her down. As he began rambling on he was a little worried that he was going to bore her to death, but every time his gaze looked over at her, that beautiful smile was thankfully still on her face. He found himself praying that he'd keep up whatever he was doing that she was enjoying so much. When it came to training, he knew he was doing well. He knew he was doing exactly what needed to be done, exactly what was required of him. Taking her out on a date? The boy was swimming in uncharted waters with only his softie romantic heart to guide him. That same heart that had been uncompromising in what it wanted in the past. He could only hope and pray that it was enough and that it hadn't let him down.
As he settled down, her eyes met his after she climbed into the back of the JL and he would have sworn all of time stood still in that moment. There was a look on her face that he couldn't place, couldn't exactly read, but knew it was good. He knew it was good with every fiber of his being and he couldn't help but smile in return. She said she was fine enough with the blankets he had placed and he nodded, the smile still on his lips, "Good."
She spoke again, commenting on his knack of surprising her and he listened quietly with a grin on his face as he grabbed the container pack that had their dinner in it. His hands had just began un-snapping and un-zipping the bag as her voice made him look over at her. Warmth filled his cheeks and he could only hope that it was too dark for her to notice. He would be lying if he said he wasn't proud to have swept her off her feet. That had been the ultimate goal and he was more than a little pleased to note that he was at least on the right path. "Brynn, I've seen a lot. I've seen some of the worst and some of the best that people are capable of and I have never, met anyone as incredible as you." His eyes held hers, sincerity driving home each word that he said before his face softened, "I'm not going to waste our first date at a boring movie theater." He winked at her before putting his attention back to their food.
He slid out the first container and was pleased to find that it was still warm to the touch. "I hope you're in the mood for steak. I guessed on the sear and got the other done a little more in case you liked it better that way." He handed her the container of steak with a side of a baked potato, toppings on the side of course, seared vegetables and all complete with a dinner roll. He had gotten dinner from the nicest steakhouse he could google and yelp, and prayed the reviews were accurate. He took the other container out before grabbing a colder container. "A side salad in case you wanted that and I didn't know what dressing you'd like so I got them all." He grinned briefly before opening up a side zipper that indeed had each dressing that the restaurant offered. The waitress who had taken his order had thought he was kidding. He was not.
Kane reached across her and pulled a hard, flat shelf out from the side of the vehicle. It was a small mobile desk area meant to allow a laptop or GPS unit to sit upon it but it would function tonight for a small table just fine. He placed her salad upon it and moved back to the pack, pulling out wine glasses. "Red or white?" He turned the pack around and unzipped it enough to pull out two chilled wine bottles. He wasn't the best when it came to alcohol pairings, he rarely drank so he wasn't entirely confident in the choices of vino. He had gone into the store and picked the first two that had been on display. He then had asked the cashier if they were any good and the guy had began talking about oaky-ness and flavor profiles so much that his eyes had began to glaze over. He grabbed the corkscrew from another side pocket and waited for her choice.
