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RAVE

“ D id you guys talk last night? Are you sure this is what you want?” Red asked as they were driving into Tripler.

“No, she was pretty much in bed when I got back.” He sat on the other question as they went through the security gate. “She was amazing on that ship. We had moments and she made me feel alive and she was free. She still has the same fight. One look at her and I can forget all the shit we do.”

Red looked at him through his Jeep. “Ok, let’s go get her.” They walked in the front and saw Sylvie heading into the office to the right. Both followed her.

“Excuse me, you can’t just walk in,” one of the Soldiers tried to stop them just inside the door.

“No, we’re with her,” Red paused long enough to answer pointing in the direction of Rave. Sylvie was seated at a desk trying to explain what was happening. Rave came up behind her, the woman at the desk looked up and would not take her eyes away from him. Rave sat down next to Sylvie and Red took his spot. Sylvie looked around her when the woman didn`t resume. They all looked equally confused.

“Excuse me,” Sylvie looked at her. “They’re discharging me, and I don’t know where I’m reporting.”

“Why aren’t you going back to the unit you belong to?”

“I was on an exchange program, doing a sea tour. I got sent here for treatment and it was like an expedited transfer. So, I don’t know if I go back to the Navy or to an Army assignment.”

“Were you assigned a Special victim lawyer?”

“I guess,” Sylvie flipped through the business cards she had. “Here.”

“Did you contact him?”

“No, he doesn’t really handle assignments, does he?”

“Did anyone talk to you about possible assignment locations?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Do you have any preferences if they ask?”

Rave jumped in, “Here.”

“You are?” The woman asked, looking at Rave.

“I’m her fiancé.”

Sylvie and Red’s eyes flew open. “No, no he isn’t,” Sylvie responded.

“Babe,” Rave looked at Sylvie, “you hit your head.” Turning toward the personnel rep he added, “it was recent. Doc said she may have some holes.”

Following his teammate’s lead, Red nodded in agreement.

“Well, unless you’re married the military doesn’t recognize it. Which means your duty location doesn’t have to be accounted for.”

“But there are options here.”

“Maybe.”

“So, when does ‘maybe’ become actual options?” Sylvie asked.

“I’ll work with Retention and see what’s available. Let me get your contact number and I’ll call.”

Sylvie wrote down her number, “that’s it?”

“I’ll probably talk with your lawyer as well, but yeah.”

Rave was out of his seat and pulling Sylvie out of the office. They went back to her room to help her get her stuff. Rave grabbed the duffel bag out of the closet. Sylvie reached for it. He handed it to Red and they went to work gathering and packing. They were done in minutes; she didn’t have that much unpacked; just some toiletries and the clothes Genie had bought. Red took point, Rave put his hand on Sylvie’s back, slung her bag over his shoulder and escorted her out.

Rave helped her into the Jeep, Red jumped into the back with Sylvie’s bag. “Where to?” Red asked as Rave got behind the wheel.

“My place.”

“I can’t stay with you,” Sylvie said bluntly.

“Well, you’re not staying with anyone else,” Rave motioned back toward Red meaning his team.

“Why should I stay with you?”

“We’re engaged,” he smiled at her.

“What if I’m Catholic?”

“I have a spare room.” He answered smoothly as he reversed out of the parking spot and headed for the exit.

Not able to turn around, Sylvie reached back and touched Red on the leg, “Does he always have an answer?”

“He’s kind of annoying that way.” Red answered.

“We could just get married. Then no need for a spare room, no worries about assignment preferences. Seems like a win-win,” Rave kept at her.

“God damn it, can you stop!” Sylvie exploded. Both men sobered. Rave pulled into a residential street and stopped against the curb. Sylvie slid off the seat as her feet hit the sidewalk. She got about twenty-five feet when Rave intercepted her.

“Sylvie, I’m sorry. I go after what I want. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

She looked up at him. He looked so uncomfortable waiting. “I can’t…”

“Can’t what?” he repeated, while thinking please don’t leave . She looked miserable; he realized it only made him feel more fear. He was always confident but not now. If this woman wasn’t so upset, she’d realize how much power she already had over him.

“This isn’t how this is supposed to be. What happened between us on the ship was a lifetime ago.” She looked up at him almost pleading, “What if I don’t ever sleep through the night? What if I’m not staying here? What- “

“Syl,” he took her hands, “there’s no ‘supposed to be’. There’s only what is. I want you in my life and as long as there isn’t another guy, I will take everything I can get from you.” He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her carefully. She leaned into him, her face resting against his chest. He was scared to move, not wanting to be back at square one again. Then he realized she was crying, the only indication was her body trembling from sobs. He tightened his grip, protectively and waited for her to be done. If he was ever given the opportunity he would kill Taylor. When she was finished, she pulled away enough to wipe the good side of her face with the heel of her hand. “You ready?”