Army of one (open to one woman)

[plightofsabine]

When he turned back, my eyes met his. Did he just say yes? I believe he did. I was shocked, but pleased. I had to remember to breathe again. Once over the initial surprise, a smile spread across my face. “I think that’s a great idea! No crowds, no $50 popcorn buckets – just good company and a great way to start the weekend. Since you paid for dinner, I’ll pick up the popcorn.” I returned my attention to the plate in front of me, stabbing into the last few pieces of carrots and broccoli that were left. The meal was almost comfort food – reminding me of my mom’s stir-fry.

Now and then, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye as others walked past. I didn’t have any interest in them. It was the typical scene of shoppers and soldiers intermingling. There were families with children, groups of soldiers, and a number of lone diners. It was nice, I thought, to have some company. My eyes flicked up briefly, watching him. Now that I had looked closer, he had a certain boyish charm about him that I found more attractive than the macho brutes we saw so much of. You know the ones that figured they were God’s gift to women; the ones always trying to be top dog. I really didn’t care for all that. I wondered how ambitious Ryan could be.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

I did say 'yes' to her proposal and my body was eager. I hadn't done something like this, I had been on a date, it didn't end well, but this was going to be different. After eating several more bites of the rice I can feel the stomach expanding s it was filling by the good food before putting down the plstic fork and reclining against the metal framed chair.

I was full with bits of rice still on the plate with streaks of bourbon sauce streaked across, but I simply could not eat another bite. Taking the cup of soda and sucking down the last few drops inside and set it down and cupped my hands on the table awaiting for her to finish and waited patiently all the while looking around. Out of the corner of my eyes I could see that she would give occasional glimpses towards me before shying away, and my lips pealed back in a slight smile, but I tried to keep it hidden because I felt nervous that the slightest slip up might end badly for me.

 

[plightofsabine]

I finished my dinner and pushed back from the table. Leaning back, I looked over at him. I had to laugh just a little. “So how was the meal? Think it’ll do?” I queried, not really looking for a complicated answer. I just enjoyed the fact he had come with me. Shopping for snacks wouldn’t be a huge issue since I was sufficiently full. Maybe some popcorn and soda. “We might have to sit here for a while to let stomachs settle,” I suggested. “Are you sure you don’t mind coming over? I know we don’t know much of each other and I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable,” I added, my voice trembling just a little.

I lowered my eyelashes to shade my gaze. I felt a little odd. I felt a nervous energy churning in my stomach. I recognized the sensation as one I always felt when I was initially getting to know someone. It made me feel like a kid, really. I think too, It had been a while since I was in a relationship and it was like learning to ride a bike all over again. I’m sure I would scrape my knees once or twice in the process, but the reward was more than worth a few skinned knees.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

When she leaned back and asked the question I couldn't help but mirror her move. "It was great. I haven't eaten that before and anything was better than the chowhall."

She suggested in waiting a bit which was a good idea. My own stomach was full and having it this way was very satisfying. "No, I don't mind" replying with a light smile before reaching out, taking the cup, and taking another sip of the nearly depleted soda before putting it back. "I don't get out much and the parties with the guys, well, they're load and give me a headache. Believe me, I much rather watch a movie with you than with them." It was a rather unusual answer asshe might not know all of my friends, but they were strong men but brutes when off duty. "I don't feel uncomfortable at all," at that moment I culd feel my stomach churn as the food was being digested and my eyes widened a bit at the sudden feeling as a hand reached down and clapped the stomach.

 

[plightofsabine]

Relief filled me. Good. I didn't want to seem out of line. I hated most of the after hours banter and it felt like, when we were around the barracks, it was a big block party. Just a bunch of yahoos kicking it up after quitting time. Not really my game. I focused on his eyes since that is where most of his emotions stood to hide. Was the same as me. Tried not to give away immediate impressions.

I took a sip of my half-filled cup to give me a moment to recover. The foot traffic around us was starting to wane, signalling the official end of the day. It was now that people returned to their kitchens and living rooms. It was now that I appreciated the installation. The ongoing activity always slowed here. Seeing his eyes widen I glance around. "What's....??"

 

[guyloveshotstories]

"Nothing," feeling the pain bleeding away, "Just my stomach. Guess it was the sauce." Having not tasted such a food before it took a moment to settle with some gas moving about. I normally had not this trouble but she was surprised at the sudden movements. Giving a chuckle I finished off my drink and looked back at her. She seemed to have piercing eyes, ones that would be reading my eyes and face, studying my expressions as well as my thoughts. Normally I wouldn't like that but that was normally done by the sergeants and they were leaning into me and growling.

"Ready to go?" Looking about there were less people around. Standing up and grabbing my tray I held out a hand to take her tray and took them over to the garbage can where the refuse was dumped and returned to te table where the stomach began to move once again that made me wince in pain.

"I'm alright. I'm alright" smiling and keeping myself straight. She was nrvous, but it was merely new food, "So, what kind of popcorn do you like?"

 

[plightofsabine]

I looked at Ryan with skepticism. "I don't know, you're not looking too comfortable right now. We can always hop a cab and take you to the ER. There's no reporting to sick call til Monday morning," I stated. "Is it just a Tums night or what?" I didn't want to push him off, but I didn't want him doubled over in pain from the rich food. That was a horrible way to start out an evening.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

She was concerned, but after a moment and waving the hand, "Ah, I'm fine. Just give it some time. If it acts up just some Tums or Pepto. Nothing serous that I need to go to the ER," giving a chuckle and standing up. "So," taking in a large breath and letting it out, feeling the muscles and stomach relax a bit, "what kind of popcorn do you like?" To my surprise she seemed concerned for my health. Guys in my unit would just say 'tough it up' until I either vomit or pass out, only then would they get me a medic. "For now I'll just go a little light, okay? Thanks for your concern, though, its more than my buddies would do for me."

 

[plightofsabine]

"Okay," I agree. "But you will let me know if you get to feeling poorly. No sense in being miserable," I added. "As for the popcorn, I like heavy butter!" I answered. "The commissary isn't too far to walk over to. Are you ready to go?"I smiled at him, knowing he was being brave. It was endearing. I stood up and pushed the chair under the table and we were headed out of the food court to find the commissary.

The town center wasn't hard to navigate - there were just a lot of vehicles. Pedestrians had to pay special attention to them. In this day and age, car drivers were rebelling against the rights of pedestrians. Couldn't blame them though - many pedestrians simply stepped off the curb in front of the car with little regard. Clearly a dangerous habit, but most didn't care. I didn't understand that.

I watched Ryan out of the corner of my eye, to make sure he was comfortable enough for the walk. I had experienced stomach issues before and knew they weren't very pleasant. Hopefully his would be short-lived.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

"Heavy butter it is" remarking as I slapped my cover onto my head. Once we got underway the stomach began to ease. Every once in a while I felt something move and placed a hand there and pause and she would look with a slight twist of the head and I slide my hand away and keep a slight smile. SPC Soren was very kind and I couldn't help but feel warm looking at her. It wasn't sexual, I just enjoyed her. She had a natural concern and was strong and confident. She knew and threw out several suggestions where I would be sitting and wondering what needed to be done with my stomach.

There was a honk as we were about to leave the parking lot and we stopped to looked a woman in a oversized SUV was at the crosswalk with a thin man in front standing in front with his arms outstretched and a faint voice of cursing was heard that made me chuckle before continue to walk. A long walk would do me some good as a slight breeze was picking up as we went down the sidewalk, "Are you going career?" I asked.

 

[plightofsabine]

"I don't know, yet." I answered. "I'd like to, if everything works out. There's always a ton of variables. Deployments, QMP, schools, kissing the right backside..." my voice dropped off and then I laughed. "I'm not here to be anyone's friend. I'm here to do a job that I signed up to do."

It didn't take long before we had crossed parking lots and entered the large commissary. It was practically as big as the local super center. We milled up and down the aisles until we found the popcorn. Go figure. It was in the same aisle as potato chips and candy. Did that make any sense?

We grabbed a few more items and headed for the express checkout. As we walked up to the line, we heard a ruckus at one of the self-checks. "Ma'am, the reason there's not a lot of room on the scale is because this line is for 15 items or less...." the checker tried to explain. The woman continued to argue for a few minutes more while we stood in line. It was ridiculous, really, what people would argue over. Why didn't they just follow the rules? Was that so hard? It was like following the rules of the road. You walk on the right, you say excuse me and you go stand in the regular line if you have more than 15 items. Honestly...

 

[guyloveshotstories]

"Yeah, politics," scoffing, "I hate that. Even in high school everone was in groups you were either with someone or against the other. You had to choose wisely, but I didn't do it. I'm here for as long as I can, trying not to step on toes."

Goin to the store Soren was bawking at the chips and candy, "If you want some, go ahead." Fortunately everything here was tax free and cheap. Filling a basket with goodies and going to the checkout I was trying not to laugh when hearing the woman and the checker argue over the amount, the customer was saying that she was only five small items, but the checker refused to give her ground to this woman. "Ma'am, please take your items and go to the next check out" pointing away. Grudingly the woman relented and stuffed her items into her bin and marched off, grumbling and cursing. I couldn't help but laugh and Soren looked like she was trying not to laugh. After gathering up our things and going to check out we had an easier time of it. Forking over the money and gathering up the bags, two each, we left the store.

"That was stupid" scoffing as we emerged back outside. "Probably a colonel's wife...."

 

[plightofsabine]

"You're probably right. For some reason, there are those people out there that choose to wear their spouse's rank thinking it is their privilege to do so. I'm sure they did the training, the PT and the countless hours of "overtime", you think?" I laughed. It was quite funny. The humor made the trip back to the barracks a lot quicker upon the return. The bags really weren't all that heavy, but I enjoyed the conversation.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

I laughed as well. Some spouses were cool in that they prepare BBQs and parties on holidays but a lot if not more, believed their spouse's rank passed on to them. It was infuriating at times and down right hilarious when they were busted. Soren also had a laugh that was warming. I didn't interact with many females in our unit but Soren was being a great deal of fun as we made it back to the barracks. We stepped inside and she led the way to her room and I held the bags as she fished for her keys. The hall was empty but I could hear music coming from the neighbors so not everyone had cleared out. "Nice place" remarking on well cleaned this place was.

 

[plightofsabine]

"Thanks!"

The door was activated by a key card which, one would think, wouldn't be so difficult to keep up with. I always stuffed the card in the back of my wallet which always made things interesting if I had more than one package to deal with. As I slipped the card through the reader, the door opened.

The room was a typical two-person room and it reminded me of a dorm room, funny as that might be. I could remember from many a senior non-commissioned officer complaining that the younger ranks in the barracks acted like the barracks were college dorm rooms and the Army expected the seniors to "babysit". Not on my watch. Certainly not for me. A good example was next door. Those fools chose to blast their music and carry on half the night. They'd never hear a fire alarm go off, I expected.

I had Ryan set the bags on the counter for the time being. My roommate had left for the weekend with her latest interest, so it would be a nice, quiet evening of movies ahead. I removed my ACU top and draped it over a chair. "Please make yourself at home," I said, motioning to the small couch. "I have no intention of staying in these boots any longer than necessary," I added.

I put the soda in the fridge and reached upwards to pull a large bowl down. The rattle of my dog tags clinked. I never went anywhere without them. I put a bag of popcorn in the microwave and while that was busy, I took the time to get out of my boots. I wriggled my toes a bit. My feet would finally relax for the day.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

She had a nice place. Much cleaner than my own place. My roommate was a slob and would leave his scraps and wrappers on the floor. "Who's your roommate?" I asked taking offmy cover and sitting down the bags and getting the crinks out of my arms I looked about then nodded in her sentiments about getting out of these boots. The feet swell up during walks and such and undoing the lacing ad sliding them off the feet and feel them dry was so pleasing as I watched hergo about preparing the popcorn. Her dog tags rattled but mine didn't as they had silencers, rubber covers on the edges to muffle them around my neck and when she took off her ACU top and showed the curves underneth I had to jut shy away evn though it was just the top and not aythign else, I guess because of my modesty. Ihadnt had this sort of contact with a woman in this sort of personal encounter before and I didn't want to take off my own top out of embarassment for my own body. I didn't believe I had a right figure even with all of the PT and extra walks and exercises and I didn't even like to wear shorts for PT.

She went about her tasks, "Need any help?" I asked sitting on the floor rubbing my legs to get the cramps out. It was a long day. Soren was very neat and trim even inside her quarters. Looking about though not everythin was GI regulation it was a better place than my own.

 

[plightofsabine]

As I got the last boot off, I looked at Ryan. "I share the room with Specialist Miller. She's another HR Soldier that works in the same area," I responded, answering his question. "We seem to get along okay and have the same ideas on how best to co-exist."

I looked at the microwave. One minute left. The popping within grew more frequent as the kernels exploded within the bag. I pulled my hair down, letting the length of my longer blonde hair fall over my shoulders. I shook it out lightly and rubbed my scalp. "I hate keeping my hair up all the time," I commented. Realizing I was complaining, I laughed a little. "As if I should complain..."

The popping in the microwave came to a stop and I opened the door. I shook the bag and opened it, dumping it's contents into a bowl. I brought the bowl to Ryan and handed it over to him and retrieved the soda, setting it down on the table in front of the couch. Digging through my collection of movies, I pulled out the first of the Indiana Jones and clicked on the TV. As I set the movie into the player I grabbed the remote and plopped down beside Ryan on the couch. "Ready?" I asked, clicking play on the on screen menu.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

"Thanks. Let's do it!" Being eager as the top of the can as opened with a crisp pop, though looking at her as she poured the popcorn bag's contents into the bowl she was surpriseningly different with her hair down, ACU top and boots off. I heard the complaint about her hair and chuckled to myself as the reason why I kept my hair was so short was so I didn't have to worry about it so much. I wanted to keep talking to her but as she pressed the menu button I was wondering whether or not if it was proper to ask more.

Leaning back and stretching my legs and feeling the cramps come out I felt surprisingly relaxed as the screen changed with the anti-piracy disclaimer and then the main menu popped up. When she clicked play I was eager, very eager running my left hand over my knee several times and moistening my lips as the screen became black.

 

[plightofsabine]

It was good to see he could relax some. I was worried that he would have shied away. I was glad when he did not. I could tell he was still a little anxious as if he was missing something. So as the menu popped up, I had to pause and ask, my blue eyes looking directly into his. "Is there something wrong, Ryan?" I asked him, following the question up with a warm smile.

I pulled my feet up onto the cushion to get comfy. I wanted to make sure he wasn't intimidated with how forward I had been. I just couldn't bear knowing he was uncomfortable. After all, it was my fault his tray ended up on the floor. Boy, did I have a story to tell tomorrow. The night I acted like a complete dweeb would be the headline. But only as far as the encounter at the dining facility. That was it.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

When she asked I stuttered for a moment before coming out with it, "It's just, I haven't been over to a woman's house...or room before," and smiled back feeling myself relaxing looking into those blue eyes, "but I feel better now. Go ahead and play," leaning back and stretching my legs, crossing at the ankles. Other guys would think that this would be something sexual when in fact we were enjoying each other's company. The popcorn smelled great and the beverages smooth. Still feeling a bit tight because of the curry but plucking a couple popped kernals into my mouth felt a bit better.

As the movie started I looked over at Soren and smiled again and stretched out my arms to get the muscles to stretch and letting out a long sigh of relief, "you have a great place" then kicked myself as I had already said that to her, "Harrison Ford is a great actor," then bit down on the lower lip.

 

[plightofsabine]

"I'd offer over the movie theater, but I'm not all that crazy about tonight's showing. I suppose it is odd, to be here. We could have gone over to the Rec Center, I guess. Oh well. It will do." Now I was over thinking things. I just had to let it go.

I smiled again when he tried to pick up the conversation a second time.. "Yes, good actor," I answered. "Sometimes I wish I was on my own adventure of sorts. I could do without the snakes." I laughed and relaxed back as he stretched out. My fingers dug into the bowl and pulled out a small handful of popcorn and I ate them one by one. Sometimes it was better to be silent than to find noise. I leaned up against him. "How's the tummy?"

 

[guyloveshotstories]

"Doing better. Thanks," leaning in a bit further. "I actually do feel better. Just need some rest. I'm glad we decided to come here and relax." As the movie started my eyes turned from her to the television screen as the first images began to pop up on screen ad it took me a moment to remember what was to happen then it came pouring back. Flicking my eyes over at Soren as she began poping popped kernals down her mouth it made me hungry and I plucked several more out of the bowl and tried eating them, but one that was thrown struck my chin, bounced off, and rolled down her stomach and I didn't try to reach for it and cheeks turned a light red, "Sorry,"inside I was liking her just lacking confidence in myself in that what I might say, whatever it was, might offend her.

It was very peaceful. I couldn't remember the last time I felt calm and warm. "I'm enjoying myself. This is great. What other movies do you have, again?"

 

[plightofsabine]

I laughed as the popcorn kernel bounced off his chin. I reached down and retrieved it, offering it up between my two fingers. My blue eyes watched him to see if he would take it. I held it closer to his lips.

"I have the full collection of James Bond, remember. Anything Liam Neeson has done, Harrison Ford, Richard Gere...mmm I think that's about it. I can't keep everything here, there's not a lot of room." I grinned. "I'm so glad you like it here. I'm glad you accepted..."I told him.

I grew quiet and went back to munching on popcorn as the movie went into full swing. I was always entertained by Indy's banter...

 

[guyloveshotstories]

Se held the kernal up between her fingers and every fiber of m being was saying to just take it with my own fingers, but instead I leaned in and snatched it out of hr grasp with my lips, pulled back and gobbled it down then looked a bit surprised I did that. As that happened Indiana Jones was working his way through the temple to the Golden Idol, it was tense and quiet as he felt it way through and I could help but share his sentiments. He was having to tip toe and and feel his way around and I was much the same with Soren, but the specialist wouldn't shoot poisen darts into my head which sheshould have done snce I brought up the movies, aain and blushed a little further, "I'm srry. Its just, I'm nervous. That's all. I've never..." then stopped and just smiled, feeling warm and calm.

In my attempt to snatch the kernal from her fingers I didn't see a ring and looking about her room I didnt see pictures with any man her age thus I felt confident she didn't have any commitments.

 

[plightofsabine]

I smiled delightedly, when he plucked the kernel from my fingers. His boyish charm was just too cute to ignore.

I watched him carefully and saw the sense of nervousness in his body. He had a hard time of letting his guard down and just being himself. I could relate, since it seemed more and more people these days had ulterior motives to everything. "Listen," I said quietly, "There's no pressure here and you're not going to insult me. Am I making you uncomfortable?"I asked, suddenly worried. "Am I too close... or anything? Please let me know if you get to feeling that way." I really started to wonder if I was going to scare him off. That was not my intention.

It had been some time since I had my last relationship burn out. It didn't last very long and there were too many things we just didn't have in common. Dating was almost like Russian Roulette. Never knew what you were going to get. I'd much rather be his unicorn than the snake.

The barracks room was sparsely furnished outside of the extra couch and coffee table. I had a very light blue comforter spread across the bed with an extra velour blanket folded at the foot. There were two big pillows in shams at the head of the bed with matching curtains. I liked blue just as much as I liked yellow. Such pretty colors. I had a single photo of my parents in a 4x6 frame on the dresser and there was nothing to indicate any current relationship anywhere. Not even a past. I liked to keep it that way. I didn't want to remember failed love in any way.

I wondered what Ryan's room looked like. Probably a total man cave. it was getting cool now that the sun was down. I pulled a hand made, white afghan from the end of the couch and spread it over Ryan and myself. I leaned back against him and got lost in the movie again.