TEAM MEETING: Mess Hall - OTA

[captaine_sykes]

Ethan had made it perfectly clear that he expected everyone on camp to show up for this team briefing in the mess hall, no excuses accepted. For once it wasn't even at some stupid hour in the morning, instead it was set to begin after breakfast had finished at 08:35.

Waiting until everyone was seated and the room had fallen silent Ethan stepped up

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[captaine_sykes]

Of course Ethan spotted Angel as one of the last to enter, his gaze following her across the room before he remembered that there was a crowd of other people here too who might notice what he is doing. He diverts his gaze , risking one final glance up as she sits down and noting the soft smile. It's foolish and unlike him to find himself so easily thrown by someone yet Angel seems to always manage to make Ethan feel just a little flustered.

Not obviously so though, thankfully.

It was obvious that certain memebers of the team were more excited about being allowed off camp than others, though that could be that some of the team didn't want to reveal to Ethan just how pleased they were with the new situation. The team had some pretty good poker faces when it came to getting what they wanted.

Most of the crowd had gone, only a few lingering around the bulletin board or deep in conversation with others. Ethan suddenly found himself with his arms full of an exciteable Jones, but before he could properly react with anything more than a brief back pat she'd pulled away.

"Really I shouldn't be the one you are thanking Jones, the idea was not mine I just had to finalise the details but I'm glad you'll be pleased to get off of the camp. And see your shoes." There was a moment of awkward silence before Ethan cleared his throat. "I meant what I said about appreciating your efforts in rescuing me but I also want to thank you for being there in the medical bay. It was a very generous gesture."

[angelica_jinx]

He was acting weird. She almost expected it after they played in the snow but hoped that maybe they would be okay. Of course, he'd had plenty of time to second guess himself and what they did. Not that they did anything. It was completely innocent. At most they flirted a little but Ethan's default seemed to be the rule abiding Captain especially when he was nervous.

"That's okay. I can give all responsible parties a hug. I'm just going to start with you because you're convenient." She was itching to fill the awkward silence but she didn't know what to say. She was grateful when he spoke again. "Ethan, er Captain Sykes, you really don't have to thank me for that. What are friends for?"

[captaine_sykes]

It wasn't that Ethan wanted to act distantly or quite so formally towards Angel but they were in the Mess Hall and there were still others around, enough to make he feel that he needed to watch what he said or how he acted. Ethan didn't want to put her in a position where others were jealous of his manner towards her or misconstrued it as being anything other than just friendly.

"I know but still, it would be impolite of me not to recognise your efforts." Reaching out Ethan gently grasps Angel's elbow, guiding her out of the way of a couple of soldiers who are bustling past. He doesn't let go of her arm, hand gently cupping her elbow and drawing Angel a little closer. "I should warn you now that you'll be restricted to one pair of shoes, a pair of trousers or jeans and three tops from your clothing as part of the regulations. And don't think pouting will work on me, though saying that a head massage might coinvince me to allow a second pair of shoes at a push."

He keeps his voice lowered but his gaze settled on Angel as they talk, a slight smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

[angelica_jinx]

She let him guide her out of the way and she was aware of him but her stomach didn't start to flutter until he pulled her closer. She almost didn't even catch what he was saying because she was so busy watch his mouth or getting lost in his eyes.

Eventually, what he was saying did sink in and her face fell. "One? But..but I could no sooner choose between my future children. I could give head massages. As many as you want. What would I have to do to get three?"

[captaine_sykes]

Ethan can't help the laugh that comes in response to Angel's comments about her shoes. He had only been joking about the fact she could exchange her head massages for an extra pair of shoes but then again what was the harm of one more pair of shoes... three though. Well that was going to start pushing the boundaries a little more.

"You'd actually compare your future children to shoes!?" He raises an eyebrow though it's pretty apparent he is teasing Angel. "Please don't tell me you plan on calling them Manolo Blahnik or Jimmy Choo? As for getting three pairs I'm not... why would you... how many pairs did you bring with you?"

He's now tempted to go take a peek in her lock-up at what Angel brought with her.

[angelica_jinx]

"Well, I've never had children or pets. My shoes are my babies until I have some for real. I love them and I hate that they are hidden away in my dark trunk where they can't breath. They are too gorgeous to be hidden, Ethan. I only have 9. See if you let me have 3 then I could rotate 3 at a time. Give them all a little fresh air." She protested almost poutily.

"And for the record I would not name my future children after shoe designers. Ideally, the dad will have some input but I like older names like Margaret or Henry."

[captaine_sykes]

"Breath? Angel they're just shoes! They aren't alive." He rolls his eyes but continues to humour her as he listens, nodding along. "You are aware that you will only be able to wear them when off camp and between 18:00 and 06:30 hours Angel, I just... fine. You know what, fine. You were part of the rescue team and I don't see how three pairs of shoes will cause any harm, just don't make a big thing about it to the others, please."

"Classic names, I'm pleased to see that you haven't been lured in by the celebrity trend of obscure names." Ethan leans back against the nearest table, arms braced on the edge as he talks to Angel, his posture the most relaxed it's been since the start of the meeting. "Is now the right time to break the news to you that Midway doesn't have a clothes or shoe store?"

[angelica_jinx]

She pulls a face. "I know they aren't alive. I don't mean breathe like inhale. I mean it more like when you let a wine breathe. It's good for the fabrics. And if I can only be cute from 18:00 to 6:30, I'll take it. Are we going to be allowed any pajamas?"

Angel followed his lead and leaned against the opposite table. It was a little confusing as to why he had an interest in what she'd call her kids but it was kind of cute that he did. Especially since she passed whatever test he had. The smile didn't last long when he broke the news about Midway. "Well, shoot. I guess... I guess I'll have to do something else then."

[captaine_sykes]

"I'll keep that in mind for future reference, though you look... lovely between the hours of 06:30 to 18:00 if you want my opinion." Perhaps Ethan should have asked Angel first what she was likely to request from the lock-up clothing wise and then come to some agreement based on that. "As long as your pajamas are in-keeping with attire regulations. No négligée or skimpy items are permitted, understandably for various reasons."

And now Ethan was trying his hardest not to picture Angel (or other ladies on camp too...) in skimpy underwear. Boy is that a hard task. Glancing around Ethan is thankful to see the mess hall has mostly emptied. "Well Spokane has more options shopping wise, Midway is more of a chance for the team to prove themselves and show that they can be trusted but there is the chance to go a little further. I usually had into Spokane on my weekends off when I'm feeling restless."

[angelica_jinx]

Her cheeks were quick to glow pink under the compliments then brighter when he brought up skimpy lingerie. She had some of course. Not terribly skimpy but silky or lacey sexy stuff that she had to make her feel pretty not necessarily because other people would see them. "I wasn't... I..." She took a breath and tried again. "I wouldn't pick anything inappropriate."

Spokane sounded promising but... "By yourself? Doesn't it get lonely?"

[captaine_sykes]

"Well then I'm sure your request for pajamas could be catered for." Though Ethan will not be held responsible if they have a fire drill in the middle of the night and he has to a) put some of the team back into line for inappropriate comments and b) point out that skimpy night wear wasn't good for keeping people warm or dry. Saying that he's probably still offer Angel his coat if it came too it.

"I've visited there with Richards on the odd occasion, but mostly I find things to do." It's not an out right yes or no to her question but it's something close to yes, kind of. "I tend to go when there are games on like ice hockey or baseball, but sometimes it's good to have company in a place like that. Just not the entire team. I don't think mall security could handle a group like ours."

[angelica_jinx]

"Yeah, I think taking everyone to Spokane would probably be a bad idea. Were... were you going to go this weekend?" Very stealthy, Angel. Like he's not going to know you're angling for a little company and you'd really prefer to have his.

"I j... I just I have the worst sense of direction. It might not be such a bad idea to have someone who knows the town to show me around." It wasn't a total lie. She did have a horrible sense of direction.

[captaine_sykes]

Ethan is a little bit surprised at the question, he had been contemplating heading into Spokane seeing as Midway would probably be inundated with the team all rushing off to take advantage of their time off of base. He was not above sneaking off as far from Midway and the camp as possible leaving someone else to deal with the fall out till he returned. SOme might call it chicken, Ethan called it using his initiative.

"I was thinking about heading to Spokane actually, wasn't sure I'd want to be in Midway when the team descends." It dawns on him then that she could be asking for company in Midway and he's not sure he wants to be there. "Unless you' like the company in Midway? I can change my plans and make sure that the team don't keep trouble. Make sure you don't get lost either, though Midway really isn't all that big."

[angelica_jinx]

"Oh, I... I meant Spokane but I guess I'm not really allowed am I? Of course not. You said we had to stay in Midway. That's right. I'm sorry. You don't have to change your plans. You have to spend all week with us. You should get a break. Maybe... maybe some other time." She was disappointed but she still tried to smile.

[captaine_sykes]

"Did you? Oh! Well I... it's not exactly... but then again..." Ethan hadn't even considered that Angel was asking to join him in Spokane. Technically it would be showing biased to one member of the team over the others but then again he was Captain andhe was entitled to do as he pleased really. Within reason.

"I'm sure the medical staff would be much happier if they knew that I hadn't ventured off camp without someone who was aware of my medical situation." It was a long shot, Ethan didn't want to make it sound like he was bending the rules just to suit Angel's request. He'd rather head into Spokane and if there was a chance he could have some company, well it wouldn't be so bad now. "That's if you don't mind us running some military errands whilst we're in Spokane, obviously it's for official business so I'll be requiring an assistant of sorts... that's if you wouldn't rather go to Midway after all that?"

[angelica_jinx]

Angel wasn't really sure what was happening. She was hoping for something closer to a date and he was talking about nurses aides and professional assistants. Had she read him wrong? The other night in his office it felt like there was something there. Chemistry or a spark or something. Maybe she was wrong. It wouldn't be the first time. She was intuitive but also a romantic. Hope was her bread and butter.

"I, er, okay. Sure. Errands can be fun too." Even if she did read him wrong, he still wanted to spend time with her. That was something at least. Not what she was hoping for and she was pretty sure that meant they were back to being friends but at least he didn't seem to know how she felt about him. That would be really embarrassing and he'd probably be avoiding her rather than offering to let her tag along with him in Spokane.