Los Angeles - The First Touch/Like A Virgin Mix

[notjustaface]

 They almost died in Mexico. Again.

If it wasn't for a hell of a lot of luck, a plan that came together, and Murdock's ability to not get everyone killed landing an enemy helicopter at base they wouldn't have been "almost".

It's not the first time that's happened... not even the first time this year. But, it's the first time since Borneo, at least.

Face wasn't shocked when Hannibal shoved a set of keys in his hand - or told him to take the weekend and get a shower and sleep in real bed before reporting back to base. They earned a little R&R. He's not even particularly shocked when Murdock climbs in the jeep with him. It's not like they've got much of anyone else to get into trouble with, and things have been pretty much all right since the incident he's "forgotten". He is, however, a little surprised at the energy vibrating the small hotel room when they walk inside.

Double occupancy, second floor next to the ice machine and overlooking the pool.

Before the door even hammers shut behind them, he's dropped his rucksack on one of the queen beds and is peeling off his dirty green t-shirt on the way to the blessed shower.

Comments

[notthatcrazy]

Murdock, as usual, is all up in his space, humming what seems to be a Madonna song. He's even more hyper than usual, still hopped up on the adrenaline rush of a near-death-experience turned successful landing.

[notjustaface]

What is this personal space you speak of? They've been pressed in like sardines for hours and he doesn't even really notice until he stumbles out of his boots and almost falls down in the process, tripping over Murdock.

Instead, he flails and grabs hold of his arms - wildly joining in on the adrenaline and relief in sight by singing along in a rock and roll falsetto.

"Like a virgin - touched for the very first time!"

[notthatcrazy]

He breaks up laughing, and it seems only natural to pull him closer until they're pressed together chest to chest, laughing into his shoulder.

"That was awesome."

[notjustaface]

But he's still wired and it's easy to wrap his arms around Murdock's shoulders and push him hard against the bathroom door, grinning wildly.

"It was." He replies casually, squeezing him tight before pulling away just enough to slide his arms into Murdock's jacket and push it off him. "We smell like we spent two days in a cattle car."

Mostly because they did.

[notthatcrazy]

He squirms, shrugging out of his shirt as well.

"Should probably do something 'bout that."

But it's so nice where they are...

[notjustaface]

"There's this amazing thing called a shower... and I bet I can beat you to it."

It helps that he's already down to his uniform pants and a pair of boxers that he's not exactly shy about removing before moving his hand off Murdock's chest and to the doorknob.

Pointedly not thinking about that crazy kiss and how much he really wouldn't mind doing it again.

[notthatcrazy]

"Everything's gotta be a competition with you."

It's one of those endearingly charming qualities that kinda makes him want to smack him upside the head occasionally.

But he's not about to complain as he hurries to catch up, leaving a trail of dirty clothes in his wake.

[notjustaface]

"Because I always win," he shrugs, stumbling out of his trousers and shorts until his chest is slammed up against the plastic shower molding - feeling Murdock close behind him.

He lets out an energetic squeal and makes a grab for the curtain - enjoying their game far too much.

[notthatcrazy]

"Only 'cause you cheat."

He catches up just as they reach the shower, grabbing Face and tickling his side. When in doubt, go for the distraction.

[notjustaface]

Well... hello there...

Face manages to yank the curtain closed behind them before fingers descend on his normally not-that-ticklish side.

"I cheat!" He squeals, grabbing him by the wrist with one hand and pushing him back against the shower wall. "You're still wearing pants."

[notthatcrazy]

"Right. So you usually shower in your socks?"

He gives him a cheeky look.

"I think we're both winners in this game."

[notjustaface]

Damn it.

"Well..." he smirks, closing the distance between them - making special note that this is far too much like a move he's pulled before; "I think the only fair solution is a compromise."

[notthatcrazy]

Move schmove. Any sense of propriety got left on the floor along with most of their clothing.

"And what d'you suggest?"

[notjustaface]

"You... take off your pants..." he murmurs, looking down between them. "And I'll take off my socks..."

An almost awkward manic laugh bubbles up and he points to the two bars of wrapped soap on the tray.

"We'll rematch to see who gets cleaned up first - you wash my back, I'll wash yours?"

[notthatcrazy]

He knows from manic laughs. The hand on Face's side reaches up to rest on his shoulder, as the other one's already reaching for his waistband.

"Now that's a compromise I can live with."

[notjustaface]

It works, just like back at the barracks only private... and in the same stall. Just like that.

Except not.

Still, though, he's already got the ball rolling and he's not in the mood stop when things are getting interesting. he pushes back against the touch - moving to help with Murdock's belt but he hesitates and goes for his own socks instead.

Not that kind of shower, man.

"I thought it might work out."

[notthatcrazy]

It must be hard to take your socks off when you're knee-deep in Denial.

"Mmm. Sounds like a plan."

Momentary visions of Hannibal's lectures really don't help the mood. He shakes his head as he finally gets rid of the pants, tossing them past the curtain to land somewhere near the room's small sink.

[notjustaface]

It's a nice warm river...

Face manages to not only get his frankly disgusting socks off, he does so without even more of the potential horseplay before cranking the handle to a warm spray.

"I'll go first," he grins, turning his back on Murdock to let the water catch his filthy hair and drip down his naked skin to make a small brown snake toward the drain.

[notthatcrazy]

They really are pretty filthy. He's got nothing against cows in general, but he's kinda thinking a big ol' steak sounds good for dinner.

There's a soft crinkle as he reaches over for the soap. "Hell of a day."

[notjustaface]

He wouldn't disagree, especially once food is actually in front of him.

"Hell of a week," he chuckles under his breath, closing his eyes as he tilts his face up to bear the brunt of the cold water gradually warming to an acceptable temperature. "But the plan worked."

It always does, probably not as originally intended, but it works.

Face turns his head to offer a meaningful look before adding; "Couldn't have done it without you. No other pilot's crazy enough to land an enemy chopper at an active air force base."

[notthatcrazy]

The plan rarely goes off without a hitch. Sometimes there's more hitch than plan.

"All part of our service at WTF Air."

The dirt can't quite hide the bruises they both got in the call of duty. Cattle really don't take well to personal space invasions.

[notjustaface]

They're badges of honor, even if Face can feel them settling in on his chest, shoulders and back. At least they didn't have to ride alone... though he's still not sure if Murdock really does think he speaks bovine or if it was just something to get them through the seeming endless hours of finding every bump and jostle there was.

"We're still standing." He turns, letting the water streak down his back as he looks over his friend - stepping back so the spray can at least wash away the road dust. Any mission they can limp away from is a success - and when it goes off without a major injury? Bonus.

[notthatcrazy]

That's the thing about Murdock. Most of the time you can't tell.

"Yep. And no one's bleedin'."

His eyes linger on a particularly sore-looking spot near Face's collarbone before he looks away.

[notjustaface]

That look, he's seen it before but he's gotten good at not thinking about it. Another thing to put in the compartment neatly marked "Things I Will Not Be Dealing With".

Instead, he turns to face the shower head and asks casually; "Get my back?"

[notthatcrazy]

"Yep."

The soap is unwrapped and he starts scrubbing, mindful of the various ouchy spots. If he spends a little more time on certain areas.. well, they can add that to the pile of Things They Arent Thinking About.