On Point (Out of Uniform 3)

“Thought we might go there after I’m done here.” He’d been shirtless in front of Maddox a million times before, and he’d refused Melanie’s offer of a drape the last few times she’d done the electro-stim, but still, he couldn’t help his face from heating as Maddox’s gaze swept over him. “Do the trolley and then get something to eat. Melanie says it’s fun.”

“Playing tourist?” Maddox didn’t sound so sure. “You that bored? They’ve got you back on light duty Monday, right? You going stir crazy is no fun for anyone.”

“As if pushing a mountain of paperwork or doing inventory is an improvement,” Ben grumbled. He still wouldn’t be cleared for any sort of physical activity or training for a while, but he’d be able to do light duty, which typically meant the sort of busywork he hated. Still, he shouldn’t complain though as Maddox still hadn’t gotten cleared for that much yet.

“You really want to do Old Town on a Saturday afternoon? It’s likely to be full of out-of-towners who don’t know how to park.” Maddox shrugged. “But sure, I’m game.”

“It’s a date.” Ben managed a smile, even from this weird angle.

“Oh.” Maddox’s eyes went big and round. “You don’t have to try so hard, you know? I’d be cool with just some tacos on the way home.”

“Hey, don’t let him get away with that.” Melanie flitted back over, checking the stim machine. “Make him work for it.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Maddox’s cheeks were pink and his non-injured foot danced against the tile floor. Was he embarrassed about dating Ben? He’d said to keep it on the down low from their friends and teammates but Ben hadn’t seen the harm in telling Melanie. And if Maddox didn’t want any public dates, that left the horizontal mambo sort that Ben loved, but wouldn’t go near as far to proving to both of them that this dating thing could work.

“You okay?” Ben asked once Melanie had removed the electrode pads and wiped his shoulder off. She’d moved on to the next patient with a promise to see him on Monday. He carefully put his shirt back on, trying not to stress his still-buzzing muscles.

“Yeah.” Maddox let Ben lead the way to where the car was parked. “It’s just...when I said I wanted to date...I meant...” He sighed and shook his head. “Never mind. This is a nice idea. And I’m off the painkillers for the most part, so I can actually have a beer while you snark on the tourists.”

“Who says I’m going to snark?” Ben knew that he should probably chase Maddox down about what he’d meant about dating, but pinning Maddox to the wall had never been his strong suit—he’d learned a long time ago that being patient was likely to yield a lot more information than pressing.

“You always snark.” Maddox offered him a small smile as Ben opened the passenger door for him and took his crutches. “You forget. I know you. You can’t fool me.”

Ben wasn’t sure whether that was a good thing or not. He wanted to surprise Maddox, wanted the ability to be something more than whatever Maddox had already decided he was. But that was okay—he was no stranger to complicated missions. He’d succeed here too.

* * *

Ben had totally underestimated the kitschiness of playing tourist—his two-decade-old memories had glossed over the crowds taking pictures of the palm trees and all the little shops selling knickknacks. Maddox was right—this wasn’t his scene. But he was trying.

He’d gotten trolley tour tickets using his phone, and they caught the trolley heading to Old Town at Seaport Village as he knew the parking situation better around there. The red and green trolley was packed with young families and retirees in visors and baggy shorts. Ben’s first thought was a seat up front for Maddox and his leg, and he stared down a teenage punk taking up two seats until he cleared out to sit with his parents farther back.

“Your glower’s gonna damage someone.” Maddox stuck his crutches by the window, then slid over to make room for Ben. The trolley windows were open, and a cool breeze softened the early summer heat. Across from them were the only people close to their age—two guys in matching shirts advertising that Space Villager game some of Ben’s friends were nuts for. They held hands and looked completely thrilled to be exploring the city together.

Take a clue. That’s what Maddox wants.

“What? I’m having fun.” Ben gave him what he hoped was a convincing smile. “I’m already dreaming of the beer in Old Town.”

“I’m dreaming of something else.” Maddox gave him a pointed look. Maddox. Flirting. This was so new and utterly unexpected that Ben was rendered speechless.

“I’m liking dating more and more,” Ben said at last.

“Thought you would.” Maddox’s smile was smug. “But do try to enjoy this part, okay? Not like we’re trapped in a jungle.”