In the Arms of Danger

Gift and Passion

~~Bob's Pov~~

None of you are drunk but you're way more animated than Bob has ever seen you. Everyone in the restaurant had figured out all of you were soldiers, and you a veteran, so no one was complaining about the noise. You had all gotten into an argument about PT tests and other things he doesn't quite understand. Still, you're happy and that's what matters most to him right now.

"Bob, did you know Y/N has been a POW several times?" Williams brings up.

Bob has never seen your face change so fast in all the times he's known you and you're pissed. Why though? There's nothing wrong with it. He'd hope you'd have just brought it up later. None of your other squad members seem shocked and are staring at Bob as you glare at them.

"No, err, it hasn't come up yet. That means prisoner of war right? It's only been three months. I'm sure a lot of that is very private," Bon answers easily.

He wasn't going to get tripped up. He's worked too hard for that. He'd never tell you, but he's glad your team is leaving. It would finally be just you and him for everything. He's not going to give them a reason to convince you he's not the right man for you. He knows that's what they're trying to do. Every single time they invited you out they've been testing him. These are men you've trusted with your life. One wrong move and Bob knows he'd lose you forever.

"I don't want to talk about it," You finally snap into the silence. "It's not appropriate in a crowded place."

"Yes, that's what it does mean. We may as well tell you now, don't you think Y/N? That way if he's a dick about it we can get you home," Williams fires back.

You move quickly and Williams receives a bowl full of pudding in his face, Bob hesitant as you stand on your good leg with your arms braced on the table.

"I'm going home," You snap out, grabbing your crutches. "Good luck on deployment."

"Y/N?" Bob calls out, chasing after you when you leave as fast as you can.

"Geez! It's about time they get you out here!" Oscar snaps, bringing you to a halting stop.

"Oscar?" You ask, your tears stopping as you stare at him in confusion.

"You could have been nicer about it!" Lain snaps, slapping Williams upside the head.

"Ow! Hey! None of you were convincing her to leave!" Williams fires back.

"We were getting there," Johansson huffs back.

"What the hell is going on?!" You finally snap at them.

"We got you a gift before we deploy," Bob explains, grimacing at the hurt look you give him. "Sorry. I was in on it."

"You?! What?! We?! I?!" You stammer out but can't quite get the words to form.

"Here," Oscar says, handing you a box.

Bob helps steady you as you move to open the box, watching as your eyes widen in shock at what's inside. Bob catches you when your leg gives out and you're both sinking to the ground. He holds your trembling firm as you run your fingers along the cool metal of the prosthetic inside.

"We pulled together some money," Johansson explains. "Wanted to give it to you before we left."

"Go on, let's try it on," Lain chuckles, motioning to your amputated leg.

You tremble as you nod your head, Bob helping you figure out how to put it on. He helps you to your feet and steadies you, his hands resting on your shoulders as he smiles.

You take a deep breath and stand on your leg and the prosthetic, taking a hesitant step forward. Bob is there every step once you get the hang of having the prosthetic, your eyes wide as you admire it. You can finally move without crutches! You could even help wait tables now!