R Is for Red M&M's

[Braden Murphy]

[attr="class","bradennah"]

[attr="class","bradenleft"] [attr="class","bradenleft2"]

[attr="class","bradenright"] Braden had arrived early—his military training still operating at peak efficiency, even though he'd left active duty behind. You couldn't just switch off everything that had been drilled into you upon enlisting, and missing Katie compete at this martial arts tournament was not an option. Near as Braden could figure, he had a lot of catching up to do when it came to spending time with his two sisters. Being stationed at a military base across the country had made it difficult getting home for moments like these, but someone needed to make money to care for the family. His alcoholic deadbeat of a dad sure couldn't be counted on to provide for Lucas, Ciara, and Katie. Looking around, Braden noted a small smattering of other people had occupied the bleachers overlooking the blue mats—probably family of some of the younger competitors. Some of them had begun to intermingle, striking up conversations as they waited. Finding a seat that offered a good view of the proceedings to come, Braden pulled out his cellphone to let Katie know where he was sitting, in case she had time to stop by beforehand. He would have driven his little sister here, but she was catching a ride with a friend of hers, who was also competing. In the meantime, Braden continued to take in his surroundings—when you were a former SF, now a cop, that's more or less what you did. Not that he expected trouble here of all places, but you never really knew, did you? Anything or anyone could walk in through the door… Rachel Murphy [attr="class","bradenright2"]

deltra of gangnam style

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[Rachel Murphy]

The time off was literally killing her in its own way. Ever since she had been on the wrong end of the suspect who charged her out of a window and onto a car below, she was on leave which became more annoying each and every day as she tried to find things to do. Her one and only saviour as such was the martial arts tournaments, it had been on her calendar for weeks and now instead of shift swapping to go to it she had all the time in the world. Well another few weeks and a fitness test to pass but other than that it was still a lot of time in her book.

Rachel had gotten there early, so she was a little too excited to get to watch it even if she couldn’t take part this time. Not for lack of trying but a broken shoulder for the past four weeks didn’t exactly translate to being thrown to a mat. At least not yet anyway she thought as she glanced around for an empty seat on the bleachers overlooking the blue mats. She found a spot a little away from a guy who seemed to be taking in his surroundings. As a cop herself it was nice to see someone do that, she noted the doors the bags people had.

She was on leave but she still couldn’t shake the training, anything suspicious or out of place she thought for a moment as she shook that from her mind. Yes if she saw something she would get involved but still have to call the ‘real cops’ or at least ones that were on duty she thought as she scanned for the faces she knew from her time competing.

She recognised a few of the coaches, people from the gym she went to and a few of the competitors that were regulars. Honestly these tournaments were a home away from home for her as she appreciated the familiarity of it all. Rachel glanced over at the guy she had noted earlier as she smiled. “Hi there, so are you family or a spectator?” She asked having not seen him at these things before or well not gone to the same ones at least. She knew that there could be a mix of all those there. She had no family entering but she loved to watch it even if she couldn’t take part yet.

Tag: Braden Murphy

[Braden Murphy]

[attr="class","bradennah"]

[attr="class","bradenleft"] [attr="class","bradenleft2"]

[attr="class","bradenright"] Braden glanced over his shoulder—surprised, but not startled—at the woman sitting behind him to his right. Katie had settled into her teens, but proud older brother hadn't gone away. The position allowed him to brag about the youngest Murphy—one of the few times that such a thing could be considered acceptable—to a perfect stranger. She couldn't be an old acquaintance, trying to reconnect, from school or otherwise. Pretty sure there'd be no forgetting that face. Or smile. "Younger sister. Katie. Somehow a three year old's need to use her older brother for a 'human punching bag' transformed into martial arts." He chuckled, running a hand through the back of his hair. "But she's gotten really good." For Braden, not being here in Chicago with his sisters had been the hardest part, but the Army dictated where he went. He'd called home as often as he could—whether to help with homework or just lend an ear—but it wasn't the same. The important thing was that he was here now. "Just trying to catch up on this—all the little things I missed while enlisted. Name's Braden, by the way." Some casual observation while conversing with her had been automatic. Braden didn't have a name to work with, but she looked athletic, though evidently not a participant in the martial arts tournament. There wasn't a ring on her finger. So maybe not here for a husband, but could she still be involved with someone? Braden had to remind himself to turn off law enforcement mode. Just be a regular guy having a normal conversation. "So what about you? Here for a sibling, or significant other?" Rachel Murphy [attr="class","bradenright2"]

deltra of gangnam style

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[Rachel Murphy]

Rachel simply smiled as the man glanced over his shoulder, at least she hadn’t made him jump ten feet into the air she thought. That was always a bad start to things or at least she would be labelled the crazy woman who causes people to jump. His face had her staring for that moment too long as she glanced away for a moment before she listened to what he had to say about his younger sister. He had a nice chuckle she thought as she shook that from her head. Time off was messing with her she thought. “That is great to hear, not the punching bag thing but the martial arts stuff. It’s a good thing to get into. I know my brother was the one who got me into it, then again I did chase him around the house at a lot convinced I could karate chop him in half if I wanted to.” She said with a chuckle.

She had been on the opposite end of the military, when her brother left she felt like her life had just been ripped apart. It seemed like the entire end of the world but as a kid, it had a way of making you feel that way when she thought she had lost her best friend. It was the time he spent at home and the calls after that which meant so much more than it had done before. “Hey Braden, nice to meet you. I’m Rachel.” She said smiling as she held out her hand to him for a moment. “Thank you for your service and yes it can be tough but at least your sister has you back now. No greater support system than family at home or away.”

Former military, well that spoke a lot about the guy she thought. Going to his sister tournament, that said even more and he was handsome too which shouldn’t factor in to anything but to her it did. He didnt seem to be attached or if he was his other half wasnt there or yes no stop being a cop. If he didnt seem like the serial killer type then just leave him be she thought trying to not look for issues but then again. Patrol cop, it paid to be aware of what was going on.

“No, not for a sibling this time or significant other... not married and no boyfriend. I’m just here for me today; I’ve some time off so I usually miss all of these when I’m working so I dont get to compete much anymore but just watching this one.” She explained as she smiled, “So which one is Katie? I’ll make sure to cheer for her.” Rachel asked glancing around the faces there.

Tag: Braden Murphy

[Braden Murphy]

[attr="class","bradennah"]

[attr="class","bradenleft"] [attr="class","bradenleft2"]

[attr="class","bradenright"] Braden caught Rachel looking, perhaps a little longer than she should have, but paid it no mind, instead laughing at her anecdote. The way she spoke of her own brother, it sounded like they were both still really close. He understood firsthand how tight siblings could be, sharing that kind of bond with Ciara and Katie. But he also knew just how wrong things could go. His relationship, or lack thereof, with Lucas testified to that, but his brother, the perpetual troublemaker that he was, still held a soft spot in his heart. A part of him still hoped they could repair the damage that had been done over the years. "Yeah," Braden agreed. "It's good to know Katie can take care of herself, if someone messes with her. And she really enjoys the fitness and focus martial arts provides." When Rachel held out her hand, introducing herself with a smile, Braden returned the handshake. He could try flirting with a complete stranger, if she wasn't attached to anyone. Okay, sure, he'd never really considered himself good at it. Some people stayed in practice, frequenting bars and other local hotspots, but he'd always maintained he would wait for the right person. You could call him the sensible one. You could even call him no fun. For reasons Braden couldn't quite explain, he found himself drawn to that smile of hers, spending entirely too much time stealing glances to see more of it, before remembering he really should say something. He wasn't the stop and stare type—some things were just too forward. Yet here he was, undone by a smile. "Nice to meet you, too, Rachel." And then, all of a sudden, Braden felt his cheeks go red when Rachel thanked him for his service. Some people joined up to serve their country, but his decision had been a purely personal one. There had been no one to take care of the Murphys—not with their dad trying to drink himself into the ground—and the military had offered him a way to do just that. So… nope. No thanking necessary. The decision to enlist had been an easy one. He waved it off with a dismissive hand. "You do what you have to take care of your family." Not looking to dwell on such a rocky, tumultuous road with a stranger—no matter how attractive and single she was—Braden began to scan the participants gathered on the mats below, searching for his sister. Always the extrovert, Katie would love the support. "There," he pointed out the youngest of the Murphy clan to Rachel. "Dark hair. Off to the left. You should be careful. If Katie sees us together, she's liable to talk your ear off later." Rachel Murphy [attr="class","bradenright2"]

deltra of gangnam style

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[Rachel Murphy]

Rachel had been lucky to get to spend time with her brother, so many people didnt get that though Jason was her unofficial role model. Yes she would never tell him that, tease him like nothing else and still try to chase him around the house if she got half the chance but that was what siblings were for. She was lucky to have the family she did, the elder brother and elder sister and she was the youngest or the most annoying or the one who constantly followed her elder siblings around just to embarrass them when she was younger. “I don’t think anyone will mess with her once she puts them on their backside but it works wonders for focus and fitness. It balances out a bad day I find.” She said knowing she had hit the gym more often than not after a long shift or a bad day to find anything to focus on.

She smiled when he returned the handshake, okay well that was a good thing he wasnt running a million miles. Her flirting was, well it was unpractised to say the least, it had been school then university and then the Chicago Police Department, when was there ever time to flirt though now she was working or rather on leave she had a time for a whole lot more. Rachel or insanity or not believed she would know the right person when they came along, how she didnt have a clue but her parents and brother said she would know. She kept smiling at him expecting him to say something though for a moment or two she wasnt too sure what to do or even say. “Thanks, thought for a minute the cat had your tongue.” She said grinning a little.

To see his cheeks go red for a moment she wondered if she had said the wrong thing to him. She knew it was a subject few discussed but she was thankful for what he had done, it took someone special to serve their country and she was thankful for anyone who had done it. Rachel saw his dismissive hand as she smiled again, “Yes you do but thank you for watching out for the bigger family of the country. I know it’s not easy to serve, my brother did so I understand some of it. So thanks even if it’s you just doing what you have to.”

He was attractive and uniform too, no that though needed to leave her head before she got herself into any trouble. No he was just a very handsome, single guy sitting there watching his sister compete which was amazing she thought as she followed his hand to where he was pointing. “She seems great, really looks the part for this. I think I’d be scared to take her on here.” She said nodding, “Oh that’s alright, I’ve got time to have my ear talked off, I mean we’re just chatting right? Unless you have some place to be?” Rachel asked as she realised that sounded a little odd, checking up on a strangers schedule for the day.

Rachel really needed to learn not to ask as many question, she wasnt working nor was she trying to interrogate anybody. “Well you know if you’d be alright with us talking that is. It would be good to get someone else opinion on this out there as they go.”

Tag: Braden Murphy

[Braden Murphy]

[attr="class","bradennah"]

[attr="class","bradenleft"] [attr="class","bradenleft2"]

[attr="class","bradenright"] Braden chuckled when Rachel presented an amusing and very plausible image to mind. Katie wasn't tall, true, but the day someone messed with her would be the day they learned size wasn't everything. "Speaking from experience? That brother you mentioned, maybe?" As long as he kept talking, he couldn't say anything too embarrassing, right? Or, that was his theory anyway, after he'd gotten lost in her smile earlier. Yeah, talking seemed the safer of two options. "More of a dog guy, actually," Braden teased back. Sure, he understood the reference, but if they were going to be striking up a friendly conversation, she might as well know some personal details about him. And a faithful golden retriever would be his pet of choice—not a cat. "I…" Braden still wanted to dismiss her thanks. He didn't bask in it like some people. If anything, he should be thanking people like her. "It's the people back at home that really keep us going." Their support truly made all the difference. "I'm hardly an expert," Braden explained. He was very much okay with talking to her, but if Rachel wanted an in-depth examination of the tournament, she was looking at the wrong guy. Most people assumed that just because you were trained military, you had countless hours of Close Quarters Combat experience to draw upon. The reality was far different. The army's hand-to-hand consisted more of throws and grapples, but hand-to-hand was not a soldier's primary means of defense. In a work week, he might have spent two hours focusing on combatives. "I'm pretty sure you could take me. You look very fit and… um…" Braden had just admitted to checking her out. Something more subtle could have been appropriate, but he had very little practice to fall back on. Flirting had taken a backseat to taking care of his family. Rusty would have been a generous description. Braden had to fight from groaning audibly in horror. How could that have come out of his mouth? Just bury me six feet under the ground. Braden tried to redirect the conversation in a new, less embarrassing direction. Mostly because he didn't want to dwell on what Rachel was thinking right now. If she even still wanted to stay and talk. She probably had no interest in a guy awkwardly flirting with her. "So, what is it you do, Rachel?" Rachel Murphy [attr="class","bradenright2"]

deltra of gangnam style

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[Rachel Murphy]

It was always fun to be underestimated though she hoped his sister never had to use what she knew but the world seemed to be different now. His chuckle made her smile as she nodded, “Experience yes, let’s just say he never messed with my tree house set up again.” Rachel explained, she had made a house about six feet off the ground and everything had its place there until he tried to take her radio and that had lead to all out war in the garden.

Talking with him was fun, she hadn’t really considered making conversation that would be that way as she had only tried to be polite but then so far it was good. His smile, his laugh it was hypnotising as she tried to push any thoughts from her brain that didn’t pertain to the conversation they were having. “Wow dog has your tongue that sounds painful.” She teased grinning as she nodded, “Dogs are better I admit, wagging tail when you get home and lots of walking. So if you could have any kind of dog which would it be?” Rachel thought she would remember the part about the dog, personal details and all.

Rachel smiled again when he started to speak and ended with the people back home. She remembered the letters, calls and boxes she had made up for her brother when he had been away. The silly things she had put in it and then the waiting for that one letter or call back that meant absolutely everything. “You guys do the hard part and I wouldn’t quite say that, you guys keep us going too.” She added, she guessed it was a give and take situation but still being home was the easy part while the waiting not so much but then eventually it had worked out in her family.

“I... thanks but not sure I could.” She stuttered before she chuckled when she realised that he had been checking her out, maybe she was a little short of practice but the direct approach well it worked as she smiled feeling herself turn a little red in the face though she hoped he hadn’t seen that. It had been a while since she had even entertained the idea of a guy flirting with her, she wasn’t against it but then she was out of practice with it. “You look very fit too, direct but since we’re there you’re cute too.” She said grinning though honestly what was coming out of her mouth as she almost sighed with relief when he changed the conversation.

She found Braden interesting and sure his flirting was rusty but then again it just added to his charm in her head. “I’m a cop, well to be exact a patrol cop but it’s the best job. No day is the same and I get see the city a lot so, it’s great.” She said smiling when she spoke about her job, it had been the only choice for her and she had loved every second of it so far. “So what about you, what do you do?” She asked genuinely interested, so far she knew he was military but then that did little to narrow down career options after that.

Tag: Braden Murphy

[Braden Murphy]

[attr="class","bradennah"]

[attr="class","bradenleft"] [attr="class","bradenleft2"]

[attr="class","bradenright"] Braden rubbed thoughtfully at the stubble around his chin. It sounded like the usual brother and sister relationship, but somehow, Braden suspected, while Rachel's brother may not have messed with her treehouse again, that hadn't stopped him from messing with other things. Siblings were funny that way. "And a cat having it would be less painful?" Braden countered with a small laugh. As far as he was concerned, there wasn't really a win in either scenario. The old joke was that cats owned humans—not the other way around. At least a dog could be a loyal, caring friend. Something Rachel seemed to be in agreement with. She questioned him on his favorite breed. "I always wanted a golden retriever when I was a little kid, but... things never quite worked out." After all, the Murphy home front hadn't been the best. Mostly thanks to the drunk he had to call his dad. One of the things that had prompted his service in the first place. Katie and Ciara had helped get him through his time away from Chicago. And maybe Rachel was right. It could have worked both ways. Two parts of the same whole. "I am." Braden was confident enough in her skillset, even without having seen her in action, but neither was he intimidated or put off by it. If a soldier ended up in hand-to-hand, it meant something had gone wrong: their weapon had jammed, or someone had gotten the jump on them, maybe. Yes, a soldier trained for that, but not to the level that most people assumed. Yet the explanation he'd thought about giving her took a back seat when Rachel admitted she found him cute. "I'm glad the two of us can make such a cute couple." It took Braden a minute to connect the dots and realize exactly what he'd said. In that moment, his cheeks started turning a darker shade of red. Things were just kind of coming out of his mouth before he could think better of them. Couldn't he just stop putting his foot in his mouth already? It would make having a conversation with her so much easier. "Not that I'm implying we're together. Because we're not. I mean—we are. Just not like that." This continued to go in a downhill direction, but if nothing else, Braden could continue to latch on to their discussion of what the other one did for a living. Much less embarrassing. Of course, that wasn't the first time he'd made that same assumption this conversation. "A cop?" Braden echoed. That… made a lot of sense actually. Everything about the way she carried herself spoke of someone trained to look for the little details. "Funny you should mention that. Former military police myself. Currently a police academy cadet." Rachel Murphy [attr="class","bradenright2"]

deltra of gangnam style

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[Rachel Murphy]

The tree house had been off limits but then there was everything else to worry about which over the years had become practically anything she owned. Her favourite ornament held out of the window or her favourite jeans that were turned into shorts after a particular rough argument about his work life balance. Then again taking his kid sister for ice cream wasn’t really an argument for it was more of a life requirement but still there were unforgiveable acts and that was one she never really got over.

Rachel chuckled when he mentioned the cat, “Thinking unless it was a Chihuahua, a cat could be less painful.” She added smirking though cats did own their human she just wished she had time for a dog as at least there would be a wagging tail for her when she got home. She had to just content herself with a pet cactus and plant. “Golden retriever, very nice choice and why not get one now? Mans best friend and all.” She asked not really sure why but still they weren’t exactly kids anymore so why not get the dream dog.

Rachel wasn’t going to argue with him, if he thought she could take him why disillusion him on the matter though given the fact he was a soldier she assumed rightly or wrongly that he could likely take her too. She hadn’t much idea about the training as her brother never really talked much about it, sure she had listened to his stories but it was on his terms and she knew better than to ask or push the subject with him. Certain things were off limits and she didn’t mind that as long as her brother was still there.

When she saw his cheeks turn a darker shade of red she felt her own go a similar colour. Her head was trying to figure out if she had just misheard him again before she realised that given his colour she had heard it correctly. “Oh really and what exactly do you mean by ‘like that’?” She asked teasingly while blinking innocently at him for a moment before she chuckled. “I’m glad the two of us can too because we can be cute while just chatting right?” Honestly she wondered what she was saying at times, downhill yes it was going that way though she was glad for the change of conversation.

Cop talk felt like home ground for her, at least something she knew about more than attempting to flirt with a guy she had just started talking to. “Yes, a cop... handcuffs and all.” She stated before she winced, why did she even have to bring that up she thought as she raised her brow and grinned. Yeah, military police and academy cadet made sense for him. It was the way he walked, the way he looked around it was a familiar sight though she was none the less impressed as she smiled and nodded.

“Glad you joined and welcome to the team, how are you liking the academy?” Rachel asked having enjoyed the academy probably a little more than she should have. “Do you still get Officer MacGregor for tactical class?” She asked wondering if the guy was still there.

Tag: Braden Murphy

[Braden Murphy]

[attr="class","bradennah"]

[attr="class","bradenleft"] [attr="class","bradenleft2"]

[attr="class","bradenright"] This day hadn't gone quite the way he'd anticipated. When Braden had gotten out of bed this morning, he hadn't counted on flirting with a complete stranger. Not something he minded, especially the more it continued. Sure, Braden could get a dog. Like Rachel said, they were a man's best friend. Having a golden retriever to greet him when he got home at the close of a long day would undoubtedly be rewarding. But there was more to it than that. Pets could be expensive. His money went elsewhere. "It's just… I have two sisters to take care of. Mom and Dad… well, it's a long story." But that's not a conversation he was about to have with someone he didn't know. "You know. Like that. As in… dating. I think that happens when a guy likes a girl, and the girl likes the guy." Braden found he couldn't help himself. Rachel was playing innocent, batting her eyelashes and blushing, just to fluster him. And it was working. The way they were acting, you'd think they were 6th graders with crushes on each other—teasing each other and giggling and turning tomato sauce red. Braden swallowed, suddenly nervous, but before he could think better of the decision, he had already blurted it out in a rush of words. "Unless you wanted to? Go out some time, I mean. Is there some sort of regulation about that? A cop and a cadet?" Maybe it was too soon to ask, but clearly this was going to be a thing between them. Just because Braden might be turned down didn't once factor into his continued teasing. "I think someone likes her handcuffs." Braden tossed her a playful wink to combat the flirtatiousness. "Do you lock up a lot of bad guys with them? Or did you have something else in mind?" When Rachel brought up the academy's tactical instructor, Braden nodded. Yeah, Braden didn't just know of him, he knew the instructor. "MacGregor. Never smiles. Stick up his butt. Might be older than the building? That MacGregor? Yep. Still there." Braden was used to the drill sergeant type—more than most—though he was quite certain he wasn't the only person to trade in the military for the police. So the overly stern demeanor didn't faze him much. "No complaints. You want something, you go and get it. Any advice from the cop to the cadet?" Rachel Murphy [attr="class","bradenright2"]

deltra of gangnam style

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[Rachel Murphy]

She had been looking for something to occupy her time and not once had she ever thought it would appear as a guy called Braden who’s sister was taking part in the tournament. Not that she minded at all though if she had any idea she would have been flirting she might have tried to be a little better at it. It wasnt like she had set out that day to flirt with the first guy she had seen but then there she was, trying to flirt with a guy and tell him to get a dog.

Rachel would have blamed the painkillers but then she had stopped taking those after a few days so that excuse was far flung. She should have been a little more tactful the minute he mentioned taking care of his sisters. Great, she had managed to put her foot in it as she nodded. “Sorry I shouldn’t have... I didnt mean to pry but yeah two sisters to take care off. Better idea than a dog.” She added trying to figure her way out of that though nope she had opened her mouth and put her foot right in it.

“Ah you mean ‘like that’ like that.” She stated thoughtfully before she broke out in laughter at his explanation for it all. Chuckling like she was a teenager with a crush, great way to go to act cool or remotely like an adult. To see Braden turn red it was fun and cute and those eyes of his... nope planet earth she thought until he blurted out those words that caused her to practically fumble any reply possible. “I... well... Urm.” She fumbled for a moment before she shook her head. “Not for cadet and cop unless we were working together at academy or precinct.” She explained trying not to act like she had lost her tongue.

Rachel smiled sweetly for a moment as she realised that he might have just asked her out in a sense. She placed her elbows on her knees and rested her chin on her hands as she gave him the same sweet look. “Since you’re on a roll, what do you mean by sometime?” She asked trying not to chuckle but she failed and nodded instead. “If you wanted to, would hate to think that it’s forced on you.” She said trying not to turn too red though if he had asked her out was that her just saying yes to it, if he wanted to of course.

“Oh you’ve no idea how much.” She said about the handcuffs as she realised how that sounded and if they were going to make a thing of things then how that sounded. Was it even possible to go a deeper shade of red as her hands covered her face for a moment and laughed before she took them away again. “Locking up bad guys is always good fun but then to have something else in mind, I could have but just so we’re on the same page. Let’s say I’ve no idea what you mean Braden. Do explain?” She asked grinning at him.

With the conversation turned toward the tactical instructor she was relieved to have a conversation that wouldnt turn her into a tomato for the rest of the week or month for that matter. Not that she minded but still better not to turn too red. “Yeah that MacGregor, has to be older than the building but not sure if he’s ninety or just a tough looking sixty.” She said thoughtfully, the guy had been a shock to the system with every attempted joke bringing nothing in the way of a smile. The man was a living legend of sorts but she was glad he was still there. He might not smile but she had learned a lot from him.

“So you’re the go getter type then. I like the sound of that.” She said though really why her opinion would matter, no but still it was nice to know there were people out there that went to get what they wanted still. “Sure tonnes of it, I'll start with the instructors are always right.” She stated grinning for a moment, “But the best piece of advice I ever got was always look at someone’s hands before anywhere else. They can’t hurt you with anything else but their hands. Oh and you can never be too through with your reports, trust me the more you write the better it is in two months time when you’ve got to remember the 5th day on the forth month at five minutes past ten.”

Tag: Braden Murphy

[Braden Murphy]

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[attr="class","bradenleft"] [attr="class","bradenleft2"]

[attr="class","bradenright"] Braden shrugged. Rachel was making a bigger deal out of than he was. Sure you made sacrifices for family, but Braden didn't consider this to be a sacrifice. His two younger sisters meant the world to him. If that meant a little extra money that could have gone towards a pet went towards Katie and Ciara, then he was fine with that. "It's okay. I wouldn't have brought it up, if I had a problem at least mentioning it." Braden looked into her eyes, not just to gage her level of interest, but to let her know that he was being serious. Call him crazy, asking someone that he had just met, but this felt like the right time. Since there were no regulations standing in the way, and he hadn't scared Rachel off by suggesting it, Braden would be more direct about it. "Then maybe I'm asking the wrong question. Would you go out with a certain cadet? Because I'm asking." Rachel had managed to tease a small smirk out of him, as Braden leaned forward. "Handcuffs are a popular bedroom item. Or I… uh… hear." Yeah, so much for being a good Catholic. Braden had just blurted that out to someone who was, for all intents and purposes, still practically a stranger. Could he blame Rachel for being a bad influence on him – playing coy like she was? Unless she liked that sort of suggestive flirting? "Maybe we should get MacGregor carbon dated? Find out for sure?" As much as Braden might be joking about the tactical instructor, there was no denying the guy knew his stuff. Even with a military background that some of the other cadets lacked, Braden could still learn a lot from the man. When MacGregor finally decided to hang it up, the academy would be losing a valuable resource. "Anything else you like the sound of?" The more Braden tried it, the more he thought he might actually be getting the hang of this flirting thing. It probably helped trying to stick to the basics, but he couldn't help but grin when she started giving him advice. Especially about the paperwork. Probably the most dreaded part about being a cop. Because, honestly, who loves paperwork? Rachel Murphy [attr="class","bradenright2"]

deltra of gangnam style

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[Rachel Murphy]

Rachel smiled when he said it was okay, well she still felt like she had put her foot in it but at least he wasnt making a big deal out of it. “Thanks and you seem like a great brother to your sisters.” She said figuring if he was sacrificing then he was the good kind of family to have around. Rachel always knew she was lucky with her family but it was nice to know that there were other people out there go managed to get a great brother too.

When she looked into her eyes she could see he was being serious. For a second she hadn’t a clue what to do about that though she found herself smiling, he was forward sure but there was something about him that had her figuring on taking that step. “You mean me?” She asked for a moment as she looked over her shoulder to make sure he hadn’t been talking to the person behind her. “Then I’d say yes to the question and to the cadet.” She said smiling at him as she tried to decide on what level of crazy she had just gotten too.

He was a stranger and she had just agreed to go out with him. Then again maybe it was a step after all if he had been checked to be a police cadet at least she knew he wasnt a serial killer. Rachel raised her brow when Braden spoke about the handcuffs, she couldn’t keep the smirk from her face as she chuckled. She was catholic herself though this conversation was enough to turn her a shade of red she had never seen before. “It seems to me like you’ve got more experience with that than just... hearing.” She said not sure who was being a worse influence on the other at this point as she kept her coy smile.

“Now we’re talking, pretty sure that machine goes to prehistoric... maybe even before dinosaurs?” she suggested grinning. MacGregor was good at what he did and sure he might be the guy that got the rough end from the cadets at times but he was the guy that you were glad to be taught by. She couldnt imagine the man retiring from the academy, she was sure they might have to pry the guy out with a crowbar but if and when he did go the academy wasnt going to be the same at all.

“Well since you mentioned it, handsome strangers asking me out but beyond that, you’ll just have to wait to find out.” She attempted flirting but she hadn’t exactly been up on her game recently. In fact probably way off on it not that she had much game to begin with, she was a little blunt and maybe a little too head strong at times but flirting was something she could try. “So what is it you like the sound of?” She asked him, “And any advice for a cadet to a cop?” She asked knowing that listening to others was part of the job too and it never hurt to get another’s perspective on things.

Tag: Braden Murphy