Cat & mouse game

Ian smiled broadly, kissing his nose again. "If we don't want to fall asleep on the breakfast table tomorrow morning, or worse, during exercising hour." He laid down a bit better, pulling his lover against his chest.

"Sounds better, yeah," Newt replied in a tired voice, before he let a yawn out. "Good night Ian ~"

"Night, Newt", Ian answered. He let out a powerful yawn himself - hey, those were contagious - and fell asleep soon after.

They could meet again the next day without any problem. Yet, on the third day, Ian was called into Donovan's office. Donovan who looked like he could use some heavy medicine for his headache.

Ian had gained back all of his good mood in those last two days. It had been like a miracle, and even the ones he was training were thanking whichever saint provided them with that miracle. He was smiling when he entered Donovan's office. He saluted him. "Did you call me, sir?"

"Yes I did," Donovan sighed. "Please close the door and sit down", he told him, gesturing the sit in front of him.

Ian did as he was told. He sat down, losing his smile a bit. Donovan didn't seem very inclined to have a nice chat about a promotion or something on those lines. "Is there something wrong, sir?", he asked carefully.

"Unfortunately, yes." Donovan sighed again, then straightened up. "Lieutenant Mist came to talk to me this morning," he began carefully. "She told me you're... involved with one of her men. And one she's keeping a specific eye on, given his past actions."

Ian's posture got rigid. He folded his hands on his lap, nervously. "I was not aware that having a relationship with a comrade was something to be notified, sir", he observed with a careful tone.

"It is not, usually. Actually, I was even relieved to see your mood had gotten better these last two days, but... Lieutenant Mist wanted to warn me about the fact that this soldier of hers is a former thief. A well-known recidivist. We can't exclude the possibility he might be using you." Donovan told him, his arms folded, studying his reactions carefully.

"As you yourself observed, sir, it is just a possibility. I... from experience, I know how much distrust can hurt someone who is trying to change." Ian called upon all his experience as a trainer to sound truthful, and not brain washed. "I understand your concern, and Lieutenant Mist's, but I don't think Newt is at risk of falling into his old habits."

Donovan studied him for a little while. "Would you vouch for him? Ensure me he won't be the center of any mishappenings any time while he is part of our ranks, and by your side?"

Ian nodded. "I will vouch for him, sir. I am sure it will be fine", he added. He was sure of what he was saying. Newt had promised him, after all. He hadn't joined the Marine for nothing!

Donovan hesited again, but sighed. "Alright. I'll trust you on this, I guess. Try not to confront Lieutenant Mist about it, please. She's quite impossible to deal with."

Ian got out his best smile. "I will keep away from her. Besides, I am just a Junior Lieutenant. I don't enter arguments with my superiors, I was taught better. Am I excused now, sir?"

"You are excused," Donovan approved, seeming relieved. "Have a good day, Junior Lieutenant."

Ian saluted him respectfully, getting up from his chair. "A good day to you too, sir. You won't regret trusting me, I promise", he added, getting out of the room.

Donovan watched him exit the room, and whispered a low "I hope so" to himself, as he went back to his paperwork.

Ian went straight to look for Newt, of course. Being his free hour, he could at least confront him about the talk he had with Donovan, and reassure him that everything would go well.

Newt was resting on a bench in between chores, drinking quietly some water. He smiled as he saw Ian, and gestured at him from afar.

Ian beamed, waving back at him. "How is my boyfriend doing?", he said, flopping down on the bench with him. He liked to say that word, so much! He wrapped his arm around Newt's shoulders.

"... Are you really allowed to call me that outside?" Newt asked with a smile. "I mean, it's kind of a taboo thing for someone like you to date a solider, right?"

Ian shrugged lightly. "It would be a different matter if you were one of my soldiers. That'd be nasty business, because I could get sidetracked, and treat you better than the others. Since you're not, it is mostly ok. And besides", he gestured around with a smile, "no one is around."

Newt smiled. "For now," he replied as he leaned in for a quick peck on the lips. "So. How was your day so far ? ~"

Ian pecked him back happily. "It was okay", he said. "Except for the fact that I got called in by my superior, who said that your Lieutenant told him about us. But it's all ok! I told him he doesn't have to worry about anything", he added quickly.