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Unsung Heroes: Mission One	By : RavenLadies Category: +G through L > G.I. Joe Views: 1214 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the cartoon(s) that this fanfiction is written for, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Chapter Three

Lifeline was jostled a bit in his seat as the plane touched down, its landing gear bouncing slightly on the asphalt runway. Unconsciously his hand went to the shoulder harness of the safety belt he was wearing as the plane bounced once more before completing it’s landing, slowing as it taxied down the runway. The medic smiled a bit, thinking of the mission he had just completed, his dark eyes glancing at the others seated around him. While the Joes were primarily a combat force, they also participated in humanitarian missions on an as needed basis, providing supplies and medical assistance in the wake of catastrophes around the world.

Edwin and the others had been called in to assist refugees in South East Asia after devastating and deadly floods had racked the area. The medic was hungry, dirty and hovering on the edge of exhaustion, but Lifeline smiled to himself, ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way.’ These were the kind of missions that meant the most to him – to know that he was doing some good in the world, and it helped to reaffirm his belief not only in his job, but in humanity in general.

The plane slowed noticeably as it approached the hangar, eventually coming to a complete stop several minutes later. Within seconds, Edwin had the safety belt undone and was reaching under the seat to retrieve his pack, another small smile finding it’s way to his lips as he thought about what the pack held – drawings given to him by several of the young children that he’d treated, thank you gifts for “Doctor Joe”.

It took several minutes for the team to disembark, Lifeline one of the last to leave the plane. Shouldering his pack, he made his way over to one of the waiting Jeeps, his friend Lift Ticket being one of the drivers who had been dispatched to bring the returning team back to headquarters. Edwin and Lift Ticket made small talk about the completed mission during the short drive, the Oklahoma native inquiring about how things had gone and how he had wanted to be one of the pilots but got bumped. Lifeline answered the pilot’s questions, the banter giving him something to focus on so that he didn’t give in to the exhaustion that was starting to finally take its toll. As the Jeep came to a stop in front of the main complex building, Edwin once again took up his pack and jumped down. Giving Lift Ticket a wave, he headed inside.

Almost without thought, Lifeline headed straight for the men’s locker room, intent on a shower at least; although as he walked, his hand came up to rub at his chin, the rough stubble more than enough proof that he hadn’t been able to shave either, even if the shadow darkening his jaw wasn’t. It was late, almost midnight and the hallways were just about deserted. Pushing open the door to the locker room, the medic set his bag down on the bench that ran the length of the locker-lined room and started to undress.

The locker room was more or less deserted, amplifying even soft sounds to almost eerie portions in the stillness. Still, Billy didn't notice Edwin at all as he all but stumbled into the locker room. He was worn out, and had been sent out of the Infirmary by the medics, who warned him to rest and actually eat something. They understood Billy's concern for his subordinates, and sympathized with him, but weren't about to let the Marine collapse from personal neglect. Once he'd gotten out of the Infirmary, Billy had decided against food, wanting a shower and a shave first, in the hopes it might make him feel more human.

Lifeline had his boots and uniform jacket off, and was just about to pull the t-shirt he was wearing up and over his head when the door to the locker room opened. With his glasses off so that he could undress, the medic’s vision was slightly fuzzy as he looked over to see who it was. Billy didn't notice the scrutiny as he entered and passed silently down the row of lockers until he came to his own. Giving the lock a glare, he took a slow breath and began to enter the combination.

Even with his less than perfect vision, Edwin recognized the Marine as he moved past, the small smile that found its way to his lips giving way to a frown when Billy didn’t acknowledge him. Reaching down to retrieve his glasses from the bench, the medic resettled the wire frames on his face and moved towards the other man. “Billy?”

The sound of his name broke the Marine's concentration and he resisted the urge to smack the locker when the door remained stubbornly sealed. He looked over and managed a faint smile. "Hey. Just get back?"

The medic nodded his head, the frown still firmly on his face, sensing something “off” with the Marine.

"Glad you made it back safe." Billy turned his eyes from Edwin in favor of trying to fight with the lock again.

Lifeline’s dark brows crooked in puzzlement at the seeming dismissal from the Marine. Reaching out, he put his hand over Billy’s, stilling it. “Billy . . .” he repeated the name softly, his eyes on the profile of the other man’s face. Billy's eyes closed at the touch, his hand trembling under Edwin's as he fought to keep from losing his composure.

‘His mission . . .’ Edwin squeezed his dark eyes closed for a moment as the realization hit him, and he couldn’t help the feeling of guilt that came with it – he’d been so wrapped up in his own mission that he’d completely forgotten about Billy’s. Lifting his hand from the Marine’s, he put it to the side of the other man’s face to turn it towards him. "They knew...I don't know how they fucking knew, but they knew," Billy whispered, not daring to open his eyes, knowing he'd lose it for sure if he did.

The medic's eyes slid closed and he swallowed at the Marine's tone. "H-How bad?" Edwin asked, his voice hushed.

"Freeman and Hancock are down," Billy said quietly, shaking his head. "They're in pretty bad shape..."

The news pained Edwin – any injury to one of his teammates did. He didn’t know the members of Billy’s unit personally, although he was marginally familiar with Hancock. The young medic had been recommended to Billy by Lifeline when the Marine had expressed his desire to have someone with medical training for his unit. But whether Edwin knew them personally or not, they were fellow Joes and that was more than enough for him to feel concerned for them.

His dark eyes were full of worry as he looked at Billy, seeing the pain on his friend’s face. Heedless of where they were, Lifeline slid his hand into the dark hair at the back of the Marine’s head, pulling it towards his, until their foreheads were touching. The trembling in Billy's hand had long since spread to the rest of him, and he swallowed hard. "I've been staying down in the Infirmary with them...I want to be there when they wake up..." He said. Silently, he added, ‘I need to see that they will wake up’.

Unconsciously, Edwin slid his arm around Billy’s waist, as he moved closer to embrace the Marine. “We’ll take good care of them, I promise.”

"I know you will...you guys saved my ass, after all..." was the hoarse, whispered reply, as Billy slumped against Edwin.

The medic’s fingers gently combed through the dark hair at the back of Billy’s head as he held him, feeling the trembling in the other man’s well cut frame. “God, I’m sorry . . . I wanted to be here when you got back . . . “

"...wasn't your fault..."

Edwin remained silent, holding the Marine in his embrace. Billy had been worried about the mission, concerned for his young and inexperienced team. Now, with two of them lying in the infirmary gravelly injured, Lifeline was sure that Billy was blaming himself and he wanted to give the dark-haired man whatever support he could. Billy needed that support, more than he cared to admit, as he clung to Edwin tightly. He wasn't able to partake of it as long as he would have liked, however, as their surroundings crept back into his consciousness again and he pulled back a little, wiping irritably at his eyes. Reluctantly, Lifeline let Billy go, his dark eyes still full of concern and worry. “You look like hell, “ he said softly, noticing the dark circles under the Marine’s eyes and his disheveled appearance for the first time.

"Thanks," was the quiet reply, accompanied by a weak ghost of a smile.

Edwin started to bring his hand up towards Billy, but thought better of it in deference to their surroundings. “When was the last time you slept or had anything to eat?”

"Uhh..." Billy couldn't answer the question. He honestly couldn't remember. He knew that he must have rested, and probably eaten, but the days since he'd returned from the aborted mission had run together.

“Come home with me.”

Billy's expression was uncertain. He'd been hoping since he found out Edwin had been shipped out that he wouldn't be gone long, and that he'd be able to see the medic. But leave? While Freeman and Hancock were in the Infirmary? “They’ll call you on the comm if there’s any change,” the medic said, almost as if reading Billy’s thoughts. Reaching out, he touched the Marine’s arm briefly. “I’ll make you breakfast and you can get some sleep. You won’t do anyone any good running yourself ragged like this.”

There was a tiny nod of agreement from Billy. "Okay."

“They’ll be given the best care. You’ve got my personal guarantee on that.” The medic smiled a bit.

"I trust you." Billy returned Edwin's smile with a shaky one of his own.

That made Lifeline’s smile widen just a bit more, knowing that there weren’t many people that the Marine did trust anymore after his experiences with Umbrella. “You can shower there, too, if you want.”

"Sounds like a plan. We taking my truck?"

The medic nodded, “I’m not so sure I want to get behind a wheel right now. I’ve been up for the past thirty-six hours, so if I fall asleep on the way, don’t take it personally.”

"No problem...just one thing."

Edwin’s dark head canted to the side questioningly. Another momentary smile crossed Billy's face. "My keys are in there and be damned if I can get the fucking thing to open..." He said, pointing irritably at the locker.

Lifeline couldn’t help but laugh, a real full smile lighting up his face. “Helpless Marine . . . “ he said with a slight shake of his head as he stepped closer to the locker. “What’s the combination?”

"Hopeless, more like," Billy replied, then rattled off the numbers, sinking down onto the bench.

“Not hopeless,” Edwin said, as he quickly spun the combination lock, following the sequence of numbers that Billy had given him. As the last tumbled into place, he reached for the handle and opened the locker.

"Says you," Billy said as he stood again, starting to strip out of the BDUs he was wearing.

“Says me,” Lifeline affirmed, looking at the Marine. “And you should always listen to your doctor,” he said with a slight smile before moving back to his own locker and gear.

"Yeah, yeah," was the Marine's reply as he changed. For all his bland tone, however, Billy couldn't deny that his heart felt a little lighter. For the first time, he felt like maybe things would be okay after all.

Just as he had joked, Lifeline had fallen asleep during the drive to his condo, Billy gently shaking him awake once he’d parked the truck and turned off the ignition. After dropping his things off in the bedroom, Edwin had headed to the kitchen, letting Billy take the shower first. Stacked on the counter was the week’s mail, left by the woman who came in to clean for him. After taking a quick look through the various envelopes and other items, the medic started in with the promised breakfast so that it would be ready when Billy emerged.

Showering turned into more of an effort than Billy expected, mainly due to the fact that the time on the road left him drowsy. He managed to shave and make himself look presentable, however, by the time he wandered out of the bathroom.

The home fries were done and Edwin was just starting on a pan full of scrambled eggs with shredded cheese when the Marine joined him. Already poured and waiting on the counter were two glasses of orange juice, the medic preferring to forgo coffee until after he’d had some sleep. Walking up behind the medic, making just enough noise to be heard, Billy embraced the other man from behind, and tilted his head to let his forehead come to rest on Edwin's shoulder. Lifeline smiled at the unexpected embrace, canting his head to the side and back a bit to touch it to Billy’s. “It’s almost ready.”

Billy nodded against Edwin's shoulder, but didn't relinquish his grip or say anything aloud. After a few moments, the medic lifted his head so that he could resume cooking, setting the pan to the side a few minutes later when the eggs were finished. Crossing his arms over his mid-section, he covered Billy’s and looked back over his shoulder. “Still with me, soldier boy?”

There was another slight nod, and Billy smiled faintly. It occurred to him that Edwin was probably the only human being in the world who could call him “soldier boy” and not end up with a broken nose.

“A few bites and I promise I’ll let you sleep.”

That drew a weak, almost unheard chuckle from Billy. "Now you sound like my mother..."

Letting his arms slide away from the Marine’s, Lifeline slowly turned in Billy’s embrace until he was facing the other brunette. “I just hope you didn’t go around kissing your mother like you did me the other night.”

Billy pulled back enough to look Edwin in the eye. "I've been a bad influence on you," he said, the glint in his eye at odds with his scolding tone.

The medic smiled a bit. “Somehow, I don’t think you’re too upset by that.”

"Nope..." After a few moments, the faint smile faded from Billy's face and he pulled Edwin close, laying his forehead on the medic's shoulder again.

Lifeline’s dark eyes slid closed, his expression sobering as he slid his arm around the Marine, while his other hand came up to the back of Billy’s head, his fingers gently combing through the still damp locks. Billy's own eyes closed at the gentle attention. "When are people going to actually listen when I tell 'em not to come back for me?" he whispered.

“It wasn’t your fault, Billy,” Edwin’s voice was soft as tilted his head down, laying his cheek on the Marine’s dark hair.

"Yeah, it was...if they'd listened...if they'd just listened..." He sighed. "We were ambushed, plain and simple."

Fingers continuing to gently comb through Billy’s dark hair, Lifeline’s arm tightened around the other man a bit. “They’re young, Billy. It was their first real mission under fire. They made a mistake – we’ve all done it. “

"I know...I know..."

Edwin’s dark eyes squeezed shut once more for a moment before he loosened his hold on the other man. “Beating yourself up over this isn’t going to do anyone any good. You’re exhausted and stressed out.” The medic pulled back a little and reached for Billy’s wrist, his tone firm as he spoke. “You need to eat something and get some sleep – real sleep.”

Billy raked his free hand through his hair and nodded. "Yeah...you're right."

Lifeline pulled Billy over to the small breakfast bar and urged him into one of the high-backed stools. After setting one of the glasses of orange juice down in front of the Marine, he then quickly loaded up a plate for the brunette and placed it in front of him. "I appreciate this," Billy said softly, taking a sip of the juice as he waited for Edwin to join him. "Thanks."

The medic sat down next Billy, setting his plate down. “You don’t have to keep thanking me for every little thing, Billy.” He looked at the other brunette. “I care about you,” he said simply.

The Marine parted his lips to speak, thought better of it and nodded, falling quietly to his meal. Edwin’s dark eyes watched the man next to him for a few moments before he turned his attention to his own plate. The pair ate silently, the only sounds the clicking of silverware on the plates. Despite his earlier hunger, Lifeline found that his appetite had diminished and it wasn’t long before he pushed his plate back. “Think I’m going to go get a shower,” he said to Billy as he started to rise to his feet. “Don’t worry about the dishes, I’ll take care of them.”

"Alright."

Pausing behind Billy’s chair, the medic slipped his arm around the other man’s shoulder and over his chest. Leaning down a bit, he pressed a quick soft kiss the side of the Marine’s neck before straightening back up and releasing Billy from his embrace. Without a word, Lifeline left the kitchen.

Billy shivered just a little at the touch of lips to his skin, and watched quietly as Edwin walked out of the kitchen. Moments later he stood, clearing off the table, and then dealing with the plates before leaving them in the sink to be washed later. That task finished, he headed for the balcony, intent on a smoke before sleeping.

Edwin made his way to the bathroom, quickly stripping off his clothes and climbing into the shower. He stood there for several minutes with his eyes closed, just letting the hot water sluice over his dark head before he picked up the soap.

After toweling his hair dry, Lifeline looked at his reflection in the medicine cabinet mirror, contemplating whether it was worth the effort to shave since he’d more than likely have to do it again once he woke up the next morning. A deep yawn made his mind up for him, and after tossing the towel over the shower door to dry, he pulled on a pair of pajama bottoms.

Shirtless, the medic padded back out to the kitchen, surprised to see that Billy had apparently cleared things up for the most part. Edwin was tempted to finish the job, but just like shaving, he decided it could wait until the morning. Turning off the light as he left, Lifeline passed through the condo, turning off lights as he made his way to the bedroom. Billy wasn't too far behind the medic, long used to navigating the condo in the dark, since it wasn't uncommon for him to need a cigarette in the middle of the night. Fatigue was pulling at him heavily as he moved.

Lifeline was turning down the bed when Billy wandered in. Edwin had already removed his glasses, leaving them on the nightstand next to his comm link so that they’d be in easy reach if needed. For the second time that night, Billy slipped up behind the medic and embraced him, fatigue and the stress of the previous days making him hungry for friendly human contact. Edwin couldn’t help but smile, slipping his arms up to cover Billy’s as he leaned back a little against the other man. Billy's arms tightened a little at that, but he remained silent as he simply held the medic, letting his eyes drift closed.

Lifeline remained silent as well, enjoying the feel of the Marine’s strong arms around him, the press of Billy’s chest against his back. Unconsciously, his fingertips glided in lazy circles over Billy’s bicep, trailing over the tribal-style tattoo that covered the other man’s arm from shoulder to wrist. The Marine shivered just a little at the touch; the scarred, inked flesh had always been a little more sensitive, a nice side-effect to the markings. “Cold?” the medic asked softly, misreading the slight movement he had felt against his back.

"Nope. That skin's a little bit sensitive. Has been since I got it inked." There was a small but unmistakable smile in Billy's voice as he murmured.

Glancing downward, Edwin could see the outline of the lettering, Billy’s arm being close enough for him to make it out somewhat clearly. His fingertips still trailing over the marked skin, they slid down a little, tracing the “O” in the word “Love”.

Another faint shiver passed through Billy at the touch, his smile growing as he nuzzled the side of Edwin's neck very lightly. The affectionate gesture was almost experimental in its lightness. Lifeline’s eyes slid closed at the soft, feather-like touch, his fingers stilling on Billy’s forearm. "...That okay?" Billy whispered softly. The medic nodded his head slowly and gave the Marine’s forearm a slight squeeze of reassurance.

"Okay." After a moment, Billy nuzzled Lifeline again, less hesitantly this time.

Imperceptibly, Edwin’s breath caught in his throat a little, his fingertips once again trailing over the warm flesh of Billy’s tattooed arm. The touch drew a very soft sound somewhere deep in Billy's throat and he pressed a single, warm kiss to the back of Edwin's neck. A visible shiver went down the medic’s spine, his fingers tightening on the Marine’s forearm. Smiling at that, Billy let his lips brush the skin again. Although they'd rarely indulged in such affection, hell hadn't even kissed until the night prior to his last mission, Billy couldn't help but feel a little curious now, his usual reservations lost in a haze of drowsiness.

A soft sound escaped from Lifeline’s lips, his arms sliding away from Billy’s so that he could turn in the Marine’s embrace until he was facing the other brunette. As Edwin turned, Billy actually took the chance to get a good look at the medic without his glasses, something he'd seen often enough, but never really paid attention to. Edwin’s chocolate brown gaze met Billy’s, and he tilted his head a little at the scrutiny. The curious look was endearing, and Billy smiled, his own deep blue eyes unwavering as they met the other man's gaze. Leaning in closer, Lifeline pressed his lips against the Marine’s, his arms slipping around Billy’s waist. A purr and a firmly returned embrace was Edwin's reward, and Billy's eyes slid closed as he stepped a little closer to the medic. Clenching a handful of Billy’s t-shirt in his hand, the medic sought to intensify the kiss, the press of his lips much more firm. Billy's lips parted a fraction, tongue slipping out to touch Edwin's lips lightly, the request obvious but not demanding. Without any hesitation, Lifeline’s lips flowered open in answer to Billy’s silent request. The medic made a soft sound in his throat as their tongues met for the first time.

The Marine's arms tightened around Edwin and he moaned as the kiss deepened. Tilting his head slightly to better seal their lips together, he let his tongue brush along its like slowly. His hand still clenching Billy’s shirt, Lifeline’s other arm slid up, his fingers tangling in the dark hair at the back of the other man’s neck as their bodies pressed closer together. All of his earlier exhaustion was forgotten as the kiss went on, his tongue twining with Billy’s.

It was only for the necessity of breathing that Billy finally broke that kiss, not moving away from Lifeline so much as a fraction of an inch as he tried to catch his breath. Edwin was sure he could feel the beat of Billy’s heart, the light soft cotton of the brunette’s shirt the only barrier between his bare chest and that of the Marine. His dark eyes still closed, the medic swallowed as he too tried to catch his breath and regain his composure. "Damn..." Billy breathed, smiling as he spoke.

Lifeline blushed faintly, an almost shy smile finding its way to his lips as well. “Yeah . . .“

"Think we oughta lay down, at least?" Billy asked a few moments later.

“P-Probably a good idea,” Edwin let go of the Marine’s shirt and started to pull away slowly, almost reluctantly from the other man’s embrace.

Billy didn't let him get far, perhaps sensing that reluctance as he turned them both around, backing toward the bed and sliding onto it, pulling Edwin down gently after him. The medic sank down next to Billy, his dark eyes on the Marine. "I'm glad...I decided to come stay tonight," Billy said quietly.

“I . . . I’m glad too.” Lifeline’s voice was soft as he looked at the man next to him.

Billy smiled, and leaned in, giving Edwin a soft kiss.

The medic met Billy halfway, tilting his dark head to the side as their lips touched.

“I’m growing tired of all these failures, Baronessss.”

“We would have had Coen if his subordinates hadn’t disobeyed his orders . . .”

“I’m tired of all the excusesss as well.”

“The plan was perfect, Cobra Commander,” the raven-haired woman’s accent put an emphasis on the letter “r” as she addressed the blue-clad man sitting a few feet above her.

“If it was so perfect, Baronesss, then why isn’t William Coen in our custody right now?”

The Baroness’ blurry reflection shone in the smooth silver of the face shield that the man wore. “As I said, it was his subordinates . . . “

“There was no way to predict that the soldiers under Coen’s command would disobey him, Commander.” The deep male voice spoke from the shadows moments before its owner stepped into the light.

Destro made a striking figure as he approached the dais. A tall, well cut man, the black fabric of his uniform clinging to his muscular frame, the light glinted off the silver mask that covered not only his face, but his entire head. It was said that generations ago, a member of the former arms dealer’s family had been sentenced to wear a similar mask for unspeakable crimes. Since that time, at least one male in every generation had donned a silver mask to honor that ancestor, who they believed had been unjustly convicted. There were few who had ever seen the imposing man’s true visage; and fewer still were those that had lived afterwards.

“Dessstro . . .” Cobra Commander’s raspy voice hissed out the other man’s name. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

“I merely wished to hear the Baroness’s report,” came the smooth reply as Destro joined the black-clad woman.

“That interested in your lover’s failuresss?” There was a hint of amusement in The Commander’s voice which caused the Baroness to visibly bristle.

Destro seemed unperturbed by the comment. “Not at all, Commander. I merely wised to see if I might be of service in some way – perhaps offer some suggestions on Coen’s capture.”

“I have it in hand, Destro.” The Baroness’ dark eyes glanced at the tall man.

“Indeed?” Cobra Commander leaned forward a bit.

“Yes, Commander. Even as we speak my agent is preparing the masterstroke that will deliver William Coen into our hands and deal with the Joes in one fell swoop.”

The blue clad man stroked the chin of the silver mask. “So you say, Baronesss. Who is this agent?”

“A spy, Sire – placed within the Joes.”

“Ingenious my dear Baroness,” Destro said, inclining his head slightly at the woman. “So that’s how you obtained the information on their attempted strike.”

“Yes. I’ve been informed of Coen’s every move since he joined the Joes.”

“Clever,” the Commander commented. “But ineffective since he’s still with them.”

“Not for long Commander, I assure you.” The Baroness said, her eyes intent on Cobra Commander. “There is no way he can escape this time.”

“You had better hope not, Baronesss – for your own sake.”
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Unsung Heroes: Mission One