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Face never thought about Murdock would cotton onto him. Never in a thousand years. Even the conman himself was surprised by the start of it all, Murdock was tinkering with a flight plan for their next mission for their adventure in the van, when he flipped a pin up in the air and tried to catch it with his mouth.
"Murdock, honey, no!"
"Face?" Murdock asked trying not to register what his best friend had just said. Face having caught the pin in his hand and throwing it out of the van window. The pilot had been waiting for something like that for years and knowing nothing would ever happen. Now though? Murdock gave himself a little hope but chose to not bring any attention to it. After all, he didn't want Face being spooked any further than he internally could be. If he was even aware of the internally. Both Hannibal and BA had just raised their eyebrows. BA then gave a short and sharp warning glare to Face as if he'd personally offended him.
"You want to end up with a hole in your tongue? I can't be explaining to the hospital why I've brought you back all damaged" Face carried on.
"Sorry Faceman, just got a little carried away?" Once Murdock settled back down in his seat, he turned to Face seeing the still worried look on his best friend's face.
"I am sorry. Didn't mean to make you upset" His Texan accent coming out thicker as his friend kept assessing him. Face stopped and placed an arm on his shoulder to comfort him. Murdock to him never looked quite right when he was sad.
"You didn't make me upset. Concerned maybe, but not upset. Can't hear that pretty voice of yours with a hole in it, huh?"
"Guess not. Hey, uh, I know we got a case to get to tomorrow but there's really cool film airing at the VA and I really don't want to miss it" Murdock deflected. Trying to avoid whatever awkwardness had bled into his and Face's previous conversation.
"Sure Captain" Hannibal confirmed and nodded to him. Hannibal gave a small grin to Murdock and a raised eyebrow to Face. Face stared back with a frown and when BA began to drive away, went back over the conversation in his head. He couldn't have said what he said, right?" The van ground to a screech as Murdock jumped out looking at his friend's.
"I'll see you tomorrow if you need me?"
"Absolutely. You should get going Murdock, something tells me they haven't reported you missing yet. And I know you wouldn't want to disappoint them" With that, there was a small salute aimed at Hannibal and the pilot ambled off to a nurse. Before the rest of the team set off, BA set the warning glare on him again.
"Now why you calling that crazy fool those kinds of names Faceman?"
"I...wasn't? It wasn't intentional!"
"You hurt him, you'll have hell to pay sucker" And before the lieutenant could continue or think further on it, they were off and running.
It had been a simple job but somehow all of the A-Team (or at least the three of them) had come out with cuts and bruises. As they were driving along, one of the phones in the van rang.
"Who wants to answer that?"
"I ain't answering anything in this van Hannibal, you never know if the MP's are trying to get a line. Not now, not ever"
"I agree, Face, you answer?"
"Why me?"
"If it is the MP's then you can easily con them, after all that's your job right?" Hannibal half joked.
"That doesn't seem fair. Also you're closer"
"You're closest. Now at it lieutenant"
"Fine. Hello?"
"Face! Are you guys okay? I've been sat here losing my mind for the last two hours. When none of you called, I thought you'd run into Decker and those other guys. And I haven't got time to plan a way to help get you guys out. Unless you need me to? You don't need me to?"
"Murdock, we're fine. Just a little cut or two but we'll be right as rain and there's no need to bust out because we managed to shake them off. Alright?"
"You're sure?"
"I'm sure. Do you want me to swing by?" Face asked as he began to suspect he was more worried than he'd let on. Murdock was sharp as a tack and was probably assessing how much help they needed if any and trying his hardest to calm himself down he hadn't been there.
"No, no, it's alright Faceguy. I'm just glad you're all right. That all of you are"
"Okay, well I best go. But I mean it baby, everyone's fine" This time Face noticed what he'd said and tried not to acknowledge the pit of wonder that Murdock hadn't rejected it. Maybe he could think about using the names more. In a friend way. In a way that wouldn't have Hannibal and BA staring at him curiously constantly.
"Thanks Face. You conmen always know what to say to make a fella feel better. I best go to"
"Another movie night?"
"No, uh....talking therapy. Doctor Richter. Later"
Face was left staring at the phone wondering what he'd said to be cut off so quickly. And there went the curious looks again!
Face had come to get Murdock for a case. He'd been thinking over the last few jobs they'd been on and how well they continued to get on. Ever since they'd met, they'd just clicked and when they were together, the world around Face rightened. Brightened too. The pilot was always there when you needed him and had more morals than Face ever had. The man was reliable and committed to helping those out in trouble. He was a loyal guy to a fault and he always came back to being kind. But he never compromised that kindness with meekness. In most cases, Murdock was one of the first to throw a punch, Murdock was his best friend and he loved him. He never wanted to have a day without him.
"Hi, I'm here for HM Murdock, we spoke today on the phone?"
"Yes, welcome George. We are honoured you'd like to be doing a biopic on our VA hospital. Are you sure you wouldn't want someone else to interview on the ward? It's just...Mr Murdock's one of our favourites but he can be very out there"
"I'm sure. Thank you nurse"
"Alright. I should also warn you he may not be up to much company today. He's caught an awful cold - he was stood out there in the rain a few days ago and none of us were able to bring him back in until an hour or so later, he was quite riled up. Maybe a flashback or something else? We don't know - and usually he's great company but he's just been...flat" The nurse mentioned sadly. Face nodded thinking maybe Murdock had made up a grand tale to get to their job quicker.
"That's alright, so long as it's not catching. I'll keep a distance. It's no problem. You do great work here"
"No, it's not catching, we think he's near the end of it. Thank you. I'll buzz you in"
When Face entered into the room, he was surprised to see his friend curled up in a ball on his bed. No games playing, no music and definitely no usual grin on his face. He appeared to have had a blanket on him however it now rested on the floor. His eyes looked redder than he'd seen them for a while and he kept on sniffling. It was only once he'd heard Face's voice that he looked up to see who had entered into his room. The conman guessed the nurses weren't lying, Murdock really was sick.
"Is it bad sweetheart?" Face could have kicked himself for saying what he did. Now had not been the time to try and place whatever he'd been thinking about his friend recently. He loved his friend but the recent ways in which he spoke to him and wanted to take care of him? It added up to a bit more than friendship. The lieutenant tried to maintain his normal breathing pattern as his brain kept whirring. He couldn't like Murdock like that! It wouldn't be fair on him and it wouldn't be fair on the team. And even if he wanted to, he'd need Murdock to like him the same way back and that just wasn't possible. None of it was possible so he needed to rein it in. A cold hand reached out stopping his spiralling thoughts.
"Face? Whaddya need? Pilot?" Came the croaky voice.
"We don't need anything buddy. I'll let Hannibal know we don't need air support for this one"
"Sorry. Letting you guys down, I guess"
"You aren't. You never do" Face said sternly. It was just enough force in his voice that Murdock tried to sit up a little straighter. Face gently pushed him back to lying down. The pilot so full of energy was drained and Face didn't need any more of it wasted. Face pressed a hand to Murdock's forehead and frowned when he felt it was still a little hot. He ignored how close he was in relation to the pilot's lips and moved away almost instantly.
"Sure, if you mean it. Hey Face?"
"Yeah?"
"I don't want you to get sick"
"Oh I'm made of stern stuff. Do you know how many times I got sick in the orphanage? You'll be your old self again soon, winding BA up and following along with Hannibal's plans" His friend said as he started to run a hand through his hair. Face really needed to visit the whole 'romantic loving a man who's one of your oldest friends but now who cares if you actually have him' issue later. When Murdock was less sick. Face hadn't been thinking when he'd started to comb his hand through his best friend's hair but now didn't want to stop. Each passing moment all Face could think was how much he could desperately be in love with his friend and what to do about it.
"Okay. You ever want to talk about those days in the orphanage?" The pilot asked as he leaned into the touch.
"Sometimes"
"I'll be here when you're ready to"
"Thanks. Maybe one day. Look I better go, Hannibal's probably waiting and I mean I got here to get you to fly but by the look of you, you just can't. Guess the nurses were right, no offence. I tell you what, I'll leave this copy of the comic book I know you like and I'll come back another day, alright" The conman said as he started to move out of Murdock's personal space. Murdock clearly seemed to want him back in it as he went to hold onto Face's hand. The conman's heart started to beat a bit faster at that.
"Or you could stay?" He asked hopefully, However Face knew he just had to get out of there. All the little to big things about his friendship with Murdock was building up and swirling round. Maybe he could like the pilot that way but the rejection outweighed the possible hope. After all, what if the pilot needed something more than an orphan. It didn't matter that the smiles and laughs he passed over were some of his favourite parts of the day. Didn't matter that a talk could make him feel better or when he'd had a nightmare, Murdock could make it all go away. Didn't matter that he could go to the pilot for anything and knew he wouldn't be judged or hated. Who knew his fears and worries and never ever made him feel bad about them. Murdock made everything so okay and had so many more layers to him than anyone thought. Face's chest was starting to constrict as his thoughts focused on his friend. He had to get out of there before he slipped up.
"Next time buddy. Can hear them yelling for me already, your ears are probably still blocked so you can't but I'll come back soon. Okay? You get some more rest" He squeezed his friend's hand then let go of it and picked the blanket up instead. He placed it back over Murdock's body and retreated to the door.
"Thanks Face. I....love you"
"I love you too. Go back to sleep sweetheart, you'll feel better" And as he left, he felt odd about even saying the word love.
Murdock had been instructed by Hannibal to stay by the plane and calm a bit after the crash. Usually the pilot could handle it but something this time had sent him into an unsure frenzy. Face hadn't known why. The conman had been worried sick about him ever since and even BA had had enough with him.
"Stop standing round like one of my spare parts and go check on him. He'll want to see you. Now go before you give me one of your headaches. Go!"
When Face got to him, he saw Murdock sitting up and staring at nothing.
"Hey, you alright?"
"Oh Faceman, hey. I'll be super fine in no time"
"Yeah you sound it"
"Well I don't like crashing and I'm a good pilot Face!"
"You are. One of the best actually" Face said holding out his hand for Murdock to hold.
"I'm not though, am I? No matter how much I want to think so, just crazy Murdock antics again. I mean, I know I'm nuts -"
"But you also helped us by grabbing the other plane and getting us out of dodge. And for what it's worth I like your antics, even the crazy ones. So snap out of whatever this pity part is, okay?"
"You're the only one that thinks so. But thank you. Now you've seen me all dolled up and ready to go again, you can report back to Hannibal"
"I didn't come here for Hannibal" Murdock snorted and it set off a burst of anger in Face. The pilot always believed he was in second place and Face couldn't take it anymore. Not when he loved him so much. Someone had to assure the pilot he was really wanted and needed, and Face was more than happy to take up the mantle. He didn't want anyone else to be the one to do it either.
"What? Can I not worry about my man?"
"Y-your man?" Murdock stuttered as Face held his hand tighter.
"That's right. My man. My pilot in the sky" He gestured feeling something snap within him. The way Murdock was looking at him as if he could change the world? As if all he needed was Face's presence and words to make it all better. It made Face feel like he was tripping on air. Face gulped and knew it harder than he'd ever known anything. He was completely and definitively in love with HM Murdock. There was no way he could avoid it now. No way he could suppress it either. The facts and his feelings were too out in the open. He wanted all his days with the pilot and the nights too. He loved the adventurous, caring, protective, beautiful one of a kind man standing in front of him. He never wanted marriage - and who knew if he'd ever change his mind - and when he loved, he loved fully. But for now a relationship with Murdock? Hugging Murdock? Kissing Murdock? Dates with Murdock? That didn't sound so bad.
"I think I feel better enough to come with you" Before Face could get a word in, his hand was dropped and they were off. Face had clearly overdone it this time.
Face always seemed to be visiting the VA these days. He wouldn't mind so much if he didn't see what he could have become within the hospital walls. He walked into his friend's room - cover story like always - and bolted when he heard a strangled noise from within. Upon opening the door to his friend's room, he saw him curled up but this time he was still. Trapped in something he and the rest of the team knew all too well.
"Murdock, you okay? Murdock, you gotta wake up, you're having a bad dream buddy" Face said as he patted the pilot's shoulder in support trying to wake him out of his nightmare. When he was sure Murdock wouldn't fling an arm or leg at him, he knelt down closer to him.
"Hey Murdock, open your eyes" He whispered running a hand through his team-mates hair. Murdock's eyes flicked open at the action and pushed Face away, curling himself back up into a ball at the edge of his bed, resting his head on his knees and breathing deeply.
"It's me! It's Face! Baby, darling, it's me! Oh not the time to use those words Templeton"
"Temp?"
"Yeah, it's me. Sorry to spook you"
"Guess I needed spooking"
"You feeling okay?"
"Heart's running a little fast"
"You had a nightmare"
"Course I did. I have them mostly throughout the week Face. There's a reason why I'm here right?"
"I get them too, y'know. Nothing to be ashamed of. And if I can help, I can help right?" The lieutenant spoke carefully ignoring the last part of his friend's sentence. He was speaking from a place of hurt and Face needed to let it go instead of arguing about it. The conman stood up and stretched slightly and felt weirdly satisfied when he watched Murdock's eyes travel along his arms and stomach.
"Knight in shining armour, huh?"
"That's me"
"I...I'm still a bit scared, don't want to go back to sleep. What if something happens and Hannibal needs me?"
"Then I'll be here to answer it. I'll stay a little longer. I haven't got anything else planned for the day" He said seriously. It was like when Murdock had had the flu and Face hadn't been ready to admit anything back then. Now he could and he didn't want to leave him. Not when so many had left the pilot years earlier. Face wasn't going to run any more.
"Really, you'll stay? For me?"
"Sure, you'd do the same for me right? Move over, will you. I'm not sleeping on your floors" Murdock moved slightly more to the right towards the wall as Face settled in kicking his shoes off. When he was sure Murdock didn't mind being moved around a bit to get comfier, he patted his friend's shoulder. Murdock seemed to catch on as he unfolded his legs and wiggled down the bed slightly to lie down. His shoulder met Face's chest and Face tried not to sigh happily. Face more comfortable than he'd been in a while then wrapped an arm around his friend and tangled one of his legs with his. Very subtlety he kissed Murdock's forehead.
"That any better?"
"Yeah, thanks" Murdock said warily not being able to focus on anything other then the position they were in.
"You want me to read to you? I'll keep an eye out for the nurses" He winked.
"Won't that make you uncomfortable? I know you aren't exactly a fan of -" Murdock implied sitting slightly upwards and gesturing between them with his hands.
"Oh you're no trouble at all. Sometimes. I just want to know you're really okay. You matter to me Murdock. Besides I like hanging out with you no matter what we're doing. Even if it means reading to you while you get some rest. Now will you lie back down? I was comfy and my arm doesn't twist that way"
"Okay. Thanks Temp. Again" Murdock said settling back down, only looking slightly confused at how close they were. Face had been saying such sweet stuff to him lately and been being so sweet. The pilot really hoped it meant something because he couldn't go back from this. The pilot wished and hoped his friend would open his eyes to see how much love there was on his side but he also knew Face had to realise it for himself first. Murdock was nothing if not patient.
"Murdock, Stop fighting it. Go to sleep, I've got you"
He should have seen it coming after the last nightmare. That Murdock would have more and it would happen everywhere else including the van. All four were quickly enjoying some down time and gathering resources for their next assault when Murdock's breath started getting quicker and began crying out in pain.
"Face! N-no, don't take him! You can...you can take me. Temp....FACE! Hannibal!" He screamed. Hannibal having heard his name yelled by the pilot, ran immediately over and tried to comfort him.
"Come on son, you're safe. You're with us in the van. Murdock!" With that the pilot woke up with a big inhale and took a few breaths in and out to regain his composure.
"Thanks Colonel"
"No problem. Happens to the best of us" Hannibal said clapping a hand on his shoulder protectively. Face appeared at that moment also looking concerned.
"What happened? You alright? BA and I heard screaming so I thought I'd get here. Seems Hannibal beat me to it. Is he alright Hannibal? HM you gotta say something so I know" Face asked in a panic noticing how shaky his friend looked. His eyes roaming over his body to double check he hadn't missed anything.
"Just a bad dream, we all get those, don't we doll face?" Murdock tried. When the answer didn't settle his friend, he started to shift his feet and ramble on,
"Look it was nothing. I just got a bit turned around and it was when I got shot down and then the other day when we crashed and I was so worried for you guys and I -"
"Just needed to see Face?" Hannibal smirked as Murdock glowered at him. Hannibal had known all this time hadn't he? And instead of helping either, he'd found it funnier to play out. He clocked back in to see Face's face still scanning his body to make sure he was okay.
"You sure you're okay honey? Now, uh, promise me here" The conman asked looking imploringly at his friend as Murdock blushed at the pet name and shyly looked down at his feet.
"I said I'm fine sweetie pie. But maybe you could stay with me a bit longer? If that's okay boss?" The man asked shuffling his feet.
"Sure thing kid" As Hannibal wandered off. he sent a supportive look Murdock's way and a warning one to Face. A look that said 'don't screw this up or you'll have me to answer to'.
"You don't have to tell me anything. Not if you don't want to. We can just tell Hannibal we sat for a minute talking about whatever"
"You died" The older man said bluntly.
"What? Say again?"
"In my nightmare. Usually it's Hannibal or BA because I can't get to them quick enough but tonight it was you. I'm meant to watch out and protect you guys. You don't like fighting unless you need to Face and I can't...I couldn't - "The last words lingered in the air as the captain tried not to cry. Murdock held out his hand for support but Face ignored that and went for a full bodied hug instead, pressing his head close to Face's shoulder. He went to running a comforting hand up and down his back.
"I've got you. Hey I'm here and I'm real and nothing could stop me from leaving you, alright?"
"You can't promise me that"
"Sure I can!"
"You can't Face, Couldn't then and can't now" Murdock muffled into his shoulder. Face went from rubbing his back to rubbing his neck in an attempt to calm him further.
"Oh I bet I could, I just love being around you too much"
"That's cheesy even for you Faceman" Murdock laughed trying not to think about how tangled up they were again or how Face didn't appear to be letting go. He was perfectly content being wrapped up with him.
"Consider it an early birthday present handsome" With a bit more bravery the conman placed a kiss onto Murdock's cheek.
"Better"
"Better. Best go find Hannibal, let him know we're ready to get going again. Thanks...Temp" Murdock said and pressed his own lips to Face's cheek. Murdock rushed off to find Hannibal as Face stood still replaying the last few moments between them. Face began to start walking back when he bumped into BA who had his arms folded.
"I meant it, you hurt the crazy fool and you won't have more of a face to con people with. That's my friend and I don't like to see them hurt. Got it?" BA barked as Face recoiled.
"Got it"
"Hey I'm happy for you man" BA then said as he pulled Face into a crushing hug. All Face could do was sag with relief and pat his team mate on the back.
"Thanks BA. That means a lot"
Face knew after BA's approval, he needed someone else's opinion. A person he looked up to and trusted. A person who hadn't let him down before and would tell him the truth. Face needed Hannibal.
"Hannibal, have a sec?"
"Sure kid"
"I need your advice on something. It's private"
"Alright, lay it on me lieutenant"
"It's about....it's about Murdock"
"Okay" And with that one simple word, it all came rushing out.
"And that brings us to now basically. What if I let him down or hurt him? What if I can't give him what he needs? What if it all gets ruined or hurts the team? What if I hurt him?! I can't do that Hannibal, he's been hurt enough! I can't be another person that fails him but it's all I can think of! And what if he doesn't love me back?" He petered out.
"Do you love him?" Hannibal asked not giving anything away and allowing Face to calm down from his earlier panicked questions.
"Oh sure I do. Oh you mean like in the romantic sense. Sure"
"I don't think 'sure' will sway Murdock. It's definitely not swaying me"
"He's...he's unlike anyone I've ever met. I mean he's always by my side and he refuses to back down whenever I talk bad about myself. He knows I'd do the same for him too regardless"
"Will you hurt him intentionally then?"
"Of course not Hannibal!"
"Can you see him with anyone else?"
"I don't want to. I don't want my future without him. I can't see one without him and I really tried to ignore this but now I just can't"
"Do you want there to not be a relationship?"
"No I want him. All the crazy he does and doesn't let us see. I-i guess I don't feel as lonely anymore. But I don't...I'm not using him to feel less lonely before you say anything. I like the feeling of knowing I'm protected and I'm safe with this guy. That if something or nothing's going on, I can tell him. That's selfish I know but I want everything about him. I want to be by his side and he knows no matter what happens I'm staying. I mean we laugh together, we play games together, and we fight together and we find solutions together. When the important stuff happens, he's there in a pinch. Reliable, solid. He's such a sweetheart. He's a force of nature but he's my force of nature. I want him. I love him. I want to be with him"
"Well then, you better tell him kid. You're not subtle and I doubt Murdock's willing to wait much longer for you"
"I can't exactly go up to him and say 'I'm an orphan but I think I found my home'. That's too much even for me"
"I think you'll be pleasantly surprised"
"You don't care"
"Not if you don't. But you keep it professional on the job. I would say, when you tell BA, to take care. I like having my men in one piece. He might not say it but we all know Murdock's his favourite"
Face had looked around for Murdock for the last few hours. It had been an easier job than the team had thought so had been left with an extra day ahead of them before they dropped Murdock back to the VA. While Murdock got set up to get them ready to fly, Hannibal sent his second in command a look.
"What?"
"Now's your chance. No time like the present. Don't be too long though, I'd like to be back in time for filming"
"Oh Hannibal...I don't think"
"Now lieutenant!" Hannibal ordered. Face gulped and walked towards the cockpit. As he got closer, he watched Murdock set up all the buttons and headsets. He was snapped out of watching him by the man himself.
"What're you doing here Face?"
"I, um, look, I -"
"Okay, well if you need time to think on your words" Murdock tittered.
"Can we talk?"
"What about? Weather? Take off? The fact you've been gossiping with Hannibal and BA the past few hours but not me?" The younger man sighed. Of course Murdock had noticed. Murdock noticed a lot more than people thought and Face kicked himself for not remembering that fact.
"I had some things to take care of"
"Sure. Did you need something or are you going to stand there delaying our flight?"
"It's about the last few weeks actually. I...I'm trying to be brave here so work with me. I know I've been a bit...more physically affectionate - "
"Don't need to go any further Face"
"Let me tell you, will you? I need to let you know! You're one of my favourite people and I'm scared I'm about to run for the hills when I admit it, alright?!" Face stated breathing slightly heavier.
"Don't make this any harder on us. You're not the first guy to make a crazy guy go straight. I'm just some silly little itch you got to scratch"
"What if I want to scratch forever? It seems rushed and that's because it most likely is, but there is no one else I want. Can't you understand that? Yes I didn't know at first what was going on but you know me, I can catch on quite quickly. I kept using the names because....because it kept you close to me. Closer I guess. I felt like I had you. I'm not going to get bored of you or whatever else is going around that head of yours sweetheart. Give me a chance to keep working this out with you. Can I kiss you?"
"Wait, this isn't you trying to find company or a space you never found at the orphanage right?"
"I thought it was at first but no. It's not. I love you Murdock. Romantically. In case you couldn't tell. Now can I please kiss you like I've been wanting to?"
"I guess if you need it, you have my permission". Face chuckled as he dove in to kiss his friend. Afterwards, he kept his forehead on the pilot's.
"Still okay with this Face?"
"I think so. I was worried for a while there I couldn't give you what you needed but Hannibal and BA helped. We're a lot of good for each other right? Is there anything you don't want me to call you like babe, or sweet cheeks? Yeah that happened one time and yes I broke out in hives when I said it. Some people I dated had opinions and - "
"You can call me sweetheart or honey. Even HM but I guess everybody does that. But that's where I draw the line. You?"
"I like it when you call me sweetheart too, y'know. Or darling. Even Temp makes me feel good with you"
"Okay, but what do you wanna call this?"
"I'd call it a relationship. We can sort...everything else out...later. Now can we please go back to the kissing? Oh that's nice" Face said as he was knocked back in his seat. He placed a hand on Face's cheek and rubbed his thumb across it. Face felt Murdock smile into the kiss and knew he was doing the same. A few minutes after Murdock curled into Face's side and stayed. Face couldn't believe he almost passed the opportunity to talk up.
"What?"
"Nothing. Something. Depends. You going to freak out on me?"
"I wouldn't do that!"
"Sure you wouldn't sweet thing"
"I love you. Always have Face. You don't gotta say it back. I just wanted you to know" Face blushed furiously before pulling Murdock back in to kiss the pilot intensely. He felt Face's hands roam over his back and place them again in his hair. Murdock ended up moving his lips over to Face's neck biting it softly and sucking it after. Murdock knew he had to stop when he heard a few loud and consistent moans from the other man. The pilot moved back slightly to look his best friend - boyfriend? - in the eye and admire his quick handiwork.
"Why'd you stop? I mean, I will always stop if you say so but -" Face asked flickering his eyes open and being cut off by the older man after.
"Cos we gotta stop Face. We only just got together and I want to do this right by you. Take you out to dinner and hold your hand. I want to do all the stuff we've been doing for real. I-i-i also gotta fly this plane and get us home safe. Once we're back, we can revisit this, yeah Faceman? Sorry if that's not the answer you were looking for"
"You have nothing to apologise for. We said we were in this together and I meant it. We both matter here. I love you. You said to tell you at my pace. This is my pace. I love you. Can I have one more hug before I go sit down?" Face was then rewarded with the biggest smile and the biggest hug he ever remembered receiving and placed a loving kiss on Murdock's cheek.
"I'll see you when we land flyboy. I love you HM"
"I love you too Face"
Face went to sit back down in his normal seat smiling softly to himself. He noted Hannibal and BA were staring at each other then at him. He knew he had their support but it was still a weird thing to be doing.
"What're you two laughing at?"
"Might want to get a mirror Faceman, before this goes to your head" BA chuckled quietly.
"What, why?"
"You got a hickey on your neck kid" Face's hands flew up to his neck alongside his blush and tried not to bury his head in his hands. Both Hannibal and BA laughing harder than they had for a while.
"Murdock!" He yelled across knowing his partner (partner!) could hear him.
"Just marking territory sweetheart! I love ya after all! If I get the Faceman, I want the whole world to know how lucky I am" The pilot yelled back through the doors.
Face smiled shyly at that as his other two team mates smiled gently at them - and BA rolled his eyes ever so gently - and for a second thought about a different world where he hadn't been as courageous. As happy. As trusted. As loved.
Face sure was lucky. They both were.