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Eric Blackburn was an observant man. He had to be as the commander of the most elite of the United States Navy SEALs. Attention to detail was necessary to make sure his team, his family, came home after each mission. He prided himself on knowing everything that was going on with his men, both professionally and personally.
For example, he knew that Jason and Alana had a rough patch and almost divorced. Jason had stayed with the Perry’s for a time while they worked things out. Now, though, they were stronger than ever and Jason was much more in tune with what was going on at home, which in turn made him better with the team.
He also knew when Ray and Naima were struggling financially. The 2IC hid it well, and they were beginning to do better, but it was a struggle sometimes to raise a family on enlisted pay. Something Ray was in the works to rectify.
Sonny, well Sonny and Davis, thought they hid their relationship well. But, Eric had seen right through the subtle glances and touches after tough missions. The way Sonny would ride off in the opposite direction of his apartment when they returned home from a spin up. He’d already spoken to Harrington about the issue, wanting to ensure he protected his people as long as he could. Thankfully, Harrington and he were on the same page in regards to the couple.
When Trent’s relationship with Jess ended, Eric was the second to notice. The already quiet medic became even more withdrawn. Thankfully, it didn’t last long and within a few weeks he bounced back to normal. However, he was surprised he never figured out what ended the relationship, or what happened that caused Trent to bounce back so quickly.
Brock didn’t advertise it, but Eric was fully aware of the handlers strained relationship with his father. When Brock joined Bravo, his father had all but disowned him. They hadn’t spoken in years. Lately, though, Brock walked around with a bit more of a smile and a pep in his step. Although he hadn’t meant to overhear, Eric was aware of a conversation between father and son that began to heal the rift between them.
Clay was Bravo’s kid, and with the help of Sonny often acted the part. But, being a Spenser, a dark shadow followed him wherever he went. When Clay joined Bravo, though, that shadow slowly let loose it’s hold on the young operator as he made a name for himself. These days it was obvious that Clay was secure in his position in DEVGRU and on Bravo.
So you see, Eric saw everything. Which is why he wasn’t all that surprised when the knock came on his door late one afternoon.
“Enter.” Eric saved his report and closed his laptop, turning his full attention to the two members of Bravo standing in his doorway.
“Sir, we were hoping we could speak with you for a few minutes.” Trent Sawyer stood tall and spoke with confidence, but Eric didn’t miss the nervousness bubbling under the surface.
“Of course, come in and have a seat.”
When Clay closed the door behind them, Eric held back a grin. He stood, rounded his desk, and perched on the edge. “What can I help you gentlemen with.”
Trent met Clay’s eyes for a long moment before reaching down to where Clay’s hands were tightly clasped in his lap. “Sir, we’ve come to declare that we are in a relationship.”
Eric was silent for a long moment, waiting to see what if anything else they would tell him.
Clay shifted in his seat before producing a small stack of papers. “We’ve already filled out all the necessary forms to declare our relationship, update our emergency contact and medical proxy, and our notification preferences.”
Accepting the forms, Eric looked them over and noted they were filled out completely and correctly, for once. “How long has this been going on?”
“Three months, Sir. We wanted to see how things would develop before we made it public.” Trent squeezed Clay’s hand, hoping they made the right decision in coming to Blackburn with the news.
Nodding, Eric placed the forms on his desk before broaching the difficult topic ahead. “First off, I want to congratulate you. You both deserve someone who will love and accept you, job and all, and I have a feeling you two are going to be very happy together.”
“We are, Sir.” Clay’s nervous expression morphed into a wide smile that lit up his eyes as he met Trent’s gaze.
“I’m pleased to hear it. Now, for the difficult questions. As you are aware, I will have to run this up the chain of command. Harrington has to sign off on things if you both want to stay on Bravo. Have you considered the possibility that this might remove one or both of you from the team?”
Trent nodded. “We’ve discussed it at length and have considered our options.” He passed Blackburn another set of papers. “Clay belongs on Bravo. He is born to lead a Team and there is no one better to teach him how than Jason. All members of Bravo know Jace is bringing Clay up to one day take his place as Bravo One, and I will not stand in the way of that.
“With that being said, if Harrington decides we cannot serve on the same team, I have already prepared a request to be shifted to either the medical team here at DEVGRU, or to one of the support teams. This would take me off Bravo, but keep me close enough to the Teams to be of service.”
Eric looked to Clay. “You’re okay with this? With Trent giving up his spot on Bravo for you?”
“Hell No!” Clay paused, closed his eyes, and breathed long and slow for a moment before meeting Eric’s gaze. “Bravo is family, and I never want to be the reason someone leaves. Especially Trent. But, after hearing him out, his reasons are logical. Being a medic is as essential to Trent as breathing and the thing is … he can do that anywhere. If he transfers to DEVGRU’s medical team, he will still be on hand to patch up our sorry asses when we get hurt, and he’ll be close to Bravo.”
“Looks like you two have put a lot of thought into this.”
“There have been one or two very long nights.” Trent chuckled.
“Does Jason know?”
“Not yet. We are aware he’ll need to know, sooner rather than later, and we will tell the team. But we wanted to know what command would decide so we know how to broach the topic with the guys.”
“Very well. I will go speak with Harrington and file the necessary paperwork. I’ll let you know what he decides.” Eric pushed off his desk and the men stood. “As I said, I’m happy for you two and I wish you the best.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
Trent and Clay headed out and he closed the door behind them. He couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled forth when he heard Clay ask Trent “Do you think he already knew?” and Trent’s reply. “I think he’s been wondering how long it would take us to come by.”
They weren’t wrong.
Eric knocked on Harrington’s open door and entered when given approval. He stepped inside, and closed the door behind him. Harrington looked up from his paperwork and his brows rose in questions.
Without a word, Eric passed the stack of papers Clay and Trent just left with him to his CO.
Harrington sighed, pulled his wallet from his back pocket, pulled out a couple of bills, and passed them to Eric. Eric smiled as he lowered to a seat across the desk from Harrington.
“Damn, thought I had at least another week.” Harrington shook his head in frustration.
“They’ve been together three months.” Eric smirked with a raised eyebrow.
“Fuckin …” Pulling two more bills from his wallet he handed them over.
“Easiest two hundred bucks I’ve ever made.” Eric slid the money into his pocket. “So, you gonna let them stay on Bravo?”
Harrington leaned on his desk, “You’ve been watching them. What’s your opinion?”
“They haven’t given me anything to worry about. They’ve kept it professional in the field, and on the plane. Even when home they’re discreet. I think the only ones who have noticed are Alana and maybe Naima.”
Nodding, Harrington sighed, “Same plan as with Davis and Quinn. Three months, then we’ll re-evaluate. Keep me appraised.”
“Of course.”
“How are Davis and Quinn?”
Harrington and Blackburn spent the next half an hour discussing the intricacies that made up Bravo Team. Eric was thankful Bravo had Harrington on their side. As long as everyone kept things in line, they had quite a long leash.
When the unofficial meeting wrapped up, Eric stood and gathered the forms. “I’ll get these filed and let the boys know.”
“Still can’t believe you were right.”
Eric laughed as he exited the office. Of course I am, I’m their Lieutenant Commander. It’s my job to know these things!
Blackburn found the couple in the cages. The rest of the team had gone home for the night, but Clay and Trent were waiting around to hear their fate.
“You have three months.”
Clay blinked several times rapidly. “What?”
“You have three months to prove to Harrington that you won’t step over the line. To demonstrate that when the shit hits the fan, you won’t put the needs or wants of the other over the rest of the team or the mission.”
“Three month probation.” Trent breathed a sigh of relief.
“Essentially. If, at the end of those three months, you’ve proven yourselves, he’ll allow you to stay on Bravo indefinitely.”
“Thank you.” Clay’s shoulders sagged in relief. He wanted to be with Trent, but he didn’t want it to cost either of them the family they found in Bravo.
“I’ll push this paperwork through. You two go on and get out of here, celebrate.”
As the two left the building, Eric headed back to his office to make the changes to their files.
“Now I just hope I’m there when Jason finds out.”