It's no secret Dad could never find love outside of his work. Between constantly moving and having two kids, no woman was willing to tie down to the baggage, that didn't stop Dad from having a woman in every state in his younger days, hints how he got me and Dakota, and Dad had to get us dna tested just for us to live on base because he wasn't married to our mothers. However, once Dakota and I were born, Dad slowed way down on women chasing, said the only women he needed to worry about was his daughters.

Both Dakota and I are a part of the LGBTQ, Dakota is non-binary and I'm bisexual. Thankfully Dad was excepting and understood we are who we are.

The way I came out was a bit of a shock though. Back in Atlanta, Georgia, I was 15 and I fell for this spicy little Latina, Jessica Garcia. She had piercings and a bold look but a shy calm personality. I loved her more than life itself.

I had boyfriends before but never anything serious, but this was the first time I'd actually dated a girl. I invited her over for a sleepover and Dad was happy to see I had a friend, it was hard to make friends moving so often.

At the time Dakota and I had separate rooms. Dad came in to tell me goodnight and saw Jessica and I making out in my bed. Dad was shocked and the next morning he asked if I was lesbian and I told him I like boys and girls. I expected him to be mad and kick Jessica out, but to my surprise he was fine with it. His exact words, "hell I like women, can't blame my baby for likin' 'em too."

Unfortunately, it didn't last like I thought it would, she had promised that even with me moving all the time we'd stay in touch and she'd always love me. But then, she left me, saying that I was not capable to find love living a military life and that she could never wait for me to maybe come back to Atlanta. The next day she was dating another woman, that was two years older than us. I was so mad I instigated a fight with the older girl and she uppercut my face leaving a scar from on the side on my chin because of the ring she was wearing. In retaliation I broke her nose and knocked her out cold with one punch.

Thankfully we left at the end of the week for the next base. Jessica shattered my heart and said I'd never love anyone else the same after her, to protect myself.

Dakota is asexual so they enjoy affection but don't really get why people have sex or make out. All in all Dakota told me they have no desire to get in a relationship until their an adult and off the base.

Honestly it's for the best I suppose. I wish my heart would let me do the same and wait but I can't help it, if I see a hot guy or girl and they have a good personality, I loose my ever loving mind and want to be with them forever. Unfortunately, most of the time we move before I get the chance to make them my own.

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I drove us around Abilene to Clyde. As we drove I pulled out a disposable vape and began to hit it.

"What are you doing?" Dakota said shocked.

"I've smoked since I was 14. I'd get cigarettes from the airman and most smoke shops will sell you anything when you show a military ID," I answered.

"Does Dad know?"

"No. Face it Kota the only thing I've had to count on as a military kid is you, nicotine, and knowing in a few months we're leaving. The longest we've ever stayed in one base is a year and that's only been once most times it's 4-6 months and a new base. I just want a little consistency." We both were silent for a moment.

"So where you wanna eat, Kota?" I asked to break the cold silence as we were going down the highway.

"Where does lover boy work again?" They laughed.

"Whataburger. I don't even know if he's workin' t'day."

"Either way, we haven't ate there yet." Anytime we're in a new state we try new food that is close to the base. Whataburger is a Texas staple so we might as well try it.

We pulled into the parking lot and jumped out. Inside the heat was cranked. Texans are insane when it comes to heat, we've lived in places it was so cold that in summer you had to wear a jacket as to not catch frostbite. Here it drops below 65 people think it's freezing. Today it was a wonderful 54, chilly yes but these people think it's about to snow or something.

Dakota and I looked over the menu while waiting for a cashier to come.

"I want a number 11," said Dakota.

"A chicken sandwich? Really, Kota?"

"Yes, and you're gonna order for me right?" Dakota hate ordering, well talking to strangers in general. Their 14 and I don't know if they've ever ordered for themself while out with me.

"Yes. I guess I'll get the number 12. The chicken fajitas look good."

As we agreed on an order out walked Mr Heartbreaker in Boots himself. Rufus Greenbow, AKA Red, is a 6'2 broad shouldered,blonde curly headed man with eyes to match the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. His chin held a bundle of soft hair that was slightly darker than that on his head. His voice was bold and sweet at the same time like summer rain. He had a thick southern draw and I adored it, most people think a southern accent means a lower IQ, I like it's lovely. In school he always wore a camouflage hoodie and a blue baseball cap.

"Howdy, Blair. Good to see you here and this must be Dakota that you always talk about," Red grinned with crooked teeth.

"Hey Red, yeah this is Dakota. Dakota this is Red Greenbow, he's in my mechanic class," I said in a higher pitched voice than normal. Dakota waved shyly.

"What'd y'all like t' eat?" He said sweetly.

You, I thought to myself. "Number 11 and number 12," I said to him ignoring my desire.

"Have it right out for ya," he said walking away.

"Um Red, we need to pay," I said confused.

"Y'know what, agree to meet me tomorrow, 'round 8pm and I'll give you the gorgeous gal discount," he winked.

I blushed, "uhhh... I'd love to..."

"Blair, curfew is 1900 hours. Lights out is 2100 hours. Colonel and Dad won't let you," Dakota piped up.

"Yeah... Dakota's right, I can't Red," I said with a lump in my throat, I just wanted to have one night without the Air Force running my life.

"I jus' wanna tawlk 'n git t' know ya betta," he said disappointed.

"Here how bout my phone number and I'll text you when I talk to Dad," I said writing my number on a napkin.

"Deal. Have it right out for y'all." He shoved the napkin in his jeans pocket.

"Can we get it to-go," Dakota said.

Red just nodded and went to the back.

Dakota and I sat down at a table in the corner, Dakota gave me a very odd look, as if hurt by my actions.

"What?" I asked.

"Dad's not gonna let you go out with a boy he's never met AFTER CURFEW," Dakota sulked. Something else was bothering them.

"Look, I know it's a shot in the dark but I'm gonna be an adult in six months, I wanna feel like it for once. I wanna be normal for a night, not the Sergeant's daughter."

"You used to tell me being normal was overrated," Dakota pouted.

"Yeah when people make fun of you, but I also told you to do what makes you happy." What's got into them? They never act like this. Red brought us our food and Dakota grabbed the bag, thanked him, then pulled me out to the truck.

"What is with you Dakota?" My tone was harsher than I meant.

"I... just wanna go home." They sounded like they were going to cry.

The ride back to the base was silent and I really felt bed for yelling at Dakota but they refused to talk to me. What have I done?

We ate and Dakota went to our room and turned the tv up.

I just went to find Dad and the Colonel. They were playing cards with some of the other higher up in the Colonel's office.

"Dad," I said knocking on the door.

"Hey Blair, everything ok sweetheart? You look a little upset," Dad questioned.

"I have a favor to ask you and Colonel," I said meekly. I was nervous I had never asked to stay off base after curfew and it worried me.

"Go on dear," smiled Colonel sipping his coffee.

"Well, there's a young man in my class named Red Greenbow. He has invited me to go out with him tomorrow, the thing is he wishes to meet at 20,00 hours and I was hoping to stay out past curfew." I stood up straight, as military as possible. I was so nervous my palms sweat and my stomach ached.

"Well, I suppose I could tell the look out boys to open the gate for you when you get back, but the final decision is up to Sergeant Cooper here," Colonel spoke.

I looked at Dad praying he'd say yes. He was quiet for a moment and glanced at me.

"Blair, you're 17. You're not gonna be my little girl forever. If I get the chance to speak to this boy before you go then I suppose... as long as Colonel approves... I see no reason you can't," Dad spoke mildly.

"Thanks Daddy!" I squealed and hugged him, then I remembered I was surrounded by the most powerful men on base. I cleared my throat, "thank you sirs." I saluted and left. I skipped back to our house and inside I ran to tell Dakota, after all I tell them everything, they are both my sibling and best friend. However, they completely ignored me and put in they're earbuds.

Dad used my phone to FaceTime Red and they seemed to get along well. Dad of course threatened him if something happened to me but Red seemed both intimidated and humored by Dad.

I went to sleep, confused, happy, and wishing I knew what was upsetting Dakota.