I just noticed there's only like, 3 Tessa x Sousuke fanfictions, so I decided to try my hand at one. Hope you enjoy! :D

Disclaimer: I don't own Full Metal Panic or any of the characters involved.

I felt as if I had done a more than substantial job. I did not understand why the captain was so upset with me. I had done precisely as ordered. My brow turned down in confusion, I stood firm, my arms pressed to my sides, ready for an intense lecture.

"…and another thing! Your tactics were sloppy! Why did you only pick up three? You were instructed to pick up as many as possible! And hell, they were even on sale!"

"They only had three, m'am."

The captain frowned, her hands fiddling with the end of her braid. She made a small growl before speaking again, "They only had three because you gave one to Kaname!"

"I gave one to her because I was instructed by Melissa to do so."

"You know my orders come before hers!" Suddenly, her voice softened, as did her facial expression. "Do you really like Kaname that much to disobey my orders, sergeant?"

"No, m'am!"

She winced, as if my barking tone caught her off guard. "Well, thank you for picking them up for me. Dismissed."

I saluted promptly, satisfied I had solved the matter. As I began to leave, I noticed her features became grave, as if saddened. I slowed my pace to a stop at the entryway.

"Captain, are you alright?"

She looked up at me, seemingly startled by the fact I was still there. "I'm…I'm alright, sergeant. I said, dismissed."

"I'm aware of this, but as a friend, I'm worried for your well-being."

Her eyes brightened a bit, but the brightness died away quickly. "It's nothing you can help with. Please depart."

"But, Tessa-"

"Leave, sergeant!"

I left in a hurry as ordered, closing the door slowly behind me. I was feeling lately that Tessa was holding some sort of anger towards me. I was also feeling an increasing level of concern for her. As I stomped down the hall, I felt some one on my tail. I knew who it was immediately.

"Afternoon, Kurz."

"Well, good afternoon to you, sergeant! So how was your little trip?"

"The mission? Fine. I picked up her chocolates just as asked. But she was so angry with me."

"Dude, it's because you gave one to Kaname!"

"Why would that bother her?" I seriously did not understand the reason for this, and as I had learned, asking Tessa or Kaname why would only make them angry.

"She totally likes you, you idiot! Why can't you see that?"

"I like her as well."

"Really?"

"She is an amazing commanding officer and a great friend. So why should that bother me?"

I could see Kurz almost fall down at my comment. "No, I mean she likes you more than that. She wants to be your girlfriend, Sousuke."

I stopped walking. Was that what this was all about? She had stronger feelings for me than mere friendship, and by hanging out with Kaname, she thought I held stronger feelings for her, instead of her? It was finally beginning to make some sort of sense in my head.

But what should I do now? Confront Tessa and tell her I know about her attractions? Should I tell Kaname? But what then? What are you supposed to do after you know some one likes you?

I turned to Kurz, "Am I supposed to tell Tessa that I feel strongly about her now?"

He stopped walking and looked at me with wide eyes, "Man, if that's how you really feel, why should you hold back?"

"Because she's my commanding officer, and by telling her that, Kaname would want nothing to do with me anymore. That relationship would make it extremely difficult to do my job."

Kurz walked a little ways ahead of me. "If you really feel that strongly about her, that-" he changed his voice, seemingly to mimic mine, "-shouldn't be a problem."