Just a little sometime I wrote after watching Episode 5.
Thanks to CobaltCrayon and AColdAndBrokenHallelujah for reading it over.
She was waiting in the hall for him, sliding out from where she was leaning against the wall to block his path. North recognized the look on her face from their childhood and quickly realized he was about to get a brutal tongue lashing. She dug in almost immediately, before he had a chance to protest. "What the fuck was that, North? I had that machine gun covered!"
He was ready with a reply before she even finished her sentence, "Calm down. I'm fine, you are fine, and we completed the mission without too much of a hitch."
"You getting shot isn't a hitch?"
"South, I'm fine, okay? Doc says that nothing is wrong, just a bit of bruising. My armor absorbed most of the bullets' impact. I'm fine, see?" he lifted his shirt at his last words, showing the dark bruises that covered his chest. "I've gotten worse bruises fighting you." He kept his tone light, knowing from years of experience that yelling at her would only lead to an all-out bitch fight in the halls. She ignored his barb, and instead stepped forward and pressed her finger against his chest.
"That's not the fucking point, and you know it. I don't need you looking after me like I'm a child. I am capable of taking care of myself, contrary to whatever you think."
"South, please. I'm sorry if I insulted you by saving your ass, injured your pride or whatever. But you've got to realize, it's not just about you. We are a team, and if you won't let me protect you, who will you let?"
South slowly drew in a breath, then sighed.
"Whatever, North. Just... don't do it again."
"Okay, whatever you say."
"Don't patronize me."
He ruffled her hair, making the pale blonde strands stick out even more than usual. South ducked away, but before she turned away North could see a ghost of a smile and a glimpse of the girl she once was.