Standard disclaimers apply regarding the real people and company who made FMP possible. Background music: I can't make you love me-Bonnie Raitt

"Surrender"

By MakoRain

It was an ambush, it had to be. Sousuke blamed Kurtz for this, sending him into the lion's den as it were. How Captain Testarossa and a lion could be compared confounded him at the moment, most likely due to the lack of oxygen getting to his brain with how tight she held on.

Sousuke stiffened automatically in response to the Captain's very forward embrace, feeling her arms squeeze a little tighter around him. He kept his arms at his sides, unwilling to do the same as the situation requested. Chidori would have his head when she found out, yet alone if he responded in like.

"C-C-Captain? I believe this is highly inappropriate." He managed to croak out, his entire body shaking. Why did she always use her authority to put him in such awkward situations? It wasn't fair, not fair at all.

"I know, Sergeant." Still, she held onto him a few moments longer, her words muffled but still audibly spoken into his shirt front. "Please forgive this one small indiscretion."

Tessa nuzzled her face into his chest and Sousuke could hear his heart beating furiously in panic, anxiety and above all nervousness. A little twinge of guilt was in there also reminding him he couldn't let this go on much longer. Before he could do anything that resembled insubordination, however, she pulled back.

"Thank you, Mr. Sagara."

. The initial instinct to move back a few feet he felt necessary to put between them to have some sort of comfortable distance once again dissipated. Her eyes were so sincere that he felt his feet rooted to the spot.

"For what, Captain?" He couldn't help the question from forming words and didn't regret them as she twirled her braid, contemplating how to answer. He really wanted to know.

Tessa's cheeks were blazing red by the time she was able to respond. She was more composed when hugging him for Pete's sake.

"For indulging my whimsical manors. I know how they must put you in such awkward standings with Miss Chidori."

"No need to apologize, Captain."

"I know you would much rather be with Kaname right now than with me, and I can't change that." Her smile faltered as his face went beet red and she hastily continued.

"Mr. Sagara, it's okay, I surrender."

"You'll never have to surrender as my Captain, Captain." Sousuke stated with ease and it made her smile at how sweet he could be without even trying, it was just in his nature. However, that was neither here nor there and she quickly returned to the matter at hand.

"It's something that I don't want to change between you two. It's sweet, really. I'm glad you found someone."

He couldn't think of anything to say and so kept holding his position, not offering any information that could jeopardize this sudden change of venue.

"I promise to behave myself from now on." Tessa concluded with a tilt of her head and that cute little squinty smile where her eyes crinkled up that made her look like Tessa the girl instead of Teletha the captain.

"Thank you, Tessa." Sousuke said these words of departure before walking out the door, leaving for Japan and Chidori. His Chidori.

This time, she watched his retreating form with a smile on her face, her jealousy replaced with genuine delight for him to be with someone who made him feel as she did for him. In letting him go, she felt lighter already and ready to take one whatever next was thrown her way. After all, Sagara would always be her Sergeant to depend on. As it was meant to be.

The End