Kuri was dragged into the cold, dark cell by her arms. The guards dropped her in a corner and slammed the cell door behind them as they left. Kuri shivered through the rags that covered her. She gently sobbed as she rolled over to face the wall. Her body hurt from the inside out. They had ripped her apart.
She hugged her legs for warmth. Another soft sob escaped her lips.
"Stop crying," Heero said from his corner of the cell.
"Leave me alone, Heero," Kuri replied softly before sniffing and shifting her body.
"I said stop crying," Heero simply restated.
"Shut up, Heero. I don't care what you say."
"Do you want them to do that to you again?" Heero growled.
"Why would you care?" Kuri shouted. "You hate me!"
"When did I say that?"
"Everyday I get in Soul Flame's cockpit. It's like your constantly telling me that I'm not good enough… that I'm not fit to fight with you and the others," Kuri replied. "It's because I'm a woman isn't it?"
"I never said that. I really don't care if you're a man or woman as long as the mission is completed. It can be annoying if a mission is slowed down-"
"So that's all I do," Kuri interrupted. "Slow down the mission?"
Heero closed his eyes in frustration. There was obviously something missing from his training… How to deal with women. Kuriko had no idea what he felt for her.
"Kuriko I need you to make it through this mission. No matter how fast or slow you may be."
Kuri just shivered and sobbed.
Heero ran his eyes over her bareback. Her pale skin seemed to glow with what little light that came from their cell door. Loose locks of black hair that fell from her shoulder length French braid gently tumbled over he shoulders and neck.
She shivered again.
"This may not give you much warmth," Heero said as he took of his tank and tossing it in front of Kuri. "But it'll cover your back."
Kuri picked it up the green garment and smiled through her tears. "Thank you, Heero"
"Hn"