Previously:
"Beautiful night, non?"
I jumped at the sudden sound almost having a heart attack.
"Calm down ma chérie it's just moi."
Are you kidding me! No one just does that! I COULD HAVE HAD A HEART ATTACK! It took me a little before my heart really came down it's normal rate. I glared at him angered, but only managed to receive a petty chuckle.
"Congratulations on your first backstab. Must be exciting for you." He sat next to me looking up at the stars as well.
I stayed silent, although it was very nice.
"How did you think, being your first time in battle after all." His voice sounded so smooth, it almost put me to sleep. I didn't know how to respond, do I say yes? Do I tell him what happened with the enemy Spy... What do I do.
He waited patiently for a few, but then the atmosphere got rather awkward. "I see you are still choosing not to speak, et's fine I suppose I will try again another day." He got up ready to leave me.
My heart sank at the thought. I didn't want him to leave just yet, I needed someone to talk too. I mean, he's already heard my voice in my sleep so theirs nothing to be ashamed about. I also have an excuse if it all backfires anyways, I saved him. A professional killer saved by a homeless teenager. Besides, I wanted to know a little bit more about him. His mind was intriguing to me, I needed to know more. I had his odd feeling something about him seemed distracted.
Say something, he's walking away... COME ON!
"...Wa...W-Wait..." The words came out mumbled and quiet, though the wind seemed to carry it farther than expected. He stopped and turned around, I instantly waited for an expression. He didn't look shocked but he seemed relaxed. He positioned himself back in his spot, looking back up at the stars grinning with that smug face of his.
Continuation:
~{:Chapter 9-A break:}~
"I guess I underestimated you. You do speak." He chuckled keeping his gaze toward the sky.
"Yeah..." That was it... just a 'yeah'... Talk about be an awkward conversationalist. I laid down staring at the star invested night, I bit my lip thinking too hard.
"Forgive me, perhaps I was being too pushy. I was just curious is all."
"It's okay. You're fine. I, uh, just haven't really spoke in a few years. Since..."
"Oui, since the incident with your family. I know mon ami, you don't have to say anymore if you don't want too." His head turned to looked at me, eyes sparkling back to me. I kept my head straight not bothering to look at him. "Thanks."
We spent most of our time in silence. I could feel his eyes observing me, but I ignored it. I knew he was trying to figure me out and everything. It did spark an interest in me, why was he out here? "Y-you mind if I ask you a question..." My heart raced, anxiety spreading throughout me worried for what he would think of the question.
He shrugged. "I don't see the harm in doing so." His tone of voice so casual.
"Why..." I gave thought to what I wanted to ask. "Don't take this the wrong way, but, why did you come out here to speak to me?"
I looked toward him, his focus still concentrating on the stars. "Since you are a new member to the team, I believe I should get an idea of who I'm working with." Spy's gaze shifted over to me and I nodded acknowledging him. "Okay."
I heard his body shuffle to his left side, his arm on the ground and the palm of his hand supporting his head. "My turn." I looked at him in question.
"You asked me a question, it's only fair to answer one of mine." A smirk grew on his face. I narrowed my eyes, what kind of game was he playing. "Fine."
"Do you remember zhe day, back in zhe alleyway where I got myself in a bit of a quarrel?"
"Um... Yeah?" I nodded back at him.
"Why did you take zhe risk to rescue a stranger like me?"
I did give thought to his question, but he already knew he was exceeding his limits. I laughed out a small giggle. "Nice try, that's two questions. Maybe next time I'll answer."
My reply must have amused him because when I looked to see his reaction he just smiled. "You're also more clever zhan I thought." I couldn't help but grin. He let out a heavy sigh and sat up to look at his watch. "As much as I would love to continue zhis conversation, I do have things to get done before morning. Goodnight, mon petite." I watched him get up to leave. I stayed a little bit longer before leaving to get some rest. Entering into the base I made my way through the halls seeing them quiet and empty. Making my way up the stairs, I glanced at the calendar pinned to the wooden wall by all the dorm rooms. 'Friday' I smiled seeing the week swing by pretty fast thanks to the trials and tests. Even though I had my first battle today, I couldn't help but wait for the weekend. That way, I could hang out with the team more and get a better look at them all. The one thing I definitely remembered seeing in the contract were the temporary breaks we got. Similar to school, they worked the rest of the week and then took days off on the weekend. It was a mandatory kind of thing, to keep the mercenaries from going completely insane. I opened to door knob to my room and entered feeling lethargic. I changed into my pajamas, took off my mask and shoes. My bed felt cold and abandoned, so I gave it my attention. Huddling under the covers, I made myself a little nest keeping as much warmth as possible. Not far behind I felt my eyes getting heavy and fell asleep, leaving my experience in battle behind.
Surprisingly, not too many dreams happened that night. Everything was pretty much smooth sailing. As soon as the next morning came the first thing I noticed was the smell, the bases scent seemed off. It didn't smell like it's usual artificial wood smell. It was overpowered by a more, pleasant smell. More of a warming, toasty, and sweet kind of smell. My nose went hay-wire picking up all the delicious fumes that intrigued my curiosity. I forced myself out of bed, not paying attention to the time, but by telling from the shadows in the room it was close to 6:30a.m. My naked feet shuffled over to a section of the room to bend down and grab my mask. I forced it over my head and shifted all the thin hairs behind the cloth. Although, some strands decided to rebel against me. I took my time making my way down the stairs toward the kitchen. My hand covered my mouth, for a yawn that crept upon me. I slid to the kitchen door room and pressed the door open. I rubbed my blurred eyes to get a clearer picture of the scene. At the table sat Medic, the masculine Heavy, and male Scout. In the kitchen were both the male Pyro and Engineer. I saw all of their gazes shifting to mine and I waved them good morning. The Medic bowed his head, the Scout said his usual 'morning toots', as for Heavy he spoke in his deep Russian accent.
"Good Morning, Leetle girl." Not a second too soon the Engineer said his part. "Mornin' there partner, didn't think you'd wake up so early. I though you'd sleep in." His eyes periodically shifted from the bacon to me as he spoke. I shook my head and wavered my hand in a 'it's not a big deal' motion. I moved closer to the kitchen to get a better look at what was going on. Pyro was toasting the bread and getting out the butter. Engineer, of course, was cooking the bacon and eggs. I looked around the room trying to figure out where all the others were. As if Engineer read the expressions on my face perfectly, he replied back "Don't expect to see some of them today." I looked at him in question, seeing his eyes meet mine. "Well, most of the ladies go out for a ladies night." I stopped listening to turn around looking at the outside window, I looked back at him and pointed behind me with my thumb. He chuckled before continuing to speak. "Yeah, they don't let the time of day keep them waiting." I only nodded my head. "As for the rest of us, some of us sleep in, relax, finish up some work, and..." he shrugged his shoulder ending the conversation there. The sizzling of the food stopped as he placed the remains onto a plate. My mouth seemed to water at the sight of the crispy brown glazed bacon, and steamy cooked eggs. Pyro grabbed the slices of toast he made for the mercs that were currently present, he placed them on the table. Immediately I saw the Scout dive in grabbing a piece of toast, but he jolted his hand back feeling the Medic slap it.
"Patients! You von't digest your food correctly if you eat so fast. Vait until everyone comes to the table and settles down." Medic's eyes narrowing at the hungry rabbit.
"Ugghhh... FINE!" He crossed his arms and looked the opposite direction from the doctor. I walked to an empty chair and sat down examining all the delicious wonders on the table. A plate was passed down to me, we all waited until everyone got a plate. I could tell Scout wanted to eat now, his leg was shaking up and down. He glanced at the Medic and saw him nod while widening his eyes a little to emphasize for him to eat a little slower. We all got what we wanted, even though there were only three choices: Bacon, eggs, and toast. I noticed the five mercenaries, including myself, had a glass by their plate. I glanced at the color of orange that was being passed around, when it got to me I poured myself a glass of classy orange juice. Once everyone was situated, Engineer was the first to spark up a conversation.
"So anyone got any plans today?" He said, before taking a bite of his crispy bacon.
"OWH YMAH! IOM GOPING TOPM-" A hand came from behind the Scouts side and hit the back of his head.
"Don't eat and talk at zhe same time you dummkopf." Medics eyes glaring at the boy. Scout only rolled his eyes and finished chewing and swallowing before trying to speak again.
"As I was SAYIN', before I was rudely interrupted, was that I'm gonna be practicing some baseball with the FemScout. Then after I beat her at it, because I'm that awesome, probably gonna have to consult her because she can't handle my awesomeness." Just to prove his 'masculinity' he flexed his arms. Engineer made a contemptuous smile shaking his head side-to-side. Scout seemed to notice the mocking smirk from Engie and confronted him.
"You got somethin' to my face wise guy?!"
He finished eating the piece of egg he shoved into his mouth, washing it down with a sip of orange juice. "Hm? Boy, I'd be careful what you say. If she heard those words come out of your little mouth she'd beat your tail end to the ground."
Scout only rolled his eyes in response. "Pft... Please I could take her down any day..." he hesitated, drinking from his glass and finished his sentence. "B-But just don't tell her I said that..." His eyes went back to his food as he gulped every last grain of food down. I watched him lick his plate clean before sticking it in the sink and rushing out of the room. The room went silent again, the noise of forks scraping against the opaque glass plates. The taste of the eggs were delicious, it's warmth filling up my stomach. The grease of the bacon glistened in the light, it's crunch so satisfying. The smooth liquid tang ran down my throat, completing the mornings appetite. I sat back in my chair full from all of the freshly prepared breakfast meal.
"Vell I vill be working on new... experiments and finishing up some more paperwork for zhe administrator." said Medic after finishing his whole meal. We all pretty much finished and stayed at the table relaxing talking with each other, well other than me, I just listened.
"Hey any of you know if slims awake, or even here today?"
"Nein, but he's most likely still in zhat van of his."
"Docteur need help with paperwork?" The big guy finally spoke. He was pretty intent just listening but I guess he didn't want to sit around and be useless for the day. Other than me, I'd probably just walk around the base and get to know the place even better.
"Hm... Yes zhat would be vonderful Heavy." He pushed up his glasses looking at the friendly giant.
I glanced at the two and noticed something, I can't quite put a finger on it, but something's definitely there. When you just sit and watch, things are in a different view. You see everything; you notice everything. Every movement, expression, piece of dialogue is seen and heard at a different form. You see things that maybe another would overlook. I couldn't help but smile. I felt a pair of eyes stare at me and looked toward them, it was Pyro. He sat across from me, his eyes-er goggles-staring at me. He then shifted his glance at the two resting his chin on his fingertips. Did he notice it too?
"Well, I guess I'll go find him. I need some help with mah truck." He sat up from his chair and gathered all the dishes putting them in the sink for a later wash. Everyone slowly made there way out of the kitchen, all with the exception of me and Pyro. He watched everyone leave before switching his gaze back toward me. He just stared, I couldn't get a correct read. It was slightly making me feel uncomfortable, I felt as if his gaze was burrowing inside of me trying to find an answer. I quickly looked away toward the door, it didn't seen like anyone was coming. At the second I turned my gaze back toward him he wasn't in his chair anymore. A slight panic set through me as I felt the presence of something warm at my side. I looked up seeing stand before me, his head tilted. My mind wanted to know how he got up so fast and without any indication, before it being too late. His legs bent down to get at eyes level with me.
"MPH! mphph nmphti phm" he shouted, making me jump a little.
Although I couldn't understand what he was saying, the way we both had a brief connection earlier made me guess. "You noticed it too?" I said almost at a complete whisper. He nodded silently and stood still for a little, his mask staring right at me. I had this strange feeling, nothing threatening but comforting. Pyro snapped out of it and stood back up, his hand stretched out toward mine. He made a small sound, gesturing his hand for me to follow him. He walked toward the exit and turned back to look at me. I stared like a lost child, but went with it. 'Uh I hate these weird gut feelings inside of me.' I thought.
I got up from the chair and followed right behind him, I saw a new side of Pyro. A more innocent childlike personality emit from him. Maybe it was the way he walked or the way his aura seemed to brighten, but it was an interesting side I wanted to explore. He stopped by his room and turned the knob, upon entering his room he flipped on the light switch. I gasped at the sights, there were drawings, balloons, stuffed animals, and other collectibles. If I wouldn't have known the mercenaries and came upon this room, I'd think it would've belonged to a 5 year old child. My gaze shifted each inch of the room taking a closer look at everything. Lots of drawings were colored in crayon each of them showing a different colored picture. The one that really stood out to me was the one that looked like a drawing of all the mercenaries together under poorly drawn rainbow. My eyes focused in more seeing each and every single one of them, even myself. I could feel the Pyros gaze behind me and turned around.
"You drew that?" I asked calmly. Another characteristic appeared, a shy one. He rocked his body left to right, hands behind his back, mumbling something incomprehensible. Once again, I took a guess. "It's beautiful." I looked back at the picture and then back at him. A new light reached his eyes, his body seemed to cheer up seeming like a 5 year old child who was rewarded with ice cream for dinner. He jumped up in down in short bursts and came running after me. His arms wrapping around me and squeezing me gently.
"MHPHM MPHMPH!" An excitement reached his voice. He went to the middle of his room and patted the ground, I took as a hint to sit down. I sat crisscross applesauce style and watched him scurry around his room. He took out a big pink stuffed unicorn and placed it in front of me, then hurried back to another location to get some other objects of his. By the time he was done Pyro sat across from me and took one of his objects trying to explain something to me. I watched and listened to him, trying to decode any words that I could make out. He started out with the big fluffy stuffed animal that sat in front of me. He stroked it's head as if it were a real pet and nuzzled it's nostrils against the nose of his mask. Pyro stared back at me and extended his hands to where it looked like he was giving me the animal. I took it and smiled back at him. Another spark of light flashed in the eyes of his mask. He clapped giving out a joyful cry. He rushed to get a piece of clothing that was pink, puffy, and feathery. He grabbed the scarf and wrapped it carefully around my neck, he took a step back to observe me. He posed pondering like a fashion designer trying to figure out if it was the right choice. I giggled at the thought and smiled at the firebug. I got the idea to stand up and pose like a supermodel, using the new gift he gave me as a prop.
"How do I look?" I said, slowly spinning around placing my hand on my hip sassy like. He nodded happily and quickly grabbed some blank sheets of paper and half of a broken purple crayon. He bent down to write something, as I continued to do ridiculous poses. He lifted up the piece of paper and mumbled some words "MHMMHM mph mfph!" The sign read '10/10' which for some reason made me laugh. He gathered some more of his creative supplies and sat in the middle of the room. He laid on his stomach and took one of his crayons, he extended one toward me. I looked at him and then at the object he was offering. I smiled and nodded taking the crayon from his gloved hand. I saw his offer as a chance of acceptance. An opportunity to be welcomed into his world, it felt nice. He gave out a small muffled laugh and immediately started drawing all kinds of rainbows and magical creatures. His mind was definitely interesting, it made me wonder how Pyro was accepted onto the team. I watched him draw with the worn out crayons seeing how innocent he acted. It really made me think how the mercs saw him as man of destruction, a monster. I couldn't see through their eyes, I saw a little boy whose misunderstood. Maybe out on the battlefield he seemed like a savage, but behind that mask I knew there was something more. I sat down across from him and took a sheet of paper and began to sketch one of sisters favorite flowers. I starting drawing the petals of a Blue Phalaenopsis Silk Orchid, it would have looked better if the rough texture of the crayon didn't leave small blotches. I smiled to myself getting too involved in what I was doing. It took me back to when I use to color with my sister. She would always draw all sorts of animals with her perfectly sharpened pencil.
"Phmph, phat mph muphhul." I looked up seeing his rubber hands touch the sides of his face. One of his hands abandoned the side of his face and took it's attention to my drawing. He looked down at it and then back at me.
"What?..." I asked a little worried.
He kept his gaze at the paper hypnotized and amazed. Pyro let out a 'oooooo' sound fascinated by the drawing. "Oh, it's a flower. It use to be a favorite of my sister..." I said awkwardly fading out of my words. It felt weird talking about her to Pyro, I wasn't sure if he fully knew my situation or what was going on. I guess the good part about him is that he doesn't pry into people's business. He quickly stood and frantically started to search for something. I raised an eyebrow, "uh...is...everything alright Pyro." I asked slightly concerned. His actions and emotions changed so quickly, I couldn't keep up. I stayed where I was keeping an eye on the man to make sure nothing serious happened, his mind was a little unstable. His body seemed to relax as he found what he was looking for. I heard a large container being dragged across the wooded floor. He brought the case over to where I was. It looked rusted over, parts of the paint that use to be there chipped and worn away. He took out a key from one of his pockets and unlocked it like a chest. He concentrated scavenging his hands inside and took out a piece of cloth. He set it aside and looked at me.
"What's this?" I asked.
He shoved the clumped up piece of cloth toward me and nodded for me to go ahead. I slowly picked up the cloth, which had a bit of a weight to it, and unraveled it. Inside was a small locket and an old picture. I took a closer observation at the locket. The necklace part was gold with an old corroded gold heart shaped locket. I gently flipped it open seeing a small picture of a woman with smooth skin, long straight black hair, and green eyes. Part of the picture was scratched and damaged due to it's age. I rubbed my thumb gently over the picture and focused my eyes over to my other hand. A bigger photograph of the original. It was more cleaner and fresh, but still a little rusty looking.
"I-is this your mommy?" I sounded like a little kid lost in the woods, but I believe in order to understand a person you have to speak their language. Pyro nodded and sighed. "She's beautiful..." I gave a small smile. "Why are you showing me this?" My thoughts wanted to know the reasons why Pyro would show me, let alone trust me to look at something so sentimental and close to him.
"Mph mmphpmh pghmmhp." He picked up my drawing of the flower and held it delicately in his hands. He pointed at the picture and then pointed at the objects in my hands. I inhaled and then let out an 'oooooh' sound seeing where he was getting at. It was nice for Pyro to give me a little bit of insight about his mom, in return for giving him a little peak about my life. I watched him stand and take the picture pinning it to his collection of drawing against the wall. He backed up putting his hands on his hips and nodding happily. His head turned around to look at me and gave a thumbs up, I did the same in return.
Our quiet little moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. Both of our heads snapped to the sound, and I could see Pyro shuffling his way toward me. I handed him his things back, he wrapped them back in the cloth quickly and placed it back in its rightful location in the case. He shoved the case back under the safety of his bed. Another knock came from the door.
"Hey Pyro, have you seen the Spy by any chance? The Female one." The Engineer said talking against the wooden door. Pyro looked at me, his notion asking if he should open the door. I nodded and he turned the knob open having the door creak forward.
"PHM HPM!" He said. He positioned his body as if he was really saying "TA DA!" I was still sitting down in the middle of the floor looking up at the country man.
"Ah there you are. I was wondering if ya' wanted to help out me and Sniper with some of the mechanical fixtures under one of the vehicles, but it seems that you're already busy... coloring?" My eyes shifted over to Pyro but he was already lifting me up from the ground and pushing me out the room. I turned around to say something but he already waved for me to go and closed the door. I turned to look at Engineer.
"Well, I don't know what all that was about but you wanna help?" A jolly personality, great.
"..." I nodded smiling, accepting the request. "Haha, great to hear. Follow me." He started walking and I followed behind him. I took one last glance back looking at the front of Pyro's closed door. I smiled a bit feeling good about digging a little deeper into the mind of the 'oh so monstrous' Pyro.
To be continued...
It's time to take things a little slow. In her time of the ceasefire Kayla's going to be getting to know a few of her mercenary friends a little better. She now has a new fond relationship with the little firebug. Thank you for all the reviews, follows, and favorites! LOVE YA
