"Commander!" The word left Valerie's lips in a surprised gasp. She was ashamed with how quickly she ran over to him. "You're here...I wasn't expecting-"

"I returned as promised. A little earlier than I thought, but I did not mean to surprise you." His words sounded so melodic. That was likely from how bad she missed hearing it. "-Are you alright?"

She wanted to ask him why he would say such a thing, but as her hand came to her face, she felt the tears that were still drying on her cheeks. Her eyes must be reddened and puffy from the stressful experience she had. She took a moment to dab at the moistness that remained and cleared her throat. The look in Kane's eyes was knowing and...somewhat concerned. He peered closely at her when she remained silent, causing her to say something as to not keep him waiting.

"After what happened, I...I do not know how I feel." She bit her lip and looked away, wishing that she hadn't been so honest.

"Enlighten me on what happened."

She didn't even notice they started walking together. They were in the streets of Florenza now. She blended in naturally next to Kane, who was always dressed in his elegant uniform. No one batted an eye in their direction. Even if they did, it was from mere shock at the Supreme Commander's presence. No eyes were locked on herself this time. She felt better without the judgemental stares. She took a deep breath to settle down, and realized how relaxed she was to be in this man's presence again.

"My lesson was a disaster, is all. When I went in the water today...it did not go well." She gripped her arm tightly. "I almost drowned."

"How unfortunate." He pressed his lips together. "-How did that happen?"

"I was climbing down into the pool and I slipped into the water. I didn't know what to do, so I gasped for air, but...instead of that, water came. Aristide took me out in time, but I couldn't breathe." She shut her eyes tightly. "It felt like I was going to die..."

She could feel his stare on her face and opened her eyes. Kane was looking at her with a troubled frown, his eyebrows knitted together in concern. She hadn't seen him so sympathetic before, even when she was injured right in front of him. His eyes locked with hers, and slowly, he told her:

"I am sorry to hear that."

She tried to smile. He folded his arms, continuing:

"-Normally, there are devices to increase your buoyancy so drowning isn't an issue. I wonder why you were brought in so early without any means of floating whatsoever." He pressed a finger to his lip in thought. "I'll have to speak with your instructor about this."

She went quiet. She wanted to defend Aristide, but for all she knew, maybe it was a poor decision to go in the pool so early. Kane's involvement was necessary; he was in the right position to be upset by such unfortunate circumstances. He seemed to know enough about the situation. It warmed her heart hearing his concerns regardless.

"It has been...awhile since I have seen you. How are you doing, if you don't mind me asking..?"

"Fine. Rather, until I heard you nearly drowned under the supervision of an instructor I entrusted you with." He replied dryly. "I assure you, I haven't encountered this issue before. It may have been a neglectful decision, but I will ensure it was not intentional."

"Thank you." He bowed his head and her heart skipped a beat. "Um, sir...might I ask you something?"

"Hm?"

"You said you wanted me to fill you in while you were away. I just need to know if you want to hear about anything that doesn't involve my lessons? If you want to keep this professional, I will gladly-"

"-No. You can tell me anything about your time here. I want to hear how well you are adjusting to Florenza. It's my duty to make certain that you are living comfortably here."

She blinked in surprise. She expected him to want to keep things formal. She mumbled some words incomprehensibly as she thought of what to say. "Well, I got food and clothes recently. With the gold you gave me. It was...interesting shopping here..."

"Interesting..?"

She opened her mouth to reply, but a small growl emitted loudly from her stomach. She placed a hand over her shirt and smiled apologetically. She neglected to eat a reasonably-portioned breakfast that morning. Her lesson must've grew her appetite. She laughed nervously in an attempt to rid the embarrassment she felt at that moment.

"Ah, would it be alright with you if I grabbed something to eat?"

"Not a problem."

Valerie smiled again. They were conveniently close to a sandwich shop. She went in to order a small lunch and brought her and the Commander outside to sit on the eatery's patio. The afternoon was still pleasant, the sky clear and the sun warming her back. A small breeze passed by as she and Kane settled themselves into the chairs. She realized she was several inches away from the Commander again. It brought her back to the time he questioned her in that room - when they were sitting across from one another, eyes drifting and meeting with each other's every few minutes...

As she waited for her food, she drummed her fingers on the table thinking of what to say. The silence felt nerve-wracking. She didn't want to waste his time...she felt responsible for entertaining him with conversation. He must like her presence if he was willing to come back, right? She did not want to lose that interest of his in any way.

"I never expected I would be here." She motioned to herself and then to him. "Alone with the Supreme Commander in Florenza...it seems so far-fetched when I think about it..."

"And yet, here we are." He commented with a gesture of his wrist. She laughed quietly.

"They have wonderful things here. Bright, expensive, luxurious things..." She looked away as a troubled frown came on her face. "I do not like the way people look at me here. Like I am an animal or some tourist..."

"What did you expect? A prosperous area filled with the higher class will think less of anyone who strays from their expectations."

"But, how can I change that? I don't belong to their lifestyle; adapting here seems so difficult..."

He leaned forward in his seat. "All you have to do is live by their lifestyle. The women here have a certain way of dressing themselves. What you see them wearing - wear it yourself. Watch how they behave. Avoid words they don't use. Eventually, they'll have forgotten you weren't ever one of them."

"So, what you're saying is..." She pieced it together. "Look just like them, talk like them, and act like them? That's how I'll stop getting this treatment?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Florenzians don't adapt to outside customs or wears. They prefer to flaunt their wealth in any way they can."

She slumped in her seat. "This must be easy for you...you're exactly like them."

He smirked. "This may be hard for you to believe, but I was in a similar position. I didn't come from a wealthy bloodline at all."

She blinked in surprise. "No, I wouldn't believe that..."

"I learned to adapt to the customs and ways of others. Like the people here. If you pretend to think as highly of yourself as they do, they'll assume you're just as important as they are."

She wanted to ask him more, but was interrupted when a server sat down her food. She thanked him and brought her attention back to Kane. He was looking elsewhere now - into the streets where people were walking and tapping his fingers together quietly. She took this time to eat her food and let it settle in her stomach. She felt better, having a moment to ease her thoughts. She rested her elbows on the table and leaned forward in interest.

"Can you tell me more about yourself?" She asked. "I've heard so many things about you, but I've never had the chance to learn if they were true or not..."

"-You would like to know more of me?" He asked. There was a hint of curiosity in his tone.

She nodded her head eagerly. "You're most talked about besides his majesty. And I figure...if you are going to be checking on me, the least I can do is learn more about you so we can talk properly."

He gave her his full attention now. She noticed the glint in his eyes again. He set his own elbows on the table and folded his hands together, resting his chin on top of his knuckles. She melted seeing his arms inches away from her own. "What would you like to know?"

'Really..? He's going to let me ask him questions like THAT?' She thought of what to ask first. The one that was mostly on her mind left her lips instantly. "Why do you wear a mask? Is it because you do not want people to see what you look like?"

"The mask isn't to hide my identity. You already know who I am." He shook his head. "It's to symbolize rank. The King loves the Carnevale, and when he saw my mask, he wanted to implement it into his armed forces. How it works is - the more detailed one's mask is, the higher rank they are. Mine was the inspiration for it, and therefore, is considered the highest in the hierarchy."

"I see...That explains why the only other person I've seen wearing a mask was General Rooke..." She looked at him curiously. "Where did you get yours, exactly..?"

"It was personally painted by my father. I was later taught how to craft my own."

She took this moment to observe it closely and leaned forward. She could see the finer details - the golden paint strokes, the ridges of the swirls, and the reflective white beads placed along its edges. She couldn't think of another mask that looked as beautiful as his. She sat herself back and smiled. 'Finally, I'm learning more about him!

"I'm sure you know the rumors of yourself. Is it true you fought in the Polarian War like everyone says?"

"That is true, yes."

"...What was it like? They say it was such a brutal fight..."

"Oh, it was. That war had the most casualties Valencia ever faced. I was among the few that survived, and deemed a war hero for it." His gaze shifted from hers. "I would not be where I am today if I hadn't joined the war. It's shaped my experiences in my field."

"I'm...sorry if I brought up any bad memories-"

"-There are no good memories that can be attained by war. That's something every soldier learns."

She watched as his blue eyes fell to the table. This would be a good time as any to change the subject, but Valerie was confused. "-If the war was so hard on you, then why did you re-enlist..? And become the Supreme Commander?"

"Because I was particularly good at it, and I did not enjoy my life elsewhere." She frowned. "The King wanted me to command his armed forces. He was relieved we won, but incredibly worried from all the loss. He entrusted me to strengthen his army after the war. I couldn't reject."

"Well, we're in good hands, now...you've done such impressive work, Commander. Everything I've ever heard about you is nothing but praise and admiration. I agree with all of those things. You are such a capable man..."

She was surprised to find silence on his end, his eyes slightly widening. She realized how close she was leaning to him, her head rested in her hand. It dawned on her that those words left her lips flirtatiously. An unsettling feeling grew her stomach knowing that she meant them. She didn't understand why she felt so perturbed. His silence made her worry she stepped out of line...

"You admire me?"

She turned numb as she looked at his face. "...Very much, sir..." 'But it's more than that. I deeply respect you. I enjoy your company. I find you attractive. I think of you whenever you're not around. I might even have feelings for you..'

He said nothing as his eyes traveled over her face. She found a small smile grew on his lips, and this time, it didn't fade away so soon. "-I think I admire you as well."

Her heart fluttered hearing those words. He must have meant that as a soldier, but the words still mean so much to her. They shared a gaze and nothing was said then. She felt calm. And ridiculous for ever feeling embarrassed. They are two adults. Flirting is...a natural thing, after all!

'It seems to me like he enjoys it...' She thought to herself.

He looked away to glance at the sky. Valerie snapped out of it and turned the same way as him. It was approaching sunset. It hadn't felt that long since they started talking. She wished she had more time to ask him things. He was an interesting character once she got to know him. And even after he answered her questions today, she felt like he...intentionally left out some details. Being the curious woman she was, she was craving to know what they were. She'd have to pry at the right time.

Kane stood from his chair. "Before I leave, there is something I'd like to do with you. Follow me."

He shouldn't have expected anything else but for her to jump up out from her seat and happily accompany him out. She was intrigued to see where he would take her and for what purpose. She didn't bother pestering him with questions and quietly followed, smiling the entire way. She felt like she was getting to know more about Kane...before, she hadn't even known his age, and only based her opinion on rumors she heard about him. It was satisfying to hear these things from himself, and witness him so...open to answering any of her inquiries.

She discreetly glanced at him from the side while they walked together. He was looking straight ahead and, even though he returned to his neutral expression, she could sense something...relaxed about his posture.


The place Kane ended up leading her to was the same outlet she had been to before. She didn't dare tell him this and let him bring her to wherever he pleased. She was surprised to find them in front of the clothing store she visited not long ago. It was the same place where all of those expensive dresses were and she had to find her clothes in the back. As the two of them stood at the entrance, she looked at him uncertainly and pointed inside the building.

"You want to take me in...there?"

"You mentioned getting strange looks. I want you to pick something you think the women here wear. For yourself."

"Commander, you wish to...buy me a dress?"

"That's right."

Her cheeks burned. This was...more than a polite gesture! She never met a man who was willing to buy her a dress. Granted, Kane had done much more for that this shouldn't have come as a surprise...but supplying her with necessities was different than indulging in a luxury. She knew for a fact she could survive without wearing anything fancy - she could tolerate the strange looks and pretend they didn't upset her.

"Are you sure? I don't really need-"

"-Please, go inside and pick something out. It's to help you adjust here easily."

Hesitantly, she obliged and walked into the store. She could see the other customers looking up from their apparels, only to quickly glance away once Kane came into view. Valerie smirked as she passed by them. She searched through the rich clothing collection but hesitated to touch any of them. She felt like she'd degrade the material if her fingers grazed one...

There was another problem: she had no idea what to get. She never figured out her 'style' before and simply wore anything that was comfortable or convenient...but now she had a choice. And others would judge her if she didn't get something flattering. This was something formal, so she didn't want to make a wrong choice and receive more judgemental looks. She turned around and saw Kane patiently watching her with his hands at his sides.

"Would you mind helping me for a moment?"

He stepped forward. "What do you need?"

"I am...not sure what to get. I just, well-" She grew a little heated again and fidgeted with her shirt. "-What do you think would look...good on me?"

He stared at her for a moment before moving to the dresses she was looking at. She figured asking him would be a wise decision, as he had quite a taste in clothes. At least, that's what she assumed from his uniform. Kane easily picked through them and grabbed one in particular, which was entirely golden in color. It was a knee-length dress that had a lace trim and showed a modest amount of cleavage. She noticed its beautiful details, from the slight touches of white glitter to the golden swirls that lined completely along the trim. The longer she marveled at it, the more ethereal it became - like something she would only wear in her dreams...

"This one looks beautiful." She took it from his hands. "The colors are gorgeous..."

He gave her room to sneak by. She found her way to the dressing rooms and motioned for the Commander to wait outside. She didn't want to keep him waiting long, so she attempted to slither her way into the dress. It was an easy task, as she happened to slip right into the thing. Her frame got so thin after these months. 'Perhaps, *too* thin? She wondered.

Valerie looked at herself in the mirror as she flattened down the dress. The reflection that stared back at her looked like a completely different person. She never wore fancy dresses back at home, as she saved such attire for special occasions. But there was nothing special now. People here dressed like this every day. She could see the appeal, enjoying the way it hugged her hips and gave more movement than a pair of pants would. The colors weren't too bad, either. Gold looked better on her than she thought. Valerie flashed herself a smile. Even though this was only to fit in with this sophisticated society, something about the look felt...right.

She emerged from the room and peeked out to find the Commander sitting outside. She stood in the doorway, hesitating to call out to him. She was apprehensive again - concerning herself highly of his opinion, and hoping that she would meet whatever he envisioned when he picked it out for her. She decided clearing her throat would suffice to get his attention, and nervously clasped her hands as she stood shyly in the new dress.

"Sir? How do I look..?"

He turned his head right away at the sound of her voice. He stood from his seat and took a few steps forward to get a good look at her. She grew hot under his stare and looked away, pretending to be interested in the floor instead. Had she kept her gaze on Kane's face, she would've noticed the way his eyes widened as they curiously traveled from her head to toe. She looked up in time for him to place his hands together and tell her meaningfully:

"You look beautiful - I am sure you'll fit right in."

Her brown eyes lit up at his words. Beautiful? She craved to hear that word from his tongue - how long she has waited wondering if he truly thought anything of her appearance...She hunched her shoulders and looked away bashfully. She wasn't sure what to say, so she muttered a 'thank you' before retreating back to the room. The blush refused to leave her cheeks - her heart beating vigorously in her chest just thinking of Kane calling her such a word. She took a moment to calm herself down before leaving the changing room.

'He DOES think I'm beautiful...'

She met with him and smiled nervously. As promised, he bought the dress for her. She was amazed to hear how much it cost - such a small thing, worth so much! She did not attempt to stop him and found it strange that she didn't want to. She was happy to have the dress in her possession as they walked out, kept safely in a bag. Kane noticed the way she kept glancing at it. She cleared her throat; she really should be saying more. He bought her something pricey just so she would stop getting judged so harshly by these people...

"Thank you again, Commander. I don't know how I can express my gratitude."

"Not a problem at all." A few seconds passed before he added, "And call me 'Kane'."

She shot up in surprise. "What? But, wouldn't-"

"Even though the formalities suggest you call me 'Commander'...I'd rather you use my name." He looked at her and smiled. "I think we can talk more properly once we have that out of the way."

His words possessed her to smile back. She never would have thought to be in a position to call the Supreme Commander by his name. She looked away as she brushed her bangs to the side, laughing when she heard her words said right back to her. This would be getting rid of a huge formality she grew accustomed to, being in the service - but she was more than willing to let go of it. It made her feel...at ease. It was also a reminder she'd gotten closer to him than she ever had before. It was only reasonable for two well-acquainted people to call each other by their names...

"I agree. Thank you..." She swallowed hard as she attempted to get his name to slide off her tongue. "-Kane."

"My pleasure," His eyes drew over hers as he smirked. "-Valerie."

His teasing made her laugh.