Kane gave a patient wave of the hand to Valerie as he stepped outside to speak with this 'visitor'. On the surface, he appeared calm. He promised the woman he'd be back in a few minutes. Deep down, however, he felt impatient, as he already anticipated what this 'talk' was going to be about. And he didn't want to have it so soon.

Ensuring their conversation couldn't be eavesdropped, they went out of earshot from the door. They walked into the hallway and steered clear of the staircase as Deacon led them out of sight. Kane sighed with little patience as he rested on the wall, shifting his weight as his gaze went to the other man. He gave him a skeptical look behind his mask - one he knew would portray his frustration on being disturbed at such a personal time.

"I thought we were going to talk tomorrow..?"

"Yes, but I needed to speak with you. To no avail..."

He motioned to his broken communicator. He figured this would be the best time to take care of such a problem and held his hand out. Deacon got the message and untied it from his wrist, allowing him to inspect it. He took the pair of pliers from his pocket and began to mess with the wiring. As he worked, he could feel the other pair of blue eyes intently watching him.

"I spoke with Rooke before I came here. Both of ours are broken."

"Yes, I'd inform Bishop about it, but I have no means right now." He watched as it sprung to life. He handed it back to him. "What was so urgent that you needed to see me?"

"This...whole thing." He gestured around. "Your absence from Cadiz is starting to have an effect on our resources. Pulling Rooke already caused setbacks, but with your disappearance-"

He held up a hand and Deacon quieted down. Calmly, he replied, "I assured you I would return by the end of this month, and I intend-"

"-It's already been a month, Kane." He dropped his arms to his sides. "Without you or Rooke's command, our soldiers aren't prepared at all for the war. We're behind on our resources, and Bishop can contain everything for only so long. I am starting to worry that you postponing your return will end unfavorably."

"I understand this is a vulnerable time for our military. I'll fix everything when I return."

A long sigh sounded from behind the bauta mask. Before he could say anything, they heard a door opening and closing nearby. They found another occupant standing in the vicinity. They decided to move their conversation elsewhere, climbing down the staircase and finding their way outside. They stayed near the walls and bushes of the garden. No one else happened to be out at this hour, which was fortunate for them.

Deacon reached into one of his pockets and surfaced a pack of cigarettes. Kane watched with unimpressed eyes as he lit the end of one and inhaled from under his mask. As he exhaled, he noticed the judgemental gaze and brought his eyes away.

"This is the first I've had in weeks. It's a stressful time."

"If Phule quit, then I expect you will, too."

He brought his head down and nodded vaguely. Now wasn't the time to be pestered about his habits. The thought of even touching his pack hadn't occurred to him until now. He was anxious. Kane could be difficult when it came to his decisions - Deacon seldom had the luck to appeal to his senses, especially when he insisted on being stubborn about it. Rarely came such cases...but it was obvious this talk wasn't going to be easy.

"This...woman, you've been around." He flicked the ashes off his glove. "Who is she, exactly?"

"I expect you already know?"

"I've done the research. But I don't know who she is."

Kane was quiet for a second. "Tell me what you have."

He took a moment to recall his half hour of background checking. "-Valerie Toscani, 36, born in Tuscany; a cadet under the temporary command of Rooke. The latest change in her file was to recommend navy training."

"You found her residence."

"I had intuition you'd be here." He shrugged his shoulders. "That, and Rooke told me you were still in Florenza."

"He mentioned her name?"

"No. But since I heard you were entrusting a previous client with a personal business, and left on the same day as the cadets' graduation, I assumed you were with someone." He discarded the cigarette, using the sole of his shoe to extinguish its end. "That was when I asked Rooke, and he mentioned her."

"..."

"When I looked at what has been reported from our base here, there were mentions of the Supreme Commander overseeing the work. And I know they aren't in as dire need of your assistance as, say, Cadiz would."

"Where are you getting at..?"

"You're wasting your time here. And I want to know why it's with this woman."

Kane rubbed his temples. He never underestimated Deacon - he was good at his job, this just being one example. Even though he expected this to happen, he still didn't have his answer as prepared as he'd like to. There were things he was still unsure about. His silence was noted as the other figure stared at him. Eventually, it was broken with a question.

"-Are you two in a relationship..?"

"No. Not..." He looked away. "Not yet."

This obviously caught his interest. "So you like her, then?"

"Dio santo, how else do you want me to put it..?"

Deacon went quiet for a few seconds, absorbing this information. He rubbed his chin under his mask. He speculated as such when he learned a woman was involved, but he didn't expect to hear such an answer. The Court have gone several years without seeing Kane involved with anyone. The thought hadn't occurred to any of them - at least, not until now...

"I suggest you wrap this up as soon as you can. His majesty is starting to get concerned with not having you around. He asked me to have you back tomorrow."

The Supreme Commander shook his head. "Not possible."

"It is, if I arrange a ship to come by for you."

"Deacon-" He held a hand over his mouth. "-That is not necessary. I need until the end of this week, at least. Then, I assure you, I will have everything back in my hands."

His posture deflated. "A week is all I can ask for. I worry this is going to distract you any longer. You've spent too long over here as it is."

"You think I don't know that?"

Things grew silent. There was some tension growing between them - he could tell Kane was getting stressed. He expected nothing else from delivering this news. He had a feeling his return wouldn't be so soon. And after learning why, Deacon couldn't exactly blame him. The least he could do was ask King Casimir to grant a few days more and ask if Rooke can continue overseeing things in the meantime.

He waited for the right time to ask. "What makes her so special..?"

"That's what I don't know." He crossed his arms. "She shares a distaste in pirates, has the same interests I do, and she's determined with her ambitions..."

"Sounds like your type."

Kane chuckled, then hummed thoughtfully. "Maybe you're right."

"I should leave now if I want to make it back by morning." He flicked open his pocket watch to check the time. "I trust you'll be spending these few days wisely..?"

"I will. Thank you, for this."

"I owe it to you," He slid the watch back in its rightful place. "Glad to hear you're seeing someone."

"A risentirci presto."

The other man departed, leaving Kane to reflect on their conversation. He did this for a brief time, taking a small stroll and staring at the bushes in thought. He mused on many things - the most being how he will leave Florenza without feeling like he has left Valerie. Such an idea left him conflicted, and even more disturbed at the fact he'd feel dreadful otherwise...


Valerie pressed her head against the door after they left. She intended on listening in to their conversation - wanting to know more about this strange man and what business he had with Kane. She sighed in defeat when she heard their footsteps disappear down the hallway. She removed her head and retreated to the couch, where she resorted to sitting and waiting for their return.

The longer she sat there, the more her thoughts wandered. It felt nearly like a dream, holding the Supreme Commander and listening to the noises of the night together. Just when the they got comfortable, they had to get interrupted...what would've happened if Deacon hadn't come around, she wondered? Had they been going somewhere, or was she just imagining things..? He gripped her hand back, she could've sworn...

After several minutes passed, she sighed. She went outside to collect their cups and began washing them in the kitchen. The moment was long gone, so there would be no need to continue talking out there. As she dried her hands, the sound of knocking came from the front door. She practically skipped to it and peered through the peep hole. She was delighted to find Kane waiting on the other side.

She swung it open to find his surprised face. She noticed he was alone. "Where did Deacon go?"

"He had to leave."

He dipped his head and she got the message to let him in. He plopped down on one of the cushions and sat his hat on the table. Something about his posture seemed fatigued. Her eyes curiously stared at his hair as she sat next to him. She was curious to know what was said - there was something different about him now...

"What did you two talk about?"

"Personal matters."

'So he's going to play this game?' "Was it something important?"

He shuffled in his seat. Judging by the way he lowered his head, he caved in to her curiosities. "I return to Cadiz in a week. How long I will remain there is unsure, but I will have a great absence from Florenza when the time comes."

"You're going to leave, just like that..?" She widened her eyes. Then she narrowed them suspiciously. "I thought you had things to attend to here..."

"I've attended to them long enough. My stay here is starting to affect things, and I must return as soon as possible." He looked away for a moment. "I think it's important to tell you."

Her look turned troubled. How else could she take this news? If he left, she'd be alone here. She hadn't made many friends since it was difficult blending in without him. She wasn't sure if she looked forward to any of that. "Couldn't you do something to stay..?"

This entire time he appeared serious, but now she saw a look of emotion cross his face. His next words came out weary. "How many times I have...I'm afraid the King has grown impatient, and requests my assistance again. I cannot reject his majesty."

She leaned towards him slowly, bringing a hand to fiddle with his badge. "Not even for me..?"

A noise escaped his throat. "I've already been here a month for you."

"Can't you make it a little longer, then..? I'm simply not ready to say goodbye to you so soon-"

Before she could finish, he sharply inhaled through his nose. Just imagining what would happen in his absence unsettled him. He'd seen how close she got with Aristide...and after learning his intentions, it was inevitable she'd be asked by him soon. He only had less than a week to make his move. There was no use avoiding this anymore. He understood what he wanted with her. He just needed to get through it as soon as possible if he truly wanted this.

"When I first inspected you back at your post, I did not believe I would find anything special about you. Nothing past what I wanted to know, of course." He got more comfortable in his seat, resting his elbows at his knees and intertwining his fingers together. "But there was something about you...something that caused me to believe we had more in common than I thought."

Her eyes were inquisitive as they went about his mask. He turned to look her in the eye. "-It has been a long time since I wasn't so busy with my career. I haven't had the time to form a connection with anyone beyond my coworkers and family."

"That makes sense. You are a busy man..."

"Which was why I got lucky with you. Spending time with a woman...I forgot what this was all like."

She smiled, dipping her head slightly. "I cannot tell you the last time I really had...a man to talk to. I got so swept up with my military career that it never occurred to me. Wanting to meet and get to know someone..."

As her words trailed off, she realized exactly where this conversation was heading. That was when she lost the words she was going to say. She looked up and found a smile on his lips. It was relieving to know she was on the same boat - Kane hadn't realized how much he distanced himself from others until he met her.

"Where were you going with this..?"

Her voice snapped him from his thoughts. Now was the time to finally address the elephant in the room. "-I think you can tell I enjoy your company. I assure you, I wouldn't have gone through all this trouble just for anyone."

She felt her ears burning. "I thought you would for ANY 'promising soldier'..."

"I found more to admire about you. Your taste in the arts and fashion, it's...congenial. You're passionate, you're beautiful, and I see lots of potential in you. You remind me of myself, the more I think about it." He rubbed his chin in thought. "Knowing I have to leave Florenza - I think I am going to miss you."

Her heart began to pound in her chest. After all this time waiting, the tension they've endured - this was finally happening. Clenching her hands, she decided this would be the best time to spill her true feelings about the Commander. With so little time until he had to leave, why waste it?

"I started having feelings for you the moment I saw you." She moved her eyes so she wouldn't have to see his reaction. "I heard so many things about you; I just thought you were a celebrity all those young girls fawned over. But actually meeting and getting to know you...I realized there were things I didn't know."

She closed her eyes, feeling too nervous to look at his face. "I know it is unprofessional - I'm your subordinate, but everyone was talking about you and saying these things...I'm not sure how right it is to feel anymore..."

He laughed, startling her. "You do know I am the highest in my position? I can do whatever I want."

She became flustered. "Still! Isn't it...wrong, to feel this way for your superiors..?"

"Should it be immoral for me to feel this way about one of my soldiers?"

"...Well-" She slumped in defeat. He had a point. "What I am trying to say is...you're famous. You're the sort of man I would only have in my dreams."

His eyes glowed in delight at this information. "Is that so?"

"Moving into my own place, thinking about you all the time...it leaves me feeling lonely. There are so many things I want to share with someone else, and you have been the only one here with me."

She became touch-starved and found her way to his shoulder, where she caressed his epaulets. Confessing this left her hot inside, but the conversation was anything but tense. "You don't know much I am going to miss you...I'm not sure what it'll be like to live here without you around."

His hand came to her face, where he rubbed her cheek using the side of his thumb. She leaned into the touch and frowned. Something about this situation made her heart sink. Confessing to a man she only has a week left with...

"I'm glad you feel the same way," He told her.

"I feel more strongly for you than you think..."

Her body experienced that familiar yearning again. Kane made no move of protest when she got a few inches away from his face. She could feel herself trembling. Just now she noticed he lingered of the smell of smoke, but even then, it wasn't a bother to her. She was close enough that her shoulder brushed against his insignia. He brought his arm around to press the back of the couch, allowing her to fill the gap between them and rest her hand on his chest.

She let her touch linger, waiting to see what would happen. Her breathing pounded in her ears. She grew the courage look up and found a curious look in his eyes. There was some sort of spark in them. The same one as before. Her hand found its way to his face, which she caressed as she licked her lips. His stare didn't break, and in a moment of awe, she attempted to finger her way under his mask.

This caught his attention. He guided her hand away with his, making her whine in disappointment. "Much too early." Was all he said.

Her hand felt cold. She warmed it with a slight huff. "-Must you always wear that mask?"

His hand came to her back, where he pressed her against him. She made a surprised noise as the side of her cheek touched his. "You'll see my face eventually. No need to get impatient."

"But you're leaving..."

"-Florenza. Not you." Butterflies emerged in her stomach. "I'll ensure we have contact. And even then, I have every intention on returning to you."

Her eyelids drooped. She brought both her hands to the sides of his face. She was shaking. "Kane..."

His voice became a whisper. "Yes?"

"..."

She didn't know what came over her. How long she waited for this, and now that the situation was unfolding before her, she wanted to seal the deal. She leaned forward, closing her eyes as the space between them grew smaller. Goosebumps grew along her arms the moment his breath came onto her skin. They didn't have long to go before their lips interlocked. She practically melted on him as he brought her closer. She was urged into his lap as their kiss deepened, wrapping her arms around his neck to gain better leverage.

Oh, good god...

Their position was making her hot. The way they passionately pressed their lips together created a small burning sensation in her stomach. She readjusted herself, more or less straddling his lap. They made strong eye contact as they pulled away. She recognized the look of desire in his irises - the way he spread his legs as he leaned back on the cushions. His gloved hands made their way to her hips, where they lightly fingered the golden trim of her dress.

"I guess now would be a good time to ask nicely..." She rested her forehead on his mask. Her grip felt weak as she grabbed at his uniform. She was so close to losing her composure, though she desperately tried not to show it. "-Would you stay the night with me..?"

Kane was quiet. She wondered why he wasn't saying anything until she realized he hooked his arms under her thighs. She was brought into the air as he stood from the couch, supporting her with an arm under her rear and the other on her back. Her legs squeezed around his form as he held her. The air felt cold against her skin as he walked them out of her living room. The heat between her legs grew immensely when she realized they were heading towards her bedroom.

"I can make an exception," He finally told her, digging his fingers into the bare flesh of her thigh. She shivered.

The last tender thing she recalled was him opening her door using the sole of his boot. What happened the rest of the night was anything but gentle. It would permanently settle in her mind. Not once during their evening did Kane take off his mask - but it wasn't necessary. Everything they shared; their closeness, the contact of their skin, and the conjoined experience neither of them had in years...She shivered in delight recalling the places he touched her and the things he whispered into her ear...His body under that military uniform was so clean, lined with abs and muscles...she never fell more in love. His strength came to an advantage pleasing her - she had experiences she instantly obsessed over.

. . .

. . .

The air felt hot as she laid back on the sheets. Her blankets and pillows were a mess - a result of their heated session that lasted longer than she expected. She was still writhing from the release she had only moments ago. The smile was wide on her face, humming in delight as Kane rested beside her. He was sweaty from the experience. Watching it drip from his neck and onto his collarbone made her bite her lip. His eyes looked tired as they met with hers, but the pleasure was apparent on his face. He stood from her bed and went through the trouble of picking up his clothes and folding them.

During this silence, his voice broke the ice. "You have a beautiful figure."

Her cheeks darkened when she realized she was still nude. Her eyes hungrily trailed down his figure. "And you have such an attractive build..."

He chuckled, then added sincerely, "Every part of you is gorgeous."

She remembered the way he squeezed and touched her frame merely minutes ago. She busied herself with making the bed and noticed he set his belongings on her nightstand. The one thing he neglected to take off was his mask. By this point, she didn't really care. He shared enough of himself with her. Though, she was curious if he'd end up sleeping in the thing...she imagined it'd be uncomfortable - and all to keep his face a secret...

"Would you mind if I used your shower?" He asked.

She motioned for him to go on, grabbing his hat and setting it on her lap. "Go ahead. I'll hold onto your things so you won't think of leaving."

"Sounds fair to me."

As he cleaned himself up in her restroom, she held his hat close to her chest and sighed in bliss. She set it back with his other things and brought herself into the covers, hoping for him to join. Several minutes passed as she got comfortable, and that was when she heard the door open. She didn't dare open her eyes and check for him - not wanting to appear too desperate. She suppressed a squeal when he came from behind and spooned her figure. His arms wrapped around her stomach to hold her close, and she relished the contact.

That was the first night she didn't spend alone. And she loved every minute of it.