Chapter warning
BLOOD AND SURGERY TALK. ANDROPOV BEING A DICK.
Kluke sat down alone in the large steely room. The chair was stiff on her bottom while she waited by his desk. Quietly, she was waiting for Andropov to return. And there she sat, her legs pulled up to her chest, holding them tight in her arms as she rested her chin on her knees. She sat in silence as the gentle hum of the ship echoed in the back of her mind, her emerald eyes fluttered shut as she thought about her nightmare once more. Her skin crawled when she remembered Marie's hollow swaths of dead eyes, the black small tiny beetles as they crawled out from behind her teeth. A cold shiver ran down her spine. Was it an omen? Had the children landed safe? If only she could see them again.
Time seemed to pass in a flicker, It took only a short while till Andropov had returned, he brought with him a small bag. Kluke immediately took notice of his change in atmosphere. He seemed, well pissed off. He had this deep scowl on his face, his top lip snarled like some sort of hound threatening to snap down its jaws. Kluke swallowed the lump that formed thick in her throat.
"W-what's wrong?" She asked timidly, her chest tight like a knot. Andropov landed down hard on his side of the desk, his chair wheezing at the sudden impact. He ran his hands through his sky blue tresses as he kissed his teeth. His head tilted up to look at her, his face scrunched as little light reflected in his orbs of blue.
"Hmmm." he hummed with a ting of annoyance at her. Kluke's hands tightfisted the dress.
"Some men have been boarded on my ship, 2 of them need medical attention." He began, his brows knitted together as his eyes squinted a bit. He huffed a bit suddenly making Kluke jolt.
"I'm going to bring you to the ward. I need you to perform your duties." The Andropov before her reminded her of the man she first met only a few days ago. Cold and intimidating, his tone left little room for rebuttal. Klukes mouth felt dry as she thought of what happened last time. When those two men, assaulted her. A shiver ran down her spine as she bit her lip.
"I won't be there to babysit you this time." He said, this didn't shock her, but it left her uneasy, it's not that she wanted him to protect her, he's not a knight, but she knew that if he wasn't around she wasn't safe.
"I have some people, assigned to well, escort you today." He continued snapping her attention.
"I thought you, wanted me to stay here all day?" She murmured, he was making her uneasy with his odd intensity.
"I had well intended too, but I've been out ranked on this order."
"Out ranked? By who?" She asked him.
"None of your business." He hissed making her withdraw. What's with him? Why does he seem so upset about this?
"There's some shoes and a hair tie in the bag I brought. Get ready, I'm bringing you right there promptly." He dropped the back on the table between them, the one of the slip on shoes rolled out from the intensity, Klukes eyes wavered as she tried to understand where this was coming from. Why can't she know who's orders it was? Was it Nenes? It felt hard to breathe, as she slowly took the bag and walked to bathroom, not daring to turn back to look at him.
Kluke had gotten ready, she had white flat like shoes, they reminded her of the style her mom wore while she was working. Having her hair up felt nice, she rather didn't like it down. Kluke left the bathroom and Andropov was turn with his back to her, as he faced out the window. The glare was bright and it was hard to tell what was beyond it. The bright sunshine framed his silhouette like a white halo. She took a moment too look at him as she tried to let her heart settle.
"Um, I'm ready now." She lied, she wasn't ready for any of this. Andropov turned around, he seemed upset still, his brows hung low as his lips were flat. Bravely she took a few steps towards him, she could tell he was rather malevolent today. Something must have happened.
When Andropov had departed from Klukes side earlier , he made pace to the ships cockpit area to talk to the captain. As soon as the automatic doors slid open Andropov caught his breath. He knew that commanding voice anywhere. it stood out from the crowd no matter who was talking. General Logi, he stood ahead surrounded by some of his men and the captain.
Logi, a tall intimidating man. He had long hay coloured blonde hair, that he kept slicked back. His eyebrows always seemed heavy on his face as strict lines formed below his widows peak. A harsh scowl, on a strong jaw, with the oddest of calming blue eyes. Fashioned with the red scarring of a deep cut across his left eye. Logi was taller than the men that surrounded him, his broad shoulders and broad chest making him seem like a missia amongst followers.
Logi's men wore different uniforms, tanned leather tunics, topped with berets, tan gloves, and dark green pants. Logi had his signature battle cape on, hung shamelessly over his shoulder, spread by the hilt of his broad sword attached to his belt.
Logi heard the door open and immediately made eye contact with his lieutenant. Andropov chewed down a smile, General Logi, was the man Andropov revered more than anyone. With strong confident strides he joined his side. Andropov bowed his head slightly in respect, before standing tall to make eye contact with his General.
"Good morning Lieutenant." Logi nodded in affirmation.
"Sir, I apologize. I had not been expecting you. I'd have met you at the gate myself." Andropov said.
"Not to worry, it was a sudden decision on my part."
Andropov's respect and admiration for Logi was palpable to those around him. For some they have never even heard let alone see their lieutenant talk to someone with so much reverence.
They spoke as they talked about the ship and the minor chaos of the past weeks, Andropov wasted no time to show his distaste for how Lumiere left his ship. Logi chuckled in amusement. But then Logi cut off the pleasant chat to address other news.
"In your report you had assigned a new doctor, correct?" Logi asked. Andropov hid a swallow.
"Yes sir." He trying to keep it short, his gut knew where this was heading.
"I have some men that need care, I'm having them board this ship, have this medic look after them." It true, doctors are spread thin, his teeth tugged his lip as his eyebrows scorned. He didn't want this. Was it his desire to keep Kluke locked up for himself? Maybe not, he was a man of order, and he needed a doctor on his ship. He knew he couldn't argue with Logi, but he also couldn't bear the thought of a repeat of what happened last time, when Kluke was out of his line of sight. It pissed him off what he needed to ask.
"Sir I may need a favor, if that's what you need for today." He spoke, making Logi cock up an eyebrow.
Andropov led her back the to the ward, he was rough with her as he pulled her by her thin arm. She stumbled as she tried to keep up. Andropov was intent on her not being separated from him this time. His grip hurt, it would be sure to leave a printed bruise mark on her tender flesh for certain. A bead of sweat dripped down her brow as she was dragged behind him, his blue scarf fluttering. She tried to look up at him but his eyes where hidden behind his bangs.
As the gate before them opened Kluke instantly knew where they were. This is where those men had attacked her. Klukes blood ran cold as she was unable to let the breath out of her lungs. With wide eyes and arched brows, she could only gape her mouth. Large tares ripped through the sheet metal walls. Like a bear that had ripped its claws down a tree. Andropov didn't leave her much time to understand what she was seeing. Her arm nearly slipped out of his vice like grip from the cold sweat of her body.
She began to panic, did Andropov do this? How was that possible? She remembers feeling both of his hands holding her. But there was that wind, that warmth that seemed to engulf her. What ever killed those men, it happened there! And it ripped the metal all around! Kluke was so deep in thought she didn't notice Andropov come to a stiff hault. She smacked into his back and let out a rough oof, as she impacted. Even with her force he didn't budge, it was like hitting a wall as Kluke bounced back, his grip on her wrist wheeled her to the side as he turned himself behind to face her. Klukes hand over her now tender nose. Looked up at him with a tint of fear. His eyes looked deep into her, she felt his being would overflow into her. He seemed darker, more threatening. The real him?
He squeezed her wrist again, the leather of his gloves squeaking at the action.
"Y-you're hurting me." She winced, putting down her hand over his, her fingers locking on his thumb as she tried to gesture to let up.
He closed his eyes, letting out the breath he had been holding in, when they opened Kluke felt her heart well up suddenly. He looked sad, this lost look in his perfect blues. His brows arching as if he was in pain. His tongue licked his lips ever so before he spoke. His grip on her dainty wrist letting up.
"Just beyond this gate is the ward." he began "You'll have guards with you the whole time. But if that's not enough, or you feel... You feel like something's going wrong, or whatever." He reached into his pocket and held out something.
"Use this to call me." In his gloves was what looking like a hearing aid of sorts. It was small and metal, with a tiny light on the side. Andropov brought his hand to Klukes face as she tried not to flinch. He frowned a bit as he tucked her long side bang behind her ear. He buckled the small ear device around the top loop of her ear. If felt cold and odd. He seemed to press down a button making some kind of blue light appear over her eye. Kluke jolted back a bit, surprised as she touched it. It was a small screen.
"What is this?" She asked him in a quiet voice as she felt the side of her ear.
"It's called a scouter, it does a lot, but I've set yours up for calling." He spoke. Kluke had a small phone at her house but it never really saw much use. The idea of this kind of technology was stunning in her mind. He was giving her this?
"If you need to call me, hold down the button by the light for 3 seconds, it'll sound like a light buzzing, the call is instant, so it'll only take a second till I pick up."
Andropov was truly strange. His emotions are so up and down, maybe later she could confront him on this.
Kluke gave a small nod as he pressed the button and screen faded back, his hands held by her face for a moment, as the overflow of bangs fell forward from behind her ears. She looked up into his eyes again. Anxious and unsure. She brought her hand over his. Her brows knitted.
"Are you ready?" He asked
"I guess." Not that anyone really could be, he locked his hand in hers and passed the final gate. Men were sitting outside the room on chairs, that had not been there before. They seemed bruised and battered. Bandages around their arms and heads. they hung their heads down, the tense feeling shot through her like an arrow.
2 men stood at each side of the wall with the arched open door between them. They held large guns in their arms, and their armour was different. Not that black beetle armour, but tanned, like a long robed tunic, their faces were visible, and they wore a forest green beret, with long dark green pants, with combat style boots.
Swallowing, she squeezed his hand, his eyes darted to look at her for a moment. The 2 men shot Andropov a salute.
"At ease." He motioned to them. Their arms falling down and took a more casual stance.
"Sir, is this the girl?" the one asked, he had a deep gravel like voice, with some sort of accent.
"Yes." Letting go of Klukes hand. "I'll trust her in your care." He finished.
"The one of the left is, Kappei, and the other is Yamaguchi." He told her.
The man on the left was much taller, he had long black hair and bright green eyes. He seemed much older than the man on the right. The other was a shorter man, close to her height, rather stout with a stern expression. He seemed to be younger with a beardless mug, his head topped blonde curly short hair and earthy eyes.
Kluke bowed her head a bit at them.
"Don't worry young miss, nothing will happen with us here to protect you." The taller man assured, it sounded like he was almost speaking with a laugh.
"I'll leave you to it then." Andropov said, he went to walk away without turning back. His boots echoed on the metal as he marched off. Kluke watched his back as he walked down the hall. Was he angry, that she had to work? Why take it out on her? Her jaw clenched a bit.
The shorter man walked up to her, standing less that a foot away, he was only an inch or so taller than her. His stern face tried to cock a smile.
"The lieutenant was quite insistent we guard you today." He began, still trying to make some kind of smile. "I was wondering what kind of person you would be."
Kluke tried to make a serious face, as he dropped a heavy hand on her shoulder.
"There's a small line up so lets get you started."
Andropov had said that there was only 2 people but that clearly had changed. Was there really that short of medical assistance in the Grand Kingdom? Kluke entered the ward and gained her bearings. Men laid down on the medical beds, small groans filled the air. The atmosphere was thick with dread, Klukes heart was heavy as she felt dizzy.
With one last breath she took her resolve and got to work.
It was hard, the men were fussy and brash. A man had been shot in the shoulder and was crudely patched up. He was in a tremendous amount of pain as he cried out in a muffled sob. Kluke had to put together quickly what had happened. Her office back home didn't have any kind of x-ray, but she was aware of what they were. She knew she had to find out if the bullet was lodged into soft tissue or into the bone itself. Fashioned with a lab coat she found, she administered fluids and painkillers. Taking a needle she added into his palm, a dose anaesthesia. The man slowly fell into a drug induced sleep. Sweating as she rolled quickly through a small instruction book, she wheeled up a small siding x-ray device she found, Placing a led blanket over the man and herself, she slid the opening through his arm and over his shoulder. Once she turned it on it hummed and rumbled a bit making her jolt.
"Do you know what you're doing?" A patient asked.
She didn't answer only gave him daggers in her eyes, making him quip up and turn away. She didn't need any distractions, such a comment would only make her waver if she gave it any thought.
Kluke didn't know how to make it print, but she was able to see the screen on the top of it. It hummed as the blue of the bone made a bright contrast on the black screen. There, the bullet, lodged in perfectly in the scapula right beside the rib, it had travelled diagonally a few inches, she could see rough fractures along the bone into the top of the humerus. She would unfortunately need to prepare for surgery.
It was hard, he wasn't the only one who needed her attention. Men moaned in pain. The surgery would take at least 2 hours. She resolved he would wait, he's resting and has something to sooth his pain. In the meantime she worked with the other men, cleaning injuries, and stitching men together. One man had a terrible burn across his chest, small pieces of shrapnel extruded in his injuries. Kluke felt horrified, she had seen these injuries before. The men as they returned to her village had similar afflictions. These are they afflictions of war.
Tirelessly she worked. The guards at one point had to hold a man down as she sedated him. It was terrible, she'd never had to work like that. Her knees began to buckle as she felt she might faint herself. But she didn't give in, not for a moment. Without rest, she poured herself as thin as she could. Everyone, had this dead look in their tired eyes, like light refuse to reflect in them.
Klukes mouth was dry as she pulled out small rocks from a man's arm with tweezers.
"Thank you." The man spoke, Klukes eyes shot up to meet his, they looked exhausted, dark purple bags hung under them, his lips cracked and dry.
She was breathless for a moment, this man was her enemy, but also in need of her help. Her eyes welled as she felt she might cry.
"You are welcome." She smiled as a stray tear ran down her cheek. The man's eyes grew wide, as the wrinkles beneath them stretched, before they softened into a meek smiled. She finished his arm, and wiped it with a soft warm cloth. She gave him some burn ointment and an antibacterial tablet for injury. After long hours the gunshot man was the only one left. She walked to him as her legs gave out. Slamming hard on the ground her knees screamed in pain.
She tried to brace her weight on a metal cart but only brought it down with her, tools clattered and spun on the ground creating a large crash. Kappei and Yamaguchi rushed in at the commotion.
"What's wrong!?" Kappei exclaimed. They both rushed over to help her up.
"Sorry I just, stumbled a bit." She huffed lightly, her hand on her head as it pounded slightly.
"Maybe you should take a break, it's been 7 hours already."
7 Hours? How had so much time gone by? She was lost in thought as they led her to a chair to sit. They doted on her slightly, with tired eyes she looked up to them, removing her mask from her ears. She sighed.
"I just need some water I think." She huffed.
Kappei, the taller older one, jolting into attention as he marched off, to get water she supposed.
She was left with the younger more angry looking one.
"Thank you." Kluke spoke, her breath light and airy.
"For what ma'am?" he asked back, still with that serious expression.
"I've been working in here the entire time, but you've also been working too." she smiled. "So thank you for your hard work."
The young man noticeably flushed. Kluke held back a chuckle at his boyish notions.
"We are only following orders." He turned his face away sharply. "But um, its my- our pleasure."
His partner returned with a metal long bottle.
"Here some lemon water for you Miss."
Kluke drank the whole thing, a small dribbled raced down her chin. The water was cold, and refreshing. She was so thirsty and this was just the relief she needed. With an awe of relief she opened her eyes. She went to get back up, bracing her weight on the arms of the chair. Both men lurched forward with their hands up as if to catch her.
"I'm okay, I promise." She told them, they didn't seem to buy it as they slowly stood up straight.
"The lieutenant said he'd kill us if anything happened to you." Kappei told her to Klukes surprise.
She took in his words and frowned.
"Do you know why Andropov, um Lieutenant, Andropov that is." She trailed off a bit as she bit her lip. "Why he was so angry all of a sudden?"
There was a pause as they looked at each other with an uncertain sweat.
"I'm not sure we are at liberty to say ma'am." They explained, but seemed to melt as Kluke pouted at them.
"It just, well." Yamaguchi spoke.
"He didn't seem to want you to work today, but the General insisted that the doctor look after these men."
The General? He had mentioned that he was part of some super elite task force of sorts. Lead by a man, Logi I think he said his name was. I guess that's what he meant when he said he was out ranked.
She sighed in a slight relief, that it wasn't Nene who had made the order. Not that it really matters in hindsight. It's still the Grand Kingdom. And these men before her, are their soldiers.
"Are you okay?" Kappei asked her, he looked worried, his lips in a small frown as his eyebrows pressed together.
"I'll be fine, I've worked longer days before."
Their conversation was ended as the wounded gunshot man groaned as he came too. Kluke gave them a dismissive nod as she tended to him.
He was out of it, but she held his injured hand, it was dry and abrasive. The man wept slightly as she explained to him where he was, and his injuries. He was young perhaps younger than her. His jaw was tight, and he had light brown, almost silvery hair. She took a warm cloth and wiped down his forehead.
"Thank you doctor." He breathed.
"Please rest, I'll have to remove your bullet. I need you to be in better shape then you are now."
His hand meekly squeezed hers.
"Do you think you can eat something for me?" She thoughtlessly asked.
"I'll try, if you can stay here with me." He breathed, his voice cracking under the weight of his own chest. She nodded and smiled down at him. She brought her hand to catch the stray tear that streaked down his cheeks. His eyes opened a bit to look up at her, they were bloodshot and squinty. Such sad eyes, a sad grey-blue. Kluke held her sigh in. Kluke had asked her guards if they could bring some kind of soup for the man to eat. They seemed unsure at her request. She explained she needed to remove his bullet but was worried he might be too weak for surgery. Yamaguchi agreed to ask the chef for soup of sorts if she agreed to eat her self.
She smiled and thanked him for his consideration, the young boy marched off with rose blush dusted on his youthful face. His awkward actions making his partner chuckle. Kluke took solemn in the odd peace that had seem to come over this moment.
She returned to her patients side. He was drowsy, but was grateful to not be in so much pain, Kluke gave him a small wipe down with a warm cloth. To dump a man here in such a state. How long had he been suffering? His arms were bruised, his whole shoulder was black. He felt cold as he had been developing a small fever.
Once he ate she would administer antibiotics and prep for his surgery.
Yamaguchi returned after a short while, he told the chef was preparing something for them but needed an hour or so. Kluke thanked him and asked if they were going to take a break anytime soon. He only laughed, telling her that he was use to working long hours with little rest. Kluke gave him an unhappy look, she felt it wasn't right to be proud of that. But then again, she did the same thing didn't she?
After a short while, she became more concerned for her patient, he had eaten but very little, he was starting to burn up. It was time, she wanted to wait but it was getting risky. She had removed a bullet from a bone once, when her parents where with her. They had guided her back then. They were her teachers, and she was proud to learn under them, so she worked as hard as she could.
There were many steps she had to prepare. She put her items in order, did her best to sterilize the space around them. Clean tools, she put him back into a sleep, and began to run the antibiotics. She was worried about loss of blood, she would have to be quick, she didn't have time to find the man's blood type let alone a donor.
Once prep she began, making a small incision into his shoulder, The muscle was shattered and black, the opening of the wound was burned from the friction of the bullet.
It took a small while till she had moved the muscle to expose the bone. There lodged into the bone, like a shattered window, was the bullet. The damage was extensive, if the bullet had passed through it would be easier to treat. Time was ticking as he was bleed before her, she pooped the bullet.
It took about over an hour, he had lost a lot of blood and Kluke was beside herself with worry. She didn't have anything she could do about it, but the bullet was gone, and she cauterized his wound shut. He was in fate's hands now.
She started to cry as she mopped up his red blood from the floor, her once white shoes now sullied with cold crimson. She trembled as she knew the man would have a hard time recovering. What else could she do? It took awhile for her to clean. She slowly sat in her chair, her knees cracked as she bent them. Her body was heavy, and her eyes stung from not blinking for such a long time. With a harsh huff she decided she would rest a bit.
She awoke to a small nudge on her shoulder. Yamaguchi had awoken her. Her neck was stiff and stung a bit as she sat up straight. Rubbing her dry tired eyes she looked up at him
"Its late, why don't you head back to your room for the night?" He smiled.
She got up slowly as he helped support her this time. Kluke walked over to her patient, checking his vitals, his fever had gone down a bit, but she was still worried. She swept his bangs off his forehead to the side. This poor man, hopefully when he wakes, I can ask him his name.
Changing his I.V. over, she set him up for the night as she concluded she should let him be. Only time will tell if he will pull through.
Together they brought her back to Andropov's quarters. No words were exchanged as they made way. She felt bad that they had been waiting the hole time for her. Night had already came, and her body ached. The mental and physical stress had gotten to her and she felt ever so dizzy with fatigue.
She wondered if Andropov had returned. It's not that she missed him, that's not this feeling. she was still upset about how he acted earlier. But maybe it's just the anxiety of being alone.
They arrived at his large door, and she turned to smile at them. They didn't seem that tired even though they had been guarding her ward all day.
"Be sure to rest please." She smiled with a tilt of her head.
"Back at ya!" Kappei laughed, before getting a rib jab from Yamaguchi.
"Yes ma'am, we will be seeing you." He spoke as he unlocked the door.
Kluke felt ever so disappointed after a small inspection, Andropov had not returned. She didn't know why. But part of her wanted to see him, she told herself it was to understand his outburst this morning. She doted on her earlier actions, when she threw her pillow at him and scolded him because of his state of undress.
She sighed as she disrobed. Her now bloody shoes. Andropov shirt was now stained with blood as well. She felt bad, it wasn't hers, and she didn't want him to get upset about it. She entered the bathroom, unhooking the belt holding the now bloody oversized shirt on her body. She dropped the belt on the floor, and pulled the shirt over her head. Blood was under her fingernails, despite wearing gloves. She shuddered heaving a bit as she nearly vomited. She dropped to a squat, now sweating. Hot tears dropped as she thought of the gruesome injuries. She cursed in a huff.
She sat there for a small while, before very slowly, gingerly getting up. Her legs violently shook as she grabbed the shower handle for some kind of support. She hooked off her bra and slid off her undergarments. Now bare, she slid the shower door across.
She showered, the hot water crashed into her aching body, relief washed down her porcelain skin. Soothing the aches of her day away. Her stomach felt tight as steam filled the room. To think so many men were so injured. That man with the shoulder injury, who she thoughtlessly never had gotten his name. Will not be able to fight again, or at least not how he ever could before. She sat down on the cold ceramic floor, her knees ached. Her naked body crumpled on the ceramic, with her knees to her chest she let the hot water pour over her. Eyes closed she cried, tears mixed with the waterfall above. Silent sobs, lost in the hissing of the shower.
She was in there maybe an hour, not moving, lost in thought she could only think of the horrendous injuries she saw. How could anyone want war like this?
Andropov had returned a short while ago from his war meeting, he had returned to his room to frown, Kluke wasn't in there. He had hoped she should be, but oh well. He had gotten things for her. He didn't have much thought as he cleared out two drawers from his dresser, he filled them with clothing for her, since it seems she would be staying for a while. If he had anything to say about it that is. closing it he sat on his bed for a moment. He would like to have a nap, but there's no real time for that is there? His meeting with the squad was intense, and long. Everyone had snake like personalities with cruel and violent intensities. It was emotionally taxing to be gathered. WIth more business to attend to he lazily sat up and made his way out.
He met up with Kappei a few hours later, he was in the break room eating. He shot up to formally greet him. Andropov asked where Yamaguchi was. He told him that he insisted on watching the door while Kluke rested. Andropov smiled pleased at that notion.
"She worked till she passed out, that girl." He laughed a bit.
"She passed out?" Andropov exclaimed turning heads around the room.
"She worked for almost 11 hours straight. We found her asleep in a chair, so we took her back to your room sir." He explained.
"I see." He crossed his arms, he looked displeased, making Kappei sweat a bit.
"Sir." He started making Andropov's eyes meet his. "She did good work today."
His eyes sharp and intense Kappei found it hard to remain composed. Andropov had always had an intimidating aura around him.
He didn't say much else, He instructed him to take the night off, Andropov had a few more things to do before he himself, could retire for what's left of the night.
Kluke struggled to get up. The water wasn't very hot anymore, and she had almost fallen asleep on the floor. Her knees buckled as she got up, careful not to slip. She turned off the water and stepped out. It was quiet, the shower head leaking a bit as water tapped on the ground. Her wet naked body, limp and hot, dripped with water. She leaned down to pick up a towel. It felt soft on her wet hand, she held it to her face and sighed into it.
Draping herself in it she felt in a predicament. The clothes she was lended where bloody and sweat soaked. Beads of water fell from her long wet hair. A chill ran up her spine. Andropov had not returned, she didn't think she heard anyone come in. Would he be mad if she found something to wear? She didn't have any clothes of her own. Maybe the dress she had yesterday was returned? She didn't like the idea of someone walking in with her just in a towel, but if she was quick, if she didn't find anything right away she would put on the shirt she was given before.
With a brave step she opened the door, cold air swarmed in, making her shiver. The room was dark, only illuminated by the bathroom light. She didn't see anyone. Now being her chance she made pace. She tried to find a light switch but was unsuccessful. Hastefully she stumbled over to the bed, looking to see if that dress might be there. No luck it seemed. She fasted her towel as she decided to perhaps look in that drawer, where he had found the dress the first time. Yanking the stubborn wooden drawer open, it nudged in a shuffle as she tried to pull it out, inside were what looked like black shirt. she held out out to the light. It was a t-shirt, it would be like a short skirt on her. Would he mind? She opened the other to find something rather too embarrassing. Underwear. Not men's, but girls! She slammed it shut.
What the hell? IS WRONG WITH THIS GUY? She steamed! She ran back inside the bathroom and slid the shirt on. It was tight over her bare chest. It covered just to the top of her mid thighs. She slid on her underwear and folded her clothes and with her socks and stiff shoes. She walked back out.
Sighing, she was still alone, in this dark room. In this enemy ship. In unknown territory. Her eyes burned, but she had no tears left to cry. The clothes felt heavy. She decided she would put the clothes in that bag from earlier. The metal was cold on her bare feet, with the small pads tapping as she walked to the desk, the room dark with the small amount of ambient light from the bathroom behind her.
Placing them in the bag, they smelled bad, like old metal or iron. Was the man okay, she wished to check on him. But could she leave? Perhaps, the door locked from the inside did it not? She pondered alone in the dark, as a small light got her eye. It was faint and light blue. A tiny star on the bed, she walked over. Remembing, its that scouter Andropov gave her.
"If you need to call me, hold down the button by the light for 3 seconds, It'll sound like a light buzzing, the call is instant, so it'll only take a second till I pick up."
His words hummed like a melody in her head. Could she ask him if she could check up on the man? And maybe borrow pants?
She brought it to her ear, and fastening around her ear, it was cold and felt invasive. She let out a rough breath. She hesitated, her finger over the cold metal. She counted to three, lightly she felt the small button, tracing her digits over the edge. Counting down she huffed trying to loosen her tight heart. She pressed it, as it clicked she waited, the small sound of a humming static startled her. Unable to breathe she waited as the small blue screen appeared over her olive eyes. She exhaled a sharp breath. Would he answer, was he busy? He said it was instant didn't he? How would she know if-
"Hello?" That gritty boyish voice spoke, pools of tears instantly formed in her eyes.
"A-Andropov?" she whispered.
"Kluke? What is it is something wrong"? A small amount of panic in his familiar voice. She started to sob a bit.
"I'm, I'm okay." She choked.
"I just um, Am I aloud to go back out. I'd like to check on someone." She breathed, her voice so light he struggled to hear her.
"I think it's better if you rest. Are you crying?" He asked, Kluke shook her head even though he wasn't around to see it.
"Sorry I just." She sniffled, wiping away her own tears.
"I'll be there soon, just wait for me."
Unable to argue she softly agreed. The called ended abruptly, she began to squirm pulling his shirt down her legs. She didn't want to know what he would say when he saw her. Should she put the other shirt back on before it's too late? Darting her head she rushed over to the desk. Fumbling inside she pulled her hand out, they looked black in the dark. She panicked, she turned to the light. Dark red streaks, rubbed on her from her clothes. She swallowed dryly. The colour of that blood made her think of her patients, sad bloodshot eyes. That man could be dead and she's just standing here? Her shoulders quaked as the sound of the door opening snapped her attention.
Andropov walked in and flicked the light that Kluke was unable to find. He walked in, and quickly took Kluke in.
Dark red hands held in front of her, wet hair, and wide eyes. He ran his eyes up and down her body. His black shirt, held tight to her damp skin, her soft silky legs mostly bare before him. He doted on the for a second before returning to her hands. He marched over and grabbed them a bit too rough.
"What is this?!" He shouted
"Relax! Its not mine! It's from my clothes!" she panicked. He looked down at her. His eyebrows up in a frown. His eyes glittered, like the sea she felt lost in them. They had a warm soft glow to them, as she flushed when his lips curved into a soft smile. Her breath came out in one soft exhale.
"Andropov, I." she whispered. His grip softened as he led her to the bathroom. She stumbled a bit behind him.
Washing her hands he leaned against the frame of the door. Running his eyes up and down her again. It's definitely a sight he wasn't expecting. It was rather pleasing on the eyes. His black shirt hung tight on her petite frame his eyes danced down the curve of her back to her but. He repressed a growl in his throat.
She dried her hands and walked up to him. Straightening his posture he looked down at her. Wet hair, and glittery jewels for eyes. Her lips parted as she had the smallest blush on her face.
"Welcome back." She said.
fic theme Lovely- Billie Eilish ft Kahlid