DISCLAIMER: I do not own Gods Eater Burst.

Okay, so here's the next chapter oAo btw, I'm sure you noticed how I am NOT completely following the storyline. Well, the story from the game will take part too but since this is a fanfic about Shiro, I want her to have her own story.

Soma's POV

First time I got my ass saved by a rookie. Dammit, first I owe her an apology, now I owe her my life. Can this day get any worse?

"Shiro, are you okay?" Sakuya asked as she knelt next to Shiro.

"I...I...Sakuya...the Kongou...I..." The rookie started trembling again, it must've been quite a shock to her.

"Shiro, listen, we're safe now. See? The Kongou's dead, the mission is over." Sakuya hushed her down as she patted her back in a comforting manner.

"She's pretty good for a rookie." Lindow murmured as he shot me a knowing look. Damn Lindow. I get it already.

I glanced back at the old church, the place where we met the rookie, the place where we lost a comrade. I already got used to it, seeing my comrade getting killed by the Aragami. Nevertheless, it was still a horrifying scene.

I saw something sparkle in the midst of the dust and pebbles the covered the church's floor. It's probably one of those salvaged items (which is almost equivalent to garbage). I don't really like collecting salvaged items, they're a waste of time and effort...but since this one is only a few feet away from me (and because I want to get away from Lindow) I'll make this one an exception.

As I kneel down and pick it up, I immediately recognized this 'salvage item'. It's Axe's locket.

-Flashback-

"I'll be back...someday." I heard Axe mutter as he tuck his locket under his shirt. He was waiting near the Den Gate, probably because Kanon urged him to accompany her in a mission, as always.

"What's in that locket?" I ask.

"A picture." He replied rather nonchalantly.

"You don't say?" I rolled my eyes. He chuckled at his own stupidity.

"It's a picture of someone important to me." His expression changed into a serious one, something that I don't always see. I guess everyone has to be protective of their 'special someone'. Not like I'll ever understand that anyway.

-End of Flashback-

"Soma, let's go." Lindow shouted, snapping me out of my thoughts. I carefully placed the locket inside one of my pockets. I'll deal with this later.

"Uhmm...hey guys..." Sakuya tapped my and Lindow's shoulder. "Shiro fainted."

"She must've used all of her energy to kill that Kongou." Sakuya added, a worried look crossing her face.

"Damn, we weren't even able to help her." Lindow frowned, he is the leader after all, yet he wasn't able to help that much. "Soma, carry her."

"Why me?" I groaned. Why does it always have to be me when it comes to handling the rookie?

"Well, you don't expect a Sakuya to carry her, no?" Lindow stated in a matter-of-fact way.

"What about you?" I glared at him, waiting for his excuse.

"Hey, did you see how that Kongou tossed me? It made my back hurt." Oh really Lindow, what a nice excuse. "Besides, that's an order."

Here he goes again. Damn him being the leader.

"Nmm..." Shiro moaned as they placed her on my back.

"Don't worry, rookie. Soma won't let you fall." Lindow grinned at me whilst Sakuya giggled. These two are unbelievable.

Fortunately for me, the rookie was surprisingly light. It's almost as if I didn't have a 'baggage' on my back right now. Yeah, baggage. That's what she is.

Shiro POV

My body was aching, I don't think I could even lift a finger...but why am I moving? And why is it so warm? And this smell...

"Stop sniffing my jacket, perverted kid." I heard Soma say. Wait. Soma? I felt my face flush instantly.

Realizing the whole thing, I finally jerked up and nearly fell. Luckily, Lindow and Sakuya helped me back.

"Oh good, you're awake." Lindow smiled at me, making me blush once more.

"Shiro, can you stand?" Sakuya asked worriedly. It was then that I realized that it was only adrenaline that helped me jerk away from Soma (which failed miserably and only nearly caused both of us to fall).

"I'm...tired..." I managed to say before leaning numbly on Soma's back.

"Don't tell me you're enjoying this." Soma remarked smugly. Gaining little energy from anger, I used it all up just to pinch him. "Ow..."

"You wish..." I replied before losing consciousness.

Was it just me, or did I hear Lindow and Sakuya snicker?

Normal POV

After putting Shiro to bed, Soma went straight to his room.

Just as he was about to remove his jacket, he remembered the thing in his pocket.

"Oh yeah, the locket..." He thought out loud as he grabbed the locket and flicked it open.

There, he saw a picture of young versions of Shiro and Axe.

He felt a smile tugging at his lips. It was cute, he admitted, though he didn't like cute things.

"Yo Soma." Lindow greeted as he barged into his room. "What have we here? A smiling Soma!"

"Shut up." Soma scowled. "If you want beer, go to Sakuya."

"Bummer." He replied before peeking over Soma's shoulder. "Ohhh, so that's why you're smiling!"

"Hell, no." Soma clicked his tongue as he closed the locket and handed it to his leader. "Just give this to the rookie."

"Hm, you should be the one to give it." Lindow teased. "After all, you're the one who found it."

"I don't care." Soma hissed.

"And, you still haven't apologized for underestimating her." Lindow added. Soma sighed in defeat.

"I'll give it later..." He muttered quietly.

"Why not now?", asked Lindow. Soma give him a look of disbelief. "Oh yeah, she needs to rest."

oOoOoOo

A week had passed since that Kongou attack. Stupid me decided to laze around in my room. What am I doing? I'm already fully recovered, I should be helping out in missions right now. And what did I choose to do? Yeah, I chose to sulk in my room. How generous of me.

"Axe wouldn't want to see you like this..." I reminded myself. Why was I sulking anyway? I defeated the Kongou right? I should be happy.

"Aargh, I hate the Aragami..." I groaned as I plop back on my bed. "Why did they have to exist? All they've done was kill, eat, and kill!"

That's right. I became a God Eater because I wanted revenge. Revenge for Axe. Revenge for Mrs. Hofferson. Revenge for the lives we lost while battling the Aragami. This is the reason why I'm fighting.

I briskly got up for my bed and went outside my room. I shouldn't waste my time resting while the other work their hearts out.

"So you've finally decided to leave your room, eh?" Oh great, the first person I see after a week of locking myself away is none other than Soma.

"I'm just gonna take a mission..." I replied monotonously as I walk past him.

"Wait...", he grabbed my wrist and placed something in my hand. "I found this last week..."

Confused, I stared at my hand and slowly opened it. "This is..."

"I figured that you should probably-" Soma suddenly stopped. I started to wonder why, but then I realized...I had my arms wrapped around his neck. Tears started to fall, I couldn't hold them back any longer.

"Thank you..." I whispered in his ear as a choked back a sob. "Th-this means a lot to me..."

"Ah, well, I wasn't intentionally looking for them or anything." He said awkwardly, I saw beads of sweat starting to form in his forehead. I remembered that I was still embracing him, so I let go.

"I-uh-s-sorry for wetting your jacket...", I stammered, looking down in embarrassment.

"Uhm, it's nothing." He replied, gradually regaining his composure.

"I guess I'll be going now..." I wiped the remaining tears off my face and sighed before turning to leave.

"Hey rookie..."

"Hm?"

"Sorry for underestimating you."

Did I hear him right? Did Soma just apologize?

"And thank you...for saving my life."

'Naw, I'm definitely hearing things.

"But hey, I owe you my life too, didn't I?" I said with a smile. He gave me a confused look. "You made the first move when the Kongou k-kil-"

"I get it. I owe you my life, you owe me yours." He chuckled a little. Soma wasn't so bad after all.

oOoOoOo

"Ara, those two are so adorable!" Sakuya squealed as she hid behind the vending machine.

"Sssh." Lindow shushed Sakuya as he sneered at the two.

FINALLY, SOME DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN SHIRO AND SOMA. SHEESH, SOMA Y U SO TSUNDERE? Btw, guess who's finally gonna join the team in the following chapter? *hint* *hint*