Takeo waited outside the bathroom that only Viridian saw and waited for Dempsey and Nikolai to get out. He contemplated what Viridian told him, and his cheek still hurt from her slapping him. Was she trying to smack sense into him? Takeo is a very intelligent person. Was it because she's a girl?... He never understood girls. They always had feelings of some sort and spazzed out at least once every month. What's a pad? These questions went through his head as he waited for the bathroom. He could smell the soap and see the steam misting out of the bathroom. Another question went through his head; where was Richtofen? Takeo hoped he wasn't trying to manipulate Viridian. He wondered if he should go find him, but he didn't want to get slapped again. So, Takeo stayed put and looked like a little puppy as he pulled his knees closer to his chest and had his hat covering his face.

He could hear Dempsey making up songs about showering and being clean, and Nikolai following the same verses but singing about vodka. With all the excitement of taking a shower, Dempsey didn't find a towel.

"Oh crap. Hey, Nik, where did ya find that towel?" Dempsey rang out his clothes from the sink. Nikolai was drying himself off. The two obviously didn't mind seeing each other nude.

"Downstairs in that dressing room with all the clothes," Nikolai said. His clothes were just thrown on to the floor and got wet.

"Thanks," Dempsey walked outside and almost walked into Takeo. "Whoa, dude! Didn't see you there. The shower is all yours."

Takeo nodded slightly, not daring to look up. Tank was dripping droplets of water behind him and leaving imprints off his feet in the carpet. Takeo was thankful he remembered grabbing a towel on his way up to the showers. When was the last time he saw anyone nude?

As Takeo stripped off his weapons and shirt, he saw Richtofen coming in. He looked at him through the mirror, and if Richtofen did see him he didn't make any gesture that made it appear so. The two kept to themselves and kept their distances. Should he shower with Richtofen so close to him? Takeo caught his own reflection and flinched. It's been so long since he's examined his own body. Takeo noticed he was pale in some areas from the lack of sunlight, and he saw a few scratches and bruises and scars. Back in Japan the family doctor would notice these type of things and care for them, but where was he now?

Looking back at Richtofen, who was now stepping over to a sink with his clothes stripped off, he noticed some scars he had. Richtofen's expression gave nothing away. He never glanced at Takeo. Richtofen thoroughly cleansed his bloody clothes, his tight, black gloves, and his mud and blood splattered boots that were worn out but still comfortable to wear. He looked almost mechanistic. Takeo found himself staring at him with confusion and wonder.

After Richtofen's business with the sink was concluded, he strolled over to the showers. Takeo thought it was a bit odd for Richtofen to not utter a word or even glare at him. Takeo took a shower himself, and when he was finished Richtofen was already gone.

Yes! This chapter isn't a whole lot, but here's something!