Returning to the school day no different than usual, Kaiser's mind was occupied by his discussion with Valerya. Attendance, minor attention, even napping through the rest of the day didn't clear his mind. Laying with his face between his arms, down on his desk, he heard Virtanen packing up for the day.
Cramming in more paper into the mess that was his bag Virtanen glanced over at the slow, rhythmic, rise and fall of his peers' seemingly sleeping form. Cautiously he nudged Kaiser before retracting his hand as if he was goading a dangerous animal. Receiving no response he repeated the action once more speaking firmly. "Class is over Kaiser".
A moment of pause came before Kaiser shifted slightly. A muffled and groggy "Yeah" came out. It was enough assurance for Virtanen who turned and took his leave.
Slipping an eye above his arm, Kaiser watched his peer leave the room with a skip to his step. 'An open book' Kaiser thought. 'Looking forward to seeing Piper again. Maybe even be a little daring and ask for her number'.
With a groan, Kaiser sat up in his seat, slowly stretching his back and arms before giving a violent crack to his neck, snapping it left and right. "Meanwhile I'm the one worrying about the match and fixing loose ends, how I envy him" Kaiser joked to himself rolling his eyes. Owlishly he blinked about gazing over the room.
The same scenery surrounded him as always. Bright sunlight poured in from a different position when he had first closed his eyes, coming through windows onto pristine blacktopped desks and comfortable chairs. All seats remaining empty but for his teacher and he. Mr. Pokorski quietly worked at the front, typing away on his computer.
Slowly Kaiser stood, made his way to the door, Sensahdo practice awaited. And my uncontrollable variable of the day, how to interact with Natalya' He mused internally.
'I've learned more but not enough. There's little time... Worst case I replace her vehicle with Sokolov's, but that'll only lead to spite from her subordinates and questioning of her capabilities and my own... I just want this done soon' He dreaded internally.
As he passed his teacher and opened the door, they exchanged nods to each other. As the door began to swing shut a voice called from behind. "Don't overthink things, We've only been acquainted a short time but it's obvious you tend to overthink".
Caught off guard by the critique, Kaiser glanced over his shoulder. Kicking a leg back and stopping the door with the loud clang of his dress shoe against the bottom of the door. Kaiser looked at his teacher with a smirk. "Really can't hide anything from you can I? You sure you're suited to just being a teacher?" Kaiser quipped.
His teacher gave a deep and mischievous chuckle at the question. "Oh you're not too different from me when I was young, you nor any of your classmates. Whatever you've seen I've lived it and then some, so it's best I have the most direct method of teaching students, even if it's in a small number".
Kaiser shrugged his shoulder at the answer. "Modest man," he remarked letting the door close between them.
The hallways were quiet now that the school day was over. Most students were at home or preparing for after-school activities, leaving only he and a few others wandering to and fro. A roving patrol of the student council passed the adjoining hall ahead of him. His eyes meeting theirs and despite him wearing the average gray student uniform they easily recognized him, moving on without looking back.
On that front things were calmer now that he didn't have any student body representatives or roving teachers harrying him about being awake in class or attempting to correct him over nonexistent infractions. His grades, teachers, and testimony from peers thankfully shut those grievances down, especially from the nosy student council and its precocious leader.
Walking down the grayed hallway adorned with a multitude of banners, portraits, and posters Kaiser made his way to the "west" exit, or west as the schematic of the ship designated it, only the maritime students referred to it as the "port side".
Soon he had entered the large lobby before the exit. The expanse stood thirty feet tall with a glass ceiling, six pillars, three on each side, made of stone and centered on the entrance, while some furnishings and vending machines were on one side as well. Opposite the exit was its most notable feature.
Portraits adorned the large flat wall at the back of the lobby with the national flag and the school's standard at both ends of it. The portraits contained pictures of every member of the current Senshado team and an enlarged copy, their current rank along with a short biography, as well as a picture of their designated vehicle. Underneath the rows of pictures was the school's symbol standing large and demanding the viewer's immediate attention.
Kaiser's eyes darted to his own plaque. Its place easily memorized and obvious as it was the only one of its row, underneath none other than Virtanen. The two plaques held Virtanen's face and his own centered above the rest. Soon his eyes drifted from their silvery plaques down to those below.
First and foremost were the squad leaders and of course, Natalya's photo was first in the second row. A well-taken picture lay in the frame, somehow capturing the girl's beauty and her icy personality all the same. As his eyes drifted over the photograph, glancing at the rest he firmly reminded himself of what needed to be done for the team.
"Prokov is priority" he quietly muttered in thought.
"What was that?" Came an unfortunately familiar saccharine voice. Kaiser turned to see, as he had guessed, Valerya and just as expected, Natalya right behind. The former was wearing grey shorts with white stripes and the school logo under a white long sleeve with the school logo emblazoned on the left breast, the latter wore the tracksuit variant of full grey with the same white stripes and symbols. The younger sister had no reservations showing off her endowed figure while the older was far more modest, even covered in some dirt.
Valerya leaned towards Kaiser, hands behind her back, and a mischievous smile on her face. "I thought I heard something amusing". Noticing his eyes observing their clothing, Valerya looked up with a teasing smile. "See something you approve of sir?" She asked raising a hand to her mouth jokingly. Natalya, standing a couple of meters back, looked on in confusion at the casual conversation.
"I think your shorts are out of 'regs' Ms. Prokov," responded Kaiser flatly.
Valerya glanced down, true to form her shorts were at mid-thigh level, higher than the regularly issued shorts. She merely 'hmphed', turning a cold shoulder. "It's easier to move in." she pouted, annoyed her tease was turning into a lecture.
"I'm not even sure the school sells that variant of clothing" he countered. Shaking his head and noticing Natalya's stare he changed topics, "Fresh out of gym?" he asked.
Natalya's prior confusion soon faded, replaced with averted eyes and a tinge of red. Valerya cast a sidelong glance at her sister with a sly grin.
"How did it go?" he continued. A small blush from Natalya and another giggle from Valerya followed.
Valerya feigned whispering with a hand raised to her mouth, ushering him to lend an ear. 'Whispering' just loud enough for her sister to hear regardless. "Sis here got a bit too immersed, and after scoring three points in soccer by herself and nearly incapacitating a few unfortunate players the coach called quits early". Kaiser looked disbelievingly at Natalya with a raised brow as her sister continued briefing him of her exploits.
Her blush, ever-deepening finally forced Natalya to interject. "Let's go, Val! I want to get changed for practice."
Valerya's smug reaction changed to a conniving tone. "Oh?" she mockingly laughed from behind her hand. "What about washing off your sweat? Your admirers will hate you if you stink, especially your teammates". Another shade redder, from anger or embarrassment, Natalya refuted the claims.
"As if I even broke a sweat against their poor performance, besides it's not as if everyone else doesn't sweat in those steel boxes..." What started as a huff of confident rebuttal quickly turned into an unsure attempt at reason. Realizing Valerya was condescendingly smiling at her Natalya turned her back, avoiding any further mockery as Kaiser watched on disinterested. Before Natalya cracked and fled, Valerya beat her to it.
"Don't worry Nat! I'll head out in a bit, go on ahead! I need a shower just from watching you" she teased, heading the opposite direction of the hangar.
Natalya stomped her foot and called after her "you only watched while I played!" Her shout fell on deaf ears as the younger sister left as quickly as she had appeared. Lowering a weakly raised arm, Natalya sighed to herself.
"Always upbeat" groaned Natalya before realizing Kaiser was still present. An immediate look of displeasure was his reward for silently waiting.
Instead of returning the sentiment he addressed the now glaring girl. "Coming?" he asked knowing their destination was the same.
Not waiting for a response, Kaiser proceeded alone. He could guess she did a double-take, wondering if she should follow her sister but the sound of footsteps following him showed her reluctant choice. Following him a few steps behind, not a single word was exchanged between the two during their short walk nor as they passed through the large hangar doors.
Arriving after those already present, they were met with a multitude of curious gazes even from the passing mechanic, flight, or maritime student. Though it was curiosity at the sight of them being anywhere near each other, it soon became apparent that it wasn't because they were on good terms. The source of muttering soon shifted to the just as strange topic of Valerya not being with her sister.
Soon Kaiser was in his Senshado uniform, the squads lined up, and practice officially began with a slight alteration to the schedule. As many cadets had waited for, the black Senshado uniforms finally were being issued along with their first awards. Enrollment as part of the team along with their rank insignias. Upon his announcement, to his team, Virtanen walked up next to Kaiser presenting a layout of boxes upon tables filled to the brim with softcover headgear, blouses, trousers, and the likes. The Cadets became ecstatic.
As Kaiser announced that one vehicle crew would stay in the hangar as the rest practiced, and Virtanen would issue the uniforms, a tardy nuisance came strolling in. Valerya came strutting into the hangar bay doors dramatically, showing off her fitted uniform as if on a runway. Valerya's crew jeered her on as she waved elegantly at the formation, endorsing her antics whilst her sister hung her head, rubbed her temples. The rest of the cadets were split between cheering and seeming to think it was a show of favoritism as few glances darted to and from Kaiser and Valerya.
Calling her over Kaiser's voice hissed as he demanded an explanation. "I was missing a few pieces of clothing and I knew you wouldn't purposefully give me a half-hearted gift, so I asked the commander to help me" Valerya answered leaning her shoulder into his chest.
More glares shot at the two, including Natalya as her words stirred the pot of emotions. Kaiser glanced at Virtanen who shrugged. "She said you wanted her to have the entire uniform, I mean she already had half of it" he defended.
"We'll talk about your vulnerability to women later" muttered Kaiser. "And you think I would mess up issuing a uniform of all things?" Without any further rebuttal as Virtanen conceded, Kaiser addressed the formation.
Grabbing Valerya by the shoulders, Kaiser turned her to the crowd as he spoke. "As you can see miss Prokov here volunteered to model the uniform for you all and assist in issuing them."
Valerya looked up at Kaiser questioningly. "Eh?"
Kaiser nodded to himself. "How kind," He continued. Valerya looked to Virtanen who nodded as well, his usual innocent smile causing Valerya's cheer to deflate realizing she was out of luck and stuck doing paperwork for uniforms.
Kaiser scanned the cadets seeing them somewhat calm down at his explanation but perhaps more so at Valerya's pouting expression. It was obvious they didn't need models for the uniforms as he and Virtanen had worn them since the first day and with a myriad of more medals and awards. Virtanen had even issued some already to Sokolov, O'Diveley, and Knight. It was clear Valerya had not expected the turn of events and her pouting demeanor quelled her irked peers, no one was a fan of favoritism after all.
Valerya liked drawing reactions out of others, something Kaiser was adamant about staying away from. "This will be so boring" she whispered giving a pleading look to Kaiser.
"Should have thought your actions through before deciding to be a model over a tank commander" snipped Kaiser.
"Oh so I'm model-worthy?" she asked, twisting his words again.
Kaiser shook his head. "Beautiful but void of any height" he quipped. Valerya's flattered expression dissipated as she stuck her tongue out and lightly punched his chest before heading over to Virtanen who raised a questioning brow at their exchange.
Practice continued as planned except for periodically Kaiser would have his Tiger drive by the hangar as if running a reverse 'pass and review'. As he passed, he would see cadets already issued their uniforms standing dressed outside, excitedly chatting while the rest were fitted. Crisp uniforms, soft covers on their heads, and their single award for enrollment on their chest, all looked alike with few differences. It seemingly drew more excitement however as the cadets spoke of their wishes to earn more decorations to adorn their chests and distinguish themselves.
The Cadets were issued three uniforms for convenience of a wash and use then after storing away their spares, would mount their vehicles and rejoin the practice in which Kaiser would send another vehicle crew to be issued their uniforms. Soon practice and issuing wrapped up.
Dismounting his vehicle, Kaiser joined Virtanen's side, looking over the cadets talking with wide smiles, giving their impressions of each other, and taking pictures in their new team uniforms.
"It's like looking at a real team now," commented Virtanen as Kaiser approached.
Glancing over the cadets, Kaiser nodded. "Seems they feel as if they're finally on the team as well" he agreed.
Without averting his eyes Virtanen nudged Kaiser. "Kind of reminds you of a few years ago huh?"
"Unfortunately" griped Kaiser. "You and everyone else were so excited to be wearing those old baggy marine uniforms," he recalled. 'The old West High InfanterieKampf uniforms of the U.S Marine Corps. In olive drab, tan, and of course green.' His mind recalled.
Virtanen chuckled at the tone of dread. "Yeah, our funding was pretty tight, if nonexistent back then. The only time we got new uniforms was when we started raking in wins, yet even then you still wore your old torn-up ones into matches."
Kaiser shrugged at the memory. "They were old and baggy but comfortable and broken in, they worked for matches" he reasoned. "Although looking at our new black uniforms it reminds me of Central highs team".
Virtanen let a laugh out at the coincidence. "I was just thinking the same. How they wore the old german uniforms and their 'elite' students wore the black SS ones."
Kaiser snickered. "They were tougher than most schools for sure, but we eventually knocked them down a peg." He lamented.
Virtanen's laughter continued as his reminiscing calmed down, letting out a sigh. "Seems like we're even bigger underdogs now, huh?"
Kaiser didn't answer as it was self-evident. "One step at a time" Kaiser advised.
"What about your first step then?" Virtanen asked, giving a knowing stare.
Kaiser clicked his tongue. "I may have the knowledge and tact to help others with their problems but... I don't want to. It's taxing my mental health too" he griped, his eyes growing a smidge darker at the effort he'd have to expend.
Virtanen snickered. "Only you Kaiser''. Before a retort was thrown, both of their gazes followed one set of black clothing and brown hair sneakily exit the hangar. Now that practice was over, Natalya had taken her leave without a word, stopping only to glance at her sister chatting easily with others, and leaving disparaged.
Kaiser followed Natalya's gaze to Valerya's small social circle As Natalya left, Valerya made eye contact, nudging her head, pleading he follow her sister.
Virtanen gave a worried nod. "She seemed distraught, You're the best to go. I'll handle it here" he urged. Kaiser's facial muscles stiffened at the recurring insistence of him having to go assist someone's emotional distress but put his complaints to the side of his mind. Quickly he made his leave following Natalya's trail.
Again he was chasing after her and again he took his time finding her. It felt as if sighing had become a part of his personality lately. Though his workload was understandable due to rushed timelines and hurried training, it wore on him no less. He was a student like the rest.
His mind trailed to the thought of how simple it was in middle school and his first year of high school InfanterieKampf. No drama, boys solving things through competition or violence, either preferred by him and his compatriots of the time. Fondly he remembered when he was younger and had seniors he could ask advice from.
It wasn't long before his mind shifted to thinking of how interesting such a pressing personal problem was. Practically non-existent to everyone else, practically invisible and irrelevant to all but him, her, and his team whom it would affect. It felt isolated, just as she must feel.
It drew a chuckle from him as he entered the range shed. Slow repetitious fire came to focus as he approached, noting it was faster than last time. It was the well-timed fire of a semi-automatic. Now in the devil's lair, he moved quickly and efficiently, grabbing a semi-auto of his own from the rack and quietly entering the range a few targets away from Natalya.
She had heard the door unlock. Evident in how she sat straight, yet refused to look back at him. It was as he set down his ammunition on the table she spoke with immediate dismissal, intent to not repeat her mistake last time. "For the commander who is so insistent on accuracy and fine details to not even get the hint to leave a girl alone, I'm truly astounded" she scorned.
Kaiser gave half a glance from under the brim of his cover. Her Senshado uniform fit her well. It wasn't disheveled as she seemed to prefer when shooting. Today she sat leaning forward, uncomfortable judging by her posture, and anticipated his arrival. Her eyes were sharp and sinister despite their clear intentKaiser showed little reaction.
"Glad to see the talent comes with an attitude to match" Snickered Kaiser, earning a set of rolling eyes from Natalya. Her attempt to shoo him away failed as he defiantly sat. As he set up his target he watched her own. It seemed the building was out of "officer" type targets and so she had drawn the crude outline of an officer's cap on her target today. 'I wonder if I make such a charming target?' he smirked to himself.
Natalya soon took a kneeling position sinking low and firmly, stabilizing herself as she leaned forward, easily settling in where most females would strain let alone males. The stance she took was stable, requiring a good deal of flexibility to hold for such an extended time. He supposed her flexibility was only natural due to her active lifestyle. This along with her experience in marksmanship explained her accuracy.
Drifting his eyes away from staring too long, Kaiser took his stance. Offsetting his feet and wrapping his left hand around the middle of the rifle. Then propping his left elbow into his side as he placed the stock firmly and high into his right shoulder. Leaning forward and rolling his head to the right, his cheekbone resting just on the stock.
Silently the two fired, not sparing a word or glance while the sun slowly receded leaving a trail of light beaming through the fence wiring. Soon their targets filled with holes, their slow rhythmic fire echoed in the air. Realizing he had to extend an olive branch or waste the opportunity given him, Kaiser attempted a conversation. "If you ever get the opportunity to fire at me I hope you'll have the decency to not hit my cover, I'm rather fond of it."
Instead of a response, Natalya ripped her bolt back violently and loaded another magazine. It was a weak attempt but neither wished to give ground given current circumstances.
'Hell, I would gladly take the easy route and simply get rid of her, but that'll equate to shooting myself in the foot. I need her skill, and I can't abandon Virtanen here. The school wouldn't last a month'. Kaiser tormented internally, trying to cool his mind.
Relaxing from his shooting position he raised his voice. "The match is coming this week. Two days till we dock, three before the match itself". Natalya stiffened slightly, her head turning away from him a fraction before she slowly resumed firing.
Annoyed, Kaiser slanted his cover over his left eye. Half his vision blocked, it helped him focus on his target but it was also to hide his inner turmoil on what to do next. Even he knew his calm demeanor would be betrayed by the boiling rage behind his eyes. 'This is her answer? Aversion? I can't even get my foot in the door to speak with her' Though seemingly focused on shooting his mind was frustrated. Even without his cover obscuring his field of view, he would have been too distracted to notice Natalya's occasional glance at him. As if she wanted to speak.
As daylight further receded the two continued their pattern of uninterrupted fire.
Again Kaiser took a leap of faith. While Natalya fired with waning focus Kaiser approached her seat, silently waiting for her to finish. Soon she sat upright looking over her sights at her target. Quickly she noticed Kaiser no longer in her peripheral vision and more importantly sensing someone behind her.
She turned violently in surprise. Kaiser cocked his head curiously at her sudden reaction. "Enjoy sneaking up on women?" she asked in distaste.
"Don't be upset with me because you have tunnel vision. And on the contrary, I enjoy being around you as much as you do me," he replied unphased.
"Meaning?" she demanded, raising an eyebrow.
"Meaning" he continued, "You are not always such terrible company. Rather it's how we interact with each other. Almost as if we're in disagreement because we're too similar. Natalya drew obvious dissatisfaction at those words.
"You know, I used the same type of rifle for a reason. I'm as stressed as you, just as much as you if not more so. Despite that, I didn't rip a belt of ammo, sending rounds downrange blowing away the peace of the day, and ruining your range time. Do you know why?" He asked calmly. Natalya's lips tightened quickly at his questioning.
"Like these rifles, we're different in design but the same at the core. Doing our best to fulfill our task. So I didn't interrupt your firing. Instead, I fired in tandem and I enjoyed that little contest of ours. Even that self-assured smile that passed your lips when you thought you beat me."
Her face shot to him changing quickly from embarrassment, to denial, and settling for anger as she refuted. What does any of that matter?! Your little comparisons and change in attitude mean nothing."
Kaiser grew impatient himself and pressed the stubborn girl. "I understand you have lingering resentment however what I don't understand is why you're insistent on placing your distrust upon me and your team." Natalya stared at him petulantly from her seat as he gazed down at her. "I have seen how some of your subordinates and peers look at you, it's the same as how you look at me. Don't you think if you attempted to cooperate, greater things would occur for everyone involved?"
Natalya turned and swept up her supplies, leaving in a huff of frustration. Storming past Kaiser with her miscellaneous gear cradled in her arms.
Kaiser gripped his fist tightly, knuckles whitening for a moment as she ran away again. He had seen the frustration grow in her eyes. 'Any emotion other than simply unphased is progress' he thought. "Dammit," he breathed under his breath as he grasped at his cover running over to his supplies, and quickly running after her into the range shed.
Quickly he ran after her, swinging the door open violently. Seeing Natalya freeze in place, clasping her gear to her chest, he paused. Gently closing the door with a quiet click, Kaiser slowly stepped towards her. One step then another, stopping as he was within arms reach.
"I-", He began, letting out a slow breath. "I apologize for rushing this. This requires a delicate touch but I prefer action. I am upfront with those around me and of my issues. With those who need me. And you need someone."
A sarcastic laugh escaped Natalya's lips before turning into a mocking cackle. "Ever the blunt one" she snided.
Undisturbed by her tone, Kaiser stood firm. A small snort came from the girl as she faced him. "I see how you walk around all high and mighty. You aren't even the commander, and yet you act as if you run the whole ship! Upfront? You don't rely on anyone, you do whatever you want!" she hissed, clearly wishing to say more but barely restraining herself.
From her tone, Kaiser judged she was angry at herself for already saying so much. Though it may have been a spur of the moment, Kaiser prodded the figurative beast and let her vent. "It's called bearing Ms. Prokov, as for my issues I handle them myself, my billet and position are something that you don't know nor need to," He stated.
"Of course it is" Natalya spat, Her temper flaring at his words. "After all, I shouldn't know anything, just a dumb substitute, a replaceable cog for you. Tch, just like him" she muttered intending to leave the conversation.
Kaiser wouldn't have any of it. "Listen here Prokov" he demanded, reaching out and grabbing her arm. Stopped by his hand she looked down at her arm before ripping it away furiously. In the ensuing awkward moment, her eyes met his, now fully aware and filled with shock.
Taken by surprise she retreated stepping back, being stopped by one of the tables designated for rifle disassembly with an expression of surprise.
'As doubtful as her sister' he grimaced. Initially, he was taken aback by her reaction but maintained his composure. Slowly he spoke, attempting to show he intended no reprisal or harm.
"First, it is rude to assume you know anything about another individual simply because of what you perceive Prokov. Second I certainly hope you are not insinuating that I am similar to your previous 'companion' in his promiscuity. Third, your distaste towards me is nearing the limits of my patience as well" he said sounding as kind as stone grating on steel.
Caution was the first emotion to flare behind her eyes along with a wisp of red highlight to her cheeks at the realization of what she had implied, then alarm by his knowledge of her past. Averting her gaze towards the cement floor and pausing between words she muttered a response. "I see that the rumors are true... Cold, calloused, and eerily well informed."
Unflinching Kaiser decided to take the first two as a compliment with the third. As he slackened his pasture slightly.
"I never would have thought that Val would have told you that much," she trailed off.
Kaiser hadn't expected his informant to be caught either. "I never said that Lieutenant Prokov informed me. I have other sources of information to utilize. I don't need to resort to your familial ties" His automatic response came.
With an annoyed chuckle, Natalya looked at him once more with newfound disgust. "I see that the rumors of how deceitful you can be are true as well. I saw you and Val talking earlier in the hangar, then she disappears at lunch and you're nowhere within the public eye or working as usual. Then all of a sudden after school she's speaking to you like an old friend? I may not know you but I know my sister" she declared entrapping him.
'First time in a while that I've been caught in a lie' Kaiser lamented as he was lectured. "And you didn't stop us nor declare what you knew? Isn't that deceitful in its own right?" he argued, knowing it was weak logic but was betting on Natalya's near delirious state to come into play so he could regain control of the conversation.
"And trying to seduce my sister for information on me isn't?!" She shouted.
'Okay, backfired' he noted. Stepping forward, Kaiser planted his foot down, showing his intolerance to her outburst. Natalya leaned back against the table in retreat from his posture.
Placing both hands on either side of her retreating form, Kaiser left no room for escape. Hunched over her they were eye to eye, no room to look away. "If that is what I must do to understand you then so be it" he quietly answered, annoyed that he was being treated as a criminal in such an outrageous manner.
Natalya found herself at a loss for words, her mouth half-open as she momentarily lost her thought process. Realizing the possibility of physical reprisal from the girl as a means of escape, Kaiser relented, stepping back and next to her.
Laying his cover between each other, he crossed his arms along with his left leg over his right. A short sigh and he looked at the still baffled girl. Snapping his fingers she snapped to reality. "That was a lie, I would never seduce anyone, at least not intentionally, nor without a purpose and certainly not to harm anyone. I... I just want to help" he admitted running a hand through his hair.
As the strands fell back into place through his fingers Natalya looked at him curiously for a moment before he continued. "It was an outrageous lie to stop your delirious attitude and equally outrageous claim. So let me ask." he continued.
"What will you do when you fail?" he asked gently, shifting his torso to regard her as she stared away.
Confidently as if to assure herself more than him, she raised her voice. "If that's the extent of my capabilities then so be it, it's clearly the extent of your faith!" she rebutted.
Kaiser could hear the tears about to form behind those words. "You shouldn't take other's generosity for granted" he reprimanded softly. Natalya turned, ready to counter but was cut short. "I am going to say this clearly. I have more faith in you than most, even myself Natalya."
His soft tone seemed uncharacteristically sincere, but her doubt ate away at anything that came from his mouth. It didn't matter if he was showing a side to her and her alone. It all must have been a facade, he was better at hiding emotion than she. Her thoughts raced and choked her with restrained tears as Kaiser looked on at her shivering form. Observing her, he could see just what she must have thought of him.
"You answered my question by inadvertently stating that I show signs of an uncaring deceitful, unpragmatic individual, who gained rank through obscure means." he reiterated. Seeing no refusal he nodded. "I'll take that as agreement." he sighed "I believe it is your turn to speak now."
He waited for the girl to speak as one minute turned to two, then three. Cracking an eye open he saw her struggle to speak let alone form a cohesive sentence as her emotions continued to well up. With a huff, he gave a hand, similar to what Valerya had done when they spoke. "I swear I will answer truthfully and wholly, to an extent that is acceptable for both parties while we are here" he declared.
Taking another minute to think, Natalya finally began to speak. "How do I know, you're not...like him."
His name went unspoken but both were aware of just who it was. Stepping into her line of sight, Kaiser looked her in the eyes firmly, despite an instinctive flinch from the vulnerable girl. Her eyes darted around restlessly before conceding and looking back at him.
"I, am not, him Natalya. He never talked to you as I am now, did he? He lied and ran away when confronted like a coward didn't he? I won't. I am here and I won't leave until I've succeeded and we've overcome this". He stated unwaveringly.
Speechless at his words, Natalya hadn't heard a single stutter or waver in his eyes as he spoke to her. Quickly, she covered her face with one arm. "Stop looking at me, there is nothing interesting, just another shade of brown eyes," she deflected unsure of just what to say.
'Insecurities?' Kaiser pondered as he respond naturally. "I think they're closer to a hazel, rather unique at that" he corrected.
Natalya, felt her face fill with heat, her attempt at self-depreciation backfiring. Kaiser took her silence as a means of success, glad a compliment caught a positive reaction for once.
"Why are you... the way you are?" she whispered, half hiding behind her arm.
"what do you mean?" he asked.
"Mature" she muttered.
His answer was immediate. "I'm not". Bringing a hand to his chin, his eyes squinted as he pondered to himself. "Not a very precise question you pose. I'd say my upbringing is why but that wouldn't be true. My parents were very lenient you would be surprised I was their child if you met them.. "I was much more lax and carefree a few years ago but always my worst critic. It was after a few mildly upsetting events occurred that I decided to change, no improve myself."
"Being childish meant I was useless, I realized I should do everything in my power to become better, to overcome adversity. If I wasn't improving I was stagnating, and so I strove to succeed, I even lead my InfanterieKampf team to victory that year."
"Your... Team?" she asked meekly.
Kaiser hissed at himself, catching his slip. "I said I wouldn't lie but don tell anyone. I was, well, I was the commander of my school's InfanterieKampf team in middle school, high ranking my first two years in high school as well. I operated with Virtanen as my assistant back then". As she connected the dots with a surprised face, making sense of his relationship with Virtanen Kaiser pressed on, getting back to the topic on hand.
"I still feel anger, disappointment, happiness-" Natalya snorted at his last word, quickly covering her mouth with both hands. Kaiser ignored her reaction begrudgingly, seeing her eyes no longer full of previous despair and foreboding thoughts. "I even had a crush and heartbreak once," he gritted. Disbelief ensued as her eyes darted to his for confirmation. "Again, do not, tell anyone what you've heard, or else."
Despite his threat of punishment, Natalya quipped back. "I'm sure Val is listening in somehow". He wished she was joking but as he looked down at her, still seeming small but more comfortable, he played along.
"I'm sure she is," he nodded. "The reason why I am speaking now is that I can relate to you more than most others can." This time she didn't seem repulsed by the claim, another sign of progress to him. "A figure of success, cold and stern, talented, yet lacking acceptable social skills. Even being somewhat outcast by their peers." Natalya rubbed her eyes, feeling a familiar sting behind them but repressing it as he spoke.
"Natalya," Kaiser said firmly, running his hand through his hair again in slight exhaustion, treading carefully. His words caught her attention. "Forgive me for using your name but I am speaking to you as a peer. Not commander and subordinate but as another person who finds himself in a similar situation. After all, if you didn't want to compromise you simply would have avoided the conversation outright instead of answering me."
Natalya made no clear gesture other than blinking her eyes clear. "We're done here, right? I think this is enough" she responded seeking to leave.
"I'm not one for dragging things out," he interrupted. "The way I see it is that neither of us will win by lying or hiding information, so lay it all to bare, everything you're willing to, that is". Her silence told of her reluctance.
"I can't fix your problem but we can bring it closure. You can begin anew, repair burnt bridges and pursue a solution. After all, I'm sure you didn't break in here" he said gesturing to the walls around them. "And I'm sure you didn't amiably request it either". She looked away abashedly recalling just how she had obtained access here. He knew she had pressured a favor out of the marksmanship team's manager, just as he was pressuring her as a way of fulfilling Melissa's request of offering to rekindle their old friendship.
"Natalya's gaze remained downcast before she turned awry, hurriedly disassembling her rifle. "I suppose... I- we… can try that..." Came her cautious reply. Kaiser responded with a "Hmm", internally congratulating himself on the success. He followed suit in cleaning his rifle as well.
"What do I have to do so that you will participate fully and willingly?" he asked, focused on scrubbing the metal pieces. "You don't have to accept me let alone be friendly or talk outside of practice but you're invaluable to the team. I do need you".
Natalya stopped cleaning for a moment, grasping at her left arm, speaking softly, her distress reemerging. "I know it's rude to answer with a question but this will settle the matter, sir. Why should I trust you?" She asked with unease.
Kaiser glanced at the girl who usually stood stoic at all times. Yet now, here in private, she was opening herself up in an admirable attempt to change. As she struggled to retain her emotions, he decided to take a role of supervision. "Natalya" he began returning to his rifle before him. "I promise I won't betray you, I can't afford to lose someone as valuable as you. I may be unlikeable but I assure you that as one sincere individual to another that I can be a better ally than an enemy."
Natalya watched him expunge his thoughts as he devotedly cleaned the mechanism before him. "Besides we are young so let's focus on our current tasks and trials rather than past romances and pain, together. Let me help you overcome it. As your senior, it's my job to protect you regardless of your past." He declared, smirking, no more than a tug at the end of his lips while still fixated on his rifle.
Natalya became wide-eyed. Her sister claimed she was good at reading others and Natalya believed the same of herself, especially after recent years. Constantly observing and reading others for any harmful intent yet through the lies, he had told moments ago she could see his honesty. Even if it was the first Natalya had ever seen him express. After all the distrustful and disrespectful actions from her, someone who was as good a stranger, he had not hesitated in his words to her and had shown what many believed to be non-existent amongst people their age, sympathy. With a sniff, Natalya gave a stifled "Yes sir."
Kaiser snorted. "If only you were this cooperative before Prokov," he remarked.
Rather than an abusive response as expected, she calmly nodded, replying. "Call me Natalya. It's less confusing" she insisted, as she cleaned up. Kaiser paused, giving a hum of contemplation.
Both stood quietly, neither looking up as the first silence returned in seemingly ages. Nearly done, Natalya spoke up mocking his previous analogy. "Really? Comparing us to guns was your best idea?" she snickered.
Kaiser rolled his eyes, but kept his word and answered honestly. "Well my skill set may be wide but my comfort zone is rather small, I'm lucky you happened to fall into that area I suppose". Before he finished speaking, Natalya seemed to choke on air. Thinking of how she may be embarrassed by her random outburst, Kaiser ignored it. "Besides, I think it was on the better end. I imagine you wouldn't have taken it as well if I said I didn't grab an automatic because this cheap InfanterieKampf ammo the schools buying tends to jam and malfunction".
"Is that so?" Natalya asked quietly between coughs. Reassembling his rifle, Kaiser glanced at Natalya, still in the midst of regaining her composure. Walking past her table while she cleared her throat, he placed his rifle away and returned to her side. Still not noticing him, he began fiddling with her firing pin, a mischievous way to prevent her from finishing her assembly and running before final statements could be given.
Reaching into his pocket Kaiser drew a spare 9mm round, placing it before Natalya on the table. "Let's go home, all that shouting tired me out, and don't worry about the range, I've seen how the marksmanship team leaves it. A few casings left behind won't bother them. "As for that round, take it as a reminder. I want us to have a friendly match someday when you can trust me" he challenged as she inspected the round, depositing it into her skirt pocket.
"Then I suppose we have a deal" she nodded, though refusing to look him in the eye and snatching her firing pin from his hand.
After returning her rifle the two locked up and made their way in silence to the school's front gate. Kaiser noted the immediate change in his teammate's demeanor. She now appeared more dazed than her normal self.
Past the front gate, Kaiser commented on the now settling darkness. "We must have taken longer than the other day thanks to that heated discussion of ours" he reasoned. "Would you like an escort home?" He offered, turning to Natalya, catching her surprise.
"No, no, I should be fine" she replied, caught off guard in her thoughts.
"It's dangerous at night even if we are on a school ship" he insisted extending his offer even if only to be polite.
"I- I'm sure" she confirmed, pacing down the sidewalk then stopping to turn on her heel. "Have a good evening Sir!" she shouted with a nod of her head and a wave. Kaiser watched her walk into the distance as he started to lose himself in thought.
'That could have been worse I suppose. But she seemed how do I say... Lighter, unburdened?' He didn't ponder long as realization set in. He had neglected some duties due to this fiasco and now had to sacrifice even more of his precious sleep for it. "Damn Virtanen pushing work onto me" he grunted as he made his way home, resuming his nightly routine of work.
-Natalya's POV-
Natalya turned the corner, her pace slowing as she caught her breath, knowing she was out of Kaiser's sight. She felt her face radiating warmth despite the cold air. Embarrassment flooded her mind as she recalled the evening "I can't believe how I acted!"
'Tears, shouting, I must've looked a mess! Oh god did I have snot running at any point? Val said I used to as a kid!' Her mind raced to how horrid she must have presented herself as she subconsciously checked her nose.
'But...' a single thought calmed the whirlpool of emotion. 'He offered to help me even after I went out of my way to be so belligerent.' The thought rang in her head over and over only to be interrupted by a small song that began to reverberate from her pocket. An old family favorite of hers, the 'cossack lullaby'.
Checking her phone she found Valerya had messaged her several times since practice had ended to see how things were going. She hadn't noticed as her phone was off before practice even began. She ignored the messages as she was on her way back but noted their timing was strange. They had begun and ended not too long ago... Her embarrassment returned as the thought of her sister eavesdropping may have been a reality.
Placing her phone back Natalya wondered why she felt so embarrassed in the first place, it wasn't as if Val had never seen her in a worse state. A small clink in her pocket caught her ear leading her to reach for it. She pulled out the 9mm round Kaiser had given her and looked at it curiously as his visage came to her mind. The black uniform and awards shining in the light. His eyes, passionate as he spoke with the usual, indecipherable expression. The longer she stared at it the harder she continued thinking of him till she reached home. Placing a hand on her front door she felt a thump in her chest.
"Oh no..." she murmured.
-End chapter-