With the unexpected meeting taking place outside amongst the crowds, within the large communal tent for students, a different appearance took place. Within the open top perimeter, Kurmoromine had taken the lead in organizing the area and had practically set up their own little Oktoberfest.
Drinks were passed out in large steins and mugs as themed food was prepared en masse and tables were closely lined up and tightly packed. While students of both schools mingled outside, here they seemed to coalesce altogether as they sat shoulder to shoulder laughing and singing.
Having finally found his acquaintances, Kaiser was relieved to see that they had a reserved table at the front of the tent. While it was an elevated area for tank commanders and therefore had more room between the tables, it drew even more curious peers as they crammed onto the seating and even began standing around them.
Squeezing past, Kaiser found a stool saved for him at the end thanks to Virtanen and Knight. As he was welcomed by O'Diveley and Sokolov, he noticed his crew happily eating and speaking across from his peers. Seeing his arrival they all insisted he sit down as they began gesturing tier counterparts from Kuromoromine to pass some food and drinks down the table for him to partake in.
The scene was rowdy and rambunctious. Despite the noise and shenanigans of some students dancing atop benches and eventually falling over, there were smiles on all faces. Even Kaiser himself held a consistent grin as he watched the joyous festivities unknowingly delighting his crew and friends who took it as a sign of a truly delightful night.
Kaiser took a long swig from his drink, emptying it, then placed the stein down in satisfaction. Looking up he saw dozens of eyes focused on him. No, they were focused behind him. Spinning in his seat, Kaiser stopped with wide eyes as he saw two imposing figures looking down at him.
Maho and Erika stood before him in the most unexpected attire. They were wearing dirndls. Maho held her usual stoic expression and a plate of food in one hand as Erika fought to temper her embarrassment while shoving a drink in front of him.
Kaiser took it with a hesitant thanks before looking back up questioningly. A commotion was starting to muster as more students began to crowd around the scene and whisper amongst themselves. Knowing that gossip was already unfolding, Kaiser fought perhaps his hardest battle at keeping his composure.
"You two look wonderful but um, what's the occasion?"
As Erika could barely keep her calm, Maho took to answering. "These are uniforms from our non-alcoholic beer festivals that I introduced as part of Kuromoromine's reforms. We usually reserve them for after successful practices and for school use only, however."
A thorough explanation but not an answer to his question. So he replied with a light joke. "Perhaps I should transfer then." He felt immediate regret as the hushed murmurs exploded into frantic chatter at his reply, a few students even ran out from the crowd to spread the fresh gossip based on his poor joke.
Maho nodded politely and played along. "We'll look forward to your application." Brushing a strand of hair behind an ear, Maho took a seat at the table's edge as Laura and Katya crammed to the side to make room for her. Sitting next to him, she fixed her dress and looked to Erika who stiffened up. Maho glanced at Kaiser and explained. This is all a part of your bet."
Kaiser recalled his demand. 'I think I'll have you serve me a drink.' His mind raced as he pieced it all together. He hadn't known of Kuromoromine's new celebration efforts nor the theming of such when he had said it. He supposed it made some sense for her to make some assumptions without his clarification but-
Kaiser's deductions were cut harshly as he felt a sudden weight on his thigh, Erika had taken a seat on his lap as Maho offered him a spoonful of food. For a moment it seemed as if the food hall had gone quiet when all of a sudden shouts erupted. Cheering, jeering, taunts, and worse of all teasing expressions from those closest to him were all thrown at him.
At least Erika felt the same embarrassment that assaulted him, Maho to his amazement seemed impervious to it as she cocked her head and looked around at the reactions of their teams.
Erika soon retreated, hiding her face behind her hands but remaining seated. Maho continued to speak with Kaiser and offered food all while bewildered looks and hassling opinions from his peers and crew were thrown at him.
Soon it seemed a trend of some sort was set after the initial commotion. Perhaps the students took it as a sign of unrestraint that the two infamously strict commanders of Maho and Kaiser were acting so informally. Soon the dancing and singing returned with a few students sharing drinks between crossed arms and some sitting on each other's laps, mimicking their commanders.
To Kaiser's relief, Virtanen and even Knight who had found to courage to tease him, were soon silenced with flushed faces as Piper and Diana awkwardly asked if they could sit with them. The two boys had a short circuit when they accepted and the girls smoothed their tan skirts then took a seat on their laps as well.
His crew soon turned to their own conversations, mocking their other commanders and leaving Kaiser to lean into Maho's year and try to get a word in amidst all the noise. Erika stiffened as he shifted below her, yet he felt unable to ask her to move as he didn't want to make it appear as if he was rejecting the gesture.
As she sent an irate glare from her reddened face, he apologized before speaking to Maho. "Care to explain why?" he asked pointing at her dirndl. Maho looked inquisitive before replying honestly.
"I didn't think there would be room for me and Erika on your lap."
Kaiser was stunned at her misconception. "What? No! I meant all of this, I only asked for a drink?"
Maho took a drink from her stein, eyeing him from the side before shrugging. "Isn't this what men look forward to when making such a proposal?"
Kaiser stared at her for a lengthy second. "Oh my god, your mother was right to worry."
Maho didn't take kindly to the statement as her eyes narrowed slightly. Erika seemed to have calmed down enough to join in, however. "Are you telling me I didn't have to subject myself to this?"
Kaiser averted his eyes with a guilty look. Erika turned to Maho who did the same. "Commander!" she whined in a huff.
"Would you rather switch?" offered Maho.
"I wouldn't be opposed to you taking my place" responded Kaiser.
"She didn't mean you!" snipped Erika before assuming his attempt was mockery. "Are you dissatisfied with me?!"
Kaiser was unsure how to defend himself without insulting her literally atop him as Maho shoved two drinks between them. "Now, now. It was a small misunderstanding but look." she gestured around where hundreds of students were merrymaking. Everyone's enjoying themselves without the pressure of decorum because of us. Let's just enjoy the night. It's my last match as a high schooler after all."
Kaiser and Erika shared surprised looks before conceding. The two took the offered drinks and clinked them against Maho's.
"Prost," she said with a delighted smile.
"Prost," said Kaiser and Erika, finally settling in.
The three began speaking comfortably amongst themselves. With the comfortable atmosphere, others found it within themselves to approach. The first was almost as unexpected as Maho and Erika. Two short Kuromoromine freshmen named Claire and Mimi, the same freshman that Kaiser had gotten information from when he boarded Kuromoromine.
The two younger girls were understandably upset with him and after pointing fingers and garnering some laughs asked about how the three knew each other and perhaps a bit of clarity on the situation. A short conversation finished with an answer of "A bet that got out of hand" seemed to satisfy the curious underclassmen who took off to continue partying.
Not long after, a curly-haired brunette appeared. She introduced herself as Koume Akaboshi to Kaiser. After learning she was the commander of the JagdTiger he applauded her bravery and skill, receiving a surprised acceptance of his flattery. Koume however wasn't necessarily here to meet him, she turned immediately to Erika, still on his lap, and began to torture the girl with embarrassment.
A few other stragglers came and went before notably, Kaiser's crew came altogether to get the low down from his new 'acquaintances.' Maho told of how impressed she was at his crew, insisting that they were exceptional. Something that delighted his crew as they seemed to fall subject to her charisma. Erika stayed notably quiet, peeking glances at Belle after she introduced herself as his gunner. It seemed her frightening accuracy and that trick shot during the match had left a frightening impression on her.
Maho soon turned to bragging about her own crew and Erika as well. Even divulging the fact that Erika had been the one to create and implement the use of Light and heavy KampfGruppes for the team. Kaiser joined his team in praising the ingenuity, which had Erika bashfully thanking them as she hid her face behind her mug and sipped at it.
Kaiser eventually tapped Erika on the back of her waist, causing her to bristle at the unexpected touch. She cast a glare as he explained he was going to take a brief leave. Saying he was going to get some air and walk the grounds, Erika took his stool as Maho said they'd keep his seat warm.
The two girls then returned to speaking with his teammates as he stretched his legs, feeling blood return to them with relief. As he exited the large tent, a set of eyes watched him from afar.
Natalya sat at the end of a nearby table as her sister enthralled a few Kuromoromine students they were acquainted with before their transfer with stories of their time at Transcendence. She had seen the debacle up at the table and the obnoxious crowd that followed, leaving her with the awkward feeling that she had no opportunity to go approach her commanders and give even a courteous congratulations.
As her sister occupied their old acquaintances, a recurring thought played in her mind. Not even an hour ago she had been caught outside by a surprising guest. Separated from her sister as they explored the grounds, Natalya felt a tap on her shoulder and was surprised by Kaiser's mother of all people.
Pleasantries were exchanged before his mother recounted her excitement and pride in her son's performance, adding afterward how well she did as well. Natalya asked why she was her and if her son knew only to be told, "He was always a fan of Kuromoromine, I wouldn't miss this match for the world but I wouldn't want to distract him so I'm her covertly."
With a wink, she sealed Natalya as an accomplice. Natalya couldn't refute the bubbly and kind woman, the last person anyone would expect to be his mother now that she thought about it. The woman then proceeded to carry the conversation explaining his father was working as always and his siblings were focusing on school. Just as Natalya was wondering why she had been grabbed, as if reading her mind the woman explained how she saw her from afar and remembered her as Kaiser's friend.
"So, what's gotten you all downtrodden if you don't mind speaking to a stranger?"
Natalya looked up in surprise, thinking she had hidden her thoughts well and only now noticing she had been led to a less crowded area. "It's nothing, Ma'am. Honestly."
"Was it my son?" asked the woman with a frown. "It's my son isn't it, he's always off disregarding others and-"
"No, no, no!" defended Natalya. "Well yes, but I-" she cringed at her slip-up and conceded with a sigh. "I was just hoping to celebrate with him after such a huge victory. It isn't too far off to say he was MVP at the end but I haven't even seen him since the match." In a barely audible voice, she added "He hasn't even texted me."
Averting her gaze, Natalya missed the comforting smile the woman gave her as she leaned into her line of sight. "Dear, I believe I've told you quite a bit about my son but have I told you that he likes to play the mysterious bad guy?"
Natalya raised a brow at the claim, earning a giggle from the woman. "You're the same age so it's hard to tell but to me, my son is simply playing pretend. I know him better than anyone and though he hides it under lock and key, he has a generous heart. He's far kinder than he leads on."
Natalya wasn't sure what the appropriate response was to such a strange atmosphere but instinctively replied, "I know."
Kaiser's mother seemed thankful and nodded. "I'm happy he has such kind friends to support him. Even if he'd never admit it." The two shared a brief laugh at the obvious. "You know, he could use a pretty girl like yourself to make him more aware of the ones he's always galavanting around."
The comment caught Natalya off guard but the mother proceeded regardless, now complaining unto herself. "Honestly, he'd be a catch if he wasn't so focused or stern. Even his father bent the rules for me when we were young."
As she spoke, Natalya felt as if she could relate to what she was hearing. Hadn't a few rules been bent for her to stay on the time despite her initial behavior? A sudden clap called her attention. Kaiser's mother gave a pleased smile as if she had finished what she had come for.
"If you'll excuse I'll be off, I have an important conversation with some other parents. Apparently, my son is friends with both their daughters so I want to have a word with them. Oh and here's my number if you ever have a question."
With the sudden information and departure, Natalya was left dumbfounded as the woman stopped beside her. The woman leaned down and moved a strand of Natalya's dark brown hair out of her eyes and whispered to her. With that, she left with a wink and a wave.
The scene and those words played vividly in Natalya's mind as she stared at her drink and at the exit Kaiser had left through. Most worriedly, the mention of his two new friends being female. It left a strange feeling in her stomach. A sudden jab struck her side as she turned to see Valerya frowning up at her as she brushed aside her golden hair.
"Sis if you're just gonna stare like a lost dog you might as well follow."
Natalya felt the urge to bite back but glanced at the exit again. Turning to her sister she took a swig of her drink and slammed the stein. "You know what, you're right." Without another word, Natalya stood and ran out the exit leaving her old acquaintances and Valerya baffled, before her sister suddenly turned with a gleaming expression and spread some suggestive gossip with brimming pride in her green eyes.
Out and about, Kaiser briefly observed the celebrations around. None of the sights were unfamiliar yet all were equally refreshing. Seeking a moment of solace and to cool off as the large crowds were concentrations of heat, he found himself wandering to the isolated tanks once more.
It would be an easy excuse to say that he was simply patrolling, to ensure no one was up to dubious means within as Maho had warned earlier. He circled the large lineup of armor before walking between the vehicles. He stuck to the tanks under his jurisdiction to avoid any issues and with a glance around, entered his Tiger.
Within the confines of the familiar steel hull, he felt as if he could finally relax. Leaning into his seat, he slumped slightly. Removing his tan blouse and cover, he closed his eyes and sighed. The cool night air blew in from above, caressing his face as he basked in the serenity.
A soft thud came from outside followed by the surprising sensation of something brushing across his face. Opening his eyes he saw long brunette hair draping down from his cupola onto his face as a set of dark hazel eyes stared down at him. Natalya seemed just as surprised to see him within as he did her.
"Room for one more?" she asked.
"Be my guest" he offered as she stepped in. The sudden appearance reminded him of when he first spoke to her sister, Valerya, and over her nonetheless. It had only been a couple of months but it seemed so long ago now. As he recalled those memories, Natalya didn't take any of the other seats, unexpectedly she sat atop an ammo storage rack next to him.
Wondering why she had joined him, Kaiser opted to start with small talk. "Did you enjoy your first desert match?"
Natalya gave a sarcastic laugh while adjusting her uniform. "Fairly, although I've got sand in places I'd rather not speak of."
Kaiser chuckled. "Spats underneath not help you?"
Slightly flustered and glaring, Natalya pulled at her skirt. "There's no way you would have noticed unless you were looking."
"Perhaps a longer skirt next time then" he taunted with a grin. Natalya punched his shoulder, the impact of which hurt but he laughed it off nonetheless. She was as strong as ever. "Sorry, sorry, I didn't take any risque looks. Valerya told me, insisting it was useless to try."
Natalya grumbled to herself, something about wearing the skirt was her damn sister's idea. With the vague information, Kaiser laughed. "Seems she got a little prank on us again."
"Guess so… You know I haven't been in her since the semester's opening scrimmage."
"That's right. You were initially to be commander of this tank before I reassigned you." His grin returned slightly wider. "You were quite the handful then."
Averting her eyes, Natalya requested "I'll kindly ask you to forget those times."
"But why? They were so nostalgic~"
"Anyway" interrupted Natalya. "It'd be nice if I could protect you in a match for once like I promised."
"I don't remember that specific wording in our agreement" snickered Kaiser. "I do remember saying I'd do my best and that we are alike."
"Speaking of which…" Natalya stretched her pause, drawing a side eye from Kaiser. "What about that? You know. The relationship side that we were similar in. Any changes?"
Kaiser hummed to himself in thought. "It might be optimistic to say but probably the same as you." Natalya froze at the statement. "I probably have the same amount of admirers. On second thought no, probably half as many as you." He laughed at his amendment before Natalya corrected herself.
"No! I mean on your end!" the sudden volume brought silence as Kaiser watched her turn slightly embarrassed.
"Did my mother say something?"
Natalya hid it well but Kaiser could see through her. He sighed and threw his head to the side. "I'm sure she was here. She doesn't stay gone for long and has a terrible habit of getting my friend's contact numbers. She even has Kay's."
Natalya leaned forward, pressing the conversation despite his resistance. "Like that! You're always speaking of her or other girls, surely there's someone?"
Kaiser was somewhat taken aback at her sudden enthusiasm. He supposed she had a point and began to think over all his "friends" and "acquaintances." His mind recalled the girls on the team, then Laura, Belle, Katya, and Anna who was an awkward topic admittedly. What of outside the team? Kay, Nonna, Clara, Miho, and Maho, those he stayed in frequent contact with. Would Erika count? His face contorted in thought as he sat in silence.
His thinking dragged on a little too long for Natalya's liking, however. As she watched his expressions shift, she recalled the nagging words his mother had whispered in her ear.
"I had to take the initiative against my husband because he was too popular and maybe a little too dense. On another note, Adam's just like his father~"
Kaiser then recalled Mika and his prior interactions, a forlorn and weary expression taking his face as he pushed the thought back. Natalya noticed this and felt a tug in her chest. Reaching into her blouse she grabbed Kaiser's shoulder, demanding his attention.
With a swift movement she revealed a 9mm round on a small chain around her neck as Kaiser watched in confusion. Unlatching it she took the small ornament and shoved it into Kaiser's hand.
"Forget it," she demanded. "I'm cashing this in now." Suddenly warmth enveloped Kaiser's lips as her hands grasped at his cheeks and pulled him in. Brunette hair blinded him as he felt the desperate strength from Natalyalock him in place. He was too stunned to resist.
Time lost all meaning. His mind went into a flurry of panic as the passionate kiss dragged on. Finally, Nat released his lips and came up for air. She was practically atop him in his seat, leering down with a gaze conveying hunger for more. Bewildered, Kaiser looked up at her disheveled hair strewn across her flushed face, hazel eyes focused on him as the moonlight cast down atop her. The music outside had faded into a muted droll of sounds.
In a soft, tantalizing voice, unlike any he had ever heard her use before, Natalya slowly leaned in once more. Her words softly drifting from her mouth.
"Well, Addy?" she teased his familial nickname.
Kaiser shot a single hand upwards, placed across her sternum. She stopped without any resistance despite looking down on his frightened self, feeling like a predator with prey, she complied.
"I-I can't Nat. Not now at least. I'm sorry."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, displeased with his answer but not upset. She brushed a hand across his cheek, licking her upper lip. "Why?" He seemed to tense slightly at her reactions, drawing only more barely restrained excitement from her.
"I, I need to fix myself. I have priorities and responsibilities. I can't even like myself Nat. Wasting your time would be an insult to you. Someone I trust. I couldn't bear the guilt of holding someone back, especially in that sense."
She didn't respond immediately. Her sharp eyes only heightened the disparity in their current positions as she lay above him, their warmth radiating in contrast to the cool night air and cold steel.
Kaiser felt compelled to apologize once more, embittered at the situation and being caught off guard like so when a single finger hushed his lips.
"I get what I want eventually. Even if I have to wait and even if it's not what I need. I'll take this back for now then." She said relieving him of the small necklace and giving him a peck on his cheek.
Waving, she exited the vehicle with a satisfied grin. As she began walking back to the large tent, her mind fixated on one detail. He hadn't fought or pulled away from the kiss. He truly was another teenager behind it all. Something perhaps only she knew out of her possible contenders. Something she was delighted over as her heart squealed in remembrance of her daring move.
Kaiser fell apart. He slumped to the floor of his tank and lay there, looking out the cupola's limited view and seeing a small slice of the night sky. 'What the hell just happened?" was all he could think.
He had actually and truly been embarrassed, flustered even. And Nat, it only enticed her more. He groaned into his hands. He then remembered her question that started it all. Had any other girls thought of him like so? He hadn't even thought of being in a relationship since Anna. He recalled in full the Mika situation as a bitter reminder as well.
The list of females he had thought of now replayed in his mind as well, taunting him with every interaction he could recall. Their appearances, figures, had those words then been an implication? What if there was more to it than appearance? Kay's overt friendliness. Nonna's nonchalance with him. Clara's insistence on grappling? Oh god, he could remember the feeling of grappling with her. What about the Nishizumis?
He cut his train wreck of thoughts off there. He wouldn't let himself grow overly self-conscious. That was borderline paranoia. For now, he calmed himself, it was just a temporary panic. But worst of all, He realized something. As he stared out past his gloved fingers, he knew he hadn't regretted the intimacy either.
-Chapter End-