The Untold Story of Texas and Lappland (Arknights)

Confessions

It was during the late hours of the night that Bison returned to the Penguin Logistics Headquarters. Croissant spotted him the moment he walked into the lounge area, his shield dragged behind him like some safety blanket. The odd likeness to a child who was up past bedtime cast a wave of amusement in her, but it quickly drowned out when he sat down on the couch across from her. The yawn he let out reminded her of just how late it was.

Why am I still awake again?

But then she caught sight of his face as he looked at her. And she remembered why.

"You were out pretty late. Hope Mostima wasn't keeping you."

It was hard to keep the bitterness out, even harder to keep the tight smile plastered on. Because although the new reveal of the fallen angel's sexuality had come to light, it didn't change the fact that Bison seemed to have strong feelings for Mostima. Was it wrong to be envious?

"Nah. I wasn't out because of her." Bison replied.

An eyebrow rose. "Then what on Terra were you doing?"

"My Dad wanted me to go see him. He's worried, what with all the Reunion invasion going on, and the Sicilians causing chaos and everything." Bison explained.

"Oh."

Sometimes the easiest explanations went over her head the most. It felt foolish now to assume Bison was following Mostima around like a lovesick puppy. A father should be worried for his son, especially in a world like this. Parental love knew no bounds. Or at least, it wasn't supposed to know any. Some of her friends had terrible parents. And many people simply did not have any, either because of early deaths or because the parent(s) had left their children behind long ago in order to preserve their own survival.

"I know. I should've said something but I—"

"No, no, no Bison I'm not upset." Well I was. But not for something like this. It need not apply. "You should check in with your Dad after everything. He was probably worried sick for your well-being."

The built up concern in Bison's worrying frown seemed disappear with a relieved nod and some of his unruly locks falling over his forehead, the fringe covering the tops of his eyes to cast a shadow beneath. "Oh. Good then. I'm glad. Think the others will feel the same if I tell them?"

She knit her hands together, fingers clasping tightly with another steady exhale. "To be honest, I don't think most of them realized you left in the first place." Except Texas. She notices everything. Though that hadn't proved entirely true tonight had it? All of them left Bison behind at one point. Even Texas. It was a little unnerving. She still didn't know how Bison's absence slipped her leader's notice, but a theory was jostling around her brain.

Those wolves seemed to know her.

Texas had always been uptight about her past. For several years, all she knew about Texas's origins were that she hailed from Columbia and her parents were deceased. It wasn't exactly much to go on, and at times it could be a bit frustrating, especially when she tried to get closer as friends. How hard was it to open up to someone who wouldn't share with you in turn? But now that she knew more of Texas's backstory . . . It was safe to say she understood the secrecy.

I don't think I would be able to live through all that.

Then again, they all had to live through things no should have to at this point.

"It comes with the job."

Funny how Emperor's words found their way to her thoughts. Interesting how they smoothly connected with moments past and present.