Embers of Sun and Flame (Fuegoleon Vermillion x OC)

Chapter 9 The signature

The next day Solara knocked on the sturdy wooden door of the captain's office, not quite sure what to expect, but agreed that this needed to be done. After all, Mereo had expressed very little will to continue as the captain of the Crimson Lion King, and thus having an introductory meeting, such as this, was well overdue with the current, handsome and kind, captain. And so, she couldn't say that she opposed the idea of being able to spend time in the office, his office, just the two of them. Her lips turned into a soft smile as she thought about him, feeling warmth spread across her chest. She caught herself in the act, trying to snuff out the telling expression she must have had as she heard a reply from behind the door: "Come in." The low, friendly voice brought her smile forth once more, and all she could do in the moment was to hope that he'd see it as nothing more than a friendly smile. So, she tried to hide her feelings under a courteous tone and a friendly expression as she opened the door, after all, she couldn't make the depth of her emotions known to him.

Calm down. We have only known for a short while, and he... he doesn't feel as I do. How could he? For now, you're allowed to stay and that... that'll suffice...

His eyes turned to her as she emerged into the room, a smile radiating from those beautiful purple eyes, extending onto his lips. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Sir. But I was wondering if you'd have a moment to have the conversation we were supposed to have yesterday." Her voice came out more gentle than she intended, making her bite down her molars.

"Yes, please do sit down while I finish writing down this paragraph," he stated as he gestured towards the empty seat across from him before letting his gaze fall back into the documents laid on the table.

Solara closed the door as the steady sound of pen scratching paper, and clothes ruffling, filled the silence, as she made her way to the chair, trying to keep herself from staring at him. She sat down, stealing glances of him and the lingering smile that was still painted on his lips. He must be having a good day, she thought as she crossed her ankles, setting her legs in a slight slant and correcting her posture. She made a conscious effort to occasionally shift her eyes from him, letting it wander freely in the room. But, as if pulled by some unknown force, her gaze always gravitated back to him. Her eyes admired every movement his hand made as the pen glided across the paper, leaving behind nothing but intricately crafted letters.

He set down his pen, closing the ink bottle next to it, and removed the stack of papers from between them. She waited for him to start, tilting her head as their gazes met. He placed his hands on the table, crossing his fingers as his gaze fell to the desk for a brief moment. "Firstly, I'd like to welcome you to the squad on my behalf as well. We're fortunate to have you, but um... I must apologize as I haven't been able to locate the paperwork for your enrolment. During the time my sister took over this squad, she must have had a different filing system and it must have been displaced somewhere. Furthermore-" his gaze radiated sincere regret as Solara lifted her hand, giving him an apologetic smile in turn as she interrupted him.

"Sir, if I may," she asked, her tone gentle like the summer breeze. He only nodded, not remarking her behaviour. "I'm afraid that you haven't displaced those forms." He frowned in confusion, staying silent as he waited for her to continue. "The reason why you can't find them, is that I never filled such papers." She admitted as she lowered her hand back down onto her lap.

He blinked and let out a small sigh as his hand reached onto a side drawer. "It seems that this squad was run a bit differently as I was gone," he muttered more to himself than to her, but still let her know, by doing so, that his disappointment wasn't directed at her. He retrieved a form and placed it on the desk, pushing it towards her. "Here, I must ask you to fill it." His statement was stern, oozing the slightest hints of implore as he retracted his hand to offer her a pen and ink.