Piecing Together the Shards: A Shards of War side series

Partners in Crime

Orca's rough day had started earlier, during a match that took an unexpected turn. The team had faced unforeseen challenges, pushing Orca to her limits both physically and emotionally. She had battled formidable adversaries, encountered unexpected obstacles, and made split-second decisions that weighed heavily on her mind.

As the day unfolded, Orca found herself grappling with a sense of responsibility for the team's loss. The weight of recon player had rested on her shoulders, and the pressure to make crucial decisions had taken a toll on her. The weight of the world seemed to be on her shoulders, and she had fought tirelessly to ensure the safety of her comrades.

Upon returning to the training area, fatigue had settled in, and the emotional toll of the mission lingered. Angelo, keenly attuned to Orca's well-being, had sensed her exhaustion. Recognizing the signs of a difficult day, he decided to prioritize her need for rest over immediate training. Underneath the tree's shade, Orca had found solace talking with Angelo, a rare moment of vulnerability and respite.

Then Orca began to doze off and she fell asleep leaning on Angelo's shoulder. Angelo blushed a bit when he noticed and being a good friend moved to reposition Orca's head so she could sleep more comfortably, resting her head on his lap.

Then after a while, Matsu and Blaze approached the training spot to find Angelo and Orca lying under a tree. Orca was fast asleep, her head resting on Angelo's lap. Angelo looked up and whispered to Matsu and Blaze, "She had a rough day. I thought she could use some rest before we start training."

Matsu nodded understandingly, and Blaze smiled warmly at Angelo's consideration for her apprentice. "That's thoughtful of you," Matsu replied in a hushed tone. "We can let her rest a bit longer. Training can wait." Angelo sighed with relief, grateful for their understanding. "Thanks, guys. I'll wake her up when she's ready, and we can get started."

Matsu and Blaze found a comfortable spot to sit nearby, silently watching over their apprentices as they allowed Orca to have the rest she needed. It was moments like these that reinforced the bond between mentors and apprentices, showing the importance of support and understanding within the group.

Matsu then noticed something and nudged Blaze gently, leaning in to whisper in her ear, "Take a look at Angelo. He seems completely lost in that smile while watching Orca sleep."

Blaze followed Matsu's gaze and smiled, her heart warmed by the sight. She whispered back, "He really cares about her, doesn't he? It's sweet."

Matsu nodded, his voice barely audible as he replied, "Yeah, it is. It's those genuine moments that make the challenges of our missions worthwhile." As they continued to watch over Angelo and Orca, the bonds of friendship and camaraderie felt stronger than ever, reminding them of the importance of their unity and support for one another.

Orca woke up to the sound of laughter and realized that she had fallen asleep on Angelo's lap. She quickly sat up, her heart pounding, and felt disoriented for a moment. As she tried to regain her bearings, she heard Matsu and Blaze laughing nearby.

Matsu chuckled and said, "Looks like someone had a nice nap, Orca."

Orca then sat up and felt something in front of her, extending her hand to feel it. Realizing her proximity to Angelo's face, she blushed and quickly pulled her hand back, her cheeks reddening. She cleared her throat and said, "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to invade your personal space like that."

Angelo chuckled and replied, "No need to apologize, Orca. It's all good." Blaze joined in, teasingly saying, "Don't worry, Orca. You didn't miss anything exciting while you were sleeping."

Matsu grinned and added, "Yeah, just a lot of Angelo staring at you with a big goofy smile."

Orca's face turned even redder, and she playfully swatted at Matsu's general direction, saying, "Stop teasing me, you guys. Let's get back to training."