YOUR DEMEANOUR

Chapter 65: Matchmakers

"Sure is nice to be married, huh?" Marcus contemplated a thoughtful expression crossing his face as they walked.

Zayden nodded in agreement, his mind still lingering on the scene they had just witnessed. "But, I think it'll be tougher than our mission is. Just look how our Sergeant got scolded just because he let himself get injured," he added, his voice tinged with empathy for their injured comrade.

As they continued their conversation, the weight of their responsibilities as soldiers weighed heavily on their minds. And as they prepared for the challenges that lay ahead, they knew that their bonds of friendship and camaraderie would be their greatest strength in the face of adversity.

"Don't you have a girlfriend, Zayden?" Marcus asked, curiosity lacing his words as they walked down the corridor.

"Girlfriend?" Zayden was confused.

"Yeah, you know, a significant other? Someone special?" Marcus clarified, his expression curious as he glanced at Zayden.

Zayden shook his head, a hint of sheepishness crossing his features. "Nah, no girlfriend for me," he replied with a small chuckle. "Just focused on the mission, you know?"

"I mean, the one who's with you during the ball? The girl?" Marcus asked. He was asking for Averyn, Zayden's childhood friend and best friend.

"Oh, you mean Averyn?" Zayden's expression softened, a fond smile playing on his lips as he recalled the night of the ball. "Yeah, she's my childhood friend and best friend. We've been through a lot together," he explained, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

"Just friend? Are you sure? There's nothing more to it?" He asked again. Curious.

Zayden chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No, just friends," he reassured Marcus. "Averyn and I have always been close, but it's strictly platonic between us. We've never seen each other in that way."

"I know a lot of people might think that way so about us, but to me, Averyn is just my other half. My twins. She had said that she wouldn't want to marry an army." He added.

"That's understandable," Marcus replied, nodding in understanding. "Everyone has their own priorities and dreams. It's important to respect that." He glanced at Zayden with a reassuring smile. "You and Averyn have a special bond, and it's clear that you both care deeply for each other."

"About Averyn...don't you think there's something with her and Colonel, Zayden?" suddenly, Marcus remarked. 

Zayden furrowed his brow, considering Marcus's question carefully. "I don't think so," he replied thoughtfully. "Averyn and Colonel Calliax have known each other for a long time, but I've never seen anything more than a professional relationship between them." He paused, reflecting on their interactions. "Besides, Averyn has always been clear about her feelings when it comes to relationships and the military."

"A long time? How do you know?" 

Zayden would reply "She told me about him when she first started to work part-time at the cafe. She told me how he hated the way our Colonel talked to her. He loves to get on her nerves." 

Zayden nodded, recalling Averyn's words. "Yeah, she mentioned their interactions at the café," he confirmed. "But I always thought it was just a professional dynamic, you know? Colonel Calliax can be tough on everyone, not just Averyn." He paused, mulling over Marcus's observations. "But if you think there's something more going on between them, maybe we should keep an eye out," he suggested, his expression thoughtful.