SYNERGY

Bang Bang 11.

Kip had grown more aggravated as the day's passed. He hated how he had left things off with Astrid, and he hated that he hated it. She unlocked feelings in him he thought he locked away years ago. He had always had ups and downs, but lately they were beginning to get harder to control. "Why can't I just shut my brain off," he said aloud smacking the side of his head.
Suddenly he heard footsteps and hid behind a corner out of site. It was Astrid walking with her class towards the artillery room, he hoped she didn't see him; I've been so caught up in my own thoughts that I completely forgot what day it was.

As soon as they passed he let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He looked down at his hands they were twitching. His entire body and soul was urging him to move forward to see her, speak to her. Rolling his shoulders he went towards Mr. Grieves class room. I'm not going to let her affect me like this!

Walking into the artillery room always gave me a bolt of energy. Something about all the weapons on the wall made me feel at home. Astrid was observing them when I walked up next to her.

"May I suggest a 9 mm Glock 43, it's a good beginner to use."

She laughed not even looking at me and picked up a FN semiautomatic pistol admiring it. "My dad used to take me shooting at the gun range."

She headed over to the target, loaded the gun, put her earmuffs on, then aimed and shot. She almost hit the bullseye. Her stance was off just a bit. I walked next to her after loading my own gun, aimed and shot three times each bullet hitting the bullseye one after the other.

"Show off." She scowled lifting her arms up to shoot again.

I couldn't help myself. I put my gun down and walked up behind her. The minute my arms were on her she froze, I felt her heartbeat quicken and I paused waiting for her to protest or give me a sign to continue, she relaxed. With that being my cue, I grabbed her right ankle scooting it forward so her body was facing the target more. Then I wrapped my arms around hers forcing her to roll her shoulders back. As I did this her body rolled into mine fitting perfectly. I whispered into her ear, "Now breathe in," she did. "Now out." As she breathed out she squeezed the trigger. The bullet shot forward resulting in a perfect bullseye. "That's a good girl." Her body went rigid against mine. I heard someone clear their throat behind us, It was Mr. Grieves.

"Good shot Astrid, I would continue to teach you, but Mr. Ainsley seems to be doing a fine job of that," he said looking amused.

I took a step back letting her go forcing my face into neutrality and faced him. "Sorry sir, just giving her a few pointers is all."

"I can see that; Well, I don't mind if you stay for the lesson Kip."

"Oh no that's okay I was actually just leaving. Astrid, I will see you in the morning for training."

Her face was still blushing slightly when she faced me, I smirked at her.

Ooh that did it, she was mad. She smiled a little too sweetly at me. "Likewise, Mr. Ainsley."

The formality of her words cut into me like a knife. I could feel her eyes burning the back of my head as I headed out the door. How could I blame her? My emotions have been so high and low lately especially after missions. I should have known better than to take it out on her.

I could hear Mr. Grieves down the hall before heading back up the stairs. "Before we start. I would like to go over safety protocols, disabling weapons and things like that..."

I knew what I had to do. I started towards Mr. Walston's office and walked in.

"Kip? I wasn't expecting you."

It was dark in the room the only light was a small desk lamp illuminating his face.

"I want to speak to you about Astrid."

He stopped what he was writing and looked up.

"Is everything okay?"

"No, you see I promised her that nobody would hurt her, and you did, I'm afraid she no longer trusts me, and I am unable to do any type of energy manipulation with her so..."

"Say no more. I think I understand what's going on. You are upset that we hurt the girl and your scared it's going to compromise your progress, but you must understand. She wouldn't listen to anyone and had a defiance towards everything and everyone. It had to be done, now look at her she's become much more compliant getting top marks in all her classes."

My whole body tensed; he didn't care about her at all.

"I could have gotten her to comply, I just needed more time." Noticing my body language, he reached into his drawer and pulled out two vials.

"Sit down," he commanded.

I sat in the chair staring at them.

"I remember when I found you Kip. You were just a little thing groveling in the streets. Even though you were hideous you were able to beg coin off anyone that passed by. You didn't even realize what you were doing until I came along. I can't help but notice that you've been unhinged since Astrid arrived. You aren't developing feelings for this girl, are you?"

Panic washed over me. Regrouping my thoughts, I laughed. "Not at all, it's just different with her. I'm used to being able to manipulate others into trusting me, and the fact that I actually have to earn her trust is new and causing me concern. It makes it harder to keep up appearances, if you know what I mean."

"Okay, I just had to ask because that would be the last thing I need from you right now. Love is a weakness and something we cannot afford. Kip you're smart I'm sure you will find a way to figure this out." As he said this, he slid two vials forward I stared at them for a moment before pocketing them.

"Also, you were right I got some information from Mr. Endwell, and she is an energy intuitive."

I started to get up.

"Your psyche is fragile. I don't need anything triggering another episode, okay?"

There was a heavy silence in the air, "you have nothing to worry about."

"I trust that you're right."

I headed towards the door.

"Oh, and Kip..?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Get some rest, you look like shit."