CUS 9; Cinco Encounter

ENCOUNTER 25

The world seemed to stop as Simon’s lips met Blade’s again. This time, he slipped his mask up to his exquisite nose and removed Blade's mask to reveal her, still, parted lips. His hand gently cradled her cheek. Admiring the beauty before him, his thumb brushing softly against her skin. Blade's breath hitched in her throat, her heart pounding as Simon kissed her with a tenderness she hadn't expected.

"Blade..." Simon murmurs. His voice hoarse with unspoken emotions. He stared at Blade's lips seemed inviting him.

For a moment, Blade stood frozen, unsure of how to react. Yet, despite the shock, she didn’t push him away. There was a strange warmth in his kiss—something beyond the cold, professional persona she had always seen from him.

Blade's pulse quickened as Simon pulled her closer, his arms wrapped securely around her waist. The kiss deepened, more intense, as if they were both trying to convey everything they had left unsaid.

As their lips lingered gently with each other, Simon’s heart raced, unsure if he had crossed a line or found something deeper. But he doesn't plan to stop. Not until Blade pushes him.

Her hand found themselves in his chest, gripping to his uniform as she allowed herself to fall into the moment. Despite the chaos around them and lingering danger. There was something undeniable in the way they held each other.

Blade gently pushes Simon's chest making a small space between their bodies. Her confused gaze bore into his.

"Its... It's not yet safe here. Let's go back..." She said. Unsure of the words to ease the awkward atmosphere between them.

"Alright," he nodded, slipping her mask back over her lips, now marked by him, before adjusting his own. "You did it, Blade. Great job. And... you're amazing." Simon took her hand to his.

BLADE emerged from her quarters, freshly bathed and properly geared. The flurry of activity in the base is noticeable. Soldiers were rushing with an unusual sense of urgency. She had a few laps and workout  before dawn.

After the infiltration incident, Blade and the team successfully retrieved their base. The enemies and their leader were captured and taken to be imprisoned. But a number of casualties were severe. They lost countless of comrades as well as the enemy's men on their encounter. The camp needed to recruit new trainees and soldiers to enlist.

The team mourns for the deceased comrades who fought alongside them against the invading enemies. Giving them the proper military funeral. To honor the decease for the service to their country. Blade felt so down. Most of the killed men became friends with her in the base. They ate in the same table, train on the training ground and shared workout ideas. While the other injured were still recuperating in the hospital.

Simon appeared suddenly at her side, his mask firmly in place. Simon noticed the gloom in her face. He knew she was still sad about the incident a few weeks ago. But she needs to move on. Simon pushed the thoughts aside,

"Briefing's been moved up," he said gruffly, his voice betraying no hint of their past encounter. "Intel came in. Looks like we've got a situation."

Blade walked beside him, listening to him firmly.

As they walked briskly towards the command center, Garen fell into step beside them. The new recruit lined up in the yard. Their eyes darted nervously between Simon and Blade. Second Lieutenant Andrews were there guiding the newbies in training. He noticed the three and gave them a casual salute.

"Guten Morgen," Garen greeted,  "What's going on?"

Simon's eyes narrowed. "You're about to find the pile of fresh meat. Hope they're ready for their first real test with Sigma."