Dreams are made from White Strings [Kimblee x Reader]

12.: Miles

You watched Kimblee get into the car to the valley of Briggs. Why he was going there, you didn't know, but after General Raven's disappearance, he was the one in charge, and you were sure he had some kind of plan to achieve his goals.

Miles, who had arranged the car, was standing beside you, watching him leave. You knew that he despised Kimblee, but there was no sign of relief after his departure. Miles was just as professional as you had thought him to be. He turned to face you.

"If you want to, I'll give you a tour of the fort, (y/n)", he said, without a change in his facial expression. "For someone who doesn't know this environment, it can be quite dangerous here, so it might be of advantage."

"I'd love to", you said, smiling at him. Even though you thought you wouldn't care what people thought of you, it was nice to befriend someone, especially since Frank had gone back to Central City. You put everything into Isa's safety, but that didn't mean you didn't enjoy contact with others. And Miles seemed to be just what you needed right now, someone strong, who wouldn't judge you.

He showed you through the fort, warning you of dangerous places where icicles were prominent to fall down.

After the tour, you thanked him profoundly, knowing the place would help you immensely to find your way around the North.

"I'm curious, (y/n)", he said, stopping you from walking to the room you were stationed in. "I'd like to ask you some questions, how about a coffee?"

"Alright", you said and followed him to the kitchen in Fort Briggs.

"So, what did you want to ask me?", you asked, sitting comfortably and warmed up, with a cup of coffee in your hands, across from Miles.

"Why did you join the military?", he asked.

"That's a personal question", you retorted, avoiding answering.

"I know", he said. "We all have our secrets here, so how about we trade? I'll tell you mine, you tell me yours."

After a bit of hesitation, you agreed, since you were interested in the man across you as well. And because somehow, you trusted him.

"Alright", you began. "It's because of my sister. She has an illness, and in order to pay for her treatment, I joined the military. There's just no way I can make all the money I need by myself. I'm relying on Kimblee, he is paying for the hospital fees."

Miles raised his eyebrow.

"He doesn't seem like the kind of person to do that from the good of his heart."

"He doesn't", you explained, and even though you realized that you revealed too much, you continued talking. "I don't know why, but he seems to take some sick pleasure from being able to make me miserable. And I can't resist", you continued. "...because he would let Isa die if I didn't do whatever he wants."

Miles was quiet for a moment, and you already regretted saying that much. What you wanted the least was pity. Just as he opened his mouth, you interrupted him.

"I'm okay with that", you said. "I chose this, and I can do this."

A deep chuckle left his mouth.

"You're quite strong for someone so small", he said with a little admiration obvious in his voice.

"I'm not that strong", you said. "I mean, I can defend myself, but I'm sure you are much stronger-"

"I meant mentally", Miles interrupted you. "I don't know how strong you are physically, after all."

You, not being used to such compliments at all, blushed furiously.

"I... uh.. thank you...", you stuttered. "I'm just trying my best."

Strangely, Miles' cheeks were a little red as well, and you wondered what this meant. Then, you remembered he wanted to tell you something as well, so to change the topic, you asked him, "So, major, what is your secret?"

Again, Miles chuckled, and just removed his goggles to reveal deep red eyes.

"You're Ishvalian?", you asked, surprised, as you had never seen one in real live.

"Yes", he said. "So what?"

"Nothing", you answered truthfully. "It's just that I hadn't expected an Ishvalian to be part of the military. But thinking about it, that's stupid."

"Why do you think it's stupid? My people were slaughtered by Amestrians, after all."

You thought a bit about that question, and settled for a simple answer, "Race doesn't define people. Everybody can do whatever he wants, no matter where he origins from."

"Good answer", he chuckled. "It seems that apart from being strong, you're also quite intelligent."

Again, you blushed, and looked to the floor to hide it. It had been a long time since someone besides your sister had treated you this kindly. Before, you had always been the poor neighbour child with the ill sister, who was ignored by everyone, or the brat who was unable to practice medicine, or the chimera soldier that did nothing but follow orders. That someone was emphasizing your good traits was new to you. It felt good.

You decided to return the compliment.

"You seem like a good man too, major", you said. "I'd prefer to follow your orders, instead of Kimblee's."

•

Sometimes you were sure Kimblee could read your thoughts. You had considered to transfer to Fort Briggs, only slightly, but you had really thought about how much easier it would be to work under Miles, or even General Armstrong, but no matter how quickly you had discarded that idea, Kimblee seemed to sense your mental unfaithfulness.

"It could easily happen...", he said to you, with a dangerous undertone. "... that the doctors accidentally give the wrong medicine to Isa."

His hands were placed on the wall besides your head, depriving you of any chance to flee. Not that you would have dared, anyway.

"One that would kill her", he whispered in your ear. You shivered in fear at the thought.

"I intend to do my best and follow all my orders to the best of my ability, sir", you said with a firm voice. "I hope the doctors do the same."

With a satisfied grin, Kimblee backed away and left you.