From Feral to Family

Chapter 9

I could feel Sargent's grin on his face as we walked down the hallway silently. I kept my head down in shame, hands to my side as if I had never left the army. It felt like I had just gotten out of disciplinary and all eyes were on me despite us being completely alone. He brought me to his office and shut the door. "I'm so glad you finally came to your senses, Flippy. You gave me quite the scare back there. Especially since Fliqpy's temper still holds you to him," he said as he sat down in his chair. He leaned back in the chair with a sigh. "Good to see that you still fit your uniform. And you kept your dog tags. Such a good boy, you are," he praised. 

I hate it so much to admit this, but it still made my heart flutter when he praised me. I was still ingrained in his ways, still his puppet. And here I was, thinking I was finally broken of that. 

"T-Thank you, sir," I squeaked out. 

He smiled warmly. "So obedient... Still only speaking when spoken too, I see. I told you a thousand times that you don't need to be so formal when it's just the two of us," he replied. He sat up in his chair, leaning his head in his hand. "I see you've been taking good care of yourself. Your frame is much fuller now and much more toned out. Much better," he commented. 

I felt a chill go down my spine as his eyes looked me over. It no longer felt like a father praising his son. It felt like a hungry predator and I was the prey.    

"Thank you, sir," I repeated. 

Don't speak until you're spoken to.

Don't anger him.

Agree with everything he says. 

Follows his orders without hesitation. 

Keep your head high and your stance straight. 

He folded his hands, fingers intertwined with one another. "I'm going to settle you down with some of the more experienced guys for now to allow you to get more cozy. I don't expect you to join us until you're ready. I have much faith in you and your abilities. After all, you managed to find us here without much trouble. Even managed to blend in with the crowd. I'm so proud of you," he said happily. 

I fidgeted as I stood in front of him. "F-Forgive me for speaking out of line sir, but I'm prepared for any punishment you find most fit for my insubordination and becoming a traitor to you," I said quickly. "Please, do as you must. I won't ever do it again."

Sargent stood up, walking over to me. I shut my eyes, tensing up in my spot as I prepared myself mentally for a beating. He gently grasped my shoulder and I shook. Please, just hit me already! 

"Flippy, open your eyes." 

I hesitantly did as I was told. I looked up at him, seeing the smile on his face. "I have no punishment in mind. I have all the confidence in the world that you won't ever step out of line again because I know you value Fliqpy's and that alien's lives more than you value your own. Just do as your told and we won't have any issues," he said softly. I nodded softly, shaking. God, how I hate how right he is. 

He tilted his head, smiling more. He leaned over me, towering over me. I looked up at him as he inched closer to me. He pressed his forehead against mine, our lips barely grazing over each other. He pulled back and walked to the door. "Now, let's get you settled in with your new squad. They're very excited to meet you," he replied. I only nodded as I trailed behind him. 

He entered a room close to his. Of course. Two men scrambled to their feet and stood at attention. He told them to ease and stepped to the side to show me off. "Boys, this is Flippy. He's no rookie here, he's one of our very best men. He's enrolled back to help us. I expect the upmost respect and if anything happens, tell me right away," he replied as the two men stared at me. I fidgeted under their  gazes and nodded in agreement. 

He patted my lower back before leaving and shutting the door. I stood there, head down as no one spoke. I played with my finger-less gloves, feeling my anxiety spike. The taller one walked over to me and I could already tell what he was thinking. "Flippy? As in, the Flippy?" he asked. I nodded softly. He lit up. "We've heard tales of you! How you defeated Tiger on your own!" he said excitedly. 

I gulped. This was not the reaction I was expecting. "I-I'm sorry, please forgive me for intruding your space. I-I'll sleep on the bottom bunk on the other side of the room to stay out of your guys' way. I still suffer from horrible night terrors and I don't want to accidentally hurt you," I said quickly, already moving to the other side of this tiny room. 

They gave me their names but I wasn't listening. I was already trying to figure out how the hell I was going to get through this. Living in these tight spaces with strangers and Sargent down my neck... It made my anxiety spike. The two looked and felt like spin-off versions of Sneaky and Mousey, making my heart hurt. No wonder he stuck me in here with them. 

"Flippy? Are you listening?" the taller one asked me. I snapped out of my thoughts. "I-I'm sorry, forgive me. I'm just trying to keep my head straight," I replied with a nervous laugh. I had no idea if they knew about my PTSD, about Fliqpy, or if they knew we were separated. "It's okay! Sargent told us about you already and your... condition," he replied carefully. 

"S-So you do know about my other side?" 

"Yes, we're aware of him. And we don't mind! If you ever need help snapping out of it, please let us know!" 

Oh no. No, no, no, no. They think we're still the same person. I can't do that! If they find out that Fliqpy is a separate being, they might take advantage of that! 

"Oh... Oh, thank you! I really appreciate it! I think I finally have a handle on him though, so hopefully I won't be snapping as much," I laughed nervously. He grinned and nodded in agreement. 

They both rambled through the day, which I was fine with. I only nodded along, sitting on the bed as they rambled on about things Sargent told them or the stories that were told. It made me sick to my stomach as they regaled my story of the fight with Tiger. I buried those memories to avoid them yet they spoke highly of it. Sick bastards. 

Sargent stopped by, interrupting them. I couldn't be more thankful about that. He was like a savoir at this point. "How is everything?" 

I sat up straight. "V-Very well, sir! Thank you for this opportunity, sir!" I replied quickly. He smiled at my reaction. He was so happy to see that I wasn't broken. "I'm very glad to hear that. Now, I need you in my office. We still have some... paperwork to go over," he said, already turning to leave. 

I scrambled to my feet and fell into pace behind him. We walked into his office, the door being shut and locked behind me. He smiled softly, hugging me. I hesitantly hugged him back and his hand brushed through my hair. My instincts took over as I tilted my head into his hand. 

"Welcome back, Flippy."