Bound by a Blade (PauPat)

Chapter Thirteen - Support #2/The Mission of a Lifetime

"So, why does Jaeger want to talk to you?"

Pau rolled his eyes at the shrill voice interrogating him. "Why do you feel the need to escort me to his tent?"

Tyra sighed sharply and turned up her nose. "Because I am the commander's right hand woman. If you're in some kind of trouble, he'll want me there to deal with you properly."

"Oh. My. Gods." Pau pinched the bridge of his nose. "He didn't even ask you to come with me! Why do you always have to stick your nose in other people's business?"

Tyra scoffed and opened her mouth to retort, but just shook her head and looked forward again. Pau smirked. It was clear that he had struck a nerve with her.

"Oh, I see what's going on," he sneered.

Tyra crossed her arms, a light blush dusting her cheeks. "What are you going on about?" she stammered.

"You're in love with the commander, aren't you?"

Tyra gasped. "W-What?!" She glared at the swordsman, embarrassment sparkling in her eyes.

"I knew it," Pau said matter-of-factly, mimicking Tyra's signature arms-crossed-and-nose-turned-up expression. "You have deep feelings for Jaeger. That's why you're so protective of him."

"Shut up, you braindead moron!"

"I must say, I think I understand you a bit better now. I would be an annoying bitch too if I loved someone who would never love me ba-"

Pau didn't even realize that Tyra had forcefully turned him to face her until her fist collided with his nose. Pain shot through his face, and he felt warm blood drip from his nostrils almost immediately. He gasped and held his breath to avoid shouting in pain. Once Tyra let him go, he just laughed and wiped the blood off his face.

"It... It's not like that at all," she said after a moment of silence, her voice uncharacteristically soft and timid. "I'm not in love with Jaeger, nor could I ever be. He's... like a father to me."

Pau stared at his comrade in arms, listening intently. "... Go on."

"What do you mean?"

"Tell me more. Why is he like a father to you?"

Tyra huffed, her voice raising almost back to its usual volume. "Why do you even want to know? So you can tell Eriko and the rest of the army and tarnish my name forever?"

"No, Tyra. I don't understand how you could come to that conclusion from me simply asking to know more about you."

Tyra's eyes softened for a moment, and Pau offered her a friendly smile. "Listen," Pau sighed. "I know we don't usually get along very well, probably because we can't stand being within ten feet of each other. But maybe it would do us some good to put aside our differences and get to know each other better."

Tyra smiled for a split second, but quickly went back to her usual sour expression. "I suppose I could never turn down a swordsman as skilled as yourself." she compromised.

Pau shrugged. "Eh, good enough for me." However, much to his disappointment, when he looked forward again, they had arrived at the commander's tent. "Damn it," he sighed. "There goes our conversation."

Tyra rolled her eyes. "There'll be more time for it later, idiot. It's not like the world is ending."

Pau cringed. "Wow, alright. Be a little more rude about it, why don't you?" He pulled open the tent's makeshift door, subtly rolling his eyes when he heard Tyra's footsteps accompanying his own.