Commanders Course [Girls' Frontline Fanfiction]

Chapter 7: I Never Expected This From You

     The week of training had been arduous. Selesia was no different than a slave driver, barking orders and pushing 1-C to their limit.

     Her methods were severe but other trainers didn't intervene. They would only give a sympathetic smile and a "Good luck."

     Today was their last day of training and it left everyone exhausted. Aiden returned to his dorm covered in scratches.

     "Whoa! What happened?!" Quillana rushed to his side and assisted him to the small dining area in the room.

     "I went toe-to-toe with a T-Doll." He explained, exhausted thinking about it again. "It went better than expected."

      If covered in scratches was his definition of 'better', he had quite an illogical perception of it.

     "Don't you know T-Dolls are faster and stronger than human beings? Why would you even think of fighting up close?" She fetched a first aid kit from the kitchen and proceeded to tend to his wounds. "And why didn't you head to medical?"

     "I don't like the smell. Reminds me of hospitals."

     "And what's wrong with that?"

     He didn't answer. Through gritted teeth, he endured the stinging pain.

     "Lift your shirt."

     "What?" He flinched at the demand.

     "I can't tell if you have wounds underneath it. Lift your shirt."

     He turned away and complied.

     She could see his physique. The physical training he endured was building up his muscles.

     The cotton brushed against an exposed wound. "Ow!" He recoiled away.

     "Don't be such a baby." She leaned closer and ran her hand up to his chest, lifting his shirt further. "Wait... A scar? How'd you get this?"

     Their eyes locked for a moment. He glanced away.

     She was referring to the bullet wound from that time.

     "There was an incident at work. Some guy..." He pressed his lips and held his words.

     It got her curious. She could feel his quickened heartbeat underneath her palms. "Tell me. What happened?"

     "I got shot." That was it. The truth. The rest of the story still buried deep. He couldn't bring himself to tell it. Right now, the memories hurt more than his injuries.

     She moved to his back, assuming if there were more scratches. There, she found the entry point of the gunshot wound.

     The scar was a contrast on his skin. A dark patch on its own. She couldn't help but feel it on her fingertip.

     "What are you doing?" He asked, taken by surprise.

     "Just be quiet..." Her heart was beating fast. Faster than his. She felt for his back. It was broader than expected.

     Seconds turn into minutes. The moment was quiet. Two hearts beating as one. There were no scratches on his back but she didn't want to say it. Her hands wander, caressing his shoulder blades.