Fragile (Slow Updates)

Chapter 18: New Reality

He sighed letting out another grey cloud of smoke from his mouth. "Duty, purpose, adventure, freedom. To feel alive." The Sous-lieutenant paused for another hit from the cigarette as he locked eyes with Vestal. His gaze pierced into her soul, voice void of any real emotion. "Do you have any idea what it's like to have given your heart and soul into something, almost losing yourself to it and yet not being appreciated by even those closest around you."

She had no response to such a deep cutting response, only being able to lend an ear while her pen scribbled against the paper before grabbing a pill bottle from the pharmacy cabinet. "Ibuprofen, take it as instructed and see about getting yourself melatonin for those restless nights. If you ever want to talk, my door is always open."

He worked his uniform back on but stopped halfway through the door. "I know you care about me, Vestal but not everyone can be saved. Especially those with a burning soul." With that said he walked out of the infirmary before Vestal could keep him any longer. Spc. Harris was like a lost dog following the Sous-lieutenant as they walked past wounded peacekeepers flowing out into the hallway and blood stained tiles.

He gave a nod to an injured US marine corporal in crutches who returned the gesture with a tired but genuine smile. Nearby, a German with a broken nose - blood dripping steadily down their face - adjusted their field jacket, the back stained crimson. Whether it was their blood or someone else's was unclear, but the way their right forearm and gloved hand were soaked suggested it didn't really matter. They gave a quick glance of acknowledgement with a smirk full of brightness at the passing Legionnaire as HMS Eagle corrected her nose.

Then his eyes landed on familiar faces—his three favorite Russians and one loudmouthed American: Senior Sgt. Federov and Volkov, Sgt. Ivanov and Lt. Reed.

"See we all got a little fucked up." Reed flashed a toothy smile. "This calls for drinks, aye boys?" Reed commented with a shit eating grin at the Sous-lieutenant. "Got yourself a protection team?"

Stopping dead in his boots, shoulders shrugging and lips parting. "You know what Reed, sure why not. I'll text the information in the group chat just don't skimp out boys."

Their four favourite words for a good time.

His gaze shifted, landing on the three French operators standing nearby. "My military has taken their own precautions. Can't be too careful these days."

Reed remarked with a playful smirk. "Butterbar here is actually good at his job."

A collective pause. Every head turned toward Reed, eyebrows raised.

"Fuck you Reed."

"More than welcome to give me a hand job~" Reed fired back without missing a beat.

"You would like that wouldn't you~" Sous-lieutenant Vogel immediately closed the distance, practically climbing into the American's lap, voice dropping into a sultry drawl as he ran a hand down his own chest and onto Reed's shoulder. "Me so horny~ Me love for a long time~ Five dolla sucky sucky~"

Several passing Kansens slowed their pace, glancing at the two officers with varying levels of judgment and mild curiosity before shaking their heads and moving on.

"They probably think I'm homosexual now, thanks Reed."

Reed smirked, utterly unbothered. He was happy with his work but could tell the Legionnaire enjoyed the conversation. "No problem, sir."

"Fruity as fuck, sir." Ivanov muttered, still processing what he'd just witnessed. For someone who usually spoke in a monotone and barely displayed any real emotion, this was... unexpected.