The Commander's Lieutenant

Part 2

When they reached the cafeteria, Taz quickly broke away and ran towards the cafeteria line. Up watched as she piled food on her plate, and ignored the skinny girls gasping at the amount of food. Up grabbed a tray for himself, only a few things less than Taz.

They sat down at one of the only two-seaters in the cafeteria, smiling as they dug in. Taz, through a mouthful of food, was the first to speak. 'Who's stupid-ass idea was it to put breakfast after combat?'

Up shrugged. 'Oh that's right! Your other test is coming up soon.'

'Other test? What the hell are you talkin' about Up?'

'Well, I'm applyin' for the new Commander position and I'm gonna need a lieutenant.' Up put his hand under Taz's chin and closed her now wide mouth.

Taz jumped at his touch, then registered what he was saying. 'You- you want me to be your teniente?'

'Uh, if that means lieutenant, then yeah. Yeah I do.' Up grinned at Taz, waiting for a reply.

'I'd love to Up!' Taz jumped up from her seat and ran around the table, tackling Up on his chair. She hugged him for what seemed like an hour, then jumped back into her seat. She was barely able to eat, but she managed a few more mouthfuls.

After breakfast, Taz breezed through her classes- excited for her movie night with Up. She ran back to her room, tying her short, dark hair into a ponytail on her head. She fixed her bandana and grabbed a large khaki jacket to cover her pyjamas. She snuck a bag of popcorn into one of the large pockets and slipped down to Up's room, knocking thrice on the door.

The door swung open, revealing Up and about a hundred balloons tied to the ceiling. Streamers hung everywhere, and a congratulations banner hung above his head.

'Hey Taz! Whaddya think? Too much?' Up asked, looking around.

Suddenly, he felt Taz fly into his arms. Muffled by his shirt, he could just hear her voice. 'It's perfect Up. Gracias.'

Up smiled at the small bundle in his arms as she gently pulled back. Taz didn't look at his face, but could feel him staring in her eyes. She ran over to the couch, curling up in a ball and waiting for Up to start the movie.

'What are we watching tonight, Up?' She asked excitedly.

'Well, I was thinkin' that you should pick, considering it's your day.' Up grinned, knowing what her choice would be.

'Karate Kid! I love dat one!' Taz beamed.

Up laughed to himself as he grabbed a blanket from his bed and spread it over Taz. For the first half hour, Taz tried to get comfortable on the couch. Up watched her go through about a hundred different positions before pausing the movie. He grabbed a pillow and leaned it on his chest. Taz raised her eyebrows and shook her head.

'You don't need to do dat, Up.' She looked away shyly.

'Come on, Taz. All your movin' around is botherin' me.' His thick Alabaman accent persuaded her to lean against the pillow, finally feeling comfortable.

'Te amo, Taz. Now I can watch the movie without watchin' you instead.' Up put his hands behind his head and they continued watching the movie.

Taz's heart leapt when he said te amo, but she almost kicked herself. You idiota! He just thinks it means thank you!

Taz was slightly disheartened, but tried to forget about it. He was her best friend, and nothing could stop that. They watched the last hour or so of the movie, and Up looked down to see Taz asleep. Her mouth hung open slightly, and her bandana was slipping down in front of her eyes.

He lifted her head and slid out from underneath her, judging whether to put her back in her room or leave her be. Finally, Up's heart won out, and he picked Taz up carefully. Supporting her head, he carried her back to her room and typed in her password, the door clicking open. He gently lowered her to the bed and pulled her bandana off, placing it on the bedside table next to her.

She murmured something about her knife in her sleep, stopping Up from leaving. He quickly looked around for it before realising it would definitely be on her. He pulled the blanket off her a little and saw a black handle poking out from under the jacket. That wasn't all he saw- Taz's pyjama top was the baggy grey shirt he had given her when she first woke up a year ago. She only had a few things left after her house was destroyed by the robots, and pyjamas were not on that list. Up gave her his academy t-shirt, but didn't think she still wore it. He shook his head and slipped the dagger under her pillow, leaving her room quietly.