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" Capitano ."
The Knave growled; the man she had barked at was sitting on the floor, the orphans of The House of Harth playing with the flowers that he had brought. The Captain had been waiting for around ten minutes, waiting for Arleccino to come down to see his surprise. He had brought her a bouquet of flowers, a special surprise for the lady he so adored. The flowers of Snezhnaya were beautiful, but they weren't special. He had just returned from Natlan. The flowers he had brought were picked himself. He knew he could find the Knave at the orphanage. She could hardly be found anywhere else.
"Yes?"
The Captain asked in an even tone, turning his masked head to the side to look over his shoulder at her. Arleccino looked crazed and enraged. Capitano couldn't understand why. Capitano turned back around, gently collecting the flowers from the children after asking if they would return them. He stood up with his bouquet, walking over to Arleccino. He thought she would be happy for his return. It seemed he was incorrect. He stood in front of Arleccino, his obscured face looking on to that of the Knave.
Her eyes were wide, her x-shaped pupils thinned and angry. Her lips were pursed. Her arms were crossed. Her stance was one of annoyance. She gave off the energy of an angry snake, ready to strike. Capitano dared to dance with danger.
"These are for you."
He said, offering the bouquet of pyro imbued flowers. Roses, flaming flower stamens, Natlan specialty ferns. They were beautiful.
" You brought this back instead of paying attention to your mission? You really are just a brute with no brains."
The Knave spat, not even glancing down at the flowers.
She was angry he didn't care more about his safety during a time of war. Picking flowers instead of focusing more on himself? That was truly the most ridiculous thing The Knave had ever seen Capitano do.
"I see no problem with it."
The Captain responded in an even tone, The Knave's hands swinging down to her sides. Her fists were clenched. She couldn't believe what he just said . She grabbed the collar of his thick cape, dragging him into an empty room to have a serious conversation with him. Capitano needed a stern talking-to .
The Knave slammed the door behind them, shoving Capitano into the wall.
" YOU BASTARD! YOU COULD'VE DIED BEING SO CARELESS !"
The Knave shouted, shaking him around by the fur of his collar. She wanted to slap him. How stupid could one man be?! Capitano didn't do anything, his mask staring blankly back at her. She tore it off of his face, tossing it aside. She grabbed his face, her thumb on one cheek, the rest of her fingers on the other.
" Look me in my eyes and swear to me you'll never do dumb shit like that again ."
The Knave whispered, though far more terrifying than raising her voice.
"What I did was inconsequential. These are for you."
Capitano said, holding up his beautiful bouquet for her to take. She slapped the flowers out of his hand, shaking him again.
" I DON'T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THE FLOWERS! I GIVE A FUCK ABOUT YOU! NEVER DO THAT AGAIN ."
Arleccino snapped, baring her teeth at him. She glared into his eyes, though Capitano maintained a calm expression.
"If it bothers you so much, I won't do it again."
The Captain replied, submitting to the woman he so loved. The Knave let go of Capitano's collar, huffing at him. She stepped back, turning around to give herself some time to relax. She had worked herself up.
Capitano walked over to the flowers that had been discarded, picking up the bouquet as well as his helmet. He walked back over to The Knave, standing behind her with his gift. She sighed, her arms crossed. She turned around, looking at Capitano with obvious discontent.
" I'm happy you're back.. "
She grumbled, taking the flowers from Capitano. The Captain put his helmet back on, adjusting it accordingly. Arleccino looked back at the bouquet gently touching the warm petal of a rose with the tip of her gloved fingers. It was a beautiful bouquet and a very thoughtful gift. They were fire red, just like her pupils.
"I missed you."
Capitano said, standing in front of The Knave. He was quite brave. Few survived the anger of Arleccino.
The Knave looked back up at The Captain, taking a step forward. She lifted his helmet so it was just above his nose, leaning in to bridge the gap between their faces. She kissed him, holding the side of his face with one hand while she held the bouquet he had given her at her hip. Capitano closed his eyes, gently placing his hands on her sides. She rarely allowed anyone to touch her. She hated physical contact. But she would allow The Captain to touch her. Just for the moment. She pulled away, Capitano removing her hands from him once their lips had parted.
" Go. Return and accompany the children. I will join you. For now, I need to find a vase for these ."
Arleccino said, Capitano bowing his head to her as he put his mask back on before leaving.
Arleccino looked down at the flowers she was given, staring at them for a while. She closed her eyes, hugging the beautifully wrapped bouquet with a loving sigh.
He missed her. He loved her.
How beautiful that was. Arleccino walked up to her office, pulling out a beautiful glass vase. She placed the flowers within them, staring at the glowing crimson bunch. It stood out from the monotonous greys and blacks of her office. She smiled. Only slightly . He loved her. She loved him.