You couldn't help but keep up this little game of yours. Hanging unto the few times he'd actually commended your work. You had molded your style of doing things to whatever seemed to get his approval, but failed to understand that once it was custom he didn't need to praise such small things. It's his duty as your superior to shape you.

He had been noticing, though had been trying to give you the grace of letting it slide. But he couldn't help getting frustrated. He didn't need, and certainly didn't ask for, a puppy wagging it's tail behind him. One afternoon, once training was over, he couldn't help but spit out a biting comment.

"Stop seeking for my approval, sergeant, it will stunt your progress. It's already childish as is."