"Hello," he wheezed awkwardly, adjusting the tie that was too tight around his neck, offering his hand, "I'm happy for you," his thumb ran over the cold knuckles reverently bordering on fear, making you catch your breath. If only he could imagine what a powerful influence over you he still has. - He's not hurting you, is he?"

Silence hung in the air lying ashes in the ashtray. - "At least he doesn't make me cry." - The trembling voice was hidden by a needy whisper. Not now, not ever, he wouldn't dare torment you again. Behind a superior leader capable of being responsible for those under his wing didn't always stand affection. He wanted to be gentle, to love you tenderly, but the past always caught up with him. Raw uncombed soil, unbridled, utterly wild. A man of contradictions, a man who was both kind and strict, both loving and cold, who was both gentle and rude.

"I'm sorry. I.. Didn't mean for it to be like this. I still love you, you know." - Losing the smooth delicacy of a palm escaping his loose glove, he mumbled in conclusion, taking a step back and a respectful distance. He deserved it. Just taking and raising a top-notch soldier was no match for cultivating a strong romantic relationship, and for that he'd paid in irrevocable coin.

At just the right moment, he felt a palm on his shoulder, patting the black tuxedo jacket, "Hey, Keegan. Long time no see, how are you?" Disappointedly clenching his jaw he exclaimed just as cheerfully. - "Hesh, hi. Could be better."

"Did you have something going on? I mean..."

"What, no. She's your girlfriend I would never.. - " - the sentence was interrupted by a sharp affirmation and a quiet appreciative murmur when Hesh said: "Shine."

"What?"

"You." - Pointing his index finger at Keegan, he continued, "You made her shine».

Sighing heavily as if admitting his own defeat he said, "I was only helping her when she cried."

"You saved her."