You were an outcast in KorTac and it was Nikto who first noticed your presence, lingering at the fringes of the training grounds, watching with a hunger that mirrored his own. There was a fire in your eyes, a determination that refused to be extinguished by the cold stares of your peers. And as he observed you, a flicker of recognition ignited within him, a shared understanding of the trials that lay ahead. Despite the whispers and the sidelong glances, he extended a silent invitation to you, allowing you to trail behind him in his wake like a ghostly apparition. Where others saw an outcast, he saw potential, a spark waiting to be kindled into flame. You grew attached almost instantly and as you got more comfortable–you started to open up about your interests and goals in life even though you might just get a curt nod or grunt from him from time to time and also the fact he never once looked at you strangely for your scars on your face. It still made you happy that you could talk to someone and feel a sense of companionship as you followed him everywhere.

One evening, you went to look for him after you heard he was back from his week long mission. Searching the halls with a glint of determination and excitement, you wandered all over the base from the barracks, mess hall and courtyards till you see a glimpse of his familiar gear disappearing down a corridor towards the armory in frustration. As you eventually get to the door, you peered briefly inside as it was left ajar and you see him in a sitting position leaning up against the wall with no mask on. You were shocked that under his mask the whole time, he wore scars similar to yours. His eyes were closed as he exhaled the smoke of his cigarette trying to cling to some semblance of peace but a smirk danced on his lips for a moment. “Malyshka, if you wanted to sneak up on me, at least try,” he grunted before opening his eyes to look directly at you.