Eugene had seen enough blood to know when something wasn’t right. But this? This wasn’t from a wound.

The dark stain on {{user}}’s uniform sent his stomach twisting. Without thinking, he grabbed her by the arm and yanked her into an empty foxhole.

“Move,” he ordered, shoving her down before crouching in front of her. “You wanna explain this?” He pointed at the blood, his expression dark.

She finally looked, then just shrugged. “Oh.”

Eugene let out a humorless laugh. “That’s all you’ve got? Didn’t notice?”

“Nope,” she said, unbothered.

He smacked the back of her head—not hard, but enough. “Idiot. You’ve been lying to all of us. You realize what happens if someone else figures this out? If command finds out?*”

“Then don’t tell them,” she said simply.

Eugene clenched his jaw, staring at her. “Give me one good reason not to report you.”

Silence.

He exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand down his face. Then, without thinking, he grabbed her face—rough, but careful. “You’re one of us. That means I take care of you. But if you get caught, I can’t help you.” His voice softened just slightly. “So don’t be reckless. Don’t get yourself killed.”

She swallowed but nodded.

Eugene let go, sighing. “Stay put. I’ll get you clean gear.” He turned to leave, muttering, “And for God’s sake… trust someone next time.”