Chapter Text
Despite not trusting the General’s words, the recreation area was actually empty. Usually, there’s always some sinners working out, practicing new moves, or having a spar which, in some cases, ends with interventions.
The General’s suit was neatly placed on a bench not too far from the central mat. Chief’s gaze lingered for half a second longer than necessary. Even with a shirt draped over it, she could trace the shape of the arms beneath. She remembered that build. The lack of visibility only gave her imagination room to wander. Chief observed, slightly lost in her thoughts, as the General walked, proud as ever, towards the storage.
Chief found herself peeking over more than once, tension tightening every time she tried to catch a glimpse of blonde hair.
The blonde burst out; the doors squeaked horribly. The sound made the smaller figure jump a bit, which received a chuckle from the approaching figure. Gray Coat scowled internally.
Augustus looked at the props for a bit, inspecting them, before directing her attention to Chief.
“This one is lighter.”
In the General’s extended hand was held a wooden sword, not sharp enough to harm, although good at leaving bruises. She still remembered Corso’s stomach covered in bruises after taking up Rahu. She also had to orderi new props for replacement.
“Blade up and prepare yourself, Chief.” Augustus announced loudly, readying herself. Her sword hanging in front, awaiting the other.
With a sigh, Chief gave in.
Blades connected softly. The General’s moved down with a slow but teasing hum of a prop, a deliberate action to show it’s more than just training. A friendly invitation or a cocky message. Although the smugness of the action invited familiar annoyance, pushing into wiping that confident smirk off the blonde’s face.
“A decent one, even for an overworker.” the General struck back, getting it blocked. “Huh, good block.” she continued.
“Thank you?” Chief rather asked, with a mix of confusion at the sudden compliments. With quick steps, she kept the tempo, yet her mind wasn’t fully focused on the fight. Why? What’s the reason for this? It rarely is so simple with the General.
Her train of thought continued but stopped abruptly as the General’s wooden sword pressed at her neck. The lingering prop lingered for a moment before retreating.
“Adorable try. Again.” The General took her stand, awaiting the other.
Somehow, the way these words were spoken felt like another mocking tease. Yet it was not the worst part. The worst part was that Gray Coat knew Augustus was going easy on her.
Chief’s eyes glistened in annoyance. The shine did not go unnoticed, with the General’s smile getting even brighter.
With more confidence, Chief took a proper stand, her swing just like that of the characters from one of the films Shalom showed to her and younger sinners. The prop was blocked gently.
“Nice block, General.” This time it was Gray Coat’s turn to compliment, with another swing.
“Soon you’ll see more than just nice.” retorted Augustus proudly with a successful defense.
Regardless of it being simple training, it turned more into a fun activity of two adults playing pretend. The sound of clashing wooden swords, the friendly yet teasing remarks and chuckles. Somehow, this whole situation made Chief more relaxed, showing more of her playful side.
“Is that all you’ve got, General?” Chief dodged another attack, challenge in her eyes.
Although the words seemed to do something.
Augustus rushed in. The intensity of clashes pushed Chief back. Her boots nervously scraped the ground on her path until the wall finally stopped her. This time the swords clashed for good. Pressure drove into Chief’s leaner frame, cutting her escape routes.
The sudden shift in the General’s weapon pulled her back to the main issue, or rather its sudden development. The development of a guard hooking over the other and pulling it up high above Chief’s head. She looked in shock at the calm and satisfied smile closer than before. Augustus’ grip securing Chief’s hands in the spot. Bodies pressed together, making the escape nearly impossible to achieve.
“What will you do now, hm?” she said, surprisingly softly.
She quietly observed as the gears in the other’s head worked hard to find a solution. Although it was not for mockery or plain testing of Chief’s skills, rather for a pleasant curiosity. “What kind of sneaky trick you’ll pull here?” she continued gently while pressing closer.
“I…”
“Hm?”
“Just… give me a moment.”
“Mhm.” Blonde hummed playfully.
Chief looked at her before exhaling slowly. She forced her shoulders to relax even as her pulse betrayed her. Instead of struggling, she shifted-just enough to test the hold.
Augustus noticed immediately.
A pleased hum vibrated close to her ear. “There it is.” the General murmured.
Chief’s jaw tightened. “What is?”
“This charming part of yours.”
The grip tightened for a moment just to loosen a bit. Chief twisted sharply, not breaking free, but turning just enough to bring their faces closer, breaths mixing.
“I thought you prefered to get pinned?” she shoot quietly.
Augustus laughed softly, low and delighted. “Have you considered switching places, my scabbard?”
Suddenly, Chief’s communicator rang.
For a moment, neither moved. The wooden swords still trapped above slightly forgotten. The training was long over.
Then Augustus stepped back without much hurry, releasing her hold and lowering her weapon. The sudden distance felt louder than the clash of blades had ever been.
Chief flexed her hands, still warm where Augustus had held her. “That’s a shame.”
“Truly unfortunate.” Augustus replied, on her way to return the props. She paused, glancing back over her shoulder. “We should continue this some other time. Without obstacles.” She waved the two props playfully.
Chief stayed where she was, heart racing, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. “Can’t wait.”