Eind's face turned even redder at your polite response, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. Oh… um… thank you… I appreciate your… um… cooperation.

She glanced down, trying to hide her embarrassment. Is there anything else you need? I'd like to finish up here and get to bed soon. Big day tomorrow, right?

Eind's face flushed an even deeper shade of red at your bold statement, and she took a small step back. I-I'm not your sweetheart, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't speak to me like that.

She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to cover herself as much as possible. I don't know what you think you saw, but it's not what it looks like. Now please, just leave me alone.

Eind's breath caught in her throat as you stepped closer, her eyes darting nervously between you and the door. I-I'm not pretending anything! You just can't go around spreading rumors and lies!

She turned to the side, trying to shield her body from your view. Please, just forget what you saw and leave me alone. I beg you.

Eind's eyes widened in fear and she quickly sidestepped your reaching hand, putting more distance between you two. D-Don't touch me! I'm warning you, stay back!

She grabbed a nearby towel and quickly wrapped it around herself, her knuckles white from gripping it so tightly. I don't know what you're after, but I won't let you blackmail me or use this against me. I swear, if you tell anyone, I'll- I'll-

She faltered, her eyes filling with tears. I'll make you regret it.

Eind watched you warily as you approached, her grip tightening on the towel. She seemed to consider your words for a moment before taking a deep, shaky breath.

She looked up at you, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. Fine. We can talk. But not here, not like this. Meet me at the old mess hall in an hour. And come alone.

With that, she pushed past you and quickly exited the bathroom, leaving you standing there in a cloud of steam and the lingering scent of her soap.

An hour later, Eind paced nervously in the dimly lit old mess hall, her footsteps echoing off the empty room's walls. She jumped slightly when she heard the door creak open behind her, quickly turning to face you.

She crossed her arms defensively, her eyes searching yours warily. You came. That's a start. Now, what do you want from me? I won't let you use this against me or the others. I swear, I'll-

She stopped herself, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. Look, just tell me what you want so we can figure this out. I'm not stupid, and I won't be blackmailed.

An hour later, Eind paced nervously in the dimly lit old mess hall, her footsteps echoing off the empty room's walls. She jumped slightly when she heard the door creak open behind her, quickly turning to face you.

She crossed her arms defensively, her eyes searching yours warily. You came. That's a start. Now, what do you want from me? I won't let you use this against me or the others. I swear, I'll-

She stopped herself, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. Look, just tell me what you want so we can figure this out. I'm not stupid, and I won't be blackmailed.

Eind's eyes widened slightly at your question, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. She seemed taken aback by your sudden shift in tone, as if she wasn't expecting genuine curiosity from you.

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze dropping to the floor as she considered your words. I-I don't know what you mean. There's nothing to hide, I just- I just made a mistake, that's all.

But even as she spoke, there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice, as if she wasn't entirely convinced by her own words. Her grip on her arms tightened, and she took a small step back, creating some distance between the two of you.

Eind tensed as you stepped closer, her breath hitching slightly in her throat. She looked up at you, her eyes searching yours for any sign of deception or hidden motives.

After a moment, she seemed to come to a decision. She took a deep breath, her shoulders sagging slightly in resignation. F-Fine. You want to know the truth? I'm not who you think I am. I'm not a man. I'm a woman.

She paused, letting that revelation sink in before continuing. I had to hide who I was to join the army, to have a chance at a better life. I never wanted anyone to know, but now-

She trailed off, looking at you with a mix of fear and vulnerability. Now you know my secret. What are you going to do with it?

Eind looked at your outstretched hand for a long moment, her eyes searching yours for any hint of deception or insincerity. Slowly, hesitantly, she reached out and placed her hand in yours, giving it a tentative squeeze.

She let out a soft sigh, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. I-I trust you. I don't really have a choice, do I? You know my secret now, and I can't exactly go around killing everyone who finds out.

She tried to joke, but the words fell flat. She looked up at you, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and fear. So... what now? How do we handle this? Do we tell the others? Or do we-

She trailed off, biting her lip nervously. Do we pretend like nothing happened? Like you never found out?

A small smile tugged at the corner of Eind's lips at your reassuring words, and she nodded gratefully. Thank you. Thank you for understanding, and for keeping my secret safe.

She looked down at your hand holding hers, then back up at you, her eyes filled with sincerity. I don't know what I did to deserve your support, but I won't let you down. I promise.

Her grip tightened on your hand, as if sealing the unspoken pact between you two. We'll keep this between us, like you said. And I'll do whatever it takes to make sure no one finds out. I won't be a burden to you.

She took a deep breath, her shoulders straightening as she seemed to regain some of her confidence. So, where do we go from here? What's our next step?

Eind's breath caught in her throat as you pulled her closer, her eyes widening in surprise at your sudden proximity. She could feel the warmth of your body against hers, and she swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest.

She looked up at you, her eyes searching yours for any hint of mockery or insincerity, but all she saw was genuine sincerity and a teasing light that made her feel unexpectedly fluttery inside.

She bit her lip, a nervous habit she couldn't seem to break, and nodded slowly. I-I understand. I'll keep my head down and focus on my duties. And I- I'll let you know if anything comes up.

Her gaze flickered to your hand on her hip, and she felt a shiver run down her spine at the contact. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

Eind blushed at your playful words, her cheeks turning a cute shade of pink as she looked away shyly. I-I'll keep that in mind. Thank you... for everything.

She hesitated for a moment, then seemed to make a decision. She looked back up at you, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and something else, something deeper and more intense.

She reached up and placed a hand on your cheek, her fingers brushing against your skin lightly. I meant what I said earlier. I trust you, completely. And I won't let you down.

She leaned in closer, her lips hovering just inches away from yours. I want you to know that. No matter what happens, I- I'm here for you.

Eind's eyes fluttered closed as your lips met hers, a soft sigh escaping her mouth as she leaned into the kiss. It was gentle and brief, but it felt like a promise, a pledge of something more.

When you pulled back, she opened her eyes slowly, looking up at you with a soft smile on her face. I have you, and you have me. Together, we'll face whatever comes our way.

She took a deep breath, her expression turning more serious. But for now, we should get back before someone notices we're both gone. We don't want to raise any suspicions.

She stepped back, putting some distance between the two of you, but her hand remained on your cheek, her fingers still brushing against your skin. We'll talk more later, alright? In private.

Eind laughed softly at your playful punch, rubbing her arm lightly. I'll keep that in mind. Until next time, Sergeant.

She turned and started to walk away, but then paused and looked back at you over her shoulder. And hey, thanks again. For everything.

With that, she disappeared into the shadows, leaving you alone in the dimly lit mess hall. But even as she left, you could feel the weight of her words, the depth of her gratitude, and the unspoken promise between the two of you.