"That can't be all you got in you!" Saira, a strong warrior, shouts as I fall to the ground after she punches my navel. I put a hand to my mouth in shock as blood seeps from my lips. I wipe it off on my shirt in hopes of concealing it. I had not been my strongest lately.

"No, seriously. What's up with you Mitah? Liri won't keep you in if you can't take a few punches."

"I know, I know." I say, getting back up and dusting off my pants.

"Something on your mind?"

"I'm not bland, am I?" I asked immediately, and Saira lets out a laugh.

"That's it?" She pulls me into a hug and lands a swift kiss to my cheek. "You are far from bland. Who told you that?"

"I overheard Aven talking about me to Badger."

"Don't listen to Aven. He talks and talks and never thinks."

"I don't care that Aven said that. It's just... I don't want Badger to think that about me."

"Oh?" Saira grins, but she says nothing further.

"I don't know how to even talk to him after that."

"Well for one, you're overthinking it." Saira says straight up and throws her fists back in invitation to spar.

I throw mine back into fists as well. I take and land a shot at her shoulder. She throws one back at my head, but I dodge. We keep fighting as we talk.

"I'm sure he doesn't think that about you. Especially since you are quite the catch. Not to build up your ego any higher than it already is."

"Well, thanks. I'll try and talk to him later." I told her, and we finished the fight.

In the showers, I could sense that Badger was nearby. When I was done, there he was; standing outside the locker room.

He was leaning against the wall, dressed in dark clothes and looking somber. His eyes flicked to me, and I offered him a short smile which he returned. This was the first time he had willingly come up to me. Perhaps this was a good sign.

"How did your training go?" He starts off.

"Good. Why aren't you at yours?" I shoot back, not in a harsh way. I was more curious.

"I was excused because I finished early. Eve let me go."

"That's always good."

Silence. Long, unbearable silence.

It hurt me from the inside. Standing there in silence.

I couldn't take it anymore.

"I'm going to head back to my bunker now I guess."

"Wait, wait."

Badger has a sincere look on his face. He opens his mouth to speak, and I stare at his lips. They're slightly dry, slightly cracked.

"Before you go, I wanted to say sorry for-"

God, I can't stop staring at his lips. I don't even hear what he's saying.

"It was mean and uncalled for. I knew you could hear. I should've-"

His eyes are so soft and sad right now. I want to set my hand on his cheek and tell him it's okay, and he doesn't need to apologize.

"So, yeah. I'm sorry about that. Is there anything I can do for you to make up for it?"

"Kiss me." I spit out, and in a frantic realization I begin to step back.

However, Badger's hand clamps down on my shoulder, and his beautiful face examines mine.

"Is that what you want?"

I can't help but nod. I had wanted it ever since he was first hired at the institute.

When his lips meet mine, I don't even notice the cracks. A gasp leaves my mouth as he pulls back for air and takes a hand to my hair. He kneads his fingers through it, and I wrap my hand around to his back and pull him closer.

His lips are so soft, and he smells like flowers and trees. I catch myself getting lost in this moment, and I pull back in sudden shock.

"I'm sorry." The words leave my mouth, but I'm still holding him close. I let go.

"I kissed you." Badger says with a laugh.

"I asked you."

"Well, I wanted to." He says again, taking my hand in his. "I don't think you're boring. I think you're strong, and I think you're funny."

"Thank you." I feel myself blushing. "I think you're intelligent and beautiful."

He flitters his eyes away in shyness. "Thank you. I'm glad we are on the same page."

And with that, he's gone.

What an enigma.