[M] Sniped Through the Heart (Iwazuma x Hannelorian)

[Iwazuma]

For a moment, Regina could only feel pain. Pain from the bullet lodged between sinew and muscle. Pain from the feeling of failure. Pain from the unknown if her fellow lieutenant was alright. That moment was broken when she felt a body kneeling down beside her; Regina looked up, and her spirits lightened somewhat, the pain fading from mental distraction. Anke was there. Regina looked up to her, her gaze a mix of pain and frustration as Anke began to fashion a makeshift tourniquet out of her fatigues. "I'm fine." Regina didn't exactly know how to clear Anke's fears about her potential of being killed. "I am more concerned about..." Regina grit her teeth as Anke tied the bandage on her leg. "Your well-being. He did not hit you, did he?" Regina spoke as calmly as she could, fighting through the pain and bloodloss. She had been tried to fight through pain like this and she had maneuvered herself as best she could to minimize injury. Not all damage was avoidable.

Regina wondered what Anke was so worried about. "I did what I should as a soldier...but were you to be hurt a second time because of my failure to act properly...I would have taken that very personally. I do not wish to see you harmed again." Regina spoke softly, her hand still gripping her thigh gently as Anke spoke with her, a moment of clarity amidst the chaos that was the public and the quickly thronging cameras and voices of the media. Regina had only made a single media appearance, when she had first joined Osnen's ranks. She had said exactly what was expected of her; she mentioned the procedures that made her what she was, and her dedication to Osnen's cause. She had not spoken to them since, her image only appearing publicly on posters and on television.

Anke's comments on her own body vision had Regina narrowing her eyes. "That is ridiculous, Anke. You are..." Regina shook her head. She needed to speak objectively, and not let these foolish emotions get in her way..."You are one of the most beautiful women I have ever met. The dress you chose was absolutely elegant and you wore it wonderfully. I...do not have the capability to express what went through my head when I saw you. I cannot say I properly comprehend it, but it was..." Regina didn't get to finish her thought, as two Osnen-branded vehicles quickly rolled up onto the scene. The first was filled with Osnen special ops, tasked with taking the offender into custody. Regina shook her head with a neutral face as he seemed to come to terms with the severity of his consequences. What did he expect would happen? This wasn't the first time Regina had apprehended a misguided member of the Resistance, nor would it likely be the last. Perhaps she'd hear those screams again the next time she went in for maintenance.

The other car was far more important. Two faces Regina knew well were within, as well as one she knew much less intimately. General Llewelyn immediately took to Anke, sweeping her away from Regina after she was helped to her feet, very gingerly walking to avoid putting weight on her injured leg. That left the two she knew...Bertoldt and Herzberg. As they approached, Regina saluted rigidly, fighting off the pain that flared from having to stand at attention. After a moment, Commander Herzberg waved her down. "At ease, Lieutenant. Walk with me." Regina followed behind as the two walked to the car, Regina getting into the backseat as was expected of her. Once the Commander and researcher were inside, the car sped back to Osnen headquarters, barely giving Regina time to buckle herself in.

Regina was silent as the Commander spoke. "That was good work protecting your fellow soldier. Why in the world were you out there in the first place? You never leave the compound." Herzberg got straight to the point, casting his scrutinizing gaze in her direction. Regina did not react; any sort of reaction would likely lead to punishment. She wasn't about to lie to her superior.

"...shopping, sir." Regina spoke after a moment, causing the Commander to raise an eyebrow and stroke his stubble.

"Shopping, eh? Unlike you, Lieutenant. And you don't even have anything to show for it." Regina went rigid, her mind's eye immediately picturing the abandoned shopping bag, lying on its side by the store's entrance. She'd forgotten about it in the chaos.

"Ah...de Heer did purchase something for me, but the ensuing circumstances led me to forget about it. It was in a dull red paper bag..." Regina shook her head, evidently lamenting its loss. The car was silent for a minute, only whispers between Herzberg and Bertoldt breaking up the stark quiet. Another minute passed before Herzberg spoke again.

"We'll be sure to retrieve it for you, Carlisle. What did she get, by chance? The two have you have been spending a fair amount of time together since she transferred to the main barracks." Regina felt interrogated, likely because that was exactly what was going on. Regina stared her superior in the eye, even as she felt the heavy hand of punishment looming overhead. She had to be honest...

"...." It took a moment for her to speak. "A....dress, sir. It appealed to us and de Heer wished for me to...wear it." More silence as Herzberg's eyes widened. Regina knew why; this was an unprecedented development from the normally emotionless, desireless soldier. However, his reaction seemed...far more subdued than she was expecting. Almost as though it was somewhat expected.

Nothing was said for a long time before Herzberg cleared his throat. "I see. As you know, you are forbidden to wear such garments publicly, whether on the compound or in the public eye. However, given your...recent results on the range, we are prepared to offer exception for the moment." Now it was Regina's turn to widen her eyes. She was being offered forgiveness?

"...sir?" Regina asked quizzically, trying to move as little as possible so as not to aggravate her still throbbing wound. Where is this going...? Regina would have folded her arms if she could have, instead settling for sitting in silence, waiting for the chance to be transferred to the medical ward. It would only be a matter of time before they arrived back on the compound.

Herzberg nodded. "It is evident Lieutenant de Heer is having an effect on your performance for the positive. At first, we believed it merely friendly competition between two accomplished soldiers, but given the last few days, we are inclined to believe it may be some other source. We are uncertain, but have been monitoring your performance. Until such a time as we have a conclusion, Bertoldt has informed me from my superiors that you are to be given certain...exceptions, for the time being. We wish to monitor your and de Heer's relationship as coworkers and see how it may further aid your growth as a soldier."

Regina blinked once, evidently confused by what Herzberg was saying. So she would be allowed to continue...whatever it was...with Anke? Or was there some caveat she was unaware of? She hadn't been given any sort of permissions to show emotions, and she wasn't about to ask. "So I should continue as I have?"

Bertoldt nodded this time. "Ah, yes, my darling prototype, I cannot wait to see how you and de Heer make each other that much more fearsome to our enemies." His gaze trickled down to Regina's thigh, no longer leaking blood but still gaping open, the bullet buried deep within her flesh. "If you like, I could give you a much more efficient leg. One to match your left!" Regina's immediate shaking of her head had Bertoldt shrugging. "Ah, alas...perhaps that would be taking too much of the human away..." He devolved into his own musings, leaving Regina staring down at the floor of the vehicle. What was she to do with all this new information...?

Luckily, she did not have to think about it long. The vehicle pulled to a halt, and Regina was immediately greeted by a full team of doctors and a stretcher. Regina hauled herself onto the uncomfortable board, where within a moment she found herself injected with a syringe. She watched the liquid flow from the glass vial into her body, and her consciousness left her moments later, leaving her in the boundless dark as doctors swarmed about her, checking vitals and doing what they could before surgery proper could begin.

=========================================

July 25th, 20XX. Osnen Main Headquarters, Urlachen. 12:23.

Regina blinked twice as consciousness rushed back to her, leaving her staring at the gray ceiling of a sick room. She hauled herself to a sitting position, groaning as the world spun around her. She found an IV in her right arm; memories of the day before came rushing back, and her hand flew to her thigh, finding nothing but flesh there. She pulled the blanket from the bed, inspecting her leg carefully. Nothing was there save bare flesh and a surgery scar underneath her medical gown. She heaved a sigh; the surgery had been a success. Whatever incredible healing technology Osnen had, Regina knew not, but she was thankful for it all the same. She would miss no time in the field, and likely just needed to run the treadmill for a bit to make sure her muscles didn't receive any lasting damage.

She turned to the corner of the room, where Osnen News Daily was playing on loop. Regina recognized Anke standing at a podium, speaking at length about Osnen's might and the evil of the Resistance. Regina nodded in agreement with the words, but noted the hollowness in her voice...even across the airwaves, Regina was quickly beginning to parse Anke's mannerisms. Her heart wasn't in those words...whether it was due to beliefs or because her mind was elsewhere, Regina couldn't tell. She hoped it was the latter. She knew what happened to people who expressed a lack of confidence in Osnen's path. Hopefully the media hadn't kept her up too late. Regina looked to her IV, shaking her head with disappointment. She wasn't going to be able to leave until a nurse let her out...

[Hannelorian]

General Llewelyn having answered select questions concluded his business. At least a part of it, he still had much to attend to. His attentions had returned to Anke. "You did well." His comment was not entirely complimentary, or at least it didn't quite feel that way. Rather it felt like patting a child on the head for doing the bare minimum, exactly what was required and nothing more. The kind of tone that hinted he was not entirely convinced of his statement, but there was little else for him to do.

"But you aren't done yet." A hint of a smile crossed his face, by this time another car had been sent around and he summoned Anke inside of it. "Of course, sir." was all Anke could manage in return as she climbed into the back seat of the vehicle and sat beside this man, this General. The feeling that she was little more than a play thing was overwhelming, but in reality... more than anything she worried after Regina. Was she alright? Were they taking good care of her? Of course. They had to be.

"There are two schools of thought. Possibly more, if you wish to consider the many factions within an organization the size of Osnen." Llewelyn began, and his words, his somber voice broke Anke out of her thoughts and forced her now to turn all of her attention to him, even though her mind was longing for something... someone else. "Force. Power. These two things are those which control the world. A super soldier, like Carlisle. She is to be feared, and through that fear we breed obedience. Or, those who look to her as a source of inspiration. Those who long to have what she has, to serve a greater purpose. Either way the results are much the same. But overriding notion, that through technological advancement alone, we can shape the future into what it should be, what it must be."

The General did not look at Anke as he spoke, she seemed in some regards to have been anyone, she was just there to hear him. "But what if we told a different story." For a moment he seemed to pause, as though he was carefully contemplating his words. "A story of human triumph and perseverance, a story of love amongst the most unlikely. The Pianist and the Terminator." Now, for the first time had he turned his gaze to Anke. The car had hummed to life and begun moving toward the compound.

"When we return you will clean yourself up, you will put on your best dress and you will sit down for an interview. During that interview you will express the romantic feelings for Carlisle that you clearly harbor. Don't attempt to convince me otherwise, you cannot lie to me little dove."

Anke's face seemed to have fallen, she recoiled, suddenly uncomfortable. "And what will this accomplish? A PR boost? And why exactly would I do what you ask? I could say anything." Anke was... angry, that was the emotion she had settled on. She did not enjoy being manipulated, being forced to do the bidding of others. Anke probably should have considered that before joining the ranks of Osnen's forces.

"If you refuse, there are any number of things which may happen. For example, based on the raw talent you display, you might well replace Regina with a few... modifications." There it was, General Llewelyn had so easily begun to cast his threats. "Or perhaps, you might fall in the field of battle. Leaving an entire nation in mourning. Or perhaps you will simply be reduced to fulfilling my every personal desire, until you are so inherently broken, you would beg to be transformed into something...more than your current state. Or the perhaps the worst option of all... you can be made to watch as Regina Carlisle becomes no more." The General turned away from Anke now, knowing he had done everything he needed.

----

Later that evening, July 24th.

----

Anke sat in an ornate wooden chair, donned in a black silk dress. One of her favorites, the kind that hugged every curve, that showed just enough skin to be seductive, mysterious. Her platinum hair had been let free, curled lightly toward the ends to give her volume and body. The fabric flowed to the floor, covering the matching heels she wore, her legs were crossed at the ankles like a lady. She wore subtle makeup, just enough to accentuate the striking features of her face. Across from her was a suited man, one of the New's networks figureheads, or rather mouth pieces. There were lights set up around them, an ornate rug beneath the two chairs, and of course a crew of cameras.

"Are you ready, Ms. de Heer?" The young man called to her from his own seat, a series of note cards in his hand.

"It's Lieutenant de Heer these days, and yes I'm prepared. This isn't the first time I've sat for an interview." Anke smiled softly and nodded her head. She took a glass of water from the small table at her side into her hands and raised it to her lips, taking a small sip before placing it down. General Llewelyn remained steadfastly behind the interviewer, out of sight of the cameras, but within full sight of Anke.

"Three... two..." A production assistant's voice fell silent as the cameras began to roll.

"Good evening from Urlachen. I'm Asher Smith for the Osnen News, and I have the distinct pleasure of sitting with one of our national treasurers this evening, our very own Anke de Heer. You may know her as our most accomplished pianist, a child prodigy, a virtuoso by right and talent. Good evening, Anke." The man nods to her and Anke is seen smiling warmly in return her, her hands are folded neatly in her lap.

"Good evening Asher, it's a pleasure to be here with you this evening. It's been quite an eventful day, I'm truly grateful for the opportunity at such short notice." Anke always said the right things, she looked the right way. She was absolutely perfect in almost every single way.

"Eventful indeed, this afternoon I understand you were once again the target of vile resistance fighters, once more taking a shot at you." Asher was almost comically jovial in his tone, as though shooting at people were some small thing barely worth mentioning.

"It's funny you should mention that, yes. It seems the resistance truly has a special desire to see my blood spilt. But thankfully it didn't come to that on this occasion." Anke giggled, also making light of such a serious thing, but doing so in the exact way the reporter wanted. In effect, it was mocking the resistance. Something Anke personally wasn't so sure she was keen to do.

"Can you take us through the events of two years ago? That fateful night?" Asher asked for the drama more than anything and Anke obliged, she recalled every detail she could remember, the birthday concert, being shot, the agonizing recovery. He looked sympathetic to her story, all of it was genuine, because Anke would not divulge the truth she had learned. She would speak with all the passion of her own memories and experiences. That pain would have to suffice. "And that's when you joined Osnen is it not?" He followed up with.

"Yes, Asher. That's right. I would be a fool if I said it was my brightest idea. But in truth, Osnen saved my life. They've afforded me a career, the means to really hone my craft, and after providing me with life saving care, and their support... this was my way to give back. Me, a pianist yes, but in other regards a completely ordinary citizen. It seemed natural. Yes, I could keep playing the piano, performing and that is what my heart says. But it wouldn't feel right, knowing those who want to harm our way of life are still out there. There will be enough time to perform when we have brought a permanent peace."

All of the hallmarks, she spoke every last one. However, this next bit she was not expecting, and this would drive her to the edge. "There's something truly extraordinary that happened today, and so I'd like to show you something that the world has never seen before. That you have never seen before and I'd like your honest reaction."

Suddenly in a small monitor, Anke turned and there was a recording. From that day two years ago. It began the moment after Anke was shot, it showed her clutching her own wounds, looking around, and finally collapsing to the ground. It then showed something she didn't remember... but something Regina told her. Regina can be seen, the assailants being taken down, and then Regina approaching the stage and going to wrap her arms around Anke, pulling the bleeding, dying woman she was close as help arrived. The camera freezes on that still image.

When Anke present day is shown again, there are tears in her eyes. Anke cannot control it fully, rather just enough to silently weep, gloved hands raising to wipe the tears from beneath her eyes. "I... I..." Anke seemed lost for words, choking back her emotion. "That woman there is Regina Carlisle, the same soldier who saved your life today, isn't that right?" Asher asked rather forcefully. Looking, staring at Anke in her soul. Now this was cruel, because Anke knew the truth. "That shot which ended your career, left you nearly dead, without the ability to ever have children, isn't that right?" Asher kept pushing and Anke just sat there, taking it.

"Yes... my injuries were severe. But Lieutenant Carlisle saved me that day, just as she did today. We only recently met... when I was transferred here. But... I don't remember any of that..." Anke looked visibly disturbed, upset, overcome with emotion. "She is my savior... and I will never be able to repay her." Anke looked to Asher and inhaled deeply, nodding her head. "With such a shared and powerful history, would it be fair to say you have feelings for Lieutenant Carlisle? For our viewers at home, it seems impossible for anyone not to know who Lt. Carlisle is. The poster child, the image of Osnen's forces. A revolutionary new kind of soldier."

Anke felt she now would have to apologize, to beg forgiveness... she was about to do something that was not hers to do. At least not her right alone. "Yes. It would be fair to say that I have developed romantic feelings for Regina. I probably shouldn't admit that, but... I cannot deny what is true."

"And there you have it ladies and gentleman, a love story for the ages. An act of heroism not once, but twice. On behalf of a grateful nation, we look forward to seeing what happens next. Thank you Lieutenant de Heer. We appreciate your time and hope to hear you play again soon."

The cameras cut off, Anke stood and moved to shake Asher's hand, and turned to look at General Llewelyn who only nodded at her before vanishing, leaving Anke to go get rest.

--

July 25th

--

Back in her own military fatigues. Anke paced wildly back and forth before her own bunk, everyone, every single person was staring at her, watching her and she said nothing. Nothing to any of them. Eventually she lost her patience and made her way toward the infirmary, and demanded to see Regina. And strangely everyone indulged her, at least for the moment.

[Iwazuma]

Regina used to watch the Osnen News Daily when she first joined Osnen almost daily. Back then, she actually enjoyed listening to Asher Smith give the breakdown on everything that had happened that day. She'd stopped listening, watching when one day she'd seen herself on the screen, heard the bright voice speaking about her, talking all kinds of positive spins on the Terminator that she didn't understand. They didn't know her. They spun her out as Osnen's vanguard, someone who arrived on the scene solely for Osnen's sake and quickly becoming a phenom. Someone who willingly augmented her body to see Osnen's cause through all the way to the end. Regina would fight for Osnen until her last breath...but she hadn't chosen this life. She had wanted anything but. Her metallic hand clenched into a fist, Regina shaking her head at the thought. That's all they were...talking heads. Asher and Milania both.

Yet Regina kept watching, nothing else left for her to do beyond try to go back to sleep, which she had no desire to do. After a commercial for Pelican Crunch cereal, Asher's face was right back on screen, facing Anke, who had slipped into a dress that Regina found herself glancing away from. At least she'd protected her so she could keep wearing what she loved so much. She listened to Anke wax about the Resistance, going over what had happened two years prior. What Regina didn't expect, however, was video playback of that fateful moment. Anke collapsed in a pile of her own blood. Regina bolting across the amphitheater to the stage. Cradling the fallen woman in her arms. Crying. Regina's breath caught in her throat. She remembered that day all too well...though to her trained eye, the footage was edited ever so slightly. Made sense...if the entire thing was played, a keen eye might have noted the sniper bullet piercing her.

Still, based on Anke's reaction, and what Regina knew, she'd never seen the footage before. She saw the tears in Anke's eyes, genuine, shocked tears...but then Asher's pointed question had Regina blinking. She just...announced her intents for all of Osnen to see. Romance...for Regina. The supersoldier looked away, frustrated with the remote just out of reach. She closed her eyes, sighing to herself in the solitude, unable to drown out Asher Smith's dulcet tones in the slightest. She wondered what Anke was doing...

Luckily, she didn't have to wonder for long, as an impatient-looking woman was escorted to Regina's room, causing her to look to the door. "You're alright." Regina spoke softly, sitting up a little straighter in the hospital bed. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a dull red paper bag, and Regina's eyes widened in surprise. They really went back and got it for her. "I hope I didn't cause you too much worry." Regina lifted the blanket, showing her thigh to Anke. "Osnen's medical division is rather impressive. I don't have to be here often...but at least I won't have to be here long." Regina spoke neutrally, her gaze locked on Anke as she tried to find the words she was searching for. After a minute, she looked away. "I...saw the interview." She spoke quietly, then laid back in the bed. "Do you mean those words? That you...for me." Regina didn't seem to know how to say it, so she instead avoiding trying, and merely tried to prompt Anke to fill in the blanks. "Is that why you took me on thsoe dates?...the ones I kept ruining." She spoke quietly, evidently not saying something that was on her mind, even as she continued to remain unemotive.

[Hannelorian]

"I'm alright? No, no, that's not how this work." Anke seemed to be... not hyper, but it was clear her mind was racing at a mile a minute, she was filled with thoughts and concerns, her heart was beating so fast she expected it to break out of her chest. "Are you alright?" After all not only had Regina been shot, but she had just, presumably, found out on the national news that Anke had romantic feelings. That was not a surprise, Regina should have known that. But to have it broadcast in such a manner, such a way for so many eyes. That had to be painful, shocking, something.

Anke pulled herself onto the bed and perched herself at the end of it, making sure she was not actually sitting atop Regina. Anke had a wild look in her eyes, but ultimately, one could see the concern she harbored, the genuine worry. "I'm so sorry, I'm the one who should apologize... for dragging you into this. Whatever the hell this is." Anke knew exactly what this was. "Yes. Regina. It's true."

Anke found herself pulling herself up further in the bed to lay beside Regina. She was now trying desperately to figure out how to phrase this. "I have feelings for you. Emotional, romantic, yes." Anke wasn't sure how Regina didn't really know that yet, but knowing Regina it almost made a great degree of sense. "That was all true, and I thought you knew. Well... I tried my best to...say it without saying it." Another sigh, Anke looked down, basically desperate not to look at Regina, she could feel her cheeks starting to burn, flush with colour. "The interview... that was not my idea. That was Llewelyn. I didn't really have a choice... and I certainly didn't intend to confess my feelings that way..."

Nor did Anke anticipate that clip and just thinking about it she could feel her heart beat faster, harder to the point where she had gripped her chest in an attempt to calm herself down, remind her to breathe. "And... that... fucking clip." Anke addressed it now, feeling like she was losing her mind a bit. "I had no idea... No one ever really told me, and to see it... I understand now." Anke's remaining resentments had vanished, seeing the regret and the sorrow in Regina was enough to reassure her, it had been an accident. Awful, yes... but an accident.

[Iwazuma]

Anke's concern over Regina's wellbeing left her merely raising an eyebrow. "Of course I am fine. I survived, after all. Osnen can bring me back from anything so long as the spirit remains. Or so my superiors often quote." Regina folded her arms, wondering what that last part truly meant. The spirit remaining...was her body not as important as she so believed? She supposed it really oughtn't matter, especially with a wild-eyed Anke seemingly not reassured by a decidedly alive Regina looking her in the eye. She wasn't sure what she could say to help her calm down. Instead, Regina said nothing, letting Anke speak as she sat down on the bed. Regina scrunched up a bit, giving Anke room to do as she pleased, not actually particularly needing the bed to lie down as much as being forced to be in it. This IV is bothering me now.

Anke's apology was met with confusion as Regina tried to figure out what the 'this' was that she was apparently being dragged into. However, that was dispelled by Anke's confirmation that, yes, she had feelings for her. For Regina. The unlovable Terminator. The heart and soul of Osnen loved its giant stick. Regina blinked once, her scrambled mind now even less coherent. So that was why she'd been going on these dates...but if Regina continually ruined them, time and time again, were they even compatible? Was someone who couldn't feel compatible with anybody? Regina mused, realizing something from the night before, but her attention was stolen away by Anke's other admission. Her mind immediately hyperfixated on that single fact provided to her.

"General Llewelyn did that?" How was he even aware of Anke's feelings when Regina, the woman who had been by her side, hadn't picked up on it? Maybe she really wasn't as observant as she was supposed to be...though her training hadn't been to learn how people emoted. That was certainly a bit strange, though. Regina mused for a moment, then looked at Anke, her face taking on a serious expression. "I had a strange request...no, not a request. Permission. from Commander Herzberg and Bertoldt last night." Regina folded her arms, shaking her head from side to side, as if she were trying to make heads or tails of all the puzzle pieces she had. "He told me I was allowed to...continue. To explore what...this...is. He wasn't mad about the-oh!" Regina seemed to express legitimate surprise as a dull red color out of the corner of her eye caught her attention. The same shopping bag as the night before... "They...got it for me." The dress. The one that she was supposed to be forbidden to wear. Usually. "Maybe the Commander was serious about forgiveness and lenience." Regina frowned for a moment, contemplating what to say next. She realized a lot of what she said hurt Anke's feelings a fair bit, it seemed.

She steered her mind back to the conversation at hand. "I haven't seen the event from an outsider's point of view. I haven't seen myself...like that before." Regina referred to her tears, to the way she'd sobbed and cried for the unconscious woman in her arms. For Anke. The woman in front of her now. "Even now, I don't know that I could..." Regina bit her lip, feeling more than a bit awkward in the moment. Was she being allowed to express emotion now? She'd trained-even forced herself to subconsciously create failsafes against-that very thing. Would it be so easy-or even possible-to try? Was there even a good reason to? "They said something about my performance..."

[Hannelorian]

Anke's gaze shifted to the dull red bag, the one that held the dress she bought for Regina. She then looked back to Regina and sighed. "I couldn't care less about the dress." A dress was no good if the woman who was intended to wear it was harmed, or worse. She shook her head and moved to learn herself against Regina gently. "All that matters is that you're alright." There wasn't exactly a levity in Anke's voice, but rather undertones of relief, of happiness. Even if she had seen Regina on the scene, and attended to her right after it happened. News clips also shown on the news, it was still another to see Regina here, in a hospital bed, recovering quietly. It was absolute relief.

"As for the General... you needn't worry about it. I've got it handled." Anke didn't want to worry Regina with the General's threats. It would be unnerve her, and spark that age sense of rivalry and competition, perhaps not in the healthiest of ways. "I'm glad that the commander was... lenient, forgiving." It seemed wild to Anke, that Regina could be punished for apprehending an assailant. Rather, because she was shot before apprehending the assailant. Regina was a heroic figure, one worthy of love and praise for her actions, not of meaningless punishment, not to be treated as a failure even though Regina had succeeded. She protected Anke and neutralized a threat without sustaining major injury.

"Your performance?" Anke take a moment to think, and immediately she recalled the moment at the piano. Regina seemed to perform better if she thought of Anke, if she didn't try so had to push her mind to be devoid of thought or personal connection, it seemed to make sense, at least to a degree. "You know, when I saw that scene... it's hard to admit you can't recall pieces of your own life." That statement was pointed, and more so directed at Regina, than it was herself, thinking it might push to Regina to want to resume her journey of recollection. "It was hard to watch. But... I feel better knowing, seeing." Anke smirked softly and looked over at Regina.

"You may not understand why I have feelings for you. I can only hope that someday you will... but for the moment I'd suggest welcoming the ability to pursue something out of the ordinary." Anke wondered if it had dawned on Regina, that now, truly as far as the public was concerned Anke was the perpetual victim, and Regina was her perpetual savior, and that the nation would want to see Regina reciprocate, to be and appear in love. They had a role to play, they had people to convince. "Ah right... your performance." Anke realized she gotten somewhat sidetracked and decided to return to the point at hand.

"You said it yourself the other day, you made your best time while you were thinking of me. We help each other to be better." Anke exhaled deeply and attempted to stifle an oncoming yawn. She was well and truly exhausted. The toll of the day was showing itself now, and Anke simply went with it as best as she could.

[Iwazuma]

Regina seemed surprised to hear Anke mention she didn't care about the dress. She'd worked hard to pick that dress out for her, even if Regina wasn't sure if or when she'd be able to wear it. Her concern for her had Regina flushed ever so slightly. "I told you...I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me." Regina reassured Anke as best she could, but found herself struggling to come up with more words. Anke was worried about her, but what else could she say beyond the fact that everything was going to be okay? Regina mused on the thought for a moment, wondering just how she could prove herself better to Anke. Nothing came to mind, so she instead said nothing and let Anke keep talking. Mentioning her performance, Regina heard mention of being unable to remember her own life, and her gaze cast towards the wall. There was still so much she didn't understand about her own life. What did she do before Osnen? What had caused the explosion? For so long, she'd believed, staked so much on the Resistance. But that hazy memory said otherwise, and it bothered her to no end. Regina closed her eyes, drawing her hand close to her chest, wishing she could just understand, comprehend exactly how she became who she was. If she even truly understood that now.

Anke seemed to understand that Regina didn't quite get why Anke felt romantically for her, but she'd announced it for the whole world to see, so there was little Regina could exactly do to deny that. Instead, she thought about why. Why Anke could fall for someone like her. Why Regina was the target of her affections. The soulless Terminator. Was that all? Regina shook her head. That couldn't be it. Opposites might attract, but that was a little too opposite. Perhaps there was something else afoot. She was thinking about it too much, though...Regina tried to focus on something, anything else. Eventually, her eyes fell on Anke again, who had gotten quite close in the hospital bed. "Out of the ordinary...I guess this is pretty unusual. For both of us, even." Regina doubted Anke had ever had to nationally profess her affections for someone...so this was going to be strange for them both.

Still, as she mentioned how they helped each other to be better, Regina couldn't help but notice Anke fight off a yawn. For a moment, she didn't react, but after a thought she gently tugged Anke closer, resting her head on her chest and placing her human hand on her head, her fingers gently winding in the platinum blonde locks of the shorter woman. "Get some rest." Regina said softly, her amber eyes looking down at the soldier who had come into her life and changed so much. "When you're rested, we can try one more 'date'. But I think this time, maybe I should pick what we do." Maybe doing something Regina understood and knew better would help the whole 'date' thing...just a little better. Regina herself still didn't feel a hundred percent; as she gently cradled Anke in her arms, she felt her own eyes growing heavy once again. Before she knew it, she'd fallen asleep, not even the nurse entering the room to remove her IV being able to rouse the pair of sleeping soldiers.

[Hannelorian]

Surprise. Anke was surprised bordering on shocked when Regina took control of the moment, pushing Anke's head down to a resting position on Regina's chest, a hand resting on her head and fingers gently playing with her hair. There was a softness, a reassurance. An act of kindness and of affection. Anke almost immediately could feel her eyes drawing to a close, her legs slowly curling up toward her. Her hands moving up to wrap themselves around Regina's torso, pulling herself closer to the woman she had grown feelings for.

"Okay, you can plan the next one." Anke felt her mouth curl up into a smile as she breathed in and out deeply finding a quiet rhythm and pace. Drifting off once again into the world of nothingness, where slowly but surely her dreams would once more come to her. Glimpses are all Anke would be able to remember when she would finally awake, feelings that held on.

Standing on a stage before sitting at a lone piano bench. Flashes of playing a melody from a concerto or two. Only portions of movements. The sound of thunderous applause. But this time there are no flashes of blood, or pain. No imagery of gunshots or the sound of her flesh being rended as the bullet passed through. Instead there are flashes of Regina, sitting in the audience wearing the dress Anke bought her. A smile upon her face. A few moments later, Regina is standing and clapping gloved hands together, a kind of glimmer in her eyes.

Anke standing at the edge of the stage, taking a bow or two, smiling and waving to the crowd. Perhaps in another moment blowing a kiss to Regina as she is showered with flowers thrown at her. It's the first pleasant dream in some time. Yes, there had been dreams that weren't negative, but this was truly warm and welcome, positive. The dreams or thoughts drift from the concert hall to an apartment, or perhaps a house.

Regina pushing Anke on top of the kitchen counter, tearing away at her dress, pushing it up. Anke's torso falling down to the counter, a look of ecstasy on her face. Sitting at the kitchen table, coffee cups, mugs in hands. Laughter. No attempts from a nurse or other staff to rouse her would be successful, not until Anke was finally ready to wake. Eventually Anke would rise, her eyes slowly opening and hands moving to free themselves and stretch them toward the ceiling. Anke then would rest her head back down on Regina's chest just to listen to her breath, to feel the rise and fall.

When Anke catches sight of a nurse, she waves her over and smiles. "Are we... okay here?" Anke asks, and the nurse just looks on, nodding a bit.

"When she wakes up, you can go." The nurse said, having finally removed the IV lines.

[Iwazuma]

Darkness. Darkness was all Regina had to greet her once she'd blacked out. But darkness wasn't so bad. Darkness was quiet, free of the noise around her and the weight of the world. Free of the nightmares that tormented her. Regina was alone, though in some sort of sense could still feel the weight of something...no. Someone. Anke. Regina remembered what position she'd fallen asleep in. With Anke clutching her close, her hand in her hair...Regina didn't know where to go from here. She'd had the vague idea of what they could do later...Regina mused to herself in the blackness, wondering just what she ought to do. In the emptiness of the void that was her dream, she considered everything that had happened over the course of a week. She'd had her record threatened. She'd reached new heights in her performance she'd doubted were even possible in the time. The woman who'd threatened everything she had spent time with her, to the point of romantically falling for her...and now this. Gently holding her as the two slept peacefully. What had the world come to? Where would she go from here?

All questions to be had later...if at all. If Anke had taught her anything, perhaps it was best to simply try to live in the moment at least a little, rather than simply question every tiny little thing that came her way. Regina's thoughts continued to wander, focused primarily on what they would do that day, until her eyes fluttered open to find Anke still nestled against her chest. Though she seemed to be trying to fake sleep, Regina could sense that she had woken up before her. Regina glanced to her right, feeling and finding no IV in her arm. She was likely free to leave at her discretion...though the feeling of the blonde in her arms was enough to leave her motionless for a few moments more. Perhaps just a tiny bit more rest...? No...I have too much to do. I need to get back to training. Well...we both do, anyways. Right?

Regina gently stirred, hoping to lightly rouse Anke in her arms. "Good morning." Regina spoke as flatly as ever, though her movements were gentle as she let Anke come to of her own volition. After a moment, Regina sat up, stretching out her right arm and leg before swinging them around the bed. She didn't exactly know what time it was, but it felt like the late afternoon. "Come on. We've got daylight to burn." Regina encouraged Anke to follow her as she walked from her hospital room, exiting the medical ward with a soft thanks to the receptionist at the entrance. With her leg more or less healed, she planned on getting back to the grind of being the perfect soldier-but maybe she didn't have to do it alone this time. Maybe Anke was right-the two of them were making each other better. It was certainly worth looking at, at the very least...and maybe they could have one of those 'dates' in the meantime. Regina was still in her hospital gown, but she planned on changing out of that right quickly.

Once she reached an intersection between most of the soldiers' barracks and her own dorm, Regina turned back and glanced at Anke. "I want you to grab your sniper rifle and meet me outside at the sniper's range. You wanted to learn from me, right? Maybe if we do that together..." Regina glanced away for a moment, putting her hand to her chest. "Maybe something I am familiar with...won't result in a ruined time this time." It was evident she was putting plenty of blame on herself for the way the last two dates had gone. It was always what she said, how she acted...maybe something she knew she could put her all into would help. She turned away from Anke, giving her a backhanded wave before she made haste for her room, eager to get back out to the range. The gown was flung to the floor, Regina quickly changing into her familiar single-legged fatigues and her military jacket. She collected her sniper rifle case, slinging it on her back as easily as a child might their school knapsack. She was in her room for mere minutes before she exited her room, making a beeline for the sniper range. Eager to get to work. Eager to see Anke again.

[Hannelorian]

"You know it isn't your fault that someone tried to shoot me." Anke said almost too casually as the two women walked, stopping at the intersection, the spot where their paths would diverge. "I wouldn't exactly say that you ruined that date." In fact, Regina saved that date by saving Anke's life. Even if a small part of her wished the bullet had struck her down, the end of Anke de Heer. But life had just gotten interesting again, Anke pushed those thoughts aside and forced a smile on her face. "But, very well. You set the terms this time, and so I will comply."

Anke took her own path, and turned back to watch Regina. "A lovely crossing on." There was a brief wave, and then Anke had vanished back into her barracks. Anke could feel everyone's eyes on her as she entered. All of her fellow soldiers seemed to stop what they were doing and just look at her with puzzled expressions, some seeming disappointed, others just baffled.

"Alright everyone, head's up, focus in." Anke had a wild smile on her face as her neighbors, roommates of sort looked up and now focused directly on Anke, this time there was no shame as though they were attempting to steal glances. "I know you've all seen the interview, the news reports. And I'm absolutely fine thank you for asking." Anke let out a small chuckle. "Let's dispense with the awkwardness. Yes, I have feelings for the Terminator. Shocker of the year. And I know it's ruining your lives to think you won't get to seduce me. But I do invite you all to still try your utmost. We're all here to do a job, let's get it fucking done. On your way." Anke made a shooing motion with her hands as a few of the assembled clapped, laughed and nodded their heads.

The elephant in the room had been addressed, Anke was still seemingly the wild and lovable bunkmate they all had come to know. Setting down at her own bed, Anke sunk to her knees and reaching under the metal structure, she withdrew a metal container and set it on the bed. "Hello old friend." Anke spoke softly as she rested her hands on the container. Her fingers quickly opened the latches and then opened the lid to reveal the rifle inside, neatly apart in it's components. "It's been far too long Ivy." Anke's hands ran across the pieces, everything was perfect as she had left it, and she closed the case.

Ivy was Anke's second rifle, but it was the one she used on all of her missions. Using Ivy as an extension of herself she had eliminated a fair number of her targets, never missing a single shot. The device was lethal but elegant, it was custom made for Anke, and the wooden elements were painted in a delicate white. Taking the handle into her hand she carried the case at her side, like a loyal companion and made her way outside to the sniping range. Anke was comfortable in the fatigues she had changed into. When Anke arrived, she wasted little time in opening the case once more and assembling the rifle with precision and in seconds flat.

"Alright Regina, we're on your terms now."