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nOnce he had his fill of Zero Five’s lips Sam gave the Valkyrie a few instructions then returned to his room and took a long shower. While at it he decided to empty his reserves a little, believing it to be the last time he would ever have to rely on his right hand for something like that.

nWhen he was finally done he started to feel his hunger. Skipping two meals proved to be too much for him. Thankfully the time he usually eats dinner at was approaching so he decided to head for the cafeteria.

n“I wonder what’s on the menu today.”

nSam was in quite the good mood, even with the fear of his deeds being discovered poking at the back of his mind. He didn’t care that much anymore, after all the Valkyrie named Zero Five now belonged to him.

nWell, technically she still is the Resistance’s property.

nAs he walked the rumors he heard before getting his job came to mind. The one about someone with his position abusing it to have fun with the Valkyries.

nCould it be that he got eliminated because he succeeded in becoming the master of one of the Valkyries?

nIt wasn’t difficult to imagine the military not wanting just anyone to get that power, even if it’s Odin. That could be the reason why they warn those who work closely with the weapons and eliminate anyone who oversteps their boundaries.

nBut… does the military even know about such things?

nIt all depended on Odin and how much he had told them. They should already know about the robots serving as artificial wombs as well. It’s difficult to imagine that part going unexplained. From there they could guess that the AI has the ability to serve as a romantic partner, but that alone isn’t enough of a hint about its deeper secrets. It’s not like the Valkyrie announce who their master is.

nWell, I still have a lot to learn myself.

nAs that thought crossed his mind Sam entered the cafeteria and picked a tray. Tonight’s dinner was mashed potatoes and roasted chicken as the main dish, some vegetable soup, tofu salad and some pudding for desert.

nOnce he got his food the first thing Sam did was look for a free table, but as he did he saw a familiar face waving at him.

n“Good afternoon, sergeant Kurokami.” Sam said as he arrived at the table.

n“This is a strange occurrence.” Shizuru said with a smile. “Usually you would be the first to arrive.”

n“I’m sure I arrived a little earlier than usual so it’s more strange to see you here.” Sam replied returning the smile.

n“Indeed. I managed to finish work a little earlier today so I thought I should get my food before a certain someone ruins my appetite.”

nSam knew exactly who she was referring to, though usually she wouldn’t be so harsh when mentioning him.

n“Did something happen?” He asked. The smile on Shizuru’s face suddenly disappeared.

nA couple of seconds pass and she lets out a long sigh before putting some of the salad in her mouth.

n“Doctor…” as she spoke, the female sergeant’s mood seemed to have changed for the worse. “Where have you been this morning?”

n“Ah, it seems I collapsed in the lab while working.” Sam said. “Guess pulling another all nighter when I was already exhausted was too much.”

nThe Asian girl looked up at him with wide eyes.

n“Are you okay!!?”

n“Yeah, it was just exhaustion, that’s all.” Sam replied.

nShizuru seemed relieved for a moment, but soon she began to sulk again.

n“I already warned you, that you wouldn’t be able to function properly without good rest.” She said as she fixed her glasses back to their place.

n“Yes, and I understand.” Sam said, poking some of the chicken with his fork. “It’s just that I had something important to take care of, that’s all.”

nSomething important indeed. He was too busy making a life changing discovery that would make his life much easier from today onward. But he wasn’t about to tell her that, obviously. That secret isn’t something he would ever share with anyone.

nWhen neither followed up with anything the two continued eathing their food silently for a while.

n“Did something happen while I wasn’t around, sergeant?” Sam asked, deciding to address the elephant in the room.

n“Make a guess.” Shizuru said, bringing the fork to her mouth.

nSam kept his silence for a few seconds then turned to look around him. He already had an idea of what’s wrong.

n“I don’t see sergeant Jordan.”

n“Well, after what happened…” letting out a long sigh, Shizuru then followed. “I doubt he would be approaching me any time soon.”

n“Did you finally reject him properly?” Sam asked.

n“It wasn’t easy, really.” Shizuru replied. “He didn’t take it nicely.”

n“I can see that happening.”

nIt all took place during lunch when Sam was passed out in the lab. Jordan approached Shizuru as usual, but seeing that Sam wasn’t there for the second time that day he started badmouthing him more and more in an attempt to make himself look good.

nUnable to take it anymore Shizuru snapped at him saying she was trying to polite before and that she’s done putting up with him. Making it clear that she had no interest in him at all, she then went and told him to stay away from her unless he wanted a report to be filed against him.

nEverything happened publicly and many were there to witness it. Jordan was furious and started throwing insults like a kid. He then left while promising that she would regret rejecting him very soon.

n“Who would’ve thought you’re capable of such things.” Sam said once the story was finished.

n“Even I have my limits.” Shizuru replied.

n“I only assumed it before but… you really don’t like him, huh?”

n“Well, he just isn’t my type. And his inability to take the hint is infuriating.”

n“Oh he did take the hint.” Swallowing the last bite of his meal, Sam moved on to the desert and picked the cup of pudding. “He just didn’t give up.”

n“I hope he doesn’t do anything foolish.”

nThe two finished their meal uninterrupted for the first time in a while. Since she didn’t have to leave abruptly, Sam offered to walk Shizuru back to the female dorms before going back to his room.

nAs they walked, a strange atmosphere began to surround the two. Sam felt nervous for some reason, but then he noticed that the Asian girl seemed to be on edge as well. As they approached the point where they would be going their separate ways, Shizuru came to a stop.

n“Is something wrong?” Sam asked, glancing around them trying to see if anything is amiss.

n“Um, well…” struggling to speak at first, the girl Cleared her throat with a cough then looked directly at Sam. “Doctor. You are currently single, right?”

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