Max had been called many things. The more favorable monikers among them were ace pilot, hero, and yes, darling. Max grinned inwardly before sobering again. That last one was reserved exclusively for Miriya, and occasionally for Lisa when she happened to be in a teasing mood. He'd also been called some less flattering names in his life, but he tried not to think about those too much. All that served to do was get him down, and that was to be avoided at all costs. However, the one thing he'd never been called in his life, to his knowledge, was a traitor.

Until now.

"Say that again," Max growled, fists clenched. His voice echoed slightly in the cold metal hallway. His eyes narrowed when the two cadets cowered before his venomous gaze and shrank back even further. "I said -"

"Please sir, we d-d-didn't mean anything by it" the first stuttered. Max snorted. This kid looked like he'd never put on a uniform before in his life. The jacket was uneven, and where was his belt? "It was just a joke, honestly-"

"Like hell it was!" Max said, stomping. "I heard what you said about me and my wife. You think I'm a traitor for marrying her because she used to be the enemy?"

The second one stood up a little straighter. At least this kid seemed to know how to dress himself. "But sir, how are we supposed to know she's not still-"

"Don't finish that sentence, cadet. You have no idea what she's gone through to get here, and I'm not going to let anyone take this new life she's gained from her."

"But sir-"

"Just stop. If I ever hear either of you talking about me or my wife like that again I'll personally make sure your short military career is defined by your exemplary latrine cleanings. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir!" Both of them snapped to attention and saluted.

"And one more thing, what are your names?" Max asked.

"Davis and Bryan, sir!" Both of them turned pale as a sheet as Max stepped up and poked Davis in the chest.

"I suggest you learn to dress yourself properly, Davis. I'll let it slide this time but your jacket is on all wrong and your belt is missing. Make sure that's fixed next time I see you."

"Yes, sir!" Davis stammered.

Max stepped back with a brutally scornful look at Davis. "Dismissed," Max said before stalking away. He scowled as he punched the elevator button to go down. Those two newbies didn't know anything, anything about him or his Miriya. They just didn't know…

His anger faded as he got off the elevator and began the pleasant walk back home, mind totally occupied with the promise of his waiting wife. The fact that the weather was immaculate certainly didn't hurt. The clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine warmed his skin and lifted his mood, and the vibrant greens of the grass and trees served to direct Max's thoughts toward his neon-haired wife all the more.

"It's better to be a traitor to them than a traitor to your own heart." Max looked up to find himself in front of his house and smiled.

"And I won't be a traitor to either."

A/N

well that was hella corny

r/r pls i need feedback since this isnt really my thing and thx for reading 3