Introduction

It was the same generic eulogy that had been given so many times before. Empty phrases like "She was an important comrade" and "She will be missed" reverberated in Tatsumi's ears. The impersonality of the event was causing a mixture of bile and rage to rise in his throat. Mine deserved better, much better. She deserved a remembrance that was like her. Passion and fire.

Tatsumi forced himself to breathe deeply and bring his emotions under control. It wasn't the boss's fault. How many of these had she had to give recently? Sheele, Bulat, Chelsea, Lubbok, Susanoo, and now Mine.

Looking around at what was left of Night Raid, Tatsumi studied his rain drenched comrades as they stood around Mine's humble, unmarked grave. He could see sorrow and fatigue etched into each of their faces. However, there was more than that. There was also grit, determination and cold professionalism.

Being killed in the line of duty was a reality they all accepted, even expected. The revolution they were spearheading from the shadows was much bigger than the individual life. They all understood that when they had joined Night Raid.

Unfortunately, no amount of acceptance or conditioning could ever completely take the sting of losing a comrade away. Even more so for Tatsumi in regards to Mine and the relationship they had shared. Unslinging from his back the item he had wrapped up and brought to the funeral, Tatsumi gazed down at it and gripped it tightly as painful memories washed over him.

It was the last job they had worked together as a pair. The objective had been simple enough, gather Intel and get out. It wasn't even in the capitol. Needless to say, it had gone off without a hitch.

The town the job was in was holding a festival that evening and instead of heading for base immediately, Mine wanted to stay and enjoy the festival with him. At first he had declined, insisting that it was important for them to report back as soon as possible. Naturally that started another of their many "discussions" which ended like they always did, with him relenting and Mine getting what she wanted…

...

"Why do you always make everything so difficult on yourself Tatsumi"? Mine folded her arms across her chest, turned her head to the side and put her nose in the air. "As your superior, you know I am always going to win. Why fight it"?

"Yeah, yeah whatever you say". Tatsumi waved his hand dismissively. "Come on Mine, let's get this over with".

Mine clinched her little hands into fists and her arms shot out to her sides. "Over with"!? She exclaimed as she stamped her foot "Am I really that dreadful to be around? You should feel grateful I'd do anything with you"!

Tatsumi chuckled to himself. Mine's face was red and she was shaking. He knew that now would probably be a good time to stop, but sometimes he just couldn't help himself.

"I don't think I should answer that question." He seemed to muse while scratching his cheek. "I wouldn't want to be insubordinate to my superior now would I"?

Tatsumi gave Mine a teasing half smile and a wink.

Normally, now would be the time when the fight really started. Mine's pride and fiery temperament could only handle so much teasing before the time came for clobbering him. Her reaction however, was far from hostile or violent.

Mine suddenly looked flustered and seemed to be having a hard time finding her voice. Her eyes fell towards the ground and she had started fidgeting her index fingers. The angry red from her face vanished except for two patches of shy blush under each eye.

Tatsumi smiled at her reaction. This had been happening more frequently as of late. He wasn't sure why, but now, every once in a while when they were bickering, she would start acting like this.

The first time it had happened, Tatsumi had made the mistake of asking about it. His curiosity was rewarded with a slap and the word 'idiot'. Needless to say, he hadn't asked about it since. Truthfully, he didn't really care why as long as it kept happening. Mine looked absolutely adorable right now.

Gaining some control of herself, Mine puffed out her cheeks and mumbled something under her breath about Pumpkin.

"What was that"? Tatsumi asked grinning with his head cocked to one side.

Mine's eyes narrowed dangerously. "I said when we get back to base you better watch your back because Pumpkin will be gunning for you"!

"Well, if that's the case, I suppose I'm as good as dead as soon as we get back". Tatsumi did his best to put a wise look on his face. "I guess that means I better make the most of tonight".

Grinning ear to ear He feigned an exasperated look at Mine.

"Well, are we going to this festival or not"!?

Mine's eyes widened and she placed one hand on her hip and pointed directly at him with the other.

"Enough! I'm in charge here not you"!

Approaching with purpose, Mine reached his side and looked up out of the corner of her eyes at him. Hesitating for a moment, she blushed slightly again. Then clearing her throat she reached out and grabbed his arm with both of hers and hugged it tightly to her body.

"Let's go Tatsumi; the fun isn't going to wait for us. You're in luck I'm going to allow you to escort me! Be grateful"! She exclaimed and started dragging him toward the town.

It was now Tatsumi's turn to be flustered. He was overly aware of Mine's body as it pressed up against his arm. His cheeks were getting warm and his breath was catching in his throat.

"Mine…your brea...I mean your body…they are, I mean it's…it's on me"! His voice sounded shrill even in his own ears.

The edges of Mine's lips were curling up into a devilish smile. The kind of smile one gave when, after a struggle, victory had been achieved.

"I'm aware Tatsumi" was all she said as she led him to the festival.