The early Wyrm catches the book

More squishiness for your enjoyment.

Hiroshi Sato, strolling through the corridors of the Equalist Headquarters grabbed a nearby Equalist by the shoulder as she walked by. “Where’s the Lieutenant?”

It was after the attack on Pro Bending Arena. While they were still in the process of tallying up everyone who had or had not made it back from the mission, the Lieutenant should have returned in the airship with Amon. But he was not among the Equalists doing headcounts and directing the injured to the infirmary where he should’ve been.

“Didn’t you hear? He was knocked off the roof of the Pro Bending Arena by the Avatar.”

Hiroshi looked as horrified as he felt. That was a heck of a way to fall. He thanked her and immediately headed for Amon’s office.

Amon was pacing back and forth in front of his desk, hands clasped behind his back. He did not look up when Hiroshi entered without knocking.

“Amon. I just heard about the Lieutenant. Are you all right?”

He cast the industrialist a surprised look before answering. “Yes. I’m fine.”

Hiroshi paced a comforting hand on his shoulder, halting him in his pacing. “He’ll make it back. I’m sure of it. He probably just got caught up somewhere.” He hoped he did not sound as unconvincing as he felt.

Amon said nothing at first. Then, “I feel I should be out there looking for him.”

“He wouldn’t want that.”

“I know,” he replied before resuming his pacing.

The industrialist sighed and watched him. He could think of nothing more to say.

The office door slammed open suddenly causing Hiroshi to jump and Amon to stop pacing and look up.

“Sir!” the Equalist exclaimed enthusiastically. “The Lieutenant is here! He’s being taken to the infirmary.”

“Oh thank goodness,” Hiroshi sighed.

The recruit stood aside to let them pass, the industrialist having to jog to keep up.

The Lieutenant was already occupying one of the beds while one of their nurses was fixing his left arm into a sling.

He gave them a wan smile when the two appeared. “Sorry I’m late. I got-”

“Caught up?” Hiroshi finished, grinning.

“One armed swimming,” Liu explained with a nod.

“I’m glad you’re all right,” he said, giving him a sincere smile.

He smiled back.

Amon waited for the nurse to leave before pulling back the chair next to the Lieutenant’s bed and taking a seat. An awkward silence descended.

Hiroshi took the hint. “Right. Yes. I’ll, uh. I’ll just leave you two alone. Good night, Lieutenant.”

“Good night, Hiroshi.”

“Liu-” Amon began once the industrialist had left.

Liu pressed a finger to the mask’s lips. “Amon. I’m all right. That’s all that matters.”

He blinked, then dropped his gaze to his hands. “… I was worried.”

The Lieutenant smiled apologetically. “I know.”

Amon reached out a hand and laced their fingers together. “You should get some rest.”

“Are you sure? You don’t need me for anything?”

He chuckled and pushed Liu’s fringe out of his eyes. “We can manage without you for one night.”

The Lieutenant sighed. “All right.” Then settled back under the covers and closed his eyes.

“Sleep well, Liu.” He added quietly, “I will watch over you.”