<div class="floatright">(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/jillvader/mw-nmfkmpkarimonero_zps55a1bf27.jpg)</div>For a moment, Kari almost lost her composure at the mention of her father. It was something small, something ever so minor, but it was the first time that Allia had mentioned him, and yet served as another stinging reminder of what had happened. She still didn’t know how public the knowledge of his death was, or if Damien had even told anyone else. She had no idea of even how she should announce it for those who had not been there on the battlefield, and could only imagine the effect it would have on morale and her drive to rebuild.<br/><br/>And then, just as quickly, it was gone. There was something in Allia’s little slip that had her laughing, and Kari had no idea why. The lieutenant’s sexuality was no secret, and Kari had long assumed that Allia found her attractive, but that little moment, as strange as it was, seemed to break the tension. “Food, of course,” Kari shot back, adding a small, menatal note of<em>I know what you’d rather eat</em>to herself that only made her laugh again. And deep down, there was something sweet about Allia’s admission of the desire to share a bed; the thought of affection in among all the death<br/><br/>“I mean, it’s been… I don’t know long since I had something to eat,” she agreed. “And I know that an empty stomach is probably terrible for what we’re all going through right now. I probably sweated off a few kilos alone and… yeah.” Kari was trying to think of something – anything – that wasn’t what they’d just escaped. It wasn’t easy, but Allia was managing to find a way to bouy her spirits, and every little bit was needed. And even now, sharing a shower while trying not to blather incoherently was helping in a strange way.<br/><br/>“Let me dry myself off and get dressed, okay, and I’ll meet you soon.” She turned away a second, pausing a moment as she realised that Allia was probably staring at her near-naked rear.<em>Not a good day for sexy panties, Kari. Idiot.</em>“And thanks again. For everything”<br/>