rattlerofthestars:

Damn.

That wasn’t as fun as he thought it would be. Kind of the opposite. Instead, he felt a pang of guilt that stabbed him in the gut. Fantastic idea. Let’s piss off the guy that was just about to help you. His big mouth would continue to get him in trouble.

When would he ever learn?

“No- wait, agh…” He nearly ran towards Ping and held out his hand to grab the soldier’s arm. Thinking better of it, he brought his palm into his hair and ruffled it. “Sorry, that was…uncalled for. My joke sucked. Uh…I would really appreciate if you could show me…the way.” It was like pulling teeth to get Jim to admit that he was being stupid. It was even more difficult to apologize. For some reason, however, he found it easier to say sorry to Ping. This was usually impossible with other guys.

Stopping to stare back at Jim, Ping smothered a sigh.  The stifled breath seemed to settle over his body, as if a thick blanket covered the recruit’s already-perspiring skin.  The uncomfortable feeling penetrated his bones.  Tired.  He was already tired.  And the training and taunts would only get worse.  He would have liked nothing more than to ignore Jim and make his way back to camp for the punishment that was sure to be waiting already, but to leave a guest of the Consul’s lost and alone when he had apologized for being rude?  That was dishonorable.  Riding to Wu Zhong on day one, Ping had promised himself that he was done with any dishonor short of death; and if that death was on the battlefield, he had at least done his duty by the Hua family.

“All right,” Ping swallowed, and nodded, looking dully at his companion.  He turned and started his way down the path, assuming Jim would follow.  After a moment, Ping added, “Thank you.”