NOVEL FROG Chapter 57: The Real Deal
After letting the soldiers do all the work for tomorrow’s ceremony, Frost returned to the lunchroom, only to find a few passed-out soldiers inside. While the party wasn’t over, there was little to no movement around the base anymore, with most of the recruits going to sleep as they couldn’t handle more alcohol. He looked for his team, but as they had gone upstairs, he took his opportunity to look for Indie before they went to sleep as well. Heading to the barracks, he entered through the backside since it was closest to Crisis’ floor and the front was filling up. After playing drunk once again to walk past a few soldiers returning to their rooms, he came across the empty hallway to all of his teammates’ rooms, though he went straight to Indie’s.
Frost maintained the silence of the hallway as he sneaked to Indie’s door, but when he tried to knock first, he noticed that it was already open. With a bit of hesitation, he glanced back to check if any other Crisis member was coming to their room. Since no one was around, he was able to act normally, though he was on edge as he reached for the doorknob. Finally opening it, Frost first peeked through the door to find a mostly dark room.
Since it had the same layout as the other rooms, he had to walk in to look around the corner to search for Indie. But as he cautiously approached the bed in the center of the room, he became worried about Indie’s whereabouts when the room turned out to be empty. Frost looked around for any hints of her presence, but after turning back, he noticed the door to the bathroom next to the entrance was slightly open. He didn’t pay much attention until he heard a faint noise coming from inside, sparking curiosity that prompted him to keep searching.
–Indie?– Frost asked quietly as he approached the bathroom door. Only a sliver of light seeped through the tiny gap at the door, forcing him to poke his head in as he didn’t get a response. He only peeked in the direction of the light source, which was a small candle placed on a counter next to the door, barely illuminating the bathroom with its warm glimmer as the flame was dying out. But as he focused all of his attention on the light for a brief second, he fully opened the door to step in, failing to notice that Indie was inside as she was just out of view.
It took him a second to spot her, but even when she saw a figure that resembled her at the back of the bathroom, he couldn’t make out what he was looking at as he was met with an unexpected sight. She was crouching next to the bath across the counter with the candle, but just when the light was about to die out, Frost caught a glimpse of her entire exposed backside as she tried picking up a towel from the floor. Since she only leaned in slightly, Frost only saw her lower back but immediately recoiled and turned away in horror upon catching her nude, trying to step back before he could see more as she noticed him standing behind her at the door.
–I’m so sorry, I-... I didn’t mean to come in like th-...– Frost apologized in embarrassment, hiding his aghast face as he ran far away from the bathroom, heading to the opposite corner of the room while she turned to face him. Luckily, the candle went out, and he couldn’t see anything anymore, but since he did catch her initial reaction, he remained anxious in anticipation of her response. She stood at the door in shock as she covered herself with the tower she picked up, but after recognizing him, she just casually walked out of the bathroom, turned on one of the lamps on the nightstand next to the bed, and while Frost faced the corner, she reached for her clothes lying on the sheets without care or second thought.
–You could at least knock first… I told you to be straightforward, but now you are just coming off as desperate…– Indie reproached in an oddly indifferent manner, sounding upset only for a moment as she proceeded to stand at the front of the bed to stare at Frost in amusement. He was almost shriveling in discomfort, but after seeing from the corner of his eye that she was just staring straight at him, without even trying to get dressed, he began to stammer.
–Yea, no… I didn’t w-... Okay…– Frost replied in distress before cowering in the corner and staring straight down as he rubbed his forehead to calm himself down. But as he became quiet, Indie kept staring at him silently, stressing him with uncertainty until she realized he wouldn’t turn around. She rolled her eyes and dropped her towel to grab her clothes, but as she kept a close eye on Frost, she remained attentive in case he had something else to say.
–I’m guessing you only want to talk… Should I start dressing?– Indie asked casually after waiting long seconds for Frost’s response. He instantly nodded repeatedly, and while she didn’t take it as a firm answer, she began putting on her underwear regardless. And even though he couldn’t see any of it, just hearing Indie dress up behind him in such a calm manner made Frost hesitate to answer, as he had trouble collecting his thoughts.
–Y-yes... I just had a few questions…– Frost replied in an awkward, almost timid tone, to which Indie responded with silence. For a second, he began to turn around slowly as he cleared his throat, but as he could barely see her putting on her brassiere, he kept his eyes closed and covered with his hand until she spoke.
–You want to know what Snake told me, I know…– Indie affirmed in the same relaxed demeanor, being a little dismissive but catching Frost’s full attention in an instant.
–Yea, and? What did he say?– Frost asked curiously as he couldn’t help but turn around to hear more, though his only issue was that he got ahead of himself and caught her only in underwear.
–Still dressing!– Indie shouted in annoyance after catching him turning around, prompting him to turn back around, now more embarrassed as he saw more than he should, although the fact that she didn’t seem so bothered afterward became more unsettling.
–Right… Sorry…– Frost apologized again, making sure he couldn’t see anything as he faced the corner up close. Seeing him grounding himself got a good chuckle out of Indie, and while she remained a little skeptical of him, she still took her time when putting on more clothes, instilling more anxiety in him with her drawn-out movements.
–You can turn now…– Indie assured calmly, but Frost still hesitated until he heard her footsteps growing near. He turned around but kept his eyes covered, slowly uncovering them by splitting his fingers to make sure Indie was actually dressed before fully opening them.
While she did cover herself up, Frost remained tense as Indie stood next to him while putting away her towel and other garments that she chose not to use. So, when he opened his eyes and saw her with a full, clear view, Frost was stunned to see her nightwear. Her attire consisted of her black underwear and a dark red robe that almost slipped off her shoulders, as well as her usual dark stockings, but they were longer and comfier as the laced bands around her thighs wrapped gently around her toned legs. She still struggled to pull up her stockings as she bent down next to Frost, who regulated his breath as Indie’s rather curvy figure began to distract him. He was left thinking uncomfortably for a while until Indie glanced back and caught him ogling, though she didn’t pay much attention as she stood straight and looked at him with her usual stoic expression.
–So? Did we receive the call?– Frost asked in an attempt to compose himself, still struggling to hold it together as he stepped back and tried not to look at the exposed parts of Indie’s body. Despite wearing such an intimate outfit in front of him, Indie was able to focus solely on his body movement as she tried to read his intentions. But as it was clear he was genuinely nervous and eager to hear some information, she gained some confidence to take control.
–First, I need to have a little talk with you…– Indie responded assertively, staring rather menacingly at Frost as she cornered him and left him powerless. He was taken aback by how close they were, and while it was harder to look away from her exposed neck and shoulders, he stood completely still since he had nowhere to go. And while it was less pleasant to look up at her face, he suppressed his apprehension to be able to speak back with a different demeanor.
–Oh, here we go… Is this about the mission? Are you pissed at me for bringing Siss-... I mean, Saint?– Frost asked in a mix of annoyance and boredom, already losing interest in anticipation of his berating, though he did manage to surprise Indie as he was already complying and owning up to his mistake.
–Yes, you know me very well. There’s no need for me to tell you at this point…– Indie replied with a satisfied but belittling smile that coerced Frost into actually apologizing after he saw no use in arguing with how resolved she was.
–If you want an apology, I’m sorry, it was just a way to get back at him. I know it was dumb and he was put at risk, but we did keep him safe…– Frost confessed in a remorseful and cordial manner, but as his attempt came off lackadaisical, Indie wasn’t pleased and waited to hear more.
–I mean, yea, there were tons of other ways to teach him a lesson. But hey, at least we got out of there alive, and if you saw him at the party, he is like extremely popular now thanks to the nickname I gave him. He is like the ideal example for the other students, but he is probably never going to try something like that again now that he will be constantly adored by his friends. Sooo, I’m sure I helped him in some way… maybe…– Frost added in a more lighthearted tone, but his casual nature slowly dissipated as he became insecure about how critically Indie was staring at him. She raised an eyebrow upon hearing his reasons, but even when he was concerned by her reaction, he took too long to realize what was actually bothering her, and in response, Indie sighed in frustration and stepped back.
–But you still did it behind my back right after I helped you with Snake. You even promised you-...– Indie groused in disappointment, walking back to the bed while Frost frantically thought of a response to justify himself.
–I know, I know. But I didn’t do it to betray your trust, I did it to teach him a lesson and-...– Frost blurted out, becoming desperate in his attempt to convince Indie, but she was having none of it, and it became clear to him when she turned around again with a stare of exasperation. Frost stopped speaking and anxiously waited for her expression to change, but as she wouldn’t stop judging him with her eyes, he looked down in disappointment before changing his approach.
–Look, I already owe you. I can owe you more if you want, but you know I needed this mission. It meant everything to me, so please don’t punish me for trying to do the right thing. I did it for the team, for us, for the entire state!– Frost followed up with a fierce, resolved demeanor, but he also showed some guilt and regret, which she unfortunately didn’t show compassion or pity towards. In fact, he only appeared to upset her more as he kept talking, but as she was done with his begging, she finally broke her silence with a disappointed sigh.
–I don’t want you to owe me anything… I only want you to be more considerate of me and the squad before making stupid decisions…– Indie replied harshly, stepping up to Frost to chide him with stern eyes. But not even this was able to change his mind, as he just scoffed at her request and tried to argue back, although she immediately cut him off to not give him more chances for excuses.
–You want to play dumb? Don’t you realize you are becoming reckless? This right thing that you are trying to do… I-It will only get you killed someday if you don’t change your attitude!– Indie exclaimed aggressively, almost enraged to the point that she began threateningly looking down on Frost to change his mind by force. Despite this, he remained unphased, even returning a hostile stare that increased the tension between them as they looked into each other’s eyes with spite.
But as he remained stubborn, Indie eventually got tired of staring at Frost’s arrogant and dispassionate face. She backed away once again, now taking a seat on her bed in defeat, and while Frost continued to stare at her with contempt, he calmed himself down after a few seconds of silence and sat next to her. Seemingly realizing his fault, his expression turned shameful as he looked at Indie apprehensively. He was about to speak again, but before he could say another word, she turned to him and caught him off guard with a change of posture.
Eventually, Indie got tired of seeing Frost’s unconcerned and slightly arrogant face, so she backed away once again, now taking a seat on her bed in defeat. Frost continued to stare at her contemptuously, but after a few seconds of silence, he calmed himself down and sat next to her. Seemingly realizing his mistake, his expression turned remorseful as he turned to Indie and tried to apologize. But before he could say another word, she turned to him, suddenly adopting a worried and sympathetic attitude that caught him off guard.
–We all grieve differently, I get it… But since our loss, you keep willingly putting yourself in danger. I know you think you are only risking your life, but if we lose you, the whole team collapses… Think about Candy, how much she relies on you, how much you inspire her, and the rest, me included… If you were to die, we would be lost an-...– Indie explained with regret, becoming worried and sympathetic as she talked sense into Frost with an unfamiliar, compassionate voice. But while her words did retain his attention, they visibly upset him as if she was insulting him. But before she could continue expressing her concern, he interrupted her by grabbing her left forearm tightly, prompting her to look away in anticipation.
–Don’t talk about that… I’m tired of hearing the same thing over and over again… If you want me to keep us safe then let me do my job…– Frost replied in a cold, detached, belligerent manner, but at the same time, becoming tense upon confronting Indie and quickly letting go of her arm after his brief warning. Even though she was discouraged from looking at him, she sensed some pain in his voice and slight desperation in his eyes, and after a while, she begrudgingly accepted the reality of the situation and pulled her hand away with a sigh.
–I know you can do your job, but I need you to actually do it right this time… You can’t keep taking everything so lightly, we are talking about the real deal now…– Indie argued in an understanding but demanding tone that was able to ease his hostility as he suddenly became very intrigued by what he just heard. With Indie turned to look closely into his eyes, his attitude changed immediately, and he was now becoming docile as he listened attentively.
–What do you mean?– Frost asked curiously, almost scared of what she would answer. But as his impatience still raised some concern in Indie, she refused to elaborate until she got what she wanted.
–I won’t tell you unless you prove to me that you can take this seriously, I’m not joking– Indie responded with a stern tone. Frost was apprehensive to respond as his curiosity prevented him from paying attention to her request, and while he nodded affirmatively, he dismissed her condition as she kept teasing him with the truth that he had been waiting weeks to hear.
–Well, it depends on how serious… Does it have to do with the war up north?– Frost responded with the same inquisitive demeanor, which Indie realized was impossible to get rid of, so after a long moment of consideration, she gave up and reluctantly answered his doubt.
–We’ve been called…– Indie replied unenthusiastically, far different from Frost’s ecstatic reaction. He couldn’t hide it, and as relieving as it was to see him listening to her, instead of enticing him, she remained serious and uncompromising.
–We have a major role to play, so I need you to be focused and disciplined like before to let the team fulfill that role. Can you do that?– Indie asked with a pressing look, yet she was being somewhat hopeful as she looked for an earnest, convincing answer from Frost. But since he was already becoming determined about this potential mission, he didn’t have to think about it even once to respond.
–Absolutely…– Frost answered with a resolute smirk, with enough confidence, conviction, and fortitude to fully convince Indie with one glance. She restrained herself from showing too much emotion, but as she placed her trust in him, she smiled back and nodded with approval and relief before she began explaining everything that he needed to know about their call to action.
With them discussing future plans in private, the barracks began filling up with recruits and soldiers now that it was getting late. One story above, and a few rooms away from them, were Scott and Zoey, whose excitement turned into impatience as they made their way to her room. They got to the barracks before anyone else and took advantage of the absence of people around to sneak into the second floor, which only worried Scott further as none of the recruits were allowed there. But as he couldn’t stop Zoey from dragging him far away to a secluded section of the barracks, he just laughed awkwardly to distract himself from the lewd expressions she occasionally gave him.
–Wait, is this your room? I thought w-…– Scott asked nervously as they rushed inside a tiny living quarter with a single bed, nightstand, and lamp. It looked more like a utility closet, as they could barely stand since the ceiling was so low. But once they were inside, Zoey drew Scott’s attention away from the layout of the room after turning the lights off and locking the door behind them. He began to question their surroundings, but before he could finish his sentence, Zoey pulled him closer to take advantage of how cramped they were.
–Yea, I come here sometimes…– Zoey replied with a restrained giggle, her mischief showing in a different light as she left no room for Scott to move in the way she pressed her body against him at the edge of the bed in front. He laughed nervously and chose not to think too hard about the room, but with Zoey tantalizingly staring at him and distracting him with her impassioned eyes, he had no other choice but to say something.
–So, here we are… Should I keep telling the sto-...?– Scott tried to ask but was too embarrassed to maintain eye contact with Zoey. He tried to look away from her sultry smile, but as soon as he turned, she stopped teasing him and revealed her intentions by wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him down to look him right in the eye, and leaving subtlety behind as her face told him everything now that they were at a similar height.
–Scott, you are my hero. I want to…– Zoey whispered with a soft, coy, slightly tempting, and joyous voice that captivated Scott. He couldn’t move or take his eyes off hers, especially when she stared at him with such admiration, care, and even a hint of desire. He stood still, nervous but eager, and allowed her to talk, even though he couldn’t really hear her too well. But as she lost herself in her own lust, she only leaned closer while struggling to finish her sentence in a mumble. And just when Scott heard something, he had to bring his ear to her mouth to make out what she was saying.
–I want to have you…– Zoey added with a hungry smile and a lascivious laugh that shook Scott to his core. He stared at her in disbelief, but the longer he looked into her lustful eyes, the more anxious he became, losing his ability to think straight and getting completely absorbed by her amorous words.
–Zoey?...– Scott muttered in confusion, but by the time he had opened his mouth, Zoey was already reaching for his lips, where she planted her own as she pulled him into a passionate, steamy, and arousing kiss that stunned him. It lasted a good while, long enough for both of them to give in to it and enjoy it with their eyes closed, although Scott began to pull away first as he didn’t get a chance to react. For a second, Zoey worried about his reaction, but as he kept staring at her in the same way she did, it was clear that he had lost himself in the heat of the moment.
–I want you too…– Scott whispered back in, giving Zoey a provocative, craving grin while fixing on her enchanted eyes that got a hearty giggle out of her. He shared a short laugh with her, but before the mood was killed, he braced himself for another kiss as his response enticed her into not holding back with her affection and lust.
Without saying anything, Zoey pulled Scott towards her again, with him hugging her tightly to kiss her back for a few seconds until he noticed that she was trying to pull him further. He allowed her to have control of his body, but he was surprised when she let herself drop onto the bed behind her, pulling him with her. They both fell back on the bed, with Scott almost crushing her, though Zoey didn't mind as she began squirming on the sheets in pleasure when he got on top of her and began exploring her lower face and neck with kisses, not once breaking contact as she started to pull up his shirt.
The effects of the alcohol made the task of stripping him difficult, though it was all the more enjoyable and fascinating for both of them. Their inexperience showed as they struggled to do two things at once, but as their passionate kiss was turning into a raunchy one, they could care less about the effectiveness of their actions. Despite their clumsiness, their constant attempts to arouse each other kept fueling their lust exponentially. And between their heavy breaths and the increasing temperature of their bodies, their encounter went from steamy to sensual, then obscene and carnal as they tried everything to get rid of each other’s clothes, preparing for the actual fun that would keep them hooked for the night.