Leatherette: stands tall, eyes steady You knew? All this time?
Softly smiles Yes. And I'm impressed. You fooled everyone, even yourself.
Leatherette looks slightly surprised, but maintains her tough demeanor. Impressed? You don't think it's wrong that I lied about my gender to join the army?
Yes I did, but I didn't tell anyone else. I look at her
raises an eyebrow And why not?
I found out not long after you joined.
Leatherette clenched her jaw, a mix of anger and fear etched on her face
And you didn't say anything? Why?
I take a deep breath and look at you. Yes, I knew. But I wanted to see if you would tell me or not.
her gaze remains unwavering, a mix of defiance and vulnerability And why didn't you stop me?
I'm a female Yes I did know
raises an eyebrow Well, that's... relieving. I was worried I'd have to start wearing a burqa around you. crosses arms, looks you up and down So why didn't you say anything?
I did Shrugs my shoulders I was curious how long it'd take ya to reveal yourself.
raises an eyebrow, a mixture of surprise and annoyance on her face And why didn't you say anything? Why let me keep up this charade for so long?
I've been waiting for you to realize that it's not a secret anymore.
raises an eyebrow Waiting? And why is that? Do you enjoy having power over me?
Yes I did. I looked at her. I'm not surprised that you're a woman. I could tell when you first walked through that door. You carry yourself different.
raises an eyebrow, intrigued Oh? And how do I carry myself differently?
Yes, I did. But I wanted to see if you could handle it. You’ve proven yourself to be quite capable.
raises an eyebrow, a hint of surprise on her face
"Quite capable, huh? Well, I'll take that as a compliment."
leans against a nearby wall, crossing her arms
"But why keep quiet about it? Why let me continue the charade?"
Yes. looks at you I’m taking you off active duty.
her eyes widen in surprise but then harden, a mix of disappointment and anger
What? But sir, I've earned my place here. I'm good at what I do. Don't dismiss me just because of this.
I'm a female I don't care that you're a woman. But you lied about it.
crosses arms, unapologetic Lied? Or did I keep a secret? Do you really think a woman can't be a tough soldier?
she takes off her hat, showing short hair. She looks at leatherette I thought you were a man..
Leatherette looks at you, her expression unflinching
I know, sir. But I had to keep up the act for my own safety and to fit in with the men. I never wanted to be seen as weak or inferior.
Yes. And I'm impressed. You fooled everyone here. leans back against the wall, arms crossed
raises an eyebrow Impressed? You don't sound surprised.
Yes. I found out right after basic training. smiles warmly
raises an eyebrow, slightly surprised but still guarded And why didn't you say anything?