It'll Come Naturally
Chapter 1190 Do Unto Others (Part Three)

"Are you saying you've done all those things just because you wanted me to improve myself?" Hank grunted. He was wondering about that. He had to do things again and again, until the superior officer thought things were perfect. He thought it was just because of his

reputation, but now he knew Kevin had something to do with it.

"I demanded the best out of you so you could learn and grow. So you could show the base what you were made of. Rather than throw punches at Daisy, you'd grow the hell up and take charge of your career." Kevin could do nothing more to help him. Hank had to hold his own against all the ill will he'd earned. But Kevin did give him the chance to redeem himself, and really believed he could do the job.

"I really appreciate you and Daisy recommending me. I know we aren't exactly friends." Hank wasn't young anymore. If he started again from scratch, he would never attain a decent rank again. However, with Kevin's help, he was offered a huge opportunity to turn the tables.

"Everyone makes mistakes. It's water under the bridge. Just learn from your mistakes, and you'll be okay." Kevin sighed deeply at the thought. People never learned without consequences. If Hank had just done what he was supposed to, he'd be in a much better position. "Yeah, no kidding. I don't feel good about what I did. But I understand how important this chance is. If you send me on this mission, I won't fail you," said Hank, righteously and confidently. The incident last time taught him to be humble and careful. He ditched his conceit and arrogance. And now was his time to prove who he was.

"As I said, no one's perfect. However, we learn and do the right thing. Just do your best." Kevin glanced at him reflectively. Since the army was known for competence, he wouldn't stand out unless he did something exceptional. And he was a capable soldier -- probably more naturally gifted than most.

"Thanks for the advice. I'll never forget it. By your leave, sir!" With those words, Hank raised his hand in salute, with infinite gratitude and admiration.

"Yeah! Go get 'em, soldier! Dismissed!" Kevin raised his hand, indicating that Hank was good to go. Being Hank's superior officer, Kevin was actually much younger. So, he decided to save him any embarrassment.

He remembered that Leena called him earlier, so he thought about it a bit, and then dialed her up. He knew he was kind of gruff last time they talked. Although he didn't mean anything by it, the woman was sensitive, and he needed to explain himself to his wife. And Leena was just walking into her bedroom when her phone rang. She saw it was Kevin calling, and was confused. Why? Kevin never called her if it wasn't absolutely urgent and necessary. So what was this about? Was he going to bail on their plans tonight? Or something else?

"Hey! It's me." Leena sat on the edge of her bed, one hand holding her phone, and the other hand untying the silk scarf around her neck. So now she'd replace out why he called.

"I know it's you. Back home yet?" Kevin smiled lightly, and the hard lines on his face were softened. It was obvious he was fond of his wife.

"Yeah! I just got in. By the way, Claire's here with me," replied Leena hurriedly. That usually happened. Leena would lose her composure when she talked to Kevin. She really cared about their relationship and didn't want any misunderstandings, so she tried to head those off at the pass. But it just made her seem anxious.

"Did she ever tell you where she went?" asked Kevin. This was just a question that he brought up because she mentioned Claire. Pretty random, really. However, Leena misunderstood and thought that he was calling to ask about his sister, which disappointed her. Didn't he care about her?

"No. But she looks like a wreck, and she's tired to boot. Do you need her to come to the phone?" asked Leena tentatively. Both of them felt estranged from each other. Their love lacked warmth and passion. You couldn't replace a relationship more strained than Kevin and Leena's.

"No, I called to hear your voice." Kevin hurried to stop her handing the phone over. In the meanwhile, he felt frustrated, and thought their conversation was always unsatisfying and rigid. Why was it this way? Couldn't they just be natural and loving like other couples? "Yeah." Leena bit her lips lightly after the lukewarm response. Their conversation was becoming annoying and awkward. Was it possible that she still held a grudge? She really couldn't wait to hang up the phone.

"Babe, you still mad at me?" asked Kevin tentatively. He'd never get used to the coldness in Leena's voice.

"No. Not that I know of. Why?" Leena put on a forced smile. However, Kevin couldn't see that. It didn't look natural, and she wasn't smiling from her eyes, at any rate.

"You're quiet. Is this because of the other phone call?" Nervous and worried as he was, he really cared about Leena's feelings.

"No, no... Nothing like that. I'm distracted, that's all. Besides, I'm an elegant lady. I'd never stay mad too long." Leena burst into laughter. She lied, because she did care about Kevin's tone of voice over the phone. She'd be lying if she said she didn't. But she wouldn't worry about it. She felt depressed because of her fight with Louisa. Some mean things were said, and she wasn't sure if she could forget that soon.

"I'm sorry if I was too gruff on the phone. I was just distracted, too, being at work. I hope you're not mad." This might be the first time that Kevin was worried about how Leena might take things the wrong way. So, he tried to explain himself to her sincerely and fully. He wanted to feel good, not depressed.

"Kevin, do you think of me as your wife?" She cut straight to the heart of the matter. She felt like a glacier was standing between them, stopping them from loving each other. She could feel this mountain of ice every time she thought of him, whenever she tried to hug him. She really wanted to melt this ice so their hearts would be warm once more.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐