Expectations are met

Yuri is standing outside by the door as we approach. Sasha stands meekly next to him with her head down and her hands folded.

“What the fuck is going on here?” Yuri asks.

“Good afternoon, sir.” Dadonov says, approaching. “I’m Sergeant Dadonov, of the Red Army.”

“You’re a little far from home.” Yuri pokes.

“We’re with the resistance.” Dadonov says.

“Ha!” Yuri laughs. “Resistance!”

“That’s no way to talk to a group of dangerous partisans who have guns.” Smirnov threatens, stepping forwards.

Dadonov grabs him by his sleeve. “Stop.” He orders. “Just let me handle this.”

“And you’ll get turned away again.” Smirnov snaps back.

“I didn’t even ask yet.” Dadonov tells him before stepping forwards.

I notice the handsome young partisan glancing over at me, the one who tried to stand up for me. When our eyes meet, he looks away quickly, but I can see his expression brighten.

Yuri stands with his arms crossed and a frown. “What is it that you were going to ask me?” He asks.

“For assistance.” Dadonov says. “We’re doing the best we can to fight the enemy, but we need help. We need a place to spend the night and any supplies you can spare.”

“I can’t spare anything for an army that can’t protect me. I’ve already got enough problems with these stupid girls.” Yuri tells him. “Maybe the next place.”

“Alright.” Dadonov sighs. “Thank you anyways.”

“What are you thanking him for?” Smirnov interjects. “He didn’t give us shit!”

He approaches Yuri. “Do you want them to fucking win? Where are your fucking balls? Why aren’t you fighting back like we are? Like a man?” He yells.

He paces back and forth in front of the squad. “Fuck this guy.” He argues. “We can just take what we want. There’s more of us and we’re armed. We can take these girls too.”

Dadonov puts his hand on his shoulder. “No. People like you are the reason nobody wants to help us, Smirnov.” He says. “Now move your team out.”

The handsome young partisan gives me a sad look as his squad forms up and prepares to leave. It’s a look of longing.