Naomi and Rivers part 2

Naomi was, once again, hiding behind the corner of the cafeteria watching as Rivers chatted with his fellow Montana members. Two weeks since the arrival to Hoja City and Naomi hadn't talked to Rivers once. Why was it so hard to simply walk up to him and talk? For the first time in her life Naomi was feeling scared. Scared to talk to someone. Why?

Naomi sighed to herself and sunk to the floor. She brought her hugged her legs and laid her head on them, contemplating her struggle. Only a few moments may have passed or maybe minutes passed, Naomi wouldn't know, but she felt a hand touch her shoulder bringing her out of her depressed stupor. Standing right next to her was Rivers himself with an eyebrow raised at his find. Naomi's pink hue returned, and she immediately jumped to her feet.

"You ok?" Rivers asked. Naomi was startled by the question but managed to catch herself.

"Y-yes I'm fine, just loathing." Naomi said. Rivers furrowed his eyebrows at the response unsure of what she was meaning.

"Are you sulking about something?" Rivers asked. Naomi blinked and began to speak but couldn't fine her voice. She had no idea what to say until she remembered her original intent for talking to him.

"You're Rivers Pines, Commander of Montana Tankery Academy yes?" Naomi asked. Rivers raised his eyebrows again but responded.

"Yes, and I feel I should know you to. I've seen your face before but for the life of me I cant put your name to it." Rivers said. Naomi mentally sighed and responded.

"My name is Naomi. I'm the gunner of the Saunders Firefly." She said. Rivers eyes lite up at her mentioning her Tankery station.

"You're that gunner? Oh well I'm actually glad to have run into you. I've been hoping to talk to you." Rivers said.

"Really? You wanted to talk to me?" Naomi asked unsure if he meant truth or not.

"Yeah I do. What happened back out in the Homedale fields. We both shot each other. With the same exact calibrations. Our shells went right passed each other only do to our aiming to compensate for wind direction. I've hoped to have had a chance to talk Tankery gunning with you If you'd indulge me." Rivers said.

"This isn't quite how I thought us meeting each other would go about." Naomi said. Rivers nodded.

"I actually thought we'd run into each other much sooner." Rivers said. Naomi looked at him, studying his face. He seemed to have a genuine interest in conversation, it gladdened Naomi to see she wasn't the only one wanted to talk.

"Any way, do you want to talk here or somewhere else?" Naomi asked placing her hands on her hips.

"Follow me, we can talk in the courtyard." Rivers said walking towards his spoken destination. Naomi gave a smile and followed him. Hopefully, this would turn into a good friendship.