Halo: Let It Die (Book 4, Arbiter x Female human series)

Chapter 34: For real this time

"I'm pregnant." Bria said hesitantly.

     Thel looked at her and blinked. He didn't understand if he heard her right.

The silence was loud.

     "Please say something?" She begged, fearing the worst.

     "You are with child?" He asked unsure.

     She swallowed hard and nodded. "I-it's yours... in case you're wondering." She added awkwardly.

      "With my child?" He questioned.

      Bria was going to go insane if he didn't give her a solid answer.

     "Y-Yeah..." she stuttered.

    He stared at her for a good moment.

      "Please say something?" She asked again.

      She wanted to get it over with, especially if he was going to react harshly.

      "I-I don't know what to say..." he replied.

     "I know it's a lot. It's a lot for me too." She said. "She's big. She's half you half me. Also a girl. She eats like a horse-

     Without saying anything else, he embraced her again.

     She stood still before hugging him back.

     Okay? Was this good?

     "We're going to be parents?" He asked and she swears this was the first time that Bria heard his voice catch.

     "Y-yes." She smiled.

      He pulled back and chuckled. "Bria I don't... don't know what to say." He looked at her stomach. "May I.... May I feel it?"

     Bria laughed and nodded. She then lifted her shirt. Thels big warm hand almost wrapped around her whole bump. Being so gentle.

     He chuckled again. "Wow..." he looked amazed, shocked, happy. All of the above.

     "You're far along." He stated.

     "5 months." She replied.

     He looked at her. "That's what you were trying to tell me."

     She nodded sadly.

     He sighed. "I'm sorry Bria"

     "Hey," she placed her hand on the side of his face. "It's okay, big guy. I told you now didn't I?"

      He nodded happily. "I just can't believe it. How is this even possible."

     Bria was in tears of joy. "Trust me, I've been trying to figure it out too."

     "And a girl too?" He said.

     "I know, not the little warrior you would want, but"

     "She will be perfect." He replied and placed his forehead on hers.

     But his joy quickly faded.

     "Does this mean..." he said hesitantly. "That we can have a normal life?"

     Bria froze. That's what she would want. She was sure that's what Thel would want as well. But was normal an option for them? Would they be able to be together? Without war? Without fighting for their lives? It sounded too good to be true.

Perhaps it was.