Augmented Heart

8

After a very hot shower, I got dressed. I planned to eat breakfast with my friends.

I did my hair in the mirror. John sat up in the bed, "Where are you going?"

"To eat breakfast with my friends. Do you want to come?"

"I'm not hungry," He stared at me. "I think I'll go visit with Kelly and Fred."

"Okay. Why are you staring at me?"

"Because you're pretty."

I blushed, "Thanks."

"I need a kiss."

"Need?"

He nodded and patted his thigh for me to sit on. I gladly accepted, planting a kiss on his temple. He wrapped his arms around my waist, "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes. Did you?"

"The best I've slept in a while."

"Good," I stood back up, smoothing my uniform out. "I'll see you later?"

"Yes," He offered me a soft smile. I met with my friends in the mess hall.

"So any updates since yesterday?" Noah asked.

"Dr. Halsey had us go on a date. It was strange. Not the date, John was great. It was strange that she set it up though," I explained the events that took place before and during the date. I took a spot next to Emma since Noah and Henry seemed to be glued at the hip these days.

"He lets you call him John?" Emma questioned.

"Hardly."

"It is strange that she'd set up a nice date for you two. Master Chief is her Spartan. I'm surprised she's not more protective. Not even in a romantic way, but it is weird that she's allowing it," Henry rubbed his chin as if doing so would cure his confusion.

"Yeah, I agree. After working under her for the past week I can say with confidence that she's hiding something. She probably has something planned," Emma said.

"That's what I'm afraid of," I sighed. "Why did she want you two to come along?"

"Probably so you'll be more comfortable and let your guard down," Noah said.

"That's my guess too," Emma agreed.

"Enough of the scary stuff. What happened after the date?" Henry raised an eyebrow.

I blush spread across my cheeks.

"You got piped by Master Chief and lived to tell the tale?" He whispered.

"No, no, we just kissed," I waved my hands in front of me. "And what do you mean I wouldn't have lived?"

"With his augments and all I'm sure he might be too rough," Emma held her finger in the air quizzically.

"He's gentle with me though," I got up to go through the breakfast line.

"Just think, Sage," Henry slung an arm around my shoulder. "Now you can rub it in everyone's faces that Master Chief is your boyfriend."

"He's not my boyfriend," I got some oatmeal and fruit.

"Not officially," Noah said.

I sat back out our table, trying to push the thoughts of what Dr. Halsey could be planning out of my head.

"Just like you and Noah aren't officially boyfriends," I retorted.

"It's not like that," Henry said.

"Sure it's not."