INFERNAL WORLD » kyle GAZ garrick

37 - back to where it all started

AGAIN, I'M SO SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING SOONER. Uni and work can sometimes be hell, but I'm working for that master's degree, biitch. Really hope things are going well for all of you and enjoy the chapter! Pretty rough (and heated) things are about to go down soon ;)

***

''You seem like you've always wanted siblings... am I right?'' Elena asked, sort of turning her head.

''Oh, yeah...'' Gaz confidently answered and nodded, causing Elena to look at him thoroughly. ''I like big families...''

They were standing by the large TV in the common room, checking each other's comms and ensuring everything was set. Soon, they would be heading out the door with the rest of the team. Soap was in his room, probably writing his last sentences down before leaving. Ghost was in the Captain's office, going over the last necessary things. Even Kate was involved. and the two of them were briefly catching each other's gazes and shyly looking away.

''I'm sad my parents never had any other kids. I'd love to have grown up with a sister or brother like Soap... even though she's much younger than him,'' Gaz continued. ''I've got some cousins, but... I just wanted to grow up... every day, y'know, with someone like that with me...''

''Yeah,'' Elena huffed and smiled, wondering how Gaz could be so sweet. She had experience with living with other children around her, although she knew it was as far as it could be from living with one's siblings. Those people, as much as the nuns tried to convince her, were not her family. Sam, at that time, was her family, after everything she had gone through. Those were just other unhappy kids.

''But still...'' Gaz continued and looked at her. ''I'd love to introduce you to my family one day.''

Elena blinked and shot a look at him.

''Me?'' she questioned with a sudden smile popping up on her face.

The man nodded with an even warmer smile.

''Mhm...''

''I'd... love to,'' Elena replied sincerely, although every muscle in her body felt like trembling and making her fall to her knees. In her entire life, she had never been invited to meet someone's parents, never met someone's family, except for Kate introducing her wife to her. Elena felt a shudder overwhelm her. ''I'd probably be scared, but I'd love to.''

She felt honored as well. Gaz would want to introduce her to HIS family?

''No need to feel scared. You're like an expert around adults... and probably kids,'' Gaz reassured her and smiled again.

''Me? No-'' Elena shook her head and pushed a laugh, hoping that it would help ease the blush that had formed on her face. ''You remember how I got when we met for the first time... the only reason I wasn't dead as quiet was because we were on a mission and I was forced to... when it came to the real... the real thing- I just remember shutting in.''

''Well, you opened up pretty soon to me, I think,'' Gaz disagreed and chuckled. ''Plus... I know you get quiet because you like... to observe people and... just figure things out before...''

''Before I can trust them,'' Elena continued and nodded, thankful but not surprised that Gaz understood her. ''It just still feels unprofessional. I can't help but shut in whenever I get to meet someone new...''

''Elena, it's... it's not bad and... I admire that. It's... valuable that you don't immediately trust someone in that field. I- I get why you are like that and I'd never judge you for it...''

Elena smiled and sighed.

''Thanks, Kyle,''

With his name spoken from her lips, Gaz pressed his lips together and took a deep breath.