Reach for Halo

A Moment of Rest

It's been a couple weeks since I was forced to join the military to continue fighting, but training wasn't all that bad. Well, I mean it was bad but compared to Reach, it was nothing. Six and Cora stuck by my side keeping me company. Although I had proven my skills by now and went through a bunch of different tests, I still had to go through one last session before I could join the marines fully. 

Though that session was put on hold for another week. For now, I was told to get rest. And what better rest could a trainee have than just lying down out in the field, gazing up at the stars? Taking in the peace of the moment, I let out a relaxed sigh. To my surprise, I see Six stand above me, leaning over me with a smile. 

Noble Six: Got room for one more? 

Mutasim: Always. 

Her smile brightens and she lies down next to me, sighing peacefully. 

Noble Six: It's a nice night, isn't it? 

Mutasim: Yep. I remember when I was growing up, on a late night after playing Halo, I'd just look out my window and watch the stars. I spent hours wishing I'd be apart of the Halo universe. Heh... Funny how things turned out. 

Noble Six: Really? Knowing all of what happens, you wanted to be apart of this? 

Mutasim: I was a little kid at the time and didn't fully understand everything. But... Considering what I've done here, I don't regret being apart of this. I'm glad I got to meet you face-to-face, Six. 

Noble Six: Likewise. Mutasim. Honestly... You make me feel... happy. The happiest I've ever felt. So... I just want to say thank you. 

Mutasim: Don't mention it. I should also thank you for making a childhood dream come true. I look forward to the future and being alongside you. 

Noble Six: Me too. Just know that no matter what happens, I've got your back. 

Mutasim: And I've got yours. 

We smile at each other before turning back up to the stars. Curious about something, I ask her. 

Mutasim: Hey... Six? 

Noble Six: Hm? 

Mutasim: Growing up... Did you ever have a wish? Something that you wanted to do or have as an adult? 

Her cheeks flush a pink colour, but she answers. 

Noble Six: Well... It might sound weird, but... I used to want to be a mom. I mean, I still kinda do, but... With all that's happened and with me essentially being a super soldier, I'm just afraid that if I did have a kid of my own, it'd be some kinda freak. And that's only assuming if anyone would even want to have a kid with me... 

Mutasim: Well... Why wouldn't anyone want to be with you in that regard? 

Noble Six: Seriously? I'm a Spartan. Everyone just sees us as giant menacing brutes. And I doubt I'd be a good romantic partner. I don't know the first thing about being a girlfriend or a wife. 

Feeling my heart pounding in my chest, I decide to take a risk and say something really stupid. 

Mutasim: Well... Do you wanna find out? Together, I mean? 

Her cheeks blush brighter and she sits up. 

Noble Six: H-Huh? A-As in... You're just wanting to help as a friend, o-or... 

Mutasim: Well, you said how nobody would consider you as a romantic partner. But I'd actually be okay with being with you. I'd be lying if I said I didn't find you attractive. Not only that, but I really do care for you. Beyond the idea of a friend. I understand if you're not comfortable, but I just had to tell you. Especially since we're on that topic right now. 

Her cheeks continue burning brighter until her entire face becomes a tomato. At the end of my words, she smiles and, to my surprise, grabs me by the collar with one hand and pulls my lips against hers. My eyes widen at the sudden motion, but I don't fight it. Instead, I embrace it, smile and caress her cheek. We continue to share our kiss for another minute before breaking away for air. We're left taking heavy breaths with both our faces burning red. The two of us stare into each other's eyes and I continue caressing her cheek, letting her lean into my touch with a warm smile. 

Noble Six: I... I know this might seem fast, but... I love you, Mutasim. 

Smiling, I kiss her nose, making her let out a cute squeak. 

Mutasim: I love you too, Six. 

We share another kiss and hug under the serene starry night...

Meanwhile, onboard a Covenant Cruiser...

Thelya Vadaam has witnessed the fall of the Halo ring and ordered her troops to retreat, feeling shame for her failure. Amidst her grim thoughts of shame, she can't help but think of the human she had continuously encountered. Even when she should've died a long time ago, the human known as Mutasim spared her time and time again. 

It was a strange thing for an Elite to think about. But even stranger when she felt a sort of admiration for him. 

And it would only get stranger as her admiration for him, would turn into something else...