The Will To Live✔️

Chapter 12: Detour

"What did you mean?" Izzy asked.

"What?" Greg replied, startled. He glanced over at her. They had been walking down the road that led away from the mine for ten minutes now after passing a sign that read UNSC OUTPOST 5 mi. So far, they hadn't encountered anything in the form of hostile wildlife. The closer they drew to the UNSC outpost, the better he felt.

"Sorry, that was kind of random. I was just thinking...my mind runs around a lot during these quiet times. You were talking about, well basically your dark past. I was just curious about it."

He hesitated, considering her question. "You don't think that's at least a little hypocritical?"

"What? How is that hypocritical?" she asked.

"Last night you explicitly told me not to be weird, and basically indicated you don't want things to get too personal. And yet, here you are, specifically asking me deeply personal questions." She sighed heavily. "Am I wrong?"

"No!" she replied. "Dammit, you're not wrong. You're just...sharp. You're right. It's annoying, but you're right. It's just..." she paused.

"Yes?" he prompted.

"I don't know if you've picked up on it, but I have been basically courting you for the past few weeks."

"Courting me?"

"I don't know what it's called! I've been checking you out! You caught my eye and I decided to do some recon! How's that?!"

"I'm sorry, I'm not trying to embarrass you or be difficult," Greg replied, unable to keep from smiling at least a little. The idea of Izzy courting anyone was kind of funny, but he could also see what was happening. "You're trying to open up to me. I appreciate that. I like you, too, you know. And I did notice, I guess. I mean, I knew something was up. I thought you just had trouble making friends and thought I seemed like a safe bet."

"I don't-" she began, then hesitated.

"You don't what? Have trouble making friends? Really?"

She glared at him. "You are making this difficult, Greg."

He realized she had a point. "I'm sorry. There's just, you know...there's something about you that brings out my kind of playful, antagonistic side. It's not meant to disrespect you, it's more just teasing. But not like asshole teasing, but like 'we're friends and I'm just playing with you' teasing. But I'll absolutely stop if you ask me to. I'm not really into just imposing stuff on people."

She laughed. "I'd say you're too nice for your own good, but the evidence doesn't bear that out so far. But thank you. I can appreciate the differences in teasing, and I'm actually okay with it from real friends. I don't mind BSing around with my friends. I like to, actually. A lot. It's just...I haven't had the opportunity to be around someone I've felt really, genuinely comfortable around in a long time. Or at least, it feels that way."

Greg sighed. "I actually know what you mean." He paused. "So, you want to know about my past. I'm okay with that. I guess, if you're going to trust me enough to let me inside of you, it's only fair I offer some trust back."

"You know, that doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to let you do it again," Izzy said.

"I know."

She shot him a sly grin. "Though there is admittedly a good chance."

"Oh...well, that's good then."

She laughed. "That's your reaction to me saying there's a good chance I'll have sex with you again!? 'Well, that's good then.' Really?"