I'll Love You, Regardless

Ellie Rose 2.0

I ran down the hallway, going every which-way. I heard Reginald trying to yell, but my mind muted it. I couldn't bear to hear him tell me she was dead, if she was. I completely blanked where the medbay was on my own damn airship. 

Blood rushed through my veins. I could not grasp what I might have to face. Best case scenario, my best friend has cybernetic augmentation, and worst.. I didn't want to think about it. My heart continued to pound; it was the only thing I could hear, other than the muffled voices. 

Rushing around a corner, I was met by our medical staff. They had a look a of hope, but some looked sad.

"Chief," Dr. Micheals said, walking towards me.

I just looked at him, unable to form words.

"She's alright," he smiled.

I ran inside, and there Ellie was, cybernetic and all. Dr. Micheals had replaced her right leg, and I have no clue why. My only thought was maybe infections.

Ellie looked up at me, "Hey stranger."

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

"Goo-" 

Her expression went blank.

"Why the hell can't I feel my leg?!" she panicked.

"Cybernetic leg," I replied.

"Why?" she asked.

"I would take that up with Dr. Micheals because I sure as hell ain't no medical professional," I said.

"I thought I was shot in the abdomen?" Ellie said, utterly confused.

"I thought so too," I said.

"All that matters is that you are alright," I smiled.

"Ay Doc!" Ellie shouted. "How long am I gonna be out for?"

Dr. Micheals walked over, "What do you mean?"

"How long will it be until I'm able to participate in missions?" Ellie asked.

"I would say maybe 5-6 months, possibly longer. You have to get used to that leg after all," he explained.

"Damnit." Ellie sighed.

"You'll be fine," I laughed.

"Shut up Mr. Toppat Leader," she joked.

"Our next heist isn't gonna be until you recover, I'd like you to be a part of that," I smiled.

"Don't wait for my broken-ass to recover, keep it going!" she said.

"Alright then, I guess it'll be sooner than I thought," I said.

"Also, someone said the clan captured someone from the government and you knew the guy! Explain," she said.

"Remember the guy I told you about: burnt bridges with, betrayed, have a bad relationship overall, and yet I still love him," I blurted out.

"Oop," Ellie said, covering her mouth.

"D-did I just say that?" I stuttered.

"Mhm," she said, giving me the look.

I could feel my face go redder than Ellie's hair.

"I'm gonna be stuck here for awhile, please tell me this story!" she begged.

"Fine," I sighed.

"Let me get some popcorn!" she called.

A toppat went to go get her some popcorn, which of course took a bit.

"Here's your popcorn, Right Hand Lady Ellie," she said, handing Ellie her popcorn.

Ellie sat up and looked at me, "Storytime!"

"The year was 2013."