Hello everyone! This is a one-shot on Baird and Sam I forgot I had so I figured, what the heck. Takes place after the events of Gears of War 3. Don't forget to comment and tell me what you think!
Sam was walking up and down the halls again. There was a strange serenity in those silent nights that she had come to enjoy in the past two weeks, ever since the war against the locust horde had ended. Everyone had been so happy about what they had gained that day that they almost forgot about what they lost.
Sam would think about it a lot on those peaceful nights, about the friends that had left her forever. Dom would come to mind most. Everything had happened so suddenly, that it was hard to believe that he was really gone. It had left emptiness inside of her, an awkward feeling that she couldn't seem to get rid of.
She brushed dark brown bangs out of her face. The steady thump of her boots was the only sound in the narrow hall.
The names of her friends were written on each door she past, some living, others not. As she passed Baird's room, she heard an unusual noise coming from inside. Not the sound of a rusty hacksaw going through sheet metal, not a sarcastic remark being thrown at some unlucky gear. This sound was different.
The door to his room was slightly opened, and Sam couldn't help but peek inside. The crowded room was completely dark except for a fading lamp that hung in the middle of the ceiling. Everything and anything was cramped inside, from circuit boards to spare parts for a centaur. Her dark brown eyes scanned through the clutter, until finally, she saw Baird. He was hunched across a desk, face buried in his hands. Sam suddenly realized what the noise was. It was crying. Sobs that were being suppressed in the palms of his hands. Sam stood in the doorway, her face contorted into a mixture of shock and pity. She realized he was feeling just like she was; Alone. Everything had happened so quickly that day, when they defeated the locust, that no one had time to properly mourn. Now, she figured, this was Baird's way of coping; Being alone in the latest hours of the most quiet nights.
She deliberated for a moment, wondering whether she should leave or not. Then slowly, silently, she walked towards the desk. Softly placing a hand on his shoulder, she felt him jump, but he didn't look back. Sam could tell at that moment that Baird didn't care if anyone saw him. She leaned her chest across his back, and laid her head on his shoulder, draping her arms around his neck. She looked across the desk, noticing once precious schematics were either tossed aside without another thought, or running with ink from the tears that had been shed on them.
She sat with him a long while, listening to the unsteady rhythm of his breathing; it sounded like he couldn't decide whether to inhale or exhale.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, the room became silent, save for both of their breathing. Sam felt Baird's damp hands gently wrap around her arms, and she sighed, feeling the emptiness in her heart finally dissipating. The relief caused her eyes to well with tears, and, quickly blinking them away, she stroked Baird's shoulder with the back of her hand.
Suddenly, the male gear stood up, and without a word, pulled Sam close. After the immediate surprise wore off, she melted into his embrace, listening to the steady thump of his heart as she leaned against his chest. Baird rested his cheek on her head and closed his eyes with a sigh. Twirling a lock of brunette hair between his fingers, Baird was content to remain silent, as was Sam.
Although neither of them said a word, both of them were thinking the same thing; they were extremely grateful for each other.