She sighed, the flight had been excruciatingly long. As if, she needed the time to allow her stomach to turn flips and contemplating on the fact that she was about to face her brother, after 5 years.
She groaned. This was going to be pleasant. Grabbing her bag from the seat she excited the jet and turned towards...the General? She was shocked he, of all people, had come to greet her. "General," he voice gave away her astonishment. "I, don't know what to say. Besides the fact that this is an incredible honor to be greeted by you sir." She stumbled, at a loss for words. The general smiled at her, with a twinge of amusement in his eyes. "No need to bother with the formality, Stealth. You are my best assassin." He clapped he on the back. "Thank you, just doing my job, sir." She blushed slightly at the praise. He motioned for her to walk towards the entrance. She swung her back over her back and followed by his side. "I must admit though, my presence holds other meanings beside praising your abilities." She had figured as much. "Does this have to do with my brother being a Joe now?" She bluntly asked. He laughed. "Yes, it does. Never beat around the bush. That's what I love about you. But, to business, your obviously aware of the fact that both Duke and Ripcord are now Joes. However, I think my communications division failed to provide the fact that they are assigned to your battalion." He stopped and turned to regard her reaction. She likewise came to a halt. More out of shock however. "Oh..." She struggled to suppress the panic that was subsiding. "I...have to work with...them?" She finally managed. He nodded. "Yes. Are you alright?" He asked concerned. She shook her head. "I'll be fine. If you don't mind, Sir, I would like to head to my quarters and change beforehand. To give me some time to collect my...thoughts." She felt as though, it would be unprofessional to say emotions. He gave her sympathetic look. "Of course. Take all the time you need. You can even have the entire day off." She shook her head smiling. "Not necessary, sir. The sooner I face him, the better." He smiled back at her. "Good. Then report to the training deck when you are ready." She nodded and walked towards her quarters. As she reached them, she found her head swimming with panic stricken thoughts.
How could she work with him after he had abandoned her? How? He had left her and Anna in their time of need. The time when she felt the loss of a best friend and he had only added to her pain by losing him too. Her hands trembled as she changed into her cargo pants and boots. She grabbed a tanktop and her dog tag and decided to make her way down the training facility. It was best to not live in the past. Especially so close to the New Year. She winced at the thought. 'Ok, no more thinking of the New Year' she told herself forcefully.
Once, she had made her way down and into the training room, she saw Ripcord and Duke's back faced towards her. She took a deep breath and muttered to herself. "It's now or never." She continued to walk until Scarlet saw her. Her eyes lit up. "STEALTH!" She squealed and walked over towards her best friend. She smiled a huge smile and hugged her friend. " Hey, Scar. So, you know, I heard how you saved the world. Seemed like you had a pretty boring time while I was away on the blasted Korea mission." She jokingly teased her. Scarlet rolled her eyes. "Oh you make it sound like I'm superman. These two, did most of it!" She gestured towards Duke and Ripcord who had barely turned around and were now standing, wide eyed, in shock. Ripcord was the first to speak. "A-Ariel?" He stuttered. She laughed at his wide eyed expression. "My my I think I may have finally stunned you speechless. I never thought it was possible." She hugged hum tightly. "Nice to see ya, Rip." They pulled away and he continued. "When- I mean how. You're not dead?" He practically shouted. She waves a hand dismissing it nonchalantly. "Eh, cover story. Joes don't usually recruit out of military. Therefore when they do, they have to ensure no traces. Faking deaths. Ya know, the whole 9 yards. Soo, saved Paris? Nice, owe ya one buddy." She patted him on the back and moved towards Duke. Leaving ripcord stuttering.
Duke hadn't said a word and was avoiding looking at her. She stood purposely in front of him and cocked her eyebrow. "Well?" She questioned him. He looked up. And she saw the hurt, the pain in them. She winced. "I-" he trailed off and she sighed. "Look, Duke. I, can never forget what you did to Anna and to me. But I just want to let you know, we never blamed you for it. We only wanted you to be by our side. I will never forget it. But I forgave you a long time ago. I just want to move forward in my life, Duke ok? I would love to have my brother back." She spoke with complete and utter honesty and sincerity. Duke was starring at her slightly shocked and confused. "Ariel, I. I'm sorry, I'm sorry I couldn't face you after I broke my promise. I'm sorry I had to put you through it. And I'm sorry I wasn't man enough to be the man you and Anna deserved." He looked so guilty and repentant she smiled sadly. "It's ok. We can't all be perfect." She pulled him into a hug. After a moment they broke apart. "We ok?" She questioned and searched his face. He nodded. "Yeah" she smiled and turned to see the rest of the battalion now watching shocked and confused. "What?" She questioned innocently. "Can't help that my brother got stationed on my battalion." She shrugged. She smiled as she walked over to the rest of the group and greeted them. "So...I want the deets on what happened while I was away. I mean I get assigned one solo mission and I come back to find that you stopped the world from being eaten. Quite literally." She joked. Ripcord laughed. "Same ole, rae rae" hey slung his arm over her shoulder and she joined in laughing. Duke laughed to. "Missed ya lil sis." He bugged her and she smirked. Scarlet stretched. "Well...Duke is probably the most qualified to tell the story." She gestured towards him. Duke sighed. And gave a detailed explanation, leaving out the fact that it was Anna and that Rex, had in fact, survived. Ariel blinked. "Wow...I did miss a lot. It's still a bit sketchy though. Like why you didn't just let her be eaten up by nanos and try to get the commander. Would've saved a lot of time." Duke decided to tell her it was Anna, but in private. "I will tell you later." He whispered to her. She gave Duke a suspicious glance but let it go. For now. "So, I'm itching for a workout spar. A challenge. I would take Duke, but I know his moves inside out. Snake? You up for it?" She smirked and they walked off to spar.
After a long day Ariel had decided to retire to her quarters, earlier than usual. She was on her computer, reading some random data when a knock was on her door. Perplexed on who it could be she called "Come in!" And duke walked in a minute later. "Oh." She said shocked as she got up and closed her computer. "How'd you find my quarters?" She asked. He shrugged. "Scar told me." She blinked. "Oh, ya that makes sense.." she mumbled. "Anyways, I came to explain the rest of the story, if you don't mind. I think you need to hear." She motioned to sit on her bed. "Ok." She sat silently, waiting for him to begin. He hesitated for a moment before beginning. "The woman...Ariel, she was Anna. I-I mean it wasn't her. She was being controlled by the nanomites in her system that Cobra injected in her. But it was still her. And I couldn't hurt her, Ariel, you know that." He looked at her pleading to understand. "No, no! I understand completely. It's just well...I can't believe Anna...wait! You said she was arrested!" She jumped up. "Is she here?" She practically screamed. Duke nodded, and before he had a chance to say anything she fell out the door and he followed her quick pace. "Ariel. What are you doing?" He asked warily. She didn't falter but answered him. "Going to see Anna naturally" he pulled her arm, forcing her to stop. "Ariel, don't do anything brash." He warned. She rolled her eyes and shook his arm loose. Continuing towards the elevator. "I just want to see her. I haven't seen Anna since my supposed death. She knew I didn't die. But I wasn't allowed to see her again. For precautions sake. Is it really that bad that I want to see her?" She replied sarcastically. He sighed. "Fine, but I'm coming with you." Ariel was about to protest but he cut her off. "No buts " she huffed and they made their way onto the elevator, together.
Ariel sighed as she walked back to her room. It was so overwhelming and wonderful to be reunited with both her brother and Anna on the same day. At the same time, she found herself missing his goofy grin and wacky sense of humor more than ever. She wanted to cry. Especially being a few days away. She groaned and shut her eyes tightly. Visions of their memories haunted her that night.
It had been a week since she arrived at head quarters and due to the holiday, everyone was leaving. Normally for this specific date, she would remain and consume herself in work and training while others were away. But when Duke had asked what she was planning on doing for New Years, the team filled him in on her usual weird behavior regarding the holiday. And, of course, Duke had found that unacceptable. In fact, he insisted on traveling to New Mexico for the event. She groaned inwardly. Of course, he would pick the unknown most painful spot ever for that date. She sighed. So what was she doing right now? On a road trip headed for the land of enchantment. How lovely. It was New Years Eve. And she felt like getting so drunk she didn't remember her name. Unfortunately, big brothers aren't approving of the behavior, so he had deemed this her last drink. She gulped the large glass of vodka induced champagne. She huffed. 5 minutes til midnight and she didn't feel drunk a bit. How wonderful. All the more painful.
The dj began to lead the countdown and she shut her eyes as the memory filled her mind.
5 years ago...
Anna had previously been dancing with her younger brother, and Ariel's best friend, Rex. That was until Duke deemed he needed to leave his place as Ariel's partner and invade Rex and Anna's conversation so they would have the last dance of 2004 together. She rolled her eyes.
"Hey!" Rex complained as Duke forced himself in. Duke gestured towards me. "Go dance with my sister. I want to have the last dance with my girlfriend." Rex huffed and stood awkwardly in front of me. "So..." He began and blushed. I laughed. "Shall we?" I placed my arms around his neck and he cautiously wrapped his loosely around my waist. "You know, I've never had a New Years kiss." I furrowed my brow and starred at Rex. He regarded me shocked. "Really? Wow. I mean, how come?" He asked curiously. I shrugged. "I've always figured, I wouldn't want to share something that magical and special if I didn't feel the person was who I was meant to be with." He blinked. "Well...it makes sense. Why give something you value to someone you don't?" I nodded. "Exactly." He smiled. "You truly are something else, Ariel." I laughed. "Well, now look who's talking." We both began to laugh. Then our eyes met, and suddenly it didn't seem that funny anymore. I felt his arms tighten gently around my waist. Pulling me closer towards him. My breath began to catch and my heart thudded loudly in my chest. Our bodies were touching now. I could feel his heart beat against my chest. I was only faintly aware of everyone shouting the countdown out.
10...
I couldn't help but think of how much I loved him...
9...
My heart began to race...
8...
What if he doesn't love me...
7...
What if I'm the fool...
6...
I wondered where my feelings had turned so passionate...
5...
I couldn't help but wonder what was on his mind...
4...
I wanted him to kiss me more than ever...
3...
If he doesn't...I'm sure I will lose my mind...
2...
I don't think I can't take this much longer...
1...
My breath caught. I saw the look in his eyes, and I began to wonder if maybe I wasn't the fool, maybe he loved me too. Then, he slowly pulled me closer to him and I closed my eyes as his lips came down to meet me half way. His lips were so soft. It was such a gentle and sweet kiss. He pulled away slowly and I opened my eyes to look him in the eyes. Our foreheads were barely grazing and I could feel his breathe in my skin. I searched his eyes, for any trace of emotion. I could read Rex well. And I knew what I saw. He was adoring me. I smiled slightly and he kissed me again. This time more passionately. It lasted longer. And I ran my hand into his hair. His grip tightened on my waist and I continued to wallow in his awry sensation. I sighed in contentment. I could stay this way forever. We pulled away after what felt like a blissful eternity. I bit my lip and leaned up to whisper in his ear. "Happy New Year, Rex" he smiled down at me. "Happy New Year, Ariel." We stayed eyes locked until I became vaguely aware of the fact that the music was playing again. I pulled away slightly and shot my head in the direction of my brother. Panic began to envelop me as I realized my brother would not be happy with me dating his girlfriend's brother. Well dating anyone for that matter. I relaxed as I noticed that Anna and Duke were practically oblivious to the fact that anything other than them existed. I felt a alight rumbling against my cheat and turned to see Rex, suppressing chuckles. I cocked my eyebrow "Now what's so funny?" He tried to hide his grin and then finally gave up. "You should've seen the look on your face!" I pulled away, much to his reluctance, and wacked his chest forcefully. He feigned being hurt and rubbed it. I saw Duke and Anna approaching us. They began laughing. "Get beat up by my sis ah, doc?" Duke teased. Rex rolled his eyes. "Believe what you will" he huffed while Duke and Anna laughed. "Come on, we better leave. Long drive. And we don't want to run into any drunks." Duke and Anna began to leave and motion for us to follow.
I stretched in the back seat. I had now changed into some comfy sweats and was sharing my iPod with Rex while Duke and Anna took the shift. "Hey, Rex, gonna use you as a pillow k?" I rested my head on his shoulder and lightly drifted into a blissful sleep.
I awoke with a start. I felt a hand wrapped around my waist move to rub my back gently. I blinked. "Hey, it's our shift. I'll drive first." Rex whispered into my ear. I nodded drowsily and made my way to the passenger side. It had to have been an hour until I was completely satisfied that bother Duke and Anna were dead to the world. Figuratively speaking that is. Just as I was about to speak, Rex beat me to it. "So..." He glanced at me in anticipation. "I uh...well...about that kiss..." He scratched the back of his head, obviously at a loss for words. "Go on..." I motioned and he gave me a look. "You're not going to make this easy are you?" He questioned me half annoyed, half pleading. "Actually...I was going to bring it up right as you did. But you spared me the lack of speech that you're kind of experiencing so I would rather not stick my foot in my mouth." He glared. "Thanks." He remarked sarcastically. I smiled. "Welcome." He rolled his eyes. "Anyways...I really don't know what to say or do or think ..because honestly...I don't know what you are feeling or thinking right now. I mean, I don't want to make a fool of myself if it's something you did spontaneously, or regret, or you just don't feel the same way after-" I interrupted. "Ok, I want to stop you right there. One, no it wasn't spontaneous. And 2, how can you say that a kiss like that, is the type of kiss you regret or don't feel something from? And even if it was, I wouldn't have let you kiss me again if I didn't have feelings for you." I told him with such an intensity that would shake the heavens. He turned towards me, partly relieved, and partly conflicted. "I-well that's not exactly what I meant" he whispered. I raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh? Then what did you mean?" He pursed his lips in concentration but didn't say anything for a minute. Then suddenly he pulled off the road, and turned to face me. "Ariel, I know, that you had to have some feelings to kiss me that way, I know you too well to know you would not kiss someone you didn't care for. What I want, no, I need to know, is how deeply those feelings run. Because I don't want to expose my entire heart to you, just to get it thrown back in face." His eyes were almost pleading. I wavered. It wasn't that I didn't love him, because the truth is, I always had. I was just shocked. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. Slowly his expression turned into a hurt expression. As if I had ripped his heart apart. And then his eyes turned hard. "I see." He said coldly and he moved to put the car unto gear. I quickly moved to put my hand in the way. "No, wait. You didn't even give me a chance to answer." He turned back to face me coldly and opened his mouth but I put up my hand to silence him. "I was shocked. That's why I reacted like that. I didn't mean for it to come out like I didn't care for you very much. Because the truth is, Rex, I'm so deeply and madly in love with you. There is no one else on this earth that can compare to you. I love you with all my heart and soul." I placed my hand on his cheek and looked deeply into his eyes. And then I kissed him, with all the passion and love I had been holding in the past years. When we broke apart I gazed deeply into his eyes. "Now do you believe that I love you more than you could ever imagine?" He smiled that amazingly angelic goofy smile of his. "More than anything, I've ever heard." He closed his eyes and pulled me into a tight hug. "God, Ariel, I have loved you so much, for so long. It has been eating me alive from the inside I swear I was on the point of a psychotic breakdown." He laughed. I smiled and ran my fingers through his hair. "I wish you would've kissed me a long time ago." He pulled away and smiled. "Me too, me too."
The present...
I gasped, pulling my legs up to my chest and cried bitterly into them. I can't take this anymore. It's too much. The pain, the sorrow, the memories. I'm on the verge of the breakdown now, Rex! I'm the one suffering your loss. I would give anything, anything, to bring you back to me, you bastard. I loved you so much. And then you had to die. I felt like crawling into a hole and dieing. At least then I would be with Rex.
And that...is how Duke found me, weeping bitterly in the corner.
Duke kept sneaking glances towards me as he drove. Probably making sure I didn't randomly decide to burst into tears again. I sighed and finally turned to face him. "Duke, I'm not going to cry again. I'm much too numb for that. And rather annoyed and peeved that you're breathing down my neck actually." I said crossing my arms. "Ok, well then do you mind explaining what happened back their?" He said half worried half forceful. I looked away towards the window. "You wouldn't understand." I choked out. He pulled over and placed his hand on my arm. "Hey look at me." He gently put a finger under my chin and turned it so I was facing his soft gaze. "You can tell me anything. I promise I won't judge. I promise I won't be upset." I closed my eyes to stop the tears and looked down at my hands, focusing on the ring that was on my left finger. "Yes you will...but I think I might go mad if I keep it in much longer. So I'll tell you." I paused trying to collect my emotions. "...it was Rex...he..."I sighed. "Go on." Duke encouraged me. I looked into his eyes as tears threatened to escape. "I feel so horrible, Duke. Because I could've prevented it. He wasn't ordered to go. He was asked. And he told me he wouldn't if I only asked for him to stay. Duke, all I had to do was ask. If I had..." I trailed off. "If I had...I would have him still" I choked off the last words. I shut my eyes. "Oh Ariel." He hugged me as I sobbed. "It's not your fault. It's not your fault. It's mine. I shouldn't have allowed him to go in with only 5 minutes. It wasn't your fault. I know how hard it is losing your best friend-" I cut him off bitter at myself. "But its not Duke." I shook my head and pulled away. I took a breath and faced him bravely. "Duke...he was so much more than my best friend. He was the only person I trusted with my heart, the person who understood me, he could make me laugh when I was on the verge of tears." I swallowed back the tears that were threateningly to break free. No, I had to finish this. I studied the ring on my index finger. "Rex was my fiancée."
Dukes thoughts...
My mind began to swirl. Fiancée? They were engaged? I hadn't even known their feelings towards one another ran deeper than friendships let alone marriage. My heart slowly began to sink. How could he have left her? Not only did he put Anna through misery but Ariel too? How can I ever forgive that bastard! He deserves to rot in the depths of hell. A monster is what he is. I held my little sister tight. I couldn't tell her what he had become. It would only break her heart further. Now my heart felt like it was snapping in 2.