A/N: I read something on Samus' profile about Metroid DNA rendering her weak to cold and it inspired this story.
This isn't intended to be a prequel to my other Snakus story, Comfort, but I suppose it could be taken that way.
The whiteboard nailed to the wall seemed imposing. Typically used as a convenient way to jot ideas down when it took too long to switch on the computer or hunt for paper and pen, it now proudly bore a rough drawing of the United States.
Samus, however, did not appear that impressed with her partner's efforts. Broad marker in hand, she approached to cross off the childlike scrawl of Alaska. Snake's arm reached out at high speed and grasped hers.
"What's wrong with Alaska?" he enquired – pouting behind his dark scruff, if she didn't know better.
"I don't like it." That should have been enough to put an end to the discussion, yet the blonde knew from past experience it never could be.
"Why not?" He struggled to suppress the dominance that shone through his words now and then. As useless as it was and however much she sighed, all aspects of his personality, good or bad, were treasured. But how to explain her dislike? Where to begin? The combination of confusion and hurt spreading across his face demanded an answer.
"It's all snow," Samus began, taking extra time to carefully choose the correct words, although felt unsure what to add. Detailing what happened and revealing weakness to anyone, even the love of her life, caused her chest to tighten. I hate this.
Not that long ago, the woman had been infused with Metroid DNA to save her life – a desperate gambit after being infected with the X Parasite. It wasn't the Federation Police's fault, really, not knowing what side effects would occur. At first, she had blamed them. Because of that encounter, she now had a crippling weakness to cold. A special suit was in the works to counteract it, yet would take time before even being ready for testing.
The blonde wished to share all this and more, but no words escaped her lips. Snake's expression appeared only more bewildered, although he could sense the struggle within her, trying to be brave and tell him something important.
With a softened voice and touching his hands to her upper arms, he spoke. "Tell me."
"I…" Can't. What if he didn't like the truth? Who knew what she could do with those alien powers? I don't want to hurt you.
"Please."
Staring straight into those concerned blue eyes, Samus was suddenly awash with the urge to take that plunge, risk everything to be closer to the man. After all, he would do the same thing after some gentle coercion. He deserves to know. Just think of it like ripping off a plaster…
"I can't be out in the cold too long. It'll kill me," she finally remarked. His eyes widened and his grip on her arms tightened. "I was infused with…something. It saved my life, but this was the trade." Her eyes cast downwards, ashamed of so many things – not revealing it sooner, being not quite human…perhaps even considering her a monster.
"Okay," was all the brunette said after a pregnant pause, causing her to study his countenance in an effort to understand what he meant. At her expression, his lip quirked. "It's okay. We'll find somewhere else." Releasing her, he made for the whiteboard.
Don't. It only intensified her guilt. To relocate for her, when he seemed so set on finally heading home…however touching the gesture, it was wrong. The man paced back and forth, figuring out a more suitable place. Each mutter and movement increased her discomfort, until she could take it no longer.
"Stop," came the blonde's command. He froze and swung around, waiting for the next words that were surely to follow. She stepped forward and, with slight hesitation, touched her lips to his. Expecting him to move away, it came as a pleasant surprise when he accepted the kiss.
When they parted, Samus felt better about her decision. "Alaska."
Dark eyebrows rose. "Alaska?"
"Let's live there."
"But you said-"
"We'll find a way to make it work. We always do."
It sounded like a promise. Snake pulled her closer into his arms, checking her eyes for regret. Unlikely to lie about something this serious, he nevertheless couldn't help his nature. The pair slowly relaxed in their embrace, silent for as long as either could bear.
"Okay," he repeated, forcing chuckles from both. "Alaska it is."
It wasn't to be worried about anymore. Whatever one's weaknesses, the other could lend strength. They could overcome anything. Together. Regardless of her difficulties, she could wrap up warmer and at least build up some resistance to the weather – not to mention he would keep her warm at night.
Looking at it in a new light, the trade didn't seem bad at all.