"I'm curious more than anything. It's behavior is... odd."

After an awkward conversation with his CO Captain Lasky, Chief prepared as best he could for his excursion.

He put on his most casual clothing, a pair or black cargo pants (It was all he had besides fatigues, or khaki cargo pants.) a black t-shirt and lace up black boots.

Admittingly, his CO told him he had very little in terms of fashion, but Chief just shrugged and wore what he had.

After using military grade intelligence services in a manner unbecoming an officer, Lasky located the restaurant for the Chief and sent it to his cell phone. The Captain then said his goodbye and wished the Chief luck on this expedition into the civilian world.

Lasky didn't tell the Chief, but he found it incredibly funny that he had called for fashion advice. He wanted to tell the rest of the crew, but decided that wouldn't be right, so he let himself have a quick laugh at the Chiefs current minor problems before going back to sleep.

Chief was relieved to have his CO's advice on this predicament. He wasn't necessarily nervous, but didn't want to stand out anymore then he already would.

Chief currently waited outside the restaurant after arriving fifteen minutes early. He had always arrived fifteen minutes early to any meeting, it was standard UNSC enlisted protocol to ensure everyone was present on time.

He felt rather uncomfortable standing outside and tried to blend in as best he could.

The restaurant had cheap chinese architecture plastered everywhere and it sat in a perfect spot for such an odd restaurant. It was located right outside New Hadburn in a commercial district. However, it was surrounded by an artificial palm tree and bamboo forest which combined with its location on top of a small hill made it seem secluded. Even though it was only a few miles away from a highly populated city.

Chief stood beside a large artificial palm tree next to the sidewalk. He was far enough away from the entrance to not be in anyones way, but could still watch the entire area.

The restaurant wasn't to busy for the evening, given the fact that it was still a week day and most residents of the city prefered to eat at places nearby. Rather then an odd Chinese place outside of the city.

Chief wasn't sure if all restaurants were like this one. Given this was his first time eating at one. He didn't see the purpose in having a stranger cook your food in an unknown environment where so many people were around you. But, he resigned himself to act as a civilian for the evening in order to develop a greater understanding for the world in which he protected.

Chief was eyed suspiciously by almost everyone that had gone inside and he hoped Sarah would arrive soon. Much to his pleasure she arrived early as well. Exactly six minutes and thirty-four seconds early, give or take a few seconds.

He spotted her as soon as she came through the chinese dragon sculpted entrance which lead into the palm tree courtyard where he currently waited.

She was wearing, much to Chiefs relief, casual wear. A simple black short-sleeved low-cut shirt with a faded blue jacket and jeans. He still admired her and used the few seconds before she saw him to watch her carefully. He couldn't get over how tight her jeans seemed to fit and thought it must be uncomfortable for her. However, he still enjoyed seeing her figure in them. He had little knowledge on female attractiveness, but comparatively speaking she seemed more..."gifted" then many. She had her hair down and its dark red tint shown in the dim light from the restaurant, while its brown roots complimented her face perfectly. Overall he enjoyed watching her over the other females in the vicinity. Chief assumed that meant she was attractive.

He began walking over to her and the few couples that were in between him and her quickly evaded him.

I should be a few minutes early, so I doubt he's here. I can grab a table and th-

She saw the massive creature waking towards her and stopped thinking for a moment. He radiated an aura of confidence and walked with such grace that she forgot what she was doing for a brief second.

"Maim." Was the only greeting he gave her. His deep voice sent chills down her body and she was reminded why she wanted to meet him again.

"Hey John!" She smiled and stepped forward to give him a friendly hug.

Chief was...unsure how to react when the small women stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his lower torso. He assumed she was trying to be friendly as he remembered seeing some Marines hug each other after not seeing each other for long periods of time.

Trying to return the gesture he wrapped one of his massive arms around her shoulders and squeezed very gently.

Sarah hadn't initially planned on hugging him, but she didn't really know how to greet him yet. The action took them both by surprise and she regretted it immediately. primarily because she ended up hugging a much lower part of him then she wanted to, but he was so damn big that she couldn't do anything about it.

After the awkward hello and even more awkward hug, she lead her massive companion inside. Chief assumed she ate here often because she showed him where to go and even introduced him to the waiter at the front.

His name was Frank...John didn't like Frank.

As soon as Frank saw Sarah he stopped talking to a young waitress who appeared relieved by this chance to escape Franks constant chatter.

"Sarah Heeeeeeeyyyy!" Franks voice irritated the Chief and he disliked him. In the same way he disliked an insect that had somehow gotten into his helmet on a hot day.

Sarah's face tightened and she forced a smile. Chief made a mental note about how she looked when she faked a smile for future reference.

"Frank! It's been awhile. How are you?" Sarah's voice even sounded different from before and he could tell he wasn't the only one to dislike this...boy.

Chief didn't want to refer to the young boy as a man. He needed a haircut and a shave, bad. He had a feminine voice and looked almost delicate to the Chief.

"Frank, this is John. He's a friend of mine."

Frank extended his hand and Chief like always shook it carefully...sort of.

"Nice to meet you John!" Frank sounded over enthusiastic and cheery. He also winced slightly at the pressure on his delicate framed hand.

What the hell are so damn happy about!

Chief nodded and suppressed his inner thoughts, but he didn't smile.

After a short gossip between Sarah and Frank which consisted of Sarah nodding and repeating the words "That's great." They were led to a corner booth that Sarah had requested.

After taking a seat across from Sarah, Chief noticed the insect was still standing by their table.

"So what can I get you guys to drink tonight?"

Sarah opened up her menu and without any hesitation responded.

"Diet Pepsi."

Frank looked over at Chief.

Chief returned the look with a glare.

"...Water."

Frank nodded nervously and hurried away towards the back.

Chief liked the atmosphere of the small restaurant. It was dim-lit and played some kind of rapid beating instrument over the PA system. The music was nice and he let himself enjoy the moment.

Sarah looked up from her menu and smiled at the Chief.

"So John, tell me about yourself?"

...No.

He knew he couldn't say that and in reality he really didn't want to. He just prefered keeping to himself when he could, but he knew this moment would come up sometime during the evening. Just didn't expect it right when they sat down.

"Not much to tell. Most...All of my stories involve the UNSC and I'd rather not discuss that." Chief really did try to sound cheery, but he knew his voice was growling. It always did.

"You gotta give me more than that John. Here I'll start. I was born here in New Hadburn, I left when I was 19 to travel around a bit. After a few years of that I came back and started trying to get into the Criminal Justice career field. I love forensic sciences and psychology studies involving criminals." She smiled brightly and Chief noticed her teeth were perfectly white. He loved her smile, it made him want to smile as well, but he didn't.

"See easy! Now your turn. Where were you born?"

Sarah could tell John was uneasy about the evening and was probably not accustom to social outings. She had an intense curiosity about this man and wanted to delve deeper into his life. At first she was cautious towards him, but after a brief time she felt she had read him accurately.

Korem Profiling system says he's in complete control, very confident obviously. Doesn't like to talk and respects command figures. Probably a Sargeant and accountant type.

She thought she had read him accurately and her skills were very acute, but she was still in school and even if she had been an experienced psycho analyst the Chief was not someone you could describe with any profiling system. She would soon learn how wrong she was.

Chief sighed and looked over at a nearby couple sitting together. He noticed the way they both talked and smiled. He wanted to attempt this action and be like everyone else...he wanted to be...human.

"Well." Chief inhaled deeply readying himself for an evening of talk.

"I wasn't born on Reach, but its the first place I remember being. So I call it my birthplace."

Sarah had an intense look of thought on her face and nodded slightly after the Chief finished each sentence.

"I was conscripted at a very young age and I've been fighting ever since." Chief finished and waited for her response. Hoping he had given her enough to saté her curiosity.

"So what about your parents didn't they tell you where you were actually born."

"I don't remember them." The words stung.

"Oh I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend." Sarah said in an apologetic tone.

"Its fine. I was over it a long time ago."

Sarah thought about what he just said and how he acted.

This guys probably seen it all. He's rigged and blocks out everything like it's trying to hurt him.

Sarah couldn't help but feel a little ashamed for trying to read him earlier. He obviously had been through a lot and she could tell he was hurting...even if he couldn't.

"Well I won't continue barraging you with questions. I was just trying to get to know you." Sarah didn't realize how aggressive that sounded until after she had said it.

"Why?" Chief simply replied.

The question took her off guard and she didn't know what to say.

"Well, uh."

Frank came by with the drinks and after setting them down asked if they were ready to order. Sarah quickly told him they needed a bit and waved him off.

"That's just what you do when you meet someone new. Get to know them and find out who they are. See if you have anything in common."

We have little if anything in common

Chief thought to himself.

"I take it you don't socialize much John." Sarah grinned and tried to tease him.

"No."

"Well when was the last time you went out on a date?"

"Never."

"What about your last girlfriend?"

"Never had one."

...This is unbelievable.

Sarah was stunned for a moment. She had foolishly called up a complete stranger who could have been a criminal for all she knew and asked him out for dinner. Primarily because she felt an intense attraction to him, both physically and mentally.

And now he tells her he has never been with anyone. She knew she wasn't the first woman to lay eyes on him. She could see the women they walked by on the way to the booth. They eyed him the same way she did.

"What do you mean, you never had one?" She inquired curiously.

Chief shifted uncomfortably in the leather booth. He was slightly embarrassed and knew most people his age had already been in one if not several relationships. However, he was already keeping the Spartan details away from her and didn't want to further his deceit.

He leaned back in the plush leather and let a brief sigh escape him before continuing.

"I just, never had one. I've been fighting the Covenant as long as I can remember. I only recently got deployed on Earth to train UNSC forces and this is my first time away from the UNSC in...a long time."

That may be the most I've ever heard him speak at one time.

Sarah was astounded and had to remember to close her mouth to avoid looking dumb witted.

She had just recently meet a man and at a spur of the moment decision decided to take a leap of faith and trust her instincts on him. She still didn't know if she was right to risk it or not, but she knew John was, different. She was unsure about what kind of person John was, but she could tell he was kind at least.

His eyes were a warm blue and shone brightly in the dim-lit room. She could see the wrinkles around them and he looked tired, aware and alert, but tired.

I may have actually found a man different from the rest?

Chief was unsure about how she would take his revelation. He had revealed a lot to her and in turn he hoped she would understand and stop inquiring about his past.

Thankfully she understood his subtle hints and didn't pursue her previous line of questioning.

Instead they talked about various things such as favorite foods and interesting place they had been. Luckily for her the Chief had plenty of conversation material on this aspect.

He had been to many far-reaching places and while on some of the different planets had been forced to eat strange and exotic foods for substance in order to survive.

She exhibited a very peculiar interest in history though and enjoyed hearing about the various naval battles he had been apart of. He excluded certain parts, such as flying a Covenant bomb into a rival starship and detonating it. Fighting through infested Covenant city fleets, and other various heroic tales that he doubted she would believe.

After a period of time conversing she decided they should probably order and she asked the Chief what is favorite Chinese dish was.

"I don't know." Was all she got in return.

"Well, what Chinese food have you had John?"

"I've never had Chinese food."

"John, you're not making this very easy." She giggled, slightly amused at his ignorance of social behavior.

He had sat straight up all night and had only shifted once or twice. She didn't know if he was nervous or if he always acted like this. Whatever the answer was she going to find out.

"I'm sorry. This is my first time going to a restaurant." He confessed.

"You're kidding!" She said astonished.

"Well, it's fine. I'll just have to teach you a few things." She smiled and winked at him in a flirtation manner.

He didn't get it.

Chief found her wink incredibly cute and felt a heat build up in his face, but he didn't know why.

Why is she signaling me?

Sarah was disappointed when he gave her no reaction to the subtle wink. She mentally sighed and just attributed it to his lack of social knowledge.

"I'd appreciate that." Chief finally replied.

Sarah didn't think he meant that the same way she had meant her wink, but it did give her a chuckle.

This guy is absolutely adorable. I have no idea what he did or happened to him that made him this way, but Oh-my-God. He's like a big angry-looking puppy dog.

After a quick laugh at the Chiefs expense. Sarah moved over to Johns side of the booth and scooted extremely close to him.

At first Chief didn't know why she was moving to sit beside him and it made him nervous, but once she sat down and he could feel her arm next his he felt very calm.

Sarah pulled up a menu and flipped through the pages before stopping on an all organic sushi page.

"Ok John, the purpose of the menu is to decide what you want. It's full of the options they serve here." Sarah turned and smiled at John while instructing him.

Chief kept his hands on his knees and keenly observed the menu that Sarah was showing him.

He could feel the warmth from her body touch his and he desperately wanted to smile, but he didn't.

John could smell her perfume and it enveloped his senses. He didn't fully understand why the unusual smell made him feel so, hot. This small petite woman sitting next to him was full of anomalies and surprises. He may have been nervous before, but now he was enjoying her presence.

Sarah was continuing to instruct him about the various menu options available when she leaned forward to read the small fine print on the menu regarding an organic fish, of all things.

He couldn't help but notice her shirt falling forward and exposing a bit more...chest as she leaned forward.

Chief didn't physically move, but he felt his eyes drift more so then usual.

...

Sarah didn't realize what had happened, as she was completely engulfed in training her new-found friend.

The rest of the evening was quiet pleasant as far as John was concerned. She tought him about the restaurant and was very understanding with his ignorance. He was pleased that she didn't ask any more questions of him and understood his problems without much concern.

John was surprised at her behavior actually. He had expected this evening to be an awkward nightmare full of silence and cold stares, but she had broken that barrier and made it an enjoyable excursion.

Shortly after learning the details of the menu, Frank returned with a scowl on his face when he noticed how close the two were sitting together. Sarah seemed to scoot slightly closer when he approached and was even leaning towards John.

John wanted to smile at her attempt to further upset the insect, but he didn't. Of course.

Sarah ordered for John after prodding him with questions on taste preference. She wasn't satisfied at his first answer which consisted of.

"Anything."

John enjoyed her teasing and didn't mind the playful way she scowled him for not saying enough.

Sarah couldn't believe what was happening now. She was sitting next to a man who could snap her neck with two fingers and she was scowling him like a mother hen for not helping her decide what he wanted to eat. It made her feel needed, wanted and she enjoyed the chance to be able to help someone who seemed so lost.

It didn't hurt that he was handsome too, she thought.

As the night went on she kept locking eyes with him. She was always the first to look away in a shy manner, but enjoyed the brief moments. He seemed so lost and tired, she didn't understand why, but she desperately wanted to help him.

She had often volunteered to help animal shelters and immensely enjoyed interacting with animals who were mistreated. It was a hobby of hers that she picked up while in her freshman years of college. It started as a project for extra credit, but she decided to keep going to the shelter even afterwards. However, she was never fond of helping strangers usually.

She wanted to get into the Criminal Justice field because she found most people were overly aggressive and rude. Why she suddenly wanted to interact and help this stranger who she had known for only a brief time was a mystery to her.

She pushed these thoughts away for the time being however and let her guard down. Allowing herself to enjoy the evening and the company.

Just wanted to say the quote at the beginning fits this chapter perfectly for Sarah. Thoughts on were to go from here? More romance? Some ONI sneaky stuff? Maybe a look at training Marines? Let me know and i'll find a way to include it.

Trying to update as fast as I can. So if you notice anything wrong please let me know. I only go back once to check for mistakes.