A/N: I wish you all good luck on any exams XD!

Tiryn: Yes, Snake Eyes is having a bit of trouble and you will find out more about Temp.

Chapter 10: Getting

Snake Eyes gently set Temper down on the bed about a couple hours after she fell asleep against him. He heard footsteps come up to the door and wait.

When he exited the motel room he saw Scarlett standing there.

What did you find?

"Anybody she killed for Cobra was either into drug dealing, human trafficking, or murder. She rarely killed anybody with a family. Her main purpose was to kill any competition for Cobra or to set an example out of them. All of the higher-ups are prepared to judge her actions and make sure she atones for them by helping us. It could have been much worse if Hawk hadn't said something to them."

What did he say?

"I don't know, he went in alone."

When is she to be released?

"If everything goes as planned, tomorrow night."

Thank you.

He turned to go back into the room when Scarlett got his attention, "Snake Eyes… I was in charge of looking into her personal life. She had a husband before she came here… there are no divorce papers on record." A string of silent moments passed before she spoke again, "I just thought you should know." She left the way she came and he went back into the dark room.

Temper was in the same position he left her in. It was late but he took a shower and came out to find her sitting up and rubbing her eyes.

In an act of pure selfishness he went to her, laid her back down, and kissed her. His bare hand traveled under her shirt and up her spine.

Temper pushed against his chest but he wouldn't move, like a rock hovering over her. She had to shove him off of her and straddle his waist.

"What is going on?"

Is it true? he asked. A few seconds passed before he signed again, Are you married?

The air seemed to escape from her lungs all at once.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I tried to get the divorce, but there were problems. I had too much to loose in the case of divorce."

The relationship?

"Is over. It has been for quite some time."

Temper leaned down, her face hovering above his.

"Why are you so interested?" she questioned.

It's in your best interest.

"I didn't know looking out for me was your responsibility," she said.

It can be.

"Only if you really want it," she stated.

I do.

"I'll hold you to it," she threatened.

I'd expect nothing less.

With one fluid motion he was hovering over her.

Her heartbeat quickened. "Is this in my best interest?"

Only if you want it to be.

She nodded her head and he started to kiss her again.

"Temper!" Alyssa shouted, running up to her and wrapping her arms around her neck.

"Striker," Temper whispered, hugging her as tightly as possible.

"Damn, look who's back!" Roadblock said.

"They don't know what happened, all they know is that you and Snake Eyes took leave," Alyssa whispered in ear.

"Everybody needs a break," Temper replied.

"Right, everybody," Roadblock said. "Sometimes two at a time," he mumbled, but everybody could hear it.

"She's right though, everybody needs a break, plenty of people here have had breaks. Plenty of coincidences happen as well," Duke point out.

"Yeah, coincidences," Roadblock said, nodding his head.

Duke gave him a hard glare and turned to Temper, "How was everything?"

"Enjoyable," Temper replied.

"I bet," Roadblock interjected, nodding his head.

At this point Scarlett and Alyssa were glaring at him as well. Snake Eyes was probably glaring at him too, but Temper couldn't tell.

"I think Temper needs some rest after the flight here," Alyssa told them, guiding Temper towards the living quarters.

Once they got to the safety of Temper's room Alyssa asked her what happened.

"Well, from what Snake Eyes told me the man I we were supposed to meet was dead. The man we met was an imposter who had knocked me out during the night. Snake Eyes came in and got me out, killing the man. What happened on your end of things?"

"Hawk came up to me and Scarlett and filled us in on what you two were supposed to be doing. He asked us to get information on what work you did for Cobra, and if you've had any recent contact with them."

"And what about..."

"I made sure everything you wanted to stay hidden was out of Scarlett's sight. The one thing I couldn't get to was information on Jason, but it was bound to be brought up between the two of you eventually. I'm sure Scarlett told him?" Alyssa questioned.

"Yes," Temper replied.

"You would not believe the rumors that are flying around about the two of you." Alyssa started to laugh.

"I can only imagine."

"I mean-" Alyssa took in a deep breath, trying to control herself, "-people are saying you two went off together and consummated your secret marriage. It has been crazy. I mean sure, you two had sex, but secret marriage?"

Temper looked at her, wide-eyed and confused.

"What you didn't think I would know? I'm an expert marksman, I could see it from a mile away."

"You do have a good eye," Temper acknowledged.

Alyssa grinned, "I learned from the best."

"That you did," Temper remarked.

"I don't think I've said this recently, but thank you. Going through your past, even if it was on paper, reminded me of the sacrifices you made for me. And thank you for teaching me, I don't think I would be here, surrounded by this amazing new family if you hadn't taught me how to shoot and defend myself."

"And I don't think I've said this recently: It was worth it. I may have made sacrifices, but so did you."

Alyssa hugged her again and left.

After a few minutes Temper called out, "You can come in now."

Snake Eyes entered the room, closing the door behind him.

How did you know I was there?

"I heard your footsteps, you weren't exactly trying to be quiet. Question is, how did Alyssa not notice you?"

I hid.

"I'm sure you heard at least parts of our conversation. Alyssa notices almost everything."

Marksmen catch every movement, I didn't move.

"I'll have to remember that. Is there a reason why you're here?"

Jinx and Kamakura are coming next week.

"And you want me to keep my distance?"

I want you to meet them.

"A-Are you sure?" Temper stuttered. Snake Eyes nodded in confirmation. "How exactly is that going to go? I mean, how are you going to introduce me? 'Hey this is the woman I slept with'?"

'Slept with'? You say it as if it isn't going to happen again.

"I'm sure it is, I was just... Can we just... focus on one thing?"

I was hoping to introduce you as my girlfriend. If that was okay with you?

"Of course, why wouldn't it?"

You're the one who's married.

"You clearly didn't have a problem with my marriage when you slept with me!"

You clearly didn't have a problem sleeping with me while you're married.

"Excuse me?" she questioned with an icy tone.

Temper-

"Get out," she demanded, her volume staying low, ominous.

I didn't-

"Get out!" she shouted.

Every muscle in his body clenched and he left quickly.

Temper let out a breath she was holding as soon as the door shut.

"Way to go Temp," she said to herself.