A/N: Semi-Major OOC in this chapter; don't say I didn't warn you...
U is for Unexpected
(Semi AU, Pre "Duty" prompt)
"Talk about a plot twist. Didact had to kill his own lover to stop the advance of the Flood? I'm not sure I could do that."
"You wouldn't have to; I'm the AI here."
"Then could you sacrifice me for the sake of your mission, were that the case? Could you watch me die?"
She smiled bitterly as if he had just asked her if she could touch him. "Could you tear your own heart out and present it to me?"
"If you asked." The Spartan rested his cheek against his palm, elbow braced against the table, as he gazed at the foot-high hologram standing on his desk.
Cortana blinked and flailed for a reply, processors momentarily frozen as she struggled to comprehend - "What?"
"If you asked, I would tear my heart out for you and lay it and the universe at your feet. You're one of the few people I can be open and honest with, Cortana; you're one of my precious people. Didn't I prove that by risking life and limb for you on High Charity?"
The AI pinkened in embarrassment, touching her fingertips together and dropping her gaze to one side. "I-I had wondered why you came for me when Spark could have easily fabricated another Index… Once the Flood was gone, you could have come back for me…"
"Hey. No man, woman, or AI left behind. If you hadn't convinced me, I never would have let you stay behind in that city. And I wouldn't have let you stay behind period, had I known then what I know now."
Unbeknownst to the conversing pair, Catherine Halsey and the handful of remaining S-IIs stood outside of his room with their ears pressed to the door to the Chief's room. "Well," the Doctor said, straightening, "that was an unexpected and not unwelcome change of pace."
"Do you think they'll get married?"
"If they do, at least we won't be surprised about it."