The Rabbit and the Wolfe

An extra-long chapter for you all this time (9k+ words)! School was being a pain so, I had to deal with that beast first. Not to mention that this chapter was particularly difficult to write. For your wait, there is a surprise at the end. As always, this is a mature piece of work, so take care when reading it. Don't forget to follow, favorite, and as always, all constructive criticism is welcome! Whelp, with that boring stuff out of the way, let's charge into chapter 25!

*Warning: Possible triggers ahead*

25. Blissfully Falling

One Week Later (3 days till court martial)

Sol System, Earth

Oceania (Eastern Australia)

"Damn it." She ran a hand through her golden mane as she stared at the small screen before her. Sure enough, Roland had given her exactly ten days of freedom before it would all come crashing down around her. The short, simple message ordered her to report to HIGHCOM in three days to conduct the official tribunal. Usually they would send marines to escort the accused to the facility personally. It looks like they were taking it easy on her. Either that, or she had some friends in very high places. A sardonic chuckle escaped her, filling the empty bedroom with her own voice. Three days. Three days and my career is over. The most likely outcome will be a brig on some arid, backwater shithole, out of view of anyone I know. It would be years before I got out, maybe decades. Who knows what it might be like when I'm released? Indigo and the others would most likely be happily married, maybe even moved off planet. Blue Team…oh god, I didn't even think about Kelly. She would be angry, devastated for sure. And Amber…shit! Who will take care of her!? The reason she's on the Infinity is because we're there to protect her! Her mind continued to spiral down even deeper, each horror darker than the last.

She shook her head violently. No, she couldn't think like this. It was getting her nowhere. She needed a plan of action, a failsafe, in case unforeseen problems reared their ugly heads. With a determined huff, she tossed the pad onto the bed, and made her way out of the empty apartment, locking it behind her. She was going to protect those important to her. Lessen the inevitable fallout from her court martial. She had some calls to make.

Undisclosed Location, Sol system

Unknown Time

Major Reilcat walked along the dark, decrepit streets, the occasional street lamp casting a foreboding glow that was quickly swallowed up by the cold, almost evil, atmosphere. He tugged the collar of his trench coat up further, to ward away the biting cold that seemed to seep into every crevice. He did not worry about facial recognition out here. Any cameras had been destroyed years ago, and neither the local government or the UNSC had sought fit to replace them. He checked his armor and sidearm were secure under the guise of adjusting his clothes. Although there were no cameras, one could never be too careful. Even the dark had eyes. His booted footsteps hardly made any noise, but in the quiet of the night, they seemed to boom like rolling thunder. He eventually made it to his destination. It was someone's home once, but no longer. Now it looked like a decaying corpse, with the moldy, peeling paint, the shattered windows, and the faint bloodstains that marred its walls, a chilling reminder of a different time.

He solidly knocked twice on the metal door that, although scarred and torched, seemed much newer than the rest of the building. Muffled movement could be heard on the other side. A small flap opened at about eye level, revealing a pair of night vision sunglasses.

"Who is it." The man snapped.

"It's me. I have what you want." He replied coldly.

The guard grunted and closed the flap. He had been through this routine more times than he could count. He would knock, they would 'converse', the flap would close again, then the door would open after the doorman cleared it with their boss. Sure enough, not a minute or two later the metal opened with a groan. He stepped through while the guard closed the door, casting the room into darkness. He instinctively raised his arms as the glorified doorman patted him down. Seemingly satisfied he grunted and opened another door which led downstairs. As the door closed behind him he heard the guard mumble this his coat made him look older than dirt.

"Yea, those sunglasses make you look like a dumbass." He growled out as he descended the stairs. Fucking idiot. A frown was plastered to his face, a result of dealing with the UNSC for months on end. He cleared his mind as he reached the end of the subterranean corridor. Forget the UNSC. He pounded on the metal vault door that separated him from his paycheck. Anything less and the sound would not be able to penetrate the thick steel door. It was quiet for a few seconds before the steel contraption was slowly wrenched open. As he passed the threshold, it was like stepping into another world. Gone were the peeling walls and rusted doors. Tables displayed holographic images as people of varying race, sex, and build spoke with each other, passing orders, surveying components and weapons, or just minding their own business.

In the middle of it all was Wilhelm Sundance, flanked by three of his guards. At 6'2", he was not the most intimidating person, but his lack in physical appearance was more than made up for by his skills as a tactician, brutality, cunning, and sheer determination. As he approached, Wilhelm turned his head, brows furrowing in confusion for but a moment, before a hard smile broke out.

"Ah, Alexander! How good of you to join us. I heard from my guard upstairs that you brought what we needed?" His steely blue eyes seemed to bore into the Major, but he ignored the coldness they seemed to exhibit as he glared back with the same cold gaze.

"I did, Wilhelm." A small smile broke out on his face as the man before him seemed to frown, but he couldn't be sure. A few tense moments past as the men stared one another down before Wilhelm burst out into a deep, bellowing laughter, his mustache bouncing happily in time with his face.

"Still like to push people's buttons, don't you?" He held out his hand for what the Major had promised him.

"I have conditions." He said, the smile falling from Wilhelm's face. One of the men standing beside the leader stepped forward menacingly.

"That was never part of the agreement. The boss-" The rest of his words stopped in his throat as his brains exploded out the back of his skull, spraying the floor and anyone standing nearby with blood and gore. The corpse slumped to the floor as gravity caught up with the present. Alexander's still-smoking pistol dropped to his side, ready to be used again if it was needed. Wilhelm cast an uninterested glance at the dead man and waved for his body to be taken away.

"Never liked him anyway. Never shut up. Now, what are your conditions?"

"I want in. Full access. I hate standing on the sidelines."

"Oh, do you now?" The leader's tone was icy, but Alex laughed it off. He had the upper hand and they both knew it.

"You need me." He pointed out smoothly. "It would take time and money to find someone else that would willingly get you the information I have. More, if you had to persuade them. You and I both know you can't proceed without it. So why don't we skip the bullshit and go straight to the part where you pay me what I deserve and give me what I want." Wilhelm ground his teeth behind his thin frown. The man before him was arrogant, ambitious, narcissistic, greedy, and overall, a complete asshole. He would have had him shot long ago if he wasn't so useful. Truthfully, he had earned a spot in his inner circle for a long time now, but he thought the man was too stupid to figure that out. He was wrong. Reilcat was intelligent, surprisingly so, and his contacts will make the next steps of his plans astronomically easier. They had come to trust each other. The needed to, if what they were about to perform was going to succeed.

A genuine smile spread across Wilhelm's face as he extended his hand in agreement. Alex took it and shook it firmly. "Well then, now that we have that sorted out, what do you want?" A laughter, more along the lines of a maniacal cackle, broke from the officer. He shook his head as a smile broke out on his face.

"A simple request, really." His dark green orbs seemed to come alive with something sinister, bathed in pure hatred. His graying blond hair seemed only to add to the frightening appearance. "I want to kill the Master Chief."

"I think we can acquiesce to your request." Wilhelm responded gracefully, accepting the offered chip. The two men walked over to the nearest holotable, inserted the chip and watched the vast amount of data flow under their control. "One step closer, Alex. One. Step. Closer." He saw the man smile and nod out of the corner of his eye.

Earth surface, Sol System

Oceania Region (Western Australia)

Linda wiped a pool of sweat away from her face as she attacked the bag once more. The bag swung freely from its suspended chain like a seesaw, unused to the amount of force smashing into it constantly. Although, she was sweating quite a bit, her workout was just starting. She had inquired to Megan about a nearby gym and she pointed this particular one out to her, as she had a membership of her own. Linda glanced up from her current bout to spot a familiar blue mane of her headed in her direction. She made eye contact with Megan, who held up a bag of food in response. Lunch time. This had been the norm the past few days. Megan would go to work, while Linda hit the gym or explore the town, they would meet up for lunch, then they would go their separate ways once again until Megan was done teaching for the day, where they would meet up again for dinner. She nodded quickly, refocusing on the bag. A flurry of punches slammed into the abused material before finishing of her bout with a roundhouse that sent the bag swinging on its chain. She quickly settled the bag and joined her new friend for lunch.

"Do you always show off like that?" Megan asked, handing over her order.

"I was just finishing up."

"Sure you were." She retorted sarcastically, taking a bite of her food in an effort to block further communication. Linda's brown furrowed in confusion momentarily before shrugging and diving into her own food. They maintained a slightly awkward silence as they ate, not content with bringing up topics that might be offensive or insensitive. Especially the insensitive ones.

Megan took this time to formulate what she thought were suitable topics of discussion. Most things she would normally ask one of her other friends were given a wide berth, either out of fear of upsetting the taller redhead, or the woman giving her a blank stare until she clarified herself. Linda was definitely an odd cookie in her book.

Even with the military background, I would think she would at least know what some of these things are. Her entire life seems to revolve around the military. Not that unusual per se, but it seems like the military is her only life, like she has nothing else. No family, friends, home, nothing. Its…eerie. Not to say that her lack of attachment has made her dull or dimwitted, not in the slightest. She is remarkably intelligent; I would even hesitantly call her a 'prodigy'. Hell, she could easily put some of my professors out of a job!

Her small chuckle received a raised brow from the sniper, but Megan just waved her off.

Not only is she mentally imposing, but physically as well. At well over six foot, she would not be what you call a 'normal' height for a woman her age. It's kind of frightening actually. Out of curiosity, she took a look at the woman's pale face. Her emerald orbs were as fierce as ever but she caught a flash of something else within them.

Pain? Sorrow? Guilt? Grief? A combination of all of the above and more? It was an odd mix to pick up in the impeccable sniper she had come to know over the past week. The look in her eyes was…haunting.

"What?" Linda had caught her staring. Crap.

"It's nothing. Never mind." She added dismissively.

Linda pursed her lips and continued to bore right through her friend. "It's not nothing." Her serious tone left no room for argument. Megan was going to argue but the conversation was stopped as five boisterous men entered the lobby. Everything about them, from their clothing to their haircut screamed 'military'. Not very inconspicuous, but who was she to judge? Megan used them as a distraction, rapidly tossing away the remnants of her meal and venturing over the a nearby bench press.

Linda, followed suit, mentally readjusting herself to block any of the previous conversation with Megan so she could focus on her workout. Thinking about frivolous topics not associated with the mission was an unnecessary expenditure of energy. And right now, her mission was to finish her workout. So, concentrating on the metal bar suspending 400 lbs. above her skull, she lifted it from its housing and began her workout once more.

"Asshole!" A voice hissed.

Linda paused, unsure if she was hearing things. Then she heard it again. It was still quite low, but she heard the anger in it clear as day. More importantly, she recognized who said it. Setting the weights back on the bench, she sat up and glanced around. She almost ignored it and went back to her workout when a flash of blue and white caught the corner of her eye. In the corner, shrouded in darkness by a blown bulb was Megan conversing hotly with someone. The shadows beside the man seemed to shift, turning one person into five. Even in the darkness she could tell that they were the same five males that entered the gym earlier. Linda could clearly see the terror in her eyes. Not again. Never again.

Megan backed took another half step backward as the five slowly encroached on her. She should have realized when the first guy touched her that she should have gotten the hell out of there, but she let fear overtake her, back her into a corner. Flashes of that pistol gleaming hatefully in the moonlight. Her breath hitched as something bumped into her back. She could feel the tears threatening to pour no matter how many times she told herself to stay strong.

She considered herself attractive, and she knew what kind of attention she might draw, but she never really thought about it. She believed it wouldn't happen to her.

But now it's about to, isn't it? The darker part of her mind shot out.

"Is there a problem here?" Megan felt herself practically melt in elation as the stern voice lanced over her.

"No, not at all! We were just showing her the proper technique on one of the machines." Megan felt herself smirk as one of the soldiers tried feebly to explain their actions.

"No you weren't. Leave. Now." She could feel the men glare over her to the woman behind her. For a moment, she feared they would attack, but they stepped back and moved towards the exit.

"Fucking bitch!"

"Goddamn Spartan!"

"Always ruining our fun..."

Megan waited till the last one walked out the doors before sliding to the floor, hot tears in her palms as she cradled her face.

"Are you alright?" Linda asked softly, crouching down beside her.

"Now I am." She choked out between sobs. "Thank you." She whispered. They stayed like that for a while, allowing Megan to work her way through it. A few people came to check on them, but were quickly waved away. Linda patted the traumatized woman's back in an awkward attempt to comfort her. Her skin prickled at the sensation. Overcome by the emotion, she latched onto the only person by her side. Linda froze at the sudden embrace, but was able to awkwardly return it…sort of. Needless to say, the sniper wasn't much of a hugger. As they broke apart, Megan chuckled cheerily.

"Thanks again." Linda nodded. "So…you're a…Spartan?"

"I am." Megan heard the edge in Linda's voice. Yet another sensitive topic. She would have to tread carefully.

She wiped the dry tears away with the back of her hand, white blemishes dotting her hand. "Damn, ruined my makeup." A dry chuckle left the teacher's lips as she shook her head at the idiocy of it all. Another silence, no less strained but somehow warmer than any before it, filled the void.

"We should leave." Linda stated, though its sounded more like an order than a suggestion. One Megan had no trouble following.

"My workout is over anyway." Accepting the pale hand extended in her direction, she was pulled to her feet. They quickly left, eager to escape the stifling atmosphere that seemed to press upon the two the longer they remained. Megan couldn't tell for sure, but she felt as though she had entered a new area of friendship with Linda. What it was or what it might entail was completely unknown to her, but she was trustworthy if nothing else. Whatever came, she would welcome it.

A Spartan, huh?

Later that night…

Sol System, Earth

Oceania (Eastern Australia)

The apartment was mercifully quiet. Sandra and her friends were chatting amicably in the main room. A few days ago, Carlie had offered a sincere and heartfelt apology for her horrid behavior earlier in the week. At first Kelly was unsure whether to forgive the biting comments, but reluctantly agreed when Amber had buried herself in the woman's clothes, giggling loudly. It was an adorable sight which could make even the cruelest heart melt like a popsicle on a hot summer day. Since then, the rainbow-haired woman was determined to make it up to her any way she could, occasionally offering to take care of Amber for a few hours to give the Spartans a much-needed break. Who knew a three-year-old Sangheili girl could be so utterly exhausting?

Kelly was analyzing the report Fredric had sent her on the current status of the Infinity. He revealed that the damage was more extensive than previously thought, and as a result, Blue Team would be grounded longer than originally planned. A slight tug on her sleeve brought her gaze upon her daughter looking at her with pleading eyes, arms outstretched. Wordlessly, she scooped up the young alien, gently placing her on the bed beside her. Amber gave her a quick nuzzle in appreciation before turning to her toys once again, lost in her own little world. Kelly returned to her report, happy to have her daughter beside her.

"Mommy, wat dis?" Amber's naturally inquisitive personality drawing the scout out of Fred's report. She held a data pad in her tiny hands, poking and turning it, confusion and curiosity evident on her face. One of her touches activated the pad, throwing a bright blue glow into the room. Amber squealed in shock, burying her head into her mother's side. Kelly smiled warmly at her daughter's adorable behavior and stroked her head lovingly.

"It's alright. It won't hurt you."

"Is mommy sure?" Amber asked, warily eyeing the pad like it was a wild creature.

Kelly placed a light kiss on Amber's head, who cooed at the attention. "Yes." Amber looked up into her mother's blue eyes, as if searching for any sign of deceit. Evidently finding none, she nodded a few times and returned to her toys, once again oblivious to everything around her. Kelly reached for the report again, but paused, casting a glance to the one on the bed. It obviously belonged to Sandra, that much was clear. She glanced between the two, unsure which to look at. Curiosity getting the best of the Spartan, she picked up the other pad and began to sift through its contents.

Most of it did not hold the Spartan's interest. Armor specifications, vitals (beyond checking that she was healthy), orders (which she left unopened), military record, the list went on and on. But one file caught her attention.

Mandatory appearance…court martial?! What did you do? Her surprise quickly morphed into anger as she read past the summons and into the reasoning, along with the discussions she had with HIGHCOM representatives. Not once, once, was Kelly, or any other member of Blue Team implicated in assisting her with what was now termed a 'personal vendetta'. White hot anger rolled through her veins, incinerating any other lingering emotions. Her jaw clenched tighter at every line she read. Her fist curled at every dismissive word. She was angry at the way Sandra dismissed everyone else, claiming sole responsibility, stating that Blue Team did nothing to help her accomplish her personal vendetta. She felt insulted. She was angry at the fact that Sandra would not allow Blue Team to also be accountable for their actions. They didn't need protection; they were a team. They were all to blame. She was beyond angry. She was livid.

Snatching up the pad in one hand and Amber in the other, she stormed out of the bedroom, towards her blonde target. The rational part of her brain told her that this would only lead to further problems, but she pushed those thoughts away. No more secrets. She wanted answers and she would have them. She stood across from Sandra, who sat on the couch. She could feel small hands play with her hair but ignored them, focusing her attention on Sandra, who had noticed the looming figure and since stopped speaking.

"We need to talk." She met the eyes of Indigo, Carlie, and Brittany before returning her ice-cold glare onto the only person that deserved it. "Now." Sandra's smile faltered slightly at the unwavering, frigid glare, but held her ground.

"What about?" She answered, her instinctual competitive edge flaring up. Brittany seemed to pick up on the rapidly deteriorating situation and decided to take matters into her own hands.

"Hey Amber?" She waited until the small saurian looked in her direction "Want to get some ice cream?" A moment of confusion passed over the girl's face before her eyes lit up in unbridled joy. She had tried it once before and it had quickly become her favorite treat. With a happy squeal, she practically launched herself into Indigo's arms, who giggled at the child's antics. The two of them practically dragged Carlie out the door, stating that they would be back 'later'. With the others gone, the oppressive and uneasy atmosphere quickly returned a hundredfold.

"Do you think we are weak? That we can't defend ourselves, be responsible for our actions?" Sandra was taken back by the question, but not the venom laced within the words. She sat up straighter on the upholstered sofa.

"No. Why-" Kelly tossed the pad on the couch, her glare not lessening in the slightest.

"Then why are we not included in your after-action report to HIGHCOM for your mandated court martial hearing?" Kelly knew, on some level, that Sandra was not going to get away from this unscathed. This message is proof of that fact. She just wasn't ready to believe it. A lance of fear shot right down her spine at Kelly's words. She knows?! How? Fear unrelentingly clutched her heart as she fumbled with the data pad. Sure enough, right there on the screen for anyone to see was her mandate to appear before UNSC High Command for her actions upon the Infinity and the derelict Forerunner structure. She cursed herself for not keeping a better eye on her things. But that didn't change the fact that Kelly had looked through her stuff. She did the only thing she could think of: she lashed out.

"So you search through my stuff?! What, you don't trust me?" She snarled. Sandra couldn't help herself. Issues of trust had always been a sour point for her.

"I do trust you." Kelly responded icily. "Why did you not alert me you were being court martialed?"

"Because it's none of your business! It's not your problem and it certainly isn't your responsibility! I can look after myself!"

"And Blue Team can't?" She crossed her arms defensively as Sandra stood to face her, the green orbs burning with a flurry of different emotions.

"Of course you can! Your living legends!" Kelly's lips twitched downward. She hated when people referred to her like that. That innate sense that she was better than everyone else because of what she was.

"Then treat us like it. Tell the Admiralty that Blue Team assisted you." Sandra pursed her lips to keep her from screaming obscenities at her scout.

"No." Kelly stepped menacingly into Sandra's personal space, just inches from her face.

"Why." It wasn't a question. Kelly was dead serious.

"Because," Sandra ground out. "It isn't your fight, and I will sure as fuck not drag you, or any other member of Blue Team, down into this hellhole!" Kelly's eyes narrowed, as she tried to glare daggers into her stubborn partner.

"We are not children. Don't treat us like such."

"Treat you like chi-" She curled her fists as her anger reached its boiling point. "I'm trying to protect you!"

"We can take care of ourselves. Don't insult us. Don't insult me." Sandra took a few deep breaths to try to cool her rapidly fraying nerves.

"What I'm trying to do is to keep Blue Team from being fucking blacklisted by my personal vendetta!"

"They wouldn't blacklist us. We're too important. Too noticeable." Sandra screamed in rage at her extremely calm, if icy, partner's demeanor. It was really starting to get under her skin. Her rage flooded her senses as she stomped back and forth, in complete lack of any filter whatsoever.

"You Spartans are all the same! The mission, the mission, it's all about the damn mission! Hell, if they ordered you to stop breathing you'd follow it! No wonder…" As Sandra continued to belittle and smear the S-II's name, Kelly reached a level of anger that surprised even her. Part of her knew that Sandra was just upset, scared, and nervous, and rightly so. Like many Kelly had come to meet over the years, Sandra expressed these insecurities as anger and rage, so she understood, in a way. But enough was enough, Sandra may have not meant the words she spoke, but she would not have anyone tarnish the image of her fallen brothers and sisters.

Her barriers broke, rage flooded every inch of her being and for the first time since her childhood on Reach, Kelly raised her voice in anger.

"At least my family is human."

Sandra abruptly stopped speaking, whipping her head around to look at the person who insulted her so deeply. The world was quiet for that moment, as if time had been placed inside a cryotube. Regret stung every nerve in her body, as if her body had been repeatedly kicked. Realization. Kelly could see that clearly. She had gone too far, they both had. Flakes of sadness and guilt speckled with the emerald orbs that seemed to swallow her every thought. But today, the gems held something they were normally without: an overwhelming sense of anger that seemed to boil away any other emotion, like hot plasma.

"San-"

"Out." The harsh whisper grated against her ears like nails on a chalkboard.

"Sandra I-" Again she tried, softer this time.

"Get. Out." She flashed her teeth in what could be mistaken for a primordial show of ferocity. Tears traced the outlines of the distraught Spartan's face, though the blonde didn't seem to acknowledge their existence.

"I'm sorry. Pleas-"

"Fuck off, Kelly!" Sandra spun on her heel, racing into the bedroom, slamming the door so hard it rattled the windows. Kelly stared sorrowfully at the door, hoping desperately that she could do it all over again. Bile rolled in her stomach as she lowered an outstretched hand. She was disgusted not only with her behavior, but her lack of social aptitude. Kelly knew she had to apologize, at least let her know she was sorry. Sandra wouldn't listen to anything she could possibly say in the state she was in now, so it was in her best interest to leave and allow her teammate time to calm down. Wrapped in a jacket, Kelly left the apartment, determined to make it up to her wolf.

The minutes passed by in a blur of tears and self-loathing. Or were they hours? Sandra didn't know anymore. At some point, she had closed all the blinds and shut off all the lights. Why? She couldn't remember. But she did vividly remember vomiting more than her fare share into the toilet. Tissues covered much of the bed, but she could have cared less. All in all, she felt like shit. Complete and utter shit, both physically and mentally. How could she have said such things? She had spent so many years looking up to the Spartans, hell, she idolized them.

But noooo, I had to go and run my big mouth! Sure, I was angry that she found out, but there was no excuse for me to tear into her like that! And it was my fault for leaving the damn thing on the bed in the first place! I…fuck. I'm a horrible person, a terrible excuse for a partner, and, shit, I suck pretty badly at parenting.

Depression and self-loathing coiled around her like a python, slowly crushing her until there was nothing left. This was a train wreck from the beginning and for once, she was glad that another big choice was being made for her. Lately, her choices had been far from sound. In 72 hours,her life in the military would be over. The thought was a frightening one, yes, but at least she wouldn't be a hindrance to anyone any longer. She had made all the preparations she could and was determined to see this through to the end, no matter the cost to herself.

A soft knock startled her from her haze. Realizing that Bridget and the others had returned, she moved to open the door. Her body had other ideas. A tired, frustrated groan emanated from the bed. Wow, body, thanks. Can't even get the door now, huh? She mumbled 'come in' before turning over, her back to the door. The soft clicks and the muffled footsteps were the only sounds as someone entered the room. The quiet, even breathing of the other person was the only sign that she was not alone. Sandra wanted to tell the other person to leave her alone, but found she did not have the energy to do so. Faint footsteps could be heard about the room, but Sandra could have cared less. She just wanted to be left alone. She would apologize for her poor behavior later.

But the soft click of the door never came. Instead, a subtle pull on the mattress, as if a small weight was placed upon it. She recognized it immediately. It was Kelly. Shame and guilt tugged at her heartstrings and she did nothing to stop them. She didn't want to stop them. She deserved it.

"Sandra." One word. One word and she nearly broke down again. She didn't want to go through this again. She had already tortured this woman enough. She would not lead her on any longer. It wouldn't be right, nor fair.

"Go away. I have nothing to say to you." She tried to sound angry, but it came out broken and defeated. Kelly did nothing to stop the aggravated sigh from escaping her lips.

"I came to apologize and I will not talk to your back. Turn over." Sandra's ignored Kelly and pulled the sheets over her head in an attempt to escape the entire ordeal. She knew the fabric offered no real protection, but if she imagined hard enough, she believed it could shield her fragile shell.

"Fine." As she listened to Kelly stand up, she smiled as yet another bout of tears poured from her face. It's over at least. Well, until Kelly yanked the sheets off her and was hoisted out of the bed. She struggled as best she could with her arms pinned, flailing her legs to no avail. It was hopeless. Kelly had her in a vice-like grip and it was clear that she was not going to let go. She eased the two of them to the floor, ensuring her grip around the blonde remained strong. A wave of heat passed over the blonde as she was pressed into the curves of the scout's body. Her own body shivered in anticipation, preparing itself for what would certainly come next. Unfortunately, Kelly took this as another attempt to escape and wrapped her legs around the blonde, further clouding her mind, sending every nerve in contact with her teammate into a frenzy of hypersensitivity.

Where did this come from?! Why now, of all times?!

"It was not right of me to say such things, no matter what you said." Kelly started, but it was difficult for Sandra to concentrate on anything with the rumbling thunder right next to her ear that sent a bolt of heat straight through her stomach. Every shift was electrifying, every breath felt like fire. She chewed her lip to keep her rising heat in check, to concentrate on the pain.

The minutes seemed to disappear as she desperately suppressed one urge after another. It was almost sadistic how the innocent touches seemed eager, almost hungry, to test the blonde's limits. So Sandra switched tactics, focused on her breathing. That seemed to do the trick, as the urges, although still very much present, were much less severe. She almost moaned in relief as Kelly released her. Finally! I don't think I could have lasted much longer without doing something stupid. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, mentally counting the beat of her heart. Calm enough, she looked up to meet twin sapphire pools that regarded her curiously.

"I'm alright." A nervous laugh. A brown eyebrow raised in disbelief. Woo! Ok, I'm good. She still owed the scout an apology after all. Stamping down her urges the best she could, Sandra focused on the words exiting her mouth.

"Listen, I…I don't know what came over me. I know it seems like a terrible excuse, but I have had…difficulties trusting others in some of my past relationships. Some were worse than others." She shifted her gaze to the floor, unable to look Kelly in the eyes. "It's funny, you know? I have known you for only a short amount of time, but I trust you more than anyone I have ever met. But despite all that, I still acted like a complete asshole. And for that…well, there is nothing I can say. I was way out of line."

Sandra rubbed her eyes with her palms to scrape away the building tears. Kelly remained eerily silent behind her.

"God damn it. I don't know what I'm doing anymore." Sandra continued to speak, but the words were lost on the veteran. The only thing she could see was the pain and sadness that Sandra radiated for only her to see. Behind the cocky visage, under the armor, was someone who needed love and affection, just like everyone else. If her time away had told her anything, it was that certain things are worth cherishing. Duty, family…love. Some things were just worth fighting for. Though she had come to love her two girls, it was not until just a few hours ago, that she learned that she could not live without them. Their warm smiles, their joyful laughter, the sheer feeling of belonging they constantly bombarded her with. Kelly was sure as hell notabout to let that go without a fight.

"Sandra. Look at me." Hesitantly, Sandra looked up to meet her blue eyes, her green ones filled with fear and guilt.

"Do you want to know what I think?" Green eyes flickered around the room before coming to a rest on her. A slow nod.

Bridget's words echoed in her head. "I want you to try new things. Can you do that for me?" A tender smile spread over the Spartan's features. I can. I can indeed. Resting her hands upon her angel's shoulders, she eased her down to the floor. Sandra squeaked, surprised, but did not try to interrupt, only watch. Slowly, ever so slowly, Kelly leaned down until their lips almost touched, warm breaths rippling across exposed skin. Her deep blue eyes searched her partner for any sign of discomfort or fear, one simple notion and she would back off. Nothing.

Kelly closed the barest of distances, capturing Sandra's lips with her own. It was a clumsy as the first one, as their mouths did not fit perfectly together as one. Her muscles nervously continued to search for purchase until she felt a warm pair of arms slither around her neck, allowing her to finally relax. She poured every emotion she could think of into her movements, desperately wanting to wash away any doubt.

Marvelous, enticing, incredible. There were so many words in the English language, but Sandra couldn't think of a single one that could accurately describe what she was feeling. Magical was closest her clouded brain could drum up. But she didn't care. Not in the slightest. Her hands ghosted up her partner's neck, pulling her chestnut locks loose from their entrapment. She smiled as the woman shivered above her. She buried her hands into the silky, brown perfection, loving how it tickled her face. They broke apart, breathless, staring fondly into each other's eyes.

Sandra didn't want to acknowledge it, that little prick of uncertainty that remained within her clouded mind, but she voiced it anyway. She was deathly afraid of the answer.

"I don't understand. Why-" Kelly placed a finger on her lips, silencing her.

"I. Love. You." Each word was punctuated by a loving, tender kiss. It was barely above a whisper, as if speaking any louder would break the spell. There. She had uttered a secret she had kept close to her chest these past few days. Just speaking the three simple words to the woman who she owed so much felt exhilarating. Beyond was the unknown, but she had her light, her angel, to show her the way.

Sandra felt a thrill run through her bones, the likes of which she had never experience before. She linked her arms around the veteran's and pulled her in for another kiss. She was in pure bliss. All the difficulties, the problems, the world, seemed to just fade away when they were together. She pulled away, giggling as she felt Kelly clumsily try to follow her. Her hands rubbed up and down her scout's back, tracing the outlines of her body that lie just beneath the material. Kelly rested her head in the crook of the blonde's neck, unaccustomed to such menstruations, but enjoying them all the more. It was unfamiliar, but welcome, oh so welcome. She needed more. More of her touch. More of her taste. She craved for her wolf pup.

"Do you trust me?" Sandra whispered, uncertain.

The intense, yet cherished kiss felt like ice against her flushed skin. Sandra's legs quivered dramatically, a bolt of heat ran straight through her core.

"Always." It was soft, tender, a tone Sandra knew was reserved only for her. Yet another thing to love about her scout, her bunny. Her everything. Sandra clung desperately to the brunette, fearing if she let go she would lose her forever.

"Closer. Please, I need you." Sandra whispered, breathing heavily. Kelly caught on, scooping the blonde into her arms. Sandra coiled her legs around her waist like a python, melting into her lover's curves. Perfect. On instinct, Kelly squeezed the supple flesh of her rear, loving the startled squeal expelled from her full lips, the way her flesh shuddered in guilty pleasure.

Kelly maneuvered them to the only logical place. The sheets were warm and inviting, whispering secrets of carnal knowledge. Her lips found their new resting place, eliciting a moan from the younger Spartan. But from within her rapidly clouding mind, a sole thought caused her a moment of pause. I was just a moment, but Sandra knew better, something was wrong. Kelly was always sure of what she did, never hesitating.

"Everything ok?" Sandra asked, worried. For a moment, she was tempted to lie, say she was fine. But that was what landed her in trouble in the first place. She wanted to tell the truth, but simply didn't know the words to express her hesitation.

"Just relax. Don't force anything, do what comes naturally." Sandra said understandingly, something Kelly was grateful for. "We'll go as slow as you need." She added warmly. "Just one thing?"

Kelly hummed in answer, breathing in the vivid scents of her lover.

"A-a little light? I'm flying blind here."

"Rodger that." Kelly reluctantly separated herself from her second half, immediately missing the warmth. She adjusted the display by the windows, allowing some of the pale moonlight to trickle though. She turned back to the bed and felt her breath hitch slightly as her heart leapt into her throat. Sandra released her golden mane from its containment, which fell unbridled past her shoulders. The pale light seemed to bathe the woman in an angelic glow, sending a bolt of heat straight through her. She didn't realize she had returned to the bed until she was dragged down into another white-hot kiss that set every nerve ablaze.

"Are you ready?" Sandra whispered, peppering Kelly's exposed skin with more of her fire, the veteran releasing a soft purr of happiness. Sandra slowly pulled Kelly's shirt up her body, placing a kiss on her stomach, her sternum, collarbone and finally, her lips. Sapphire eyes closed, embracing every second their bodies were connected. Kelly purred contently as a familiar weight settled itself on top of her hips. Absentmindedly, her hands slithered up the blonde's lithe stomach, before coming to a rest over her breasts, squeezing gently. Sandra had to restrain herself from not ripping off their remaining clothing and ravaging her right on the spot. She wanted to do this slow. She wanted to do this right.

She tossed her own shirt to the floor before reaching up behind her, unclasping her bra and tossing it to the side, baring herself to the love of her life. Any doubts that the brunette would not find her body attractive were quickly quashed as Kelly massaged them, focused on the variety of Sandra's reactions.

"Use your tongue. Bite them, but be gentle. Please." Sandra breathed in between her soft moans of pleasure. Kelly nodded in understanding before bringing the succulent flesh to her mouth, licking and nibbling, careful not to hurt her. She could never hurt her. Though it was not the most physically demanding activity, Kelly was starting to sweat, making it difficult to concentrate, and she was not about to miss a second of this. Reluctantly pulling herself away from Sandra's wonderful breasts, she pulled off her own bra, tossing it uncaringly to the floor. Roughly wrapping her hands around Sandra's shoulders, she drew the woman into another tender kiss, purring at the feeling of their bare flesh sliding against each other.

Sandra gazed lovingly into the deep blue orbs that remained fixed on her, dark with desire. Their breath intermingled as they came up for oxygen once again. Hands continued to explore, curiously kneading the pale flesh that was exposed to the open air. Sandra was slowly unraveling. Kelly's every touch was magic, her lips like ice, memorizing every movement her beautiful face made. Her hands wrapped around the veteran's shorts, giving a short tug to express her intent. Kelly's face was tinged a healthy pink, but she nodded her consent, hot breaths tickling her matted, golden mane.

The shorts revealed pale, intimate flesh, millimeter by millimeter. Sandra discarded the clothing, staring at Kelly in all her heart-stopping beauty. Milky thighs squirmed restlessly, nervous of the attention they received.

"My eyes are up here." Sandra blushed beet red at the fact she had been caught staring. Sandra chuckled nervously as she met her partner's twin oceans. She blinked dumbly a few times, a naughty smirk spreading across her flushed cheeks. She leaned in until they were a few inches apart.

"Is that so?" She said innocently, brushing a hand up her thigh. Kelly gasped softly, swallowing heavily, trying to keep her composure, but failing miserably. "Well, how can I help myself when I'm looking at…" She trailed off, burying her face into the crook of the brunette's neck, drawing her tongue slowly across the salty flesh. "Perfection." Sandra was delighted in the vivid shiver emitted from Kelly's hungry body.

Sandra quickly relieved herself of the last remaining articles of clothing, straddling her veteran's hips. She was quickly reaching her limit, but one lesson remained. She gingerly took one of the veteran's hands and placed it on her own center of heat. Kelly flinched at the sudden change of surface but did not move away.

"You feel that?" Sandra half-moaned, her senses quickly becoming overwhelmed. Kelly nodded, an indication she understood. "It means I'm ready." Taking a deep, shuddering breath, she lowered herself on top of her partner, a wistful sigh echoing around the room. They held onto one another tightly, as their sweat was acting as a natural lubricant. Emerald met sapphire and never wavered, even as their goal crept closer with every push, their combined breaths forming a cloud of lingering heat around their bodies.

So soft. So pleasant. So…perfect.

The combined heat acted like a warm fire drawing them in, relaxing them, focus on the waving ripples of orange as they licked the open air happily. So lost was Kelly, that she didn't realize what was happening to her body until she felt an irresistible surge from the innermost center of her being, exploding through her body at an alarming rate.

"S-Sandra, wha-" What remained of her words died in her mouth as her wolf claimed her lips once again.

"Shhh. I'm right here with you." Kelly only released an adorable whimper before her eyes rolled into the back of her skull as the surge of heat overtook her.

Sandra cuddled Kelly's sleeping form, their combined body heat negating the need of any bedsheets. Slowly, she worked her hands from her shoulders, down to the small of her back, and up again, keeping her hands busy as her mind wandered. That was…that was…she is…she is…gorgeous. Sure, she had been somewhat clumsy, but it was endearing in its own way. Kelly's apparent nervousness only added to her 'cuteness' factor. The woman had been through hell and back more times than she could count, but Sandra was overjoyed that she was able to give such a marvelous, courageous, loving person something she truly wanted in life. Sandra smiled warmly, hugging Kelly just a bit closer, as their act of becoming one replayed in her mind. She said she loved me! She loves me! She loves me! She giggled softly, fully aware of her lover pressed against matter how hard she tried, she couldn't keep that stupid smile off her face, no matter how hard she tried.

"Why are you smiling?" The sudden noise startled her, but the Spartan always slept with one eye open, a battlefield habit.

"Oh, just…thinking." Sandra responded absentmindedly, caressing the woman's arms, her green eyes full of love.

"What about?"

"You." Kelly raised an eyebrow as her mouth twitched upwards. Sandra didn't feel the need to push for an answer to the unspoken question. Neither said a word as they lay together, content with their position.

"Did you enjoy what we did? Was it good? Was I good?" Kelly stared at her with an even expression, the remains of her smile vanished, as if it had never been there in the first place. Sandra waited patiently for a response. But patience had never really been her strongest asset. She shifted nervously, not eager to leave, but able to easily break away if she needed. Almost ten minutes passed in silence and Sandra was regretting the decision. As she moved to separate herself, she felt Kelly pull her close in a fit of instinctual possessiveness.

"Your performance was beyond words," Sandra smiled unabashedly at the praise. "Though I do have one question." Sandra made a gesture for her to continue.

"Can we do it again?" She burst out laughing, ignoring the disapproving look given by her teammate. She began to laugh harder when her hysterical mind seemed to find the link between rabbits and mating. Tears poured down her face as her diaphragm clenched painfully and her lungs desperately fought for air. She was able to calm down after a few minutes, her laughter now reduced to the occasional giggle.

Suppressing another giggle, she leaned in and captured Kelly's lips for what may have been the hundredth time that night. Kelly accepted the unspoken apology, rolling both of them over until she laid atop her blonde angel. She had an idea in her mind that she wanted to try, but wanted her wolf pup's approval.

"I wanted to…try something, if that is acceptable." Sandra tilted her head slightly, her image all the more endearing to Kelly. A golden brow raised, curious, but she did not ask why. Even if she had, Kelly would never tell her where she found this suggestion. She would take it to her grave. A warm smile and a scorching kiss on her collarbone gave her all the response she needed.

Kelly worked slowly, paying careful attention to each subtle reaction she elicited. Her lips ghosted over warm, tanned skin, marking her collarbone. Her icy lips on Sandra's breasts left the poor woman shivering for more. She trailed her tongue around the abdominal muscles, smiling delightedly at every gasp her pup made. The wet muscle retreated back into her mouth, leaving Sandra whimpering at the lack of pleasure, breathing hard. She gently raked her hands up and down her angel's thighs, enjoying the goosebumps that formed on her skin. She followed the trail of heat to its source, eyeing it with determination.

Sandra stared at the ceiling, absently wondering why Kelly stopped, when she felt something wet touch her most intimate area. She went rigid as a bolt of lightning thundered through her body, electrifying everything it touched and scrambling her brains. Kelly moved to back away, thinking she had hurt her, but was stopped by Sandra's voice, dripping with lust.

"Stop, and I'll shoot you." Kelly visibly relaxed and resumed her mission.

"Better than any MRE…" Kelly mumbled, enraptured with her task. Sandra blushed to the tips of her toes. Sandra's walls fell one after the other in rapid succession. An unquenchable tsunami of heat burned in her veins, drowning out every other sensation besides her pleasure. Reflexively wrapping her legs around her lover, Sandra's final wall broke. She screamed out her bunny's name before collapsing back onto the bed, out of breath.

Kelly glanced at the clock. It was almost 0100. Kelly could never remember a time where she had been happier than she was now. Perhaps before she was inducted into the SPARTAN program, but those memories were disjointed and incomplete at best, so she discarded them. It was another time, another life. She was here in the present, with the most vocal, beautiful, and at times, most annoying person she had ever met. But she wouldn't change it for the world. She loved her, and nothing that she could think of would ever change who the woman was in her eyes.

Nuzzling closer, she placed her head on her pup's chest, listening to the steady beat of her heart. She gingerly ran her hands over the myriad of scars adorning the woman's body, wincing slightly as her fingers drifted across the pink line on her abdomen.

"It wasn't your fault." Warm fingers wrapped around her own.

"I could have assisted you. You wouldn't have this."

"I may have this scar, but I don't know what I would have done if I lost you. I can't. I love you too much." A few tears left their emerald home, but Kelly wiped them away, offering a warm smile, encouraging her that everything would be alright.

"As do I. Let me show you." She leaned in, only to let out a startled grunt as Sandra flipped them over.

"Nope." A mischievous smile spread across her moonlit features, her eyes sparkled brilliantly in the pale light. "My turn." Kelly gladly relinquished command, trusting her partner to keep her safe. It was short work for the more experienced of the two, the veteran coming completely undone under her, moaning her name.

Sandra yawned, all the physical exertion had taken a toll on her. She nestled into her bunny's welcoming embrace, entranced by the heat the woman seemed to generate. Her thoughts began to drift off when she felt a light touch on her shoulder, slowly moving down and back up again. A few minutes of confusions passed as Sandra tried to understand the unspoken message. She rolled her eyes when she realized what it was.

"Holy shit. Really? Again?!"

"Is that bad?" Kelly asked, genuinely concerned.

"No. It's just that…well, nobody has ever gone this many times with me before." She admitted. Kelly's brown locks brushed across her exposed skin, tickling her nerves. Her face moved into view, wearing a surprisingly smug smirk.

"Well, the SPARTAN-II's are known for their amazing endurance." Sandra's eyes narrowed slightly at the blatantly teasing tone.

"Why you cocky little-!" Smiles never left their faces as locked eyes once again, lost within the other. Tomorrow may bring chaos, but tonight, tonight they realized what true peace felt like.

Come Back Next Time!

Hope your satisfied, ya pervs! Just kidding. I enjoyed writing this chapter, but holy crap it was difficult! Who knew writing this sort of stuff was so exhausting? I don't think it was my best work, but at this point, after all my revisions, my brain is completely spent. Please, please let me know what you think! First time with writing of this caliber so don't poke fun if it's not up to par. Don't forget to favorite, follow, and review! Only one or two chapters left! I am hoping to finish on or before the 1 year anniversary of this story, but we'll see. Up next: the court martial! Till next time…peace out!