Disclaimers 'n' crap: Haihai peeps! Well, I have to admit, when I put this up, I wasn't expecting much positive reaction…but I got it anyway. I was a little surprised that no one reviewed Chapter 2 though. Although, I did put it up pretty quick. An important note about this fic: I'm not quite that keen on the Metal Gear timeline or Campbell's history (yes, he's in this fic), so please don't blame me if things stop making sense there. You already know who and what I do and don't own. BTW, anyone who wants to use Marilyn in their fics (as Raiden's mother ONLY) has my permission to do so. Enjoy.

A few months passed and the duo fell into a new routine. Every morning, both of them would leave for work, Marilyn for the morning shift at the hospital, Raikov for the morning shift as a cab driver. Major Fisher said that it was common job for new immigrants and it would help him learn the city map. Then, they would come home for lunch, or sometimes they went out, and spend the afternoons in each other's company. Marilyn had become like Raikov's teacher, English and history mainly, Raikov seemed to remember everything else. He, himself, spent his spare time reading Major Fisher's documents on Operation Snake Eater or studying maps. Sometimes, he would just spend some time sitting and wondering what he had been like before he lost his memory. Did he have any family? Any friends? A lover, perhaps?

Major Fisher sat inside one of his favorite cafés, sipping a hot cup of decaf coffee. He looked outside at the brisk November day and then to the seat across the table from him. A full coffee cup sat in front of it, Major Fisher had ordered it for the friend who should be occupying the chair. At that moment, he came rushing in the door, a burst of cold air following him. He was a young man in his 20's, wearing a heavy overcoat and carrying a briefcase. He practically threw himself into the chair in front of Major Fisher.

"DearGodsorryI'mlatesir," he said, breathlessly.

"Relax, Roy," said Major Fisher, calmly "There's plenty of time."

"Sorry," said Roy "I just wanted to spend as much time with my favorite mentor as possible before I leave to join the US Armed Forces tomorrow."

"You're an ambitious young man, Roy Campbell," said Major Fisher, smiling at his young friend "So, I got you a Mocha Latté." He gestured to the coffee cup. Roy went red.

"…Thank you, sir," he said, taking a swig from the cup. "How's that Russian fellow…what's his name…Ivan Raikov coming along?"

"Very well," said Major Fisher "He might make a good addition to FOX or the USSSSD someday."

"Speaking of FOX," said Roy "Have you heard from Major Zero or Big Boss lately?"

"Not really," said Major Fisher. Roy leaned forward and lowered his voice.

"Do they know about Raikov?" he whispered.

"Yes," said Major Fisher "Big Boss wasn't happy about it at first, but when he heard that he'd lost his memory, he felt a little better about it." Roy laughed.

"Forgive and/or forget," he said, smiling "My brother, Matt, is the same way sometimes."

"Give him my regards when you see him next," said Major Fisher "By the way, what's in the briefcase? Odd thing for a future military man to be carrying around." Roy looked at the briefcase and handed it to Major Fisher.

"A little good-bye present," he said "Something Matt and I dug up. I wanted you to have it." Major Fisher put the suitcase in his lap, wondering what was inside. The two sat chatting for several hours before Roy had to leave. After an almost tearful farewell, Major Fisher returned to his base and opened the suitcase. There was an old handgun inside along with a note. It read:

This puppy has 1 shot left in it. Use it if you need to. Just promise me it won't be on yourself. It's been fun, sir.

-Roy Campbell

Marilyn and Raikov sat quietly reading in their apartment, or, at least, that's what they appeared to be doing. In reality, Raikov was, again, wondering about his past life and Marilyn was, again, wondering about her future life. Or more, their future life. Seemingly out of nowhere, Raikov lowered his book and said "Marilyn, did I have a girlfriend in Russia?" Marilyn froze. What if he had?

"Not…to my knowledge," she said. If Raikov was surprised by the taken aback tone in her voice, he didn't show it. He just looked at the ceiling, thinking. Now, thought Marilyn Ask him NOW!

"Ivan?"

"Yes?" said Raikov.

"I was thinking, why don't we go out for dinner early this evening and I'll take you somewhere really special afterwards?" said Marilyn. Raikov smiled.

"Alright, then," he said, putting down his book. Marilyn grinned.

"I think that's becoming your catch-phrase," she said "'Alright, then'." Raikov laughed as he went to change his clothes. Marilyn sat there for a moment, then, when she was sure Raikov was out of earshot, pulled her fists together in front of her chest and hissed "Yeeeeeessssssssss!" They left a few minutes later. While they were looking over their menus at the restaurant, Marilyn noticed a strange item on the specials.

"Hmm, this is interesting," she said "Listen to this: Broiled lobster stuffed with rosemary and pepper jack cheese." Raikov looked puzzled, then laughed.

"You know?" he said "I think I'll get that."

"Me too," said Marilyn.

"Alright, then," said Raikov, smiling. There was a pause before the two burst out laughing. After the hearty meal, Marilyn and Raikov went for a walk. It was still light out.

"So," said Raikov "Where is this 'really special place' you wanted to take me?"

"On the Manhattan Bridge," said Marilyn as they entered Chinatown. They engaged in casual conversation on the way. As they went down Canal Street and passed the Bowrey, it felt like there really wasn't much in the world to care about, as long as they had each other. Marilyn couldn't count the nights she had lain awake, wondering if the man sleeping peacefully in the next room had the feelings for her that she had for him. There had also been many nights when Marilyn had heard Raikov tossing and turning in his sleep, presumably plagued with nightmares. She remembered how much she had wanted to leave her bed on these occasions and wake him from his terrifying twilight trauma. She remembered how much, some nights, she would go to sleep wishing that he would be by her side when she woke up. She shook herself mentally, reminding herself to keep an eye out for that specific spot on the bridge. A few minutes later, they reached it.

"My GOD…" gasped Raikov, breathlessly. From their position, they could see the Statue of Liberty clearly in the distance with the sun setting behind it. It was truly a breathtaking sight.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" said Marilyn, unconsciously putting her arms around Raikov's waist.

"If I had a camera with me," said Raikov, jokingly "I'd take a picture." Marilyn chuckled, but only briefly.

"Ivan?" she said, her voice quivering slightly "There's something very important I need to tell you."

"What is it?" said Raikov, sounding slightly panicked. Marilyn turned and looked into his soft, blue eyes with a longing stare. She put her hands on his shoulders.

"…I love you," she said. Raikov looked taken aback at first, but then, a warm smile of understanding washed across his face. He put his hands on her.

"Marilyn?"

"Yes?"

"Do you remember that kiss you gave me when we first met? The one on my forehead?"

"Of course…I…"

"Could you give it to me again? Only this time, a little…lower?" Marilyn leaned up to meet Raikov's lips as they drew each other into a passionate embrace, and their first kiss. Marilyn felt so happy that she felt like she could burst out in laughter or tears at any moment. Despite the dropping temperature, Raikov had never felt this warm. He had always thought that Marilyn was beautiful, but now he knew that, deep down, he loved her too.

Or did he? Could he?

A sudden pang of pain shot through Raikov's head and he yanked himself out of Marilyn's arms to clasp his searing skull.

"Ivan?" said Marilyn, sounding panicked "Ivan, what is it? What's wrong?" Memories were flooding back to Raikov again. Memories of a previous love. The images of his former lover were heavily blurred, but they began to sharpen in focus. Then, with a stab of shock and disbelief, he recognized it as a man. Volgin. His old commanding officer. The one who had brought so much pain to so many people and the world to the brink of nuclear war. He had had a gay relationship with a monster.

"I'm not meant to be here!" he gasped "Not with you, not with anyone!" He ran off. Marilyn gave chase, but Raikov quickly disappeared into the crowd. Marilyn stood there in shock, trying to process everything that had happened within that past minute. Not caring where her feet took her, she wandered off, wondering what had happened to her dear friend. He had grabbed his head again…he must have remembered something terrible that happened to him…or something terrible that he had done. She stopped to figure out where she was and found herself standing next to her car. Then, it dawned on her: If she loved Raikov, she had to be able to protect him, and that meant if he went missing, she had to go looking for him. She jumped in the car and sped off. She would check with Major Fisher first and then the USSSSD might be able to locate him. She drove down the alley that housed the Major's headquarters, slowing her speed as she went. Suddenly, she came to a complete stop. There was a figure huddled up next to the door, shaking. It was Raikov. Marilyn leapt out of the car and ran towards him.

"Ivan!" she breathed, stooping down next to the sobbing blonde and putting an arm around him. He recoiled slightly. "Ivan, what happened?" she said, gently "Why did you run away? What's wrong?"

"You don't deserve me," said Raikov, faintly "I…I was gay once. I had a relationship with him. I don't deserve your love."

"Volgin's lover?" said Marilyn, taking the news with more pity than shock "Oh, Ivan…"

"That's why I can't be around you," said Raikov "I gave myself to him. I'm on his level. I'm a monster."

"I've never seen him," said Marilyn. Raikov gave her a puzzled look. "From what I've seen, that Ivan Raidenovich Raikov died in Russia, along with Volgin." There was a pause. "Come on, let's go home."

Marilyn drove them back to the apartment. They were both silent the whole way. They went upstairs and walked to the couch where Raikov broke down again. He welcomed Marilyn's comforting embrace, relieving his pain as she held his sobbing frame close, caressing his back and hair.

"M…Marilyn?" he stammered.

"Hmm?"

"Do you…still love me?"

"Of course I do, Ivan," said Marilyn "I love you for who you are, not who you used to be."

"But," said Raikov "Now, I'm not sure if I still love you, knowing who I've had affairs with and all…"

"There's only one way to find out," said Marilyn with a hint of slyness in her voice. She leaned back and kissed Raikov deeply, her hands moving down his abdomen and under his shirt. "Make love to me, Ivan." She saw Raikov smile as he kissed her again and she tore his shirt off.

"Alright, then."

Did anyone catch the significance of the lobster reference? Well, the Rosemary and Jack thing is pretty obvious, but there's actually more to that. In Friends (The One With the Prom Video, I think), Phoebe talks about Ross being Rachel's "lobster", meaning that they were meant for each other. There's a part in MGS 2 (I came across it when I called Rose to save after freezing the C4 under the plane on the heliport) where Rosemary suggests that she and Raiden have a homecoming party when he gets back, "just the two of us". When Rose says she'll make dinner, Raiden gets nervous and asks if, instead, they can go to a restaurant he likes that has really good…lobster. Freaky, huh? O.O