A/N: Sorry for not updating this. My laptop died a brutal, brutal death and I needed to get a new one, but don't worry. I'm back, and I have the chapter we've all been waiting for: Reach vs. Tex

*Chapter 13*

Reach circled Texas, his hands raised up as he got ready to fight the most hardcore of the Freelancers. 'From the footage I saw, she made a bout with Wyoming, York, and Maine seem easy. Three on one…they should've sent four.'

Even though they were both wearing their helmets, the former Spartan could feel as if the blonde was grinning at him from behind her visor. "What's the matter, Reach~? I thought I was supposed to be the 'bad one' here~."

'Oh for…why the hell is she talking to me in that way?' Reach sighed mentally. Maybe it was a tactic to catch him off guard, or maybe something else. He wasn't sure he really wanted to know if it was; labeling the borderline flirtatious tone as a distraction technique would let him sleep easier. 'If I get any at all.'

"Your heart rate's up," Eta whispered in his head. "Don't show her you're surprised." Reach had neutralized his fair share of 'Freedom Fighters' in the colonies before his assignment to Noble Team, so he had plenty of experience in morally dirty warfare. In battling Freelancers though, who were highly trained soldiers, he had only fought two: South Dakota and Missouri before he became the Meta.

Both of those bouts had some challenge; the one with South due to her surprising agility and his wounds from his failed last stand on Reach and the one with Missouri due to the man's sheer strength, even before his augmentations. But both were predictable in the way they fought, and Reach defeated both of them.

Texas, though, was a completely different animal. It seemed that her style of hand-to-hand was a mixture of all the Freelancers put together, and he didn't forget the fact that even off of a newly healed broken leg, she was more than capable of kicking ass, as the Red simulation soldiers found out the hard way.

"What the fuck are they doing? Having a flirting contest?" Grif muttered, his voice still a very high pitch. Texas glanced at Reach before picking up a rock, holding her hand out. "Wait a second."

She then threw the rock at Grif's crotch, and the orange soldier howled in pain again, unable to protect his completely ruined groin. "WHY!?"

"Oh, come on. You had to see that one coming," Simmons muttered, receiving a kick to the head from Texas. "SHUT UP!"

The two soldiers groaned (or in Grif's case, whimpered) in pain, unable to move with paint rounds covering their arms and legs. "I'll agree with you, Grif. Money's on the bitch." Simmons received another punch, Texas standing over him. "Didn't I just tell you to shut the fuck up!? And don't call me a bitch, bitch."

"Yeah, Private Bitch," Grif and the Sergeant, pinned next to him, muttered at the same time. Texas shook her head before getting back in position, beckoning to Reach. "Well, come on, 'Mr. I'm-now-in-command.' I'm the bad one by disobeying, right~?"

'She's got to be kidding me…' he thought in slight frustration. He killed his external speakers so he could speak freely to the AI. "Initiate a countdown timer on both of our HUDs. I'm tired of playing this game." Eta chuckled and a small timer appeared in his HUD. "You know that Agent Texas can hear you, right?"

"Yes. I don't really care," the former Spartan replied, hearing the blonde Freelancer let out a mock sigh. "Oh, I'm so hurt~."

The timer ticked down to zero, and both Freelancers swung into action. Texas spun around, attempting to catch Reach with a high spinning kick. The former Spartan raised his arms above his head, catching her leg before thrusting upwards. 'Hopefully that'll knock her off balance.'

Texas flipped, landing on her feet. 'Or, maybe not.' The blonde shrugged her shoulders and stalked around him like a patient tiger. "Hmmm...not bad at all~." Reach swung his fist, prepared to have the strike blocked. He didn't expect for her to grab it and use his own momentum to launch him past her. 'Well…that helps narrow my options down.'

Reach skidded to a halt, his left leg accidently kicking back and hitting Grif in the crotch again. The orange soldier started to cry as his dick attracted immense pain once more. "NOOOOO!"

"Ah, shut up. It's not like you're getting laid anytime soon," Texas muttered, bringing out a few snickers from the other two Reds. Reach regained his composure, swinging his leg backwards to give Grif some more genital pain in an attempt to make him shut up before he swung a fist, hoping he could feint and hit her with his other.

Texas ducked out of the way, but Reach's follow-up hit her in the stomach, making her wince. "So rough~." Reach brought up his elbow to hit her again, but Texas grabbed it, attempting to spin him around so she could put him in a chokehold. 'Clever…'

He elbowed her in the stomach, making her loosen her grip and allowing him to slither his way free. Texas let out another wince and she kicked back at him. "What's up with you and hitting my stomach?"

Reach ducked under the kick, ready to punch when another low kick tripped him up. Texas then did something he didn't count on and somehow managed to take his helmet off. Reach blinked, the harsh desert light briefly blinding him.

"Goddamn, that's one scarred dude," Simmons muttered, making his Sergeant turn on him. "Hey Private Bitch, didn't we just tell you to shut up?"

Reach hated when people stared too long at his face. With the Mark VI helmet on, no one could see the scar on his cheek that he got from a knife-fight with an Insurrectionist Lieutenant, or the one he had from his temple to the corner of his left eye from hand-to-hand with a Brute Major.

Reach lunged forward, surprising Texas as he picked her up and slammed her on her back, a gasp leaving the black Freelancer as she got winded. He then swung himself on top of her, attempting to pin her arms above her head. Texas coiled her legs up, kicking the former Spartan off of her. Reach landed on the ground like a big cat of some kind, launching himself back at the blonde and knocking her own helmet off.

Texas struggled briefly under his weight, her arms pinned from his strong grasp. She then looked up, her dark blue eyes locking with Reach's brown ones. "So…you actually managed to end up on top of me." Texas shrugged, a small smirk on her face. "Not a position I dislike, I'll admit."

Reach nearly rubbed his temples in frustration as he heard the simulation soldiers snicker, and he gave the blonde an unamused look. "Did you mean for that to sound incredibly wrong in every possible way?"

Texas shrugged, looking up innocently. "I have no idea what you mean~." She then grimaced and squinted up. "Two things. One: you are really fucking heavy. Two: this probably the most uncomfortable place I've ever laid down on."

"And your point is what?" Reach returned, not releasing her. Texas grinned and rolled him, so that she was now on top of him. "This is more comfortable for me." Reach wasn't sure how to react to this unexpected chain of events, and he tried to think of every other possible explanation. "…" 'Where the hell is this going?'

'And goddammit Emile. You always made stupid jokes about me and Kathy after what you saw in training. But I have no fucking clue as what the hell to say or do. I think you had more experience in this field than me.'

-0-

Church looked through the scope of his Sniper Rifle, Tucker right next to him. "What the hell is going on at the Red Base?" He lowered the weapon, and Tucker strained to see what he was able to. "Dude, what do you mean?"

For the first time ever, Church handed Tucker the rifle, and he was speechless for a few moments. "Okay…if I didn't know better, I'd say the Reds got the shit kicked out of them by those two new people, and those two are about to start going 'Bow chicka bow wow'."

Church let out a sigh, taking the rifle back. "Is absolutely everything with you about sex?" Tucker seemed to think about it constantly, even when he was supposed to be on watch. Church didn't forget when he accidently walked in on Tucker during 'alone time'. Even the normally laidback Captain Flowers wasn't too impressed.

Church looked back through the scope, sighing. "I don't think so, dude. Those two just got done with their own private fight, and they might be Freelancers for the Reds."

"Wait, like the giant guy back at base?" Tucker asked. So far, the only things they knew about the massive man wearing white armor were that he was huge, mute, wielded an equally scary weapon, didn't take shit from anybody, and knew Captain Flowers. "What are Freelancers, anyway?"

"They're like special soldiers trained by the military, and they have all sorts of fancy equipment," Church explained. "They're like mercenaries and help out whatever base needs them the most."

"Right…well, I think the big guy's one. I saw some strange mini red person on his shoulder once before he growled at me and brandished that knifle thing," Tucker said, looking longingly at the Sniper Rifle.

Church opened his mouth to reply when he heard footsteps, and he turned around to see Captain Flowers and the new giant. He snapped to attention immediately, Tucker doing the same. "Sir!"

"At ease, gents," Flowers said. "Command believes it is time to increase our ranks at Blue Base, and we'll be getting a rookie." Church and Tucker shared a glance, not sure why Command was sending in a rookie when they had this massive brute of a man on their team. "…okay…"

"He'll be reporting here tomorrow, along with a special weapons package," Flowers told them, the massive man next to him not saying anything, partially because he was not a talkative sort and partially because he couldn't say anything due to being mute.

Flowers then pointed to the man, looking at his domed visor. "This is the newest addition to our team, and one of my old friends: Agent Maine." Maine let out a deep growl, followed by low, rattling hiss. Captain Flowers chuckled and slapped him on the back gently. "Don't worry big guy; they won't be a nuisance. But, if for some reason I buy the farm, you're in charge."

Maine hissed again, and he walked away from them, drawing the gun/knife/knifle thing from his back and using the blade on the end to carve something in the sand. Flowers looked at it, and he let out a soft sigh. "Oh dear, oh dear…I knew that the Reds were going to get a warm welcome…but that's a bit unexpected. Church, do you mind handing me your rifle for a second?"

Church handed his captain the rifle, and waited as he looked through the scope at the Red Base on the far end of the canyon. "Oh my…Maine, you remember what I said about giving them time to themselves? Well…two guesses as to what is going on." The massive man let out a grunt and took the rifle, looking through the scope silently before growling and shaking his head.

Flowers chuckled and handed the rifle back to Church, seemingly amused by the very strange events going on at the Red Base. "Don't worry, Maine. I doubt it'll leap into that immediately. Give it a few days, though. And my money's on Reach being the new Red Team leader after this."

Maine sighed and walked back to the base, Flowers turning to Church and Tucker. "Make sure no one on the Reds tries to sneak up on us. Though after that brutal beatdown they just suffered, I doubt that'll be happening anytime soon."

"No shit," Tucker muttered, bringing a bit of laughter from the captain before he followed Maine back to base. Church shook his head and looked back through the scope of his rifle, observing the Reds. "Hey dude, I think those two aren't going to be fucking just yet. The one in black just got off of the one in red and black, and it seems that Flowers was right; the new guy seems to be the new leader."

"Ah man…I wanted to see some really raunchy desert sex. But even if they did, the Reds would have a world-class view! How come we can't get a chick on our team!?" Tucker complained. Church sighed and shook his head, tempted to smack some sense into his teammate's head. "Tucker, I doubt any chick would want to fuck you."

-0-

Reach glared at Texas in slight annoyance as he heard the Reds started wolf-whistling. "Can you, you know, get off of me?" 'This is probably the most awkward position I've found myself in during my entire life.' Then he briefly remembered a certain incident that happened in Spartan III training and amended that thought. 'Okay, the second most awkward position I've ever been in.' Emile always laughed about how he caught Reach being dragged into his armor locker by Kathy in training, even though nothing really happened (apart from a little 'feeling each other up').

Texas gave a small pouty face, reluctantly getting up. "Aw, but you're quite comfortable. You'd make a good pillow." She stood up, retrieving their helmets and tossing Reach's to him. "Here; I think Eta caught just about all of that and is going to start relaying it to Sigma."

'Oh for…' Reach sighed mentally as he put on his helmet, latching it back on. "Do not send any of that to Sigma. Otherwise, I'll never hear the end of it from Maine." Even as gruff and sometimes humorless as he was, the big guy knew blackmail material when it popped up.

"I don't think I have to. They already saw it from their side of the canyon," Eta replied with a snicker. Reach rubbed his head, groaning. "You're kidding me, right?"

"I'm afraid not. And Sigma says that Maine already threatened one of the Blues for staring at him for too long," the AI said. Reach let out a sigh and walked over to the Reds, Texas next to him. "Should we let them free? Or do we let them bake in the sun for hours?"

Texas shrugged, giving him a playful nudge on the shoulder. "Hmmm…I don't know~. You're the leader, after all~." Reach turned around, looking at her in slight surprise. "What?" So because I managed to pin you down, you decided to make me the leader of these dumbasses? Fuuuuuck…'

"What the hell do you think you're doing!? I'm the leader of this team!" the sergeant said indignantly, struggling. Grif let out a sigh, trying to break the paint on his arms to rub his head. "Sarge, you got your ass handed to you by a girl."

"So did you, fat-ass," Simmons chimed in. Reach let out a frustrated sigh as Grif, the Sergeant, and Texas all turned on him at the same time. "Oh shut up, Private Bitch." Simmons lowered his head in shame (or attempted to, as he was still stuck) and quietly murmured, "Okay…"

Texas spied the empty Shotgun she threw on the ground earlier, and she picked it up, holding it like a golf club. "Hmm…heavy is good. If you ever happen to run out of ammo, you can always do this instead." She slammed it into Grif's crotch again, and the sickening impact made Reach wince. "I think you've proven your point a few times by now." 'I doubt he's going to be getting some anyway…but still.'

Texas gave a mock sigh and folded her arms, probably sticking her tongue out at the former Spartan from under her helmet. "Killjoy." Reach rolled his eyes and reluctantly freed the Reds, and as they grumbled about getting their asses kicked by a girl, something intrigued Reach a bit. "If you're supposed to be the Reds, then why the hell is Grif orange?"

"Because he's a dumbass," Simmons answered seriously, making Reach roll his eyes again and rub his temples in frustration. "Can you put that in a memo and label it 'Shit I already know'?" 'No shit he's a dumbass. Why else would you willingly sit around in the middle of a desert box canyon while your own flag is at the 'enemy' base?'

"You know, you don't need to try and be a kiss-ass," Grif muttered. "I vote for the new guy to be team leader. He obviously can actually win a fight." Simmons turned on him, indignant. "And you call me the kiss-ass!?"

"Shut up Private Bitch," the sergeant grumbled, still mad about his missing Shotgun. "And don't you dare vote me out as team-"

"I vote for him, too," Simmons cut him off, shrugging apologetically at the sergeant. "Sorry Sarge, but he might actually care about getting our damn flag back from the Blues."

"You let them get the flag!?" Sarge yelled out, angry with his men. "How the hell did you idiots let them do that while you were supposed to be on watch!?"

"It was in the middle of the night! We were asleep!" Simmons protested. Sarge let out an annoyed growl. "When I get my trusty weapon back, you better watch your asses. I have a Shotgun full of pills for your insubordination." Reach rolled his eyes and held up his hand. "All of you, shut up." 'I have had enough of this bullshit.'

The Reds stopped bickering and looked at him, quiet. The former Spartan then noticed that Grif actually was a bit chubby, and he let out a mental sigh. 'I need to get these guys into shape. Otherwise, they'll never get their damn flag back.' "Now that you've decided to act your age and not your IQ, listen. I have a plan that'll get the damn flag back. Are you with me, or do you need a damn translator to help you comprehend simple instructions?" 'Not sure if that was too harsh…but they need to understand I don't put up with bullshit.'

"Yeah, we're definitely making this guy the new leader. Look, even part of his armor is red," Simmons murmured quietly. Texas gave the maroon soldier a sharp look, raising her fist. "I thought you were supposed to be listening."

Reach flashed a glance at her, silently thanking the black Freelancer. He killed his external speakers briefly to talk with Eta. "Find me the dates for supply drops and reinforcements for the Red Team." As the AI searched for the dates, Reach turned his speakers back on, addressing the Reds. "Now, from what I can tell, you are the least fit soldiers I have ever come across. Normally, I'd say you're out of shape, but in order for that, you actually need to be in shape first."

"Ooooh~!" Texas whistled. "Cold-blooded~!" Reach's lip twitched slightly, and the Reds shared a glance, realizing he had a point. Florida may have been laidback, but he still kept his men fit and somewhat disciplined. 'This is going to be a long, tiring, and very frustrating process.'

"Got them. Command's sending the Red Team in Blood Gulch a rookie, who'll be here in a day. But, they've already sent the first shipment today, and it's on the edge of the Red Team's territory." Eta informed. Reach's eyebrows rose, and he and Texas shared a glance, the black Freelancer shrugging. "So, a shipment, huh?"

He cleared his throat before barking out an order. "Get going. You've got a shipment waiting for you on the edge of Red territory. The last one to reach the meeting point gets to do 100 squats. And don't be a moron and stop at 69." 'Goddammit Emile…you really enjoyed driving me and Carter nuts by doing that.'

"Yes sir!" Simmons and Grif yelled out, the two running (or in Grif's case, lazily jogging). Sarge looked like he wanted to argue, but the cracking of Texas's knuckles changed his mind quickly and he ran after the two, grumbling something that sounded a lot like, "Bastard."

Reach and Texas let out a sigh, looking at each other. "Well…I'll race you there." The former Spartan let out a grunt and took off after her, easily matching her pace. "I've already beaten you once today. Don't think I won't do it again."

"As long as I get to use you as a pillow later, I'm fine with that."

"Please don't…"

A/N: Well…there you go! Next up, the argument of whether a Warthog looks like a pig or a puma XD. More romance later as well! Till next time!