A?N: Okay so I'm doing something a bit different with Snake for here on out, it goes against his "biography" and injuries but it's how I see him in my head. I hope you like it but if not...oh well (:

Snake stood on the edge of the mat as he watched Tiger meditate, he was sure that she knew that he was there but he didn't want to disturb her. He suspected that she was having an inner battle with the prospect of going up against the Order and he wasn't sure how she needed him; but he would be there for her when she did.

A few more minutes pasted before a sigh escaped Tiger's lips and her body hunched over as she look over at Snake. He hadn't seen her look so defeated since she got to the Pit. Slowly, not making any sudden movements, he walked over to her and sat down in front of her. She looked into his masked face for the strength that she needed. He reached for one of her hands and took it firmly into his own, holding it tight and not letting go. She understood the meaning and a small smile appeared on her face, "Thank You."

He smiled beneath his mask, You never have to thank me. I'm only doing what I promised to do all those years ago.

She nodded before closing her eyes again, not taking her hand out of his.

That night, before going to sleep, Snake asked Tiger to sit on the floor in their apartment for a bit. She was unsure, but even just 2 days at the Pit knew that he wouldn't do anything. She sat down and watched his fluid movements as his hands signed to her. Scarlet and Breaker are both worried. They said you were distracted today.

Tiger shrugged, letting her gaze drift from his scared face to the floor below her. Snake didn't bother her for a few minutes and knowing that she wasn't going to be allowed to get up until she talked to him, she sighed. "I just…I don't usually sleep, Snake. Ever. Last night was the first sleep I've gotten in probably a few weeks…I take pills to keep me awake…to keep the nightmares away…"

He touched her then, gently, on the knee. It's not healthy for you to not sleep, Arianna.

She sighed, "I know that, I have dark circles under my eyes to prove it. I just can't sleep…I don't even know why I fell asleep last night…" she glanced up at his face and rolled her eyes, "No, never mind I do know…because you were there…gods I need to grow up…"

Snake chuckled, Arianna, I believe you are one of the most grown up and strongest young women I know. Having nightmares and being afraid to sleep is nothing to be ashamed of.

She raised a brow, "Maybe to you it's not. If I woke up screaming at the Order I probably would've been whipped or held in a tub of cold water or something…"

She could feel his anger. She looked up then and saw his calm blue eyes looking very lethal. Knowing that the anger wasn't directed at her, she placed a hand on his, "Hey, relax. Nothing you can do about everything I've been through. Don't stress yourself about it."

He shook his head, You needed me and I wasn't there. He sure hit home.

She sighed before using a few choice words, "Yeah, I did need you. I needed you more over the past 14 years then I ever did at the temple. But not having you made me grow and learn, yeah maybe in a really shitty way and yeah I have scars both physically and mentally, but I grew. Don't blame yourself."

You do.

She looked away from him for a second, "I did. I…don't anymore." She chuckled before continuing, "I wanted to kill you the moment I realized it was you pinning me to the ground but I wouldn't be able to draw an ounce of your blood now. Is it those gorgeous blue eyes that I always loved that are keeping me from killing you now? Who knows and I don't care….I missed you."

Her words weren't what Snake had been expecting and it showed on his shocked face. It only took him amount before recovering and gently touching her cheek. His eyes pierced her but in the best way possible. He placed a soft kiss to her forehead, "I missed you."

She pulled back from his hand and stared at him, her eyes wide. He smiled at her and stood up, taking her up with him. 14 years of silence had been broken in 3 words for the one person that deserved to hear his voice the most. She was still staring at him in shock once she was standing and didn't know what to say. He just smiled before his hand gently touched her cheek, but this touch was different than the others had been, there was much more feeling in this touch. Before Tiger knew what he was doing, he placed his lips against hers in a soft and protective embrace. His hand held her face next to his, her hands slowly found their way onto his chest. The kiss didn't last that long, but it didn't have to. It meant more to both of them than anything.

When he released her face, he smiled down at her, seeing a sparkle in her eyes that he hadn't seen in many years. He kissed her forehead again before signing, Now go get those pills.

She glared at him and crossed her arms, "You jerk. Trying to bring my wall down so you can take away my sleeping pills."

He chuckled, You don't need them anymore. I'll find them either way. He added when she still didn't move. With another sigh and walked over to her bed and pulled her duffle bag out from underneath it. Finding the pill bottle at the bottom she tossed it over to him before pushing her bag back under the bed. "There. Happy?" she couldn't make her voice sound as irritated as she wanted. Damn kiss.

He put the bottle in the draw of his nightstand and then turned back to her, Leave them there.

She rolled her eyes, her arms again folded over her chest, "And what am I suppose to do now? Have nightmares all night long?" the fear she was trying to keep at bay could be heard in her voice.

Snake's smile softened and his arms wound themselves around her, his chin resting on her head, "I'll keep the nightmares away."

She couldn't help but smile against his chest, "What about your oath?"

She could feel him shrug, "Our master would be proud of you."

Tiger kind of doubted that, but when Snake pulled her onto his bed and wrapped her in his protective arms again, she forgot all about it and fell quickly asleep.