Authors Note: Thanks to my beta for proofing this.

Disclaimer: Halo, Sangheili, Rtas, Thel/Arbiter and other canon characters belong to Bungie Studios/343 Industries. However, Original Characters, like Zeno, belong to me.

Chapter 9: Friendly Advice

Sani knew he shouldn't be listening in, but he could not help himself. Zeno had looked like he was in some kind of distress before going onto the balcony and Sani felt concerned. He knew it was none of his business, but he wanted to be sure Zeno was alright. Unfortunately, he had only caught snippets of the conversation due to the low tone both used, especially right now. He certainly did not want to make any judgments without knowing the full story….

"It is impolite to listen in on a private conversation."

Sani yelped faintly as he jumped away from the source of the voice. It was Henun. He didn't look angry, though he did have his remaining hand on one hip as he gave him a scolding look. "Sorry…I…um…," Sani started to say, trying to think of some excuse.

"It is alright," Henun said, waving his hand dismissively. "You were worried about Zeno, I take it?"

Sani blushed faintly as he nodded. "He…he has done so much for me, I…." The rest of his words died as he just blushed even more.

"I see. You have grown fond of him." If he could blush any harder he would be the same skin tone as Zeno. "Come, I would like to speak to you privately."

"A-about?"

"Zeno, of course."

Henun went into the kitchen and Sani followed him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The older male gestured to the kitchen table and they both sat down, across from each other. "Now, how has Zeno been treating you?" Henun asked.

The question was a bit puzzling to him: wasn't it obvious? "He treats me with kindness and understanding," Sani replied. "He…seems willing to risk his life and career for me, though a part of me still wonders why he should bother. I owe him so much, yet I do not know how to repay him…he seems to have everything he wants…."

"Not everything," Henun said softly. "I know a part of him, deep down, longs to be in the arms of someone he loves. But he has closed that part of himself, at least consciously. Why, I do not know for sure. Could be fear of losing that person like he did Miko. Or even guilt over what happened between us, maybe guilt over not being able to save Miko. Perhaps even a bit of that damn Sangheili pride our species seems to be cursed with."

"Zeno…does not seem to be the type to let pride consume him."

"Perhaps not in the way we usually see it."

"What do you mean?"

Henun shook his head, likely uncertain himself. "Regardless, I think you can help him. Tell me, has he grieved at all to your knowledge?"

"Yes. Not that long ago, in fact," Sani said. "I…I helped him break down the wall that was keeping back his tears. He…wept for a very long time…."

"So you managed to do what I could not."

"You mean…."

"Yes, I tried to help him once. Though I went about it the wrong way, let my emotions take control and hurt us both. We have reconciled that now. " He paused a moment before saying. "Listen, I think you two are meant for each other."

The statement was sudden, making Sani lean back in his chair a bit. "Huh?"

Henun chuckled good naturedly. "Nothing happens without reason, Sani. A point Zeno alluded to himself during dinner. I believe you two were meant to meet each other and stay together. You already have the affection for him, but Zeno still has demons to defeat before he realizes he feels the same for you."

Sani felt himself blushing again. "Y-you really thing he likes me like that"

"Most Sangheili would not have gone as far as he has to help you," Henun pointed out. "Even Rtas has not. Granted, Zeno does have a slight reputation for being a rebel to begin with, but I do not think that negates what he feels toward you. Just do not tell him I told you all this, Sani, else he will accuse me of putting ideas in your head."

"I will not, you have my word," Sani said, giggling faintly.

"Good, I best be going. Joran is likely going stir crazy at the inn right now."

As Henun rose and started to leave, Sani felt a burning question pop up in his mind. "Henun," he said, standing up himself.

"Yes?" Henun paused and looked back at him.

"D-do you still love him?"

"Zeno?"

"Aye…."

Henun turned his head away briefly before turning it back toward him, a sad smile on his face. "I would be lying if I said a small part of me did not yearn for him still." He sighed and then added. "But do not concern yourself with my feelings: I have accepted that he and I will never be."

"I understand."

"Oh, would you kindly tell Zeno to inform us when he pulls his stunt on Ruro please? Especially if he succeeds."

"I will, supmus me'yu, Henun."

Henun's eyes widened slightly at that. "Ah, you are of the old beliefs, before the Covenant came into being."

"My keep always have had those beliefs, we are just not very open about it."

"A good thing," Henun said. "Just be careful who you say that too: the Covenant religion may have been proven false, but some still cling to it."

Sani nodded. "A lesson all those that leave the keep for the military are given. Do not worry, I will be careful."

After Henun left the residence, Sani went to the balcony. Zeno was still there, staring out into space, looking deep in thought. Since he could not make out most of the conversation, he had little idea what it was those two had discussed to cause Zeno to look so distant. Zeno did mention before it was personal issues and Henun told him that Zeno had demons he needed to defeat, but nothing specific. Sani did know about Miko at least, so maybe it was related to him again? Henun did suggest that Zeno could still be feeling guilt over it. Sani shook his head: it wasn't his business unless Zeno wanted to confide him in about it. Still, he couldn't help but feel worried.

"Zeno?" he called out softly.

"Hmm?" Zeno did not look at him, still looking lost in his thoughts.

"Are you alright?"

This time Zeno did look at him, his expression one of sorrow and…confusion? "I will be," he replied. "Just…have a lot to think about."

"Such as?"

"Personal things," Zeno said with a sigh. "Rather not say until I sort them out." Sani nodded, figuring as much. "Did Henun…?"

"He has left, yes," Sani confirmed. "He asked me to tell you to contact him when you pull your stunt on Ruro, particularly if you succeed."

Zeno chuckled mildly. "I intend to, no worries. May be a few days before I can attempt it, though. Need to coordinate with Rtas and such first."

Sani nodded once more and then he hugged him. "Thank you, for doing all this for me," he said softly. Oh! he thought as he realized this was the first time he hugged him when he didn't have a shirt on. He feels so warm…. And soft, especially his belly. Purring softly, he couldn't help but explore a bit….

Zeno gasped faintly when Sani embraced him, taken by surprise at the gesture. His lack of shirt meant he could feel the softness of Sani's hands and the warm tickle of his breath on his back. It was awakening old feelings, feelings he thought were long buried. Had Henun been right about his observations? What of Sani's feelings? The way he was lingering in this embrace, his purring….

Fear started to creep into his mind. Fear he wasn't ready to face yet. He had to stop this.

"Sa-Sani?" he said, unable to stop the tremor in his voice.

"Oh!" he heard Sani say, sounding surprised and embarrassed as he let go of him immediately. Zeno felt the pain of loss when he did so, but he ignored it. "I..I am sorry…."

"It is OK," Zeno said, turning to face him. "We…should probably head to bed now: it has been a long day."

"Aye," Sani said. "Mind if I…?"

"Sleep in my room?" Zeno finished for him. "You know you do not need to ask."

"I know, but I feel better about it if I ask first."

Zeno chuckled as he patted his back. "Well, I cannot claim no one taught you good manners."

Sani smiled, a sweet, innocent looking smile that made him smile himself. Zeno wondered how often Sani got to smile like that during his time in the military: likely not often, if at all. Regardless, this smile made him want to stroke his face, but Zeno resisted the urge.

As they returned to the living room, the sound of the door buzzer broke the silence.

"I wonder who that could be…," Sani muttered, looking at the door warily, his smile gone.

"If I had to guess, Henun. He probably forgot about something," Zeno said as he approached the door. "Head on to bed, Sani. I will take care of this."

"Alright," Sani said as he turned and headed for the bedroom.

Zeno waited until he heard the bedroom door close before answering the front door. To his surprise, it wasn't Henun at the door, but his partner, Joran. The scarred Sangheili looked up at him, his eyes widening briefly in mild surprise: Zeno assumed the surprise was due to his tattoo.

"Yes?" Zeno queried when Joran didn't speak immediately. "Can I help you?"

It took Joran a moment longer before he responded, the expression on his face one of uncertainly. "I know Henun came here to see you," he said, sounding silently nervous. "Is he still here?"

"He left a few minutes ago," Zeno said folding his arms. "So you just missed him. Why? Getting worried about him?"

Zeno smirked when the purple taint of a blush rose to Joran's cheeks: so the man did have some feelings for Henun. "He told me a bit of what happened between you two before," Joran admitted, looking away. "I…"

"Wanted to know if things got worked out?" Zeno finished for him. When Joran nodded, he said. "No need to worry. Past issues between us has been resolved and we are just friends. I am certain Henun would have told you this himself, if you had been patient enough to wait for his return."

"I only had him for a business partner for a month and I did not want to risk losing him so soon," Joran said stiffly. "Hashin partners are incredibly hard to find and I was lucky to find him when I did."

"No need to get all defensive," Zeno said teasingly.

"Whatever…I will take my leave now."

"One moment more of your time if you please," Zeno said curtly. "There are a couple of things I would like to discuss with you first."

"What more could you possibly want to talk to me about," Joran said, his tone one of annoyance.

"First off, has Henun had any…episodes…since he joined you?"

"Episodes?" Joran raised an eye ridge. "What do you mean?"

"I take it he has not then, but I fear it is only a matter of time," Zeno said with a sigh. "Obviously you know about his arm and I appreciate you not shunning him for it as others have done. However, he can be rather sensitive about it at times. If he attempts something that is difficult to do without two hands he can go into fits, or worse, a deep state of depression. You will need to be supportive and understanding when this happens. Do not blow him off, otherwise it may drive him to do something…stupid."

Joran looked surprised, even concerned. "He has before?"

"Yes, while I was with him. Some episodes took days to pass…"

"I see…is that all?"

"No, one more thing, a friendly warning." Zeno leaned forward until his head was level with Joran's, a look on his face that may cause even a Brute to back off. "If I hear at any time that you hurt him in some way, I will hunt you down and rip your face off. Got it?"

Joran visibly gulped as he nodded.

"Good boy," Zeno mockingly patted Joran on the head before standing up straight again. "Now best return to your room: I am certain Henun is wondering where you ran off too."

"Ri-ri-right…um…tha-thank you for your time…Ambassador…." Joran said as he backed away a couple of paces before turning and walking quickly away.

"Good night Joran!" Zeno called out to him before closing the door. He chuckled to himself as he turned from the door and headed for his bedroom. I feel like I am playing cupid, he thought to himself. Still, it would be good for Henun to settle down with someone, even if it is a stubborn ass like Joran.

Speaking of relationships, Zeno saw that Sani was already asleep. How does he do that? Zeno wondered. Sani looked so cute, so innocent, as he slept: one wouldn't think he had been through the pain he had. Zeno caught himself staring and focused himself to look away and start preparing for bed himself.

What am I to do? He thought. If what Henun said is true then…. No, he had to nip it in the bud before it got any further. Zeno felt he wasn't ready for another relationship, plus Sani would be better off with someone closer to his own rank. He'd use age as well, but that wasn't applicable here: Sani was not that much younger than he was.

But how? Zeno thought as he climbed into bed. It was another problem he needed to figure out. In the meantime, Zeno decided he should try to minimize any affectionate gestures, to help weaken the bond that was forming between him.

As he drifted off to sleep, he wondered why his hearts seemed to ache a bit.

He was beyond frustrated now. Every weight he had tried was either too light, or too big to fit on the pad. On top of that, weights that looked like they were heavy, yet small enough on the base to fit on the pad, felt like they were hollow and thus too light to trigger the pad. Plus the shape of the weights themselves made it impossible to put more than one on the pad.

If none of the weights work, then how the hell am I suppose to trigger the pad? He thought with a growl, then his eyes widened when a thought hit him. Unless…, walking over to the pad, he raised his foot then stepped upon the pad. It sank deeper into the floor with a click, the panel snapping open with a click of its own, revealing the key within.

He laughed at how foolish he was: the weights were a distraction, a false lead. He had only needed the weight of his own body to get the key. With the key now in hand, he went to the door and opened the padlock, then the door itself.

Only to be greeted by yet another room.

This one was smaller than the others and devoid of any kind of 'furniture' beyond the standard torches and of course the door leading out. The door itself was different, looking like a simple barred door like one would see in some jails. This time though, the door was being physically guarded by a dark figure in black and purple armor, whom was wielding a rather dangerous looking sword.

Looks like I may be fighting my way out of this one, he thought. The problem though, was that he was unarmed and there was nothing in this room to use as a weapon, besides the torches. Maybe the polite approach may work.

"Excuse me," he said, walking up to the figure. "I would like to get through."

"Only the privileged may pass," the figure snarled. "Get lost."

"Privileged?" he echoed, feeling insulted. "Do you not know who I am?"

"You are nothing."

"Who are you to judge my worth? Stand aside!"

The figured suddenly moved, but not in the way he was wanting. Before he could react, he was backhanded in the chest by the figure, sending him crashing to the floor a few feet back. Winded, it took him a moment to catch his breath. "Only the privileged may pass," the figure repeated.

"We will see about that," he hissed, getting to his feet. Another sound, a whimper, distracted him a moment. Turning around, he saw there was another individual in the room with him: a small boy. The child was sitting in one of the far corners, whimpering, trying to make himself as small as he could. He noticed that the child kept looking at the other figure fearfully and the other figure was glaring back. No way would he be able to help me here, he thought with a frown, turning his attention back to the asshole in front of him. "I was being polite before, now I am going to beat your ass!"

As he charged, the armored figure brought his sword out to bear. He was able to duck the first swing, but the figure reversed his swing far quicker then what should have been possible. Before he could react, he was on the floor, one leg lopped off and the other deeply cut. As he lay there bleeding to death, the armored figure inexplicably turned its attention from him and charged the boy.

"No!" he cried, but was helpless to stop him as the figure cut the boy in two, the child's death scream echoing in his ears. "Why…," he said weakly as the murderous figure walked casually back to him. "He was no threat to you…."

"He was not worthy," the figure said coldly, raising his word for the killing blow. "And neither are you."

The sword was then thrust toward his head….

Zeno awoke with a gasp. Reflexively, he felt his head and neck, along with his legs, and found that they were still intact. These dreams are getting worse…, he thought with a moan, rubbing his head. Checking the time, he saw it was only a couple of hours before he would have gotten up anyway. May as well stay up, he thought as he pulled himself out of bed.

He reached for the light, only to remember at the last moment that Sani was sleeping in the same room. Not wanting to disturb him, Zeno left the light off and fished for his robe. By the time he slipped it on, his eyes had adjusted enough to where he could see without tripping over things. Still, he turned the lights on low in the living room.

"Gah!" He jumped with a start when he saw his black and purple SpecOps armor, which was placed on a Sangheili sized mannequin: he had mistaken it for the figure he saw in his dream at first. Zeno stared at it, not sure if the resemblance was related to the dream or if it was just a coincidence.

He prayed it was the latter…