John opened his eyes, only to find that he was lying on a twin bed in an almost empty room. The only other furniture was a lamp. With a jolt, he realized that he was completely naked.
"What the hell?" He muttered, sitting up. "How long was I out?"
Anger flooded through him, as he remembered what Cortana had done to him. She'd kicked his ass and then sedated him. Not to mention that she'd revealed his identity. But, why? He rubbed his aching cheek as he slid off of the bed and onto his feet. He walked over to the door and tried to turn the handle. Locked.
"Of course it's locked." He cursed. "Goddammit."
John threw himself in a corner on the other side of the bed, trying to work things around in his mind. He pulled his legs up to his chest, resting his chin on his knees. Why am I naked? Why the hell is she doing this? She could've just asked me to come back here instead of sedating me.
He heard a click from the door and saw the handle turn. He got to his feet as the door opened and Cortana entered the room. He stalked up to her, his hands balled into fists. She was going to pay for this.
John tried to punch her, but she ducked and tripped him. She closed the door and locked it from the inside, snapping for the key to teleport away. He got to his feet, groaning. He tried to kick her stomach, but she caught his leg and pulled it. She let go of it when he was only an inch from her face. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him right up against her, hugging him, their naked bodies touching.
"What the hell are you doing to me?" He gasped out, his voice a quiet whisper.
Instead of answering, Cortana pulled back from him and grabbed his head in her hands. John's heart was pounding as her lips touched his. She was kissing him. Her arms moved from his head to his neck, pulling his body back against hers. There was nothing he could do. Calmness had invaded him and something told him that he'd be fine. Besides, if he tried to resist, she'd beat the crap out of him again. He knew it, so he let her have it her way.
After a few minutes, she pulled back and murmured in his ear. "I love you, John."
He didn't answer, feeling awkward.
"Do you love me?" She asked.
"Cortana…" He muttered, then his voice rose as he pulled himself from her grip. "How can I? After what you've done to me, I can't."
Cortana's gaze darkened and she stepped up to him. "I told you that I'm sorry."
"I know, but…" He trailed off.
"Do you love me?" She repeated.
"No." He responded, anger flaring up again.
She backhanded him straight across the face, making him fall to his hands and knees in surprise.
"That's why." He burst out, rubbing his cheek.
"I didn't realize that you were so sensitive, John." She muttered.
"That's because most of the time I'm wearing my armor and not being slapped around!" Chief retorted.
Cortana uppercutted his chin and sent him flying into the wall. He let out a groan, but didn't try to get up.
"And I thought that last one hurt." He scowled, holding his chin.
"Say yes and I will stop." She informed him. "Do you love me?"
John shook his head. "Never."
She leapt on top of him, covering him in painful blows. When she finally got off of him, he had a bloody gash on his face and another on his chest. He let out a small cry of pain and crab walked back, only to collapse.
"Now," Cortana glared at him. "Do you love me yet?"
John couldn't open his mouth to reply. He shook his head.
Anger flared in the woman's gaze.
