So...sup people? What's gonna happen next, I wonder? Well, I know but you guys will have to read to find out. Oh poor you... :) Enjoy!
Every day I struggled to get to grips with the fact that Sabrina was gone but somehow, I managed. It still hurt, like a scar that will never leave, but I learned to deal with it. For a few days everyone was nervous around me, unsure about how to act. I knew I was being harsh on them, it's not their fault rules were rules. It also wasn't their fault that I was a freak of nature.
So to loosen up and take my mind off things, I would dance. I'd dance like no one was watching, because no one was watching. It freed my spirit, it helped me let out all the emotions. Three days after Sabrina's death I had been dancing without pause for four hours the moment I had woken up. It helped me lose track of everything but when strong arms caught me on my landing from a flat back pirouette, I collapsed into them.
Snake Eyes lowered me to the ground and held me in his arms, rocking me gently as I trembled, trying not to cry. I was sweaty and my body tingled all over but he didn't let go of me until I was perfectly still. He cradled me like a child, a reoccurring habit apparently. "Thanks." I murmured, my throat dry and my voice hoarse. "I lost it a bit there, didn't I?" He nodded his head simply then helped me to stand up. "It helps." He tilted his head slightly. "The dancing. It helps me to say what I can't find words to say." He nodded his head in understanding then made a few signs. "No, I'm not hungry." I watched him make a few more then sighed. "I don't want to go because then I'll be on my own." His shoulders sagged as if in a sigh then continued to use Makaton. "I've treated them unfairly. I don't think I can face them now."
In answer he placed a hand on my shoulder. Out of my underlying instinct, I flinched, seeing Cobra Commander appear before me. Snake Eyes stiffened then took a large step back. "I'm sorry." I murmured, a large lump swelling up in my throat. "I…I just can't get over it." Grabbing my towel and bag I hurried from the gym, leaving Snake Eyes behind me. I locked myself in my room, unsure what to do.
Other than take a shower, that is. Once I was as clean as a whistle I changed into a long sleeved top and comfortable sweat pants before throwing my hair up into a ponytail. That's when the letter arrived. Someone dropped it off in my letterbox, which hung on my side of the newly fixed door. I fished it out then opened it.
A smile brightened my features. It was the deeds to my dad's ranch. Looking around my room, I knew what I needed. I needed horse therapy.
Putting together a bag, I carefully placed the deeds in my pack before shouldering it. Time to face Hawk. He was in the office, as he mostly was, pouring over reports and other things. When I knocked and entered, he looked surprised to see me. More so that I was ready to leave. "So, you've decided." He murmured, looking rather disappointed.
"I have." I paused then gave a little shrug. "I'd like to take a leave of absence for two weeks. Then I'd like to come back, sir." This made him blink in shock. Obviously he hadn't expected that. "I need time to grieve and time to pull myself back together. Once I'm back in the right mind set, I'll be okay to continue without hindrance."
"A leave of absence?" I nodded my head.
"I got my dad's ranch. It's mine now so I want to go home, fix things up then let things smooth over." Lifting my chin proudly I squared my shoulders. "I'm not about to give up on my family yet." Slowly a smile began to stretch across Hawk's features.
"Good. I'm glad to hear that. Because in all honesty, Hood, you're the piece that's been missing from my team for a long time. We've got everything, from excellent markswomen, certified ninjas, military dogs, strength buffs to early graduate geniuses. What we've been missing is a little bit of unison. Someone to tie up the pieces. If there's anything that matters to you it's family, Hood, which means you're the one who helps keep everyone together. You'd sacrifice yourself for any one of us, plus you come from a different background from everyone else. If anyone's adaptable, you've proven to be the best." Slowly I began to grin.
"Don't forget the thief part. I'm the best thief this place has ever seen."
"Another true fact." He agreed then looked into his drawer for the right paperwork as I walked over to him. "I'll grant you two weeks leave. Just make sure you're not late coming back. You know where to call for your transport." Hawk said, signing the form and filling out the details before handing them to me. "I hope you figure everything out." I nodded my head, taking the papers from him.
"Thank you sir." I saluted then went to the door. When I got there, I turned then smirked. "Sir?"
"Yes Hood?"
"Would you like your wallet back?" His face dropped and he patted his pockets, searching for the wallet I had snatched as he had been rummaging through the drawer. I lifted it up and dangled it from my fingers tauntingly as he simply stared at me. "Get out of here." He told me with a chuckle as I tossed it back to him. Shouldering my pack I walked to the airfield where Hawk had called ahead to arrange a chopper for me. I was about to climb on when I heard Scarlet call out my name.
"Robyn?" Turning around I took my foot off the chopper and took a few steps towards them. Everyone stood there, looking at me with mixed emotions. None of them knew what to say. With a sigh I dropped my back and put my arms around Scarlet, holding her tightly as her arms shot around my waist, pulling me into a tight hug. "Come back safe, okay? No more surprises." She said with a little laugh, pulling away with warmth shining in her eyes.
"I will." I promised her then looked to Block.
"If you're in my neighbourhood, make sure to drop in on my ladies for me." He said then hugged me too, his strong arms almost crushing me so I did the same, making him grunt as I clicked his back. When I stepped back he twisted then grinned. "Thanks, I needed that." I winked at him then hugged Rip and Duke, smiling into them.
"Say hello to Anna for me. Tell her not to worry, Spanner's a genius and will find a way to get those mini robots out."
"I will." Duke nodded his head. I shook Flint's hand then gave him a one armed hug then did the same to Lady Jaye, we were friends but not quite that close. Yet. I turned to General Joe and he nodded his head.
"You did good." I gave him a wide grin.
"Of course I did. Though it's thanks to you that I managed, seeing as you didn't blow my head off the moment you saw me. So thanks for that." He nodded his head in agreement then saluted me, which I mirrored. Storm Shadow nodded to me, which was all we needed for a good farewell before I turned to Breaker and Heavy.
"Take care sweetheart. Call if you need anything." Heavy said as he hugged me. Breaker and I fist bumped with a grin before finally, I turned to Snake. What should I say to Snake? I was probably smiling like an idiot, which made me blush a little.
"Well, see you around Snake." I said to him simply, unsure about whether he was comfortable hugging me in front of everyone. To save me from embarrassment and just standing there awkwardly Snake took my arm and lifted it until he placed something into my palm then turned my fingers over so that we were holding hands, sort of, it was kinda upside down but it made me smile.
The pearl gleamed in my palm and my smile broadened further. Now I was grinning like an idiot. I looked up to Snake who was motionless. "This isn't pass the parcel, Snake." I told him humorously then decided I didn't care about everyone else standing there. I put my arms around his neck and hugged him.
For a moment he tensed, a little surprised but put his arms around me, pulling me closer. "Just don't get shot at until I get back. Or jump into the ocean in the middle of a storm." Now his shoulders shook in silent laughter. Leaning back a little I smiled then kissed his cheek, silencing that laughter.
"Hey! How come Snake gets a kiss?" Rip demanded, folding his arms across his chest with an adorable pout.
"Because you guys are all sweaty and horrible." I answered with an evil grin, swinging my pack over my shoulder. "I'll be back before you know it. Whilst I'm gone, I'd glue down your belongings if I were you. I'm coming back with a vengeance." Instantly they all went to pat their pockets, checking they still had everything there. I laughed, waving goodbye before jumping up onto the chopper and strapping myself in.
Turning my head I gave a soft smile as everyone stepped back, all looking at me with happier faces. It felt good to have my family back.