Everyone was so shocked to hear the words come out of his mouth especially Rigo, but was happy for him, he of course took all the credit for it, which led to an argument with Carlos who said he was the one that shoved him into the room, but Rigo said he won the bet so. Kelly told them to both shut up and that it was 50/50 Which they "decided" to agree on.
Athens Station Gym/Shooting range
" I still can't believe, she said yes." Makoa said still shocked taking a drink out of his water.
" Bro who wouldn't." Carlos said in a way to encourage him making the other Marine roll his eyes.
" I could thi— Oh my god!! just take the compliment bro" Carlos interrupted him.
" Yeah, bro she said yes this is a good thing, now you stop with all the gay stuff you say to me." Christian added doing a pull-up
Makoa sighed. " Regardless I am still surprised one of the most intelligent people in the entire UNSC wants to go to the dance with me.
The marine said setting his water down and grabbing some dumbbells
" Plus... Not going to lie that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be." He said breaking a sweat.
" Bro you fought genocidal aliens and the flood and you are saying that wasn't that bad of course it wasn't." Rigo told him. Who has been in the plank for over an hour.
" True, but it is still crazy bro." He responded.
Manny sighed and set his weights down and looked at Makoa. " Can you just shut the fuck up and take the rare W's that you get bro, I still have to ask Doctor Watson." Manny seethed.
" Oh yeah, that should be fun to watch." Makoa smiled.
" Shut up just shut up." Manny hissed at him grabbing his weights.
Kelly and Ashley were doing bench presses.
" And that is 50." Ashley said.
Kelly put it back on the rack " Not bad Kells." Ashley told her.
" Almost beat my record." Kelly responded picking up her rag.
" Yeah you were pretty close to beating it." Ashley said taking a seat right next to her. " So Kells you going to ask anyone for the dance." She asked her using her nickname. Kelly turned to her and shrugged her shoulders. " I don't really have anybody in mind." She responded wiping off her sweat.
" Oh come on surel– Manny!!" Carlos shouted interrupting Ashley for help as he was losing his grip on the bench.
Manny rushed over grabbing the bench and putting it on the rack. Carlos breathed a sigh of relief.
" Come on, you don't have a lucky guy you don't want." Ashley interrupted Kelly's thoughts.
The other Marine turned around " I am not really interested Ash." Kelly said.
" Well in that case I was– Corporal Jane Kelly!! I am looking for a Corporal Jane Kelly!!" Someone burst in wearing a Naval officer's uniform. Jane looked over and saw her the woman that she spotted in the mess hall a couple of days ago. Her Jaw dropped at her gold locked hair and blue eyes.
" She is over there." Makoa pointed to her. The Officer nodded and walked to her direction, oh shit not good
" Corporal Kelly?" She asked appearing in front of her.
" Y-y-y-es yes ma'am" She stuttered saluting her being joined by Ashley.
" At ease, the brass sent me to come and get you." She told her.
Ashley leaned into her ear. " What do the brass want with you?" She asked.
" I have no clue honestly." She shrugged, still entranced by the beautiful woman in front of her.
" Well what are you waiting for, don't want to keep them waiting." The officer said, eager to move.
" Well looks like I got to go, I will see you Ash." Kelly said goodbye to her best friend. She followed the officer waving her goodbyes to her squadmates as she exited out of the gym.
The two women were now walking through the halls of the Athens. Kelly looked over to the gorgeous woman debating if she should start a conversation with her, the problem was what could she say? " Screw it." She thought to herself. Mustering up the courage to say something she spoke. " So... Uhm where do you serve ma'am." Kelly could just slap herself right now, that was so awkward.
The officer gave Kelly a look the marine could not tell if it was out of annoyance or curiosity, regardless it made the Marine lightly blush.
" Used to work for ONI but now I am under the command of Captain Keyes." She told the Marine who was surprised that she responded.
" Miranda Keyes?" she asked intrusively upon hearing the familiar last name.
The officer stopped in her tracks " You knew Miranda Keyes?" She asked.
Kelly nodded " Of course I served alongside her before she died" She responded sadly. Even though it was not her fault Kelly could not help but feel guilty about her death back on the Ark, out of all the COs she served under Miranda was different, she seemed to actually care for her troops.
" Oh I see, so you served with her on the Amber clad?" The officer questioned.
" Yep the one that tore in half." Kelly told her.
The Lieutenant gasped, mainly with the fact that Kelly survived that whole.
" Oh my god I am an idiot you are part of the Hunter-3 Squad." She said enthusiastically, surprising Kelly.
" I am so sorry I did not realize sooner." She apologized which confused Kelly.
" I am sorry I don't understand the legendary Hunter Squad, I am confused." Kelly said, wondering what the officer was talking about.
" The legendary squad that survived Reach, the two Halo rings, and then the Ark.
Well could have fooled Kelly the past two years it has been the same, the replacements definitely did not show their respect.
" Well in ONI at least we know about you." She told her. Now it made more sense of course the spooks would now about them but kept it all a secret.
" I am sorry for not recognizing you sooner Kelly." She apologized once again.
" No need for apologies Miss uh... Sorry I did not catch your name." Kelly apologized back, making the former ONI officer chuckle.
" My name is Kelsi Brunet." She held her hand out for her to shake. Funny it sounded similar to her name. Kelly gladly took her hand.
" Nice to meet you, but I must ask who is this Captain Keyes?" She asked wondering if he was related to Miranda.
" Captain Keyes nothing really much about him." She answered her. " Captain Keyes is in command of the 7th fleet, his ship is the Punic class supercarrier the Determined." She told the marine.
" A Punic I thought we did not have any left." Kelly said.
The officer smiled. " We have 12 of them left another 10 in production." She told her.
" So may I ask, what is your squad like?" She questioned Kelly. She was surprised that the Officer took some interest in her but she was glade to say the least.
The Marine rolled her eyes. " Oh don't get me started they are straight up idiots, Ashley makes it bearable, but oh my god Makoa and Manny can't go 5 seconds without arguing, Christian no offense to him is an idiot, Chips is bearable when he is not crazy, thank god for Sara our new medic." She ranted making the officer giggle.
" Them being your teammates I thought you will have more savory things to say about them" She Chuckled.
Kelly sighed. " Don't get me wrong they are like family but they can be so annoying." She responded.
" That much is evident but, as much as I enjoyed this talk we need to get going." She told the Marine.
" Of course." Kelly responded. The duo went down the Hallway to the meeting room. Once there Kelsi opened the door for her and they went in.
" Ah Corporal Kelly, nice of you to join us." Hood said with Gering at his side. Kelly immediately saluted the two Admirals alongside Kelsi.
" At ease Corporal, Lieutenant." Hood told the two women. Kelsi leaned her back against the wall while Kelly still stood at attention.
Why exactly did they want her there she had no clue. " So may I ask why you called for me?" Kelly asked trying not to sound rude.
" Well, we are here to offer you a proposition." Hood responded.
" You a— that will be me Corporal." A familiar synthetic voice chirped.
Kelly looked down to see a smiling AI clad in her scientist outfit. The Smile that she was giving her for some reason made the Marines's heart race.
" W–w-what is your proposition." Kelly muttered out.
" Well we laid down the groundwork, I wanted to ask Stacker but Athena here wanted you as part of our deal." He said confusing Kelly
" What deal sir?" Kelly asked.
" Well for one we were trying to get Athena to choose a Spartan." Hood told her. Kelly was confused wondering what this was all about.
" With all due respect sir, what does this have to do with me." Kelly asked bluntly not trying to sound disrespectful. Hood sighed.
" Despite my and the board's protests, Athena decided to pick you instead of a Spartan." He finally said. Kelly lost her breath upon hearing that sentence escape his mouth. She was shocked that the AI chose her, not even mentioning she was given the choice of a Spartan.
" I don't understand I thought that was a one-time thing." Kelly said referring to the previous time that Kelly paired up with Athena.
" Well Athena and I agreed that if you decide to become a ODST, she will be assigned to you." Hood told her making Kelly do a double take. For the longest time she has been trying to get into the ODSTS and now here was her chance.
" On a off note you can tell your squad about the offer and they can join you in training." Hood added.
" And if any of us refuse?" She asked.
" If that happens, it will be fine only thing that matters if you accept." Hood told her.
" So what will it be Corporal?" Gering asked her. Kelly was flabbergasted at this of course she wanted to accept, Manny and Makoa as well but for the rest of her squad she had no clue.
" I– don't know what to say." She said.
" Think about it we will give you two days." Hood told her. Kelly shook her hands.
" Oh sir don't get me wrong I accept, but the same can't be said about my squadmates." She answered. Makoa and Manny would definitely say yes, but the same can't be said about Stacker he seems like he wants to retire, Sara just recently became a Marine so she there is a good chance she won't accept this. Chips was a coin flip, while Christian and Rigo, she had no idea.
" Can you pass this message to your squad?" Hood asked.
Kelly nodded.
" Alright then dismissed." Hood told her Kelly saluted the admirals and left the room with Kelsi. Once outside she had a lot to think about.
" So Athena chose you, can't say I blame her." The officer joked.
" Well, who can blame her." She joked back.
" So, I am guessing you are going to ask your squadmates next." She told them. Kelly nodded.
" Well good luck with that." She said taking her leave.
" Uhm officer Brunet before you go I have to ask you something first." She said stopping her in her tracks.
The blonde turned to Kelly to see what she wanted. Kelly was entranced by her glare and suddenly couldn't find the right words. Was she really going to do this, I mean she does not even know that she was into women, on top of that they just met, but now thinking about it she had nothing to lose the dance was tomorrow and she will be damned to let Makoa show her up with a date while she had no one , like hell she was to let that happen, but that was the problem, she did not know how him and Manny and the rest of her friends would react to her showing up with a woman, they did not know she swung that way.
After getting caught by her parents making out with a classmate in her room near the end of her senior year, her mother especially was appalled. To add insult to injury she thought that she was going through some type of phase.
Her dad was also the same way, the saving grace was is that she was moving out into her new University in Stanford so there was that. But after getting shamed by her parents she had little to no contact with them, but thanks to the war it gave her a distraction.
But she was terrified mainly because of her parents. She was scared about coming out to her three closest best friends she shuddered to think about Ashley rejecting her. In senior year she was planning on telling them Sure homosexuality was more common however, you still got that crowd of people that looked down upon it, especially the religious groups
" Well, I am waiting." Brunet said raising her brow. You know what fuck it, here goes nothing
" I am wondering if you would come to the dance with me." Kelly said ripping the band diad off. Kelsi stood there shocked with her mouth agape.
" Well I... I don't see why not." She answered composing herself, wait a minute did she just say yes, she must be dreaming she just said yes. Jane was dumbstruck, she was not expecting this.
" I will meet you at 18:15 tomorrow." She told Jane interrupting her thoughts.
" Yeah, I will see you there." Jane muttered dumbstruck. The officer then took her leave as Kelly stared from behind seeing her hips sway and that luscio— "Ah what the hell am I doing "she thought
" I am better than this I am not Makoa." She quickly shrugged off the dirty thoughts and left for her barracks. Hopefully, her friends won't get any suspicions when she appears with a girl. She could just say she is a friend, I mean maybe someone as dense as Makoa and Christian would be able to believe it. Ahhhh!! Kelly did not think this through. The gay Marine just saw an attractive young lady and could not help herself, how is she going to explain to her friends when she shows up with a girl.
Elsewhere
Rigo was shoving Manny to the entrance of the infirmary with Chips, Makoa, Carlos, Frankie, Kat, Christian and Ash in tow. Makoa had a big grin on his face who was enjoying this way too much. " What has got you smiling?" Ashley asked.
" Oh you know just seeing Manny suffer brings me joy." Makoa said.
Manny shook his head in dismay. " You are such a retard." he hissed.
They all stopped at the entrance. " Well are you going to go in?" Rigo asked.
" Yeah bro come on I did it." Makoa teased.
" Makoa you have no right to talk." Rigo told him.
" If I remember correctly bro you were terrified at the thought of asking out Halsey." Carlos said. What they said was true the guy had zero game so he had no grounds to speak.
" So you going to go in or what." Rigo asked him. Manny moaned. " Give me a moment, to collect myself. He responded.
Rigo sighed in annoyance. " Oh my god just get in there!!" Rigo shouted shoving him into the infirmary with the help of Kat. The doors opened and in Manny went.
Just his luck that the infirmary was practically empty, The marine spotted Amelia in her office working on some paperwork and immediately clammed up. Uh how did I get into this mess. He thought to himself. He made way through the infirmary taking his time. He was dreading entering the office room. Once there he stopped at her door and froze.
He turned around and saw that his squadmates were watching him at the entrance. Rigo motioned for him to go followed by everyone else. Makoa had a stupid smile on his face. "Basterd I will get him back for this." He thought to himself. He took a deep breath in, and opened the door. Amelia perked her head up and smiled when she saw Manny.
" Gutten Tag Manny, what brings you here?" She asked happily. Oh my god her smile made the Marines heart skip a beat. " Oh uhm I came here to uh.." Manny spaced out. Amelia waited in anticipation.
" I uh was wondering" He continued. Man he was almost as bad as Makoa.
Amelia waited for him to continue. Manny was bright red at this point. " So you know there is a dance tomorrow right?" He asked nervously.
" Yes" She said chuckling. Manny touched the back of his neck. " Uhm... do you uhm... have anyone to go with?" He asked her.
She shook her head. " No I do not." She answered. Manny was heart was beating like crazy.
" That's great, not great that you don't have anybody so I was wondering uhm." He stuttered.
" Yes." She said wanting for him to continue.
" I was wondering... If you would Uhm." Oh come just say it already. He thought to himself.
" Yes" She anticipated.
" I was wondering." He took a deep breath. " If you would like to go to the dance with me." He finally said, his stomach very heavy.
Amelia smiled with glee. Is that a yes he hoped. It stayed silent for a couple of minutes Manny waited for anticipation. " I am so glad you finally asked, yes I will go to the dance with you." She finally answered.
Manny's heart must of skipped a million times over because he could not believe what he just heard. " Well I will see you tomorrow then." Manny muttered, making her chuckle at his embarrassment. " I will see you there." She responded. Yeai I wull see you there too." He said bumping into the door making the doctor laugh. He quickly ran out of her office. He went through the infirmary and was halted by Rigo and his group of friends. "So how did it go?" He asked.
" Well, she said yes." Manny responded. Everybody applauded him for him. " See it wasn't that bad." Makoa mocked.
" Makoa you hypocritical fuck!!" Rigo screamed at him.
" I am just messing." He said.
" Regardless, you have no grounds to make fun of him." Rigo said.
" Alright fair." Makoa agreed.
" All right so Makoa and Manny have a date all we need is for Frankie to ask someone out." Carlos joked.
" Oh my god bro I don't have anyone to ask." Frankie groaned. Carlos laughed at him
" You don't or you won't?" He asked.
" All right I have one person in mind." Frankie said. Carlos put his arm over his shoulder. " I believe I can help with that." He told him dragging him away from the rest of the group.
" Well I guess Frankie is going to get a date as well." Makoa said.
Rigo sighed " Why are you always yapping." He said. Making Kat roll her eyes.
" Can you stop being ass to Makoa for 5 seconds Rigo." She said.
" It is not my fault that he is special needs." He responded.
" Besides the point can you make fun of someone else for a change." She told him.
After that Rigo shut up she was kind of right, he always clowns on Makoa at every chance he gets but rarely anyone else.
" Anyways so Chips you got a date?" Ashley asked.
" Uhm yeah." He said nervously.
" Who is it?" She asked.
" That will be me." Kat said over Chips shoulder making him blush.
" Wait you and Kat are going to the dance." Makoa asked shocked.
" That is crazy." Rigo joined. Everyone else had a look of astonishment on their face.
Kat shrugged her shoulders. " What a Spartan can't go on a dance?" She asked.
" It is not that we were just not expecting it is all." Makoa said. Everyone nodded in agreement. " It is just not every day that you would hear a Spartan going on a date with somebody." Makoa said.
" If I am being honest we Marines don't know you guys so much except from the the obvious fact you guys make hella good soldiers." Manny added.
" If you don't mind me asking how is it you became a Spartan Kat?" Christian asked.The question made everyone go silent, especially the Spartan. Christian sensed the tension in the air. " Uhm.. did I say something wr— Christian you idiot you don't ask those types of questions" Manny interrupted. There are many things you don't ask in life a woman her age a man her salary, how someone became a Spartan. The rest of them were not idiots well maybe not Christian and Makoa but that was besides the point. They all heard the rumors about the Spartans, I mean after the war a lot of people were getting very skeptical about them. They just appeared out of nowhere with war done and over people were getting too curious for their own good, and a lot of that Curiosity was directed at ONI which they didn't appreciate that much.
" I couldn't tell you even if I wanted to." Kat responded.
" Why I a– Christian leave it" Makoa said interrupting him.
" Ok fine jeez I was just asking." He said. Makoa is going to have to talk with Christian soon, man he can be an airhead sometimes. With that said and done everyone said their goodbyes and left to the barracks.
" So you mean to tell me it is dangerous to ask those types of questions." Christian said, well that was quick. Manny, Chrisitan,Makoa, and Ashley were walking along the halls to their room. Makoa Sighed. " Yes bro a lot of people have been raising their suspicions about the Spartans, and ONI is not too pleased." Makoa told him.
" Plus Christian a lot of dangerous rumors going around about them, so it is best to leave it alone." Manny added.
" My bad boys, I was just wondering." He responded. Makoa patted his shoulder. " Listen bro it is alright but this is why you should be aware of current events." Makoa told him. " Do you think that the Spartans were kidnapped as kids?" Christian asked him. Makoa shrugged his shoulders. " I don't know bro, but I have a feeling that the answers will come out soon." He responded. With the conversation done, Christian said his goodbyes to the trio and left. The three of them made it to their room. In it sat Kelly on her bed reading a book. Chips seems to be gone and Yaz and Wip are still back on Earth. " Sup, Kelly." Makoa said laying down. " Hey." She nervously said.
" Something wrong Kells?." Makoa asked concerned. He could feel that something was bothering her including Manny and Ashley.
Manny flopped on his beds trying to sleep.
" Oh, nothing I am good." She responded.
" Bullshit." Makoa thought to himself.
" You sure?" He asked again.
" Trust me I am fine." Kelly said putting her book down.
" All right then." Makoa responded giving up, he decided to stop prying but knew something was not right, same as Ashley but she followed Makoa's decision and stayed quiet instead she opted to change the subject. " So Kells you found anyone for the dance?" She asked making the Brunnette blush. " Well I... Uhm.." She muttered.
Makoa smiled evilly " Oh my god you did Ha ha!! Who is the lucky guy." He shouted.
" I what Makoa I said no such thing." she blushed.
" Oh please Kells you are blushing like crazy right now." He continued laughing she threw a pillow at him but it did little to stop him.
" So who is the lucky guy?" He asked " Shit" She thought to herself she was hoping that they were not going to ask her that, way for Ashley to bring it up.
" Well it is someone we do not know." She muttered looking away from Makoa.
" What's the guys name?" Makoa asked still smiling. Shit shit shit shit shit, Can she just lie I mean probably not a good idea since they are all going together.
" Kelsi." She blurted out without thinking.
" Sounds like a girls name." Makoa continued laughing. Phew that was a close one.
She then noticed in the corner of her eye that Ashley didn't seem too happy. " Uh Ash." She said getting her attention.
" What is wr— MAKOA SHUT THE FUCK UP I AM TRYING TO SLEEP!!" Manny interrupted her, throwing his pillow at him.
" Manny I am sorry I just can't help it Kelly is as red a Tomato right now." He laughed.
" I don't care shut the fuck up!!" He yelled back putting a pillow over his head. Kelly turned back to Ashley only to find her lying down on her bed. She wanted to ask her what's wrong but she had no right to do so considering that she didn't open up tonight. When it finally quieted down everyone finally went to sleep it should be an interesting day tomorrow.
The Next Day
The day started like any other everyone did their daily routines as always, Makoa was being a fat fuck as usual, Rigo and them were gambling. But Kelly couldn't keep the excitement and nervousness she felt in her stomach, Little did she now it was going to be one eventful night.
Kelly's POV
I put on my white cap as I looked into the mirror. I decided to wear a skirt to be more with her feminine side while I put my hair into a bun. Ashley also opted for a skirt as well, but I could not shake this uneasy feeling with her, she seemed upset. " Hey, Ash." I said getting her attention. "Hmm" She said turning to me.
" About yesterday, I was wondering what wa– All right are you two ready to go." Makoa interrupted me. With him were Manny, Chips, and Sara all wearing their white dress uniform with their caps as well. I was able to convince Sara to wear a skirt I am glad she chose to. I turned back to Ashley to continue our conversation, but I saw she was at the door already with the rest of them." Yeah, I am ready to go, what about you, Kelly?" She asked me giving me a forced smile, seriously what was bothering her. I decided not to ask her again to not bring down the mood.
" Well let's get bloody going then." Chips said exiting the room. Well here we go I hope that my friends don't notice my date who am I kidding I should of thought about this sooner. We left our barracks and met up with our other group of friends and their dates, it was kind of sad that Stacker will not be joining us but if I remember exactly what he said " I am getting too old you kids go enjoy yourselves." He said.
Makoa was practically drooling when he saw Halsey can say I blame him she was looking good for being 60, not to mention since she wasn't part of the military she opted for a dress, exposing a good portion of her back and high heels, on top of that she was wearing a good amount of make-up.
Amelia followed Halsey's example and was wearing a black dress instead of red, Manny was also practically drooling the two goofballs practically smiled when they grabbed their arms to walk to the entrance. Sara and Ashley well they didn't have anyone but you did not need to bring a date so. Chris was pretty cute as well, Rigo got lucky with her. Speaking of which he took Makoa to the side " Hey listen I know you are autistic but can you please not be you, and try to give a good first impression." He told him. Makoa nodded. " Sure man I will try the best I can." Rigo sighed. " Thank you bro I appreciate it.
Good luck with that I thought
Carlos was able to hook up Frankie with a girl named Madison. Carlos had a date as usual, her name was Rebecca I think.
What was the highlight was Chips and Kat everyone at the entrance was surprised to see a Spartan here, a lot of the men seemed to be jealous. Kat was wearing the dress uniform only difference it was black instead of white, she also was wearing a skirt as well showing off her lean legs." Sup Kat." Dubbo said. She responded by picking up Dubbo with ease and hugged him, If they decided to become serious I would say that they would make a great couple. But I degrees I searched through the crowd to try to find Kelsi but that proved difficult, everyone wearing the same thing would do that. " Hey Kelly over here." I recognized that voice I looked over and spotted her. She was wearing a black dress Uniform with a skirt and her hair was in a ponytail, she did not put that much makeup on but she was drop-dead gorgeous. She ran over and gave me a hug, which was met from some weird looks from some people, But I did not care, I enjoyed every moment of it she smelled so good.
" Uhm Kelly who is this?" Makoa asked. Oh shit, I totally forgot about those two.
" Yeah who is this?" Manny joined with Amelia by her side.
Before Kelsi could answer I got in front of her. " Just a friend of mind, her name is Kelsi." I told them.
Makoa and Manny gave me an odd look. " Really I could of sworn that I saw her before." Manny responded.
"Interesting we got Kelsi and Kelly definitely not going to provide confusion, also isn't your dates name Kelsi as well. " Makoa said making a stupid joke as always, actually this might work in my favor. " You know you guys for once can be normal and just call me by my first name." I told them ignoring him mentioning my so called fake date. Both of them gave me a goofy face. " Sorry that is too weird we known each other since childhood and we always called you by your last name." Makoa commented.
" Saying Jane would just feel off" Manny responded.
" Well you can just call me by my last name Brunet I also outrank you as well." Kelsi piped up.
" We can work with that Ma'am" Makoa responded.
" Also just wondering how—" Thankfully before Manny could question further the doors opened and everyone started to go in. " Oh look they are letting us in let's go Emanuel she said using his real name." Amelia said dragging him. " Ok ok calm down." He laughed.
Halsey did the same and dragged Makoa with him. " Come on Koa let's go have some fun." She said excitedly. " A friend not date?" Kelsi said giving me a weird look once everyone was gone. Well looks like I fucked up. " Listen Kelsi I am sorry but my friends don't know I am.. gay." She finished for me.
" Yeah." I told her. She sighed. " I understand just make sure to warn me next time, honestly I don't know what I am when it comes to my sexuality, I always dated guys." Wow, that was easier than I thought, but what took my interest was her stating she doesn't know if she is gay or not " I appreciate it Kelsi we should get goi–Hey Kelly who is your friend?" Ashley chirped. Oh crap I totally. " Uhm.. this is u— My names Kelsi." She said pulling her hand out. Ashley shook it and smiled "I remember you from yesterday, what brings you here?" She asked oh no. " Oh, nothing I did not have anything going on so why not." She said non-cholontly. Ashley raised her eyebrow suspiciously, seriously what was her deal. "That's cool by the way your name is so similar to Jane's last name, anyways should we get going?" She asked. I gave her a weird look.
"What?" She asked.
" You never really use my first name." I told her. She shrugged" I did it to avoid confusion." She responded.
" Ah make sense" I nodded.
" Hey we should get going." Kelsi told us I then noticed that we were the last ones outside. " Let's go" Ashley answered her. Phew that was close, we all entered the hanger-turned dance floor, with tables set up and drinks and food they started playing some relaxing music, some people started to take some seats, while other were getting their food. I noticed in the corner of my eye that as usual Makoa was getting his food for him and Halsey with Manny and Amelia in tow. Everyone was still staring at Chips and Kat as she opened a seat for him, I am telling you they would make a cute couple. All of us gathered at our table Manny and Makoa brought back food along with their dates. " Thank you Koa." I thanked him as he handed me my plate of food. Giving the other one to Kelsi. " Thank you." She told him He tipped his hat in response, so cliche. And of course, his food was filled to the brim, fatass. Halsey did not seem to mind and laughed as he started to devour his food. You know I always wondered. " So Halsey what made you accept Makoa's offer?" I asked. Makoa immediately choked on his water when I asked the question. " Seriously... Kelly." He coughed.
" Hey, I am just wondering how someone like Halsey, would go out with someone like you." I told him, He flipped me off in response.
Halsey smiled. " Well I saw why not, I found it interesting that he decided to ask a lady that is 40 years older than him." She responded.
" That's it?" I asked her she pondered for a little bit.
" I mean there is also the reason that no else asked me, not to mention I wasn't really doing anything today so." She answered me.
" Can we please change the subject." Makoa begged.
" Why Makoa?? I feel like this is a conversation we should all have." I responded smugly.
" Can we please not do this." Makoa begged. Rigo then has a mischievous smile appear on his face with Frankie, Manny, and Carlos joining in, this going unnoticed by Makoa, who widened his eyes in fear. Halsey of course oblivious to what's about to happen.
" Now thinking about it what we should talk about the comments you made when you first saw her." Rigo made fun of him.
" Bro please don't." Makoa begged, turning more red.
" Nah fuck you, this is what you get for all those times you tortured us." He responded.
" All right now I am interested in this, what did he say?" Halsey asked genuinely wondering.
Manny was the first to go "So basically when we first met—- yo Manny shut the fuck up!!" Makoa Interuppted.
" No mames Makoa just le— Carlos shut your goddamn mouth." Makoa interrupted again.
" Damn Makoa is bright as a tomatoe right now Ha ha ha." Frankie laughed. Everyone burst out laughing at the table much to Makoa's horror. Makoa desperately kept on trying to shut them up to no avail. " So basically what happened is." Jesus tried this time.
" Can you not you autistic fuck Jesus!!" Makoa yelled.
" This is too funny." Christian giggled.
" I agree for once Christian." Jesus piped up again
" All of you shove a Taco in it!!" Makoa yelled desperately trying to shut them up.
" Racist ass" Manny said.
" Nope, Makoa this what you get for torturing us with your Autism so much so this what you get." Rigo Evilly smirked.
" I fucking hate all of you." Makoa Seethed.
"So what is it you all are trying to tell me." Halsey piped up. Rigo smiled. " Well as I was saying before it all started when we first met you and Makoa couldn't keep it to himself but he said and I quote Halsey is a total Shawty despite being 60 years old." Rigo Said causing the scientist to look over to Makoa. The poor marine slumped down in his seat filled with cringe. " Call me old which I am, but what does Shawty mean?" She asked.
" Well..." Carlos piped up. "It means an attractive woman." He told her.
" Does it now." Halsey said evilly smirking at Makoa. Who started to dig into his food trying to avoid her stare. " Yeah, we hate it when he says it because he overdoes it." Rigo added.
Halsey touched Makoa's shoulder and whispered something in his ear. Making him even go more red. " Well, they make a cute couple despite the age gap." Kelsi commented, I rolled her eyes. " Moron could honestly go for a relationship right now he sure needs it." I responded making Kelsi laugh.
" You are so mean to him." She laughed.
" I am his marine mom, I got to keep him in check." I told her.
" Well for what it's worth it seems to have served him well." She responded. Yeah, I hope so sometimes I worry for the moron.
But anyways the food was pretty good better, than what we usually get. All of us were happy to be eating something good for once and of course Makoa and Christian enjoy it, even though Makoa is a fat fuck so he eats everything. I get pissed at him when he eats way too quickly and he wonders why his stomach hurts. And as usual, he was just deepthroating his food. " Can you please fucking chew your food." I scolded.
" My bad." He said making Halsey laugh I swear she better not encourage him.
" Kelly is right Koa, chew your food it is bad to consume it too quickly." She agreed with me odd, that she used his nickname but I did not think much about it, you know I am starting to think she might be a good influence for him. I thought. " Damn, you are such a fat fuck bro." Manny insulted. Oh, here we go. " Manny can you please not antagonize your brother." For once it was not me but Watson saying it.
" Ok fine." Manny conceded making the blonde smile. Ok these fucktards are annoying me, so they will listen to them but not me. I guess I should be happy they are not being retarded for once but everything was peaceful, in a long while we were having a good time. The group thought it would be funny to exchange some stories about our times in high school which Halsey and Kelsi found funny including Amelia. Then the music started to play. A lot of the Marines took it as their cue to go onto the dance floor with their dates.
" Hey Makoa want to go dance with me." Halsey excitedly asked. Makoa went red again, " I uh uhm— Oh for god's sake just go" Rigo and I told him.
" Uh ok." He said. That is all Halsey needed as she got up from her table and dragged Makoa to the dance floor. It was funny to watch the much older woman teach him how to dance much to his embarrassment but I could tell he was enjoying himself.
One by one everyone else from our table went to the dance floor. Manny is being pressured by Amelia to go. But who stole the show was Kat and Chips. The Spartan was twice his size but she sure can dance, I am telling you cute couple. All the spectators were in awe as the Spartan danced gracefully on the floor. " Uhm Kelly will you take this dance with me." Kelsi said giving her hand out. " Uhm... I" Damn it I am acting like Makoa.
" If you are worried about people being suspicious, nothing odd with two women dancing together plus I think all of the attention is on your Aussie friend." She said. Well she had a point there but I noticed that Ashley was still sitting down poor girl did not have a date and I did not want to leave her. " Yeah bu–Ok let's go." She interrupted me dragging out of my seat. We ran across to the dance floor and she looked at me with the most beautiful smile I had seen.
She opened her hand out. I graciously took her hands into mine and we immediately started to dance I had butterflies in my stomach as we danced a long with the music as some on-lookers gave us odd looks but I did not care I was enjoying it way too much. Kelsi decided to take the lead on this and I followed, I have never felt like this ia a long time. The closest thing to it was when I was in college with all those lesbians and one night stands, but nothing close to this. I know that my mother would disapprove but she can fuck off for all I care I am just going to enjoy this moment. We drifted through the crowd not a care in the world it was kind of difficult dancing with Heels but I did not care for it. " You know Jane you have beautiful eyes" she told me. " Uh what." I stuttered.
" Your eyes silly." She laughed. " They are beautiful the Purple and blue is amazing." She told me making my heart skip a beat.
" I uh I love your hair." I shot back making her laugh real smooth Jane. But I swear that laugh of hers is one of the best I heard.
" Thank you Jane that is sweet of you." She told me. Oh man I was getting so hot.
" You know I've uhm, never been with a woman before you are the first." She said, surprising me
" Really?" I asked her.
" Yes really, I will say I am enjoying it so far, for the short amount of time I have been with you it has been amazing." She said, oh my god my heart was about to burst.
" You really are special Jane. I do not want to rush things, that being your friends don't know about your sexuality of course." She said.
Oh my god god bless her heart she is really willing to try this and take it slow for the sake of me. " If you don't want to I understand, but the short time that I have been with you Jane is nothing that I have felt with before in any other relationship." She said Oh my god my heart was beating so fast I could barely contain myself she was being so considerate.
" I am kind of confused though, I have only been with men, I think I may love you, but I don't know." She said.
When I heard the words come out of her mouth. It felt like everything went into slow motion, that was one of the first times someone has said that to me. Of course Manny and Makoa would say it but in a platonic way, never romantically ew.
" I don't know why but you interest me." She told me
That's it!! I could not contain myself a grabbed her face with both my hands and smashed my lips into hers. She immediately pushed me away eyes widened in surprise, and just like that I realized how much I fucked up, her face said it all I rushed too soon. " Jane I said I was confused." She told me still shocked. Tears started to well up in my eyes well there goes my fair chance of having a relationship with someone.
To make matters worst I soon realized that everyone and their mother were staring at us. Makoa and Manny were specifically shocked. With Amelia her mouth agape, Halsey had a grin on her face. Did she know all along?
Ashley seemed surprised as well, Jesus had a look of shock and horror, while Rigo was just as surprised.
A bunch of catcalls and whistling from a huge group of people broke the silence much to my annoyance. " Damn!!! we got two Shawtys making out can I join in." One pervert yelled.
" And they are both smoking hot!!" Another said.
" The fuck you say asshole!! no one calls my friend Shawty!!" Makoa angrily yelled marching forward to them.
" I am going to kick your fucking asses." Manny said joining his brother.
Amelia facepalmed." Sheizer, Here we go again." She said. I could care less about all of that one of my most deepest secretes was now out there I was panicking inside and in the confusion a I bolted to the exit with Kelsi desperately calling out for me but I did not care I had tears streaming down my face, they don't want to be friends with me anymore I am about to lose one of the most valuable things that I have left.
Makoa's POV
After knocking out the last guy a bunch of security personnel came out of nowhere and separated us. They weren't too pleased with me. " Report tomorrow for your punishment." One of them told me. I rolled my eyes. " Yeah whatever." I said wiping blood off my lips. Halsey on the other hand pressed ice against my eye, which was swelling up. Amelia was tending to Manny and the rest of us alongside Sara.
The entire dance floor was wrecked. I confronted the assholes that said that made that stupid remark and told them to apologize of course I wasn't expecting a sucker punch from that. But thankfully as usual we handled it. We were all pretty bruised up though. Everyone started leaving since the dance was canceled, in my defense it was not my fault this time they should of just said sorry. The other group stared daggers at us but we just responded by flipping them off.
" Hey guys should we go look for Kelly?" Rigo asked. Oh shit in all the chaos I forgot she ran away.
" Yeah, I am starting to get worried." This time belonging to Brunet.
" All right let's all split up Makoa Halsey and Amelia will make one team." Manny ordered.
" I guess Frankie and our dates will make a team." Carlos shrugged
" I will go with Jesus." Rigo said.
" And who said I wanted to go with you??" He responded jokingly, making Rigo roll his eyes. With that done we all left the hanger and split off to look for Kelly. Kelsi decided to tag along with Rigo.
" I wonder why she ran all of a sudden." I said making Halsey roll her eyes. " What" I confusedly asked her. She chuckled to herself. " You seriously do not know?" She asked me. I shrugged my shoulders. " Uh Makoa you are lucky you are pretty and funny." She told me.
" That is debatable." Manny commented.
" Screw you Manny I swear to god bro I w— Oh I am so scared Makoa shiver me timbers." He mocked me making Amelia and Halsey laugh.
" You know what can we just focus on finding Kells." I said.
" Yeah yeah yeah." Manny rolled his eyes at me I swear I am going to slap him
Moments later
It has been 30 minutes and we still can't find Kelly I was starting to get worried. I contacted Rigo to see if he found her, nothing on his end. " Thanks, Rigo." I let out a heavy sigh as I hung up on him.
Halsey reassuringly grabbed my shoulder. " Don't worry Koa we will find her." She said I love it when she uses my nickname. " I hope so I am starting to get worried." I responded.
" Makoa she is a grown woman what are you worried about." Manny scoffed at me, I swear my patience was running thin with him.
" How about this let's split up." Amelia suggested.
" Huh that is a good idea don't know why I thought about it before." I said. Manny gave me a dissapointed look. " Because you are a dumbass." He said. Before we can get into another argument Amelia stopped us. " Children please we have no time for this." She said.
" Also Halsey and I will go togethor so you two can get along." She smiled.
" Wait Amelia– bye Emanuel." The blonde said waving him away. Halsey waved goodbye as well then two left. Manny then angrily turned to me " What?" I asked.
" YOU CUCKED ME YOU DICKHEAD!!" He seethed, I gave him a confused look. " Bro this is your first time out with her." I responded.
" No fuck you you ruined my chance." He responded making me roll my eyes.
" I could say the same about Halsey and I." I shot back.
" Whatever, it is not like you have the balls to do that." He responded. At this point I was tired of arguing. " Can we please just find Kelly?" I asked.
" Fine, but I am still mad at you." He said wanting to get the final word in. I rolled my eyes and we went on our way down the hall she got to be around here somewhere.
Jane Kelly's POV
I was in the bathroom, in one of the stalls balling my eyes out. The shocked expressions on all of my friend's faces said it all, despite it being the 26th century no one will ever accept who I am, even my closest friends. I still remember my parents' reaction when they saw me with that girl, "disgusting monster, you are not normal, no one is born gay!!" They yelled at me they rather side with their religion than their damn daughter.
" Bro you moron we shouldn't be in here." I heard Manny's voice pipe up. I don't know why the two idiots came in here but it was bad news for me
" Honestly dude I don't give a fuck my worry is Kells, plus no one should be in here everyone is at the dance remember." This time belonging to Makoa.
" I guess you are right about that." He responded. I stayed dead silent I did not want to lose my friendship with them, even though it was going to happen either way I was just prolonging the inevitable. " Kelly!! Are you in here!!" Makoa yelled. Good luck with that I don't want to hear it the last thing I needed is my two closest best friends telling me how much of a freak I am, simply because I prefer women, I already heard enough from my parents. I stayed silent and brought my legs up to the toilet in hopes they won't find me
" Kelly I know you are in here I smell you're damn perfume." Makoa said. Shit, I thought to myself.
" Makoa she proba– Let's check the stalls first." He interrupted his brother. I then started hearing them open the stalls. " This has got to me one of the dumbest things we have ever done." Manny said.
" Can you shut the fuck up and check the stalls." Makoa hissed at him. One by one they opened the stalls until they finally reached mine. They opened the door. " There you are you had me worried." Makoa said.
" Go away!!" I yelled pulling my face into my legs. Makoa sighed. " Kelly can you please get out so we can talk." He tried again.
" I said Go away!!" I told them again.
" Kelly please don't shut us out like this." He begged. It stayed silent for a few more moments until Manny sighed. " Bro maybe we should give her some space." He said.
" Uh no, Kelly can you please look up at us at least." He asked. Every fiber in me said no but I reluctantly looked up at his face. But I was surprised I was met with not anger, or disappointment but deep worry and sadness.
"That's better so can you please get out of there, so we can talk." He said reaching for me.
I sniffled, wiped my tears and looked at his hand for some time, Well might as well get this over with. I took his hand as he pulled me out of the stall, I shamefully looked down at my feet not wanting to face them. Makoa was not having it as he grabbed my face and lifted it up so that we were now face to face with each other. " Here is some tissues." Manny said grabbing it out of his pocket. I gladly took it and blew my nose with it.
" That's better so you mind telling me why you left all of a sudden?" He asked me. I was confused was it not obvious?
" Come on Kelly, talk to me." He said breaking the silence.
" I uhm was embarrassed and after seeing your faces I just cou– Does this have to do with the asshole catcalling you? To make you feel better Manny and I dealt with them." He told me, like that had anything to do with this. Now that they brought that up I noticed that the two had Cuts and bruises all over their faces and Makoa had a black eye, not to mention their uniforms were dirty.
My sadness was replaced with anger. " Did you two morons get into another fight?" I questioned them this time making them avert their gaze from me.
" I mean well yeah, they deserved it." Makoa touched his neck. Moron.
" But that is besides the point, why did you run out all of a sudden?" He asked bringing the conversation back on topic.
" I ran because I thought." I muttered. They looked at me wanting me to continue. " I thought you guys were going to stop being friends with me because I am gay." I blurted out.
The two gave me a confused look. " Kelly, are you stupid?" Manny asked me. " huh?" I responded.
Makoa then gave me a hug which Manny begrudgingly joined in confusing me even more.
" I swear Kelly don't pull a Makoa right now." He said how ironic.
" What? I don't understand you don't care I am into women!!?" I asked shocked out of my mind.
" Of course fucking not!!" Makoa said letting go of me.
" Why would we care about that." Manny said nonchalantly.
" Yeah Kells what makes you think why we would give a fuck, for one I think it his hot." Makoa joked which Manny responded by slapping him on the head. " Ah you asshole!!" He moaned at him rubbing the back of his head
" So you guys do not care at all?" I asked them again still not able to process this.
" How many times do we need to say it we don't care." Makoa said. Something in me broke as I burst into tears as I engulfed the two idiots into a hug. Oh how I wanted someone to say that to me to no be judged and not be treated like a freak. " Thank you thank you so much." I cried into them. " Wait." I said letting go of them.
" What about the others, they don't care as well?" I asked them.
" Of course, they do not care, maybe besides Christian who had a coming to Jesus moment, but he accepts you for who you are." Makoa told me.
Suddenly all of the dread and worry just went away, oh my god I wasn't going to lose anyone thank Jesus.
" Oh my god Jane there you are!!" I turned around to see Kelsi running to me. She engulfed me into a warm embrace. " I was so worried you ran out of nowhere I well I thought something happened to you." She said cupping my face but immediately let go disappointing me.
" I am better now I am happy to say that my friends are not going to cut me off." I told her.
" So wait you guys don't care." She said looking at the two friends. Makoa rolled his eyes. " How many times do I need to say it we... Do... not... care... that Kelly is a lesbian It's hot. He said. Manny quickly responded by slapping him on top of the head again. " Ow, you asshole!!" Makoa complained
Kelsi turned to me and took her hands into mine. " That is good then right she asked me?" She said.
I smiled brightly " That means I no longer have to hide for who I am any longer " I said.
" You look like a wreck." She said wiping my tear stains.
" I am sorry for kissing you abruptly, I shouldn't have done that." I said solemnly. She shook her head at me.
" It is ok Kelly, it just caught me off guard is all." She sighed.
" Still though I am sorry for putting you on the spot like that." I responded.
" I think I should be the one that should be apologizing, considering the way you ran out." She said worriedly.
" I was just embarrassed." I responded.
" Uhm should we leave?" I hear Manny whisper to Koa.
" Shut up man let her cook." He stupidly said.
" Anyway I could make up for it?" She asked me. I smiled.
" Well there is one way." I said slyly making her raise her eyebrow at me.
" If you are comfortable with it of course." I quickly said.
" And what is it?" She asked me.
" Can I get a kiss please?" I innocently asked, making her widen her eyes.
" If you want to of course." I waved my hands at her. She sighed but grabbed my face and planted her lips into mine it felt great as I forgot about everything else. Of course Makoa being the idiot that he is, whistled interrupting our moment.
" You know being in the UNSC is not that much of a bad thing because you two ladies got my morale shooting through the roof." He laughed with Manny cringing inside. We both rolled our eyes at him
" Makoa you pig." I shook my head at him.
" Hey listen if you need a third wheel Manny here could help with that." Makoa joked making himself laugh. " You are such a pervert." I rolled my eyes again.
" I am now beginning to understand why you loathe Koa sometimes." Kelsi said equally as annoyed.
" See I told you he can be a little special sometimes." I said.
" You were right about that." She said giving me another kiss.
" Damn ladies take it slow." Makoa joked again.
" Makoa shut up you pervert, actually now thinking about it this is the women's bathroom get the fuck out." I said pushing him.
He put his hands up." Hey listen if we haven't gone in here you woul— come on retard lets go." Manny interrupted him by dragging him out of the bathroom.
" Manny you bitch let me go so I could at least record this special moment." Makoa laughed.
" Can for once in your life just be normal." Manny said pushing him out.
" Remember to wear protection Kelly!!" Makoa laughed.
"That doesn't even make fucking sense." Manny said to him.
I swear what a fucking moron. " Anyways you want to wait in here for a bit." She told me.
" Let's" I said. We probably made out for ten minutes one of the best moments of my life.
" So uh you want us to become a thing?" I asked her.
She sighed. " Jane you seem pretty sweet but I am going through a divorce right now so I don't know." She told me. Oh shit tht explains a lot.
" I will be willing to wait I am in no rush." I told her.
She looked away from me. " I don't know Jane, I don't even know I am gay or not." She said back to me bringing my hopes down.
" I think I just need time to think about this." She finally said. I nodded at her. I will give her the space she needed, uh what was I thinking.
We both walked out of the bathroom but were met with all our group of friends. Makoa had a stupid smile on his face alongside Halsey. In fact everyone was smiling at me.Everyone accepted Ash who had a blank expression on her face. But before I could ask what's wrong it of course had to be interrupted
" So you are gay not very based if you ask me." Jesus said to me.
" Jesus shut up!!" Everyone all said including everyone's dates I had very little time to get to know Chris and Rebecca but it was nice of them to be supportive of me.
" I am just joshing calm down." He said.
" Regardless now is not the place and time." Rigo said being the mature one despite being younger than everyone else. " Kelly listen we don't care that you are into women—- pretty hot if you ask me." Jesus interrupted. " Can you please stop trying to outdo Makoa!!" Rigo seethed.
" Anyways as I was saying we do not care at all, if you are into women you are into women." He told me.
" Thank you so much for that Rigo, that means a lot to me." I responded.
" I always had this feeling about you." Halsey joined in.
" You knew?!" I asked shocked, she laughed at the question. " If you are as old as me you notice things." She smiled.
" On a serious note in the bible it sa—Christian stop we get it you are Christian no one cares!!." Rigo yelled at him.
" Hey I am just giving my point of view." He responded.
" Christian became a Christian who would of thought." Makoa joked.
Rigo groaned. " Makoa do you not remember our agreement earlier" He said making Rebecca laugh. " I don't know he is pretty funny." She said. Rigo rolled his eyes "Please do not encourage him." he groaned
" Also what the fuck were you two doing in the women's restroom, Makoa!! I know it was you that first went in." Rigo scolded.
" Hey I was worried about Kelly!!" He responded making Rigo face palm. " So you just thought oh let's just go into the womens restroom you couldn't wait for Halsey or somebody else." He said.
" Ok fair point, but I was worried" he responded.
" You are actually, you know what I am not going to even try." He said.
With that said and done we started making our way back to our barracks due to the fight the dance was canceled earlier Kelsi and I walked togethor. Frankie, Jesus left to their barracks while we entered ours with Rigo
" Uhm Kelly?" Kelsi piped up
" Yes?" I asked her.
" I think now would be the time to ask them about the offer." She told me oh right due to everything that happened I totally forgot about that. " Hey guys I got something to ask." I said getting everyone's attention.
"What's up Kelly?" Makoa asked.
I smiled "How would you guys like to become ODSTS?" I asked them