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E: hi
M: ELLIE
E: yes
M: WHAT DID YOU DO
E: what i wanted
M: please tell me you didnt force him into anything
E: not my style
M: how was it
E: i dont want to say
M: ellie
E: fine
it hurt
i was on top first
M: what did i tell you
E: i know
but i didnt hurt him
he liked it
M: nice
and you
E: i dont know
ive never felt anything like it
M: yeah I know
our first time was something
who took the lead in getting you there
E: i did
M: spartan supremacy
same
E: but he took control pretty quickly
only did it when i was sure
M: i forced myself on hubby
E: what
M: yeah
tried to run away
didnt get far
E: legal i hope
M: duh
E: after the first time i kinda broke down
then he said he hadnt
got there
M: oooooh
E: so i got on my back and
M: and
E: i let him finish
M: when you sent me that pic
you nearly got me killed
E: heart attack
M: i screamed when i saw it
hubby ran upstairs with a loaded shotgun thinking i was attacked
as if one of us would be in trouble
E: ha
M: and then
E: we just cuddled for the night
M: thats it
E: yeah
M: have you done it since
E: no
it's only been two days
M: well im sorry i didnt teach you
E: didnt need it
we figured it out
M: how has he been since
E: same as before
maybe a bit more affectionate
im worried im not returning it right
M: ellie
if he went down on one of us
hes with you for life
E: how do you know
M: how many women out there are like us
and if youre able to bond like that we wont leave
that and we can kill them if they even think about
E: stop
i worry about you sometimes
M: dont
E:ok
M: im proud of you anyway
ヽ(*・ω・)ﾉ
E: again with the emojis
M: its cute
as cute as you two together
(_~)
E: funny
M: its nice to no longer be alone
E: you have your family
M: i meant as a spartan who did it
E: oh
M: yeah
well i wont keep you two lovebirds separate long
E: why did you send me 56 messages
M: dunno lol
E: youre terrible sometimes you know that
M: you've had what 40 or so years to figure that out
E: point taken
M: he does know your age right
E: bye maria
M: so that's a no then
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XXXXXX
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"How is your friend doing?"
"Fine. Just wanted to check in."
"You… didn't tell her about us, did you?"
Ian was lying on the couch, watching some old movie. Unfortunately, the day or so since their close action was just as rainy and miserable as the one before it. Finding little to do, and little escape from the weather, they had unanimously decided to relax for once. It was easier for Ian to grasp than her, of course, but given the events of yesterday, she seemed to be more than happy to do nothing. She walked out of the kitchen and into the lounge, to Ian's slight amusement.
"What?"
"You're walking a little bow legged."
"Well, as much as I can take pain… that was different."
"I didn't hurt you too bad, did I?"
"No, it's like I said. A different pain I wasn't prepared for."
She looked at the screen, partially to see what was on, and to hide her slight embarrassment at the confession.
"What's this?"
"Guns of Navarone. Dad loved this movie. Group of commandos try to wipe out a cannon to save a stranded British garrison on a Greek island."
"Interesting. I can think of a mission or two that sounds similar."
"Yeah, well I'm no Gregory Peck or Anthony Quinn. And at least we had Janni and the others for the ride. At least we had that going for us."
"True. But there were two heavy lifters in the unit that did most of the work."
"Don't puff yourself up dear. We all were in it together."
"I don't need to stroke my ego or yours. You should know that by now."
He grinned as she started to walk away before stopping in her tracks. Then, with little warning, she whirled around, approached, and laid down on top of him.
"Can I help you with something?" he grunted as her mass started to crush him.
"Yeah. You can stay still."
She climbed into a comfortable position atop him before kissing him on the cheek and resting her arm on the pillow Ian's head was on. Leaning on it to get a good view, they started watching the movie together.
"That Greek guy is really good."
"Yeah. Crazy considering he's a Mexican."
"What? No he isn't."
"Manuel Antonio Rodolfo Quinn Oaxaca."
"Anthony Quinn?"
"Correct."
"Wow," she muttered. "What an actor."
"That generation were. Peck, Bogart, Eastwood, all of them."
"At least you don't like watching those old black and white movies. I can't stand those."
"Really?"
"Wigs me out, hard to explain. It has something to do with the augments in my eyes."
"Ah."
As the main cast dealt with the arrival of a Nazi patrol boat, Ian was more focused on controlling himself as he felt her pressing against him. Not that he was against it, but ever since the day before, he had looked at and felt her in an entirely new light. She was… big. Strong. Almost unapproachable out of fear of what she was capable of. And yet, only a few hours ago, they were connected, her mind and body entirely his. He involuntarily shuddered as the thought ran through his mind. Then, right as the gunfire reached a crescendo, Ellen suddenly looked down at him.
"Ian?"
"Yeah? Sorry, was thinking about something."
"I have a feeling I know what."
"H-how can you tell?"
"Well, I was going to ask you to move your leg, but… neither of them is poking me. Something certainly is though."
He reddened slightly as he realized what was going on.
"Oh. S-sorry."
"Ian… are you trying to tell me something?"
"No, just something that happened. M-my bad."
"I don't think I can do that again for a little bit."
"And that's fine. We can never do it again and I'll deal with it."
"Why?"
He leaned up to her face and kissed her on the lips.
"Because it's you."
"Aren't you romantic?"
"I've had a lot of time to catch up on that."
"So I've noticed."
An hour or two later, as the credits rolled and Artemis, who had joined them in the middle, yawned and stretched before going back to sleep, Ellen rolled off Ian and stood before stretching. He admired her body one more time as she did so.
"I won't lie, I like the boxers and bra combo. It's as classic as your BDU and shirt set. Not that I'll criticize anything."
She turned to face him, sticking her tongue out before walking away.
"What do you want to watch next? If you don't want any black or white movies, we still got plenty of ancient ones that you'll probably like."
"What time is it?"
"About noon."
"And this damn rain won't let up."
"I know, it's horrible."
"I'm gonna make lunch for us. Chicken and rice soup?"
"Oh, that sounds good."
"I'm glad you like my cooking."
Ian sat up and chuckled.
"As I said, you're the full package. What isn't there to like?"
"The emotional stunting."
"Oh no, however will I live with an emotionally reserved and stable woman? I can't imagine it."
She shook her head in slight disappointment as he petted Artemis and started scanning through the rest of the films on offer.
"Oh bloody hell. Nothing to do, and nothing to watch. How typical."
"Maybe you can help me cook this?"
Ian sat up slightly and looked back at her, realizing she was serious.
"Well… don't see why not."
He got up, cracked his neck, and moved over to the kitchen.
"Right, what do we need?"
"Well, we got the chicken, the broth, and the rice, so we should be set."
"Good. Well, I'll leave you to it."
As he tried to walk away, he felt a massive hand grab his shoulder and drag him back towards the collection of pots and ingredients.
"You are going to learn. I had to, and you're going to as well."
"You're not my mum."
"No, but I am the woman you're sleeping with, in all ways now. So if you want to keep me happy, you're going to start pulling your weight."
He looked hesitantly at the cook top and sighed.
"The sacrifices I make for the both of us."
"Don't kid yourself. Here, chickens already cut. Broths ready, so just drop it in."
He did so obediently, watching the mounds of chicken sink into the boiling pot.
"Alright."
"Well, you haven't screwed it up so far, I guess there's hope for you yet."
"Hilarious. What else?"
"Carrots and celery. I've heard you should cook them first with onions, but I'm not a fan."
He found the two vegetables already cut and threw them in.
"Where's the rice?"
She sighed at his impatience and poured a cup of it into the brew, then some salt and pepper. She put a cover on the pot and looked back at him.
"That's it."
"Wow. If everything's that easy, what do you do when me and Unc are out working?"
"Really? That's all you got to say? No thanking me, saying that you appreciate it or any of that?"
"Jesus we're already bickering like a married couple."
She looked at him for a moment, then opened her mouth before quickly closing it and looking away. It took no time for Ian to start pressing her.
"Oh, does hearing that bother you? Be honest."
"A little," she admitted. "It's just… I never thought I'd ever be in a relationship like ours. Frankly, I'm still a little blown away that you and I got along, let alone sleep together. And the fact you and I…"
She could not bring herself to say anymore, obviously still trying to process and understand the events of the previous night. Reddening slightly, it took Ian no time at all to realize that he hit a nerve, not in a bad way, but not anything she wanted to dwell on.
"Hey, it's a bit quiet and I'm getting the old tinnitus back in my ears. Let's get some music going."
He walked over to a panel in the wall and clicked it a few times.
"Anything in particular?"
"Not really."
He scanned over the names, then stopped sliding the list down and pulled up a few choices. He grinned as he pressed on one of them.
"Here. Always a good one."
A piano and guitar filled the house, Ellen trying to figure out what the song was.
Crazy, I'm crazy for feeling so lonely
I'm crazy, crazy for feeling so blue
"Patsy Cline. Mum liked her for some reason. Don't ask."
"I like it."
She focused on the food, oblivious to much else.
Worry, why do I let myself worry?
Wondering, what in the world did I do?
Satisfied with the food, she was about to go to her room when she felt a hand on her back.
"Turn around quick."
"Why?"
"Just do it."
She did so, and before she could ask, Ian grabbed one of her hands before placing his other on her hip.
"Repeat song."
The piano started over again as Ellen tried to figure out what he was doing, before he shifted to one side, then to the other. Her mind suddenly connected what was going on.
He was trying to dance with her.
She tried to do the same as him, attempting to follow his movements.
"Sorry, I'm not good at this."
"Neither am I," he said with a grin, staring into her eyes.
As the song hit its chorus, she pulled him into an embrace, moving with him as she moved her head over his shoulder. His face was buried back under her chin, but they kept doing what they thought passed for dancing. It was nothing revolutionary or impressive, but for the both of them, it was unfamiliar territory. Neither of them thought they did a bad job anyway, so it really did not matter much. As the song ended and went to another, similar sounding tune, Ian stopped when he felt her suddenly tense up and shiver. He pulled his head away and looked up at her.
"You alright?"
She let one hand off him to rub the back of her neck.
"Ian… there's uh, no easy way to say this, but I-I'm-"
She sighed before finishing, leaning in and whispered.
"In the mood."
He blinked, his mouth drying up.
"R-really?"
"Yeah," she mumbled.
"Uh… are you sure?"
"I'm fairly certain I know what my body feels."
"Well… should we go to the bedroom or-"
"Can we be a bit inventive?"
He let go of her, trying to figure out what she was getting at. He failed miserably and finally asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Here."
He blanched, the eyes staring back at her full of surprise and hesitancy.
"In the kitchen? We cook here."
"I'm not saying we do it on the stove but- how about standing?"
He scratched his chin, thinking over the logistics. There was also a part of him that wanted to refuse out of the possible impropriety of it all, getting into it so close to the window. It was one thing to be physical in the privacy of one's bedroom… but they were in the middle of nowhere, and other than the attack a month ago, nobody ever came out here. Unc was still probably a few days away. He tapped his fingers on the counter before finally deciding.
"Get over here you bloody Spartan."
He felt her arms wrap around before lifting him a few inches off the floor. Their faces level, her lips pressed into his with more passion than the night before. She really must have been hot and bothered to act this way; he thought. A few moments later, they broke off as she took a few deep breaths.
"What's gotten into you Ellen?" he panted.
"I… don't know. Maybe the suppressors finally gave out."
"Suppressors?"
"They knocked our sex drives out as much as they could. Focus on the mission and all that."
"That's horrible!"
"Well, it made sense to us at the time. And I did stay focused."
"What else did they do to-"
Before he could finish the question, he felt a hand dart towards his pants.
"Whoa, hold on! I can take care of that!"
He held her off for a moment, trying to figure out what was going on. When he looked back up, her face was a deep crimson. Ian quickly determined that she was not acting out of some repressed desire, but merely trying to follow the advice of her married friend or what she assumed would elevate things. But pushing away caused her mood to sink a little, thinking she had made a mistake or done something wrong.
"Hey, you don't need to push. What happened to taking our time?"
"I thought it would be…" she shook her head in confusion. "I don't know."
Ian chuckled before pulling his pants and boxers down slightly, enough to cover most of everything, but allowing the important parts out. He was embarrassed to do so, especially with so little concern, but in his defense, she started it. Ellen responded similarly before pulling him towards the end of the counter. Leaning back on it, she embraced him again as he tried to aim correctly. He finally found his target, a wet feeling on the tip of his member.
"Ellen?"
"Y-yeah?" she stammered.
"Ready?"
"Yeah."
He suddenly looked away and faced the panel.
"System, play Crazy by Patsy Cline."
The song started over again as he slowly went forward, Ellen shuddering as she bit her lip. Ian was not doing much better, having to raise himself slightly up on his toes to reach on top of having to keep himself in control. It was a daunting task for both, but as he drove into her, it was hard to think, let alone critique what they were doing. He refrained from going fast, keeping a steady rhythm, much to her barely concealed delight. After a few minutes, she pulled him closer, wrapping one leg around him.
"Must be doing something right," he grunted.
"Ian," she moaned.
"Yeah?"
"Don't stop," she said after sliding her head next to his ear.
"Yes ma'am," he mumbled, feeling her twitch inside and outside.
This continued for a few more minutes before the two could feel each other nearing the end of their tether.
"Ellen," Ian gasped.
"I know," she panted in reply.
"Should I go for it?"
"I wish we could stay like this forever."
He was surprised at the comment, his partner never being one for such sentimentality, even after they started their romance. He took a moment to think about how incredible and unbelievable this all was. He was in love with a Spartan, who somehow loved him back. He had confessed to her, kissed her, and at that very moment, for lack of a less vulgar term, was bollocks deep in her. He must've run out of luck that last year in the Army before karma decided to right itself. There was nothing he wanted more than her. To be with her.
"I'm gonna-"
"Me too."
"Alright! Let's-"
The door slid open, causing the two to freeze and turn to the noise.
"Bloody hell, of course the day I come back it's raining. Ian? You here?"
The newcomer was an older woman, wearing a soaking wet poncho and dragging two equally drenched suitcases.
"I heard your idiot uncle is off gambling our fortune, so at least he's not here to say hel-"
She looked up at the two, blankly staring at the two, Ellens shorts and panties around her ankles, Ians pajama pants next to them, his boxers barely holding in their correct position, sans the front. The two stared at her, Ian in utter horror, Ellen in grim shock. He finally gathered the ability to speak, the ashes in his mouth finally melting away.
"-lo."
"H-hi mum."
"Hullo Ian," Margaret Walls said flatly. "Ellen."
"Margaret."
The three stayed still, none of them quite sure how to respond or what to do next. Margaret took the initiative and sighed.
"I'm going to stand on the veranda and dry off for a few minutes. You two should clean up and get dressed while I do that."
"Understood," Ellen replied, not moving.
"Right."
"W-welcome home mum."
"Thank you dear," she said with a disappointed sigh before walking outside.
Ian buried his head in Ellens chest and screamed.
"Ian… should we finish-"
"Hell no!" he said with panic, pulling away and ripping his boxers back into their correct place, gritting his teeth as the elastic band caught on his organ. "We just got caught flagrante by my own mother! Jesus Christ!"
"Should I shower?"
"Just get your BDU pants and shirt on, God in heaven!"
He walked awkwardly to his room before closing the door, leaving Ellen alone as the soup continued to cook. All she could think at that moment was that his mother had only been back for less than a minute and was already being a pain in her well-formed ass.
Ten minutes later, dressed and at least preened, Ellen finished cooking as Ian and his mother sat in the lounge, her teacup sitting on the table as it cooled. He was busy looking at the floor trying to salvage any semblance of a conversation with her.
"So… how was the voyage?" he meekly asked.
"Faster than usual. It's why I'm here early. Maybe too early."
She took a sip of her tea and looked at the Spartan with a hint of amusement.
"I must admit Ian, as much as there's a part of me that's a bit disappointed, I am relieved you've proven to me that you like women."
"I-what?"
"I had a feeling you were a poof, avoiding the women I tried sending your way and only ever talking about your friends."
Ian stared back at her, now thoroughly struck dumb by this statement. Before he could manage a half-hearted response, Ellen walked away from the soup and sat down next to him.
"Margaret."
"Eleanor."
"Please, call me Ellen."
"Very well. Am I wrong to assume you're in a relationship with my son?"
Before Ian could say anything, Ellen grabbed his hand and squeezed it.
"Correct. We have been friends for three years, and around two or so weeks ago our relationship became romantic. And starting yesterday-"
"Ellen!" he hissed.
"Ah," his mother said. "I would be lying if I said I was totally surprised by you two being together, but I still find it somewhat shocking. I think it has more to do with the fact that last time I saw you, you were little more than a flesh wearing android. That you had any emotions, let alone could feel love, was quite a surprise."
"Your son is a wonderful person, Margaret. I'm glad to have met him, and he-" she paused, her face flushed with a twinge of red. "Makes me feel a way no one else ever has."
Margaret nodded and took a sip of tea.
"I'm aware he's a wonderful person. I've only spent 27 years raising and worrying about him. While his choice of woman is quite… unique, I have no objections. My only disagreement is his choice to break abstinence, but if you were able to convince him otherwise, I think it's a lost cause to complain about."
Ian looked at the two in confusion. They were speaking as if at a meeting, his presence and input completely ignored. Then, his mother turned to face him and put her tea down.
"Ian, is she telling the truth?"
He swallowed and cleared his throat.
"It is. And… I love her. I don't care what she is, I know who she is: the woman I want to be with."
Ellen's poise was unchanged, but she gently squeezed his hand after he said it. When it came to love, he must have been an idiot savant.
"Very well. As I said, I have no objections. I am thankful I spent a month living with you, so I won't have to spend much time trying to figure you out. Are you sleeping together?"
"That-that's none of your-"
"We've spent the last few weeks in my bed. It's big enough for the both of us."
"E-Ellen-"
"I had a feeling you did that."
She stood up and offered a hand.
"It'll be interesting to live with you again, Eleanor."
"You as well, Margaret," the Spartan replied and took her hand to shake firmly. "The chicken and rice soup is ready, would you two like some?"
"I-w-what just happened?"
"I'd love some soup. Get the table ready, won't you Ian?"
"I-er-yes mum."
As baffled as he was, he could at least take comfort in the fact that Ellen had passed his mothers inspection. As perfect as a Spartan could be, Margaret Walls could find glaring faults even in one of them. But Eleanor-074 had gotten through with hardly a conversation.
XXXXXX
The next morning, Margaret finished eating her breakfast in her house, the first time in at least a year. She had been back on Earth before the Covenant hit it, before Reach even was a target. She had been attempting to organize the efforts of the Remembrance and Recovery Group on what was left of the outer colonies when the news about Reach arrived. What had been a simple round table talk about organizing recovery efforts turned to preparing for Reach, then into near insanity when it was apparent that Earth was next. For the organization, it was a stroke of luck that she was there, but it had been a long year for her. Hiding in a bunker in Geneva for a week, then walking out to a world in disarray. To her credit, she sprang into action, faster than even the official UNSC to recover the fallen. Her grim memories of collecting the dead were interrupted as the door to the guest room opened. A massive figure walked out, yawning and stretching, followed by a furry, four-legged animal.
"Good morning, Eleanor."
"Margaret."
"And hello Artemis. I have to say, I think she's a gorgeous cat. Good call by my son. By the way, where is he?"
"Sleeping."
"May I ask if you did anything to… make him tired?"
"No. Your arrival took him out of the mood, if I'll be honest."
Margaret quietly chuckled. Maybe it was from the emotional stunted behavior the Spartan showed, but it was somewhat refreshing to have someone who was either unashamed, or simply unaware about the embarrassing and personal information.
"Well, I would say how disappointing it was to walk in on my son rogering someone, but I thought it over. I must be the only woman in the universe to have walked in on her son and a Spartan."
"You're probably more right than you know, ma'am."
Ian had not taken the situation as well as she had. Lunch was a quiet, awkward affair for him, and dinner was somehow even more agonizing. He kissed his mother good night and crawled into bed with Ellen, who listened as he poured his heart out over how utterly embarrassed and pathetic he felt. But Ellen had taken the arrival of his mother quite well, relieved to have another woman in the house, and even more so that it was someone close to Ian.
"So, what were you up to before you got here? After Kenya?"
"Mostly waiting to move to the Reserves."
"And what exactly brought you here?"
Ellen looked blankly out the front windows, the red sun starting to break over the horizon.
"He was the only person I enjoyed being around. Except for the other Spartans of course. I looked up where he was, found this place and… went from there."
"I see. And why didn't you ever tell me you knew him?"
"I was afraid. Don't know what or why. But I was."
"Ah. And when did you figure out how he felt about you?"
"Well, you accidentally told me."
Margaret sniffed and took a sip of tea.
"Well, that didn't help."
"That, and about a month ago, he was drunk, did he tell you about the statue dedication?"
"No, but I read about it in the news. He got drunk? I hope he didn't do anything too bad."
"No, but he did say-"
She rubbed the back of her neck before finishing.
"That I was the best thing to ever happen to him."
Margaret covered her mouth and gasped.
"He didn't!"
"He did."
"Oh darling, I told you it was game over after that. I did warn you."
"True. But since you're here, I wanted to let you know I was going to continue onto the next step for our relationship."
"Oh, good."
Going steady, she thought. A good sign if there ever was one.
"By the way, did I tell you I liked your hair?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Do you like it?"
"I had a Marine tell me that it was very… floofy."
"I think it looks great on you, just as I said."
"I agree ma'am."
The two went quiet, Margaret not finding any further topics of discussion, and Ellen unsure what to tell her, if anything at all.
"Well, I'm going to take a nice shower and leave you two to your own devices. Whatever you do today, I wish you the best of luck."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Please, call me Margaret. You're making me feel older than I am."
As she vanished into the shower room, the guest room door opened, Ian stepping out as he rubbed his eyes.
"Morning Ellen."
"Good morning Ian."
She walked over and kissed him on the cheek, which woke him quickly.
"Well now," he said with a grin.
"How did you sleep?"
"Well, considering I couldn't move much in a certain someone's death grip. And I'm haunted by the fact that my mother walked in on us. Took a while to get over that."
"She seems to have gotten over it. She didn't even mention it at all yesterday."
"Knowing my mother, it's because she's waiting for the perfect moment to hang it over me. But that's just my paranoia speaking."
Ellen messed up his hair as she shook her head in disappointment.
"I should be the paranoid one of the house, not you."
"Well, I tend to disappoint. Anyway, what are your plans today?"
"I think you and your mother should spend some time. You haven't seen her in a year after all."
"We'll see. She probably wants to enjoy some peace and quiet in the house. At least the rain stopped, but now it's going to be too damn humid to do anything. Can't bloody win."
"We'll find something to do, I promise," she replied.
He looked at her suspiciously, given her actions the last few days, but nodded in agreement.
"I'm gonna shave and freshen up a bit."
"Breakfast?"
"Not hungry."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. When mums finished, we'll figure out a plan. Sounds good?"
She gave a thumbs up that he returned before he headed off to his room. Having not bothered to make anything to eat, and not feeling hungry either, she went back to her room and pulled out her personal datapad. Thinking of contacting Maria before banishing the thought. Then something came to her mind, something she had thought about but had pushed off for a few weeks. She opened the net browser and typed "relationship steps". In a few moments, she was firmly trapped in a rabbit-hole that held onto her for an hour. But it ended with a rather simple conclusion, an answer to what she needed to do next. And she would get her chance soon enough.
XXXXXX
"Are you sure you don't want to do anything? Lunch? Brunch?"
"For the last time dear, I'm fine. You two can go out and do whatever you want. I still need to really unpack all my things, and I just want to relax for a little bit."
"Ellen, don't you have to watch the kids today?"
"No, that's not until tomorrow."
"Oh. My bad."
"Whose kids?" Margaret asked.
"The DeVries. She's spent the last month or so going over and watching them when they go out."
"What do the kids think of you?"
Ian interrupted before she could answer.
"They can't get enough of her. I've had to damn near pry them off whenever I need to go and pick them up."
"That's hilarious! I'll have to see that for myself. Mind if I come along tomorrow? I used to watch them as well. They probably like you more than me, I was a bit strict."
"Not as strict as their mother," Ian mumbled before trying to pretend he did not say that.
His mother scoffed at his assertion before turning back to Ellen.
"As I said, I have things to do. You and Ian can do whatever you want. Stay here, go into town, I frankly don't care."
"Well, I don't know what-"
"Ian, let's go for a drive."
He looked at Ellen, who made a nervous shrug after making the suggestion. He raised an eyebrow before nodding slowly.
"All… right. Where to?"
"Dunno. Can I drive?"
"Hell no you-"
He stopped and looked at his mother, who took offense to his answer. But there was a moment where he realized that Ellen had not even driven once since she arrived, well, unless you counted him being too drunk to carry it out back from the celebration in New Harare, and he thankfully did not remember any of that. But she did deserve a chance.
"Actually, sure. We'll take the Hog out. You know how to drive those," he said politely.
Neglecting to add a further assessment of her driving ability, he noticed she was in good spirits, maybe even a bit excited. He did not know whether to be worried or optimistic.
"Well, I'm gonna check the engine quick. I think Unc blew something out last time he used it."
"Take your time," she said as he walked out the door.
As soon as he was out of earshot, Margaret cleared her throat to get the Spartans attention.
"Whatever you're planning to do, I bought you time. Not to say you owe me anything but try not to keep my son too long. I missed him dearly."
"Of course Margaret."
Mrs. Walls made a quick smile before waving Ellen on. She nodded and rushed out behind Ian. He nervously moved into the passenger side as she wrapped around the hood, nearly throwing herself into the driver's seat.
"Just like old times," she said happily. "Sure beats that old Spade you had me drive."
"Yep. Well, I don't need to teach you how to drive, so… let's go."
She nodded, throwing the vehicle into reverse, spinning it around the driveway, and rushed away from Avon Fields.
Ten minutes later, Ian learned two things: one, she was a marginally better driver than before, and two, the grab handles in a Warthog were quite sturdy. From the sudden turns, near misses, and incessant attempts to reach max speed, he was praying for her to stop or tried to gain the courage to tell her to switch with him. Then, just as sudden as she sped forward, the Hog slowed to a stop. They were in the middle of a dirt road, one that led from Avon Fields towards Selous. He turned to ask what was going on when she turned to him.
"I want to step out for a second. Wanna come along?"
"Uh, sure."
They got out at the same time, Ians legs wobbling a bit from the sheer terror of the ride. They were specks in a sea of savanna grass, a few Acacia trees standing tall above the plains.
"It's pretty out here," she said flatly.
"Yep."
"Beats spending all day inside."
"Mhm."
There was a brief silence as he looked out into the fields, trying to figure out what she was doing. Maybe she just wanted to be alone with him given his mother's arrival. Or did she want him alone to eliminate him? To keep a secret? He snorted at the thought before shaking his head.
"Perfect," she said, breaking him out of his thoughts.
"Correct."
What was her game? He turned around to ask her what was going on but saw that she was right next to him, down on one knee.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"I… don't know how to do this right, or if I'm doing anything at all, but I read that this is how you do it."
"Do what?"
She sighed and rubbed the back of her neck.
"Ian, the past month or two was nothing that I was expecting. I never thought I'd be living in peace, in… love. And I didn't even know I could-uh-you know. But I want to be here as long as I can. I'm… happy with you. And I want to spend as much time with you as possible."
Ian chuckled and nodded.
"I love you too Ellen. And I never thought I would be with a Spartan. Hell, I thought I'd never come home. And I thought I'd never see you again. You didn't need to drag me out here to tell me that. Mum already knows about us, and I wouldn't care if she didn't like it anyway."
Ellen looked back up to him before staring at the ground.
"But the article said you're supposed to be alone when you do this."
"You don't need an article to tell me what I already know. And what are you talking abo-"
He froze, blinking as his mind finally connected with what was going on. What she was saying, why she dragged him out here, why she looked up an article for help.
Why she was on one knee.
"Ellen… are you proposing to me?"
She made a nervous laugh before looking him in the eyes.
"Yes."
He was unable to speak, dumbstruck. His mind raced as he thought of what to say, how to respond, and what to even do. Suddenly, a panicked look rushed across her face, realizing that something was wrong.
"What'd I screw up?" she asked with a bit of sadness.
"Well, you're supposed to have a diamond ring first."
"Oh," she whimpered.
"That's alright, I don't have one either. That and uh-"
He let out a soft laugh before rubbing the back of his neck in a similar fashion to her nervous tick.
"The man's supposed to be the one proposing."
"Oh."
"I mean, either or. I don't think there's a right or wrong way to do this. And the last way to describe us is conventional, eh?"
"That's very true."
"And you're supposed to ask the question."
"What question?"
Ian frowned before his eyes lit up as he realized what needed to be done. He stuck his hand out to Ellen, who took it in confusion. He lifted her up to her feet and motioned for her to stay before he took a knee.
"Ellen, you're probably the best woman I know. You're smart, pretty, and brave. By all definitions you're perfect. When you got here, I was barely out of a very… dark place. But you've been a Godsend, and I think I've reached a point of not knowing what to do if you weren't around. And I love you and all that so-"
He ran his fingers through his hair to fix it and look a bit more presentable.
"Eleanor, will you marry me?"
She nodded instantly.
"Why did you even need to ask?"
"It's the right thing to do I guess," he said as he pulled her close and kissed her.
After a few moments, they broke away and just looked each other in the eyes.
"What now?"
"I have no idea. I guess we'll drive back and tell mum. God knows what she's going to think."
"You think she'll protest?"
"Oh no, but organizing a wedding… she'll be a good help."
They looked back at the Hog.
"Can I drive us back?" she asked.
"As an engagement gift, I approve."
XXXXXX
Margaret made another cup of tea, watching one of the atrocious soap operas prevalent throughout human space. She never understood why she liked them, but she continued to do so. Before she could criticize the terrible relationship of the main pair, she heard a vehicle pull up. She sat up, realizing that it must have been Ian and Ellen. Their names bounced off one another, it sounded excellent. Before she could stand, the two in question were inside.
"Mum, do you still have dads ring?"
She grimaced at the question.
"Of course, I'd never get rid of it. But why do you need-"
She looked at their faces and instantly connected the dots. She gasped and put a hand over her mouth.
"Did you two-"
"Yes, ma'am. Margaret."
"Oh lord! I never- I thought-"
"Mum, please don't pass out."
"I won't, I won't! Did you get her a ring?"
"Actually, she proposed to me first, so I was caught with my pants down."
His grin vanished as he realized what he said and braced for his mothers wit.
"Yes, that seems to be happening quite a bit lately. Anyway, we can go to Hertzog's, get her finger measured and let you choose something. That old bastard will probably have a heart attack when he looks at you dear. And what about the wedding?"
"Is Vicar Thomas still at St. Georges?"
"Oh of course! As smart as your father! And I noticed your dress uniforms, so we'll have that covered-"
"No!" Ellen yelled, shocking the two.
"What's wrong with that?" Ian asked after recovering.
"I…" she stopped, almost embarrassed to continue.
Margaret put a hand on her shoulder.
"What's wrong dear?"
"The pictures I saw of weddings… I-I want a dress. A pretty one."
Margaret laughed at the admission.
"Oh, if you're going to Hertzog a heart attack, when we get to Francescas, they'll just drop dead when you walk in the door."
She frowned suddenly as she realized that the costs were adding up.
"Will we have the money for-"
"Yes," Ian quickly responded. "First time we've had to actually spend money on something worthwhile."
"Well, it seems my son has already started planning things out. You two do realize that you should date more than a month before you propose, right?"
Ellen shrugged dismissively.
"We spent three years together in the service. If that isn't a way of finding the right person, I don't know what is."
"A very philosophical outlook. Ian, I approve."
He looked back to Ellen, who sighed.
"You don't have to hurt yourself for me."
"What?"
"You're smiling."
"I don't feel anything."
He looked at the refrigerator, its stainless-steel reflecting back in confirmation.
"Bloody hell!" he gasped. "It doesn't hurt anymore!"
He turned to Ellen, who grabbed and lifted him up to kiss him, much to her future mother-in-law's delight. He continued smiling at her, certain that at that moment, he was the happiest man on Dzimba. Suddenly, the door opened, the three turning to see who arrived. Arthur Walls stumbled in, humming an old folk song before stopping at the door and blinking.
"Oh Christ," he said looking at Margaret. "You're back."
Artemis moved towards him, rubbing against his leg. He bent down to pet her and then stood back up to look at the newly engaged pair. He frowned and scratched his head.
"What'd I miss?"