you ever just lay on the floor and think about Kelly? Bro she’s so cool
Also it’s totally the nerd and bias in me but I feel like she’d love to have a scientist as partner. But more like the mad scientist type that goes out and does field work. May I make request for that???
*DRAMA GASP WITH SLOW TURN OF HEAD* oh, boy, do I. Kelly is one of the best girls. I think you will enjoy her chapter of Gentle Touches when it comes out, but in the meantime, it would be an honor to write this-
Of course, she wouldn't say no. Sure, any of the ODSTs or Marines would have been given the mission, but what was she supposed to do with downtime if you weren't around? Draw on John's face while he slept? Push Fred down the ship's air vents to see how far they went? Those were all good for a laugh, but she couldn't just let such precious cargo be left to the non-spartans, what if something happened? Regardless of whether the area was clear or not, she'd learned the hard way that everything could go wrong in seconds.
It was one thing to trust the ODSTs and Marines with a secure area, but the Covenant were unpredictable, and surprises were a given. So, when you asked for her company on the surface, there was no way she would refuse.
"I appreciate you being willing to come," Your voice carried through the pelican as you sat by her side, fiddling with the datapad in your lap. Kelly adjusted her armor, double-checking the seals and running through a mental checklist. It was muscle memory by now, but habit kept her thorough.
Every mission was critical, and every movement had to be precise. No matter if this was a route fieldwork assignment, she had to be prepared in case something was to happen or to protect you. "I wouldn't want you to get into any trouble without me. Who else is going to keep you out of it?" Her voice held a lightness to it, one she only ever used with the other Spartan and now you.
Spartans weren't known for their jokes, but Kelly had a way of keeping things light, even when things got heavy. It was one of the reasons you liked having her around. She kept the tension at bay while still being razor-sharp when it counted.
Plus, it was a bonus to have your girlfriend interested in your work, especially when you outfitted them with semi-banned explosives. Kelly glanced at you as she finished her armor checks, her visor reflecting the dim light in the pelican's interior. "Remember, if anything goes wrong, just follow my lead," she said with a grin. Not that you could see but had the feeling she was. "And try not to blow anything up until I give the signal."
"Can't make any promises," you replied, a smirk playing across your lips. You knew your girlfriend had a penchant for being fast and stealthy, while you leaned towards big and explosive. It made for an interesting dynamic, to say the least. Especially with your head being in the lab most of the time creating things to give the UNSC the upper hand, you had made an impression on the Spartans. One that got Linda-058 to lovingly name you a 'death tech' as they liked to say, and Fred-104 never let you forget it.
The Pelican jostled as it entered the planet's atmosphere, its engines flaring as it made its descent. The slight turbulence made you grip your datapad a bit tighter, while Kelly seemed unfazed, her armored hand reaching over to give your thigh a gentle squeeze and left her hand resting there. It was a small comfort, but it helped.
"You alright?" she asked, her voice crackling through the internal comms. Her visor was angled toward you, and even though you couldn't see her eyes, you could sense the concern. You gave her a short nod and a thumbs up, closing your eyes for a moment as the Pelican swiftly descended.
"Touchdown in three," the pilot's voice crackled over the intercom. Kelly released your thigh and stood up, her movements fluid and controlled despite the heavy armor. You secured your datapad and double-checked your sidearm, more so to ease your girlfriend's mind. "Touchdown," the pilot announced as the Pelican settled onto the ground with a soft thud. The ramp lowered, letting in a rush of cool, humid air. Beyond was the dark, dense forest that surrounded the drop zone, it was eerily quiet, minus the occasional bird chirp and humming of bugs.
"Ready?" Kelly asked, checking her weapon one last time while extending a hand to help you off. You nodded, sliding the datapad into your pack and taking her hand. She pulled you to your feet with ease, her hand never leaving yours as she did a quick sweep of the area.
"Lead the way," you replied, squeezing her hand. She nodded and stepped off the Pelican, her boots sinking slightly into the damp earth. You followed close behind, your eyes scanning the treeline for any signs of movement but ultimately felt relaxed.
After all, if anyone would protect you with their life, it was her.
