2577

Sanctuary, Harmony

The booming, bone shaking notes of the bass reverberated through Sarah’s body as she held up her ID to the Jiralhanae bouncer.  He grunted and waved her in, the smaller human grinning as she dashed past him into the orange neon glow of the club’s pulsing life. 

Sarah had been born after the War, and as such hadn’t need to fire a gun in self-defense in her life.  The slim, brunette youth was originally from Miridian, but the actions of a particularly Rampant AI had ended up killing her parents.  One of the Sangheili that had come to help liberate the planet had found her, and after learning of her plight, had all but adopted her on the spot.  Since then, she had grown into a beautiful young woman who had gone on to study anthropology.  Already, her thesis on the different cultural values between her current generation and that of Great War humanity were-

“Hey babe, are you an angel? Cause I think you fell from-“ a drunken Marine slurred with a leer before Sarah groaned. 

“No, I’m not interested,” she cut off, rolling her eyes.  “Besides, I highly doubt a small fry like you could make me scream.”  The Marine, and this two buddies that Sarah belatedly realized were right behind him, looked at her with owlish eyes before glaring at her.  “Now, please, fuck off,” she added, edging herself through the crowd to a more vacant area. 

The Marines snarled as they took a step forward after her… only to stop as their heads tilted up in shock.  Feeling a large hand rest on her shoulder, Sarah turned her head and sighed in relief.  “Oh, hey Zuko!” Sarah said, loud enough so that the Marines could hear her over the music, “When did you get here?”  The towering eight foot tall alien grinned, teeth flashing in the neon light as he looked down at the Marines harassing her. 

“Just before you,” he answered, crossing his arms.  “Now, gentlemen, she asked you to leave.  I would listen to her.”  The Marines tensed, wanting to pick a fight before they all noticed the Brute bouncers at the edges of their vision, their stern mugs looking right at them.  As they started leaving, Zuko looked down at Sarah, concerned.  “Are you well?” 

Sarah chuckled as she leaned into the alien’s comforting presence.  “I’m fine!” she reassured her friend as they walked off towards the bar.  “It’s not like I can’t punch my way out.”  Zuko huffed as he rolled his golden eyes, a habit he had picked up from his father. 

“Oh, yes, you the scientist against a trio of drunken Marines,” Zuko snarked as they reached the bar and ordered drinks.  “That’ll go well.”  Sarah laughed at her oldest friend’s jab at her, shoving at his shoulder playfully as he smiled fondly at her. 

“Over-honored jackass,” she sniped, grinning as she chugged her drink. 

Zuko chuckled as he slowly sipped at the closest Sangheili equivalent to premium beer.  “Miniscule fuckstick,” he shot back, winking at her.  The next few minutes were them shooting insults at each other, back and forth, the crowd at the bar soon forgetting their drinks as they watched and listened to the growing complexity to the pair’s insults. 

“Okay then,” Sarah slurred, now very much buzzed.  As much as she liked drinking, she really needed to stop drinking the Sangheili brews.  That shit was hard.  “Zuko, you are a halitosis ridden, morally ambiguous, cock swinging tease.”  The ladies around them all cheered as Zuko nodded sagely. 

“My breath is far better than your mother’s,” he shot back, earning cries of false indignation from the crowd, “And my morals quite sound.  As for being a tease, that’s a quite a claim to shoot at me, little ‘Monamai.”  Sarah frowned, glaring at Zuko at the use of her last name. 

“Fuck.  You.” 

“When and where?” Zuko asked, smirking in triumph as the crowd yelled in amusement.  Sarah groaned, setting her glass down. 

“Alright, you win you asshat!” she griped, reaching for her credit card.  Reaching over, Zuko stopped her as he pulled out his, paying for the drinks with a casual swipe of his wrist. 

“Please, allow me,” he said, his eyes surprisingly nervous as Sarah looked into them.  Dumbly, she pulled her hand and card back, letting the man in front of her pay before standing.  “Can you come with me to the patio?” he asked her as the DJ began to play a fast paced tune, drawing in the crowd to the dance floor.  Nodding, Sarah followed him outside to the club’s enclosed patio, the din of the club muffled by the closing doors. 

“Okay Zu, what’s going on?” Sarah asked, silently grateful for the sharp chill of the air.  Beside her, the Sangheili fidgeted nervously, an act that looked so out of place that Sarah almost laughed out loud again as she looked at him.  “Zuko?” 

Zuko took a deep breath to steady his nerves as he turned around to face her.  [Sarah, we’ve… known each other for some time, yes?] he asked nervously.  Sarah slowly nodded. 

[Yeah… my whole life really.  Why?]  The Sangheili’s lower mandibles twitched, a tic that Sarah had long ago learned was a Sangheili gesture for uncertainty. 

[Sarah, I… damn it, I thought I could… ,] Zuko stammered, a hand reaching up to rub the back of his neck.  Sarah reached over and took his free hand in hers. 

[Zu?  Are you okay?] 

Her best friend grimaced as he struggled to find the words.  [Sarah Montoya,] he said finally after a long, awkward moment, [I have known you since I can remember.  In that time, I have seen a girl become a beautiful woman, worthy of admiration.  And I… I have fallen hopelessly for you.]  Sarah blinked, stunned as Zuko kneeled before her, bringing his head and eyes down to her level.  [I have no right to ask your hand in marriage, but… perhaps, if you could give me a chance to court you, then… maybe… ?] he asked, looking at her hopefully. 

Sarah looked at him, thinking it over.  He was her closest friend, and he was one of the more romantic of men she knew in her life. 

[Zuko ‘Marum, you… you already have my heart, you silly boy,] she chided gently as Zuko blinked in surprise.  Sarah continued, [But if it eases your sense of honor… then yes, you may do your best to court me, as appropriate.] 

Zuko beamed at her as he stood up, Sarah smiling shyly up at her.  [You mean it?]

[Every word.] 

He stepped forward, arms entrapping her in an embrace as Sarah closed her eyes, inhaling the faint, dusty smell of his skin.  “If I may ask the lady for a dance inside?” Zuko asked with a whisper, his chin resting on the top of his chest.  He was taller than Sarah by a couple of feet… but then, so was just about every adult Sangheili. 

“I accept this dance,” Sarah replied with a soft smile. 

[][][]

Zuko walked down the street, his hearts pounding in joy as he recalled his night.  Sarah had accepted his offer of courtship, and the young man was feeling as if heaven had decided to take in early.  Now, to make sure he got home without alerting his parents and aunt. 

Reaching his childhood home, Zuko snuck to the backdoor and quietly clicked it open.  He slowly pushed it open, taking care to avoid the squeaky floorboard next to the entrance as he stepped inside.  Shutting the door, Zuko let out a sigh of relief as he turned to grab a drink of water before going to bed. 

“You’re home late young man.” 

Zuko flinched as he heard his father’s voice coming from behind him.  [Sorry Dad,] Zuko said as he turned to look at the human sitting at the table, tablet in hand.  The years following the Created War and the end of the Covenant had let Edward Elricson age rather well, his golden blonde hair only faintly tinged with silver.  And Zuko knew that his dad could still knock sense into anyone stupid enough to cross him.  [I, uh, lost track of time,] he added lamely, knowing his father wouldn’t believe it. 

Ed’s raised eyebrow clearly agreed with Zuko’s internal statement as he set down his tablet.  [Uh huh, sure,] he commented as he looked at his son.  [So, care to tell me before your mother finds out?] 

Zuko gulped.  [Well, I was at the Club Alexandria,] he began, noting the nod his father made at the name, [And I ran into Sarah.] 

[‘Monamai Montoya?  That Sarah?] Ed asked.  Zuko nodded, waiting for his dad to explode.  Ed let his son stew for a moment in anticipation before he answered.  [Hmm.  So, did she accept your offer of courtship?] 

…

“What?” 

Ed rolled his eyes, shaking his head at Zuko’s stunned look.  “Did she say yes?” he asked his son again, leaning closer as Zuko slowly walked to the table. “Oh come on kiddo, we all saw you two grow up, it was pretty obvious you two liked each other.”  Zuko blinked as he sat down. 

[You… you knew?]  Ed snorted as he patted his son’s arm. 

[Zuko, I’ve known since you tried to woo her with that dead helioskrill when you were eleven,] he said with a smile. [Just remember, she is always a queen, and to always be a gentleman… unless she wants you to be otherwise.  And use protection and lube, you’ll need it.] 

[Dad!] Zuko hissed in embarrassment.  Not because he and his dad were talking about sex; most Sangheili children learned about sex at a relatively young age.  They just didn’t reach sexual maturity until they were fifteen or sixteen.  [We’re only just courting!  I mean, we… why?]

[Zuzu, I remember why I was your age,] Ed said flatly. [I was, to be frank, a fucking sex machine.  Of course, that was when we were first starting this colony, and just about every woman on the Endeavor was trying their best to get my dick in them, and get pregnant with child.  You and your siblings know how that turned out.]  Zuko nodded.  He did have more than a few dozen siblings… many of them serving alongside the UNSC in honorable positions.  [All I’m saying,] the Spartan continued, [Is be careful.] 

[I will Dad,] Zuko promised, smiling shyly at his dad.  Ed smiled as he pointed upstairs. 

“Now, get in bed before your mother wakes up.”  Zuko was about to ask how his mother, a notoriously light sleeper, was still asleep when he finally recognized a faint scent coming off his dad. 

“You couldn’t even shower?”  Ed shrugged. 

“Wouldn’t be a problem if someone came home on time,” he chided, standing up.  Zuko groaned lightly as he followed, and the two of them quickly went up to their respective rooms. 

[][][]

The next morning, Zuko stumbled back down to the kitchen, his head pounding as the young man groaned.  What was in that drink last night? Zuko thought to himself as he rounded the corner, almost running into someone.  [Sorry,] he mumbled, moving to walk around before a relatively slim arm slammed across his vision, blocking his way inside. 

[Why are you drunk?] his mother demanded, her gaze hawk-like in its intensity.  Zuko gulped as he glanced over to his father, the human sipping from a mug of coffee. 

“You’re on your own,” Ed commented, shaking his head slowly, not even looking away from his tablet as Zuko’s face fell. 

[Well?] Zuko’s mother asked impatiently. 

[I was at the club last night, looking for Sarah,] Zuko answered, looking his mother in the eye. [I… well, I asked her to allow me to court her.]  His mother looked at him, making him squirm under her scrutiny as she slowly removed her arm out of his way. 

[Did she say yes?] his mother asked.  Zuko’s mandibles fell slack, stunned as he looked between his father and his mother. 

“Seriously?!  It was that obvious?!” he asked aloud, staring at his dad. 

His mother swiftly smacked him upside the head, an eyelid twitching.  [Zuko Edwardson, you will not use that tone of voice with us!] she snapped, making her son cower in front of her. [But when you went out into those mountains and killed an alpha helioskrill, and gave its skull to her when you were eleven, it was very obvious.]  Zuko groaned as he stumbled into the kitchen proper, his father holding up a glass of water and a pill. 

[Oh, lay off him Sheia,] Ed commented, looking up finally. [Zuko was nervous last night about asking her.  Besides, I think the drinking happened AFTER she said yes.  Therefore, he was celebrating.]  Shiea looked back from her master to her son, arms crossed under her bust. 

[Is that true?] 

Zuko nodded.  Sheia sighed as she finally relaxed.  [I will say, she is a good match for you.  BUT!] she exclaimed, making Zuko grip his head tightly, hissing from the sudden shout, [You two will be married before you decide to have children!]  Ed chuckled as he patted his son on the back. 

“Don’t worry, you can do this to your children if and when you have them,” he said, grinning like a maniac as his son moaned.  Another Sangheili popped her head through the doorway, her dark grey skin slick with sweat. 

[Is Zuzu getting married?] she asked, curious.  Ed shook his head. 

[No Zasha, your brother is not getting married yet,] he answered. [But he is courting Sarah Montoya.]  Zasha blinked as she looked at her brother. 

[Well, at least he’s courting a cute human,] she commented before looking back at her father. [Oh, Dad, have you seen my-]

[Right where you left it on your nightstand,] Ed deadpanned.  Zasha beamed as she ducked back into the hallway. 

[Thanks Dad!] she cried out, charging up the stairs.  A moment later, Naya stepped inside, her hands reaching up to unclasp her dull gold Fleet Mistress armor’s chest plate. 

[Did something happen?] she asked, looking at her husband as she entered the kitchen. 

[Our son is courting a girl now,] Sheia declared, smirking at her groaning son.  Naya looked at her nephew and rushed over to hug him. 

[Oh Zuko, who is it?] she asked excitedly, her arms wrapped around him in a near bone-crushing hug, the only reprieve the younger male was getting being his aunt’s breasts pressed against his side.  [Is it Miss ‘Monamoi?] 

[Got it in one,] Ed confirmed, shoulders shaking in amusement at his son’s plight.  Naya grinned excitedly as she sat down, armor forgotten as she held her nephew’s hand.  He watched as Naya all but interrogated Zuko on how he managed to convince Sarah to let him court her, and was surprised when he learned that Sarah had not just agreed to let him court her, but to also marry as well.  But, like gentleman that Ed had raised him to be (well, as best as he could in a predominantly Sangheili colony.  They had some things that not even he, with all his influence and progressive thinking, could stop), Zuko had insisted on courting Sarah first. 

[Well then, you what this means, don’t you Zuko?] Naya asked, still grinning.  Zuko gulped as he ever so slowly leaned away from his beloved aunt. 

[Can we not have a massive dinner?] he pleaded, his cheeks burning as Naya huffed, looking to her husband for help.  Feeling her gaze on him, Ed sighed. 

[Naya, as much as I would love to celebrate Zuko finally courting a beautiful young lady, I think he would like to court her in a more subdued manner,] he said, looking at his son. [And Sarah, despite being raised as close to a Sangheili as possible, is still human.  She might be just as confused about this as Zuko.]

[][][]

Sarah held her head in her hands, her cheeks burning just as red as her hair as her adoptive parents rambled on and on about how their little girl was finally getting courted, and by Zuko ‘Ludum at that!  Reaching over, she quickly speared a bite of eggs with her fork and ate it, standing up.  [Sarah, are you okay little one?] her father asked, his weathered face furrowed in concern. 

[I’m fine Papa,] Sarah replied as she walked to the sink, a ‘short’ step stool next to it.  One of the disadvantages of living in a primarily Sangheili designed home; everything was higher than it should have been. [It’s just that, I don’t see why you’re making such a big deal out of this.] 

Mola ‘Monamoi sighed as she walked over to her daughter, helping her with the dishes.  [Because,] she stated, [Zuko is the Kaidon’s son.  There is a large amount of honor in such a marriage.]  Sarah sighed as her head hung low.  Looking at her husband, Mola gestured for him to leave, and he wisely took the hint, the former Spec Ops warrior nodding.  Turning back, Mola placed an arm around her daughter’s shoulders.  [Sarah, what is troubling you?  And the truth,] she asked gently, her voice softening.  Sarah stopped cleaning her plate and sighed. 

[I…,] she started, unsure, [I don’t know if… if I’m the right one for him,] she admitted.  [I love him, I really do Ma, don’t get me wrong, but, I just… .]  Sarah paused to think, her eyes watering.  [What does he see in me?  I’m just some human that lives here, I don’t fight, I don’t have any martial honor like his family does, I-]

[Sarah Montoya of ‘Monamoi,] Mola interrupted firmly, turning her daughter so that they were facing each other.  [You are better than you think you are.  You are a scholar.  You are a proud young woman who seeks to understand why people are the way they are.  There is honor in that.  Your father has honor as a warrior, yes, but he also has honor in farming.  Zuko ‘Ludum has the honor of being humble enough to treat you as a woman above his station.]  Mola smiled.  [I can assure you, my little one, that he is just as nervous as you are about this.] 

[You really think so?] Sarah asked, looking up at her mother uncertainly.  Chuckling, Mola hugged her daughter, nuzzling the top of her head with her mandibles. 

[Sarah, I know so,] she assured her. [Men may be warriors, but they know who holds the real power in the Keep.  That, and anyone who’s stupid enough to go after an alpha helioskrill, kill it, and then bring its skull to you when you are both naught but children, deserves at least a chance to court my baby girl,] she added.  Sarah smiled fondly back as she hugged her mother. 

[Thanks Mom,] she whispered, closing her eyes as tears started to trickle down.  Mola could smell the tears flowing, but only hugged her daughter ever closer. 

[][][]

A/N: So, yeah, this is a sort of semi-sequel to the ‘Sangheili Affections’ series, and has more than a few of the same characters, but they will not be the focus with these shots here.  Anyhow, comment and critique below in the comments section, or give me a PM for possible story ideas, and have a great day!