2567

Sanctuary, Harmony

Zuko was trying to keep calm as he tracked his prey.  In front of him, a small cluster of helioskrill lay basking in the dawn suns of Harmony, their hides casting barely perceptible shadows beneath them.  But the young Sangheili youth’s eyes were keener, and he gripped the hilt of his blade tighter in hand.  It was Sarah Montoya’s birthday in two days, and he really, really liked her, and in the grand tradition of young males doing stupid shit, decided that he was going to get her a gift like no other!  Namely, an alpha helioskrill skull. 

He had studied them in the colony library, and he knew what to expect from them.  Of course, he didn’t exactly tell his parents that he was hunting an ambush predator to make Sarah happy.  His mother would have NEVER let him out of the house otherwise, and his father likely would have taken away his model ship collection until either he or Zuko died, whichever came first.  Knowing his father, Zuko dying first was a rather real possibility.  Hearing the local fauna silence, Zuko stood still, frozen in place as he struggled to determine what was wrong with the scene before him.  There were seven helioskrill before him, but where was… ? 

The low growl behind him told him just where that alpha was. 

Zuko whirled in place, mouth wide open as the great beast lunged-

-And Zuko jerked awake, panting as his hand flew to his shoulder.  His eyes flickered over the familiar and comforting edges of his room, and the Sangheili relaxed, his hearts still hammering in overtime over the memory.  Sitting up, he let his legs fall over the edge of his bed as he looked through his window, watching the twin suns light up the mountains in the distance.  Zuko huffed to himself in amusement as he scratched the healed scar tissue on his left shoulder, thinking.  Today was the sixth day of him courting Sarah, and today was… . 

Zuko leapt up, eyes wide in remembrance.  “Kuso!” he swore, throwing clothes on blindly as he tried to sprint out of his room. 

Downstairs, Ed was sipping his mug of coffee, the side emblazoned with the Sangheili equivalent of ‘#1 Dad’ on it as he read his datapad.  He, for the most part, ignored the thumps, grunts, yells, and the scream that came from the upstairs and staircase as Zuko painfully landed on the floor.  “Slow down, coffee’s in the pot,” Ed deadpanned as Zuko stood up, holding his head in pain.  “Also, your shirt doesn’t go on like that.” 

Zuko grumbled as he replaced his clothes, making sure to very slowly enter the kitchen.  [You never had to deal with this with Mom,] he griped, taking a cup and filling it with coffee.  Admittedly, human coffee didn’t do much for him, but the Sangheili version was actually one of the few things that Ed couldn’t stand the taste of.  So, there were two coffee pots in the kitchen.  One for Ed, and the other for literally everyone else in the house.  Ed lowered the pad as he raised an unamused eyebrow at his son. 

[Your mother is also older than I am by at least a decade or two, knows she’s sexy as hell, and can kick your ass, so watch your mouth young man,] Ed reprimanded.  Seeing his son sufficiently cowed, Ed sighed as he leaned back in his chair.  [Now, what are your plans for the day?  Helioskrill hunting?] 

[Daaaad,] Zuko groaned, sitting at the table as Ed laughed. 

[][][]

Across the colony, Sarah yawned as she woke up, stretching her arms out as her alarm softly blared.  Slapping a hand on top of the device, Sarah rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she stumbled out of bed, clad only in functional panties and a bra that was starting to slip off.  Mindlessly readjusting the strap, Sarah walked into her family’s kitchen, where she saw a note hanging on the side of the table. 

Little One,

We both had to go into work early today, otherwise we would have stayed to wish you a happy birthday this morning.  Know that your father and I are both proud of the strong, beautiful woman you’ve become, and will always be proud of! 

Love,

Mom 

Smiling at the note fondly, Sarah folded the note up and headed back to her room.  Setting it on her desk, Sarah looked at the clock on her desk and sighed.  She was going to be late meeting her friends at the range, and she still looked like a mess.  But, not late enough that she couldn’t take a quick shower.  Smiling, she slipped her bra off, the padded cotton falling to the ground as she headed into her bathroom. 

The helioskrill skull mounted to her wall soon got a face-full of panty seconds later as the water turned on. 

[][][]

2567

Sarah Montoya was about to cry under the tree again.  Every year, for only three days, she would feel sadder than normal.  She liked his adoptive parents, she really did, but… . 

Sarah looked down at her pale skin, tears forming at the edges of her eyes.  She wasn’t a Sangheili, and none of the other kids really played with her.  And none of her grandparents, well, the ones who had survived the Created Conflict, wanted anything to do with a little girl who had been adopted by aliens.  Tucking her knees under her chin, Sarah looked across the schoolyard to the clustered groups of Sangheili children enviously. 

[Hey, are you okay?] 

“Huh?”  Looking up, Sarah noticed a boy standing under the tree with her, looking at her with his golden eyes.  The Sangheili boy nodded to her. 

“Are you okay?  You look kind of sad,” he repeated, sitting down on his haunches.  Looking at him, Sarah though he looked familiar, but she couldn’t quite place him. 

“Y-yeah, I’m fine,” Sarah fibbed, wiping her tears away.  “Just allergies, okay?” 

The Sangheili’s right brow ridge went up in a clear show of calm disbelief.  [Right,] he drawled, holding out a hand.  [I’m Zuko!  What’s your name?]  Looking at his hand, Sarah slowly extended hers out. 

[I-I’m Sarah,] she replied.  Zuko beamed at her, his perky attitude trying to cut its way through her own gloominess. 

[So Sarah, what do you like doing?] he asked her excitedly.  Sarah blinked owlishly.  Weren’t Sangheili usually more… reserved than this? 

“Umm,” Sarah started before an older Sangheili walked onto the yard, a massive Mgeleko trailing behind her.  Following Sarah’s gaze, Zuko paled as he ‘eeped’ in trepidation. 

[Shitsticks, it’s my sister!] Zuko cried out, hiding behind the tree as Sarah twisted in place in confusion. 

“What are you-?” 

[ZUUUUKOOOOOOOOOOO!] the Sangheili bellowed, her escort shaking in emulated humor.  [Get over here!] 

Sarah looked over where Zuko was hiding.  [Um, who is she?] she asked him.  Zuko chuckled nervously. 

[Oh, just my sister Khala ‘Ludum,] he replied as he pressed himself even closer to the tree.  Sarah was about to ask Zuko if he was trying to prank her when a massive form blocked her view.  Sarah turned back and looked up… and up, and up, all the way to the barely triangular head of the Mgalekgolo looking down at her. 

“Oh shisnu.” 

[][][]

2577

Sarah watched from the sidelines as her friends all fired their plasma weapons in the booths of the firing range.  Ironically, the best benefit of running into and knowing the Kaidon’s hilariously extended family was the easy access to possible friends.  Friends who, even now, teased and quizzed and at times, annoyed the ever loving fuck out of her.  [So Sarah, you got any plans tonight?] asked Voea ‘Lafam, her grey skin glistening in the midday sun as she let her plasma rifle cool down.  Sarah sighed as she crossed her arms. 

“Not really, no,” she replied, drawing looks of humorous disbelief from the three Sangheili close to her.  “Zuko’s been trying to do this traditionally, so I haven’t got a clue about how he’s going to do this.”  Beside Voea, Masha laughed as she set down the old battered Focus Rifle onto the table. 

[Traditional?  Sarah, you and I both know that Zuko is anything but traditional!] she exclaimed, getting a giggle out of Voea and Vuhe as Sarah smiled in agreement.  [Remember that helioskrill all those years ago?]  Sarah huffed as she crossed her arms, leaning on the weapon rack behind her. 

“Of course I do, I still have that thing’s head on my wall,” she quipped.  The Sangheili all looked at each other, devious grins on their faces.  “…why are you all looking at each other like that?” Sarah asked, suddenly nervous as an unwelcome weight settled in her gut. 

[Well, on some planets,] Voea commented coyly, earning smirks from the other girls, [Any girl that keeps a kill like that from a male is saying ‘yes.’]  Sarah’s face fell blank as the three Sangheili laughed good naturedly at her expense.  [But, that said, I think Zuko was still too young to know about that,] Voea added, sitting down next to her small friend.  [So you don’t need to worry about that.]

Sarah sighed and groaned as she put her face in her hands.  “None of you are helping my nerves any,” she grumbled.  Instantly, the jovial, joking mood vanished as the girls surrounded Sarah. 

[You okay Sarah?] Vuhe asked, a hand resting on her hip.  Sarah nodded. 

[Sarah, come on, tell us,] Masha told her, sitting down next to her as an arm reached over and encircled her shoulders.  [You know we’re just going to keep asking until you tell us.] 

Times like this, Sarah was glad they were her friends.  Even if she wanted to positively, absolutely, fucking throttle them. 

[][][]

[You could take her here, they serve a great stew I know that she’ll like, or maybe-] 

Zuko looked over to his father weakly as he listened to his Aunt Naya rattle off a list of places to take Sarah out to dinner tonight.  For his part, Ed looked almost as bored as he did his best to avoid any input on the delicate affair of his son dating a girl.  Off to the side, Sheia was preparing lunch for the family. 

[Naya, I think we can settle where Zuko is going tonight after lunch, don’t you think?] Ed asked his wife.  [Zuko looks like he’s about to faint from the lack of food.]  Zuko wordlessly thanked his father from the corner of his eye as Naya calmed down. 

[Shipmistress, he does have a point,] Sheia pointed out.  [He does need food now, and while I would like to make sure he doesn’t embarrass himself in front of a girl, I know that he needs to do this himself.]  Pulling the pan of steaming meat and vegetables up off the stove, the older Sangheili quickly deposited a portion in front of everyone.  Behind them, the front door opened, and in strode Khala.  [Ah, hello there Little One, you’re just in time!] 

Khala had, over the years, grown into a stunningly beautiful woman, just like her mother.  Clad in ambassadorial robes, the young woman set the fur lined cloak on the wall rack and sat down, smiling.  [Auntie Sheia, I could smell it from the other end of the street!] she exclaimed as Sheia smiled warmly down at her, handing her a plate.  [That, and I wanted to say congratulations to my little brother here!] she added, slapping Zuko on the back. 

“Khalaaa,” Zuko groaned, letting his head fall into his folded arms.  The two of them were close, yes, but even so, there were still times where he simply couldn’t stand his sister’s seeming perpetual good mood.  “Please?  I mean come on, was it that obvious between us?” 

“YES,” was the reply he got from everyone in the house. 

Zuko sighed as he ate his lunch.  “Kuso,” he muttered, earning a smack upside the head from Ed. 

“Language young man.” 

[SHISNO!] 

[Zuko ‘Ludum, watch your tongue before I beat you with it!] Sheia cried out, smacking her son on the other side of his head with a wooden spoon.  The entire table soon quickly devolved into a mess of pain, shouting, and general tomfoolery as Zuko kept swearing, trying to avoid the blows that came from his parents while ignoring his older sister’s laughter at his plight. 

[][][]

Sarah stood by the corner of the colony’s main street, waiting for Zuko as the suns began their decent towards dusk.  Sighing, she glanced down to check her watch before a large hand wrapped itself around hers.  Blinking, she looked back up at Zuko’s sheepish face, taking note of the various small bruises.  “The hell happened to you?” she asked him, smiling in amusement as she brushed the side of his head with her free hand. 

Zuko hissed as she brushed a particularly sensitive bruise.  “Family thing,” he explained simply.  “Khala decided to check in, see what all the fuss was about.”  Sarah grunted in understanding. 

“Ah, I take it your parents and everyone else in your family is still going nuts about you finally getting a girl?” she asked him coyly.  Zuko’s mandibles quirked up as he brushed a lock of hair out of her face, the wind blowing it back incessantly. 

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” he sniped back, smiling down at her.  “So, umm, may I take you to our little dinner then?”  Sarah giggled as she leaned into her boyfriend (was he?  Was it too early to call him that?), smiling back up at him. 

“Go ahead, my good sir,” she replied, waving him forward.  Taking the cue, Zuko led her through the colony, taking her close to the outskirts before leading her to an old tree, where a blanket lay on the ground, a small tub of food and drink resting close by.  “Well, this is… different,” Sarah commented, seeing the picnic.  Shyly, Zuko led her to the blanket and set her down before opening it up. 

“Well, I was lucky that everyone was busy talking with Khala while I, uhh, well, cooked,” Zuko admitted as he pulled out the meal he had made.  Sarah saw the cooked, and still steaming meat and her mouth immediately began to water.  Setting the food up, Zuko sat down and looked at her.  “Umm, if you’d like to try it, see how I did?” he asked hesitantly.  Taking her fork and knife, Sarah cut into the meat and popped a bite into her mouth. 

Zuko watched nervously as Sarah closed her eyes, mouth moving slowly as she let the meat’s juices flow over her tongue.  A moment later, she swallowed, eyes still closed. 

“So?” 

Sarah cracked an eye open, a coy grin on her face.  “You know,” she said after a moment, making Zuko sink ever further into his mental pit of nervousness and anxiety, “For a guy whose career involves shooting the shisno out of shit, you are, without a doubt, the second best cook I have ever met.”  Zuko blinked in stunned surprise. 

Then he blinked again. 

“Wort?” 

Sarah laughed as she leaned over and kissed him on a mandible.  “Dork, it tastes fantastic!” she exclaimed, slicing another piece of meat off and eating.  “Beesh ‘am hing I’ve ad aww eek, shide’s Mum’s ooking!”  Zuko guffawed as he began to eat his meal along with her. 

“Ah, and here I thought a lady was supposed to be dignified!” he told her, laughing as Sarah playfully slapped his arm.  “Oh no, help, help, I’m being repressed!” 

A mile away, over a hill, and under a blind, Ed, Naya, Sheia, and Khala lay, each of them observing the dinner through their respective rifle scopes.  [Well, at she’s not spitting it out, that’s a good sign, right?] Khala asked, concerned for her little brother’s date.  Out of sight behind her, her Mgalekgolo bodyguards rumbled their uncertainty in unison. 

“Khala, behave,” Ed commented as he adjusted his grip on the sniper rifle, thankfully unloaded.  “Besides, God knows your mother and I had a VERY different first date.”  Beside him, Naya smirked coyly as her daughter groaned.  Scooting closer to her husband, Naya freed a hand and slid it over to Ed’s prone form.  A moment, Ed stiffened as he felt something grip him somewhere decidedly not easily accessible. 

He glanced over to her, seeing her quirked eye ridge she fluttered her mandibles.  Rolling his eyes, Ed mouthed ‘Later!’ to her as he refocused on his son.  “You know, out of curiosity, what did he cook?”

“Well, since you asked,” Zuko said, after hearing Sarah ask him what the meat came from, “It’s… well, helioskrill.”  Sarah paused, the last bit of meat hovering in front of her mouth as she digested that piece of information. 

“You mean the hyper aggressive rock lizards from Sangheilios?” she asked, setting her fork down.  Zuko nodded.  “The same kind of lizard whose skull I have mounted in my room?” 

“Umm, yes?” 

Sarah looked at her meal, and then at Zuko.  “Wow, I… honestly didn’t think they actually tasted that good,” she stated finally, finishing off her meal.  “So, you pass this time Zuko ‘Ludum.  But next time, something that isn’t going to tear your arm off, okay?”  She scooted closer to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, where she knew the scars from the Alpha Helioskrill stood out against his skin.  “I like my sexy Sangheili boyfriend to be in one piece.”  Zuko smiled at the declaration as he lowered his head down. 

“Did I mention I love you yet?” he asked her, reaching over and encircling her shoulders with his arm.  Sarah giggled as she squirmed closer, embracing him. 

“Nope, don’t think so,” she commented, closing her eyes.  “But you do make a damn fine pillow for sleeping this off,” she added.  Zuko chuckled as he looked up. 

“You know, I can think of a few things we can do, you know, before you go back to Earth,” he told her.  Sarah groaned, listening.  “Most of them involve us being alone… away from everyone… like my family,” he added, turning his head to look in the direction of a certain hill with a glare. 

[Shisno!  We’ve been compromised!] 

[Khala ‘Ludum, language!]

Groaning in frustration, Zuko looked back at the human snuggled against his side, only to see that she had, somehow, fallen asleep on him.  Chuckling to himself, he adjusted her to be more comfortable on him as Zuko put his back against the tree where they had first met all those years ago.  With Sarah secure in his arms, he closed an eye, and watched the sunsets with a happy pair of hearts.