Is it worth it?

Disclaimer: HALO and BUNGIE own all original characters. I would never try to steal 'em.

Author's Note: Non-yaoi in this chapter. Relax all and enjoy.

Master Chief: "Thank GOD."

Arbiter: "I am as equally as relieved as the Demon."

PyroStryke: -smiles charmingly-

Ghlariknee: "...You are too kind, pyrostryke."

MasterChief: -hisses- "Shut up before she changes her mind."

-----------------------

"....How...?" Drajha-Lee was the first to snap out of it, "How is it that you are awake?"


Master Chief exhaled slowly, shrugging off the question as he crossed his arms. But the Arbiter wasn't fooled. Sure, the Demon looked relaxed. But beneath that aura of calm, he sensed the tense alertness of the armored soldier. His awareness was near, if not at, peak condition. A few weeks ago the Renegades had, of course, been his enemies. When they had still followed the Covenant. And now he was here, in the bridge of a former enemies' ship, the room itself filled with Sanghelli and grunts.


The gaze of the sage-armored soldier paused as it met a certain cobalt armored Elite across the room, "You... we've met before."


The Arbiter's brow raised in surprise before he nodded.


A frown sketched across the Spartan's features before fading away quickly, 'Huh, speak much?' He shifted his gaze expectantly back at the golden-armored one.


"We... were not expecting your presence for a couple days, at least." Drajha-Lee commented.


Master Chief's eyes narrowed. Had they been messing with his helmet while he had been out? "How long have I been out? And what have you done with my helmet?"


"Calm yourself, Demon." A breath later, the missing helmet was flying through the air. Barely moving more than necessary, Master Chief stuck his arm up and caught it easily. The Arbiter continued, "You have barely been out for a day's cycle."


"The healing properties of the liquid cannot take effect unless it touches skin and enters the body of the wounded." Drajha-Lee explained carefully, pushing himself up from the chair to face the Demon directly, "We could not be sure it was reaching you unless a part of your armor was removed."


"And I must admit, I was curious about the renowned Demon's armor." The Arbiter confessed bluntly.


Master Chief inspected his helmet deliberately, his expression guarded though his intent was practically blaring. Let's just say the Demon wasn't exactly the diplomatic type. That was more or less Cortana's job. 'Cortana....' Suddenly, the helmet didn't seem so important.


'He is... tactless.' Arbiter shook his head mentally, "I apologize for taking your helmet, but I assure you nothing was harmed."


Sparing a glance at the Arbiter, Master Chief nodded in acceptance, noting himself that nothing seemed out of place. He ran his hand through his wet hair, slicking it away from his face. 'It won't do me any good to think of her right now.' Master Chief grimaced, clutching the helmet tightly between his hands. The Arbiter noticed the look of grief pass through the Demon's face, but did not bring attention to it. After slipping the last piece of his armor back on, Master Chief stood more comfortably. His titan-like armor was like his second skin and he always found like he was missing something when even the smallest piece was gone.


That's when Master Chief recieved the shock of his life.


--Hey... didja miss me?--


"C..." The Spartan suddenly found it extremely hard to speak, "...Cortana?"