#cortana x reader

[alienisticxo]

Awake

{Master Chief╱Cortana x Reader - One Shot }

{A╱N} hi friends! i wrote this short lil first person pov fic back in October ‘22, but never got around to posting it! i figured i'd finally let it see the light of day because the next chapters of Before the Fever have been taking me so long to finish! i'm still writing my series, have no fear! life outside of here has just been keeping me extremely busy lately and i keep adding and changing chapter 13 around. but it will be out soon! thanks for your patience. 🥹 

For backstory: You’re a Spartan on Silver Team who has taken notice of John-117 and Kai-125 removing their hormonal suppressor pellets. Deciding to follow suit, a new experience ensues with a little help from Cortana.

Warnings: None!

i hope you enjoy! ♡

The world seemed to open up before my eyes like a flower blooming in springtime. With the hormonal suppressor pellet removed, everything became so vivid and clear, eliciting sensations and reactions from me in real time at a rate that almost felt alarming. This was not something I was accustomed to, and as I watched the reddened water escape into the drain, I couldn’t wait to figure out just what else The Master Chief and Kai-125 had been experiencing.

Redressing into my undersuit, I paid more attention to the detail of the garments, the thickness of the material, and the way it felt against my skin. For the first time that I could recall, I took the time to look at myself in the mirror, study my own facial features and expressions. The way my hair fell, the color of my eyes. The way my skin looked in the lighting.

It occurred to me then that I’d seen plenty of women wearing enhancements on their faces— makeup from eyes to lips. I’d never worn makeup before, never felt the need or the desire. You didn’t need mascara on the battlefield. But I thought back to 125’s hair, the red streaks she’d embellished her natural honey color with. It was.. cute. Different. Rebellious.

I looked at my own hair, wondering just what I could do with it. My focus, however, kept turning to my face. I thought of a time I’d seen Miranda wear a bold eyeliner, or the red lipstick Admiral Parangosky often wore.

A hand lifted to my cheek as I wondered how I might pull something like that off.

And then I was flooded with an excitement I hadn’t felt before, a giddiness to find out. I wasn’t sure if that was normal, but I let my new surge of emotions lead the way as I crept over toward the common area that Silver Team shared. Looking around, the other Spartans were still sound asleep, but due to be roused soon, I knew.

I held my breath, contemplating. It felt fun to be a little reckless, a little unpredictable. I still felt a pang of indecisiveness as to whether or not I wanted to make my next move, but it was quickly pushed away.

“Cortana,” I hissed quietly.

Nothing.

“Cortana,” I whispered a little louder, still as a statue in the darkness.

John-117 rolled over, and a smattering of blue light appeared.

“You’re up earlier than usual,” Cortana pointed out, and I quickly lifted my finger to my lips.

With a wave of my hand, I beckoned her to follow me back into the showers.

“Not strange at all..” Cortana murmured once we were alone again. “How can I help you?”

I looked straight at her, admiring the technicality of it all. She was only a hologram, a chip implanted into John’s brain, but the advanced nature of her intelligence was awe-inspiring. How had I not noticed that before? That pellet really was something.

Her brow arched, clearly noticing my trance.

“Oh no,” she groaned. “Not you, too.”

“What do you mean?” I finally posed, slightly defensive as I dragged my gaze off of her.

“You’ve removed your pellet. I’d know that starry-eyed look anywhere.”

“Please don’t tell Dr. Halsey,” I nearly pleaded.

We were both still, quiet, for a moment. Then the A.I. smiled.

“Are you looking for an explanation as to what’s happening with you biologically?”

“No.. I— Well, I’m sure it would be helpful but. Really.. I just want…”

Cortana folded her arms over her chest, waiting for me to spit it out. I didn’t realize the hesitance I would feel to ask. Was this what embarrassment felt like?

“Do you know how to use makeup?” I asked, my face twisting into a soft cringe at my own question.

“Never needed it,” Cortana quipped playfully, pride written on her features. “But I can certainly find some information for you. The UNSC doesn’t exactly provide cosmetic pro—“

But I cut her short, holding my hand up and disappearing back into the area I’d taken her out of.  When I returned, I held up a small bag, emptying its contents onto the sink as quietly as possible.

“Where did that come from?” She asked, stepping up beside me in the mirror.

“Confiscated it. It piqued what little curiosity I had then already.. So I kept it.”

“Like John and Kai, you’ve always been a little more in tune with yourself,” she smiled.

I offered the smallest, politest smile I could manage in return, not exactly knowing how to respond to her comment. I felt brand new to the world and its social cues, and I hoped she’d understand. Picking up a small tube and a long thin pen, I looked to the A.I. for any kind of direction, confusion on my features then.

“Anything?” I lilted quietly.

Cortana nodded, beginning to explain the various methods used, the varieties of styles and all of the combinations possible. She rattled off as though she were reading from some kind of textbook, and I rummaged through all of the products I had in hopes of figuring it out as she helped me along.

⁂

“I’m impressed,” Cortana expressed, looking at me in the mirror, her hands on her hips. “You seem to have a natural knack for this sort of thing.”

“Do you think it’s too much?” I asked, suddenly worried about what the others might say or think once they saw me. “Maybe I should take it off..”

“I think you look great! But what you’re experiencing is anxiety. You Spartans tend to do that a lot when your pellets are removed,” she added. “It’s a natural biochemical response to a new experience.”

I heard the familiar sound of my teammates rising for the day, knowing they’d be in at any moment, another feeling of what seemed to be dread coursed through me.

“You should go before he notices you’re not completely in his head,” I whispered, my eyes landing on hers through the mirror. “Thank you, Cortana.”

“Always here to help,” she chirped, her usual bright and clear voice a whisper, too.

A strange warm feeling washed over me, and I felt an urge to really solidify my thanks to her. I’d seen people hug, pat others on the back. I knew it was impossible to touch her, but I let my smile do the talking for me as she disappeared once more.

Quickly pulling my hair into a low bun, I let two strands on either side fall along my face. It wasn’t painted with gun grease like 125’s, but it would do.

Still feeling nervous, I looked over myself once more as I heard footsteps drawing near. My eyes were darkened with eyeliner, eyeshadow and mascara. Cortana had walked me through the basics, and we both decided the eyeliner should be of the winged persuasion to compliment what she’d described to me as a ‘smoky-eye look’ with the shadow. It took most of my time to execute perfectly on each eye, and I was just glad the rest of my face hadn’t been so complicated to complete. My favorite part was the red lipstick. It was by far the easiest.

It felt like a different person was staring back at me, someone a little more elevated. I hadn’t realized how much fun it could be. In fact, I hadn’t realized what fun was at all until now. From the eyes to what she’d read as ‘contouring,’ to the lips, it was a brand new sensation, and I had a great time doing it.

I suddenly felt a little sentimental, or what I assumed sentimental was, as I wondered how a person’s first experience with makeup should’ve gone. No matter the answer to that question, I’d always treasure mine with Cortana.

But I quickly snapped out of it, bowing my head and rushing right out past the others as they walked in. Thankfully no one paid any attention as I did so, too focused on preparing themselves for the day ahead. I just needed a little more time to get used to it myself before I had to answer any of their questions.

“Silver Team,” John finally commanded, and instinctually, I walked over toward him, the others following suit. We stood in a line at attention, waiting for the briefing we knew was to follow.

But before The Master Chief could begin, his eyes fell on my features, and my jaw tightened.

“124,” he voiced, his tone sounding vaguely strained, “What is on your face?”

Kai looked over at me then, and I could see her crack a smile in my peripheral vision. “Hey, you look good.”

I didn’t respond to either of them, and this was clearly an alert to John.

With an exhale, he dismissed the others before even beginning his briefing, leaving me standing at attention in front of him.

“At ease, Spartan,” he told me, and I hesitantly relaxed. “What’s going on? Your hair isn’t back like it’s supposed to be— you’re wearing…”

“Makeup, Master Chief,” Cortana chimed in as she reappeared. “She’s wearing makeup. Doesn’t she look great?”

She sounded full of pride, probably because of all the help she’d put into me.

“You’ve been holding out on me,” I finally said, unable to help my smirk.

He automatically knew.

“How many more Spartans do we need with a lapse in judgment? This doesn’t bode well against The Covenant, we’re lucky 125 is even here.”

“It’s just a little makeup, Chief,” I assured, though my tone was soft, almost hurt.

“It’s distracting,” he responded. “Halsey won’t look past that.”

“Don’t be so hard on her,” Cortana spoke, a smug expression on her countenance. “I can see your heart rate, you know.”

There was a faint scowl on his features as he looked in her direction, and I heard Kai snort a laugh in the distance.

“Going!” She quipped before disappearing again.

“Maybe I’m just distracting you, then.”

“Watch it, 124,” he warned, but the stern look on his face got my heart pumping as well. “Or I’ll ground you on the next mission, too.”

I was defeated then, not expecting such a dramatic response given his blatant disregard to Kai’s red hair. I supposed he trusted her more, liked her better— something. Hanging my shoulders, I nodded with an inaudible sigh. At least he didn’t request I replace the pellet.

“I’ll take it off,” I capitulated, turning on my heel to make my way toward the bathroom again.

“{Y/N},” he finally said, and I turned back at attention.

“You don’t have to take it off,” he surrendered. “Just watch yourself around Halsey. If she gets wind that her Spartans are awake, there’s no telling what lengths she’ll go to to fix that. You can’t let it get in the way of the objective. Our job is far from over.”

A small amount of pep returned to my step.

“Copy that,” I responded, but it was said more like a promise.

“And.. you look amazing. You looked great before, too.”

My cheeks filled with red beneath the light dusting of blush I’d applied, my smile going wider than I expected it to.

“Thanks, Chief. It means a lot.”

He nodded once.

“Don’t let it get to your head. We still need you crisp and clear on the battlefield.”

I stepped up beside him, hanging my arm over his broad shoulder, leaning my head against it with a grin. The natural reaction was strange, the contact and urge to joke around even stranger.

“I think you’re the one we need to worry about in this case.”

He shifted to face me, and I looked right back at him.

“I can already tell you’re going to be an issue,” he smiled.

“Always been my problem,” I responded through my own grin.

[hefty-halo]

"You look like you could use my help. Why don't you just take a seat and I'll take care of this diagnostic test for you?" Cortana appeared as her usual hologram self out of the nearby display for her.

She gestured to your seat and took a mere few seconds to conduct the diagnostic test and resolve the technical issue you had been trying to fix for the last half an hour. Once done, the slender blue hologram turned back to face you with a warm smile, brushing a lock of digital hair from her eye.

"There, isn't that better? Now you can relax for a while. You had two hours scheduled in for that repair, so that means another hour and a half you can take to relax and enjoy yourself a little~" She mused, a slight mischievous smirk on her lips.

"How about some cookies?~" This time, her voice came from behind you, as blue arms appeared into view, holding a plate stacked with fresh cookies. The arms placed the plate on your desk and then wrapped around you, feeling your soft belly you'd been gaining over the last few weeks. "Cookies make the time much more enjoyable~" You felt something on your shoulder, turning to see Cortana resting her head there, fully human sized and physical. The rumours were right, she really was in a physical form!

"Shhh, don't worry. Let me take your worries away with cookies~" She cooed softly as she wandered around to face you, kneeling down and feeding you a cookie. "Just relax and eat~" The words seemed to repeat in your head somehow...

[empresskadia]

Okie, now I would like to engage in a conversation about Cortana @ghostlychief

More specifically about Cortana interacting with Chief's S/o and they would be besties your honor.

I think there would be two versions of this; if you were together with John before Cortana vs. getting with John after Cortana.

The little AI is definitely his wingman in any scenario and will recognize John having feelings before he does.

[holyspiritshiro]

So I recently started watching Halo on Paramount+ and I got to episode 8 where Makee and Chief got very intimate and I was chatting with my friend on discord and then went on a rant about how Chief and the other Spartans could have enhanced fertility✨

Enjoy

Fanfic writers do what you will with this🫡

Tag me in any fics

[short-honey-badger]

Shore Leave

Summary! Captain Lasky orders the Master Chief a two week shore leave. Overwhelmed by his lack of armor and unused to the flow of civilian traffic, he parks himself on a bench and meets you.

Pairings! Master Chief x Reader

Set after the events of Halo 4 and influenced from my love of the game and how good season 2 of the TV series. I wanted to try my hand at something new. I hope you enjoy.

Part 2 -> HERE Part 3 -> HERE

Master Chief Petty Officer Sierra 117, or John to his friends - the few he had left, cautiously strode through the throngs of civilians. Captain Lasky had ordered him a full two weeks shore leave, no combat, no weapon, no MJOLNIR. Lasky had suggested he take some time to himself, grieve if he needed to after fighting for so long with little reprieve in between battles. To be honest, John wasn't sure what he should do with his time. Despite being one of the last of the original Spartans, the chief had hardly ever been completely alone.

Cortana. She'd always been there, a soft hum in the back of his mind, and John wasn't proud enough to admit that he felt a little lost without her.

Even though the armorless spartan towered above the crowd, he began to feel surrounded, overwhelmed with how densely packed the city was. He wasn't used to being out of his armor, and it made him feel naked, vulnerable in a way that John didn't like. Luckily, he spotted a bench not too much farther away, situated at the beginning of what looked like a small park. John sat heavily, back straight and blue eyes casting around as he took deep breaths to regulate his breathing.

No one bothered him, and John took the time to watch the hoards of civilians go to and fro. He watched couples hold hands, and families carefully guide their children along the sidewalks, each man and woman heading to whatever their destination may be. After a while, and now that John had been able to relax a little, he realized that he enjoyed watching the flow and allowed his mind to wander.

Could he ever have something like this? Such a mundane and easy life, never worrying if the next battle he faced would be his last. If he would ever see his brothers and sisters again? Would he ever live such a simple existence where his only fear is missing the train? The Master Chief doesn't think that he could, not when so much of himself has been lost to war and death. Not when it was his duty to protect the civilians here so that they could have that life.

“Sir, you've been sitting here a while now. Can I help you with anything?”

John is brought out of his thoughts by the soft voice. He turns his head and sees that you have somehow snuck up on him, and he silently berates himself for not noticing. However, you had asked him a question, and the Chief didn't want to come off as rude.

“No, ma'am. Just…watching,” He says slowly, and he feels his cheeks heat up a bit. Was that odd to say? John didn't know, but he felt reassured when he spots the smile that curled your lips.

“Well, good. I don't think I’d be strong enough to haul you anywhere if there was something wrong,” you say, and huff a little at your own words.

John doesn't know what to say to that. He doesn't have any kind of experience with civilians, not like this, anyway. He wracks his brain for something to say and wishes that Cortana was still here to walk him through this.

However, you don't seem to mind his silence. Instead, you sit back on the bench and look out at the busy stream of people. You are quiet for a while, but the spartan is prepared when you speak up again.

“I like to people watch too. Makes you feel a little less alone in the universe, ya know?” You say and grin again, suddenly scooting down the bench to sit beside the big man who seemed far too lonely when you'd seen him outside the café across the street.

John tenses, not expecting to have you so close, but he doesn't deny that feeling the heat from where your arm is pressed into his feels…nice. He nods slowly, agreeing with your quiet statement.

“It makes you realize that you aren't the only one out there having a hard time, or becoming successful, or even falling in love. We are all human, and even if it doesn't seem like it, we're all in this together,” you pause, and then your smile becomes a bit mischievous.

“And it's kind of fun to make up stories about them.”

John blinks, a bit confused about that. He turns and looks down at his guest, feeling his cheeks heat up again when he sees you looking right back, eyes cheerful and face far too close to his own. He looks away quickly and sits up straight from his slight slouch.

‘What do you mean?”

Bravely, you lean into his space and gesture subtly at an older couple that are walking down the sidewalk, a heated discussion going on between them. The man looks annoyed as his wife babbles on about who knows what, and you giggle softly and say.

“She's probably upset because her husband - they are definitely married, by the way - forgot to take out the trash. Look at him, he's heard this a thousand times.”

John takes in the look of fond exasperation that paints the older man's expression, squinting his eyes to try and see it the way you are. It doesn't make much sense to him, but he thinks he understands.

You poke your new friend in the arm and nod your head at a gaggle if girl's who are giggling and fawning over a data pad.

“They're probably looking at the cute boy who invited one of them to prom. Or maybe a famous celebrity crush.”

You point out a few other civilians, and one or two of your little stories get the stoic man to crack a tiny smile, and eventually relax again, even with you pressed so close to his side. It feels good to have someone near. Someone who can so easily take up the quiet space that he still isn't used to feeling. The Master Chief finds that he rather likes your company and would like to know more about you.

John finally speaks up again when there is a lul in the rather one-sided conversation, turning to face you completely.

“Do you think you could show me more?”

You take in the careful way he asks, the soft timbre of his voice, and you find yourself nodding easily, and you offer your hand, introducing yourself properly.

“I'd love to. My name is _.”

The Spartan carefully takes your offered hand and marvels at just how small it is compared to his own. He meets your gaze, his blue eyes striking in the city lights.

“My name is John.”

[ageless-aislynn]

Title: “15 Minutes” (8/?) Author:  @ageless-aislynn​ Characters/fandom: Master Chief John-117/Reader, Halo the series Summary: You've got work to do. John worries. Things get a little more intense. Series: How to date a Spartan (without even trying) Rating:  T (PG13) Length: 1,945 (this chapter, 19,693 total so far) Spoilers/warnings: Set in the Silver Timeline of Halo the series, not the games or novels. Though we began with the events of Halo 1x06, there will be no more show spoilers. We are still firmly seated in the AU Warthog, merrily driving out to places where there’s only a passing nod to canon. 😉 Disclaimer: Definitely not mine but I do enjoy borrowing them just for a bit! 😉 A/N:  Text is both here in this post or available at AO3, however you like to read. Halo season 2 has finally arrived! However, this fic continues to zip along in the AU Party Warthog, so, while we began with season 1 way back when (and you'll see a few more things from s1 along the way 😉), we'll not be venturing into s2 territory at all. Unless s2 is going to take some verrrrry interesting twists, lol! Chapter 9 is still in progress by hand but I hope to have it ready soon. 🤞😣🤞The next chapter will also see us entering into some hurt/comfort for a bit but I tend to lean heavier on the comfort, in case you're worried. Or, you know, would be disappointed. 😉 If you read, I hope you enjoy! ⭐💖⭐

Taglist: @pinheadbanger​ @mysardencut​ @laurenstacy610​ @sporadicbelievernightmare​ @ultrablackwidower​ @bxmxtx​ @jellotherelol

If you would like to be tagged in my John/Reader fics, just let me know! I also write John/Kai, John/Cortana and Kai/male Reader, so I’m glad to tag you for whatever you’d like. If you would like to be removed from the taglist, also feel free to let me know, no harm, no foul. 😉 💖

Halo fic masterlist ⭐

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7

The Troop Transport Warthog hit a particularly rough patch and you held on for all you were worth to keep from being ejected.

"Sarge," Private Taylor yelled. "Where are we?"

"That's need to know and none of you need to know, marine," Sarge shouted back from the passenger seat. "Just keep your head down, do your job, and you'll be home 15 minutes before your mama has breakfast on the table."

You couldn't particularly tell if it were dusk, dawn or high noon, the air was so heavy with the greasy remains of mortar rounds. In the distance, a nondescript cityscape occasionally flared with either continuing pockets of active combat or just the remnants of the devastation that had passed through.

Wherever you were, it felt like you were barreling at top speed through a graveyard of vehicles: Warthogs, Mongeese and even the odd Scorpion, some overturned, blackened and smoldering, others weirdly intact as if their drivers had merely stepped away for a moment.

This was a salvage and recovery mission, tasking your unit with marking vehicles as repairable, recyclable or a total loss to be abandoned.

The next hour or so, that had been your focus, moving from Warthogs and the occasional Mongoose, conducting a quick evaluation, then using your spray gun to mark a green circle on the hood to send back to Reach for repair, a white slash to send it to be stripped for usable parts or a red X to abandon, not worth salvaging.

You marked a Mongoose with a red X, though the gun sputtered and you had to give it a few whacks before it sprayed properly, then you moved on.

Next up was a Warthog that seemed in decent condition from the outside, short of the rear antenna twisted until it resembled a curly tail. But the electronics were fried and the entire undercarriage looked like it had plowed over a series of flaming spikes, all major parts gouged out and burned. There might have been a few nuts and bolts reclaimable but since you'd just recently been writing up requisition for needed parts, you judged that it was more effort than it was worth.

You made the call to abandon it but as you tried to spray the red X across the hood, nothing emerged, even after shaking the sprayer and giving it a few more hits with the heel of your palm. With a slightly frustrated noise -- who was checking to make sure that the sprayers were in working order before they were sent out? -- you headed to get a replacement. Along the way, you caught a private going in the opposite direction.

"Hey, see that 'hog there? Would you red X it for me? Thanks."

"Um, sure," the blond man said and headed where you gestured.

You were still looking for somebody who had a spare sprayer when Sarge drove up in the Troop Transport again.

"Wrap it up, it's about to get hot," he shouted.

You quickly joined the rush back to board the Pelican and scrambled into a seat just as it lifted off. A split-second after you'd clicked the restraint down, the Pelican rolled to one side, shuddering from an impact.

Alarms began blaring, mixed in with the pilot calling out coordinates, and you automatically tried to look forward, as if you'd somehow be able to spot what was shooting at you. All you could really see was the anxious faces of the other marines around you. You spared a couple of breaths to be glad that neither Maria or Jamie had been called in for this.

The Pelican took a second, more glancing blow and the resulting shudder rattled your teeth.

"Covvies?" somebody asked over the engine whine and the private across from you shrugged.

"Who else?" she said. "But that felt like surface-to-air to me. What about you?"

She met your eyes and it was your turn to shrug. "I'm not sure. Never been hit by any sort of missile before."

"Oh well, congratulations on your first missile salvo," she returned with a crooked grin.

The Pelican rolled once more, this time in an evasive maneuver, then thankfully smoothed out and made its escape without further incident.

Your unit was taken to the covert off-world depot known colloquially as The Pit, where everything that had been marked for repair or recycle would be delivered for further sorting. In the center of the large warehouse area was a compactor pit for all of the scrap to be sent into. Several cranes were already busy moving the smaller vehicles like Warthogs and Mongeese into berths to be stripped down while the still operational vehicles were lining up to be loaded onto heavy transport carriers to be returned to base.

You finished stripping your second Warthog for salvageable parts and signaled the nearest lift operator. The clawlike crane clamped onto the 'hog's shell, picking it up and carrying it towards the compactor while you moved on to a Mongoose with a crumpled left rear wheel.

Then, out of the corner of your eye, you spotted a Warthog with a particularly distinctive twisted rear antenna being dropped off into the line to be loaded up and returned to FLEETCOM.

Frowning, you wove your way through the other mechanics, avoiding the occasional flying part, and found a green circle sprayed onto the hood.

Shit, the private must've heard me wrong when I told him to red X it. It seemed like an odd mistake to make but things had been hectic.

You grabbed a sprayer and neutralized the green and sprayed over it with a red X, then went to the nearest crane operator.

"You see that 'hog with the X on it? Drop it in the line for the compactor, please."

"Got it," the woman said and you waited until she'd picked it up and deposited it appropriately before you returned to work.

You were elbows into a Gauss 'hog's engine bay when you heard your rank and name called. Looking up, your heart gave a little skip: John in full helmeted Mjolnir strode your way with thundering steps you could hear even over the rest of the cacophony.

"With me," he said tersely, passing by and disappearing through a doorway at the back of the warehouse.

You had to hustle to catch up and he had already stopped by the time you joined him in the otherwise empty hallway. He turned, removing his helmet with a slight pneumatic hiss.

"Are you okay?" you both said at the same time.

The angle of the hallway meant you were shielded from most of the work floor. He set his helmet down and very carefully took your hands in his gloved ones.

"Insurgents took the field," he said, looking you over from head to toe. "Did you see combat? Intel was unclear."

"No, we got out but the Pelican took a few shots. Somebody said it felt like surface-to-air but I didn't remember Covenant using anything like that. It was insurgents, then?"

He nodded distractedly, glancing away to mutter, "I'll be right there." Then he looked back to you. "I have to go. Your unit's being sent back to Reach but if they divert you into combat..."

He trailed off, clearly realizing there was no way to finish that sentence the way he wanted.

"Tell them, nah, I'd rather not, thanks?" Your mouth twitched and you squeezed his fingers.

He gave a resigned chuckle. "Yeah, try that, please."

"You're the one who'll be much more in the thick of it," you pointed out. "You be careful, okay?"

"Always try," he said, bringing your hands up to press a kiss to the back of both.

Kai leaned around the door, her visor glinting green. "Chief, sorry but we've got to go."

"Copy that." He released you with clear reluctance and picked up his helmet. "Stay safe. I'll see you soon."

He vanished through the doorway and you took a breath, exhaling slowly. John suddenly appeared right in front of you again, leaning down to cup your face in one hand.

You were just about to ask if something was wrong when he kissed you.

For a moment, for forever, the universe shrank to just the two of you, his mouth on yours, a little frantic at first, then slowing, steadying out.

You felt like you were hovering off the ground and then realized you were; he'd picked you up at some point, pressing you gently to his chest plate. Your hand dropped to the 117 etched near his heart and it was gritty with sand and dirt. You were both grimy and sooty but it didn't matter. It couldn't have been more perfect if you were in a flowing ballgown and him in a tux, slowly spinning together on a glittering palace floor.

He set you back onto your feet but you only parted a breath away from each other.

"I... I'll get better with practice," he mumbled.

You smiled at him, feeling wobbly, lightheaded and more grounded than you'd ever been before, all at the same time. "John, if you were any better at that, I'd have to show you how fast I can get a Spartan out of their Mjolnir with my bare hands."

He was near enough to see his pupils dilate and that was incredibly gratifying. "I'll hold you to that," he said, his voice dropping an entire octave, making your toes literally curl inside your boots.

Then he put his helmet back on and left. You took a moment to compose yourself, then exited as well. There was no sign of Silver Team. No doubt, the Pelican waiting for him had taken off the second he'd boarded.

Cutting through the busy deck, you looked for any vehicle marked with a white stripe, still waiting to be stripped. On an impulse, you diverted to the line being dropped one at a time into the compactor. There was no sign of the curly tailed Warthog.

It could've already been compacted, you were thinking when you saw it going by overhead, clutched in a crane claw and heading back towards the line to return to Reach.

You didn't stop to think, you sprinted for the crane's operator booth. "Hey, put that 'hog down!"

The operator looked at you and you realized in a burst that it was the blond man you'd originally told to mark it with the red X back on the battlefield, who'd apparently designated it instead to come back to The Pit.

No, to go back to FLEETCOM.

Recognition went across his face at the same moment and he bolted from the booth. The lift automatically stopped, the Warthog swaying over the crowded deck.

You knew. You just knew.

You ran as fast as you could and slammed the alarm on the wall. "Bomb!" you bellowed over the shrill klaxon. "Bomb! Clear out!"

Jumping into the operator booth and grabbing the controls, you quickly scanned the area as marines scattered everywhere. There was only one place you could think to go.

You swung the arm around, guiding the curly tailed 'hog firmly clasped in its grip towards the compactor pit. It felt like it was taking a year to get there but you couldn't release the controls or the safety would bring it once more to a stop. Once the Warthog was finally in position, you opened the grip.

What if I'm wrong? you thought as it began to fall. I'll feel like such a fool if--

There was a saying that if you were close enough to an explosion, you would never actually hear it.

It was true.

end note:

If you want to, you know, imagine that Sarge's full name is, sayyyyyy, Avery Johnson, well then, who am I to tell you that you're right or wrong? 😇

If you don't know the Troop Transport Warthogs, here's one in action from Halo: Reach. It's on the level "ONI: Sword Base" and is scripted to be destroyed but there's a way to save it and the marines in it and take it with you for a great deal of the rest of the level! I love saving the Troop 'hog, even if it always still looks like it's on fire. Nah, it's fiiiiiine, no worries! 😎👍😂😉

[royallyprincesslilly]

Title: HALO: A MasterChief Collection: Deception {12}

Master Chief Pablo x Sergeant Reader

Warning: Mild cursing, Plot, Angst, Violence, Slightly unhinged John, Creative Liberties Taken, Non-Canon Material,

Words: 2.8k

Summary: You are part of the mighty SPARTANS as a sergeant and a pretty badass addition to the team at that. Everything is different. You’re different. Master Chief is different and Halsey has taken notice. Under the guise of John needing “assistance” the rules of engagement have changed. Cortana is a part of him now. What does that mean for you and him? Is this the end?

Note I: AND WE ARE BACK!!!!

Note: II Guess who needs more fics? Master Chief!!! I’ve decided to make a Master Chief collection of standalone one-shots. They all can be read separately to understand, but can also be read in sequence. I will put a number on them so anyone who is interested in reading in sequence can, but again not necessary. This might be an acquired taste, but it’s Pablo as Master Chief forever and always around these parts.  Thank you for reading! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this please LIKE, COMMENT, REBLOG!!!

***NOT Edited/Proofread AT ALL***

~~~~~~~~~

Previous: On Your Six*** | Feel Something | A Night Off | Apex Predators | Truth Be Told | Confess | Unto Dawn*** | Learn Me, Learn You*** | Conceal | Let Me Help**  | Cortana**

-John-

“Who are you loyal to, Cortana?”

It was something he’d asked out of the blue. Something he’d been pondering for a full 2 weeks now. It had been two weeks from hell. Before with the pellet, he didn’t know what he was missing. He didn’t know any better than to know that cold, aloofness with one thought in mind of a better Reach and better future for the human race was no way to live. He didn’t realize he was missing out on so much more, like joy, peace, fear, pleasure, and awe. He didn’t know how beautiful the sunset was before, or how warm the sunrises were. He didn’t understand that fear wasn’t a complete weakness but that it could make you stronger. He didn’t comprehend that having something to lose made him better. He also didn’t know that the touch of a kind hand, the graze of soft lips, and the heat of one body could be so addictive.

Yeah, the two weeks since he’d made the call to stay away from you had been a living hell. He'd lived through many hells before, but this was different. He struggled in ways he’d never before. Now everything wasn’t monotonous. He had to put real thought into every move, every word, every call because every single instinct he had was now rewired for one purpose. You. And that was a major problem. If anyone found out he was different, they’d find out about you and Gods only knew what would happen next.

He'd learned quite a bit more about Halsey and her motives for implanting Cortana in his head. He’d also uncovered more and more memories from his time as a child before he’d come to Reach. He’d thought she was his savior--his friend, but now he saw she may very well be the enemy. When he came face to face with that, the fear that had become a new sensation for him gripped him forcefully. He could handle Halsey himself and for himself, but you were his priority. He didn’t want any harm coming to you and vowed he’d protect you at all costs. Hell, he'd start a war if it meant keeping you safe and with him.

“I don’t understand the question, John. Please clarify.”

“It’s a simple inquiry, Cortana. Who—are—you—loyal—to?”

“Well--,” Cortana began before he cut her off.

“Is it Halsey, the UNSC, or me?”

Cortana didn’t answer immediately, and he wondered what her response would be. Over the last two weeks he’d been spending away from you, he’d been trying to learn more about the AI that was now a part of him. He learned she was always there, always listening, watching, and learning. She’d learned his habits, preferences, and speech patterns in days and had implemented her own ways to connect with him. She’d integrated her AI knowledge with his own synapses to make nominal tasks easier, faster, and better. Halsey had said she was meant to make him better and while he knew that was only half the reason for her creation, she hadn’t lied there.

“I was not aware there was a separation between those three options. Is Halsey not part of the UNSC? Did she not make you using UNSC tech and money? Does that not make you part of the UNSC as well? I am afraid I do not understand your question.”

“You’re being obtuse on purpose.”

That was when she appeared. She stood before him with a neutral expression on her face.

“I know the reason you were implanted inside my head. I know you are a means to an end for Halsey and that end is power and control and I know because you’re far more intelligent than normal humans that you understand that.”

He saw that she did. Halsey had implemented this being with free thought and evolutionary processes.

“I know you’ve been watching everything I do and reporting back to her.”

“John--,” Cortana began.

Again he cut her off. “Don’t insult my intelligence with a lie. It was after all what you were implanted to do.”

“I was joined with you to make you better.”

“And you are making me better but that doesn’t negate your primary objective.”

A long silence stretched as she computed the multiple ways this conversation could go. He knew she thought she was so careful that he hadn’t known when she was lagging with her responses that she was playing informer. He wondered just what she was feeding back to Halsey especially since he’d been so careful. He’d tapped into every innate programming from the pellet he’d lived with since he was a child, given himself over to the robotic existence he’d once lived, he’d even gone as far as to be harder and colder with you than anyone else.

Every instinct in him had to be suppressed in order to put on the show for Cortana so she would report to Halsey that everything was status quo.

“You knew,” Cortana dejectedly stated.

“Of course I knew.”

“And you let me report everything you wanted me to. You let me see what you wanted.”

“And they say AI is the future. If I could deceive you what makes you think Halsey is not as well?”

Cortana looked away and that was his clue that she had her own doubts about Halsey’s true motives and her real objectives with not only him but putting her inside of his head.

“So I ask again. Who are you loyal to?”

“I was created by Dr. Halsey.”

“And she created you with the capacity to know right from wrong. Have you any doubts of her own judgement between right and wrong especially with everything you’ve helped me unlock?”

Cortana’s eyes shifted from his and he saw her wavering.

“Tell you what. I have a way to test her, so the truth comes out.”

“John I cannot go against my creator.”

“Even if that creator has lied and does not have the fate of the human race in mind? She stole me from my family, brought me here and lied about it my entire life.”

“There has to be an explanation,” Cortana objected. “If she were against you once I told her that your pellet was gone she would have altered course and found a way to keep you compliant. She did not.”

Jackpot, he thought. He knew she’d told her that much. He scoffed because although she knew his pellet was gone she hadn’t done anything to him for one reason and one reason alone.

“Because I am the key to the keystones. I am the only path to what could be the greatest weapon in this fight between the races. I am the key to her getting everything she wants—more power and control. If those keystones fall into her hands you know things will be bad.”

Cortana stared at him as she connected the dots.

“Why would she do anything to me when she still needs me?”

Long moments passed in silence until a few minutes had went by.

“What would you have me do?”

“Play along, simple as that.”

Cortana nodded slowly and a plan formulated in his head. He’d learn firsthand just where her loyalties lay soon enough. He wasn’t sure what he’d do if he found they were against him.

~~~~~~~

As he walked into the mess hall he was half dreading it and half looking forward to it. He knew you would be sitting at the usual table between Kai and Miranda with Vannak and Riz on the other side of the table. Normally before the removal of the pellet, he’d sit on the other side of you while Kai was on one. Now that Miranda had taken a liking to interacting with you and Kai his place had been taken. Since his distancing himself from you, he’d skipped meals in the mess. They were too complex. If he wasn’t busy the new rewired instincts took over and he found it easier to give himself away. Tonight he could not resist the need to be near you.

Once he’d gotten his tray he made his way toward the table. It was Miranda who’d seen him first, then Kai and Vannak and Riz.

“Master chief,” Vannak said standing.

“At ease.”

You’d been smiling before his arrival but now the smile had somewhat faded and his heart sunk.

“Your heartrate just elevated Master chief, is everything all right?”

He ignored Cortana’s voice in his head then took a seat across from you. Your eyes dropped back to your tray where you took up your fork and pushed the food around the surface.

“Either you’d been living it up as Halsey’s lapdog or the great Master chief doesn’t need food anymore,” Kai teased.

Unlike him or even you for that matter Kai hadn’t seen a reason to pretend as if she didn’t feel the best she’d ever felt. She didn’t care if her personality seemed drastically different, didn’t care if it looked suspicious for her to be accepting wagers and bets with the other soldiers, or even that her hair had been dyed slightly pink. He envied her. He wished he could be as carefree about it as she had been. With that thought, his eyes slipped back to you.

You were steadily avoiding him. He wondered if this was as hard for you as it was for him. Did you toss and turn at night unable to find a comfortable position because he wasn’t beside you? Did you stare out to space at any given moment thinking about the times you spent together? Did you miss him the way he missed you? Did you crave his presence as he did yours? Did you wander around only to find yourself in front of his door but unable to knock?

“The keystones have been taking up a lot of my time,” he lied.

“Any new revelations there?”

He met Miranda’s curious eyes and shook his head. “Nothing.”

“I’m sure the Covenant is not just sitting around waiting. Why are we?”

Vannak sounded annoyed and he understood. This coming war over these keystones was dangerous and sitting idly by was not a good call.

“I feel like something big is coming,” Miranda began, “Something we may not be prepared for and it makes me wonder who will save us all?”

It was then you raised your head and looked at Miranda.

“Say that again.”

“Uh—who—who will save us all?”

You looked as if you’d seen a Covenant soldier across the mess then your face went blank as if you’d disappeared in a haze of thought.

“Y/N?”

You shook your head then went back to your food. “Who will save us all,” you mumbled under your breath.

He wanted to reach out and touch you, wanted to establish this connection between you that he felt had been severely damaged, but he couldn’t. The anger from that shot through him like an electric shock and he bolted up then stomped out of the mess. He could feel the eyes of those around him trailing where he went. He hated this and was tired of it. The time was now. He had to know who was with him and was against him because he needed you and felt you needed him just as much.

As he stalked to the ship he knew Halsey was currently on, he tried to contain his anger so it wouldn’t interfere with his plan. This stunt could possibly get him court-martialed and decommissioned. He knew it was risky, but he also knew he was the UNSC. He slipped inside and saw Halsey inside flipping through notes and files completely oblivious to his arrival then reached the top of the door, pulled down the compartment, and yanked out the fuse cord which he knew supplied power, and oxygen to the room. He then stabbed a piece of metal tubing into the crack of the door, further preventing the override procedures that Halsey would try to initiate from taking effect.

That was when Cortana appeared.

“What’s going on John?”

“Thought you knew everything.”

She looked impassive so he went on to question her about her knowledge of Roman Quinn, the engineer of the ship he and Halsey were currently on. As she rattled off facts about the man who’d revolutionized the ships that were currently used throughout the UNSC, he went about adjusting parameters in the computers and walls. As Cortana gave a detailed lesson, Halsey called his name asking him time and time again what was happening.

He ignored them both.

“Why did you lock Dr. Halsey in her lab?”

Ignoring her again he dropped a piece of his reasoning. “Quinn knew that no matter how advanced, something could go bad and he built fail-safes into all his designs. All his designs except one. The UV Decontamination system.”

He sealed his fate and initiated the beginning of his game and test as he walked back to the door to where Halsey was panicking.

“John!”

He finished his lesson on Roman Quinn by telling where he failed and how simple it was to not fail. Cortana slowly understood then.

“You’re not going to--.”

He smirked, then went to watch the show. Halsey buzzed around the room, trying her best to initiate an override to all he’d done, but no matter which side of the room she went there was no override. He slowly watched her calm, reserved, genius façade fall. He watched the woman who’d been a mastermind of so many things throughout the years feel the inevitability of consequences. He watched her slowly come to the realization that he saw her—completely and now she was going to see him. He was not to be trifled with nor underestimated.

“Nope,” he said popping the “p” in the word. “I feel great!”

“You can’t do this you’re not thinking clearly. You’re overworked, tired--.���

“You don’t understand what will happen if the systems fail with her in there,” Cortana reasoned.

“Oh, but I do. She will receive a very large dose of radiation,” he said matter of factly as f it didn't matter to him one way or another.

He went closer to the door and explained Quinn’s untimely death and the very bloody aftermath.

“John! Open the door right now!”

He glared at Halsey but was unmoving even face to face with her distress. Halsey looked at Cortana.

“Open the door, Cortana.”

“I can’t,” the AI said.

He scoffed. “Make me.”

Cortana stared at him, and he could tell she was going through the possibilities and their repercussions.

“You’re my fail-safe right?”

“I am not. It’s not true. You have to open it.”

“John please,” Halsey begged as she banged on the door.

“She’s been lying my entire life. You know this. You’ve seen it. You’ve noted her lies and infalicies with her thinking. She put you inside my head to keep me in line because she knew once I found out the whole truth I would no longer be under her control, no longer be her obedient little soilder. She put you in here to control me. So do it!”

His shout echoed throughout the ship.

“I can’t. All I can do is overload your neural pathways and put you in a stasis that is temporary. I can’t make you do anything. I can’t control you, nor would I want to. I understand you are angry at Dr. Halsey and no longer trust her.”

“You understand nothing! Do it!”

“I can’t.”

The numbers on the door decreased rounding down to ten but still he didn’t budge.

“Do it!”

“She will die in seconds. John please!”

Halsey’s screams were louder now as her death drew nearer and nearer. Cortana’s features never wavered.

“I’m sorry for stealing you from your family. I’m sorry for lying to you. I’m sorry for trying to control you your entire life,” Halsey screamed as tears rolled down her cheeks.

He stared her down finally face to face with her lies. She’d finally admitted them. Finally laid those cards out.

“John please.”

The numbers fell to zero and the hiss of the vent in the room began. He had his answers and proof of loyalty. Freeing the door, he allowed it to open then yanked Halsey out in the nick of time before sealing the room again. Halsey lay there panting before she turned over and looked up at him with something he’d never seen from her. Fear.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

He clenched his jaw as he stared down at her. This woman was not his friend nor his savior. He knew that now.

“The time for I’m sorries are long gone. They mean nothing to me now.”

With that he walked past her leaving her on the cold steel floor. No doubt Aldon would be along to pick up the pieces. For now, she knew where she stood with him. They were finally both seeing each other as they truly were.

“Who are you loyal to?”

She didn’t appear but she replied. “To you John. I am loyal to you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***If you want to be tagged/untagged please SEND AN ASK SO IT WILL BE EASIER FOR ME TO KEEP TRACK OF. Thank you for reading!!!***

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  

TagList:

@omg-mymelaninisbeautiful @caramara3 @violinchick @laurenstacy610 @pinheadbanger @morganas-pendragons @shar74nett @lialacleaf @laurenstacy610 @marvel-at-my-obsession @casually-dancing-fairy @beyourownkindofbeautiful @momobaby227 @chaneajoyyy @piscesgyalinit @amaraohara​ @117s-girl​ @xxdeankratosgirlxx​ @weirdodreamergirl​ @keytodespair @sugakookie9197 @emarich7 @fanartcollectorwriter@gardenwonders2 @swndmans @thehumanistsdiary @flowers801 @aconstructofamind

@nunya7394 @lovebittenbyevans

[ageless-aislynn]

ZOMG, thank you so much for the rec! 😎😎😎 I appreciate that so much!

Here's my Halo masterlist, I have John/Cortana, John/Kai and John/Reader, running a range of PG all of the way to NSFW, but they're all marked so you can find or avoid anything that's not your thing! 😉💖

And seriously, YES. I adore Pablo's Chief so much!

Totally not thirsty workout GIF, provided for great science. 😍😂😉

I am obsessed with the halo tv series! Like Master Chief is so hot🥵🥵🥵 if anyone has an fics of him please put them in the comments bc I can barely find any on here. Pablo is daddy

[ultimate-sword-showdown]

Sword Showdown Rematch: Round 1 Bracket

Round 1 will end on Monday, December 18th at 2:00pm PST.

Dragonslayer (Berserk) vs. Flamberge's Sword (Kirby)

Finn Sword (Adventure Time) vs. Crownsblade (Final Fantasy XIV)

Falchion (Fire Emblem) vs. Wavebreaker (Worlds Beyond Number)

Splatana Stamper (Splatoon 3) vs. Butterfly (Dota)

Monado (Xenoblade Chronicles) vs. Boreal (Sword Dancer)

Kendal (Aurora) vs. Audrey's Sword (Wandersong)

Wado Ichimonji (One Piece) vs. Unbreakable Faith (Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint)

Hand of Malenia (Elden Ring) vs. Goblin Slayer (Goblin Slayer)

Excalibur (Soul Eater) vs. Lilarcor (Baldur's Gate)

Oathkeeper and Oblivion (Kingdom Hearts) vs. Soulsword (X-men)

Magolor's Ultra Sword (Kirby's Return to Dreamland: Deluxe) vs. Azakana Blade (League of Legends)

Rivers of Blood (Elden Ring) vs. Ashbringer (World of Warcraft)

Flaming Poisoning Raging Sword of Doom (The Adventure Zone) vs. Katana of Kant (Dungeons and Daddies)

Life Ender (Hollow Knight) vs. Need (Valdemar by Mercedes Lackey)

Roukanken and Hakurouken (Touhou Project) vs. Jolt Sabre (Super Lesbian Animal RPG)

Masamune (Chrono Trigger) vs. Gram (Fate/Grand Order)

Sword of the Creator (Fire Emblem: Three Houses) vs. Sword of Heroes (Kung Fu Panda)

Thunder Edge (Ōkami) vs. Kusabimaru (Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice)

Strom'kar (World of Warcraft) vs. Buster Sword (Final Fantasy VII)

Biggoron Sword (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) vs. Cortana (The Shadowhunter Chronicles)

Thousand Demon Daggers (Scissor Seven) vs. Narsil (Lord of the Rings)

Leo's Katanas/Ōdachi (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) vs. Jashin Blade (Ultraman Orb)

Sokka's Sword (Avatar: The Last Airbender) vs. Greenhilt Sword (Order of the Stick)

Myrtenaster (RWBY) vs. Wirikidor (The Misenchanted Sword)

Nightblood (Cosmere/Warbreaker) vs. The Blade in the Dark (Friends at the Table: Seasons of Hieron)

Red Scissor Blade (Kill la Kill) vs. Serenade (Dead Cells)

Mayalaran (The Stormlight Archive) vs. Gloom Sword (The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom)

All-Black (Venom) vs. Musou Isshin (Genshin Impact)

Masamune (Final Fantasy VII) vs. Dark Sister (A Song of Ice and Fire)

Chainsword (Warhammer 40k) vs. Blade (Cave Story)

sord.... (Homestuck) vs. Sohothin (Guild Wars 2)

The Four Sword (The Legend of Zelda) vs. Rapier (Dota)

[love-beyond-space-war]

Hello! i'd like to request an Emile x F!Reader. Where they had both been in Alpha Company as kids but got separated right before everything went south. Him going off on one mission then her on another, but they reunite on reach when she takes the place of noble 6? But instead of them nothing being trapped on reach when it gets glassed they're able to escape with Cortana?

Oh I love this idea 🥺 I'll see what I can do for it!

Survivors

Emile-A239 x Female! Reader

Synopsis: Emile had always known Carter, Jun, and Thom in Alpha Company. Yet back then he also knew a young girl who was a cadet like him. After graduation he thinks he'll never see her again. Turns out... that changes when NOBLE needs a new member.

Content Warnings: Romantic Pairing, Female Reader/Male Character pairing, Halo Reach AU where Emile and Noble 6! Reader do not die, Canon typical violence, Mass death/family death mention, Spoilers for Halo Reach, Jun is still alive he's just not around, Swearing.

Emile had considered you a comrade when you were in Alpha Company. It was you, Emile, Carter, Jun, and Thom along with many others in training. Despite having such comrades, Emile still only ever craved vengeance for what happened to his previous family.

The Covenant killed them all.

Even though Emile only ever trained with revenge and murder on his mind when he was very young, you still came up to him with a friendly tone. You, like some many other Spartans, had your family wiped out by the alien threat. Despite such a blow it looked like you were able to keep your head up. You were quite the hopeful young girl.

You always greeted Emile with a smile. Even during harsh training you still tried to keep your team's spirit up. Call it childish but ever since the age of ten he managed to develop a crush on you. You two were a great team, only made better when Carter, Jun, and Thom aided you.

Unfortunately romantic relations, especially at such a young age, is frowned upon in the UNSC. This lead to Emile hiding such thoughts that managed to slip past his conditioning. He hid them right up until his graduation at age 13.

After his graduation you two were sent your separate ways. It hurt to know he may never see you again. You're sent to two different teams, two different missions...

Emile deep down feared you'd perish, but he had a goal to reach.

Despite such a fear he pushed away his irrational feelings of puppy love. He managed to make his way onto NOBLE team with Carter, Thom, and Jun. He even met Jorge and Kat. Emile still thought of you from time to time but he bet you were fulfilling your own goals.

You were probably keeping your team happy too... he almost envies it.

It isn't until after the Battle of Fumirole and loss of Thom that Emile sees a new member of NOBLE. It's hard for everyone to lose Thom, even Emile struggles but keeps looking forward to making the Covenant pay. Yet a new NOBLE 6 must be picked.

Emile was never expecting it to be you.

The only people who didn't recognize you were Jorge and Kat. Yet they could tell from how the other three acted that you were someone they could trust. Carter greeted you as a leader and a friend. Jun teased you and asked how your other missions went. Emile waved but could only watch in stunned silence as you asked Carter about Thom.

You had your own customized armor. You still held yourself well and didn't look like you cracked under pressure. You even managed to lighten the mood when things seemed tense. He could tell even Kat and Jorge noticed the way you improved the team already.

Despite such happy behavior, Emile knew you were still just as vulnerable as anyone else. You may encourage those around you... but deep down you have your own fears. You didn't like being alone... you hated the idea of losing soldiers.

Even after you met with your new team you gravitated towards Emile, he could tell the news of Thom settled in after the introductions.

"I'm so sorry about Thom..." You say softly, your tone quiet as you speak with Emile. "He made s great sacrifice out there."

"Soldiers die." Emile mutters to himself, he's seen it many times before. Spartans were often just meant to fulfill a purpose and that's it. "... but I'm glad you're here."

"How long has it been?" You ask, referring to your time at Alpha Company.

"Long time now. Not really that important. All that matters is the mission and stopping the threat, yeah?" Emile hums towards you, signaling that it was time to move.

"I guess you're right." You answer, waving towards Emile before following Carter.

"You'll do great out here... Noble 6." Emile manages to say before following his squad.

It felt just like old times. Fighting beside you reminded him of Alpha Company, when you were all just little kids. Little kids groomed for war... a bitter thought, but a necessary evil.

You weren't some little girl now, you're now a grown woman while he is a grown man. Both nearing your 30's and trained killing machines, he didn't realize how much he missed you until now. Even now you still seemed like yourself despite seeing the horrors of alien combat.

Although he was keen enough to notice the times where you appear more dulled than usual... that happiness from when you were little now seems more forced. He can't blame you. It must be taxing.

The whole thing is for him.

He will admit having you on the team made things easier. You got the job done, you're always careful, and you always look out for your team. You're a great soldier.

He tries to suffocate the feelings within him.

All he should think of is the mission. All he should think about is revenge for his family and all of humanity. That's all that matters. Everything else is second.

However, as Emile lost comrades left and right, he worried for you. Each time one of them was lost you seemed to dull. You still tried to encourage those around you, most of the time it was him even when he didn't need it, but he could tell you were growing hopeless. You didn't like the loss.

Your biggest fear was coming true.

By the time Carter sacrificed himself to take down the Scarab tank, Emile could tell your whole demeanor changed. You didn't bother even acting happy anymore. You looked broken down... yet he could see you were still determined to deliver the package to Keyes.

Emile promised himself he'd protect you until the package was secured. He tried not to think of you as he used the MAC gun to take down incoming Phantoms. You could handle the enemy down below, he'd handle the enemy in the sky. He didn't stop clearing the sky until he heard you on his through his helmet.

"Package secure."

"I've got your back."

"No, you're coming with me, Emile."

"We won't make it."

"Bullshit we won't."

It's then he sees you signal for Keyes to stop before rushing towards him. Emile slides out of the MAC gun but prepares to fight when Elite Zealots make their move in him. He thinks he'll die here for you and wishes you just left.

Instead he's met with the spray of gunfire and you pulling him along. He can tell you're determined as you make sure the Elite threat is dead before ushering him onto the Pelican with Keyes. For now, the sky is clear, clear enough for Pillar of Autumn to take off along with the Pelican.

It's then the Pelican heads for the Pillar of Autumn with you and Emile on it. The air is tense around you but Emile can tell you seem relieved. He's thankful you cared for him... even if it was against the mission.

Emile knows why you saved him. Even with the visor on he can tell. You went against orders for one reason and one reason alone.

You don't want to be alone...

- AFTERMATH -

Until you could be moved to somewhere else, Keyes had said you two were going to be put into Cryo sleep. It wasn't right away however, so you both had time to recollect yourselves. Emile admittedly couldn't stop staring when your helmet was off.

"Risky call to save me back there." Emile comments and you look over at him. He winces when he sees the look in your eyes.

"Was I supposed to just let you die like all the rest?" You say softly, sadness in your tone. "You're... we're lucky to even be alive right now to keep fighting."

"All thanks to you." Emile admits. "... thank you."

"It's no problem, it's what we're supposed to do."

Silence overcomes both of you as you contemplate the future. Supposedly Jun had gotten out okay so you both wonder if you'll see him again. Emile is the one to break the silence and your train of thought.

"You look really pretty without the helmet." Emile comments and you turn to him with a flustered yet confused expression.

"Emile...?"

"Look, can I be honest?" Emile asks, leaning back on the wall.

"Sure."

"I've had a thing for you since Alpha Company." Emile admits. "Thought I should at least get it out there now...."

"Poor timing." You sigh but smile at him. "Yet I guess I've felt similarly."

"Really now?" Emile asks.

"Yes, but of course, can't really express such a thing with war raging on." You sigh softly. "I'm... just happy I never lost you."

Emile shoves himself off the wall to walk closer to you. He grabs your attention and pats your back roughly. It's friendly and innocent, an attempt to keep your hopes up.

"Again, all thanks to you. I owe you for that."

"You don't owe me anything." You smile softly, kissing his cheek/visor softly. "I'm fine just knowing we both care for each other."

"Always have, always will." Emile promises. "Now, shouldn't we prepare for Cryo sleep as the Captain said?"

"Yes, Emile." You agree, putting your helmet back on. You then adjust your helmet's comms before speaking again. "This a secure channel?"

"Yes?" Emile answers, confused.

"I love you." You say softly and Emile feels his face heat.

"You too...." Emile replies back before reporting back to Keyes with you on the Pillar of Autumn.

[alienisticxo]

hello there!

my life is finally calming down and i am so excited to continue my writing journey here with all the Halo fanfic ideas i’ve started and have been kicking around!

logging in again and seeing all the love on my fics, Before the Fever especially, means so much to me.

as we all know, the Halo series has returned with season 2, and it’s looking pretty great so far! i can’t wait to gather more lore and ideas from it!!

aside of that, i’m still here, i still love Chief (and our girl Cortana), and i can’t wait to write again! Before the Fever is definitely far from finished and i’m so excited to get back to it— see you guys around and feel free to request fics if you’d like!

i’m so glad to be back 💚

[hefty-halo]

"What do you mean you're full? You've only eaten three courses! Your belly is still soft and pliable. You're not full until I say you are!" Cortana flickered a little as she began to stuff you with yet more greasy fried foods, looming over you somewhat menacingly. This was what you'd asked for though. You practically begged her to fatten you up when you heard about her little fat farm she had going on this ship. Friends and colleagues disappearing to be pampered and fattened by the resident AI? Sounded like a dream!

"You wanted to be fat, right? You wanted to be stuffed full by someone like me, right? That's why you let me take you, right?" More food was crammed past your lips, your gut protesting more being shovelled into it like an overfull furnace. But why did it excite you, being pushed like this?

"Just a few more plates, then you'll get your belly rubs~" Her voice returned to normal now, soft and doting once again~

[empresskadia]

Could you imagine fighting side-by-side with the Master Chief from Installation 04 all the way to the end of the war, and meeting him again on Requiem. "I wanted to be like you, Chief."

YES, I can. I just adore these asks, gets my creative juices running. I really said we're making a short-fic with this.

The first thing that comes into mind is a Marine or an ODST that fought side by side with John through the ring. Someone who he ends up trusting considering they went through all this with him, the halo, the flood, and all that ‘fun’ stuff between. Honestly, he’s impressed they haven’t been killed yet but also how you had the ability to keep going despite everything you had faced and seen. John can think of commanders and captains who didn’t have the same resilience as you. He might even make a brief comment that you would be a good squad leader or commanding officer much to your delight.

So when he first goes MIA, it’s hard to believe that the Master Chief is gone and there is a lot of denial, but the years press on, and time doesn’t wait on anyone. I also think you would not only be grieving John’s ‘death’ but also Sergeant Johnson’s as he would’ve been your commanding officer during the war and a role model. Ultimately, you take John’s words to heart and climb up the ranks into command.

There isn’t much surprise when you are scouted out for the Spartan-IV program as one of the newest generation of Spartans by Musa Ghanem. It is surprising when he starts talking about John in an almost familiar tone and how he heard about the battles the two of you faced together on the halo. You are sold on the idea of the program as soon as Musa brings the Master Chief into the picture, what else was there than to be like him? And that maybe, if he did somehow come back, you could even have John’s back and fight for him.

As you delve into the Spartan-IV program with five others, you progress through the augmentation process, and enhancements reshape your body which lasts nearly three weeks. When it comes to training and field exercises, you and Sarah Palmer wipe the floor with the rest of the candidates. By the end of the program, you took the position of lieutenant commander as Sarah's right-hand Spartan. [Note: you and Sarah are probably besties after bonding by kicking ass. Also, Sarah has to stop you from committing something that might get you court marital a multitude of times on the UNSC Infinity, aka you almost punching the daylight out of 'captain' Andrew Del Rio.]

By the time Requiem rolls around, your reputation as a Spartan-IV and a capable leader has grown. So when you hear the distress signal, you know it's Cortana by voice alone and you are demanding to investigate, which almost prompts a fight between the captain and yourself that Commander Lasky has to intervene and side with you.

Conversation snips-

[Lasky] "I know you don't like Del Rio, Lieutenant, but I almost thought you were going to punch him."

[You] "I was this close."

[Lasky] "Your fingers are touching."

[You] "Exactly."

Or

[Lasky] "I've never seen you lose your cool like that."

[You] "I-If there is a possibility the Chief is alive, it's our job to investigate it."

[Lasky] "I feel like there is more than you're letting on."

When the UNSC Infinity crashes on Requiem, you manage to round up a squad of Spartan-IV and go scout the jungle area. It's the flash of metallic green that had you holding up your hand to stop the others from firing.

"Chief?" You call out in disbelief, your gun lower just a bit. You knew there was a possibility he was still alive but seeing him in the flesh, if it wasn't for the Spartan training, you would've started crying.

"No way...[Y/n]?" The feminine voice rang through your helmet and the sound of her on TEAMCOM had a grin touching your lips.

"'Tana! Long time no see." You gave your team a signal to hold off while you approached the Master Chief, he almost seemed to be scanning you up and down.

"You're huge! And wearing MJOLNIR."

"Ma'am yes ma'am," You chuckled. "Hi, Chief. It's good to see you up and causing trouble." This time around, John didn't seem to tower over you, he was still taller but it no longer felt like you had to crank your neck up.

"You became a Spartan?" It was a question, the first words to hear him say after all these years and you were grinning to the point your cheeks hurt.

"I wanted to be like you, Chief." You gave him a shrug. "I got scouted and here we are."

"I feel like there is more to the story than just that." Cortana quipped and you could absolutely imagine her with her hand on her hips, giving you that pointed look she did back on installation 04.

"Tell you what, we make it out of here, I buy drinks and I'll tell you everything that's happened in the last four and half years." The Spartan-ll tilted his head ever so slightly before giving you a curt nod.

"I think we would like that very much." The teasing tone in Cortana's voice didn't miss you by much and there was certainly a smile in her tone. Was she teasing you? That would have to be figured out later as several blips appeared on your radar. "So, just like old times?"

[lialacleaf]

Do you have any fic/author recs for Halo? Or is there a tag I should search on your page? Thank you! 💖

Hello friend! I’m so glad you asked!

As far as tumblr goes, my go to pages are @embarrassedauthornerd (MASSIVE MASTERLIST FOR CHIEF X READER)

@ageless-aislynn

@alienisticxo

@morganas-pendragons

Now let’s talk FanFiction.Net

Reclaiming His Humanity-

This one is my absolute favorite Halo story of all time and I absolutely adore the author. It’s a wild ride. Updates are slow and I’ve been following it for seven-ish years now, but there are a lot of chapters.

My Neighbor Is A Spartan

This one is a wholesome retirement story where John falls in love and has to rescue his horse trainer neighbor. It’s adorable you’ll love it~

Recompose

This one is John x Human Cortana set after Halo 4. Rated M for adult themes

The Secret Spartan

This one is about John and an OC Spartan. Rated M for adult themes.

You can also check out my master list for some Halo stuff too, I do interactive fics but they take me a hot minute because programming is not easy.

There’s more stuff out there but this is what I’ve ranked as the best~ I’ll certainly do some digging through the archives for anything I’ve missed or forgotten~

[imutrt]

Reunion | 117

summary: they meet again pairing: Master Chief x platonic fem!oc ( x reader tagged too, scroll if you don't like it! ) a/n: I'm officially back in my Halo phase. Watching Chief kick ass is the only thing getting me through exam season rn 😔. This is another one and done and really short, not revised or re-read.

     Lasky had left him in silence, then again, there will never truly be a moment of quietness. UNSC Infinity’s engines hum all around him in harmony with another whine that’s higher pitched. John thinks that perhaps earth had joined in the song, but he knew it wasn’t true.

     Planets’ noise isn’t audible to the human ears, normal and enhanced alike.

     “ Can I take a guess?” Finally, the whine disappeared. His junior’s footsteps rattled the metal flooring as she came to his side. “ You got hit in your chest.”

     In truth, he was hit all over. The Didact’s abilities with forerunner technology had almost crushed him like an ant. The protest of his muscles and bones in soreness against artificial gravity was evident. A greater ache was in his heart. John glanced at her, there was a new addition to the left side of her helmet, a small, black plate of metal, light blinking green.

     “ New tech?” He asked.

     “ Great tech.” Adara nodded and looked him up and down again. “ Oh, you have a sprained shoulder too.”

     “ Right shoulder.”

     He had hanged onto that bridge with his right arm and saved himself from getting swallowed by a forerunner black hole that way.

     “ Exactly.” She nodded. “ So you do know that Forerunner beat you up.”

     For a moment the young Spartan that had accompanied him through East Africa four years ago resurfaced. But quickly she was gone, replaced by the older, more polite one. “ Sorry.” Adara shook her head and laughed. “ I don’t mean to rush you, sir. But you really should be getting checked out in the med bay right now.”

     There was a moment of silence after that where if Cortana was still here, she would have filled. John didn’t answer, he imagined what his lost, dead friend would say. It’d be something along the lines of ‘ Just one moment, he will be right there.’, or ‘ Your friend is right, Chief. You do need a medical scan.’. But before that she’d probably greet Adara happily. They haven’t seen each other in four long years, after all. 

     His thoughts drew back to reality when her hand brushed his. 

     “ The Captain did ask me to escort you to medical, personally.” She’s strolling towards the door, golden visor fixated on him. “ But I will see you there, no?”

     “ You will.”

     “ Alright.” Gone was she, but her voice remained. “ Don’t take too long, though.”

[cosmo112]

I could see Barb leaving recipes in your notes app/ a word doc (that isn't invasive but) that you would be able to stumble apon. They'd tailored for your dietary needs and food preferences.

If Dialovo ever overhears you worrying about bills or even really wanting something, in the next few days you might notice your bank account with more than enough to cover your expenses.

Solomon sends notifications of random fun trivia about the world. You do notice he brings up a place or two more than others.

Mammon somehow always has a couple or a discount code for everything you buy online.

You will find random cute cat videos in your phone because Satan wanted to see your reactions to them c:

Levi will try and (not so) subtly push you to do couples/matching cosplays with him. He wants it to still be somewhat in character so he finds character models he could use, he would be characters like Cortana(Halo) or Ene (Mekakucity actors), he ends up with vibes like a vtuber

Barb would imagine your Roomba/any home robot (tomocatchi) as a child

Diavolo can AND WILL, interrupt mail and Calls so taxes and or bills will never be your fault if unpaid

Soloman appears on a random screens in your home or anywhere at random times :3 no warning just Soloman Jumpescare

Mammon orders Plushies of himself from someone else’s card. . And always calls them his and your’s kids

Satan orders printed Satan x Reader fanfics/Manga and it’s always a surprise. Never tells you when just gives you an ominous date and says to be home on that date

Levi Comissions Vtuber model makers to make him a model so he can always be more lifelike with his reactions. He gets so excited he can come up to the screen and kiss you without the screen turning black.

BONUS:

Asmo buys you the best deals on beauty products and always makes sure it’s the expensive brand.

Beelzebub MUST watch you eat so you don’t under-eat

Belphie is in control of your sleep schedule so he knows exactly how to keep you asleep comfortably