章 34: Dated Encounter
Location: UNSC Forward Operating Base, Virek
Date and Time: May 17, 2553 – 1800 Hours
The sound of distant drills fills the air as I make my way through the base, my mind racing with a million different thoughts. My heart's pounding harder than it ever does in the field, and it's not because of any danger I'm facing. It's because I'm about to do something I've never been good at—putting myself out there, risking more than just my life.
I spot Emily ahead, standing outside the medical tent, talking with one of the other nurses. The sight of her brings a strange calm to the chaos swirling in my head. She's focused, as always, her posture relaxed but confident. It's one of the things I've always admired about her—how she keeps her cool, no matter what's going on around her.
Taking a deep breath, I walk toward her, trying to keep my nerves in check. Santiago's words echo in my mind: "Don't overthink it." Easier said than done.
As I get closer, Emily turns, spotting me before I can psych myself out. She smiles, that same warm smile she always gives, and suddenly my nerves feel like they're choking me.
"Hey, Kowalski," she says, her voice light. "What brings you by? No injuries, I hope."
I chuckle nervously, shaking my head. "No, not this time. Just… wanted to see you."
Her eyebrow raises slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "See me, huh? What's on your mind?"
Here it is—the moment I've been dreading and looking forward to all at once. I feel my heart hammering in my chest, but I push through the nerves. Santiago was right. I just have to go for it.
"Yeah, I've been thinking," I say, trying to sound more casual than I feel. "We've spent some time together lately, and I was wondering if you'd want to, you know, hang out. Maybe grab a drink or take a walk around base. Just… the two of us."
I wait, the silence stretching between us as she processes what I've just said. Every second feels like an eternity, and I can't tell if my nerves are getting the better of me or if I'm reading too much into her expression.
But then, Emily's smile widens, and a soft laugh escapes her lips. "Are you asking me out on a date, Kowalski?"
I feel my face heat up, but I manage to nod, keeping my eyes on hers. "Yeah… I guess I am."
She doesn't hesitate this time. "I'd like that," she says, her smile never wavering. "It sounds nice. Things have been so crazy around here, it'd be good to take a break."
Relief floods through me, and I realize I've been holding my breath. "Really? That's great! Uh, when's good for you?"
Emily glances around, then shrugs lightly. "How about tomorrow evening? My shift ends at 1800. We could meet up by the mess hall and figure it out from there."
I nod, trying to keep the grin off my face but failing miserably. "That sounds perfect."
She laughs again, shaking her head in amusement. "You look like you just won a bet or something."
"Feels like it," I admit, my nerves finally starting to settle.
"Well, then I guess we both win," she says, her eyes meeting mine with a warm, sincere look. "I'll see you tomorrow, Kowalski."
As Emily heads back into the medical tent, I stand there for a moment, still processing what just happened. I did it. I actually asked her out, and she said yes.
The rush of relief and excitement washes over me, and I find myself smiling like an idiot. This war might be tearing everything apart, but for once, something is going right.
As I turn to head back to my bunk, I hear Santiago's voice in my head again, his smug grin practically audible. "Told you so."
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