Work Text:
"Leaving was not an option." Chief says between bites of the third MRE of the hour. Everything he did was methodical, even eating during downtime. Even when recounting past hardships. The only time he wavered was when he reflected on what he saw as a personal failing. There was no harsher critic of the Master Chief than himself.
"That seems to be a recurring theme with you, big guy." Fernando gently chides.
It's just them in the pelican, and Chief has his helmet off to eat something after too many hours hiking the ring and helping marines. It's this small moment of vulnerability where the armor isn't there to hide him that lets Fernando see the frown tugging the corners of his mouth further down.
"Hey, we're only human, remember?" Fernando nudges Chief's arm with his own and fights the urge to do more. Chief seemed skittish with positive attention. Praise and too many eyes on them were the reason that they were dining in the dark troop bay.
Chief looks at the bay door, eyes boring a hole in it as he loses himself in thought.
"Hey," Fernando swallows as those blue eyes turn to him and lock on to his for a millisecond before staring at the offering in his hand. "Want my dessert?"
The wrapper crinkles as he lifts it closer to Chief. He's close enough he sees the Spartan's nostrils flare and the way his eyes track the movement. It's endearing.
"I don't-"
"Take it." Fernando doesn't know where the confidence comes from, but he knows it's fake. He is proud that his hands don't shake as he places the chocolate bar in Chief's hand and then makes his escape to the cockpit.