Strange Journey Redux AU

By: FunahoMisaki

(A/N: I own nothing and what if Zelenin and the player were a couple before the start of the game? What if they were married? Well…that changes a few things…and gives a new meaning to why Zelenin wanted to become an angel and stay away from Demons. AU OOC)

"Did you know that you'd be on this mission too?" First Lieutenant Galina Zelenin asked after the crew had been debriefed and everyone was getting to know each other before the official start of the mission where she would be going to the next ship, the Elve with the majority of the science crew.

"Not until the day after you left for it. I was apparently chosen because the other man got into a car wreck and didn't make it and I was the only other one to know two languages fluently and have the required scores." Player said with a small smile as he looked at the smaller woman with the golden blond hair and the cool blue eyes that were equal parts intimidating and alluring.

"We're still…in agreement right? This…will be our last assignment before we 'retire' as it were?" Zelenin asked moving some of her hair out of her face and behind her ear as she stared up at Player who nodded.

"Yes. Then you'll be in America full time right? Aside from vacations back to your homeland whenever you want of course." Player asked making Zelenin smile slightly as she nodded.

"Yes. America…that'd be the best home for us after this is over." Zelenin said her eyes crinkling at the corners to show how truly happy she was and the way they sparkled showed how eager she was for this assignment to be over with so that they could go home.

"Does anyone here know about us or shall I be calling you Lieutenant the entire time?" Player asked smirking slightly and making Zelenin smirk a bit back.

"The only ones who know that we are married to each other are Commander Gore and Arthur because they needed to be informed of it. If no one else notices my wedding band…well that's their fault now isn't it?" Zelenin asked making Player frown a bit and sigh heavily.

"I'm going to get so many write ups and will probably be court-marshalled. You know that right?" Player asked making Zelenin look startled.

"Why? This is our last assignment." Zelenin said staring at Player shocked and worried.

"Because one of the others is going to say something bad about you or something I don't like…and I'm going to break their jaw when I hear em say it." Player said earning a few blinks before Zelenin covered her mouth with one hand to try and stifle her laughter as she looked away from him for a moment to compose himself.

"You're a big strong military man with plenty of training. I'm sure you'll be able to control yourself before you actually punch them." Zelenin said when she finally stopped laughing and turned back to Player who shrugged his shoulders.

"I'm a married man who knows how beautiful his wife is and is very protective of her and her honor." Player said earning a playful jab in the ribs from the woman.

"Okay Casanova. I'm already wearing your ring and have your last name. You can stop being smooth now." Zelenin said as she moved to his side where she could discreetly lean into his tall muscular frame. The one place she felt safest when she had flashbacks or was tired or occasionally scared. Not that it happened often but she did get scared sometimes. It was perfectly normal after all, even or perhaps especially for members of the military like them.

"Nope. Being smooth and honest and romantic is what got you to date and eventually marry me. If I stop some other Casanova might try to steal you away and I'd be arrested for killing him." Player said grinning down at Zelenin who rolled her eyes but her smile was still on her lips.

"Don't worry. I'm a one man woman. No one will steal you away from me or me from you." Zelenin said before Commander Gore got everyone's attention and told them how everyone needed to get to their proper ships for the mission to begin which caused the couple to frown at that news.

"I love you." Player said pulling Zelenin to an empty side hall as everyone was saying goodbye to their friends or in some rare cases, siblings that were on the ship.

"I love you too." Zelenin said smiling softly and warmly up at Player as she stood on her tip toes. He chuckled a bit and obliged her unspoken wish as he leaned down until he could comfortably, for her at least, hold her waist and kiss her for a long moment on the mouth while she wrapped her slim deceptive arms around his neck and kissed him back.

"Just this last mission and we'll be able to go home just like we planned." Player reminded as they pulled away but stayed chest to chest as they smiled at each other, him gently putting her firmly down on her feet so that she wasn't up on the tips of her toes anymore.

"No plan survives first contact with the enemy." Zelenin said almost by reflex causing Player to chuckle a bit as he held her waist a little tighter, but not enough to bruise her flawless pale skin.

"I know but we're just planning on leaving the military and starting a family. What kind of enemies would we have as civilians and parents?" Player asked causing Zelenin to smile brighter than the sun but try to hide it as he spoke their dream aloud.

"Anyone or thing that might hurt our baby would be our enemy and neither of us would be inclined to show any mercy." Zelenin pointed out as she buried her face in his chest making him adjust his hold slightly as he out his chin on top of her hair.

"Fair point and I hate to say it… but it's time for you to go. I'll see you soon though." Player said regretfully at the end as he held her for a second longer.

"See you on the other side soldier…I love you." Zelenin said again as she inhaled his scent one last time before leaning up, nearly leaving the floor, and kissing his cheek.

"I love you too Galina." Player said pressing a kiss to her head before she left and walked off of the docking bay to get to her ship.

Player swallowed a heavy lump in his throat as he watched his wife board her ship and the docking bay doors closed.

For some reason… he had a really bad feeling about this mission.

That feeling was why he had volunteered after the first guy died.

He had to protect his wife.