Author's Note: Takes place after the events of one of my favorite episodes to write for; "Lockdown" and is a direct sequel to "Never Will Say Goodbye."
Dedication: For Lacy Fairgold. Is this good enough for a "get out of jail free" card?
Never Will Say Goodbye
After easing into one of the spots in the visitor's section of the car park, Noah shifted his jeep into park and leaned forward. Crossing his arms over the top of the steering wheel he stared up at the building looming in front of him. As usual, the sight of Providence Headquarters made him feel uneasy. He always thought that for a government facility, it was oddly designed. The main tower perched precariously atop the mesa, as if like some giant had wanted to play a game of Jenga with white steel blocks the size of his school's gymnasium, but had gotten bored halfway through, and abandoned the game.
Noah knew he shouldn't be here, that his time at this building was over. And yet, he couldn't help but feel he had some unfinished business to, well, to finish. Even if the person he came to see wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. He had to make things right between him and Rex before he could walk away from Providence and his budding friendship with its secret weapon.
Pressing his lips into a fine line Noah steeled his courage and climbed out of his jeep. Dry heat pressed down on his head as the noonday desert sun beamed on his backside. Sweat was already gathering on his neck as he moved with long, confident strides for the side door. As he drew closer he could make out the familiar red lettering plastered on the door, warning it was to be used in case of an emergency. It was a ruse, of course. Though it was a real emergency exit and would trigger an alarm when opened, it also doubled as a secret entrance. The only way to keep the alert silent (besides leaving the door the hell alone) was an authorized key card.
He was more than mildly surprised when the door clicked unlocked after he held up his key card to the scanner. He thought for sure his pass would have been revoked the moment Holiday had cleared him once she'd looked at the bruising cheek where Rex had punched him. He could still remember the hardness in her eyes when she told to he ought to be grateful Rex hadn't been able to use his abilities when his betrayal came to light. As if he didn't already know that.
A soft moan escaped his lips, a reflective sound of instant relief he stepped into the air-conditioned hallways of Providence HQ. Gooseflesh prickled over his arms and down his back, though it wasn't from the sudden shift in temperature, but from the still figure leaning against the wall at the end of the passageway.
His arms were crossed casually over his chest; waiting for him. He was too still to be Rex, and that narrowed down the list of people who would stake out the only entrance Noah used. Noah fingered the white key card in his palm, the only indication of his nerves.
"Hey Six," Noah greeted waving cordially at the green clad ninja.
"Hello." He returned formally. If he was surprised Noah's pass had worked he showed no signs of it.
"What are you doing here? You're no longer employed by Providence," he announced sternly. Noah felt his mouth go dry at the tartness to Six's voice. And then Six held out his empty hand, silently ordering Noah to give him the key card. Noah resisted the urge to wince. It seemed Six hadn't forgiven him for his double agent role. He wondered if he ever would, and if Noah would ever deserve it.
"I know. I won't stay long," he promised, surrendering his key card. "I just-I couldn't let things end the way it did."
"It sounds more like you don't want things to end at all."
Noah blushed and looked away from the special agent. He shouldn't have been surprised Six had ferreted it out his true reason, but it didn't make it any less embarrassing. "I don't, but I also know it's not up to me anymore."
Six stared at him, processing Noah's words, or perhaps he was thinking how best to make Noah disappear for good. Noah hoped he was just over thinking things, but it was difficult to tell with Agent Six. Noah had the feeling Six held the same bored expression whether he was slicing through EVO hide mid fight or ordering breakfast.
"You care about him." Six determined.
Though it wasn't a question Noah answered him with a nod. "Yes, I do. I think-I think I do a lot."
The side of Six's mouth twitched up and stayed there in a half smile. It was enough for Noah to know he had said the right thing. "You may not be an agent, but you are a still an important part of this team."
If Six was willing to show his support for Noah's position in Rex's life, it had to be a sign that things were not lost. His shock must have shown on his face since Six threw him a smile to reassure him, though on Six, it looked like he was causing him a lot of personal distress to pull off the expression.
"Well, we'll soon find out if that's really true."
"It is," Six confirmed and tossed something at him. Noah caught it on reflex and stared down at his key card.
"Six?"
"But in case you need to see for yourself…" he trailed off. After a moment he said, "He's in the rec room."
"Thank you," Noah said releasing a breath. If Six was willing to help him talk to Rex then maybe there was hope Noah could fix things; that he could stay. He smiled at Agent Six and started walking towards the nearest set of elevators.
Just before Noah was out of earshot, Six called out to him. "Noah."
"Yeah?"
"Rex has never had to say goodbye. Don't give him another reason to say it to you." He commanded.
Noah nodded. It seemed like it was an easy enough order to follow. "I won't."
I may do another part to this. Fingers crossed!
Thanks for reading!
