Just a one-shot I decided to do for this series. I really like it so far, and while it's early in the series, I think it turned out all right. I might be off or completely wrong later, but I hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer!

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Noah climbed up the last flight of stairs, opening the door that led to the roof of the building. The sun was setting, casting the entire horizon, and all the streets and buildings, in an orange glow. Noah, however, was watching the boy with a red jacket. The owner's shoulders were hunched, but the black hair could easily be seen.

"Rex?"

Rex did not look up or give any sign he had heard him other than curling into himself even more, his eyes staring blankly at the buildings ahead. Noah was undeterred and strode over to him, even though Rex didn't look up. He sat down on the edge without invitation, letting his legs dangle over the edge but keeping a firm grip on the side. Rex gave him a sideways glance before he curled up even more.

They sat in silence for a long time, Rex unable to find the words and Noah waiting patiently until he did. Rex eventually took a deep, shaky breath and allowed himself to uncurl.

"There was…" Rex stopped, blinking rapidly before trying again, "There was an EVO today." Noah nodded when Rex looked at him, so he continued, "It…It was just the normal routine. Cure, contain, or kill. You know…all that garbage." Rex smiled but it was empty and mirthless. It disappeared as quickly as it was forced, "But this one…it was just out of control. Buildings were flying everywhere and it was taking everything we had just to keep it in the area. Eventually they ordered us to just kill it but when I went in…this guy came up and said it was his son. After that I-I just froze…I couldn't do it…I-I didn't want to…I couldn't take someone's kid from them! I couldn't!" Rex's voice choked up and he ran a frustrated hand through his hair, his goggles popping off and landing on the roof.

"But this time…this time Providence didn't need me to. They had so many guys on the scene already and with Six there too…it was easy…they handled it just fine on their own. I mean…before I knew it guns were firing and Six was pushing me back. And there was screaming…a lot of screaming. I think some of it was me but…I don't know. And then it settled down and the dust cleared and there he was. The kid, EVO free, dead on the ground. Gone…just like that…and I couldn't do shit to stop it." Rex mumbled the last part and buried his face in his hands, clawing at his own face. The gloves left a burn because he had rubbed so hard, and a screaming red mark was left on his cheek.

Silence overtook them, this one heavy and thick, but Rex's shoulders trembled slightly. He shook his head; eyes lined and face more worn than it should have, carrying a burden that was unfit for him. Noah was contemplating Rex's words, eyes darkened at the thought of everything the organization had done and would do. And he was a part of it…

Rex's life was out of his control, whether he saw it or not. Even he, Noah, his friend, was just a hired one. And while it wasn't hard to get along with Rex, there was a creeping sense of guilt that began to haunt him. Part of him just wanted to tell Rex the truth, try and start over, but that meant that Providence would remove him. Besides…Rex didn't need it right now.

"I mean…really…what was I supposed to do? Noah…I don't know…" Rex choked on his voice again, burying his face in his hands and ripping at his hair. Noah sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze.

Maybe someday…I'll tell you…But hired or not…

"You just have to let it out man." Noah said, squeezing his shoulder again.

I'll be a good friend…

Rex let out a sob, hesitantly grabbing Noah and hugging him close as he cried. It was pained but low, as if he was ashamed of it. Noah did not think twice of it and hugged him back, waving off Rex's apologies and saying that he understood.

The moon was high above their heads before they left, the events of the day still haunting them.