"Again." Tucker said to the alien AI Santa. Ever since they had sent the communication from the temple, he had spread himself through all of the computer systems in the planet. It had been helpful in organizing the citizens of Chorus in the wake of the recent conflict.

"You have run this simulation many times already, I would suggest that you take a moment to rest."

"I don't care what you suggest, run it again." He said, this time with anger in his voice.

"… Very well."

As he resumed his harsh new training, he was unaware of another presence in the observation booth on the other side of the room. Carolina stood there observing him for what seemed like an eternity. She recalled how years ago, when her anger took hold of her, that she was in his position while York was in hers. That memory brought on a pang of regret. He had tried his best to save her from herself, but she allowed herself to be blinded by her rage, and everyone she knew paid for it.

A voice spoke up from behind her, "How long's he been there?"

Carolina turned to see that it was Kimball. "It's been a good few hours by now, I only just got here a few minutes ago myself."

Kimball walked up to stand next to her. "It's really hit him hard, hasn't it?"

"Yeah… Church was close to all of us. I just wish there was something I could do."

"Why not just go talk to him?"

"I'm not exactly a people person, you know."

"Maybe not, but you're here. Don't let doubt hold you back like I did."

Carolina was confused for a moment, "What do you mean?"

Kimball let out a long sigh before responding, "When Doyle gave his life to save us at Armonia, I found myself feeling regret. I had always said hateful things to him, and in all the time we were there, I never once tried to properly talk to him. If not for that damn war, who knows, we could have been friends. Now that I'll never have that chance, I regret it. Don't hesitate, just reach out to him." When she finished speaking, she turned around and left.

Carolina thought about Kimball's words. She knew that Kimball was right, and decided to go out to the floor to talk to him.

"Hey." She said. Immediately he turned to her, his motions being rather stiff. He's tense, she thought.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"For you to calm down." He began to turn away when she raised her voice. "You only just got that suit, if you keep pushing yourself like this you'll hurt yourself. You need to rest."

Still frustrated, he lashed out. "No I don't! I can't! Not while he's still out there! I have to get stronger, to get better!" Then he let out a scoff. "Not that you'd understand. You're Agent Carolina, the badass freelancer. How could you understand what it feels like to be weak and useless!?"

As soon as he finished his rant, she slammed her fist into his face, knocking him flat on his back. Several seconds passed before she spoke to him. "I know exactly how it is to feel weak. I know the pain of feeling useless. I've lost friends who were as close as family, and damn it I'm not going to lose you too!" By the time she finished scolding him, she was on the verge of tears. It had been years since she had gotten this emotional. Damn it Carolina, you're supposed to be helping him, not have a breakdown, she thought to herself. As she felt her eyes welling up, she saw an aquamarine blur walk towards her and then the most unexpected thing happened. He hugged her. Any other day, she would have beaten him into a pulp, but in that moment, all she could do was cry as all the painful memories resurfaced. Tucker, his anger fading, just stood there quietly while she let it all out.

Neither was sure how much time had passed, but once it was over, Tucker released his embrace before speaking up. "I'm sorry, I just… You OK?"

"Yeah…" she let out a soft chuckle, "I thought I was over this after we found the director." Then there was a pause before she spoke again. "Now, come on. We could both use a little rest, it's been a hard day." Then realizing what she'd just said, she braced herself for his inappropriate catch-phrase, only to be surprised when it never came. She stood there staring at him for a time before he spoke up.

"What?" he asked.

"No witty one-liner?"

"Oh… I guess it slipped my mind."

She started laughing at that, "If you're missing a chance at you're famous catchphrase then you really ARE tired, go get some sleep."

"But-"

"Tucker, you have two choices: either you go and rest willingly, or I knock you out and carry you to the barracks."

"OK OK, I'll go. God knows I don't wanna be on the receiving end on one of your punches again."

"Oh come on, that was just a love tap." Tucker almost tripped mid-step when she said that. "Come on, let's get you to bed." She said while laughing at his response.

"Is that an order or an invitation?"

"Nice try."

"Meh, just thought I'd ask." Finished talking, they both walked back towards the barracks, and by the time they arrived, Tucker felt like he was ready to pass out. "Damn I really do need to go to sleep."

"Good night." She said, getting ready to retire to her own quarters.

"Carolina."

"Yeah Tucker?"

"Could you… could you help me with my training? You know these systems better than I do and you're the best fighter I know."

A smile came to her face, and she felt grateful that her helmet was hiding it. "Sure. See you in the morning."

Hello again, so for anyone wondering, yes I am (sort of) shipping Tucker and Carolina as a couple. I'm not sure what exactly would be a good nickname for that ship.

But yes, in relation to Carolina, I felt that Washington is too much of a younger brother figure, and Tucker has had more interactions with Carolina than the rest of the reds and blues, and with some of the similarities that appear (and no, I don't just mean their armor color) it just seemed like they'd have a lot of common ground to work with.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter.