Chapter 55 NEW: Providence Bonds

(A special extra showing the rest of Providence combat officers in their down time... where one thing led to another that touched on the difficult complexities of relationships. Special thanks to Bramblerose4 for her highlights, inputs and suggestions!~~ )


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"Ah dang it, we're sort of one player," Nathan complained, counting off the guys they had available for a basketball game.

"Uh, did you just skip pass me? Noah pointed at himself, perplexed brows wagging.

"You don't count," one of his Delta mates dismissed with a wave of his hand.

Noah pretended to bristle. "What the hell does that mean?"

"Dude, you can shoot hoops even blindfolded," Cody deadpanned, "It wouldn't be fair for either party."

"Yea," Matthew agreed, "You'd do better being our referee."

Noah couldn't fault them for unanimously deciding to oust him – they had a point after all.

With all the crazy shit that happened, game time became increasing rare. It'd been a long time since they'd enough Delta members on break at the same time. So they wanted to seize this golden opportunity.

Unfortunately, Noah's godly skills would probably get in the way of fair game play. Because clearly, as past evidence concluded, whoever had him in their team, would be the ones who won.

So it made sense why Matthew suggested he be their referee – he probably shouldn't complain, since at least he would be included in the game… somewhat.

"Fine," Noah pretended to sulk, "But only if you can get the last player."

"Right, we'll take your boyfriend then. Where is he?"

Noah crooked his head unsympathetically.

"Too bad for you guys, he's unavailable."

"No way – I know he's not on mission," one of his mates sounded him out, words tickling him, causing the corners of his lips to curl up.

The fact that they took note of Rex's schedule, was heartening. Noah knew many of his teammates – even the other platoons – were kind of attached to Rex. Not to say they were attached-to-the-hip-kind of close, but more like they made an effort to be conscientious on his whereabouts. Particularly after Rex's out-of-this-world story about Providence friendships falling apart in the alternate dimension.

Insane theories, explanations and crazed ramblings ran rampant within these white walls, setting the corridors abuzz with more energy and debate Noah had ever felt since he joined.

There were many take-aways, and more than one room for self-contemplation. Noah often chanced upon the discussions wherever he was – in the canteen, in the lower showers, in the hallways. Folks often brought it up, expressing their mixed feelings and thoughts over a dreaded scenario – that most thought would never happen – but had indeed happened. Never mind that it was across the mystic mambo-jumbo workings of an alternate universe.

Some of the earliest conclusion most of Providence guys came to, was how Rex was the glue that held them together. It even snowballed into a joke, where many officers started calling Rex their god and commented on how they ought to worship him. Rex was freaking gloating that one time when they hoisted him onto their shoulders and ferried him across the walkways whilst other staff showered chips onto his procession. Noah remembered everyone had a big laugh out of it, situation so inherently comical, like they just walked right out of a nonsensical anime.

In retrospect, the joke was just the buffer to help them cope with their apprehension over the all-too-close-for-comfort scenario that could come true. Nobody was comfortable with the thought of Rex quitting, nor how it might have attributed to over half the current workforce quitting as well. Because as far as they were currently concerned, Providence folk don't just get up and leave when the going got tough. They fight, they stay, they get through the hardship, together.

Many staff had stuck around for a long time. Even from way back at the start of White Knight's appointment as then-dummy-head under Consortium's ownership. Even as the troops were forced out and replaced by robots under Black Knight's rule, almost all rejoined Providence once that messy saga was over.

And especially when they learnt in some horrid AU, Six was wiped off the face of that unlucky earth, well, let's just say that the phrase 'grown men don't cry', was totally inaccurate. The men were too choked up on that thought to talk, but Noah could hear their sobs, weeping behind cubicle doors. And the women – goodness knows how many times he'd seen fountains flowing.

Christ, he couldn't even fathom how Holiday could stand to take the news. If she was shaken and upset, the woman had the strength of steel not to show it. The only evidence that pointed to her having any anxiety, was how Six suddenly started sleeping in her room, openly enough and carelessly enough for the staff to catch him going in and out. Before, no one, not even security cameras, could catch a glimpse of Six visiting her keep in the dead of the night.

And not to forget, Shadow, who in that insane, twisted hellhole, lost both legs. No doubt that terrifying scenario prompted Kenwyn to break her tough rule of not going out with colleagues. For the first time ever, she went out on a date with the Hispanic, setting a roar of cheers of supporters who approve, and dismay from those who fret over their reduced chances at having a shot with her themselves.

"Tsk tsk, fibbing Noah?" Nathan chastised, "Stop hogging him to yourself!"

Noah couldn't stop a bark of laughter.

"I don't hog him to myself –" Noah started, then shut his mouth at Nathan's pointed, haughty gaze.

"Should I get security to show evidence of how much you've plastered to Rex since your first joining ritual?"

"Or better yet, get Bobo to tell him," Matthew added.

Noah felt his cheeks heating up, groan already out his lips at their teasing. He knew there was no escaping the facts.

"Yea, seriously dude, spill if you've got him tied down somewhere!" Nathan made a mock demand, inciting Noah to roll his eyes.

"Well, he is tied down, just not by me. Kenwyn's the one who pulled him to help her with some cadet training at the last minute."

"HAH?! REX? TRAINING THE CADETS?" a couple of his Delta mates exclaimed in unison, as if they were telepathically linked. "To do what? Show them how not to mess up?"

"Har-har, you guys are hilarious. Didn't think Rex was that capable, did you?" Noah folded his arms, lips twitching, undecided whether to curl up or down.

Nobody in their right mind would have thought Rex – the impatient ass guy who didn't stop to think before nose-diving into danger – would do any cadet any good with training. Of course, everyone knew Rex could pack a real wallop, but too many episodes of being bad at following orders, or making a riot bigger than necessary, have cemented many mean – but harmless – jokes in his name. Those gags had run for the longest time, offering much relief in tensed situation.

So while Noah was tempted to smile at the humour, he was also rather peeved that his boyfriend was unfairly overused for the sake of their laughs. He was suddenly seized by the desire to speak up for Rex.

Matthew however, beat him to it, and what he said next, surprised Noah.

"No shit, are you serious? Kenwyn? That tough-to-impress lieutenant actually enlisted his help?"

Noah felt a good dose of gloating coming up at Matthew's honest-to-god impressed look. Noah felt the same way. It was one thing to be assigned to work with Kenwyn on missions. But it was a different level to be asked to help facilitate cadet training.

Noah was roped in before so he knew how it felt. Suddenly the one helming the training session when he was barely a cadet himself nary several months back. It was an incredible feeling becoming someone on the opposite fence, receiving the trust and respect from cadets. And not just from them.

Besides core instructors, combat lieutenants like Kenwyn had some responsibility taking over certain lessons. Sometimes, they may request assistance from other combat officers, and it is by no means random. To be handpicked, underscored the trust and respect a ranked officer had of him.

So Noah was proud, and incredibly thrilled that Rex was asked to help, especially by a lieutenant like Kenwyn.

A Delta team mate gave a lost look as he idly tossed the ball to other mate, and they passed along to other member, passing back and forth leisurely like they had been doing for the past 10 minutes.

"Why is it a surprise? Considering what Rex could do…"

Mathew responded with a quirk in his brow. "Yea, but you don't think someone like the Dark Sahara would suddenly just call upon him, would you?"

Noah felt a smile tugging at his lips out of habitual amusement. Dark Sahara, Tigress, Tempest – these were just some of the nicknames trailing after the formidable woman's back. He learnt that Kenwyn has come a long way from that over-eager, ambitious cadet he met in *Basic nearly six, coming to seven, years back.

She was still a hard-hitting bull dozer when it came to mission handling, but she does so with a lot more tact and cunning finesse. Which was why like Shadow, she made it to Lieutenant rank in record time. Perhaps more impressively, was the level at which she influenced the other officers.

She was a baffling mystery to crack. Like the nickname Dark Sahara – it encapsulated her high-strung, unpredictable mood, fiery hot one moment, then icy cold the next.

And yet, she had a tactful way of manoeuvring her feisty temper and high expectations that attracted officers like a sizzling fire in a camp on freezing highlands. It simply lured people in, such that even when licked by tendrils of flame, instead of running, they kept close for more.

In the end, what happened was a trail of folks taking her constructive criticisms and enigmatic temper in stride, making as high of demands on themselves as she did on them. And also, there was plenty of crushing and hankering after her as well – from both men, and women.

And so it was her artful savoir-faire of drawing out zealous, hardworking attitudes from other officers, that likely became one of the factors that attributed to her promotion.

Matthew obviously saw this, since he had worded himself in that manner.

Some of the Delta guys exchanged glances, understanding dawning on them.

"Hmm, but it's not a first for Rex to sit in with Cadet training," one of their mates pointed out, still not getting it.

"Dude, that is because Rex used to just nose around and barge into lessons of his own accord. And none of the instructors could really say 'no' to him, can they?" Cody reminded, fingers curling round their friend's shoulder. "There was only a few occasions where instructors requested for Rex to be a facilitator. And for Kenwyn, it's a complete first."

"Hmm… you don't say…" their pal trailed off in deep thought.

"In fact," Cody shot a direct glance at Noah for confirmation, "I think there's been a lot of requests for Rex's assistance in cadet training recently, hasn't it?"

Finally, someone noticed. Noah beamed like a proud boyfriend.

"Ah shit, don't start, Cody!" Nathan made an agonized sound, "Just look at that smirk!"

Matthew laughed over Nathan's dramatic lament.

"Yea, to come to think it, Rex's been… sorta different, isn't he? I've seen him wheeling Holiday around a couple times. I never thought I'd see the day when he's taking care of his nanny."

"Don't forget, NoFace too. Since when was he such a mother hen?" another added, then continued in a joking manner, "Did something happen to his X-box? I can't imagine him spending his free time without it."

"You guys are mean," Noah wagged fingers at them, "You didn't think Rex would actually ever grow up, did you?"

Besides, it wasn't as if Rex hadn't matured over the years at all. He'd changed a lot, just more so under the surface than what he generally showed. Noah was lucky he was close enough to witness.

The guys exchanged sheepish laughs.

"Yea well, I guess it's bound to happen," Matthew rubbed the back of his nape, guilty being caught as one of those who found Rex's maturity surprising. "Just that, am I the only one who thinks Rex seemed to have aged ten years after he came back from his lolly jump?"

In other words, Matthew was referring to the crazy inter-dimensional jump, which had inflicted a huge impact that came off Rex in waves. Enough for other folks to notice.

"Of course, because that is what fatherhood does to you," one of their mates who had experience in that area, gave a knowing, understanding nod.

"Psft, that's not even his real kid."

"Maybe not, but it's certainly real enough for him," Noah pointed out.

Someone made a long whistle. "Do we sense child-bearing woes, Noah?"

Noah didn't take the slight to heart – his friends could be direct sometimes, but he knew they had his interests at heart.

"We'll figure it out. Besides, this isn't about me, it's about him. You have to admit, the stuff he told us gave everyone a head fuck. You know you struggle with it, as do I, as do all of us. Just imagine, we're taking it on surface level only. Rex was the one who went through that, gone through it but came back a better guy. Hell, it's miracle he wasn't crushed by the nightmare," Noah eyed them solemnly, "And may I remind you, in that hell hole, Six was gone, and Rex had to live through that."

A somber mood washed over the court as the words hit a rough spot. It was precisely the topic that had the whole of Providence mulling for weeks, relooking in her current status, pondering the future, and counting her blessings of what she currently had.

Cody was the first to gather his words.

"Yea, you're right. I think it's precisely what he went through, that he has come to such a change. I can tell his growth. Rex's become a lot more considerate. I mean, not that he wasn't before, but you know," he finished, earning nodding heads and murmurs of agreement.

Noah was glad to hear that from Cody and Matthew, that some of Delta mates could tell.

It wasn't particularly obvious, but there was a subtle change in Rex, particularly when it came to taking care of others. Not that he didn't before, but Rex was more like the resident restless joker who couldn't sit still, always needing to find something to get a huge kick or laugh out of, that Six would frown upon.

He certainly wasn't one who would pay attention to Holiday's fatigue and slight, sideways slouch that signalled her tired back, worn from shouldering the weight she carried in her belly. Or be the type to fret and demand an explanation from Six for his non-committal response to Holiday, *forcing the impenetrable wall to show his hand with a box and his token of forever love.

There were many other things, little bits here and there that Rex showed to other folks across all departments, adding to his already growing repertoire of being the sweetest guy in the block. Well, at least to Noah, he was the sweetest thing.

"Look at him – just look at that creepy smile!" Nathan complained, "Someone oughta wipe that off him."

Matthew gave a boisterous laugh, giving Nathan his usual clout at the back of the head.

"You're just jealous mate."

Nathan snorted. "I don't need to be jealous of a green horn who isn't experienced playing with balls."

Noah rolled his eyes whilst his jovial – or creepy – smile was still in place. He knew the topic was going full throttle off the rails into wayward lane but the way he was feeling right now, he knew he would be able to shrug off their merciless taunts without trouble.

Cody elbowed Nathan in the gut.

"Can you never talk about balls in such a crude manner? You're insulting the sport."

Nathan gave an offended gasps.

"What? Me? There's no way! Out of all of you, I'm the one most religious to playing balls! –" tortured grunts and multiple eye rolls rippled amongst the Delta team – "Been playing all types of balls – hard ball, soft ball – since my unripe age in my early youth!"

Couple of guys gave raucous coughs like they wanted to throw up a lung. Others gave him a sharp look that could kill.

"Uh, that's not something to proudly declare about," Cody deadpanned.

"Agreed," Matthew continued, crossing severe arms over his chest, "We might be looking at having to track down and apprehend a pedofile."

"Oh oops!" Nathan waved hastily, "No, no, I don't mean that I was that young. I was legal by then."

More than one audible sigh of relief could be heard.

"Fucking hell, Nate! You could at least be a little more clear in that regard!" Cody pretended to choke his collar, bringing out a sheepish grin from the shameless joker.

"Well I just wanted to get my point across that I'm the expert in dribbling balls."

"Excellent!" Jackson's hearty voice boomed from the top of the seating benches, drawing all heads, "Then I can leave these two into your hands. Be sure to guide them through the game."

Brows raised. Confusion settled in. Particularly since the two who stepped out from behind Jackson's muscled, bulky form, was Sarah and Andrew, both looking like a pair of sourpuss twins.

"Uh…" Matthew was the only one who responded in the longest, dragged out single-syllable sound. But, it adequately captured the thoughts of every single one of Delta on court.

"Why, is there a problem? The team numbers even out, doesn't it?" Jackson pointed out as he casually tromped down the stairs in quick jog.

"It's because Sarah doesn't play ball," Andrew snickered snidely, earning a frosty stare from the feisty blonde.

"Can it buster. I've got two big ones and you don't know how to play 'em right!"

Andrew nearly tripped over his feet along the way down, cheeks rapidly tinted pink, staring after her with a perplexed look.

Hell, it was like the sun just came up the East side for them to hear the prideful stoic queen make a rude joke using herself.

Then there was sound of someone actually fallen down the steps and when Noah glanced further up, he noticed Tio was faced down on the steps in the most clumsy manner.

"Tio?" Noah started a few steps with the intention to help him up, but Tio had already gotten up, embarrassed smile on his face and casually dusting himself off.

Noah caught his friend sliding a glance at Sarah who just reached the court, looking relieved that she hadn't turned round to see his embarrassing form on the steps. Noah felt a wry smile coming on, conflicted on his thoughts about Tio's steadily growing crush for the spit fire.

Tio never admitted it, in fact, when Noah asked him directly, Tio gave him the look of horror he always gave EVOs. However, being the trusty close friend, Noah obviously knew better. Over the months since the horrible final trial in the cadet training course, Tio had somehow gotten close to Sarah.

Not close in a rosy, sunny buddy-buddy sort of way. But close in an awkward, barely civil friendship with abrupt squabbles and tit for tat, followed by awkward silences, and stolen glances when either thought the other wasn't looking.

Well, someone was looking, and that someone was Noah. Even Ronny saw it –hell, that man was the one who noticed it first, and had elbowed Noah rudely in the middle of drinking soup, causing the thin chicken broth to flood his entire nasal canal. Turned out Ronny was barely containing his excitement, pairing Tio and Sarah together as he zoomed in on the tender, teenage melodrama taking place in the table across from them.

In Noah's opinion, they were the worst coupling from kingdom hell. Because Sarah would devour sweet, guileless and defenseless Tio like chopped liver. Much to his aghast, Ronny was overzealous with shipping them together. Even as the older man claimed Tio and Sarah were like him and his wife in their early, stubborn days where neither would admit their attraction to one another, Noah doubted Sarah would give Tio as much happiness as Ronny's angel. Sarah, was definitely no woman with a halo.

The worrying object of Tio's misplaced attraction tapped her foot impatiently, arms crossed under her bosom. Even all covered up in standard issue combat black turtle neck could not downplay her generous rack. Noah didn't care for it, but he noticed a couple of Delta gazes sliding down to that level. All because she had to made a reference to it.

She seemed to notice what they were looking at, as she grew more pissed, tugging beneath her boobs as warning and eyeballing them.

There was uncomfortable shuffling all around, and throats clearing. No man wanted to be accused of staring lustily after her – not that they weren't behind her back – but at least, didn't want to be caught doing so. She has garnered a somewhat infamous reputation for making those that tried, regret it thoroughly.

"So? Are we playing or what?" Sarah asked in ire.

"Well, sure, we don't mind having you in," Nathan cocked a deliberate head in her direction, silently rejecting Andrew with the same move.

Jackson laughed, obviously reading the actions of his officers well.

"You have to take both."

Many brows in Delta rose out of habitual reflex on having anything to do with Andrew.

"But I thought Andrew doesn't play with man-eaters. And we've got two in this gig," Nathan wagged his fingers, tongue as feisty as ever. Again, it was just bad habit – the beef with Andrew had already died down.

Suffice to say after a long road of incidents of saving each other's asses, the homophobic had mellowed, becoming rather civil to guys who swung the other way. Noah had a sneaking suspicion Nathan might have done something that further changed Andrew's stance – though he didn't pry.

In any case, the running gag still continued, with Andrew pretending to hate on them, and Nathan biting back, but with everyone clear that things were peachy between them.

It was unwise however, to crack the same jest with Andrew looking like a shit-storm. He looked like he had just taken crap and was seething with bloody murder.

Andrew bristled.

"Fuck this, I didn't ask to join this stupid game."

"Wait, c'mon, Nathan's just kidding, you know how he is – " Matthew quickly closed their distance and held him back by his elbow, doing damage control.

Jackson folded his arms, nodding firmly.

"That's right, and I believe I made it clear earlier, this isn't an option."

Andrew sucked in a sharp breath whilst Noah exchanged looks with the other guys. They had no idea what have happened, but it seemed like Jackson must have stepped in the middle of both blondes in what must have been a serious argument. There was no blood or wounds to suggest that they have come to blows, but maybe if their lieutenant didn't step in, it might have showed up now.

Only Jackson has the sheer ingenuity to suggest they settle their beef through a basketball game.

Oh hell what a game this might become.

Both blondes glowered at each other, fists clenched by their sides. Sarah broke the death glare first, stalking over to Nathan's side. Andrew turned heel and went over to Matthew's.

Delta looked at each other with abated breaths…

"Uh, we're still one man short," Nathan broke the tension, reminding the initial teams about their dilemma right from the start.

Sarah and Andrew both gave confused, irritated looks. Jackson cast Noah a glance, and immediately nodded like he understood.

"So I see, Noah's the referee," Jackson commented out loud, guessing it spot on even though none of Delta had told him.

One of the many things that made Noah in constant awe of him. Noah chalked up his uncanny abilities of reading his Delta boys, as the mystical psychic powers of leadership.

Tio, who was jittering nervously like the sweet guy he was, perked up instantly.

"I can fill in!" he volunteered enthusiastically.

Sarah frowned and looked like she was trying not to snarl.

"Not you! You have hand-feet coordination problem!"

Tio wilted like a wet puppy told to stay outdoors in the rain.

Then again, no one had seen Sarah play the game before, so none knew if she was even any good at it. None dared to question her about it either. For Andrew at least, they knew he could hold his own pretty well as he had played against other platoons before.

"Then how about me? I could do it, with one hand behind my back," Noah volunteered thoughtfully.

"Hah! Confident much?" Andrew was sort of outraged, eyeing him incredulously.

Noah gave a grin. "Shall we test it out?"

Jackson gave his blessing with a nod.

"Go ahead. Then I will be the referee."

And so the game commenced, in messy hall of bodies banging against each other in slippery, hot sweat. Fast, furious and riveting. At least, that was between Sarah and Andrew. Really, the game was overshadowed by them pissing with each other. Their ferocity level mirrored each other's, enough so that the rest of the guys took a backseat, watching with amusement as the ball seemed to stay within the wrestle of the two rather infamous and high-strung officers with a pride and temper to match.

Really, what sort of drama could have happened that set them intent on ripping each other apart? They were more muscling each other around than doing any actual dribbling.

"Hey, this is basketball," Andrew hissed, rubbing the sore spot in his ribs where Sarah elbowed him, "Not Elbowball."

"Can't take it? Then leave, prissy."

Andrew snared, not taking it lightly, and the heated battle for supremacy dragged on till the end of the match, where Noah's team – with Nathan and Sarah, won. Andrew was pissing in his pants about it, and Sarah gloated like she was queen. Noah didn't have the heart to point out that it wasn't totally a fair game anyway since he could still flip a ball into the casket with his back turned. What difficulty was there for him to play with one arm?

Besides, his gut told him best he refrained from mentioning, least they suggest something else to even the score.

At least they ended the game without any bloodshed. Frankly, Noah and his Delta mates had already lost all excitement for the game. They were relieved it was over, and couldn't wait to get the hell out.

They waited for Sarah to leave first, who at the top of the steps, threw Andrew one last shade, threatening to fuck him and make him turn to the other side if he ever fucked any of her pals again.

Nathan let out a gargantuan laugh at that point, and cupped his mouth, cheerfully hollering after her, that he would be glad to help.

In just but the last shots of sentence between Sarah and Andrew, Noah immediately knew what this was about. All his Delta mates could guess as well, giving head shakes of pity of a man walloped because of his playing around.

Andrew was kinda high in demand among the ladies, and wasn't partial to rumours linked to his name. It didn't take a genius to figure out that Sarah was gunning for him because he must have slept with a close friend of hers without taking the friend's feelings seriously.

And oh woe the troubles that followed Andrew – it was a bad move to fool around with a pal from Sarah's clique.

Sarah snorted in reply, dismissing Nathan's bad offer, then disappeared out the doors, with Tio scampering right behind her like a worried hound. Noah just let his friend go, nevermind that Tio didn't wait around with his own teammates, rather, chased after the leggy, walking, talking flame thrower from another platoon. It was something the team sort of got used to by now, everyone sharing the quiet joke that Tio had been shackled by her demoness powers.

And besides, there was that glowering demon who still remained on court, shooting Nathan a livid glare.

"You shit head," he finally growled after moments of intense glare, "How'd you get so lucky?"

Haha.

Delta guys exchanged looks of twisted smiles and knowing resignation.

Of course Andrew be questioning how in the world does the promiscuous Nathan sleep a dozen guys without getting into trouble for it. Delta have been asking themselves that for a long time too, but gave up trying to find an answer.

Nathan snickered and slung an arm over him. "C'mon brother, let Romeo teach you. Over drinks and the moon as our light."

"Fuck you, the only thing you taught me was how to give myself a good wank!" Andrew shouted, shoving him, drawing out more than a few gasps of surprise.

Then he paled, realizing what he had revealed, face scrunched up in the most troubled fashion. Nathan just laughed harder next to him.

"Don't worry, Delta doesn't judge."

"Yea, we don't," A Delta mate confirmed, quirking a brow.

"We're all for free love and peace!" Another made a peace sign with both hands.

"Besides, you're not the only Stiff who has fallen prey to him."

"Yea, just consider it a nasty bite and forgive his primal behavior."

"Fuck you guys, thought you are supposed to be on my side," Nathan whined, "Don't make me out like I'm some sort of beast."

"We are just stating facts Nate."

As the teasing banters flew across all around, Andrew set his mouth in a taut line, shoulders bunching up tensed, mortification still clear on his face. Hearing enough, he lightly shrugged off Nathan's arm, spun on his heels and stomped out.

Nathan whistled the moment Andrew disappeared.

"Woa... someone is prissy indeed."

"Uh, Nate," Cody back kicked him at the back of his thighs, "You should apologise. I thought you said you guys are friends now. That wasn't cool, you know?"

"Hey, that isn't completely fair, with you guys throwung shade all around, how could I be serious?"

Cody proceeded to clobber him, forcing Nathan to scream his defeat.

"Okay, okay, I will talk to him later."

"Good, you should patch things up before it's too late," Jackson nodded approvingly.

Nathan shot their lieutanent a thumbs up. "Don't worry Sir, Andrew got a mean mouth but he's really a big softie. I mean, how do you think I got to him in the first place?"

Noah noticed the strangest look sliding over Jackson's face then, but he couldn't name the expression, distracted by another mate who spoke.

"Yea, hell that was a surprise. Who knew that prick would let another man near his dick!"

Matthew snorted, rolling his eyes.

"This is Nathan. He can get to any man he wants."

Jackson's unfathomable gaze turned into disapproval. He shot Matthew one lifted brow. "You don't mean to include yourself in that sentence, do you?"

Instead of laughing it off, an odd look passed Matthew's face, which was unexpected.

And then in a rare show of challenge against his lieutenant, Matthew narrowed his brows. "I thought it's understood to let sleeping dogs lie."

"True, but I also said dishonesty has a limit," Jackson replied with a hard edge to his tone, gaze sliding into lieutenant mode.

Suddenly an unearthly silence fell over the team, and Noah had the uneasy feeling that everyone knew exactly what Jackson talked about, but couldn't acknowledge knowing it outright without putting a team mate in a difficult position.

Matthew stiffened visibly, tension lining his face.

Nathan gave an awkward laugh. "Uh s-sir, stop making suggestions that are out of context."

Jackson aimed a reprimanding stare at him next. "Nathan, I was referring to you as well."

Nathan flinched like he was scalded.

Jackson took a deep breath and exhaled loudly, gaze softening as he did so.

"Listen, you know I don't like meddling in your personal affairs. But I don't want my boys getting hurt. What we have now, is a good team, a strong one. But it takes effort to keep it this way, remember that."

With that, Jackson made his exit, the soft thump of his boots on the flooring seeming to echo abnormally loud, pounding inside the head of every Delta guy on court.

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"Sir, permission to enter. I have something I'd like to discuss," Noah said into the camera feed that would transmit his presence into his lieutenant's room.

The door slid open in answer, and Noah gingerly entered.

Even though Providence building was huge, there were still space limitations since the facility housed tons of tech system, weapons, vehicles, as well the living accommodations and facilities for the staff. As such, the lieutenants didn't have separate offices. Instead, their office was a tiny room that functioned as a living room as well, and was where staff would enter first.

The small room seemed too small to encapsulate the intense aura radiated by Jackson. Noah felt as compressed as the furniture squeezed into the small space.

At first glance, Jackson looked like the easy going, happy-go-lucky type of lieutenant who rather hung indoors playing card games and drinking booze than go outfield. He was like that handsome, fit uncle you'd find in family pubs, sitting with a big group of folks and acting like the big brother. Because indeed, Jackson hung out and joked with Delta a lot more than other lieutenants would with their platoons. Because of this, many combat officers from other platoons thought Delta was shit lucky, and had an easy time under Jackson. Then they scratch their heads asking themselves how a laid-back team like Delta rank consistently high on the mission performance charts.

Well, this Jackson lounging back in his armchair, legs straight and perched atop his desk, fingers laced over his stomach, was the reason why.

Let not his casual, languid posture fool anyone, because Noah could see every inch of muscle and vein tensing and bulging under his skin.

Jackson quietly demanded the best from his officers. One doesn't wait for Jackson to come and tell them that they are sloppy. Unless they wanted to face a man who astonishingly, had a sliver of Six's intensity hidden beneath his big'O-brotherly mask.

Noah sucked in a shaky breath, readying himself in the presence of this dangerous force barely contained in that farce of a slack posture. Before he could explain what his visit was about, Jackson spoke first, and his question surprised Noah.

"How much did Rex tell you?"

"What?"

Jackson slid him a gaze that warned him to be quick on his thinking.

"A-about the lolly jump, you mean?"

"Yea."

Noah liked to think it was everything. But he had a feeling that Rex probably kept some details from him, which if he did, was perfectly understandable. Probably he chose to keep quiet on things that if people knew, could influence or change things that otherwise wouldn't be affected.

At least Rex trusted him enough to tell him far more than what he revealed to mission control and the rest of Providence. Amazingly enough, no matter who Rex talked with, or answered questions to, and no matter the time that passed between then and now, Rex's recounts were always on point, and tightly linked. There was not a single thing that didn't match up or conflict each other, which spoke volumes that every single event he laid out, was completely true. Plus, it showed just how well Rex could hold his tongue and keep secrets. Because stuff that he told Noah was secret, he never accidently told anyone else, which was a feat considering the many intricacies and confusing turns in the tale.

Thinking that, Noah quickly gave the most suitable answer.

"More than what he told the others."

Jackson nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. His shoulder muscles seemed to sigh, deflating abit, before swelling again with tension.

"You know, I felt like I was the one at fault, for Delta breaking apart."

Noah jolted, completely not expecting this turn in conversation.

"But Sir, Delta fell apart because Rex left. Then a series of bad shit happened, and it was situations beyond control–"

"No, with the way things are going now, I'm afraid we may lose some of our boys, even with Rex still around," Jackson cut off Noah's rushed ramblings.

On reflex, Noah wanted to ask what Jackson meant, but at the lieutenant's critical gaze, he felt volumes of unspoken meaning flooding him.

Of course the lieutenant knew about the skeletons in the closet, of the unspoken issue brewing within the team, or more specifically, three of his top Delta officers. The reprimand he threw hours earlier was a strong indication that he was sharp and observant, already knowing what went on with his team.

And it brought to question, if Jackson had the ulterior motive bringing Sarah and Andrew's beef into Delta court. As it was rather uncharacteristic for him to meddle in the affairs of officers not under his platoon. Noah pondered if their spat presented the opportunity for Jackson to highlight the ugliness of the problem festering amongst certain Delta members, and opened a window into conversation to tackle it.

Noah was tongue-tied, afraid to speak, because this was not his personal affairs but that of his friends, friends who he had to trust were boys big enough to handle their problems. So he kept silent, and it seemed that was what Jackson also wanted from him, as he continued talking.

"By right, relationships amongst officers shouldn't even be allowed but you know how some things in the book of conduct is just written for show. If the situation overspills, the most they get is just a slap on their wrist. Shit, you know Providence has bigger fish to fry then meddle in the messy personal affairs of their staff."

Noah nodded, already well aware of some of the things that higher ups let slide, which he was grateful for.

"So I thought it was alright to let them handle their personal problems so long as it didn't affect their duties. Until I saw the possibility of my lack of action, that could lead to Delta crumbling. That was why even 'I quit – like a coward who failed and couldn't face up to his inapt at holding his men together."

"Jack –I mean Sir, but it's not you, per say. It's an alternate dimension."

Jackson gave Noah a hard sidelong glare that shut him up.

"You keep telling yourself that, Noah, and you'll fall into a pit."

He sighed heavily, sinking further down into his seat.

"It's the job of an in-charge, of my position, to keep my men together no matter the crisis we may face. But I couldn't. In some god damn future we may not even be sure would come to pass, I failed you men."

Noah could scarcely breathe, bearing the weight of his lieutenant's confession and bearing witness to his vulnerability. Noah felt like his boots were sinking into the hard ground.

"So I kept wondering, what was it besides Rex that could make Delta fall in shambles. Then it made sense that Cody and Nathan were amongst those who quit, leaving Matthew behind who turned into quite the asshole. Hell," a twisted laugh rose suddenly rose out of him, "He already is acting like one."

Noah felt himself shake – an unholy shiver of fear and dread that twisted his gut and made every vein recoil. This wasn't the kind of conversation he wanted to have with their lieutenant behind the backs of his platoon mates. Because the truth was hitting them in the face but it was troubling to admit to it.

"Nothing will come between them here," Noah said shakily, "Their friendship is strong."

"And for how long can I keep telling myself that?" Jackson shouted, suddenly sitting up, legs flying off the desk and torso leaning far across his desk, a fist coming down the table at the same time. His sudden action and intensity shocked Noah, causing him to take a step back, heart thundering loudly within his chest.

"How long can I keep holding onto that excuse like a prayer and hope one of them don't crack? Cody is already withering away because Matthew couldn't make a decision, and Nathan is still pretending to be a god damn cupid even whilst he's roasting his own self!"

A sharp pain suddenly lounged in Noah's chest. Because it was agonizing to know his buddies were stuck in a painful tango – one that they struggled to keep mum about, even pretended like it didn't exist, but one which the rest of Delta could still sense anyway. Suddenly talking about it aloud, outwardly acknowledging it, was like the full brunt of the guilt of knowing it, yet not saying or doing anything about it, had suddenly come down on them.

"If I let this hot pot of dangerous mess continue to boil until it spills over like you and Rex did once before – " Noah flinched at Jackson's reference to his *own relationship woes that happened nary too long ago, which made Noah wonder if Jackson had also noticed their tensed situation at the time – "Well, let's just say, I know the three of them well enough to know they aren't gonna to patch up as easy as you and Rex. One of them, is gonna leave. And it would be the beginning of the end."

The intercom suddenly buzzed, jolting them both. As if a twisted hand of fate was at play, Matthew's voice came over, requesting permission to enter.

Jackson allowed him in, righting himself and clasping his hands on the table top in mock-White fashion.

Matthew eyeballed Noah abit, surprised to see him there, but said nothing of it.

"Jackson Sir, I have something in need to discuss, privately."

Jackson nodded. "Carry on."

"Then please excuse me," Noah gave himself the customary dismissal.

"Stay."

Both officers flinched, giving him looks of disbelief.

"But Sir, this is of a private personal matter."

"Which Noah can stay for. After all, I believe you had given him relationship advice before, hadn't you? So he can return the favor. Because you are here to continue our earlier discussion, right?"

Noah cringed, stealing anxious glances at Matthew next to him whose face twisted into a scowl.

"I don't know what you are insinuating," Matthew outright denied the allegation, "But I respect your decision and judgement if you think Noah should stay to hear this. I wanted to talk about taking leave."

Jackson's surprise was overshadowed by an irate brow that etched sharply above terrifying eyes, as if the astute man sensed troubling news pertaining it.

"You have one scheduled in two weeks. A month long one."

"Yes, but I would like to extend it."

"How long?"

"Two months, maybe three at most."

Every vein and muscle along Jackson's neck and shoulder bulged like he was a certain green monster in transformation. His form seemed to rise in his seat, increasing in mass.

"Do you know how late you are to be putting in such a request?"

Matthew held a tough, straight back against Jackson's scathing tones and glare. Which was just as well because Noah was shaking in the legs on Matthew's behalf.

"I know. Which is why I'm here to discuss the possibility."

"None," Jackson spat out flat.

"Please," Matthew's face broke into desperation, tones pleading, "Marienne and I have some... plans. It was last minute but there really wasn't any other choice, given our mission activations and all."

Jackson seemed to soften for a second at Matthew mentioning the name of his woman. But he hardened almost immediately.

"This isn't just my decision to make."

"I was hoping you could push for approval. Please, I hope you can support me," Matthew's words became increasingly strained, like his throat was choked up,"Marienne is pushing me really hard."

He swallowed visibly, a look of pure pain in his brown depths.

"T-this might be my last chance to prove that I'm serious about her."

Jackson's gaze definitely softened right then and there, stretching for a much longer period.

"So you are finally moving forward?"

Matthew gave a shaky nod. "I hope to. We have been together a long time."

Jackson nodded, smile suddenly twitching at the corners of his lips, big brotherly nature coming up eagerly.

"A decade," Jackson nodded to himself, "That's as long a wait as any woman could bear, you lucky rascal."

Then Jackson shut his eyes for a brief moment, taking in a huge breath as if pondering his next words carefully.

"You are a good man, Matthew. I will do what I can to support you," Jackson said with it with an earnesty that melted the tension in Matthew's face and touched Noah's heart.

"But," his gaze narrowed again, becoming hard and critical, "You need to also do right by your buddy."

Matthew flinched, tensed expression rushing right back as the blood drained from his face.

"I think it's time you stopped lying to yourself how you aren't stringing Cody along. If you can't give him what he wants, then for god's sake, let him go."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Footnotes/ Remarks:

*Basic : From the original cartoon. Noah met Kenwyn first during that cadet trainee camp.

*forcing the impenetrable wall to show his hand with a box and his token of forever love. : Just happened recently, in chapter 53 when Rex confronted Six about why he hasn't proposed to Holiday with a ring.

Noah flinched at Jackson's reference to his *own relationship woes that happened nary too long ago :

recap the tumultuous period of Rex's and Noah's friendship in chapter 32. Basically end the end of chpt 31, there was a mis-communication between Rex and Noah, courtesy of Nathan, who falsely implied he had a naughty tryst with Rex. Noah, drunk and in poor judgement, punched Rex out of jealous rage, and gave him the cold shoulder ever since. Their beef became bad enough for many officers in Combat division to notice, including Jackson.

FYI, if anyone needs a refresher on Noah's side of the story of his repressed emotions all the way till his blow out, go back to chpt 49. Arigatōgozaimashita