Marcus eventually decided Cole would be best suited to collect Baird, and the massive gear paused for a moment when the blonde came into view. He was kneeling on the boat's deck over his kitbags, sorting though them feverishly, unnecessarily checking the clips on his armor plates. Cole had known Baird for some time now, and he'd come to realize that the mechanic had a tough time sitting still when he was nervous. Baird didn't even seem to notice his friend standing ten feet away. His lips were pursed, his cheeks flushed as he unloaded and reloaded each of his weapons, right down to his sidearm. Cole took a few cautious steps forward.

"Damon," he began softly. "Don't you worry about Sam, alright?"

Baird met Cole's gaze for a second, not bothering to raise his head from his lancer. He looks away again, and continued the pain-staking process of cleaning the chainsaw bayonet. He seemed to take more interest than necessary; checking between each tiny blade for signs of debris they both knew wasn't there.

"What are you talking about," Baird mumbled incredulously.

"I think you know what I'm talking about," Cole prodded gently. "It's alright baby. She's a fighter. She's gonna be ok." The ex-thrashball player did his best to sound optimistic, but not overly so.

Cole waited for a response, but Baird didn't answer, though his friend knew the blond was trying really hard to look indifferent.

"You like her, don't you." Cole lowered his voice significantly, and Baird immediately met his deep brown gaze.

"How the hell is that any of your business?" Baird sounded more hostile than he would have liked as he stood from his spot, which betrayed his efforts at neutrality. He let out a soft sigh, running a hand through his hair. He took a moment to collect himself before speaking.

"We're gears Gus," he stated, his tone softer. Cole noted the use of his first name; Baird's way of saying he wasn't angry with him.

"We're a squad. No body's going to waltz in here and fuck with my family." Cole searched Baird's face for a moment, nodding. The blonde took him off guard however when his expression changed, his face becoming contorted with pain. Baird lowered his head, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I—I can't lose her Cole." When Baird met his gaze again, Cole saw tears in his blue eyes.

"I was supposed to protect her…I promised. If anything happens to her, I don't know if I'll—" He was sniffling now, unable to get his words out evenly. Cole had never, not once, witnessed Baird break down and cry. His heart ached for his friend; Cole realized he'd never prepared himself for a situation like this. He had no idea what to say.

"I just…I have to find her." Baird blinked, letting the last of his tears fall down his cheeks before wiping at his eyes.

"I told her I would," he added softly. Cole placed a hand on his shoulder.

"We're gonna find her, baby. Don't you worry." Baird nodded, pursing his lips in a tight line to keep them from quivering. Cole smiled warmly, patting Baird's shoulder with good-natured force.

"Thanks man," Baird said; his expression softened before reaching for his kit bags again.

"Anytime Damon," Cole turned to leave. "Get your stuff together. Marcus wants to ship out in ten. And I got a thing or two to say to this Griffin guy when we find him."

"Yeah, you and me both," Baird added with a growl, almost too low for Cole to hear.

Sorry for the wait guys! Been super busy lately D: I haven't forgotten about you though! :) I've been working on future chapters for this story, as well as updates for a couple of my other stories! Woohoo! Hope you enjoyed, I'll be back soon 3