Brotherhood

Operation

Blake wasn't sure if he looked badass or just silly. Elton had assured him it was the former, but considering he was wearing the same thing, Elton's opinion was likely biased. The way the others smiled or rolled their eyes on seeing Blake in his new outfit made him strongly suspect the latter was more likely true. All he knew for sure was that he was hot as hell, sweating his balls off in the heavy body armor. At his size, Blake usually had to go to specialty shops to get clothing that fit, or have things made for him. But Elton had now produced multiple full uniforms, including socks and underwear, body armor, and a helmet that all fit like it was tailor made. Obviously, Elton had planned ahead. Considering what he'd learned and the man's ambitions, Blake wasn't surprised. He still didn't trust Elton, but had decided to accept the Project Leader's help for now.

Right now, Blake needed all the help he could get. He knew One had shared what they knew with Uno and Dos at breakfast. One had reported that they'd looked surprised, naturally, and that Uno had gone outside with Dos for some time afterwards, probably talking things over. The two of them had been giving Blake long, distrusting looks all morning. Blake couldn't blame them. Considering what they'd all gone through at the hands of the last man who had served as a host to that portion of the Shard entity, Blake was amazed anyone in either trio was comfortable around him.

Blake rubbed his weary eyes and caught sight of them in Elton's rearview mirror. Their new aquamarine coloring still startled him. Elton had assured him that Blake's readings had stabilized for now, and he wouldn't likely see much more change just from being around the integrated trios. But while that had reassured the brothers a bit, Blake still wondered what would happen tomorrow when they would all head to LB1. The repairs were nearly complete, Elton reported. Hardwire would calibrate the transport pads tonight, and tomorrow, Unum could recall them. But before that, Elton had one more operation to run.

Adam sat next to Blake in the van. Opposite Blake, Three was once again wrapped up against the other empath, his arm over her shoulders. His hazel eyes looked troubled.

"It's not your fault," Blake told him quietly.

"The hell it isn't! I'm the one who had, as Elton put it, 'extended contact' with you," Adam grumbled. "I used my powers the whole time we were together, and I had no idea it would..."

"Precisely. You had no idea." Blake squeezed his hand. "Baby, I do not regret one damned minute of anything we did, do you hear me? I'd do it all again in a heartbeat! I needed it, needed you, and I'm grateful beyond belief that, no matter what happens from this point forward, I got to be with you one time."

Adam smiled at him, but his eyes were sad as he studied Blake's. "I told you that all I could give you was pain."

"And I told you I'd take it."

That earned Blake a kiss. "I love you, you stupid idiot."

"I love you too, jackass."

Three watched this exchange with interest, her dark eyes on Blake. It was impossible to tell what she was thinking. Adam kissed the top of her head, and her eyes softened. Blake hoped she wouldn't stab him today. She was dressed, like the others, in a company uniform, although hers was bright red. Apparently, she wouldn't wear anything that wasn't red. But as it was a full operation, they'd given her back her knives. Blake said a quick prayer that she'd remember to stick them into enemies only.

Elton had apparently reached his destination. The group piled out. Blake's new outfit came with several pistols that he'd already checked and pre-loaded. Elton handed him a high-powered rifle and several clips of ammo to add to this arsenal. "You're right by my side during this, no more than six feet away from this sexiness at all times," Elton instructed him. "Our job is to provide cover fire. Don't engage unnecessarily or draw attention to yourself. Remember, you're squishy to stray bullets and just because we got the doc and a paramedic with us doesn't mean we want to make them work."