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Dog lifted the alien-made wall, revealing a hole that opened up to what seemed like a tunnel entering the lower level of the Citadel. He stepped towards the edge and peeked down, turning back to Dog, who waited eagerly for Gordon to enter. Gordon’s eyes flitted to Barney, who looked just as worried for what was to come. When he noticed Gordon’s gaze, he smiled warmly and stood straighter, motioning his gun towards the hole in the ground.
“You better get on, Gordon. Dog’s waitin’ for you.” Gordon nodded quickly, turning to the hole. “Hey, doc?” Gordon turned back eagerly, relieved for another excuse to hesitate. Barney smiled at him, crows feet forming beside his eyes. They were filled with a disguised worry, and his forehead was slightly creased. It was hardly noticeable.
Gordon noticed.
“Be careful down there, will ya? You just got back, and…” Barney let out an exasperated chuckle, eyes flitting to the ground before meeting Gordon’s gaze again. “I would hate for you to uh… not come back.” The word 'die' didn't escape his lips, but it was implied. Better not to jinx it, he had probably supposed. Even the mention of the word could ruin their chances.
Gordon took in a deep breath, looking back to the hole. He felt dizzy, anticipating what could be inside of there. He knew Eli and Alyx were counting on him, but…
He suddenly turned and rushed past Dog. He wrapped his arms firmly around Barney’s torso, squeezing tightly. Barney let out a surprised noise, stiffening. When Gordon didn’t let go, he let himself melt into his friend’s arms. He dropped his gun and rested his head in the crook of Gordon’s neck, wrapping his arms around his waist. It was rather uncomfortable due to the clunkiness of the HEV suit, but neither of them cared.
Gordon didn’t want to let go. He didn’t know when he would get the chance to see Barney again. He wanted to take off his HEV suit and feel the warmth and tenderness of Barney’s arms. He wanted to feel Barney’s heartbeat against his own chest. He wished this moment could last forever. Maybe Barney wished the same. Still, Gordon knew that wasn’t possible, at least for right now.
Slowly and surely, they both hesitantly let go of eachother. Immediately, Gordon felt… colder. More alone than he had ever been, even though Barney was standing right in front of him. Only mere inches away.
Blinking back tears stinging at his eyes, Gordon met Barney’s gaze. Barney looked at him with that same hidden concern, his forehead still creased and his smile still slightly tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Suddenly Gordon’s expression changed. His eyebrows were knit, expression stern.
You stay safe, too , he signed. And he meant it. He hoped Barney couldn’t notice how aggressively his hands shook. Maybe the HEV suit’s gloves helped to conceal that. Barney smiled again and nodded, dark eyes glimmering.
“You’ve got it doc. Now go save the world for us, ok?” He patted Gordon’s cheek, gloved hands meeting skin. The gesture was awkward, as Barney usually was. Gordon couldn’t help but smile.
Gordon turned away and walked to the hole once more. He looked up at Dog, who waited expectantly. After a few more deep breaths, Gordon finally jumped in. His HEV suit braced the impact of the ground, even with the extra weight.
An exclamation was heard from above, “And when you see Breen, tell him I said fu—” The word was rather comically cut off from the loud clang of the wall being dropped back into place, “-you!”
As Gordon entered the Citadel, the entire structure seemed to almost hum and vibrate around him, as if it was alive. The tunnel extended ahead of him, dimly lit in a greenish-blue hue. He made his way towards the end of the hall, the HEV suit lending very little comfort to his racing heart. Still, he pushed on. He did not know what was waiting for him inside of the structure. Whatever it was, he would have to resist. He was the Resistance’s only hope.