Three years later-

Merlen and I were holding hands right before we kissed in the church. Yes that was our marriage photograph. One photo that brought so many memories everytime I looked at it.

*****

"I can't believe it's happening."
I whispered as I took Merlen's hands in my hands.
I was a nervous wreck and she saw right through me.

"Believe it or not, you know you can't escape now."
She giggled and I laughed.
She was the same sassy woman I met on Day 1.

She looked so beautiful in that white dress.
I couldn't believe that we were finally at the church and getting married.

Felt like just yesterday and centuries both at once! It's like I knew her all my life but we just met.

I wanted to tell her how beautiful she looked, how much I loved her, how everything was too good to be real. But I couldn't find the words. She had managed with just my expressions that day.

"Calm down, J. You're going to pop a nerve"
She said as soon as she realised my palms were sweaty.

"Yeah. Okay."
I laughed nervously. Her words helped me get myself together.
Not my fault that one thing that I was shit scared to fail at - turned out to be so beautiful.

And the kiss that followed made me fall for her all over again.
"I love you pebble head. Like crazy."
She hit me upside my head.

I only chuckled and nodded in agreement. She always used my own words when I got nothing to say.
Damn it's so frustrating when you have so much to tell but can't.

My stars aligned so perfectly that everything fell into place. Merlen completed her medical studies by the time I settled as a reputed Class-I agent at CCTC. Staying in the same city helped us grow together and know each other more. Norman was giving me tough times everytime he'd visit. Not that I wasn't expecting, or that I could complain. But he was a great human - surprise! Look at him all smiles while I kissed her sister in front of everyone.

******

The next photo brought a bigger smile on my lips. It was the family photo including our blood relations and acquired ones.

Our families were there to bless us with huge smiles. My team with all my best men stood at one end gleaming. Lauret could come only for a few hours and had to leave as soon as we exchanged rings. Lot of hearts broke as soon as she left - My girl's, mine, and well... Neil was that kid who got a balloon but lost it as soon as he turned around. He didn't get enough time to talk to her. Just a few words. He tried to keep a smile that I knew wasn't that genuine. It took him some time but he was back to being the asshole we all knew.

******

"I love it when you take that walk down the memory lane."
Merlen said hugging me from behind.

"I can't get enough of it"
I said smiling.

"Me too." She said as I turned around and bent down to kiss her.

"Dadda!"
That little demon interrupts us everytime we're about to make a move.

"I need to get a cage for him."
I murmured earning a tight slap on my hand.

"Shut up! He's your son!"
She scolded me.

"I know that hon. I'm just joking."
I said as I sit down on my knees just before 2 year old Nick slammed into me.

"I wonder how he started walking slowly. He's a missile now!"
I laughed at his speed.

"Need not wonder. You didn't miss much. He never learnt to walk. He started running directly. I guess I gave birth to a mouse."
Merlen said sitting down and ruffling his hair.

"Am moufe!"
Nick said making Merlen and me roll in laughter.

He turned around and sat down in her lap innocently having no clue how many jokes were made on him.

"Stop bullying my baby!"
She said shielding him in a hug and kissing his head.

"I'm so jealous of him. He gets to stay with you all the time, gets free hugs and kisses anytime by making funny spelling errors."
I said crossing my arms over my chest.
Merlen laughed at me for whining.

I moved forward and hugged both of them tightly.
That was my family and I loved both of them so freaking much. I'd do anything to keep them happy and safe.

********

"How's the lady? And that little demon of yours?"
Neil asked me as I just missed a bull's eye.

"Good."
I said half heartedly. There's no way he won't notice both.

"You're not happy. What's wrong?"
He asked concerned and I had to keep my rifle down. It was getting too heavy and I had no one to talk this to, except him.

"Things are just not good. It didn't turn out the way I wanted. Merlen is far away from me. I wanted to be with her during her entire pregnancy and watching Nick grow up together. But... she had to do it all by herself. I.. I'm just stuck. I can't balance work and my personal life. May be I hurried into marrying her and having a child. It.. It just pisses me off that I have no control over anything."
I said running a hand through my hair.

Back to back Missions and courses had taken a toll on my personal life. Nobody was pushing me but it was my duty. And my duty was keeping me away from one person I loved with all depths of my heart.

"We knew this will come, right? Atleast she did. She's facing all this so bravely."
Neil said.

"That's what makes me more miserable. Nick is two years now. I've barely spent four months with him. He's probably going to tell me 'Dad, me and mom can survive just fine without you' after I retire and go live with my family. I fear this, Neil. If this goes on, I'll lose my family."
I sighed.

Neil stood quietly for sometime.
"Look. You chose this life yourself. But not her. She chose you, with all your life package. She chose you despite knowing everything about you. That means she saw it coming and is well prepared for it. She has never asked you to cut down work and go spend time there instead. And I respect the lady for that. I understand you want to permanently take the responsibilities of a father and get her free from the extra burden but you can't do that. You can't be there for them forever. And it will be wrong on your part if you give them this hope. You know we live in war zone and can get washed away any moment. You have to let them learn how to survive without you. I hope they don't have to. But we both know there are chances. Letting them go through some pain now will help them get over pain easily later. You get what I'm saying right?"
Neil said calmly and I couldn't disagree with him. He spoke every word in truth and that fucked my mind.

"It will get better, James. Trust me. They'll always be your family."
He said and I just held on to his words like my last breaths.

"Now get up Mr. Dadda. Drink like a man."
He scoffed and I followed him.
I needed the alcohol more than him this once.

"Hey twins!"
Fucker Norman!
What a time to be on my ass.

"Stop swearing!"
Neil hissed in my ear.

Come on!
I can't even think out loud, now?

"I am sorry."
I hissed without meaning any word of it.

"Good afternoon to you too, sir."
I started sarcastically when he walked upto us.
"Looks like you're enjoying your CT this time?"

"And you are growing balls to talk to me in that tone?"
He replied straightly shutting me up.

Everytime I try to return all the favour of my trial back, he busts me and I have no option but to back down.

"Haven't you met your next sibling?"
Norman asked Neil changing his tone to amused.

"Not yet, sir. Infact I insisted General Warren that I'm not made his incharge."
Neil replied while I was still stuck at the word 'sibling'.

Who was this new guy that Neil is supposed to look after?

"You're KMA-124, right?"
Suddenly Norman turned to me and asked.

"Ye-yes sir."
I replied clueless.

"It will be easy for you then. You have experience of one already. You're a pro now."
Norman challenged Neil.
The sarcasm was palpable.

"I did it only for my team. He's here just for the trial for Class-I, not to become a member of my team. We are full, we don't need any more men. Any CTO can be his incharge."
Neil replied curtly and immediately I felt so proud.

"You think so. But he's insisting that he works with you."
Norman said and I looked at Neil waiting for an answer.

"Now I want to meet him personally. I'll explain all this to him in a language he understands."
Neil said heartlessly.
Boy oh boy, whoever it is, he's gone.

"He's doing his formalities at the admin office. You shall grace his presence by 1700 hours in the ground."
Norman said, nodded at me in peace and left. I nodded back calling it a truce.

Then I raised my eyebrows in question but Neil's anger gave me no scope of showing authority.

"Neil..."
I started off carefully knowing he was in red zone.

"This bugger is not leaving my tail and it's driving me insane. I wanted our first meeting to be peaceful but I think that won't work."
He said gritting his teeth.

I decided not to say a word to him right then. Bar was a better place for him to cool down and the new boy will have two hours of less wrath to face from him.

"Good afternoon sir!"
I heard a familiar voice from behind and gagged at the sight as soon as I turned.

"You!"
Me and Dan spoke at the same time.
He was the guy coming for trial and insisting that he gets tried by Neil?

"Drop."
Neil snapped his finger and pointed at him.
He wasted no time getting on all fours.

Forgive me if I ever thought that my timing was the worst ever. Right now, Dan has the record in his name. He was supposed to report after two hours, but no, looser decided that it will be too late to die. He's going to get his ass whooped and he won't even know what bit him.

"Is this how you're taught introduction in KMA? Pointing fingers at your seniors and wishing without introducing yourself?"
Neil sounded scary.
I was getting the asshole vibes I used to get when I was under Norman.

"Apologies, sir. Permission to-"
Dan started but Neil was in no mood to shit around.

"Denied. Fifty knuckle jumps each for poor introduction, offensive gesture and attempt to get away for indiscipline."
Neil said and I looked at him bewildered.
I had never seen this side of him.

Dan got on the job and started grunting as soon as he reached twenty. I could feel the sting in my own knuckles. After all he was hitting himself against the gravel road. But he had a very long way to go.

"I hear another sound and we start from the beginning."
Neil said and I wanted to tell him to calm down. But I lacked the guts.
Dan clenched his jaw and pressed his lips tight.

Finishing 150, he let out a small groan before giving a completion report.
"One fifty knuckle Pushups completed, sir. Permission to get up, sir."
He said breathing heavily.

"Denied. Introduce yourself properly from down there."
Neil said crossing his arms on his chest.

"Right sir. 154473-WL-commision course-2 Captain Daniel Winger reporting sir!"
He spoke as per our orientation.
Commission details specially because fucker didn't introduce himself with just his rank and name at the correct time.
God such a disgrace!

"Better. Now who the hell are you Mr. Daniel? What did you think when you pointed your finger at my Class I agent instead of introducing yourself as the junior you are?"
Neil asked angrily.

"Apologies sir. Will not be repeated again."
He said gulping his big ass ego down.

"Up."
Neil ordered him and he stood straight with cuts over his Knuckles.
Not a very good way to start CCTC.

All three of us stood silently when Neil said something I couldn't believe at first.
"You're repeating your mistake, officer. He's waiting for your introduction."
Neil's warning tone meant business.

Dan turned to me and made a stoic face.
"154473-WL-commision course-2 Captain Daniel Winger reporting sir!"
Did he just do that?

"And who's going to apologise for poor conduct?"
Neil said and I had hard time keeping the shock off my face.

"Apologies for my misconduct, sir. This will not be repeated."
He spoke sincerely and I bit my ass from laughing.

Neil gave me more powers than I had ever imagined.
"Good afternoon Captain Daniel. Welcome to CCTC."
I replied formally but sternly.
I was fucking enjoying it!

"Thirty seconds. Tell your story."
Neil said in his no shit attitude.

"I am a passout of KMA-124. I tried my best to compete for the trial officer before getting inducted. I have completed three years of service and have now applied for Class-I training again. I look forward to getting tried by you and earning a place in your esteemed team, sir."
He said in one breath.

Apparently Neil woke up with Norman's soul inside him this morning.
"Let me see it the other way. You tried your best to get selected as the trial officer but you failed. That means you're no good to begin with. Then you took three years to land up at CCTC while your batchmate here spent his blood and sweat so that all of you can apply and skip those mandatory years for trial. This means you weren't good all this time. And you look forward to join my esteemed team when you literally shouted at one esteemed member of my team? This means you're no good to go forward with. Give me one reason why I should allow you to stand here for another second instead of kicking you out of CCTC this very moment."
I had never been so scared of Neil, minus the night meeting with Merlen.

And I assume Dan had the same fear because he ran out of words.

"Why are you here, Daniel? To bring the past back and prove that you are better than him?"
Neil hit the most sensitive nerve and I skipped a heartbeat.

I was on my way towards a guilt trip when Dan said something I'd never forget.

"Class-I agent Captain James Dwight was better than me. He has proved himself at every step. I have not come to challenge him. I've come to make my own mark, sir."
I couldn't believe this was Dan.

Yes he has always been a serious person but so much of self control - this was beyond my understanding.

"As I see it, your wish to join my team clearly says that you want to prove better than him. Isn't it?"
Neil was on fire today!

"Negative, sir. I've heard that Red Sparrows is the best team out there and I want to work with you and all your men."
He replied confidently easily escaping Neil's bomb.

"Let me be very clear, Daniel. You sound like a good officer to me. You might have potential to become a Class-I but till I'm the head, YOU won't be a part of Red Sparrows. And that's final. So I want you to go meet General Warren and tell him that you want to get tried by any CTO here because you've dropped your wish to join my team."
Neil said calmly.

Dan didn't budge and I waited for either of them to make a move.

"Are you leaving officer?"
Neil asked irritated.

"Negative, sir."
Dan replied unquivering.

"Don't tell later I didn't warn you. I don't need any more men and I'm not looking for one. So you have no chance."
"I want to take a chance under you, sir."

"In that case, welcome to hell, Captain Daniel. For your information, nobody likes you. And your I/C, me, wants to get rid off you. So make it easy for both of us by quitting soon. For the starters, let's have you run fifteen rounds of the ground. James get a bicycle allotted to him from the stand. Any scratch on it and you're free to make him pay in any form you like. Now chop chop. Go and come back in UCPs. You have six minutes."

Dan did a good job hiding his shock.
I pity you, my friend.
Fifteen rounds with bicycle high up? I hope you don't let it fall even once.

"You don't have to do this, Neil."
I said when Dan left.

"Do what?"
He asked irked.

"Target his ego. Everytime he'll look at me, he'll feel suppressed. Specially when only one of us have turned our dream into reality. He'll feel cornered. He's a good chap."
The guilt in me made me defend him so strongly.

"Firstly - I'm his I/C. So YOU don't tell me what to do with him. Secondly, every man has a weak spot. The harder you hit it, the weaker he gets and the faster he breaks. We're here to test a man with his weak spots, not strong. Also there's no place for Winger in Red sparrows. And I want him to realise that at the earliest."
He replied curtly.

"Then why become a Norman? You can tell him all this too!"
He stopped and turned around to look at me confused.

"Are you stupid? Didn't you see that he still has hopes? And Norman no matter how cruel took your trial just like it was supposed to be, hitting your weak spots and brought out the best in you. Dan can be a good Class-I. But for that he needs to be tested. And nothing less than going Norman on him will bring out the best in him. Now if you're done fighting his case, can we proceed for beer?"
Okay, Neil was still pissed.

"As you wish."
I spoke softer letting him know that he's still the boss.

**

"I heard that James called a friend?"
Marks said sitting down for lunch and I closed my eyes.

"Yeah. These boys have guts. Father James didn't want to be the only man getting royal treatment so he called his friend."
Neil spoke before I could utter a word.

Marks sniggered.
"No seriously, will he be the second guy from KMA?"

"He wanted to be a Class-I as badly as I did. Just one race was all it took for him to lose the chance I got. I expected him to never apply for it because chances of him meeting me were high and I'd milk his defeat on his face. But I'm beyond surprised that he's here. In fact, he's trying his best to wiggle his way into Neil's stone heart."
I chuckled at the last part.

Neil passed me a glare.
I raised my hands in surrender.

"What? What does that mean?"
Marks asked confused.

"He wants to be a red sparrow."
Neil replied uninterested.

"That's a tough one. He's got guts. Knowing what James went through, he wants to face the same hell?"
"He's only going to face hell."
Neil spoke like a bitch.

"You mean you're never letting him in?"
Marks asked seriously and I looked down at my food. I knew the answer and it was awkward.

"I have just enough men. I don't want two guys clashing their egos on an hourly basis."
Neil looked at me angrily while I continued looking down.

"Don't you think you're just assuming things? He can be good too. Who knows?"
Marks said and Neil got irritated further.

"I know he's good. I've checked all his records. He has given his heart and soul in past two years to land up here. He deserves to be among us. I'm not ready to take him under our roof, though. Both men being mature or not - both of them will be equally important for me. If one suggests something and the other dislikes it, I'm left with nothing but problems with no solutions. I have too much on my plate as it is. So Daniel will not be a part of our team, and that's final. And if anyone says otherwise, tell them to meet me. As for the Commander, I'll speak with him today itself."
Neil completed his beer and went inside the bar for a refill.

"He's fucking pissed! What happened? What did the poor boy do?"
Marks scoffed.

"Pointed a finger at me."
I laughed and Marks joined me.
"Hell!"

Just then Dan entered the mess all sweaty. Thank god he had changed into neat attire else Neil would have chopped his head off.

"Good morning sir. Captain Daniel Winger, for trial, reporting sir!"
He said panting as I chuckled sipping my smoothie.

He gulped angrily at my move and I felt devilish.

"Do you even know who he is?"
I asked him pointing at Marks.

"Class-I Agent Doctor Major Richard Marks. Seniormost officer of Red Sparrows."
He replied confidently.

"Damn. They teach you introduction nicely in KMA!"
Marks said impressed.

"I beg to differ."
There he goes again!
Let him breathe, Neil.

Dan went straighter and I had to hold back a laugh. Imagine something crawling up your ass at the sight of Neil!
Damn I was in his shoes for few hours but he has it much worse than me.

"Completed your rounds?"
"Yes sir."

"You need an invitation to give a completion report?"
Neil asked sitting down with us.

"Apologies, sir. Fifteen rounds of the ground completed, sir. Bicycle returned back to stands without a scratch, sir."
The last part was a punch to my face.

"You ate anything since morning?"
Neil asked.

"Negative, sir."
"James, get him a jug of that smoothie."
He ordered me and I screamed on the inside - he'll puke! Please don't!

"Yes, sir."
I said and got up to make one for him.
He's going to hate me more than ever.

I brought a jug full of sweet poison and kept it on the table.
Neil nodded at Dan to pick up and finish it.
"Bottoms up."
He added and I looked at Marks who was cringing.

Dan brought the glass to his lips and started chugging. His eyes were shut and I could feel the nausea.

Once finished, he kept the glass back on table and stood in an awkward position to control his vomiting.

"It leaked down there somewhere?"
Neil asked.
Hot damn he got no chill!

"Negative, sir."
Dan spoke.

"Then stand straight."
He stood straight with the milk coming up and gulping it back down.

After letting him roger with words, Marks interrupted.
"Let him go, Neil. Atleast talk to the commander first."
Neil passed him a glare and left.

"At ease."
Marks said calmly and boy I could see relief on Dan's face.

"You know what? James is the most asshole junior I've met."
He started off.
I looked at him incredulously.
Dan had a tiny smile at the corner of his lips.

"He doesn't talk much to others, doesn't favour anyone, doesn't poke his nose in other's business and most of all doesn't appreciate many people. But he spoke so high of you today and I'm impressed."
"Marks!"
I hissed.
That was not a part of the plan.

"I know you two have been cut throat competitors since day 1. But winning over your rival and respecting him are two different things - something you guys have achieved. I think both of you are well deserving but you just ran out of a pinch of luck one day. I want you to understand that Neil is a hard headed man. If he has decided to do something, he's not turning back. Nobody can make him. Not even the commander. We have first hand seen how rigid he is with his decisions. I hope you know what he has decided about you joining his team?"
Marks continued speaking gently.

"That I will not be a part, sir."
He said a little disheartened.

"Then why push it and hurt yourself? He has gone to inform the commander that you're not welcome. And there's nothing that General Warren will be able to do about it. I suggest that you go and talk to him. Request him to change your CTO I/C and get tried by someone else. Neil will make it hell for you if you don't give up."
Marks tried to explain him something I badly wanted him to understand.

"I've heard very high of Major Neil. Even if he doesn't approve me for a Sparrow, I still want him to try me for Class-I. Earning it from him will be worth it."
Dan spoke and I found new respect for him.

"Then you'll just be asking for getting screwed over and over again."
Marks said laughing and I chuckled too, knowing what it meant.

"I'll wait for the seniors to make a decision, sir."
He spoke confidently.

My pager rang.
"Send him to Cdr office."

"Get your beaten ass to General's office now! Run!"
I exclaimed.
He nodded at me, saluted Marks and left.

I was happy that he finally was here at CCTC. It was his dream as much as it was mine. But I hope he gives up on winning Neil's trust because I know how much it will cost him. I feel selfish but proud at the reasons Neil gave for his rejection, not that I have any say in it.

************************************

Tadaaaaa!
Norman's soul in Neil! 😂😂

And looks like Dan has a lot of reasons to behave the way he did in future! You don't think so? Oh just you wait then.

************************************

And who met the MOUFE!?!
God I'm so smitten with Nick's childhood!

************************************

Vote and comment on your favorite parts of this 4k+ worded update!