OPERATION: YOUNGBLOOD | Peterick

Chapter 2

Patrick spent the rest of his evening in front of the computer, something he didn't miss at all while on his break.

He looked and looked for any sort of information on the g.o.d., but unfortunately there was not much to find. A few bits of evidence here and there, but nothing significant. He would find a way to work with it, he always would. Being a special agent was his job, after all.

Patrick didn't go to Patio Sullivan's that night, and he didn't feel the least bit guilty. Pete could have been sitting there waiting for him, but Patrick thought, Why should I go? He's an asshole with a girlfriend.

He couldn't believe he even considered it.

•••

Patrick liked his job position, especially because he didn't have to be at work at a certain time. It meant getting up, relaxing, and getting ready and going to the base whenever he felt. It was the type of job every high schooler dreamed of.

It had been at least three weeks since Patrick last put the key in the lock on his office door. He felt relieved to be back in the tiny room again. He didn't consider himself a workaholic, but when someone would find him still sitting at his desk at four in the morning, he thought it might be the truth.

"I see you've already begun the research," Dr. Augustine said when she peeked in through the door. Patrick smiled up politely at her and nodded.

"I actually did some yesterday, but I'm getting more done with the resources here." His boss smiled and responded before closing the door and leaving him be.

"Don't over work yourself Mr. Stump."

Like I have any control over my work ethic anymore, Patrick thought sarcastically.

It was past one o'clock by the time he finally staggered out of the room to get lunch. The base catered sometimes, but unfortunately it was not one of those days. Patrick had to go out to eat and hope that it wouldn't take too long so he would not have to stay late. What did it matter though? He always ended up doing it anyway.

•••

"You have your stuff all packed and ready Trickster?" Pete asked when he finally caught up to Patrick who was walking with a fast pace.

"Don't call me that," he replied coldly. He didn't even turn to look at the person walking next to him, nor did he have any intention to.

"Oh come on, don't be a downer!" Pete exclaimed. "We're about to embark on a worldwide mission as secret agents to take down some evil group and save mankind! Isn't that what you've always dreamed about?" Patrick turned abruptly and stood right in front of Pete, cutting him off in his tracks.

"What I dreamed of was becoming the highest class special agent in the C.I.A., not being sent on an order around the world with some asswipe who still thinks this is all some superhero game." Patrick jabbed Pete in the chest with his index finger. "So do me a huge favor and stay out of my sight until we get on the plane to leave tomorrow."

Pete stood there for a moment, expressionless, looking down at the red-angry Stump. He held up his hands and grinned, which was just enough for Patrick. He turned and stomped off to the stairwell.

•••

The rest of the day and the beginning of the next away from Pete was certainly not enough. Soon it was five in the afternoon and Patrick found himself being dropped off at the airport by a cab.

Their flight was scheduled to leave at 7 pm, and would arrive at the destination somewhere around 8:30 pm. To Patrick's relief, their first flight wouldn't be overseas. He was hoping to get Pete off of his back before they sit together on an 18 hour trip.

Patrick arrived at the check-in desk and stood in line to wait. Pete was no where in sight, and he couldn't help but breathe a small sigh of relief.

He greeted the employee with a polite smile and followed the normal procedure of getting his bags tagged and ready to go. The process didn't take horribly long, and Patrick was soon slinging his carry-on backpack over his shoulders and walking across the conveyer belt.

After making it past the restaurants and souvenir shops, Patrick was walking into security. He tossed his bag into one plastic bin and his shoes, belt, and everything in his pockets in another. He prayed to not be "randomly selected" and he was lucky enough to make it through without any problems.

Once the security check was completed, it left Patrick with some time to relax before his flight. He found his gate and settled in one of the empty chairs near it.

Close to almost an hour later, Patrick began to wonder where Pete was. The plane was going to start boarding in less than twenty five minutes, and he was nowhere to be seen.

Fifteen minutes later, someone plopped down in the seat next to Patrick, breathing audibly. Patrick looked to his left and raised his eyebrows.

"Didn't think you were gonna make it," He said to Pete. "Less than ten minutes to boarding, you're lucky."

"Got stuck in traffic, I had to check in online so I would make the cut off. On top of that my tattoos and muscles must be pretty 'threatening' because I had to get the full pat-down in security. Ran half-speed all the way here from there."

Patrick hummed quietly in understanding and went back to reading his newspaper. The followed silence between them was tense, and Patrick almost squirmed in his seat at the atmosphere.

"Look, I-uh, I'm sorry for being a dick the yesterday," Pete admitted, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. Patrick looked over at him like the pathetic apology wasn't enough. Pete took this as his cue to continue.

"I'm a teaser, everyone usually gets used to my jokes or plays along. I thought you'd be the same. Sorry for assuming such."

Patrick felt a little bit better on the inside, but being the stubborn one he is, he wouldn't admit it. He simply nodded and mumbled an "it's fine."

They sat without conversation until a voice came over the intercom a few minutes later.

"Flight 147, Chicago to Toronto, will now begin boarding with business class only. Flight 147, Chicago to Toronto, will now begin boarding with business class only. Thank you."

"I guess that's our call," Pete said, standing up and grabbing his carry-on. Patrick folded up his newspaper and dug his ticket out of his pocket. The two stood in line for a few moments until the people in front of them boarded the plane.

"Okay Mr. Stump, you're all set. Enjoy your flight."

Patrick began to walk down the narrow hall and Pete was soon behind him. They reached the plane, found their seats, and sat down after putting their bags in the overhead bins. Patrick immediately put his headphones in once he was settled in his seat, even though Pete had said something to him.

"What was that?" Patrick asked after he pulled out one earbud. Pete just grinned and shook his head.

"Nothing."

Patrick couldn't help but genuinely smile back and put his left earbud back in. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad of a mission after all.