Treasure Hunters: A National Treasure Fanfiction

Chapter One: The Send-off

"We so swear..."

Many years had passed. However, their promise to Grandpa was still just as strong.

Keeping true to their word, Ben and Alex had spent the years since then - around school, college, and jobs - searching for the treasure. They were still after the same clue 'The Secret Lies With Charlotte'.

However, the search might be near its end, for Ben had tracked its whereabouts to the Arctic and was currently readying himself and his team to go out and look for it. The following morning they would fly out to the site.

"I wish I could come!" whined Alex. She had always come on hunts with her brother but this time she had to put her job first. "What do you think they'd do if, in the middle of our biggest project, I just up and left to help my brother on a treasure hunt? You think I'd get fired?" she joked.

"Maybe just a little," Ben laughed.

"Just a little, just a little bit fired." She laughed too. "But I mean it is a trip for historical purposes, and I work at a history museum..."

Ben had a couple of calls to make regarding the trip so when there came a knock at the apartment door Alex answered it. It was Ian.

"Alex." He smiled. "Decided last-minute to join us?"

"Trust me, if it were up to me I would, but sadly it's not. But I am giving you guys a ride to the airport.'

"Ah, well thank you. And you will be missed." She opened the door further to allow him to step inside the apartment. As he did their shoulders brushed, and not by mistake.

Ever since she had met him Ian had been very flirtatious, something he seemed to reserve just for her. It amused Ben to an extent, though he still played the part of the cautious older brother, and it annoyed Riley. She was quite sure she had made it clear that she wasn't interested but let's just say he was persistent. The first time they had met she had extended her hand for a handshake and instead of shaking it he had scooped it up and kissed it. Alright she would admit that Ian was a gentleman, and charming, but there was something about him... Perhaps it had been his quick acceptance of the reality of the treasure and clues, too quick, that which everyone else had dismissed. But maybe it was just that, that everyone else dismissed it so Ian's acceptance was a great surprise.

"Morning Ian," Ben said, hanging up the phone. Then he turned to his sister. "Is Riley still asleep?"

"Yep, out cold. This is too early for him. Here, I'll go wake him up." Alex headed down the hall to the spare bedroom and knocked softly on the door. When there came no response from within she slowly opened the door. Her eyes were met by pitch darkness, signalling that Riley was indeed still asleep. She tiptoed over to the bed and leaped onto the blanket-covered lump that was Riley.

"Rise and shine sunshine!" she said in a sing-song voice. She received a groan in response. To this she laughed and ruffled Riley's hair. "Come on Riles, time to get up. You have a plane to catch. I have a big mug of coffee with lots of cream and sugar waiting for you in the kitchen," she coaxed, only to receive another groan. She got up and headed for the door. "Don't make me send Ben in here." Riley just groaned again and pulled the blanket over his head. She smirked. "Or Ian."

A split second later the blanket flew off and Riley practically leapt out of bed. "Okay! I'm up!"

She laughed and left him to change, closing the door behind her.

"He up?" asked Ben when she re-entered the kitchen.

"Yup. I threatened to send either of you in to get him and that did the trick." Both chuckled.

Once everyone was all ready to go they headed down to the front of the apartment building where two cars awaited. In one rode Ian's crew, and the other, Alex's car, rode her, Ben, Riley and Ian.

Riley went around to the passenger's side, opening the door, about to get in, only to find Ian already seated there. He gave Riley a smile that said, 'sorry, already taken.' Riley only scowled and went around to the back of the car. Of course Ian would steal the seat next to Alex.

"Move over," Riley said to Ben when he reached the back seat. Ben did so, sliding over so that Riley could have the seat behind Alex. However, this only meant that Riley could see her and Ian laughing and joking the whole way to the airport, playfully arguing over music choices and the air conditioning. He felt himself glaring when Ian would make her laugh. Ben sat next to him, grinning at his friend's not-so-subtle jealousy.

They finally made it to the airport, and as soon as Alex parked Riley was out of the car. Alex walked with them inside where they said their goodbyes. First was Ben. She gave him a long hug. "Have fun Big Brother. Good luck."

"Thanks Little Sis." He hugged her back.

"Don't forget to take lots of pictures."

"We definitely will," promised Ian, coming over for his goodbye. "Thanks Love." He gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She pulled away slightly awkwardly, smiling awkwardly as well. She was glad when last, but not least, she turned to Riley. "See you Ri. Have fun, and be careful. Watch out for Ben - you know how reckless he can be."

"Thanks Al, see you soon." They hugged. Then they gathered their luggage and headed for the gate. Alex waved.

"Hey Al," Ben called. He pointed to her. "Proud to be a Gates."

She smiled and pointed back. "Proud to be a Gates."

(Thanks so much for reading :) hope you're enjoying so far!)