Declassified

Declassified Part 25 Pretty Sure I Could Take Him

      As Thalia's day was wrapping up she could see Alex waiting for her, and she could tell from the look on his face that he didn't have good news.
      "Work called." Thalia guessed, feeling her stomach drop.

      Alex nodded, putting his arms around her. She felt him kiss the top of her head and then she felt his lips moving. "I've got a mission."
      "When?" Thalia pulled away to look into his eyes.
      Alex didn't say anything for a second. "It starts tomorrow." He told her.

      "Tomorrow?" She repeated, horrified. "But that's so quick."
      Alex pushed her hair off of her face. "I'm leaving tonight." He said quietly. "Dan's in the car waiting to take me to the airport."

      "Oh." Thalia managed. "That's—" She shook her head, not sure what she'd been about to say. "Can I come too?"
      Alex grinned. "To the airport or to Russia?" He teased. "Because I'd be okay with both."

      Thalia grabbed his hand as they headed to the parking lot. "Just the airport." She said quietly. She couldn't think of anything to say as she and Alex left the building, finding Dan in his car listening to music.

      "Hey." Dan turned the music down as they approached. "Any chance your boss wants to send me to Russia for free too?" He teased, smiling at Thalia.
      "If you knew how to do the job, sure." Alex smirked as he climbed into the backseat with Thalia. "And if they could trust you to not give up intel."

      "I'm trustworthy." Dan made a face at them in the rearview mirror. "And if Thalie can do it, I definitely can. She's the size of a twelve year old."
      "It's not about size." Alex pointed out, pulling his girlfriend as close to him as the seat belts would allow. "It's about skill."

      "You know who says it's not about size?" Dan asked, smiling. "Little guys like you."
Alex rolled his eyes. "Ignore him, Thal. And don't worry. I'll be safe this time."
      "Don't get into any fights." Thalia tried to smile. "And if you get caught by terrorists again, don't tell them you slept with their mom."

      "Did you actually tell a terrorist that?" Dan asked, looking amused.
      "Something along those lines." Alex admitted, smiling.
      "Not a good plan." Thalia reminded him, forcing herself to smile.

      "I'll be good this time." He promised. The rest of the ride to the airport was quiet, Thalia's arms wrapped around Alex, her head on his shoulder, Dan and Alex trading jokes and barbs until they made it to Alex's gate.

      "Be nice to Andy while I'm away." Alex said as he hugged his brother.
      "I'm always nice." Dan laughed, hugging him back. "Bring me back some churchkhela if you find any. I'll even share some with Andy." Dan slapped his brother hard on the back and then shrugged. "I'm going to grab some water." He said, turning to walk away.

      Thalia looked up at Alex, trying to not cry. She'd known he was going to go back. It was his job. But this was happening too fast, and the reality of his job terrified her. Shoot outs and fist fights, and murderous terrorists. It was horrible to think of Alex stuck in the middle of all that.

      "I'll be safe." Alex promised, sensing her mood. "Not all missions are as dangerous as the last one." He pointed out, his arms around her. "I don't even get hurt on a lot of them."
      "Don't get hurt on this one." Thalia told him, hoping he wouldn't. "Don't break into any buildings. And don't get into any car chases."

      "Car chases are your specialty." Alex teased, kissing her. "I wish you were coming, but I'm already looking forward to coming back to you."
      Thalia mustered up a smile and stood on her toes to kiss him. "Be safe." 

      Dan managed to take a very long time getting his water, which Thalia appreciated, and when Alex's flight was finally called, she could kiss him goodbye in peace with no one teasing her about being teary eyed.