Declassified

Declassified Part 43 Red Hair Makes a Good Target

      "Are you sure you can play?" Thalia looked at Alex with concern. Although his face was mostly healed, his arm was still broken. And the stab wound was still healing, even with the stitches out.
      "I'm fine, Thal. I promise." Alex insisted, as they approached their friends. "I'd already had a week to heal in Russia, remember?"

      Thalia nodded, not convinced.
      "How did we let you convince us to play this game?" Lindsey asked as she approached Thalia. "As much as I love the eye candy that is your boyfriend and his friends, sometimes I wish you'd decided to date someone a little less athletic." She teased. "Paintball is definitely not my thing."

      Thalia laughed. "It will be fun."
      "I like the camo cast." Dan grinned, checking out his brother's arm. "When did you get a new cast on?"
      Alex shook his head. "Thalie coloured it for me. She didn't want anyone targeting it."

      "Not a bad job." Dan observed, smiling. "Maybe you can do my next tattoo, Thal."
      Thalia smiled, shaking her head as their friends came closer.
      "Okay, Alex and I are a team." Dan nodded at Max. "You guys get Kyle."

      At Thalia's questioning glance Dan grinned, speaking in Russian. "He has weapons training, Thal. The two old guys need all the help they can get."
      Max made a face at Dan. "We'd kick your ass no matter what." He protested.
      "Good luck." Alex laughed.

      "We want Thal." Andy smiled at Thalia.
      Dan nodded. "What? You think we won't shoot her because she's a small girl? Nice try. I'll shoot her no problem." He winked at her playfully.

      "Hey." Thalia protested, trying to look innocent. "Don't shoot me. How bad do these paint balls hurt?" She asked, eyes wide.
      "Not too bad, Thal. You'll be fine." Alex reassured her.
      "You won't shoot me, will you?" She asked him, her voice plaintive.

      Alex laughed. "Come on, Thalie. It's part of the game. It doesn't hurt that much."
      "Okay." Thalia's voice was hesitant.
      "We'll take Kevin and Becca."

      "Oh, I'm looking for all that bright red hair." Kevin teased, grinning at Thalia. "You'll make a great target, Thal. I normally go after Andy, but you'll be an even easier target."

      Thalia bit her lip and Max shook his head, "We'll take Berg." He looked at Thalia's three non-athletic friends and at Alex, and Thalia could tell they were making a silent agreement to not pick them last. "And Lindsey."

      "Jake. And Claire."
      "Lily and Sean."
      "Jillian and Mike." Dan put in, even though those were the only two options left. "Come join the winning team."

      Thalia could see the tension leave Jillian's shoulders as she was chosen, glad to not be picked dead last. Alex kissed Thalia as the paintball employee explained the rules and the goal of this particular mission. 

      "You'll be fine, Thalie." Alex reassured her. "If you get shot right off the bat you'll realize how little it hurts and you won't be as nervous."
      Thalia nodded, trying to look like she was putting a brave face on over her fear. "Okay." She said softly. "Thank you."

      "I'll shoot you right now if you want, Thal." Dan offered, grinning at her.
      Thalia leaned into Alex and listened to the instructions. The first game was Centre Flag, so each team needed to try to get a flag from the centre of the field. You weren't supposed to shoot anyone if you were closer than ten feet away. Instead, you should ask the person to surrender.

      "See?" Alex squeezed Thalia's hand. "It won't hurt because we can't shoot from up close." He switched to Russian. "And you're probably the best shot here, Thal."
      "With a real gun." Thalia pointed out, lifting her gun awkwardly. "But this thing's not a real gun." She looked up at him with wide eyes. "Don't let Dan shoot me too many times."