Decode | "Alex"

Part VIII

Price drove them up to the front gates of the Liberation Forces' stronghold. He hopped out of the truck, along with Gabby and Kyle. Price kept his weapon put away, but Gabby and Kyle stayed by the truck and aimed their guns at them. "Got your six, Captain."

"Farah!" Price yelled, holding his hands out as he smiled charmingly at all the people pointing their guns at him. Alex was undoubtedly happy to see them, but as he was ordered, he kept his sniper on them. "Let's talk!"

She ran out and approached him, glancing at the three of them. "I know how this works, Captain."

"Not this time." He took a couple of steps towards her, knowing she wouldn't hurt him. "They gave Hadir to the Russians."

"They'll kill him." She remarked, and they could've swore her eyes glossed over.

"If he's lucky." He shrugged.

"Looks like you saved the free world again, Captain Price." She scoffed. He lowered his voice.

"Hadir located Barkov's lab in Eastern Georgia." He said, and her eyes widened slightly.

"Gas factory?"

"He has plans to destroy." He told her honestly. She smiled slightly, her gun faltering.

"Hadir is fucking crazy." She remarked, shaking her head.

"Yeah, but we're all a little crazy, aren't we?" He gave her his signature smile. He raised his voice. "Isn't that right, Alex?"

He looked up at the sniper on the building before him. Gabby did the same, taking him in for the first time in weeks. Kyle glanced back at her, making sure she didn't get distracted. "Affirmative, sir." He lowered his gun. Kyle and Gabby did the same, then.

"With your help, we can finish what he started." He gave her a serious look. She stepped over to him.

"You're a good friend, Captain, and a worse enemy I'm sure. But I do not cross borders and invade. I defend my people here at home." She eyed him.

"Well, sometimes the best line of defense..." He went to grab the intel, and she aimed her gun quickly. Kyle and Gabby were forced to do the same. "It's all there. The plans, the personnel."

"I see." She smiled as she took it. "A militia with no ties to the West could carry out this mission..."

"And they'd all blame the terrorists, wouldn't they?" He crossed his arms over his chest, giving her a sly smile.

"I knew I could trust you." She nodded. "If Barkov's there, he's mine."

Price gestured for Kyle and Gabby to come with him as they followed Farah elsewhere. Alex had already made his way down. As soon as he saw Gabby, he grinned. "Hey there, pretty lady."

She didn't waste any time pulling him in for a hug. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and lifted her slightly, swinging her around. She took him in fully, knowing who he truly was. "Hey,"

"Looks like Price has been treating you well." He remarked, placing her back down onto the ground. She smiled slightly and nodded. She seemed different. Stronger, more confident. That was good. He wondered what Price put them through to get them here, to get what information they had. He knew she could handle it, but that didn't mean it wouldn't change her.

"I really enjoy working with him." She nodded. "I don't know how he gets away with what he does."

Alex chuckled at that. "Guess you didn't miss me too much, then."

She punched his shoulder, making him grab it in pain, pretending like it hurt. It kind of did, a little. "Of course I missed you, idiot."

"Your words make me think otherwise." He laughed again. She shook her head at him. How could he still be a laid back guy after everything he's been through? It was incredible to her. He was much stronger than she thought. He placed his hand to her face and caressed her cheek with his thumb. "I did really miss you, Gabriella."