Agent Chetiri

Chapter 36

I wanted movement, not a calm course of existence. I wanted excitement, danger, and the chance to sacrifice for my love.

-Leo Tolstoy

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(December 19, 2013- 6:42 AM)

The world was quiet and seemingly motionless as Q lay in bed next to Alexa that morning. He could only attempt to mirror that stillness to bury the feeling of anxiety rising up inside of him, all to some avail. His eyes drifted up and down his new fiancée's slender figure, and his finger unconsciously traced a faint scar on her left arm. This one's from a reconnaissance mission in Hyderabad, she had told him. In an attempt to distract himself, he took a count of each mark and tried to recall where they had come from. Q's fingertips drifted across a white mark on her neck and watched her shift slightly beneath him. He pulled his hand away as he glanced at his phone's clock and sat up to leave.

A hand darted out unexpectedly to grab his wrist, and he looked back down at the woman next to him. "No," she mumbled stubbornly.

"No to what, Alexa?" he said, turning back to look at her.

"I'm not prepared for you to leave me yet," she said. "Just stay here a bit longer. Please?"

A soft smile crept onto his lips, and he let out a quiet hum of agreement. He pulled the blankets around them and held her against him as he smoothed her hair back. Though no words were exchanged as they lay in each others' arms, no words were needed. Both of them knew that a moment like this was a chance for them to simply enjoy each others' company. It was a peaceful, simple gesture, but underneath it lay a uncertain and uncomfortable tension that neither of them wanted to acknowledge out loud. This could very well be, if they weren't careful, the last time they could lay together peacefully. It was a thought that terrified the couple, leading them to simply leave it unsaid and unseen.

The feeling of Q's fingers in her hair was comforting and familiar, almost making her fall asleep once more. She resided comfortably in his grasp, not wanting to let a moment so sweet pass so soon. It was early still, and she figured that she could let this go on a bit longer. Yet as time passed, she willed herself for wake up and prepare for the day.

She blinked sleepily for a moment or two before giving him a small smile. "Good morning," she yawned.

"Good morning, Alexa. Or shall I say, future Mrs. Holmes?" he teased.

"Not yet," she chuckled as she kissed him on the cheek. "Just wait a bit more."

"For what?"

She paused for a moment before looking back at him with a new answer on her lips. "For it to be official, of course," she explained. "No one knows but us, and I'd hardly call that official."

"It's official enough for me," he said breezily. "Are you coming down?"

"I suppose I have to get up eventually," she replied, running a hand through her unruly hair. "Not like I really want to right away. It is quite nice up here with you."

"It is rather peaceful here," he said as he looked out at the snow falling soundlessly outside. "Much better than the strife outside, don't you think?"

"Definitely," she mumbled in agreement. "The odds are a lot more variable out there."

He hesitated momentarily, wondering if he should say what both of them were thinking. The odds were most certainly unfavorable for them, and it was a rising concern for the mission. Nevertheless, he chose not to trouble her and returned to a platonic state of mind for the time being.