A/N: happy fic exchange 2017! I've never even considered writing something with Ian before, so this was kind of hard (especially because he's not actually really ever in the books). I read the short Christmas at Gunpoint three times in hopes I could do this right. also, Alex is about eight or nine in this
Alex knows something is off the second he wakes up. Everything is too quiet. Too bright.
It takes him a few seconds to figure it out, but as soon as he does he jumps out of bed and sprints to his window.
About three inches of snow cover the ground outside, the weak sun's reflection on it almost blindingly bright. Snow! Alex can't believe it. It almost never snows in London, and he knows he has to take full advantage of it while it's here.
Alex speeds down the stairs faster than Jack would probably approve of, then skids to a halt in the kitchen.
Ian is slumped, leaning on the table, but he sits up straight when he sees Alex. There are dark circles under his eyes.
"Ian!" Alex exclaims, running to embrace his uncle. Ian winces as Alex hugs him a little too tight, and Alex immediately pulls back. "How was Turkey I thought you weren't going to be home yet are you going to leave before Christmas or are you staying?"
Ian laughs. "Slow down a bit, Alex. Turkey was fine. I managed to finish up my business early, and I should be home for Christmas."
Alex hugs Ian again, then remembers the most exciting part of the day. "Did you see the snow?" he asks excitedly. "Can I go play in it?"
"How about some breakfast first," Jack's affectionate voice comes from behind Alex. "Nice to have you home, Ian."
Ian ruffles Alex's hair and stands gingerly. "I'm going to go unpack and get changed," he says. "Eat some breakfast and then maybe we can all go out in the snow before it melts."
"Okay!" Alex agrees happily.
Alex and Jack are already involved in a vicious snowball fight by the time Ian comes outside, and he can't help but laugh a little. Alex looks incredibly serious, the intensity in his eyes belonging to one older than his eight years. Ian is vaguely proud to note that his nephew has found cover - albeit scanty - behind a tree.
Ian packs a snowball and carefully sneaks behind Alex, then throws it (not too hard) at his head. Alex jumps in surprise but immediately throws a retaliatory snowball in Ian's direction. Ian allows it to hit him. Alex grins brightly.
Ian feels some of the stress from his last mission melt away. His nephew is happy and safe, and he is too. He allows himself to be lost in mirth and fun and laughter for the next hour or so, before the sun starts to warm enough to melt the snow.
Ian and Jack manage to persuade Alex to come back in only with the promise of hot chocolate.
"You know, he really misses you when you're gone," Jack says quietly to Ian as Alex stares out the window and watches his snowman melt. "And it's a good thing you're back for Christmas, because you would have gotten a very irate phone call from me otherwise."
Ian smiles. "I miss him too," he says. "And of course I'm back for Christmas. I wouldn't have it any other way."
A/N: I don't think I've? ever? written fluff without angst for AR before? (which is probably why this is so short. sorry.) this is just too angsty of a series to be this fluffy but I guess this is pre-series when everything is still okay. I still had a good time writing it. happy holidays and new year, everyone!