Ehem….AN at the end….oh and warning of small awkward reproduction lesson.

Disclaimer: Even after almost a year I still don't own it.

"You don't bloody expect me to believe you were 'just' checking up on him from the goodness of your heart. I know Blunt's just waiting until he can get his hands on him and I tell you that's not going to happen! Good day!"

Ben slammed down the phone cutting off Mrs Jones and sighed while rubbing his hand against his forehead. Ok, so maybe he over-reacted slightly but he knew how tightly Blunt had her wrapped around his finger what was he meant to think? …Well whatever. What's done is done.

The past few months had thankfully been free from any bank calls till then and a part of Ben hoped it would've stayed that way but his common sense knew that was pushing his luck. After all he still had a job there, even if he might not soon if he continued to act in that way towards them.

That being said those months had been filled with other hardships, the main one being Alex's nightmares which had been constant ever since the arena. The first night off the drugs had been worst off course; because of the pain his nightmare had felt more realistic than ever. Each person had taken turns watching Alex who only really managed to get about 3 hours sleep which he tried to catch up on by taking short naps during the next day.

Thankfully the following nights got better, the fact the pain was lessening but the results of the nightmares themselves never truly differed. Alex had normally taken around four naps a day because of constant waking up from the same nightmare. None of them were really sure what it was off but the piercing screams and gasps of a sword gave away some of the mystery.

That was also another factor in the hardships. Alex was extremely tight lipped about anything to do with his missions or personal horrors. Ben had hoped that since becoming his adopted father Alex might have been a bit more willing to share but nothing other than what he had told them in the cell ad the mission he had been on with they knew nothing of what he'd been through. Wolf said about meeting him in France but Alex had refused to say what he had been doing there originally. All Wolf had been told was who he was too kill and not ask questions.

But all that being said there had been some enjoyable times that made it all worthwhile. One being the welcome home for Alex and Wolf who had surprisingly been released on the same day, coincidently or not it gave them the chance to prepare just one welcome home party type thing instead off two. Eagle even bought a chocolate cake with writing on that said 'Welcome brack :)' (Eagle wasn't very good at using icing) and much to the dismay of Wolf, some of his favourite beer. With all the medication he was on he couldn't have any off it but as Eagle said "Better only one unhappy person than four"

Another had been when Ben and Snake had been tutoring Alex in science. Much to the embarrassment of the two men and enjoyment of Alex the first topic the teenager said he was having trouble understanding was reproduction. Yes he was lying but he really wanted to see how Ben and Snake would take trying to teach him the 'bits and bobs'. Ben cringed as he remembered it.

"Ehem so err I guess you know the male reproductive system" he had started with Snake coughing/chuckling behind him"

He watched Alex think about it then he said "Yes"

"…And the female one…?"

"Yep"

Ben sighed in relief just as Alex asked "But what I am having a hard time is how babies are made"

Both Ben and Snake blushed and Wolf gave a small splutter behind his book. Alex looked innocently at them, enjoying his lie already. "What?"

Trying to keep a steady voice Ben asked "What do you already know?"

Alex shrugged. 'Typical teenagers' Ben had thought with a grunt.

"…Snake you start" he said nudging Snake who was next to him.

Taking a deep breathe Snake started to explain. "Erm normally when a couple love each other they will…

"Normally?" Eagle interrupted.

Snake huffed "Yes, normally. I'd rather not go off topic so quiet"

Eagle pretended to zip his mouth.

"As I was saying they erm well get…naked and the man's…little buddy" Alex burst out laughing at Snake's unwillingness to use the p word but Snake ignored him and carried on "is ah injected into the woman's" Snake blushed "Erm vagina and the sperm is carried through to the woman where it meets the egg and forms into a baby" Snake finished, happy that it was over.

"Hmm…maybe you need to be a bit more specific" said Alex and Wolf suddenly shouted out much to the surprise off everyone "Demonstration!"

Eagle and Alex erupted in laughter while Snake blushed again furiously and Ben looked very uncomfortable.

Fortunately the lesson went smoothly after that once Alex assured he was lying and they were able to actually teach Alex something…after sending both Wolf and a very proud Eagle (for Wolf) outside.

Ben finished the thought fondly. Watching Alex study and so eager to catch up made a part of his heart tug for him and he felt truly proud of Alex, in a different way to Eagle's.

Not that he wasn't already proud of course. After all he had done who couldn't be? But yet Ben still couldn't call it a father's pride. He wasn't sure what it was. Maybe it was the secrets, maybe after what Alex had been through meant they couldn't become that close or maybe…maybe it was the fact Alex had never even uttered or probably even thought about the name 'Dad'.

Sure he didn't expect it to happen to start off with, that would have been slightly weird but he might have anticipated it to at least perhaps creep in after the months.

But, as Snake had told him, maybe once they get the chance to be alone (once K-Unit went back to training and then Iraq) that they might be able to develop a better relationship.

Ben hoped he was right.

A loud ring broke Ben from his trance and he looked at the phone which was ringing again.

"If that's MI6 again…" he started while picking up the phone.

"Hello?"

Ben relaxed. It was only Doctor Wells.

"Hi" Ben answered.

"Ah Mr. Daniels, I was just calling to book the next session. A free spot opened and I can fill it with Alex's check-up"

"Ok, what time?"

"This Saturday at eleven ok?"

Ben grinned. "That's perfect. The 13th is Alex's birthday and we needed a way to get him out of the house so we could get his surprise party ready" [1]

"Ah, that sounds good. The boy deserves some fun"

Ben nodded and once remembering he was on the phone agreed verbally and then they said their goodbyes. Just as he put the phone down Alex walked in, it was his third day of school and thankfully no one had given him a hard time. Everyone assumed that he'd been fostered by Ben and had 'sorted' him out which in a sense was true as he was keeping MI6 away.

Alex had been welcomed back warmly by his group of friends and though they asked what happened this time they didn't question him again when he said it was private. However he did say he had a dad now which caused most of them to beg to go to his new house and see his father. Alex had just looked at them a bit awkwardly and muttered a 'maybe'.

"How was the park?" Asked Ben watching Alex as he threw his back pack by the door and made his way to the kitchen for some juice.

"Alright; we had five aside. My team won of course" Smirked Alex.

Ben smiled. "Don't you think it's a bit unfair that one team has a super spy? Anyway, Doctor Wells just called and your appointment is on the 13th"

Alex sighed. "Oh joy, an appointment on a Saturday AND my birthday"

Ben clapped Alex on the back. "Hey, they're not that bad, just think about the pretty nurse you have a crush on"

Blushing, Alex protested. "I do not have a crush on her! Now leave me so I can get my juice"

Ben laughed and went to write the time down on the calendar. Even though the calendar said July it seemed just yesterday that Alex spent his first day at the flat as Alex Rider-Daniels. Alex had adjusted very well considering how it was sprung on him and the by the beginning of the summer they had settled into a normal almost family-like routine.

As Alex was reading a book while drinking his juice in the lounge K-Unit came through the door, smiles plastered on their faces.

Alex raised an eyebrow and Snake answered his silent query. "We've finally found a replacement that's actually good. His name's Otter and he passed with high marks in all the categories and he has a wife and three kids so I doubt he'll have a problem with you"

"About time" replied Alex thinking how true that statement was. All summer K-Unit had had meetings with all types of different replacements. Either they failed on one of the tests they set for them or they had a problem with teenagers. Alex told them it didn't matter but they insisted that it did. They had even proven it by turning down a man called Shark because he called teenagers an annoying whiny lot even though he was supposed to be the best new recruitment there was.

"I know. We're going to be training with him for the next few months before going back to the war. He's going to come by here some time soon so you can meet him. When I mentioned you he was actually extremely excited to meet the 'famous Cub'. Who knows where he got that name from" Snake smirked at the last line and Alex faked indignation then smiled.

"Can't wait. Now, if you'll excuse me, I already have some home work that is screaming to be done"
_(&)_

Saturday finally came after a long week at school and Alex had just left the flat with Ben when K-Unit set to getting everything ready for the party. They had around an hour and a half to get everything ready which would have been plenty of time – had they actually remembered to buy everything beforehand.

"Right. It takes ten minutes to get to the shop and it will probably take about fifteen to twenty minutes to find everything to get out if we're quick and then another ten minutes to get back. That leaves forty to forty-five to have everything set up and the guests will arrive in the last ten minutes. Me and Eagle are getting food. Ben and Snake you are buying decorations. Got it? Good. Now go!"

Everyone moved out of the house and into the Highlander. Fortunately there was no traffic and they parked by the shop and went in. They each got a shopping trolley and practically sprinted around the shop much to the amusement of other shoppers who caught glimpses of the rushed men.

They managed to find all of the things they needed, the only time they had to stop was when Wolf ordered Eagle to put some of the sweets back as his trolley was full of almost the sugary treats and Wolf was sure he wasn't intending for all of them to be for the party. The four men finally bought everything at the till and left for the house to set up which they had thankfully finished by the time the guests arrived.

There weren't many, after all, after being on missions for most of the past year how could you keep up relationships? The first to arrive was Tom along with another of Alex's friend Dave who lived close by. They were soon followed by another two of Alex's group and then Smithers. Last to arrive was Otter who entered quite nervously as he'd never even met Alex. There weren't many but there wasn't really anyone else to invite. Sabina was unable to come as her father was doing some work in Sweden at the moment.

It was a few moments after Otter came in that Wolf got a text from Ben telling him that they were just outside the elevator.

"Quick, hide!" he shouted, shutting of the lights.

Everyone found a hiding place and became silent in the dimmed room. Soon after, voices could be heard outside the door.

"How many times do I have to tell you I do not have a crush on Louise?"
"Only until you stop blushing whenever you hear her name!"
"I do not blush! I just happen to get hot at those precise moments!"

The door opened and Alex was so busy trying to convince Ben he didn't notice how dark the room so just continued to rant. It was only when Ben smirked and turned the light on did he notice and at once everyone in the room who were hiding jumped up shouting "Surprise!"

To his credit, Alex didn't scream or jump or do anything of the sort. However he did stare blankly for a few moments looking slightly like a goldfish. To say it was awkward didn't even begin to describe it; no one really knew what to do.

Ben managed to snap Alex out of it by nudging his arm and Alex looked at him before turning back to the guests.

"So…you remembered it was my birthday then"

_(&)_

The party had been going on for an hour now and everyone was having a good time. Alex had been introduced to Otter and decided he liked him. He was quite tall with slightly tanned skin. He had light reddish hair cut short and a noticeable Australian accent. Apparently he had moved from Australia five years ago and decided he wanted to try for the army. That was all Alex really got out of him before the man started questioning him excitedly about what he did. He apparently found it amazing how Alex had managed to get in at his age and did what he did.

Thankfully Tom rescued him and he started speaking to his school friends.

"This place is well good mate. So the one you came in with is your dad then?" asked Liam.

"Erm yeah" replied Alex smiling.

"Why don't you call him dad?" questioned his other friend Zack.

Alex frowned for a moment. To be honest he wasn't really sure why he didn't call Ben dad. He supposed it would just feel a bit weird as he'd never called anyone it and he wasn't sure how Ben would react.

"Not sure really"

"Oh, maybe you should. I mean, he is your dad now and that"

Alex just shrugged and they carried on chatting about meaningless things.

Ben watched the group grinning. He was relieved that Alex's friends had accepted him back and were with him now. The teen needed a normal life and that included just talking with his peers. He was about to go chat to Smithers when the phone started ringing. Frowning slightly as everyone he could think of ringing him was here, he went over to the phone and picked it up. He was greeted by a sickly sweet voice he knew oh to well.

"Hello, Mr Daniels?"

"Yes" he replied tersely.

"We're calling about Mr Rider. It seems there is an extreme problem regarding his bank account. You and Mr Rider need to come to the Royal and General bank immediately to get the problem resolved"

"No, there is a party going on for Alex and I am not taking him to you people now. Not ever in fact"

The sweet voice was replaced by a pleading one. "Mr Daniels, I know we may be the last people you want to go to but I assure you it is not regarding a mission. There has been a big surprise and it concerns Alex greatly. Please, we do not have a mission in mind. I'll just tell you it's a family matter"

Ben hesitated. He really didn't want to take Alex to them but he'd seldom heard Mrs Jones actually beg. With a sigh he replied.

"Fine, but we're coming after the party"

Ben heard a relieved breath and Mrs Jones said "Alright, I'll see you soon"

Placing the phone down Ben rubbed his forehead warily. Alex was going to kill him when he told him but at least he'd kill him after the party.

Two hours later the party was finishing and the guests were leaving. The presents had been given and Alex had a range of gifts from a shark tooth necklace that could cu through anything (from Smithers) to a BB gun (from Tom). He'd even received an antique compass from Otter who was unsure if Alex would like it but was reassured that he did.

"Bye mate, see you at school" called Tom as he shut the door. The last of the guests were gone and all was left was to tidy up. But that could wait until later. Who knew having a party could wear a person out so much?

Alex slumped into the sofa and watched Ben converse with the rest of K-Unit. They were whispering and frowns were steadily appearing on the men's faces. He wondered what was going on but at that moment couldn't care less to go and ask though it didn't seem he needed to as Ben walked over to Alex once he'd finished talking to him.

"Good party?" he asked cheerfully though Alex could tell he was faking it.

"Yeah, thanks…Dad".

To say he was pleased was an understatement. Alex had finally called him Dad! He tried to act normal though, if only to make sure Alex wasn't embarrassed even further as he clearly was by the tinge of red to his ears.

"Er, what's going on anyway?" he inclined his head towards K-Unit glad that Ben hadn't made a fuss over him calling the man dad. It felt good to say though.

Ben sighed, his good mood vanishing. "I got a call during the party. It was from them"

Alex's eyes darkened. "What did they want?"

"They assured me it wasn't to do with a mission, but they wanted us to come down as soon as possible so I told them we'd go after the party"

Alex stood up. "You told them what! What happened 'I'm not going to let you go back there'?"

Ben's heart tore slightly. "I'm sorry but Mrs Jones actually begged for us to go. Have you ever heard Mrs Jones beg?"

Alex thought about it then shook his head. "No, but do we have to?"

"She said it was a family matter"

Alex sighed. "Another one? Fine, we'll go, but if I end up on some mission I am blaming you"

"Alright"

Alex put his coat on and headed out the door with Ben following close behind him. K-Unit looked on warily, hoping they would come back. Going to MI6 was never good.

The ride to the 'bank' was quiet. Ben attempted to make conversation but Alex wasn't having it. He just looked blankly out the window.

Once getting there hey entered and went to the front desk. Ben showed the young receptionist his ID card and she waved him through, popping her bubble gum loudly as they went past.

They entered the elevator and made their way up to Blunts office. Once there Ben knocked on the door. There was no guard, probably as Blunt was expecting them.

"Come in"
The two went in and stood in front of Blunt's desk. He sat there, but unlike usual he was no expressionless. His eyes held the faint trace of anticipation.

"Ah, Agent Daniels, Agent Rider. I'm glad you could make it"

"Just get on with it Blunt" snapped Alex folding his arms.

Ignoring Alex's snap Blunt spoke facing Ben. "A couple of days ago we had a visitor. This visitor was a spy, however, he was one we had not seen for fourteen years. He was presumed dead but we did some tests and we have identified it is actually him"

"What does this have to do with us?" questioned Ben.

"Mrs Jones, please bring our guest in"

Mrs Jones walked through the door at the side of the office. She was smiling slightly and a man was walking behind her, but he was shadowed so neither man nor teen could make out his face.

Almost immediately the man shot forward and grabbed Alex. Instinctively Alex tried to get away but soon realised he was being hugged. He looked at Mrs Jones with wide eyes and she smiled at him. He looked at the man and could see the same blond hair as his.

"This is John Rider. Alex, meet your father"

Hehe…hi guys. I know you're all probably going WTF right bout now but I really didn't plan on having writers block for so long! I still don't even have a straight out plan. I don't even know what's going on next chapter -_-'. But I think this is a pretty original story plot though I haven't read some Alex Rider fanfiction in a while. Anyway hope its interesting and my next update will probably be in 2 weeks time!

P.s I will not be doing shout-outs like last time as they make a chapter seem longer than it already is. I will PM any long reviews or questions. No small reviews even though they are lovely and spur me to write.

[1] Yes I know I changed his b-day but it made it bit longer and interesting I think!