Author's Note: This fic was written for Alias School: Fanfiction Characterization. Double-drabble, POV, Missing Scene. Spoilers for all broadcasted episodes.
COMPARTMENTALIZE,
written by Whipper
Compartmentalize [kumpârt'men'tllz]
Verb; Separate into isolated compartments or categories.
***
For a successful double agent being able to compartmentalize is essential.
An unsuccessful double agent more often that not end up dead. And Jack Bristow didn't have - nor had he ever had - a death wish. Thus he had become excellent at separating everything in his life into well-labeled categories. He liked to imagine his mind as a file cabinet. (A sturdy cabinet in oak rather than some cheap piece of office furniture.) The files named SD-6, CIA and Sidney were used on an almost daily basis -although hardly ever at the same time.
Over a handful of the files "CLOSED" were scrawled with red ink. He never touched those.
Surprisingly enough the file named "Laura Bristow" wasn't one of those. He liked to take that particular file out and go through every memory in it looking for clues. Once or twice because he'd been drunk and missed her smile. (So weak.)
Now she was back though (Laura was back! Alive. Oh God.) and her file was officially re-opened.
The pain of doing that was unbelievable and the burning of the alcohol nothing but a small comfort.
THE END
