Ironic

Chapter 2: In Real Time

Summary: Alex had been an agent for years now, with multiple missions under his belt and lots of success to his name. He deserves a vacation. He's not so sure that's what he got though, when he hears of his return to Brecon Beacons.

Disclaimer: Not mine. That's all.

Ben walked a couple of feet behind Alex, lost in thought. Alex had seemed a little stressed lately, not that most people would notice. But he did, being Alex's closest friend after Ms. Starbright had returned to the States last year.

That had been a real strain on Alex, becoming noticeable enough that Director Blunt had given him a few weeks before returning him to the field.

Honestly, he still completed the mission in record time, even with personal distractions.

Maybe that had been the reason for his subsequent promotion to Senior Agent. The titles weren't exactly handed out on street corners, and it showed Alex's skills that he had earned one after a mere year at MI6.

"Ben?" Ben glanced up, torn from his musings by the amused question.

"Hm?'' He startled as he realised that he had walked onto the elevator without noticing. Whoops. He looked sheepishly at Alex, who just grinned a bit.

"Anything interesting going on in that head of yours? Or are you just thinking about your upcoming vacation? What are you planning on doing?" Ben smothered a smile. Even though he was legally Alex's guardian, Alex spent more time looking after him than he did Alex. He actually almost nagged him from time to time.

"I was thinking Wales, actually." He said nonchalantly. Alex stiffened slightly then forced himself to relax."

"Oh? I heard that there were wolves around there this time of year…" Ben nodded.

"And lots of snakes and eagles too. I also heard that there have been some new hawk sightings. Should be interesting." Alex hummed a bit.

"Not really my style, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it." The elevator opened and they both stepped out onto the top floor. The floor that housed all high ranking officers when they weren't in the field, as well as the bureaucratic leaders of MI6. Ben's office was a floor down, and was probably filled to the brim with paperwork, he thought regretfully. He'd burn the stuff if he didn't know it would just reappear again.

They made their way down the hallway, and as they walked, the offices got bigger and more cameras appeared. The further one went along the hallway, the more high-ranked the agents were.

They passed Alex's office, room 704, where he saw three stacks of paperwork about a foot tall each. His office was surprisingly empty of paperwork, although he never saw Alex actually completing any. He wanted to ask Alex where it went, it'd be a great idea for his office full, but they had already reached the Director's office, two doors down.

Alan Blunt had always scared Ben. He didn't know how Alex always insulted him so easily.

"Blunt! How're you this grey day?" Alan Blunt gave Alex a blank look, then turned to Mrs. Jones. He gave the tall woman a look, and she nodded.

"Alex, we'd like you to read over this file, it contains your next mission parameters." Alex took it, then gave it a cursory once over, setting it aside as unimportant for now.

"You could've just put this on my desk, what's the real reason for today? You know, other than you missing my dashing personality." He asked rather sarcastically.

Mrs. Jones sighed, knowing that Alex would have understood their stance immediately.

"After the completion of this mission, we're going to ask you to go to Wales with Agent Daniels here." Ben let his jaw drop momentarily, before pulling himself together again.

Maybe this would be good for Alex, he needed to burn off some of that seriousness. He had become rather withdrawn lately. Ben almost missed Alex's easy acquiescence, but he thought he imagined it once he processed what had been said.

Director Blunt looked almost surprised, before collecting himself and continuing where Tulip had left off.

"You will also be returning to the unit you were with on your previous visit. Now, you won't be completing all the training with K-Unit, as you and Agent Daniels will be keeping up with your studies and regimen during your stay." Alex nodded, before picking up the red mission folder again. He waved it around a bit absently.

"When will I be leaving for this mission? And how long will Ben and I be at Brecon Beacons?" They'd make him go anyways, so why not save himself the trouble of a headache.

"You'll have tonight to pack, then shipped out tomorrow. Two weeks ought to be a good amount of time to get rid of any," He paused, "jitters."

Alex snorted, then stood from the hard chair, tucking the folder under his arm.

"Is that all?" Blunt nodded. "Then I'll go and begin preparing for tomorrow. Is Smithers in?" After receiving confirmation, he left with a nod to blunt and a smile for Mrs. Jones. Ben got up as well, but stopped when Mrs. Jones stopped him.

"Mr. Daniels, I hope that you will keep an eye on Alex during your stay in Wales. Some animals are vicious in that area." She levelled a look at him. Ben thought of the way that Alex was treated when he was there at fourteen, and nodded. Alex still wouldn't be considered a threat in the eyes of the SAS members.

Ben shut the door behind him, then leaned against it and gave a small sigh. Dealing with bureaucrats was never his forte.

"Rough day?'' Ben jerked a bit, then looked over to his right, where Alex was nonchalantly looking through the folder. He was always so damned quiet. Alex looked up quizzically when Ben didn't answer. "Did you want to grab lunch, then drop me off? I was thinking of leaving my bike here with Smithers." Ben nodded and relaxed. Alex hadn't heard. He'd have been a little indignant that Tulip had thought he needed looking after. There was a reason he was a Senior Agent, and it wasn't because he was being babied.

"Sure," Ben said. "Just call me down when you're done."

Alex closed the folder and gave a thumbs up.

"Will do."

He walked down the hallway towards the elevator, and Ben could see the great man he would become. After all, Riders always did great things, even if it got them killed. But Ben personally thought that Alex had a long career in front of him.

He was the best at MI6, despite his age, and Ben was proud to be his friend.

Little short, I know, but I really just needed to set up for the coming mission and stay at Brecon Beacons.

If I got anything wrong, please tell me, I always appreciate constructive criticism.

Thank you to all of your reviews, I love seeing other people's perspectives for this.

As always reviews are my greatest loves, and I would appreciate some more :)

Until next time,

~S.S.