Attempts at a New Life

Lily Icerem

Chapter 4: The Dragon Lady and Her Broom

Published: 26/05/12

Edited: 02/06/12

Edit Note: Again sorry for the mistakes people! Hehe, don't know if there's anymore, but I still think that Baylee's awesome! She's only human people! I didn't actually send any of the chapter to her beforehand, we only decided that she'd be my beta the afternoon after I posted it!

A/N: Oh. My. Freaking. God. I am sorry! I haven't disappeared off the face of the earth! Yay! I know this is a little late… okay very late, but I've been so freaking busy it's just not funny! I've been working on my science assignment, that is really all my fault, but I really needed to finish it on Tuesday and on Wednesday, I had to finish/start my cheat sheet for SOSE. I slept at about four for both occasions… it doesn't sound too bad, but I haven't had enough sleep for weeks and I get up at six. So you do the maths… four to six… "I wonder how much sleep she gets?" Oh, and I didn't do it on Thursday because I really needed to sleep! My friend and I were like, "I finally get to sleep tonight!" Yeah, apparently he stayed up four doing his cheat sheet as well… He is also in level one so we get the same assignments; this includes the cursed science assignment! I swear the only reason it was written was to torture us students!

Okay, enough of my school related ranting, they're really not that interesting, but I like to say them anyway. Also, another reason as to why this chapter is late is because I have recently gotten addicted to another fandom… Please don't kill me! I haven't been reading anything to do with this fandom and I haven't been reviewing… hehe, as you can tell, I feel a little guilty about this all, so… I hope you like this chapter!

Please review! Also, I have finally worked out the evil plot to this story! Hehe, took me a while, but I think I've got most of it down pat…

Warning! A little bit of friendly fluffiness... I'm not really sure how it got there and Alex may or may not seem a little OOC, but hey, it depends on how you think. I think it's fine for Alex to be a little soft… he's been through too much.

Disclaimer: Oh, I wish…

Enjoy!

The man looked across the path at the pair; a boy with sandy blonde hair and a young man with dark brown hair and eyes. They were an odd looking pair, they were not related, their age gap wasn't huge, but it was big enough to separate them. They were very different in many ways, but why were they so similar? Both the man and boy seemed to fit in together. In appearance, there was nothing similar about them, but looking closer there was definitely an element that made them alike. They seemed to have a sense of secret understanding between them, something that no one would know but themselves.

No one would have guessed who they were; not just friends in the park, but a pair of government spies. If the mysterious man hadn't been told the facts before hand, he never would have known. 'Spies don't act like that, do they?' he thought to himself. From his experience, government spies were cold and controlled creatures, they were very much like assassins; only what they did was approved by the government, making it completely legal. The man sighed, there was a time when he had thought about being a spy, it was safer and with his abilities, he would have made it to the top, there was nothing stopping him, but the pay was better working as an assassin. The man that he worked for was a reasonable man; you get paid as long as you follow orders. Failure does not mean death, only harder missions with less pay. It was harsh, but it was definitely better than SCORPIA.

Looking at the laughing pair, he wondered the point of his job. 'How could a boy like that possibly be Britain's top spy?' he could understand why MI6 would employ a boy to do their dirty work. The man wasn't a good person, but he didn't like the thought of hurting children. With that said, the man couldn't deny that there was something special about the boy. There was a certain coolness I his eyes, he had seen too much for age. The assassin wasn't there to kill, but to observe. He had thought it was mad when his superior had said it to him, but the man had explained it to him. "Do not under estimate the boy; he is just as dangerous as a trained assassin. The boss wants you to observe and nothing else. The boy's guardian is a journalist and he might have seen him on the plane. You must assess the situation and report back. I repeat; do NOT underestimate him, SCORPIA made that mistake and you know how that went." He didn't object after that, but there was nothing stopping him from thinking it.

The man didn't need to be named, unlike the stupid armatures that had followed Rider before, he would never be noticed, the man would soon finish his assignment, without anyone knowing he was ever there… as long as nothing turned up. The assassin prayed that the boy's adoptive father was smart enough to stay out of this. There was nothing worse than having to exterminate a whole family, but looking at the footage from the plane, the man had definitely seen something. The assassin could only hope that the man would stay out of it all, because if he was caught, it wouldn't just be him in danger; his friends, colleges and family would all have to die. The man's organisation took no chances; everyone would be hunted down, no mistakes were to be made with the current operation.

-Line Break-

Alex and Ben lay in the grass as they wiped the tears from their eyes. Gazing up at the clear morning sky, they slowly came back to their senses. "Oh my god, Alex!" said Ben, "What have you done?"

Looking at the man Alex let out a laugh, "You started it. Who asked you to tickle me? You just got off lightly."

Glaring playfully at Alex, Ben stood up and stretched. Grass rained out from his clothes as he bushed his hands against them. "You know, you look a lot worse than I do?"

"What?" standing up, Alex patted own his clothes. "What do you mean, I look worse?"

"Have you looked at your hair lately?" Ben chuckled as the teen ran a hand through his hair, or rather attempted to. His hand got caught halfway in the knots. Alex's naturally unruly hair had become a bird nest; green bits of dead grass were woven through his hair. The teen cursed colourfully in three different languages, trying to pry the knots out of his hair. Ben smirked, "Hey, watch your language young man." Laughing, he walked over to the frustrated teen, "Do you need any help, Kiddo?"

"No, I do not need your help, Ben!" Alex glared at the man playfully. "I'm not a kid, so don't treat me like one and don't call me Kiddo!" Ben chuckled at the state of the boy, giving up with the 'angry' tactic, Alex soon joined in with the man. Still exhausted from their mad run-around, they pair soon returned to their comfortable spot on the glass. "So what do you think you're going to do?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean what you're going to do if you already know what I'm doing?" Alex sighed. "You're here because you have to check on me Ben. Now that you know, what's left for you here?"

"Alex, don't say that." Ben was a little startled at the boy's words, 'Why would he think that of me?' Of course, Ben already knew the answer to that, the missions that Alex had been sent on, had turn the boy's thoughts cynical.

"Why not? You're here because of your job-"

"A job that I don't really want anymore," Ben broke in. "Alex, I've told you before. I don't want to be in MI6 anymore, I 'm just there because I want to watch out for you." Alex was about to argue the man's lecture, but Ben continued. "I know that you don't want to be babied like a helpless child, but you have to understand that you're still a kid. I know that you can look after yourself, but everyone needs someone to look out for them, Alex. So, I'm going to do it whether you like it or not." Ben said firmly, his face was hard with determination, but as he realised how shocked Alex was, his expression softened. "Alex, I've never really gotten along with my employers, but after I heard what they forced you to do, I really wanted to make sure that you were alright. Alex, just let me do something, because I know I can't help all that much. Just let me help you as much as I can, I don't want to feel so useless."

Alex was in total shock, it had been a while since Jack had died, but hearing Ben talk like that brought back some memories. Where had he heard that before? Had Jack said something like that to him before? Ben's face was filled with worry, Alex remembered when Jack was alive, he had often seen the same desperate expression on her face. Had Jack felt the same helplessness that Ben was describing then? He recalled a conversation with his beloved housekeeper. It was true; Jack had said that she felt like she couldn't do anything to help him, like she was nothing but a bystander, unable to do anything. Even though Alex knew that she was unable to help him with his missions, Alex kept Jack by his side, because in reality, Jack did a lot more than cleaning.

Jack had been the support that the boy needed. Every time he came back from one of his missions, Alex would always look forward to seeing her. There was nothing better than seeing her safe and unharmed. He told her about his mission, though he left out the dangerous things, Jack would always fret and say that he was reckless. She didn't understand him, but it was always nice to talk to someone. There was Tom, but it just wasn't the same. Jack was his sister and that made the world's difference to Alex. It hadn't always been that way, they had their bad days, but as Alex became to love and understand his housekeeper and so did she. All of that was gone now; there was nothing he could do to get her back.

Could Alex really replace her with Ben? No, it wasn't really replacing, he was simply finding someone else to rely on. Did Alex really want to put Ben in the same danger that he had put Jack in? There was nothing more that Alex wanted to do than to hug the caring man, but restrained himself. In a way, Ben was like that brother that he never had. Would his life be any different if he had a brother? There was nothing he could do to change the past, so he stopped thinking in that direction.

The matter at hand was more important; Alex stared up at the sitting man. Alex knew that what he really needed at that moment wasn't isolation from others, but someone who knew him. Ben was from the same world that he was from. The man understood the boy because their 'occupations' connected them. It was ironic to think that something good came out of his horrible job. If Alex hadn't been a spy, then he would never have Ben. The ex-SAS man could look after himself, he was a spy. His mind instantly turned to Turner and Troy, they were spies but they didn't turn out so well. He wiped the thought from his brain; it wasn't the time to think about that, or rather Alex didn't want to think about that.

It was time to have someone to protect him in his life, someone who could understand him; that person was Ben. His thoughts were broken by Ben's hand in front of his face.

"Alex," he said worriedly. "What were you thinking about? You were just staring at me. I didn't freak you out did I?"

Alex didn't reply, he suddenly lost control of his body and sat up to hug the man. Wrapping his arms around Ben, Alex buried his head into his chest. Alex couldn't feel the last time he felt so safe. Growing up with his uncle constantly away on missions, he had never really had someone to protect him. Jack was there… but again, it just wasn't the same.

Ben was in a state of shock, he never expected Alex to open up like that. He knew that the boy needed someone, but he never thought that he was so vulnerable. He pulled the small boy closer, gathering warmth.

They pulled apart after a while, each coughing awkwardly, but smile only a second later. It was very close to noon, which meant that they had been in the park for several hours. "Ben?" asked Alex, the spy turned towards him, "Do you want to come over for lunch?"

Ben chuckled as he thought about how quickly the boy had opened up to him, he really did care for Alex, "Sure, all that running around got me a little hungry."

"Same," Alex smirked.

"Wait, do you think that the Pleasures would mind?"

"No, their fairly hospitable people," said Alex flatly, but laughed when he remembered something."

"What?" asked Ben, he was a little worried, Alex was friendly, but he was still a teenager, there was nothing stoping him from being sneaky, 'God knows what he might be up to."

"Don't worry Ben," snickered Alex, "There's nothing to worry about! Well…"

"What?" said Ben, stressing the 'a.'

Alex shook his head, "Really it's nothing. It's just that the Pleasures have taken a disliking to spies or any federal agents. That's why we'll have to explain very quickly to them that you're not a normal spy."

"What happens if we don't do it fast enough?"

"Well, I don't really want to remind myself," he said in refusal, "Let's just say that Liz is pretty scary when she's angry."

"Do I want to know?"

Alex shook his head, "It really wasn't a pretty picture." Ben just gave a small nod. "So are you still up for lunch?"

Ben thought for a moment, something was telling him to say no, but what can a woman do to a man? He was Alex's friend wasn't he? 'Yeah, I should be fine,' he thought. "Okay, why not? Do you want to call them first?"

Alex face lit up when he heard Ben was coming over for lunch, "No, it should be fine. As I said, it should be fine as long as we're quick. Anyway, Liz makes a mean meal."

"Okay then, off to the dragon lady we go," sighed Ben sarcastically.

"Don't let her hear you say that."

With that the pair walked towards the Pleasure household, not knowing what was awaiting them. (A/N: I was really going to end it here, but I'm nice, so read on.)

-Line Break-

Alex looked at the man beside him anxiously, Ben looked a little strange. Alex wondered if Ben was scared of the thought of Liz. He was slightly right when he said 'dragon lady,' Liz could be very intimidating when she wanted to be. If Ben was lucky, he would get a wacked with a broom, if he wasn't… Alex didn't really want to think about what happened to the NCIS agent that had driven back that day. All he could think of was, 'Not pleasant.'

Walking to the Pleasure's house was strangely nerve-wracking for Ben. The man had faced more than that, but he didn't really know how he would face a woman swinging a broom at him. Would he just stand there or would he actually do something about it? Ben could never hit a woman, but could he just stand there and let himself get hit? Ben paled at the thought.

"Hey Ben, what are you thinking about? You look a little bizarre."

"I'm just thinking."

"About what?" Alex was truly curious, what could really make an SAS man look like that, must have been at of the ordinary.

The spy chuckled at his own actions, what was he thinking? "Nothing, I was just wondering what I'll do if she was really to attack me."

"I don't know, I don't think you'd hit her," Ben shook his head. Alex continued, "Then I guess you'll just have to stand there and let her hit you."

"Alex!" exclaimed Ben, "That's not funny! Why can't I just dodge?"

The blonde shook head in amusement, "Nup! For one you're not that good and before you shout at me; it's true, face it. Also, you'll be too shocked to do anything. That's exactly what happened to that NCIS agent."

"What happened?"

"Again, I'm just telling you Ben."

Playfully ignoring each other, Ben lost himself to his thoughts again. "We're here," Alex cheerfully woke Ben from his daydream. "Are you ready?"

The man suddenly lost his composure, as he looked at the elegant house, the only thing he could think of was the dangers lying within.

"Come on Ben, it's gonna be fine," Alex turned towards the door smirking. He really didn't know what was going to happen, but he was sure that it was going to be hilarious.

Ben watched as Alex took out the keys from his pocket, Ben gulped as he saw the door opened. His had no clue as to what was waiting for him behind the doors.

"Hey, I'm back," called Alex.

"Oh god we were wondering where you went," said Sabina. "Hey mum, Alex is back."

Edward was reading his newspaper, but he looked up to see Alex at the door, "You're a little late Alex, Liz was very worried.

"Alex!" Liz was dusting some vases with a feather duster.

'That's going to make a good weapon for Liz. Oh dear, Ben's gonna have a hard time,' thought Alex. "Yeah, sorry I'm a little late. I sort of got caught up."

Everyone's attention was brought to Ben who had gone unnoticed up until that moment. The man brought a hand up to say 'hi,' but was stopped by a loud, "You're a spy!"

The room erupted into chaos when the duster that was in Liz's hand flew magically out the door, missing Ben's head by millimetres. The next few seconds were full of shouts and yells as a broom materialised out of thin air into Liz's hand. "You, got out of my house!" she yelled.

"Liz put down the broom," Edward said firmly.

"Mum," exclaimed Sabina.

But all their words were ignored as Liz saw only red. "How dare you walk into to my house? What do you want? There's nothing for you here, leave." With that said, the angry woman started to hit Ben with the broom. The spy tried his best to avoid the violent blows, but was too disoriented from the shock.

The raucous room slowly went quiet as all the occupants noticed quiet laughs from the blonde boy in the corner. Throughout the assault of the spy, Alex had been restraining himself from laughing out loud, but his control over his throat became too great and soon his laughter became too much for him to control.

Everyone in the room looked at Alex curiously as he was doubled over in fit of laughter, totally oblivious to the angry glares that were directed to him.

"What's so funny?" asked Liz.

Sabina could only shrug, "I have absolutely no clue, mum."

"I don't think anyone would know what Alex is thinking about," sighed Edward.

The three Pleasures were in total confusion; Ben on the other hand was fuming. He walked slowly over to the boy, making sure that he didn't alert him.

Alex slowly looked up at the angry figure that was Ben, "I'm so it was just so funny. You're not mad are you?"

Ben shook his head; there was a dangerous glint in his eyes, "No Alex, not at all." The spy suddenly leaped forward pinning the boy to the ground. "But I still think you deserve a punishment." He started to tickle the withering boy beneath him. Couldn't do anything but giggle and shriek hysterically.

"Please Ben, stop, stop," squealed Alex, but Ben continued on with his relentless tickling.

More confused than before, the Pleasures did nothing but stare at that laughing pair. Sabina was the first to brake at of the trance, "Wait, Ben? Wasn't that the SAS man who took a bullet for you or something?"

"Ex-SAS actually and I didn't really take a bullet for him. I simply opened a door and forgot to look into the room before entering," Ben corrected her; he turned back around and continued to torture Alex.

Liz's stunned expression soon turned into an apologetic smile, "I'm so sorry. I didn't realise I was hitting Alex's friend."

"That's oaky Mrs Pleasure," smiled Ben, he stopped and got up. "It was Alex's fault for not explaining things." He glared playfully at Alex, who returned a teary glare of his own.

"I'm glad you're so forgiving, other agent wasn't," Liz said, looking into space. "Anyway, don't call me Mrs Pleasure, Liz is fine with me."

"Please to meet you Liz," shaking hands with Liz. "I'm Ben Daniels and just Ben, in fine."

"My name is Edward Pleasure, but you can call me Ed." Shaking hands with Ben, who nodded his head slightly.

"Sabina," she said. Sabina shook hands with Ben and walked over to Alex who was trying to wipe eyes of the tears. "Hey Alex, what is Ben doing here?" she asked happily.

"Well, I met Ben at the park and I decided to invite him for lunch since we were both hungry," Alex explained, "Sorry I didn't call first, but I thought that there was no need. I thought that maybe if we were first enough, Liz wouldn't get angry. But it was just too funny and I was too stunned to say anything."

"Ah well," sighed Liz. "What's done is done. I'm just about to cook lunch. Have a seat Ben, and again, I'm very sorry about that." With that she turned to the kitchen.

-Line Break-

"So Ben," Edward took a sip on his drink, "Where have you been staying?"

"Oh, just a hotel," sighed Ben. "It's nice and everything, but my neighbours are such pains. They have parties every night and the hotel is full so I can't change rooms."

"What sort of parties?" smirked Sabina.

"Sabina!" warned Liz.

"Anyway Ben," Edward broke in, "if you don't mind, you can stay with us."

"Really?" Alex and Ben chorused.

Liz nodded, "Let's just say, it's a way to say sorry for hitting you with a broom."

Ben chuckled, "That would be great!"

"Yeah, maybe we'll go pick your stuff up from the hotel once we're done," exclaimed Alex. He wanted Ben to be there with him. He was surprised at how close he and Ben had gotten in a day.

"Well then," Ben said, "after lunch it is."

-Line Break-

A/N: So how did you like it? Please review! I would really like to know what you guys think!

A BIG thank you to all those who reviewed! Every word was appreciated.

A shout out to Baylee Shadow and FreedomsCage, who edited the first two chapters! That was great!

Anyway, why am I focusing on Ben and Alex so much?

Is something going to happen to Ben?

Will something BIG happen in the next couple of chapters?

I am messing with your minds?

Or did I say that just to toy with the concept?

Do you really think I'd tell you all that? Don't be daft people.

I'm really not as nice as I seem to be…

Yes, there is absolutely no such thing as sweet little Lily. I can be as nasty as I want to be… I can be anything as long as it suits me.

So yeah people, stay tuned!

Please review… right now, I am feeling nice and a little childish…. Whatever, hehe.

Mistake warning… again it's like 2:40am and I am soooooo tired and cold that all my touch typing has gone down the drain. Muscle memory does NOT work when it's cold.

Please, please, please review!

This is me being me (cold, sleepy and a little high)

Have I ever told you that I love you?

No?

Good! I bloody hope not!

I hate that SENTIMENTAL CRAP!

~Lily Icerem~