Hillary watched anxiously as Bryce paced around the kitchen. It was slightly unnerving to see the tech in such a little mood. Hillary really didn't like it. They were both edgy ever since the doctor had been by earlier in the week. He had said that Lara's condition wasn't improving. That, of course, was not good news to her employees and friends. Lara said nothing was wrong, she was just sick and that was all. She said the doctor was full of bullshit. She said nothing got her down.

"Bryce, what happened in Russia?" Hillary set down his cup of coffee and ran a hand over his short brown hair. He felt like he hadn't had a good night's sleep in a week and that was because he hadn't. He kept waking up to Lara's screaming that or he just couldn't sleep because he was so worried.

Bryce was the same way. He thought of Lara as a big sister of sorts, she teased him enough after all. Seeing a woman who he loved, respected, and looked up to in such pain really depressed him. His attention was drawn to his comrade as Hillary asked him what had happened. Bryce shook his head and threw his hands into the air to signify that he didn't know. "I had to stay outside the cave. The soldiers came out first, then the American bastard. We waited for what seemed like ages and then Lara came out too." Bryce's face was distant, remembering a time passed, "She smiled at us, confident and proud, and then she fainted and fell into yank's arms." Bryce snorted, "He seemed honestly worried about her. I don't trust him though."

"If you don't trust him then why did you send for him by telegram?" Hillary looked at Bryce quizzically, as if not understanding the younger man's motivations. It was an honest wonder though. Why would you invite someone into your home if you didn't trust them?

Bryce rubbed the back of his neck and sat down at the counter. He sighed and glanced up the quiet stairs that both men knew led to Lara's room. He didn't even have to say anything; Hillary knew what the boy meant. Bryce didn't like Alex, but Lara needed him. As much as she wanted to push him away, to protect him and to prove she didn't need him, the truth was that she was crumbing without him. He was her rock.

Lara grunted as she let her fist explode once again into a beaten red punching bag. Her dark tresses were stuck to her face from sweat but she didn't care. She had to get back to top shape. She couldn't let a sickness slow her down; there were tombs that needed raiding. After all, nothing was wrong with her. It was just the fever. It was causing her to have nightmares. It had nothing to do with stress or what had happened in Russia. It had nothing to do with worrying about Alex and wondering if he was ok right that very moment…

Lara yelled in frustration and punched the bag as hard as she could, causing it to split some. She did not care about what happened to Alex West. He was a liar and couldn't be trusted. Never again. Everything he had promised her, everything he had sworn from the bottom of his heart was a lie. The only times he had told the truth was when he was speaking of money.

"Hillary!" Lara yelled as she kicked her workout room door open. She glanced into the dark hallway and blew a strand of hair away from her face. Her black sports bra clung to her chest and her shorts hung at her knees, waving and waiting to be run in. She leaned against the wall and sighed. Six years. Had it really been that long since Tibet? Six years since she first laid eyes on the wretch who would fuck up her life?

"Yes Lara?" Her tormenting thoughts of Alex were interrupted by the appearance of her friend, butler, and father figure; Hillary. She tilted her head a tad and smiled at him. She wasn't sure if she could imagine her life without this man. He had taken care of her after her father died when she was a teen and she hadn't been without him since. He looked out for her no matter what, loved her no matter what, and respected her no matter what.

"What's being made for dinner?" It hadn't actually been what Lara was intending to ask but she couldn't remember her original question now. She'd started thinking of Alex and that had sent her off base. Alex always made her flustered.

Hillary gave Lara a skeptical look but just shook his head and smiled, "For dinner tonight I'm serving glazed ham, mashed potatoes, peas, and of course milk to keep you healthy." He smiled at Lara and set a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Did you need anything else?"

Lara knew exactly what he meant by that. He was asking if she was ok. Lara grinned and gave Hillary a wink, "Dinner sounds perfect Hill, see you then." With that she slipped away and trekked down the hall to her bedroom and entered without another word. Why worry Hillary with all of the little thoughts she was thinking? It wasn't like he needed to be burdened by knowing what her nightmares were. Nightmares about Alex dying, nightmares that she couldn't save him, nightmares of Powell getting her, nightmares of Alex betraying her, these were the things that she was plagued with.

She shook her head and shuffled towards her bathroom. She stepped onto the marble floor and stripped off her tight clothing. She glanced at the shower and went over to it, turning the knob to hot. Once everything was perfect she stepped inside and let the scalding water caress her tense muscles and ease everything. She dipped her head and allowed her hair to fall over her shoulder and fan out from the weight and spray of the water. She smiled and let her mind go blank. She forgot the world around her, forgot the world within her, and let her mind be at peace.

Alex's forest green jaguar fishtailed around as he came to a screeching halt in Lara's driveway. Out hopped the American, dressed sharply in faded blue jeans and a black button down with the first two buttons undone. His short blond hair wasn't combed so it just bounced and looked very attractive. He didn't look happy though. His face was set as a cross between fear and anger. Fear that something was wrong with Lara and anger with himself for not being there for her.

True, she had screamed at him three months ago to get the fuck away from her. She had slugged him across the face and told him she never wanted to see him again. For Alex that was enough. He didn't want to see her either. It would hurt too much to look at the woman he loved and know that she would never return his affections.

He didn't know what had happened after the cave of shadows, all he knew was why she hated him before that. They had met six years ago, in Tibet, while working on a dig. Never in Alex's entire life had he met someone so gorgeous. He literally stared at her for the first ten minutes until his friend elbowed him and told him to get back to work. But even as his hands had worked to brush off the worthless junk they'd found, his eyes gazed at her from behind lowered lashes. He didn't know who she was or why she was in Tibet, but he knew he loved her.

Alex took the stairs of Lara's entrance two at a time until he was at the door and pounding on it over and over again with his fist. "Hey, Bryce, Hill, open the fuckin' door already!" Alex was ready to bust the thing down and storm in to find Lara. He had no idea what was wrong, he wanted to find her and make sure everything was ok. He wanted to hold her in his arms again and kiss her softly, to show his tenderness and care.

Hillary pulled the door open and looked with narrowed eyes at their guest. Hillary honestly hated the young man. He had broken Lara's heart and to the butler that was unforgivable. True, while they were dating Hillary had approved of Alex and hoped he would marry Lara. Now he just wanted the hot headed American to leave his mistress alone. "Can I help you Mr. West?" Hillary didn't move from his position in the doorway, blocking Alex from entering.

Alex blinked in slight confusion when Hillary didn't let him in and then he clenched his jaw shut and pushed past the older man, storming into the main hall and towards the stairs. Bryce came trotting out from the kitchen and gave Alex a disgusted look, "Well bloody hell, I never thought you'd actually come. I was under the impression you enjoyed hurting Lara."

Alex's shoulders stiffened and he turned to Bryce with a look full of fire and hatred. "Look kid, I've done a lot of shit in my life I'll admit that," he grabbed Bryce by the front of his worn blue tee and pulled the kid up, "but never have I once hurt Lara on purpose. I would kill myself before willingly causing her pain." Alex let go and pushed Bryce away, causing the tech to stumble back a few feet. "Now where's Lara?"

After the house being dead silent for over a week it was strange to hear voices down below her. Lara ran a towel threw her hair and pursed her lips, trying to listen. She couldn't hear what they were saying which meant she would have to go down. She glanced around her room. She really didn't feel like getting dressed and it wasn't like she was going out later so she just pulled on her pajamas: little gray shorts made from silk and a large black tee shirt that was obviously meant for a man. These weren't her normal sleeping clothes but ever since she'd started having her nightmares she found it comforting to wear the old tee that she had been given when she was just twenty years old.

Lara let her fingers trail along the banister as she made her way towards the grand staircase that led to the main hall. She couldn't hear the voices anymore and she was slightly disappointed, maybe they had heard her and decided to act like scared little mice again? She rounded the corner and met eyes with Hillary who looked up at her with grim features. He said nothing, just stared at her. Bryce then looked up too and visibly gulped while stepping backwards towards Hill. Lara's eyes went to the third and only unknown person standing in the room. She felt her blood run cold as she looked at the back of this man. The way his shirt fit snug across his muscular shoulders was something she was very familiar too and once very fond of. The way his jeans hung on his hips and framed his perfectly sculpted backside was a site she'd used to stare at and cause the young blond to blush furiously. Lara's eyes glanced back up to his head as the man began to turn around. The determined gaze in his enchanting eyes sent shivers down her spine but she only crossed her arms over her chest and raised an expectant brow at her guest, "Mr. West, I thought I told you that if you ever came near me again I would castrate you, put your parts in a blender, and then force you to drink the concoction."

Her friends winced at the threat but Alex just grinned and stuck his hands into his pockets. He was used to Lara's cruel treatment of him. She had been like that even when she loved him. "It's nice to see you too, Lara." His eyes started at her head and then went down to hers toes before traveling up once more, a smile forming on his lips as he did this. "Nice shirt."

Lara remembered the state of her pajamas and cursed herself for being a sentimental fool. "This old thing? It's not nice. In fact, I should have burned it years ago." Lara tried her best to keep her guard up. Why was Alex here? Was he having dreams too? He couldn't remember what had happened, could he? She had no idea. She didn't think he knew that he had died. If he did, he would have said something about it. He would have asked her why she saved him. He would have asked her why she kissed him. He would have asked her if she loved him.

Alex covered his nerves and hurt by giving an egotistical laugh, "Nah, I doubt you could let go of something that once made you so happy. That's why you never killed me even when I hurt you, 'cause you could never kill something you used to love."

"Used to being the operative words in that sentence."

Blue eyes flashed with pain for a moment and then Alex looked away, turning his attention from Lara. As for the lady, she glanced at her friends and glared at their guilty faces. She was positive that she knew why Alex was here but she figured she'd ask anyway, "Why are you here, Alex?"

The yank fidgeted nervously, shuffling his feet. He shrugged his shoulders and then turned his face up to Lara. "I heard you were in trouble and I came to make sure you were ok."

Lara scoffed and tilted her head back in an honest laugh. "Mr. West!" She exclaimed. "Since when have you been one to care about anyone but yourself? You're a vile, loathsome creature. You're selfish and a liar. You're completely obsessive about wealth and money and making yourself richer than you already are."

Fists clenched inside of Alex's pockets while he shot Lara a look that could kill. "Oh so now I'm the bad guy? You're entire life is a lie! You have no parents, no close friends. You push away anyone who ever tries to get close to you! You're an emotional wreck and you're completely obsessed with glory!"

This wasn't what Bryce and Hillary had been hoping for. When Alex first arrived, they had prayed he would leave before Lara discovered their treachery. Now they were awed. Lara had been emotionless and moping for weeks now. Alex walked through the door and within minutes she was full of spit and fire. He brought out the worst in her but at the same time filled her with passion. Anyone could see that, except for Alex and Lara.

Lara dropped her mouth open a bit and raised her brows at Alex. He bit his lip after he realized what he said. "Ah fuck…Lara I didn't mean that about your parents. I know…shit, I'm sorry."

Lara rolled her eyes and turned to walk away, "I'm sure Hillary would love to make up a room for you Alex, after all, he and Bryce seem so very fond of you." She went to go and cast one last look down at the man who had betrayed her and made her realize that she was a naive child. "Dinner's at seven Alex, try not to be late."

Alex opened his mouth to say something but then closed it. He gave a silent nod and watched sadly as Lara walked away. He really shouldn't have mentioned her parents. He knew she was sensitive about that. "This way please, Mr. West."

The American flashed a smile at Hillary and shook his head, "Go back to making dinner Hillary, I think I remember my way around my old home." Alex walked off up the stairs, mind filling with memories of the summer he'd spent here with Lara.

June 18th, 2004

Alex pushed back the flap of the tent he now shared with Lara, a confident smile set on his face. His sapphire eyes danced around the space, sad when they didn't find Lara. Suddenly a very sharp knife was prickling at the tender skin of Alex's neck. A hand was locked on his shoulder, holding him tightly, "What in hell's name did you do Alex?"

"Lara?" Alex twirled around and attempted to grab her wrist but she jumped backwards, dropping her knife and pulling out a pistol that was locked on his head. "Lara, what are you doing?" He crossed his arms and shifted his weight towards one leg so that he was leaning. "This isn't funny."

"No, Alex, it isn't." She cocked the gun and now he was at attention, eyes wide. Her light eyes watched him intensely, waiting to see if he'd move and if he'd lie. "Answer me this Alex; what did you do with my prayer wheels?"

His forehead creased in confusion and Alex turned his head slightly, "What are you going on about now?" Lara fired a shot off into the corner of the tent and Alex ducked, throwing his hands over his head, "What the fuck, Lara? Have you fucking lost it!?"

"I'll ask you once more." She cocked the gun again, pointing it back to the middle of Alex's forehead. "What have you done with my prayer wheels?"

Alex straightened shakily, watching Lara with weary eyes. "I sold them." A shot embedded itself into the ground by Alex's feet. "Jesus, Lara!"

"What possessed you to steal my prayer wheels?"

"Lara, they're pieces of wood. I didn't realize it was that important to you. If you want the fifty bucks you can have it."

Alex cringed as another shot went into the ground near his feet. "I don't want any damned money! That's not what this is about."

The blond looked at his lover as if she had gone mad. "Then what the hell is this about!? Why are you shooting at me!?"

Lara flipped her hair over her shoulder, eyes still locked on Alex. "They were the first artifact I ever found. Remember, back in Tibet? You were so proud of me then."

"I'm still proud of you. You're the world's greatest tomb raider, you're beautiful, and you're deadly with a gun so I'd feel a lot better if you'd put that stupid thing away!"

Lara pointed her gun towards the entrance of the tent and jerked her head towards it, "Get out and go home. I never want to see you again."

Alex's jaw dropped open and he shook his head, "You're kidding." Lara's face didn't move. Alex clenched his teeth together, "You're throwing me and everything we are away because of a few pieces of wood!?"

"This isn't about the damned prayer wheels Alex! This is about you lying to me, stealing for me, and being a complete selfish sellout!"

Alex growled and walked towards Lara, grapping her elbow tightly in his grasp, "Don't you dare call me a sellout. I'm an archeologist. This is what I do. It's my life other than you."

Lara laughed and shoved him away, "You, an archeologist? You could have fooled me!" Lara pointed the gun at him again, "Now get the fuck out of my site."

Alex grabbed his jacket and stormed towards the exit, "Yea I'm leaving. Have a nice fuckin' life Miss Ice Queen. Why don't you go fuck someone to get ahead in life."

Lara gasped and slapped Alex across the face, "What the hell was that?"

Alex grabbed her wrist roughly and pulled Lara up close to him, "You heard me. Go fuck someone to get ahead in life."

Lara tore her hand away from him and glared daggers at the man, "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

Alex laughed and shrugged his arms into his leather jacket, "Well it's what you did with me, right? I was third in command back in Tibet. No one really knew who you were; you were just some lord's daughter. You got with me though; I introduced you into the real world that you and I live in. You used me." Alex laughed and rubbed his sore cheek, "At least I got some fun out of it."

Lara looked down at the ground. Her eyes were burning with tears and she wanted to shoot Alex's balls off right that moment. "Leave."

"On my way princess." Alex pushed open the flap and marched into the night and out of Lara Croft's life. She glanced around the tent at all of their things. It made her sick to her stomach and now she found herself questioning if he had ever loved her. The tears that his words were making her cry only made her want to hate him more. She screamed in frustration and unloaded her clip into their tent, destroying anything that would later remind her of Alexander West.