(A/N)1: Hello again, everyone~. Nice to see you again on this update! I hope you're all having a good Friday!
Gah, I still get so happy when I get all these alerts! Thanks to all! Sooo, on with the story, no?
Ch. 3
"Ah!"
With a thump, Matthew slid to the floor of his apartment, exhausted. He had finally managed to make it home. Sure, he was soaked to the bone and tired, but at least he made it. Matthew left all of the bags next to the door and shuffled to the bathroom to grab a towel. He dried himself off before going back to the bags next to the door. He brought them to the small kitchen before searching the bags for the book. Miraculously, it had been salvaged, and he put it down on the desk before organizing the food. Matthew set the coffee maker on in the kitchen, and left the room.
When Matthew was done, he sat down patiently at his desk, going through his list of inventory. The glanced at the book occasionally, as if to make sure the title hadn't changed. Sure enough, the title of the book wasn't in his inventory, and his hunch was right. It wasn't there at all! It was a bit odd, admittedly, and Matthew couldn't come up with an excuse for why the book was in his possession. Perhaps it had something to do with the stranger he met? He was unsure and confused to say the least. He put the book into his lap, flipping through the pages in curiosity. "Let's see…"
It was a pretty normal book, with nothing to make it interesting. Sure, the book is about spies, but other than that… there was nothing to make the book special.
Or so he thought.
He found two pages glued together near the end of the book. He couldn't split open the pages, but he managed to slide his hand into the book pages and pull out what seemed to be a CD. It was simple, with no title or label. He glanced at it, then to his laptop curiously. What could be on the CD? Surely it must be important if it was hidden so well.
The coffee maker made a small dinging noise, and Matthew put the CD into his pocket. He went back to the kitchen to serve himself a cup.
As he poured a cup, he could have sworn he heard a small clicking noise. He hurriedly grabbed the mug and walked back into the living room, to be met with a confusing scene.
There was Alfred, sitting in his living room. He was humming happily, holding the book in his hand. He seemed to be reading to himself, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
"Spying involves a government or individual obtaining information that is considered secret or confidential without the permission of the holder of the information. The benefits that can be gained through espionage are generally felt to outweigh the risks. " He laughed to himself before noticing Matthew. "Hey, 'sup Mattie? I just thought I'd drop by and get my book! Is that coffee?"
"H-how did you g-get into my house?" Matthew whispered in disbelief.
Alfred gave him a grin before shrugging. "Through the door. I mean, duh. How else? Sheesh, I thought you we're smarter than that!"
Matthew was in disbelief. Was this just a cruel joke? "Why couldn't you have just waited until tomorrow at my store to get the book?" he reasoned with the man. Alfred stood up from the sofa and shook his head. "I couldn't." he answered simply. Matthew cocked an eyebrow. "Why?" Alfred thought about it for a moment. "I could tell you…" he began. "But then I'd have to kill you."
The comment made Matthew laugh softly. That is, until he noticed how serious Alfred was. Matthew's eyes widened as he began to freak out. "B-but… but…"
He was interrupted by the older man's obnoxious laugh. "I was just messin' with ya dude! But seriously, I can't tell you without clearance." He chuckled softly. "Thanks for the book, but I seriously have to get going." He patted Matthew's back before turning to the door. "Heeeey, but before I go… think I could get a cup of-"
Matthew sighed softly and gave Alfred the cup of coffee he was about to drink. "Hey, thanks dude. I owe ya one!" he took a large sip and waved the man off. He walked out of the apartment, and Matthew basically fell to the floor in exhaustion. Well, mental exhaustion. Whatever happened to having a normal life? And what was with this stranger? He considered calling the police, but who would believe that a robber walked into his house and all he took was coffee and a book?
Wait…
He realized he still had the CD. It was probably part of the book, and if he didn't give the man the CD, he'd probably be back. He sped out the door to give the CD back.
Alfred whistled softly hopping down the steps of the apartment. He had gotten the book back, and had made sure that Matthew's life would be peaceful. At least now he had the hidden file…
"Ah, Hello Agent Jones."
Alfred froze at the sound of a deep accent. He looked down the stairs, and there stood the Russian man, Ivan Bravinski. He gave the man a cold smile and tucked the book between his arms. "Hey Ivan! Long time no see! No one told me you had come to New York! What a shitty surprise!" he noticed the younger male behind Ivan. "And Toris! How have you been?" his fake smile had begun to hurt. Toris looked down in shame, but didn't say anything.
The Russian man gave Alfred the same smile. "If I told you, it would not be surprise, no? Now, can you give me that book? Your death will be less painful if you give it to me with no struggle."
Alfred smiled coldly before shaking his head. "Sorry dude, but I got orders from the boss not to give ya this book. By the way, how'd you find me?"
Ivan shrugged. "It is luck that I find you here. I was here to talk with man who lives here. You know him, da?"
Alfred's eyes narrowed before giving him a smirk. "Nah, I just like to bother him a bit. He likes to freak out. Nothing more."
Ivan laughed before going up the stairs, one by one. "Ah, that's nice. But I think I will take care of your little friend when I finish with you. Stay still… this will only hurt a lot!" Ivan pulled out a large metal pipe and went to lash at Alfred, but he suspected it and dodged him, running down the stairs next to him. He pushed by Toris and down to the bottom floor.
Ivan chuckled softly, and continued up the stairs and towards Matthew's apartment. "Oh well, I will be taking care of him first then~!" Alfred froze and threw the book underneath the stairs before running back up them to intercept the Russian. "No!" he yelled, managing to unarm Ivan of his weapon. He clenched his fists and poised at the top of the stairs, ready to fight. He pushed a small button in his phone, signaling for backup. All he needed to do was keep Ivan occupied for a few minutes, since most of the agents were nearby. "You have to go through me first."
Matthew opened his door and went to the stairwell, disc in hand.
"You have to go through me first."
Matthew glanced down from the top of the stairwell and dodged behind the wall. He recognized Alfred standing at the top of the stairs, ready to fight. The Russian below him was the one that he had bumped into. What was this?
He watched the Russian lunge at Alfred, who dodged easily. He in turn punched the Russian in the stomach, but pulled his hand back in pain, muttering a small, "Shit!" as he held his hand. "You feel my secret weapon, Agent Jones? Metallic plate placed in after the last battle. I have learned my lesson."
Alfred laughed nervously, still holding his hand. "That's some weapon all right… damn…" He went to aim for another punch with his other hand when Ivan grabbed his wrist and twisted it. Alfred clenched his teeth but continued to try and hit the man. The next hit was about to be a kick, but Ivan easily grabbed his leg and…
Matthew closed his eyes, refusing to see the next part.
"Ah! Shit!"
Matthew saw the American fall down the stairs, small thumps coming from each impact.
The Russian man laughed before walking up the rest of the flight of stairs. "Aha, looks like I win this time Jones." He sighed. "No blood was shed. What a pity." Matthew pressed his back into the wall and held his breath, trying to hide. "My knife..." Matthew could imagine the tall man grabbing the knife. "Now where are you, my little friend? I be having the surprise for you… Toris, help me find the Canadian." Matthew saw another man walk up the stairs, who seemed anything but dangerous. He seemed scared, and uncomfortable, to say the least. He made eye contact with the man for a moment, and hoped he wouldn't give him away. The man quickly looked away and went in the opposite direction. The Russian man went to his house and knocked the door a few times before losing his patience and knocking the door down. Matthew thought about how that is wasn't necessary, considering he wasn't home. The man walked in, followed by… 'Toris' was it?, and Matthew imagined they were looking for him in there. Matthew made a sprint for the stairs, running down them as quick as he could. He noticed Alfred was sitting against the wall, balancing between being conscious or not. Alfred looked up to Matthew in surprise, and Matthew pulled the CD out of his pocket. Alfred's mouth dropped open, and he made a hand motion to put the CD back in his pocket. Matthew nodded. Alfred seemed relieved, but his eyes widened in horror as he pointed to something behind him. Matthew turned to be faced with a Russian who smiled cruelly, a water faucet in his hands. "Goodnight, little one."
Alfred went to grab Matthew when he fell down the stairs, knocked out. There was slight bleeding from his head, but Alfred had seen worse. He knew Matthew would be okay… Well, at least he wasn't going to die or anything…
Alfred, on the other hand, would be pretty screwed when Arthur found out that an innocent bystander had been hurt. Well…. If he made it out alive, that is.
Ivan smiled coldly, but seemed victorious at the chance of beating both him and Matthew.
"I am in a good mood, Jones. I have beaten both you and him. I make you a deal. Give me the book, and I'll spare you this time."
Alfred opened his mouth to disagree when he remembered that Matthew had the CD. Ivan could have the book. It had nothing important they needed. Alfred frowned, trying not to grin from the luck. "Behind the stairs, I threw it there." Ivan nodded, and went to get the book. "Good. Now I can kill you in peace knowing I have the book."
Alfred smirked, shaking his head. "Nah, I wouldn't let you kill me if you tried."
"Freeze!"
Right on time….Alfred smiled coolly, waving over to the agents with a smile. "Took you long enough. I could've actually gotten killed here!" he laughed at his own joke. "No seriously guys, take 'em away."
Two men surrounded Ivan, who held onto the book. "Nice playing with you, Jones. See you again soon, da?"
Ivan punched both men in the stomach and ran off towards a black shady car in the outside of the building. In the confusion, he managed to jump in, followed by Toris.
Alfred chuckled softly, throwing his head to the wall. The room began to spin again, but he knew he was better than he usually was in situations like these. He closed his eyes a while until someone cleared their throat near him.
Alfred shot one eye open to be face to face with Arthur. His arms were crossed and a large frown imprinted on his forehead.
"Agent Jones, you are in a heap of trouble."
