Alex woke in his Malagosto suite to the door opening and a familiar figure rushing in.
"Alex!" Jack exclaimed. "Since I got here no one would tell me what happened. Just that you were hurt. My goodness, you look awful!"
Jack, unsure where to safely touch, settled a gentle hand on his face.
"Hi. Good to see you too." Alex voice was scratchy and came out almost as a whisper.
"I'm so glad you're alright. Yassen looked downright scary when you both got back. Boy, I'd never thought I'd support murder but I'd love to be a fly on the wall for when he hunts down who did this to you."
Alex's mind was still a bit foggy from the sedatives but he couldn't help but chuckle at her behavior. Of course it triggered another coughing fit.
"Oh, Alex," Jack said sadly, sitting on the edge of his bed brushing a hand through his hair soothingly rubbing his back until the coughing subsided. She also handed over a cup of ice which he greedily took to help soothe his throat.
"My team," he coughed out. "Do you know?"
Jack stopped her ministrations and hesitated in her response. "I don't know much aside from them recovering a few bodies before they found you. They didn't say—I honestly don't know."
Alex nodded solemnly. Then he'd have to ask Yassen next time he saw him or get his hands on his laptop which was—not surprisingly—missing from his suite. He had his cell phone confiscated as well.
There was a knock at the door and Yassen stepped in holding a thin file and his laptop. Alex had wondered when he'd be properly debriefed. He guessed now was as good a time as ever.
Jack with a nod in obedience gave Alex's hair a light ruffle. "I'll be back after, don't worry," she promised before she left.
Yassen sat in a chair at the foot of his bed, his eyes with a seemingly forced calm nature.
"Report."
Alex's voice was barely above a whisper, scratchy and cracked occasionally but Yassen never commented, never asked his to speak up, and he never strayed beyond the necessary details when relaying the events of the conference.
When he reached the end, there was a moment of silence before Yassen spoke.
"The sniper was regrettably killed on sight however, the individuals responsible for the earthquake were apprehended and extracted for information. Dr. Three saw to it himself while he was here."
Alex nodded, internally cringing at the brutal ends for those people. Instead, he asked what he'd been dying to since he woke. "What is the status of Sagitta?" Alex asked.
"All accounted for." Yassen's eyes softened.
Alex nodded, though that didn't exactly answer his question.
Yassen knew this and instead continued, diverting his attention. "You are on leave from duty until you can pass the medical assessment, though that timetable has not been decided yet. You will need considerable time to heal. When you are able, you will be relocated for the remainder of your recovery with appropriate security measures and I have approved Jack's leave to coincide with this time."
Alex eyes lit up, a question on the tip of his tongue.
Yassen procured keys from his pocket and showed Alex. "A safe house is at your disposal for your recovery and will be yours for any subsequent leave you might take in the future." He deftly tossed the keys into Alex's bandaged hand.
"Happy birthday, Alex," Yassen said flatly.
"Thank you. That's...wow."
He was in shock, and Alex spoke before his brain caught up, "And I only heard there was to be cake."
Alex's eyes widened and mouth popped shut realizing he said his thoughts aloud. He had just been given a house and he was asking about cake. Yassen seemed amused at the comment and the blush adorning Alex's face.
"I suppose there was. Your caretaker was rather particular about what image would adorn such a cake. It was an odd request but one the staff was ready, willing and able to fill if you wished for one."
Alex's eyes widened further in understanding and the machines beeped in response to his increased heart rate. "No sir, that won't be necessary." He could only imagine what embarrassing photo she dug up and was already blushing at the thought it had already been shown to Yassen and some other Scorpia staff.
Yassen paused, seeming to let Alex stew in his embarrassment before continuing. "I do believe there was incentive from your doctors to introduce solid food. Considering the circumstances..." He strolled over to the door, opened the door, and accepted a small box from a guard outside.
He handed Alex the small box, and after a moment of Alex fumbling to get his healing fingers to function, opened the top for him.
Inside was a single vanilla cupcake with dark icing and a piped design in white. Alex recognized immediately that it was the Orion constellation and Alex couldn't help but smile.
After all, a cake with "happy birthday Alex" might be tracked too closely and probably poisoned but a decorated cupcake would go under the radar easily. He was rather touched at the gesture.
Alex could feel exhaustion creeping into his senses but couldn't contain himself at the thought of eating something other than ice cubes, applesauce, and oatmeal.
Yassen seemed to purposefully direct his attention elsewhere, busying himself checking his phone, then later his laptop. It was almost in an effort to turn a blind eye to the blatant disregard of his typical health demands.
Alex polished the cupcake off in a handful of polite bites shortly before exhaustion took over his senses.
Yassen—balancing his laptop in one hand—collected the box and wrapper and disposed of it before collecting the keys and laying them on Alex's bed stand.
Alex couldn't keep his eyes open but shifted when Yassen silently adjusted his pillows. Drifting off to sleep, Alex didn't see Yassen situate himself in the empty spot on the bed next to Alex with his back propped on the headboard.
He didn't feel Yassen shift to prop his feet up on the bed so he could continue to work while keeping Alex company, though Alex slept better for it.
He also didn't realize that when Jack returned several hours later, Alex had forgone the pillows, had an arm stretched across Yassen waist, and was resting his head snuggly against the man's thigh. Neither did Alex realize when when he got caught in a nightmare of cave-ins and free-falling into an abyss, Yassen had adapted to typing one-handed to free the other hand for soothingly brushing through Alex's hair. He had no further nightmares and slept like a rock.
Jack jokingly thought of how better comfort could be offered from someone other than a trained killer. Though, she couldn't help but appreciate how Yassen cared for Alex in his own way, considering all they've lived through.
Resolutely, she shut the door, choosing to return to her own room instead, content that Alex was well looked after.
Before entering her own room, she recognized the interrogations specialist coming down the hall.
"Ms. Starbright," he acknowledged with a nod.
"Sir," she responded politely, never forgetting the part he played in saving Alex from Kurst no matter how ruthless he was. Still, he was terrifying and Jack was glad she never had to do business with him.
Yassen became acutely aware of the familiar voice in the exchange outside the door and gently shifted Alex back onto his pillows. While Dr. Three rarely made house calls, Yassen couldn't be surprised that the man wanted to ensure the future of Scorpia was recovering from the ordeal.
Setting the laptop aside, he settled a few more pillows around Alex and fixed the comforter, before approaching the door as Dr. Three knocked lightly on its surface. Opening the door, Dr. Three looked calm but content, "Ah, Yassen. Funny how many long years drilling in Alex's obedience skills and yet you're sitting here like a guard dog."
Only Dr. Three could manage such an insolent comment. While Yassen contemplated Three's murder often, they both knew Three was far more valuable alive.
"How is he recovering?"
"I am ensuring he follows his medical orders. Nothing more. He is alive," Yassen clarified with ire bleeding through his seemingly polite tone.
Acutely aware of the danger Three had often been to Alex, he repositioned himself between them. He had also spent the many hours of Alex's unconscious state theorizing the perpetrator behind the attack and Dr. Three was quite close to the top of that list.
"Of course," Dr. Three said amicably. "Quite the luck that boy has...not many can say they've survived having a building dropped on them. It is pleasing how hard he is to kill. Such spirit. Such tenacity..."
Yassen tensed at the comment, ready to strike at a moments notice.
Dr. Three continued, "...but it will be curious how he handles the aftermath. I'm quite content in his ability and that of his security regardless of all his unnecessary attachments. He will make a fine leader."
Yassen kept steady eye contact but did not speak, his body language likely emphasizing his dislike of Dr. Three's presence.
"An eighteenth birthday though. I understand you're rather strict with him but do give him this. Consider it a token of my appreciation." Dr. Three handed over a small wrapped parcel.
"I believe Nile will be returning shortly from another errand and I'd like to catch him before he retires for the night." Giving Alex a curious look. "If his 'attachments' keep him alive, then so be it. Just ensure the feeling isn't mutual. Little Alex dying to save his guards is counterproductive."
With a shrug, Dr. Three took his leave, though before closing the door, whispered conspiratorially, "He does look like John. Uncanny, really. Oh, and you should know: I was finally chatting with the individuals operating the seismic device and they were acting on behalf of an old friend of Alex's. Alan Blunt is incredibly foolish to believe he could kill our Orion with a few poor sniper shots and a mere building."
Dr. Three strolled away with a measured pace, leaving Yassen standing in the doorway stiffly.
At the sound of the door shutting, Alex shifted in his sleep, attempting to feign his slumber. Really, he woken around the derisive comment about his 'attachments' though he couldn't hear his whispered comment and tried to move closer.
"Alex." Of course Yassen would never fall for such a display.
An eye wearily opened. "What did he want?"
"Tomorrow. Now, you sleep."
A mumble in affirmation was all he got before Alex settled back down.
The room went quiet and Yassen notably didn't hear Alex's breathing deepen in his slumber. He hesitated. He should leave. He needed to act of this new intel.
"Don't leave. Please." It was barely above a whisper but Yassen had heard.
Silently he recollected his laptop, resumed his previous spot on the bed, and Alex curled into his side.
Not unused to being a pillow for the teenager, he had permitted this indulgence for Alex.
He recalled that quiet, behaved infant at John's funeral, then remembered that obstinate boy who mouthing off at the sociopath, Sayle. Reviewing the footage from the Hurghada conference, he contemplated his actions against the man that set Alex down this path.
Several hours later, Yassen noticed that while Alex moved to a more comfortable position on his side, he had yet to fall back asleep and paused his typing.
Alex, taking the cue, asked, "Further status update on Saggita?"
Yassen thought about how he wished to respond and dismissed the inquiry. "Sleep."
It wasn't enough and the pause and peculiar tone set off Alex's radar. Alex's eyes snapped open. "No," he gasped. "I need to know. Please."
He went to get up—likely to get his own laptop—and while Yassen was not surprised at his command being ignored, he settled a hand on Alex's shoulder and tried to ignore how easy it was to push Alex back down despite his clear agitation. His mental and physical exhaustion was certainly showing.
He had not wished to discuss this without Alex receiving a full night's sleep. Resigning himself, he set aside the laptop and recited from memory, "Your commander is recovering from a shattered hip and broken rib from sniper rounds. Thomas and Williams are in critical condition. Reid failed to respond to resuscitation attempts and Adams died on impact by shielding you from a fractured metal beam. The remainder of Sagitta are recovering from concussions and other superficial injuries."
Alex paled, processing all the information, and tried again to sit up, this time successful with Yassen's help. All Yassen said before was that they were 'all accounted for'. Tears slid down his faces and the nausea returned. He settled staring at his shaky hands in his lap.
"They did their job admirably so you can do yours."
The highest of praises for his team. Alex nodded at the reminder, but that didn't stop the shaking, or more tears. Alex couldn't remember when it had become okay to cry in front of Yassen but considering the man saw him in far worse states, he couldn't be bothered keeping it together.
Yassen lifted Alex's chin, tipping his head up, and brushed away the tears.
"You're still young and because of them, you are still alive."
When Alex thought of how his coming-of-age would go with his career choice and hadn't envisioned this. However, something still lingered in Yassen's tone.
Alex's expressed hardened. "There's more, isn't there?" More of a statement than a question but Yassen answered nonetheless.
"The operatives managing the seismic device were at MI6's directive. It is suspected that the sniper was hired by MI6 as well. You will need to remain at Malagosto for your recovery."
Blunt.
Yassen watched on as the expressions shifted across Alex's face from sadness to anger to fury and resigned on a cold stare as he looked toward the window next to his bed.
Alex looked back to Yassen to see the simmering fury with a hint of sympathy and nodded in acknowledgement.
"Rest. Heal. We will address the remaining matters tomorrow."
Alex had already defied him once today, he doubted he'd offer the same leniency now and laid down. Dried tear tracks lined his cheeks but his hands no longer shook and his eyes were full of determination.
He looked over and spotted a small unfamiliar wrapped box with a bow. "Is that from Dr. Three?"
"Yes, Alex." He sounded almost exasperated but knowing Alex's stubborn streak, particularly today, he obliged his curiosity and retrieved the gift. Albeit it was a calculated risk—as most things were when Dr. Three was involved—but even now, Alex was more valuable to Dr. Three alive than dead.
Alex opened it to find a small unmarked bottle full of clear liquid and a syringe.
"Is that...?" Alex was hardly sure of what he was asking.
"Dr. Three has supplied you with one of his RTI concoctions. I would assume it is the nerve agent but he would know best."
Blunt. Dr. Three's gift.
The pieces clicked together and yet Alex found it oddly convenient for Blunt to just 'happen upon' the information of his whereabouts. Though he couldn't stop the disgust thinking of Blunt ignoring the massive loss of life he caused and all to get to Alex.
He set the gift and it's contents on his nightstand and curled back against Yassen's side before falling into a surprisingly dreamless sleep.