DISCLAIMER: …So dizzy is me. The Holiday got me stuck. Don't kill me for not uploading earlier. I'm suffocating, so is my asthma on due. I didn't die though because I still had to lots of shopping. But for you, I cannot buy Alias and its characters. I won't own them, not until New Year or the next holidays. Here's two chappies for you.

CHAPTER EIGHT

He listened quietly to her heavy breathing indicating that she was still deeply sleeping. She was lying there so closely to him that the tip of his nose was touching the bone of her nose and her warm breath blowing on his chin gently. He stayed lying there as he could while she still sleeps; the air he takes was all of her faint scent.

His pen was stroking smoothly across the surface despite that he couldn't see clearly. He slipped the paper inside the envelope and prepared to leave. He put on his coat then glanced at her while she still lay there. He checked his watch, 10 o'clock. He closed the door silently then boarded his car.

He paused at the façade of the building. He glanced at the traffic surveillance camera that had been secretly patched by the FSB station. He raised the letter then slid it inside the mailbox. His phone vibrated at the call.

"Standby for confirmation." And an undercover man collected the mail inside the box. "We'll call you back in 2 hours."

He drove back to the apartment. He noticed Clio as she roamed around the living room. He predicted that she just woke up and so he quietly closed the door. Clio's gun was already pointing at him.

"Who gave you the car?" she asked drawing back the gun.

"Someone from the station dropped by at 6. You were still sleeping."

"The station? I haven't heard from them."

"They sent you an e-mail but you were already asleep. Check your computer." She sat back on the couch and worked with her laptop. "We have a meeting with Dixon at 1. He said he wants to help with Reyes. Jack will come along."

Clio halted. She paused at reading then turned to Alex.

"She could be dead," she told him calmly. Her head dropped slightly down staring at the screen. "This report can't be true."

Alex read the screen. Reyes had been reportedly in a secret meeting with someone in Siberia and there had been an encounter. But she escaped and could possibly be deadly wounded; the FSB can't still track her down. He glanced back at Clio.

"I'll arrange the meeting to get earlier. Then we can look for her."

"I should've looked for her last night," she mentioned walking back to the bedroom to get changed. Alex regretfully took his phone to call Dixon. He agreed to meet them earlier. They drove quickly to the place- a structured building in an industrial park. They hurriedly climbed the stairs and found Dixon and Jack near the ledge, waiting.

"How is she?" Jack greeted.

"We still don't know. Nobody knows." Clio replied still catching her breath.

"I'd ask Marshall to have a footage on the area. Where was the location anyway?" Dixon asked.

"She was at Siberia. At a secret meeting," Alex informed. Jack glanced at Clio but she wasn't looking. "I know it's very incoherent, but we would like to ask if you know why the meeting was set. If you have intel that even the FSB doesn't know. Don't worry, we are authorized."

"Their orders came from the Russian President," Dixon informed Jack. "We don't have such information concerning your agent, she's already pulled out of the CIA. And the only one we know about is, rather, too classified. I suggest that we have another lead."

"I understand but we would just like to have necessary information." Clio clarified.

"I remember someone calling her during the private meeting after the conference. She seemed so absorbed after then. Why don't you trace her calls?" Jack suggested.

"We will," Clio replied. "As for now, we will try to look on for her. If there's something that you would like to help on, we thank you for them. Please just contact us. We need to leave now."

"Agent Ilinova," Jack called as they turned to leave. Her attention was quickly drawn back from the name she isn't used to any longer. "May I speak with you?"

Alex and Dixon went ahead. Clio and Jack were left at the building.

"How are you?" she asked but Jack never answered. He obviously has something very important. "What can I help you?"

"I need to see Irina." He told her.

"I understand. I want to see her, too," she sighed. "I've been trying to contact her but none of her downlinks had been active."

"I'm asking you so I can be with-" he cut off. He thought he was opening too much.

"Jack, I understand, I told you," she answered. But she thought it was too reckless. "You know that she's already being tracked by the NSC and if you will ever try to see her again, they will take you, too. And that won't help you on your search for Sydney. You need to stay in the agency."

Jack silenced for a while at Clio's same thoughts. But it was torturing him, to find out that his daughter is allegedly gone and his wife hiding because of the same tragic reason.

"I've been protecting her as a father I could be. I can't move on believing Syd's dead," he told her. Clio was wrapped with almost the same grief. "And I need my wife now."

"I'm sorry," she lowered her voice. "I know you have your own reasons but I also have mine. You're just too messed up; you need to think about it again. But, Jack, I'm here to help you anyways. Try to think of yourself, too. I believe the right time will come, I'm sure Irina needs you the same."

Their own comforting thoughts were inaudible but they could feel the caring. Clio was giving Jack time to consider. He turned his look away then walked nearer the ledge.

"When they left again, I lost myself. I know I will never be able to get it back- my family…" he whispered.

Clio hugged him, as she never had attempted. She mentioned of moving on. They walked on separate ways and boarded separately. Alex watching them from the car, he saw how hard it was for both of them. He drove nearer to Clio as she approached.

"I'd like to watch the sunset at the port while we wait for orders," Alex broke out after a long silence. They've just called for a proposal to the FSB to leave to track Reyes. Clio couldn't help but smile. "According to studies, the sunset's dramatic effect helps troubled minds. Would you come with me?"

"If you don't mind my still being preoccupied as you dramatically watch the sunset attempting to divert me, yes," she laughed gracefully. "I know your efforts, if I can't make you notice, that I appreciate all your concerns."

"I'm your husband," he replied smiling warmer. Clio reached in her coat's pocket then handed Alex a rectangle box. He opened and found new glasses.

"I need you, Alex," she whispered, in his ear "Yeah, that's what I called you."

He couldn't just be moved by anything more than what he heard from Clio and much more, she never called her that since she got back to the agency. He tried to get back to driving. Still reminiscing, a phone rang.

"Yes?"

"Agent Ilinova. I order that you don't attempt to go back here in Russia. I strictly prohibit your presence in the country. Both of you must stay there, do you understand?" Alex noticed immediately Clio's reaction as she rubbed against between her eyebrows. Clio answered back.

"Yes Mr. President. We copy."

"I expect your reports about your investigation on the Covenant. Report to the FSB today," the voice continued. She was somehow relieved he called; she remembered that her purpose was to investigate about The Covenant.

"We'll be there in hours. …Thank you, sir." The call ended. "We don't need to look for her. We won't be."

"Did the president call?" She silently nodded in disappointment. "Then he may be right."

"Please still drive to the port," she added. "You said it helps."

The streetlights were already bright in the dark while the secret block had no streetlights. The car parked in and they entered the unfamiliar building.

"Hey," she greeted as she found the assistant director of the HQ in the hallway waiting for them. "How's this station?"

"Well, they assigned me here to help. I'm the head. He called to inform you about things," he preceded to the conference room as the two followed. "Did Agent Dixon tell you about anything?"

"No, but Jack did."

"Jack?"

"Agent Bristow," Alex added. He glanced at Clio warning her not to mention about their pursuit for Reyes. "Something that the presidents had a private meeting."

"Well that's very irrelevant. What did he really say?" he insisted. "Clio, Alex. Whatever's in your heads, I may turn them to the president. Is it forbidden or something very important."

"We have contact, sir," an agent informed.

The whole hall was alarmed at the call. Everyone speeded off to the technical area and Clio and Alex were left. He activated the EMP.

"Are you really decided to look for Reyes? Clio?"

"I should, you know that. When I was gone, you looked for me, right? Through her help; she might just need my help now."

"Then if we should tell Gustav, we better assure he will help."

"Clio! Alex!" Gustav called interrupting them. He waved them in. They went through the crowd and finally reached the center. "Guess who's on line."

Handel4Me: I'm back here in Russia. I assure that everything is all right there. Do you have reports concerning the CIA?

BSFAl:: We have here someone who can tell you that.

"Get on it." Gustav told Clio. She did not make haste.

"I want to register separately," she told the operative on the computer. She took the seat beside him.

BSFAL: Stand by

Mozart182: Irina, how is your status? Where are you now?

Handel4Me: I'm doing fine. Hiding somewhere here in the east. I see you're back.

Mozart182: Got back a week ago by the president. Do you need help?

Handel4Me: No. Just checking things.

Mozart182: I already did for you.

Handel4Me: Thanks. I'm sorry I have to go.

Mozart182: Just give a call then whenever you're in need.

Handle4Me: I will.

The line was saved in the system. The employees scattered away as Irina's transmission was off. Clio secretly thought for a while, if Irina got the codes. Alex whispered something on her ear that Gustav caught suspiciously. He stood up, and then asked Alex to come with him in the conference room.

"I see you've been getting along," he told him. "The first time I saw her again after she had the decision, she still grieved her superior's death. I thought she could never recover."

"What was it?" he answered back being annoyed. He smiled meaningfully.

"I recruited you, I know you better. I got your," he informed him. He reached for the folder then handed it to Alex, "…letter. I've been having it being considered by the president. Alex, you do know the-"

"Yes, of course I already do." His voice was firm. Gustav looked at him closely.

"You kids are very different. And so I've already thought you're the same, but you're not. And you are aware of that. She has her limits and you-"

"I need to leave. I know the agreement." He stormed out of the room. He clutched the folder on his hand as he approached Clio. She turned away from talking to an employee then bade her off.

"Jack."

"Who's this?"

"Ilinova. I got a link. I can't tell you here so I sent it to your e-mail."

"Wait. Here it is. Are you sure it's her?"

"Yes. I told her to call me and she did deciphering my code. She did ask how you are. …Jack?"

"I'm here. Thank you."

"It's nothing. Use my ID. I'm ending this now so you can get to her. Jack, you take care of her."

"Yeah."

He placed back his phone in his coat's pocket. He turned the engine on then rested his hand on the steering wheel; glancing at his suitcase. He pushed the hand break then rolled off.

"Hi," she greeted so Alex would notice her. He stood at the middle of the living room, couches pushed away; performing his Tai chi. She sat at the nearest one; dressed at the same white uniform Alex wore.

"Hi. You would like to join?" he invited, calmly turning from a pose. She stood beside him then synchronized with his steps.

"You're better than before," she commented as they stepped forward together. "You didn't tell me you've been training since you were young."

He paused then missed the last turn. Exactly, Clio's turn met with his standing form; they were facing each other. Clio stood as still, measuring if he got what she said.

"Where did you know that?" he asked.

"You underwent Project Christmas."

"Clio, how-"

"I found out, you've been passing the intel all those times we were in the CIA to a third party. To Lhuzikov." She stood back straight and Liun did as well as assuring she won't attack. "I asked you before if you have your own endgame."

"And I'm telling you I still have none."

"It's a dead end. If this night won't be your confessing moment, I'm going to have it to the FSB." She waited. Alex' eyes were hidden by his glasses' glare, she retired from waiting then turned away.

"Clio, wait," he called touching her by the shoulder. She instinctively grabbed his arm, stepped closer then threw him to the ground. Clio pinned him by her knee on his chest. She still held him by the hand, twisting it to the right.

"How could you do this to me you didn't even think of it!?!"

His head was so shocked at the moment and he couldn't understand at the instance. His glasses were also thrown far away and he cried in pain, as she held tighter. He tried to clear his blurred vision of her form leaning away. He didn't understand, until he felt warmth falling on his arm. She quickly wiped them away and so Alex had the chance to get up.

His left hand grabbed her right shoulder then pulled her down beside him on the floor. He leaned his arm down her neck.

"Listen, stop this or you'll hurt yourself!"

Clio fought back and kicked herself free. She stood up and charged towards him, giving him consecutive attacks, never stopping until he was trapped, stepping backward and ending on leaning to the wall. He caught her by the fist then turned her around, wrapping her own arms around her; she was locked. She struggled at his hold.

"Let me go!" she breathed furiously. She waited, he had no choice but to let her when she suddenly pinned him back. Her full weight was leaning on him against the wall. He almost choked on the pressure.

"You were lying, every single thing you told me!!!" She leaned closer. He was deprived with air. "I trusted you!"

He managed to somehow push her away but she kicked him back to the wall. His back hit the surface hard, making him kneel on weakness. They both breathed in exhaustion. Clio was never more furious than ever she could be, making her lose her strength quickly. She tried to keep calm, but when she looked at him, she couldn't help but hate it. Not him, but what he did.

She collapsed on the floor, recklessly trying to push up again. Alex approached, his knees still on the floor. He dropped next to her, breathing as heavily as Clio. Her gasping turned into a sob. She couldn't believe anything else but that the man she trusted betrayed her. There was no more strength to struggle in his hold and her crying poured out all of her. He held her closely in comfort and Clio finally let go. He hushed her then her voice finally slacked down.

 Handel4Me : Yes, I know. How long have you been trying to look for her?

Mozart182: Right after the funeral.

This morning.

 Handel4Me : I'm sorry Jack. I really wasn't able to make it. How was it?

Mozart182: Nothing more solemn I could think of.

 Handel4Me : You mean you're aggrieved. Jack, we both know she's just there. We'll find her.

Mozart182: Get back. Irina, I can if you want to.

 Handel4Me : This is not the right time. It'll be too reckless.

Mozart182: Clio told me that, I mustn't just come to find you there.

 Handel4Me : She was right. This could also be help. I'll be working on it here, too.

Mozart182: I would understand more if you were here.

Mozart182: Irina?

 Handel4Me : It's hard for me to be away, you know that. If I could just be there and we'll both be safe, why won't I choose that? I'll be there soon, I promise.

Mozart182: I'll wait.

 Handel4Me : We should, Jack. I should go now.

Mozart182: We'll see each other soon.

 Handel4Me : Yes. Keep always in touch.

The user Handel4Me has signed out.

The user Mozart182 has signed out.

(A/N: By the way, I'm an Irina-Jack shipper. I love Sydney but mostly as a daughter. Really, Alias has affected my life in every aspect as it has affected yours adapted from Jack's line. Very well. Just tell me to stop when it's too boring, all right? All I intend as a writer is give you entertainment. Thanks for reviews special people! Special mention to derevkobristow-spawn (I'll miss the complication of our lives, tsk tsk. Sorry I did not make it to give my gift to you) roterkreuz (panget!!), bloody-pudding (haha! Wahaha!) and morbid-shish-kabob (I hope you'll enjoy my fic!).)