DISCLAIMER: Though Season Four is coming I still can't own them!! Anyway, don't sue because… that's bad, ok? I-do-not-own-Alias.

CHAPTER NINE

She still trembled from her cry as she tried to keep her mind from fighting back Alex' whisper. His hands held her firmly; he wanted to make her understand. Both crying in despair, they tried to comprehend. His rhetoric finally ended, loosing his hold. He closed his arms around her, trying to make her feel what he really meant.

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"And that was a weird dream," she sighed.

"So that's what bothers you."

"Yes, and it felt so real. But when I woke up, it seemed that it didn't happen."

"You might just be suffering from visions of your distress. I was informed you just had a therapy which brought your tragic memories back."

"Maybe."

"Did you really have him investigated?"

"Yes."

"Then that must be another. I think that you're having him investigated against your will. That you dreamt of the result you never wanted to know."

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Stepping out of the room, she continued wondering why could she have dreamt of it. Of all the issues she could see in her sleeping, why involve her husband in The Covenant? An idea finally came to her and she approached someone before its too late.

"Ada!" she called as she tried to catch up with a friend analyst that she asked about the investigation two days ago. If she could just tell her they haven't talked to each other especially last night in the agency, then she would be relieved. But it was too late, she already boarded her car then rolled off immediately.

She pushed the door again. This time she entered finally spotting her husband. He just closed the door at Gustav's office then waved at her to come.

"I got the footage from Marshall. You better watch it later."

"Yeah." She answered then gazed at him.

"What's the problem?" Clio looked away then nodded towards the exit. Alex followed.

"I need to know something. About last night," she started as she led him behind one of the parking posts. "When I woke up, I can't remember anything significant. And… did we fight?"

"No," he answered worriedly. "What happened? Are you dreaming things again?"

"Yeah. I already came to the psychologist and she-"

"What did she say?" he cut off. She thought if she needed to tell him about the investigation.

"That I might just be suffering from the therapy's side effects," she said. "Have you noticed Ada earlier this morning? I tried to talk to her but she seemed such in a hurry."

"No. I was locked up at Pavel's office the whole morning. Do you have an important business with her?"

"None," she replied shaking her head. "Come on, let's get inside."

She walked ahead and Alex remained standing at the parking hall. He watched Clio walk away then thought if the therapy he performed that night did have an effect on her or she's just mocking it. If it had, the only problem left would be her, if in terms, she didn't understand. But she's already taken care of.

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"I received information about FSBs moving in to the CIA," Pavel Gustav informed. The two were just being interrupted.

"What? They're leaving our side?" Alex asked surprised.

"No, of course, I'll get them executed myself if they were. They took over for the meantime. And also because the assigned heads of the NSC and FSB are both gone, Nathan Mannheim and Alexei Tsakinov."

"We didn't know that."

"Well, fortunately for you, you can now roam inside the rotunda. And, you won't need to worry more about the CIA."

"'Depends whose in charge," Alex answered but he was not interested.

"Reyes," Clio whispered to herself. "Who's in charge anyway?"

"Oh, yeah. You remember an elite 'Col. Sokolov'? He's in charge."

"Of course," she replied but regretting that it wasn't Reyes. Reyes is lost, she thought, he might just be as good.

"You have free access on whichever system you'll need, just make sure everything's right to your assignment, alright? And always inform Sokolov with whatever you do."

"I want a meeting with the colonel," Alex told him.

"I'll arrange one," he assured.

"Thanks."

"I guess I'll leave you two back to your business," he smiled then left.

"'Very thoughtful," Clio smiled back as Alex said nothing pushing his glasses up. Pavel left, and as soon he's back in his office, the two got back. "Almost done."

"Marshall said he only got a piece. I hope it's enough. Even just to make you see she's alright," he patted her on the back. They waited and when the process reached the hundredth percent, the downlink got rolling.

The figure was not running, or rather, is capable of. It limped and not very long from doing so, it collapsed. She can't be dead. Clio thought. Alex did the favor of zooming in to the screen. She's breathing, even speaking. But she stopped. She isn't moving now. Clio clasped her hands on her mouth when Alex tried to zoom clearer. The snow, the snow's supposed to be white. She's losing too much blood, she calculated. Soon, a chopper roamed almost blocking the satellite's record of the scene. They saw a figure jumping off to the ground, running quickly to Reyes. It took ten seconds to get her to the chopper and finally, they left. Clio was relieved, that she found out that she had been taken care of.

"Get back twelve seconds," she asked Alex. He rewinds the footage. "Slow it down, please."

The picture rolled perfectly slowly, for her to catch up every detail. The man that jumped to rescue her was holding her. She wondered- if what connection he has with her, if somehow he could be inquired. A plan of asking the man was instantly formed in her head, or rather, to answer the intrigue that she perceived. Then unexpectedly-

"Capture that picture," she told Alex as the man's face finally appeared clearly. It was enhanced and finally, it became clearer to be recognized.

"Sokolov," Alex recognized. Clio glanced at him in a different expression. "I know."

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Their car squealed across the hall in hurry. They just lied to Gustav about asking Sokolov for a server access to the senatorial computer system. They finally left the FSB compound. The roads became familiar then she recognized the right path. They parked in the CIA, and then entered their assigned code. The entrance opened.

"It's a bit different," Clio whispered to Alex. He nodded; he was worrying about something else. They walked discreetly but they couldn't just be ignored. Soon, people would smile at them and so would they. "I never thought-"

"Agents Liun," a voice called from behind. He stood there, his black robe standing out in contrast to the hall's electric green scheme. His eyes, lighter blue than Clio's, watched them. "I hope you're not being mistreated."

"No, of course not. Col. Sokolov," they greeted shaking hands with him.

"My team will be here. I'll introduce them to you," he informed. They paused for a moment, his stare still observing. His eyes suddenly reflected something. "Your intentions. I see it's very unprofessional."

"I-I want to ask you about something very important." Clio answered, as the colonel startled her.

"You already know that it is classified."

"I understand you're trying to protect your orders, so there's no need to talk to us about the terms. Unless…" Clio halted as she returned the stare. There was nothing to deny, 'so this is the man. But he's deffierent from what I expect'. They were just getting started and it seemed not a good impression. "What more can you foretell?"

"That I cannot entertain such questions."

"Col. Sokolov, if you don't find our presence being able to be accommodated, maybe we can find some other time to deal with," Alex continued. Sokolov blinked, he wasn't measuring, nor was he being ignorant.

"Come in some other time. Please." He turned away then disappeared.

"Maybe we had the wrong entrance," Alex muttered to Clio.

"Well I'm pretty sure we passed through the right hall."

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She crept across the white sheaths then bounced on the soft surface. The day had just ended and so Clio was thankful that it was a less stressful day. Alex took off his shoes and glasses and soon was lying on the opposite end.

"Pray for me," she told him.

"What about? Those dreams?" She nodded. "I will."

They closed their eyes but she couldn't rest her mind. Clio wished the day would already break that the next day would be most important.

"I think you'll need not to go to the agency for this day. Have a break. I'll be back in the CIA for a real purpose," he told Clio as he tried to button up his shirt. Clio saw his awkward reflexes. She helped him with the buttons.

"Why? There's so much to do…" her voice faded as he watched her closely. Clio paused. She quietly took notice of his cut across his abdomen. It looked better before, she thought. And she never remembered that he did something to cause it to open again. "I'll get your coat. I'll stay here because you said so."

Clio sat absorbed on her bed. She remembered in her dream about their fight. She kicked him on his stomach. But it didn't happen, she thought. She pulled her suitcase on the bed and opened it. She opened her laptop then pause. There was great hesitation; her fingers won't hit the keys. Finally she decided to. The screen flashed a spot of moving figure.

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"Marshall," Alex greeted. The agent's eyes widened and cared to shake Alex' arm so vigorously.

"Good to have you here, Agent Liun. Are you with those 'men-in-black'?"

"No, I'm here to talk with their leader."

"Oh, Col. Sokolov. He just left already," he smiled awkwardly. Alex didn't even seem surprised. He rubbed his eyes.

"All these men with him look so busy, specially last night."

"I guess he'll be back tomorrow. I'll be here then."

"Well, ok. Oh wait!" he called to Alex as he already turned away. Marshall ran to him but he disappeared already. "You forgot your glasses."

----------

Clio watched carefully, monitoring that his signal won't come off or leave the compound of the CIA. She knew that he would never appreciate how she was monitoring his moves but she couldn't think of anything else. But considering, she too is tagged with one. She clutched her necklace. Suddenly, her phone vibrated.

"They said Sokolov's going to be back by night. I'm just going to stay here for a while."

"Alright. Just be back by dinner. I'll try to cook."

"Of course. But I'll drop by at the FSB before I get home," the call ended. He tried to cover all the noises of the propellers. He only has 9 hours before he should be back at Los Angles. He wasted no time and walked towards the plane.

----------

"You're late."

"I know." He stepped closer at the smoke. "I haven't got all day. Why did you call for me?"

"I'm pretty sure you are aware that he's dead," he assumed. He stomped on the cigarette butt. "I forgot your asthma."

"You need not to get compassionate," he replied.

"We should be more careful, after that he's been killed- being deceived, that shouldn't happen to us. You know what I'm talking about, do--?" his sentence was cut as Alex gave a sharper look. "And besides, we'd be working directly hand in hand now. We should get comfortable with both our presence."

"I already know he's dead, I still have one of the tracking device." He raised his hand as to push his glasses up. He forgot that he left it at the CIA. "I also am aware of my responsibilities."

"You seem such in a hurry, try to relax for a while."

"If you're done, I'm leaving," he turned away. He got back to his car and started the engine. One last glance at his appointment, the man waved. He rolled off irritably.

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The door closed gently and Clio approached the hall while wiping her hands. Alex stood on the doormat dripping in wetness.

"Hi, I'm late," he straightened up, his hair fell on his forehead untidily as his glasses dripped too in wetness; Clio laughed at him. The rain was falling heavily. She took off his drenched coat.

"I'll get you a towel, try not to wet the whole hall, alright?"

The atmosphere inside the house was floating with the appetizing aroma of the pasta's sauce. Alex came back changed and sat down on the couch, holding his cello upright. Clio listened carefully as Liun played a Roman piece Me Mancherai (IL Postino), one of her favorites. As the acoustics stirred the house, Clio closed her eyes, humming the vocal part. She remembered Irina singing and she smiled. She was drawn to the music that suddenly she was bothered with Alex' mood while he played. He never played that again since Nikolas' funeral. She turned off the stove then peeked on her husband. His hand slipped on one of the strings and the bow snapped.

"I'm hungry," Clio interrupted and Alex opened his eyes, her graceful smile greeted him. He placed the cello aside and joined Clio to dinner.

"How was Sokolov?"

"He didn't make it tonight. He's back in Russia." He rolled in his fork his first pasta and took it. Clio watched him waiting for his comment; her dark blue eyes eagerly expecting. "You're doing great."

"Well, thank you. I cooked it this time as you told me to. I'll never learn cooking myself," she smiled warmly. He looked away- he became more intimidated. That night was supposed to be a special one. He placed down his glass and sighed.

"Clio-" he called. Her brows raised, she waited. "I- I need you to listen carefully. About the other day, I don't know how to tell you but…

Clio stared at him; her eyes reflected again interest. He felt the churn in his stomach; he tried to put the right words.

"I filed a proposal for your withdrawal in this mission."

"Alex," she answered perplexedly. "…But what for? Why?"

"I don't think you're coping with this. After the therapy-"

"I'm alright, Alex."

"No you're not."

"I understand you're worried." Alex kept silent. "Why did you think I got back here in this life? It's because the country needs our service."

"That's exactly my point. They're forcing you to do this and I can say it's all against to your decision. Clio, they even gave me-"

"In case I find our marriage fraudulent, they included an annulment agreement, I know. I am not signing the papers."

"I agreed," Alex replied suddenly. "I said in the proposal that if you'll be drawn back from this mission, I'll agree on signing the annulment."

She was confused at Alex intentions. She took her glass and drank up straight the red wine. She glanced back at him, the graceful reflection in her eyes fading. In return, a pained look shot him.

"Are you giving up on this relationship?"

"No."

"Then I'm telling you myself that there is no reason for me to sign those papers." Her calmness eased Alex' fear. "It's just a paper, honey. My country is more important than that paper. And you are most important."

Alex reached across for her hand and she smiled charmingly.

"Happy anniversary." She greeted. He held her hand closer, affection bonding them. The dinner passed as they laughed at a few stories and shared their missed experiences. Alex would play a piece in the cello, as Clio would presume how to play it back in the violin. Clio suddenly felt something vibrate in her pocket. "Hello?"

"…"

"Hello? Who is this?" Alex looked up at Clio's tone. "If you're not answering, I'll-"

"Agent Ilinova. It's Col. Sokolov." Clio's thoughts swarmed in her mind. She could predict something was wrong. She excused herself for a while and went out at the foyer.

"What can I do for you, Colonel?"

"May I speak with you tonight?" he asked but his voice was seemingly pleading. Clio felt obliged, she glanced back at Alex. "…She's been assassinated. She's dead."

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The time already dropped at midnight but the rain still fell unbearably that the stillness of the dark is no more audible. The brightness of the streetlights dissolved in the downpour of the water from the sky. Beside the bench, he stood there unnoticeably, waiting for something in the sky. His coat was so heavy in wetness. The headlights of the car hit his figure and finally he dropped his stare from the dark sky. The lightness of blue in his eyes is no more distinct with hers as the grief both clouded them. She approached with the umbrella.

"Take a shade colonel." She spoke, her hand reaching out with another umbrella. "We need to talk, you called me. You need to get out of the rain."

"May I?" He took Clio's umbrella instead and closed it. Clio was soon drenching in the rain. "Mika loves the rain."

"She loves the rain," she repeated as the name he called her resounded.

"I told you and your husband to go back the other day because she was about to arrive. I didn't want her to see you."

"Whatever your reason is, I find it offending." She answered looking up too in the sky.

"This morning she was assassinated. It was like she just came by to say goodbye, to everyone."

She closed her eyes in disbelief, she wanted to look at him and tell him she was so sorry.

"How do you feel now colonel?" she tried to reach out as she kept her voice from trembling.

"I don't know."

Clio opened the other umbrella and shaded Sokolov. She couldn't stand holding back her emotions, and so her eyes are now visible from crying.

"I'm sure she won't stand seeing you drowning yourself in the rain."

"I think so too," he whispered but did not look down at Clio. She took back her umbrella and gave the open one to him.

"I appreciate the information. I'll see you soon again." She saluted and Sokolov saluted back. Back in her car, she couldn't help but pour out. She finally turned the engine on and boarded home.

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"I've informed the officer. Now tell me where she is."

"I told you, Zoran. It's over. She's gone."

"You can never convince me with this cover. Why do you hide her?!."

"Zoran, we're all mourning this death. Don't close yourself with your own assumptions."

"This is no longer about my job. I am talking about the woman I--. I'm telling you, no one can stop me to look for her."

"I order you officer to watch yourself. You might still want to keep your feet on the ground."

The voice finally boomed and it snapped him back to himself. He just realized to whom he's talking.

"I'm sorry sir. I ask permission to end the call."

"You better should. Report to the CIA tomorrow."

"Yes sir."

He ended the call and threw the phone to the darkness. He waited for fifteen seconds, and soon, the phone turned off. The wind blew and the umbrella was blown off from his hand.

(A/N: Yoh! What are your resolutions for this coming year? I wish you'd include 'I will never ever wear pink again' because I won't. So hard it is, I've been forced to for this whole Christmas break! Iiiiyaaak! Watashi wa anata ashiteru go!!!—I hope that's right.)