Disclaimer: I don't own nothing save the OC'sso don't sue, its all the property of CBS and whatnot.
Chapter 4: A Parting of Ways
Charlie heaved a small sigh as he rubbed his eyes wearily, he had temporarily banished his self tormenting thought to the deepest recessing of his mind. A loud snore to his right made him realize that Julio was still out like a light. Christian was sitting in a seat near the back of the plane, listening to his ipod. The two government agents escorting them back to the States were lounging in chairs near the cockpit, talking quietly amongst themselves when one of them got up to have a word with the Pilot. Charlie heaved a sigh, the plan was simple, they'd stop in New York first, Christian would be getting off at Kennedy International airport, then they'd stop and Arizona, Julio was getting off at Phoenix Sky Harbor International, and finally himself, he'd be getting off at the LAX international airport. The agent came back and walked past Charlie to Julio, still off in dreamland, head falling back against the side of his chair, mouth hanging open. The agent reached out to shake the sleeping man's shoulder when Julio sprang awake suddenly and gripped the other man's wrist.
" Don't really need a wake up call hermano, but thanks for the gesture. The Latino smirked as he let go if the agent's wrist.
" No problem. Said the Agent with a small smirk of his own before he went back to his seat.
Julio turned his gaze to Charlie and gave his leader a dazzling smile, which Charlie returned, if only half heartedly.
" We'll be reaching your stop in twenty minutes. Called Pilot.
" It'll be great to be home after three freakin long months man. Said Julio as he stretched leisurely. Banishing the last tendrils of sleep, he then brought his attention back to Charlie.
" Hey Chuck, what are you gonna do when you get home? He asked quietly as he got up and walked over to the man he was addressing, leaning against the leather seat as he waited for an answer.
" I'll know once I get there but, to be honest, I don't. Sighed Charlie, noticing that Christian had silently joined them. Julio and Christian stared intently at their leader before the pilots voice rang through the air.
" I suggest you guys take a seats and buckle up, were landing. Came the mechanized voice. Julio and Christian complied with the announcement and went back to their seats, Christian feeling a thrill of joy when he saw his beloved New York smiling up at him.
The small aircraft slowly descended from the heavens, making a smooth landing on the runway. Slowly, the plane eased to a stop, Charlie could already see the familiar black SUV making it way towards them. The three men unbuckled their seatbelts and met at the center of the plane to bid Christian farewell. Julio gave Christian a big bear hug and a playful punch to the gut. Charlie hugged him as well, before Christian pulled away, he whispered in Charlie's ear.
" How do you do it Charlie, how do you deal with what we do? He asked. Charlie felt a small burn behind his eyes and a sad smile grace his face before he whispered back.
" How many times are you going to ask me that question?
" I'll ask as many times as needed to be asked. Answered Christian as they pulled away and headed for the door, he paused a moment and turned around to smile at them.
" Take care of yourselves. He said before disappearing into the sunlight. Charlie and Julio lingered in their staring a moment before heading back to their seats, they'd have to wait for the plane to refuel and make sure everything was okay.
Half an hour later, they were taking off once more, this time heading for Phoenix, Arizona, home of Mojave. When they were safely in the air, Charlie and Julio set about passing time, they had a time to spare. Julio shuffled the deck of playing cards and dealt out the hands. Maybe toady would be his lucky day and finally, at long last he could beat Charlie at a hand of cards.
" I am gonna beat you man. Grinned Julio.
" You can try heramano, you can try. Smirked Charlie as he looked the hand dealt to him. An hour later, Julio looked to be on the verge of tears as Charlie showed the winning hand for the seventh time in a row.
" My friend, I will beat you one of these days. Drawled Julio as he slammed his losing hand onto the table.
" When hell freezes over my friend, I am a master of probability. Smirked Charlie as he watched his friends defeated demeanor.
" Cheer up, there still hope. Said Charlie, a hint of mocking in his amused tone. Julio glared at him, and Charlie stared back, the next second the two of them burst into a fit of chuckles.
" Gentlemen fasten your seat belt we've reached Mr. Vargas's drop off point. Said One of the Agents quietly.
Charlie heaved a small sigh as he returned to his seat and Julio to his. The plane lazily descended from the heavens once more, the red Arizona landscape presented itself to them, much to a very ecstatic Julio Vargas, thrill to see the red desert sand of his home once more. The plane landed smoothly and the bell went off for them to take off their seatbelts. Now came the part Julio had always dreaded the most whenever they'd be returning from a mission, having to leave his leader with a lonely ride home. Vargas picked up his duffle bag and headed towards Charlie, who met him halfway and pulled him into a brotherly embrace.
" Take care of yourself Ghost, may Saint Maria watch over you always. Whispered Julio, feeling Charlie give a weal chuckle.
" Dude, I'm Jewish remember? Said Charlie as they pulled away.
" Don't matter what you are man, I'll pray for you non the less. Said Julio, his voice taking on a slightly gruff edge.
" Take care of yourself. Said Charlie as Julio walked towards the door.
" You do the same. Said Julio before the late afternoon sun swallowed him up.
Charlie let his gaze linger on the door a moment before returning to his seat, it would be twenty minutes before they would take off for California. In his seat, Charlie began scribbling equations onto a notepad head fished out of his duffle, trying to occupy his mind with what he knew best, math. But deep down, his terror at finally getting home and facing those he loved was grumbling hungrily and steadily. And then his silent dread grew as the plane entered the heavens once more, heading for LAX and an unknown a reunion that was both longed for and loathed at the same time.
" I better call Bob. Thought Charlie. He pulled out his cell and dialed a number.