Chapter Five

Alex couldn't believe that he had to spend the next two months with the three people he had successfully avoided for the past three years. Inside he was fuming, but he showed none of that to his new roommates. Jack had been the only roommate he had ever wanted, but she had been gone four days.

None of the men could match her, and as for Yassen's self-proclaimed daughter, he'd watch her and see what he could find out but she was a part of the organisation that had so coldly murdered Jack.

He hated them. This hatred was stronger than before Jack's death and he swore again that he would bring them down slowly, painfully and in a most humiliating way.

Ditching his now cold coffee on the table he left to collect his clothes and school work from his house in Chelsea, wanting to be alone but unable to get rid of Ben.

"We'll use my car, Alex. I don't think your bike can carry that much."

"I don't need that much Ben."

"Actually Alex, it's because we need to talk."

Alex glanced sideways at Ben, who had on a carefully neutral expression. He could tell that Ben was worried about him; it was something that set him apart from the heads of MI6. Just as he had done on countless missions, Ben was there for him. Alex. Not MI6's toy, Alex.

In a way Ben had the right to ask to talk and Alex was going to oblige him.

They had been driving for a few minutes before Ben began; "K-Unit didn't have a clue who you are, the only thing that they're curious about is the fact that someone so young is in MI6." He paused for a moment, uncomfortable. "As much as I hate to deceive my friends, I don't want them to recognise you. As Cub they might not know about the bullet wounds, but they know he's been in hospital a lot. They've been fed the same line as your school, though they complain bitterly about it. What they don't know is how dangerous Cub's job is or that you're Cub."

"I've successfully avoided them for three years Ben, what makes you think that I'll give in that easily? Pull over here, I need some bits and pieces."
Ben pulled over with a frown on his face. Alex sighed. "I need to get some hair dye. And contacts, but I'll get those from Smithers. Wait here a sec."

So saying, Alex jumped out of the car and ran into boots. He was out again a couple of minutes later carrying a box of dark brown easy dye.

"New look, Alex?" Ben queried.

"If I'm going to be part of the unit when the Brookland students arrive, then they can't recognise me."

"I see." Ben said. "Your guardian died a couple of days ago, didn't she." He paused looking at Alex. "If you ever need anyone, I'm right here."

Alex stared out of the window, trying to hold the tears back. He didn't usually cry over anything but having Ben offer him support after Jack had died, gave him hope. Hope that he was doing the right thing and that people would be there for him when he needed them the most.

"Thanks Ben." Alex choked out, as they arrived in front of the house Alex had shared with Ian and then Jack.

He hoped out as quickly as he could and Ben had the sense to stay put and let Alex sort himself out.

By the time he had collected his belongings, Alex had fully composed himself and his mask was back in place.

Ben didn't say a thing as he took in the young man's face. It was closed off and his eyes looked like a soldiers eyes. But Ben had a suspicion that this spy hadn't bothered to talk or listen to his psychologist. He'd have to change that if he was to be responsible for the teenaged superspy.

The short drive to the flat that they would all be staying in was tense on both sides. As Ben was parking he finally spoke; "K-Unit and 'Ivy' will already have arrived. Can you cook?"

Alex frowned at Ben in a puzzled way as he changed subjects. But nodded at Bens question; "sure."

"Good," Ben replied. "Cause none of us are any good."

Alex smiled at the thought of K-Unit and Ben trying to cook a meal and failing miserably. "That's fine. It gives me something to do."

"Right." Ben looked at Alex anew. What kind of 17 year old boy volunteers to cook? Not a normal one, obviously not a normal one, but when had Alex ever been normal.

Alex, on the other hand, was ignoring Ben as he grabbed his bag and made his way into the apartment. Where he was greeted with the site of four fully grown men attempting to hold a 5ft 3inch, 110pound girl. "Fox! The handcuffs!" One of the jumble cried. Alex burst out laughing.

Fox stalked in behind, grabbed the handcuffs and proceeded to help truss her up. The poor girl probably only wanted a stretch and now she sat there fuming.

Laughing Alex moved down the hall to the room he'd be using. Ben was sharing with 'Ivy', Wolf with Snake and Eagle with Cheetah.
It was nearly time for school, if Alex had Ben drop him off at his bike now - he'd make even if he was half-an-hour late.

He swung around the living room door; "Ben, would you drop me off at the bank?"

"MI6 don't want you at school for the next three weeks, Alex. They've arranged for your tutor to come here.

Alex scowled. "I need my bike anyway, Ben."

Ben sighed and got up. "Straight back here, y'hear me?"

"Crystal, Ben, crystal."