Imagine, if you will, that you have been repeatedly ridiculed and insulted by someone, even if it has been some time since you've last seen said person. What would your reaction be to waking up, disoriented, in their arms? Even more, what would you think if he or she were looking down at you with obvious worry and relief? Would you be likely to yell? To stare at them? To attempt to ascertain the situation? To hit them?

…Okay. Alex may have over-reacted a bit. Well, more than a bit, but… How would you react to having someone six inches from your face upon waking when the last you remembered was being shot?

The point of the matter is Alex was not expecting this (disregarding that you don't expect anything when you think you're dead).

On the other hand, Eagle wasn't expecting the blond teen he was holding up to suddenly punch him in the jaw.

It was through that combination that Alex found himself flat on his back, staring up at a blue sky with a few clouds. He didn't get to enjoy the view for very long before someone else was leaning over him.

"Well, that was certainly a first," Snake murmured, extending a hand to Alex. "How do you feel Cub?"

Alex blinked at him before accepting the Scot's hand. He shook his head slightly once he was upright then he responded. "Surprisingly well, all things considered." That he felt out of his depth was unsaid. He held still for the anticipated check-over but all Snake did was place a hand on the smaller blond's shoulder.

"No ill effects," was Snake's report to Wolf. He lowered his hand again, missing the confused glance Alex gave him, breaking from looking around.

"So what was it?" Fox asked, slipping his hands into his pockets.

Alex turned to him. "What was what?" Regardless of what he may have been expecting, having four highly trained soldiers focus solely on him wasn't it (in fact, it was a little unsettling). The looks of mingled concern and confusion were even less predictable.

"Your vision," Fox clarified.

Alex blinked. "Vision?"

"Yeah," Eagle replied, dropping his hand from his jaw. "You collapsed, remember? …Actually, you probably don't since you were out before you even fell." He shrugged. "So what'd you see?"

Alex just looked at him blankly before shrugging himself. "It was dark. I didn't see anything other than me," he responded warily, going with the truth, even if it was some odd dream.

Wolf frowned. "Regardless, I want you to go lay down."

Alex turned incredulous eyes on the team leader. "What?" he questioned, voice slightly higher from confusion and a little indignation.

Eagle snickered. "Why are you surprised? You know he does this every time."

"Every time? Did I miss a memo or something? What are you on about?" the teen demanded, frowning at each of them.

It was because of this that Alex saw clearly the looks the men exchanged: part-concern and part-wary.

"Okay Cub. Time to go lay down," Fox said, reaching for Alex's arm. He blinked when the teen stepped back and started glaring at the soldiers.

"Don't. Touch me," he fairly growled. "I don't know who the fuck you are and I really don't much care. I'm going to walk away now and you're going to leave me alone."

"Not funny Cub," Eagle stated, serious for the time being.

Alex focused on him. "Stop calling me that. You've no right to it."

"Hang on C–" At the dark look from the teen, Fox chose to cut himself off. "Do you really not recognize us?"

Alex snorted, lips twisting wryly. He was tempted to cross his arms, but considering the unknown situation, he didn't want to risk having his hands unavailable. "Nice try. While I will commend you for looking like them, your ruse fails simply for not acting like them."

Wolf glanced at Snake. "Amnesia?"

"It's possible."

Alex scowled at them, unable to get past the circle of men surrounding him. He inhaled sharply when a hand settled on his shoulder – the imposter Fox's if he remembered correctly. Scant seconds after, Alex had grabbed the wrist, thrust his other elbow into the man's gut, and twisted his upper body as he lowered himself into a crouch. A thud and pained 'oof!' of expelled breath was the result.

He hardly paid any thought to the three gaping men while he spun on a heel and sprinted away. It was only through peripheral awareness that he noticed all of the other soldiers scattered around the… base? he was located.

Alex hadn't made it far when a distinctly larger body slammed into him, forcing him to the ground. He growled softly rather than yell and tried to twist around to hit his captor.

Wolf. Figures.

Even with as hard as he fought, Wolf stayed surprisingly gentle in restraining him. He twisted the teen's arms back as he stood, pulling the blond up at the same time.

Snake approached, dodging a kick from the near-fifteen-year-old, and caught his chin in a firm, but not harsh, grip.

Alex snarled obscenities at the men, trailing off as his eyes met the Scot's. His movements slowed then ceased.

Why can't I do anything? What is he doing to me? Why aren't I reacting?

Alex just stared into gray eyes that seemed to swirl into quicksilver, drawing away his strength to fight and the panic he felt. His legs gave out and he hung limp in Wolf's arms.

"It's alright Cub," Snake murmured, voice low and hypnotic. "You're going to sleep now. When you wake up, everything will be fine"

Alex blinked slowly, body feeling heavy. Even as the world faded, he couldn't look away from Snake's calm eyes.

"Good night Cub."