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For the first time in what seemed like forever Alicia had a second to just breathe. She reclined back in the medical chair, staring blankly at the off-white ceiling above her. The smell of alcohol and just plain doctor's office lingered in the sanitized room. Her wrists rested in the halfmoon of open restraints, legs dangling between the slight spread padding of where they were a few hours ago. Despite the fact she'd undergone some Amanda inspired surgery in the room a day before, it was oddly comfortable.

After standing on the other side of the glass wall and watching as she had her ribs readjusted so they wouldn't heal unattractively, Michael had wasted no time in debriefing her. Alicia hadn't been surprised to find Division had a surgical observation room. She didn't doubt Percy had been too busy to come down to watch, or rather she hoped as much. It would be all the more humiliating to have him see her failure firsthand. He doesn't like me she could feel it was true and it bothered her. The worst of it was that no matter how hard she tried there was no way to be truly loyal to Division.

Having successfully killed Kruikov she and Samson were finally able to contact Ops, and of course Samson had stopped her seconds before she did. They had a problem and he had a solution; they lie. Alicia second guessed herself just thinking about it, but it had to be done. If anyone found out that she had been captured and Samson had disregarded their target to rescue her then shit would hit the fan. Even if she wasn't Cancelled Samson was sure to be, and the weight of feeling like she owed him. Though neither had said a word about it the truth of the matter was he had saved her life. It was Samson's suggestion to say they were captured together and after working out the details that was exactly what they did.

As if lying to everyone wasn't enough now she had to decide what she would tell Birkhoff. He'd undoubtedly heard the mission report from Michael. Here I am wondering whether or not I'll lie to my secret boyfriend Alicia couldn't help but groan at the thought, one of her hands coming to rest over her eyes in frustration. She was starting to think all the secrecy and lies would catch up to her. Though the Agency was basically built from the stuff, only those who made the rules could break the rules.

Birkhoff should have more power for all he does it wasn't the first time she hand the thought either. From all of their time together she knew just how much Division depended on him. There was so much that he oversaw and did that it made her head hurt just thinking about it. That or the drugs Alicia wagered, knowing there was a bottle with her name on it somewhere. She'd taken one of the little pills in between Michael coming to see her and Samson stopping in. Thinking back, she'd acted as frigid towards him as she felt which was a first; typically she at least tried to pretend to be nice. Have I always thought this loud? She wondered. It was true, she did seem to be thinking a little more vividly than usual. Just the thought of Birkhoff's name made her get to her feet, one hand drifting to rest on the bandages that covered her ribs.

I bet he's here with a hand she steadied herself, looking down at what she wore. Once more she'd be walking through the halls of Division in a sports bra with a stomach wound. It struck her at the first person she saw that things were different from when she'd received that scratch as a relatively new Agent. I look like the walking dead she internally groaned knowing it to be true. There was bruising all over the right side of her face and she didn't know whether to attribute it to the kick, being dropped, or the backhand that had happened to split her cheek which was currently held together with skin glue and a butterfly bandage. Throw in the gauze pad tapped to canvass the entire front of her abdomen, wrapping slightly around the right side, and she wouldn't blame someone for following her around with a toe tag just in case.

Alicia couldn't help but feel slightly paranoid, and she tried to avoid the eyes that followed her as she made her way through Division's active mid-day halls. I shouldn't be joking about toe tags her thoughts scolded her line of thinking. Any second one of two things could happen: they could find out she and Samson lied and things would get dark or they could discover her relationship with Birkhoff and things would get really dark. Either way, Alicia had a feeling she wouldn't be in walking state after an interrogation from Division and considered herself lucky for the time being.

She'd reached the recruit area now and the number of eyes on her increased, changing from direct stares to pathetic attempts at playing it cool. All desperately trying not to look desperate Alicia knew the feeling. Once upon a time she'd played mind games with Samson just because there was such little else to do. Now however she was an Agent, and so she strode the length of the training room and took the few stairs to the landing with her usual casual grace. The pain was masked by the drugs and she knew that Division medication would take care of her body returning to full health. It wouldn't be long until she was allowed back on the field.

Pausing for a moment, Alicia realized Birkhoff was probably in the middle of a class. Amanda had the chance to talk to her pre-operation about how their project would be on hold while Alicia regained her strength. With a heavy heart she'd almost given in, only to realize this injury was the perfect excuse to see him more not less. She felt bad that she'd had to tell the woman that Birkhoff wouldn't care that she was in hands off condition; he was that lonely. Since it had worked in her favor, Amanda was quick to agree in a smug fashion, Alicia didn't feel as guilty for having to badmouth him yet again.

Starting towards the computer lab, a faint smile played on her lips as she walked the familiar route. Stopping in front of the tinted windows Alicia was able to see Birkhoff giving instructions at the head of class. Watching him only made her smile more, and she missed sitting behind a computer with him barking commands at her. He'd always been strict, and frankly a bit crude, but she'd loved his class. What he could do with technology was magic and the fact he could pass some of his knowledge onto her even more so. She debated going in as she watched the students get to work, Birkhoff hovering behind a few of the students to watch.

No one knew about her side mission, and she didn't want to set a bad example for the recruits, yet going in as her normal friendly self just felt awkward. Being lighthearted around her coworkers was one thing, but around a bunch of Agents in training? No, she'd have to do her best to ignore them. She was, after all, there for Seymour. Birkhoff she reminded herself, not wanting to make a mistake. Before she could change her mind and turn around to try again when he was alone, a pair of navy eyes caught hers through the glass. She hadn't even realized she'd been staring at him, and now that she did it was impossible to do anything other than smile at being caught.

He waved her in, moving around the aisles of computers towards his set-up in the back. She remembered that desk. He's my superior, Alicia calmed herself down as she walked down the glass wall towards the doors, and we're a Team. It's only natural if I'm familiar with him. Though she knew she wouldn't admit it, she knew the whole reason she even had to think about it was because she'd get pleasure out of being eavesdropped on for once. Being seen with Alicia was one thing Birkhoff wouldn't hear negative whispers about behind his back later.

Glad she was smiling, and pleasantly surprised she'd come to him before going home, Birkhoff felt slightly less terrible about seeing her so beat up. In truth, the six hours he'd spent out of communication with his Team had been the most nerve-wracking of his life. He'd known something would go wrong; he could just sense it. If it wasn't for the bag of twizzlers Alicia had left him to nervously gnaw on as he waited in suspense he doubted he'd have fingernails, and little known fact; Seymour Birkhoff took good care of his hands and nails.

"Look who's back from the dead," he greeted Alicia the moment she stepped into the room. Eyes were going to flicker to them anyway, so Birkhoff didn't bother to try and hide his voice; they'd just read his lips.

She smiled at him, her green eyes looking bright despite the dark bruising threatening to overcome the right one. "Or cloning," she responded playfully, "I was under the knife for quite some time." Birkhoff's smile faltered the slightest bit. He didn't like how calm she appeared to be about it; act or not. Taking all of that damage, going under the knife for a surgery only being experimented with and all for what? All to kill Kruikov on nothing but a hit order.

The Operation hadn't been for the good of anything but keeping Percy's pockets lined. Oh most of the money went into Division, the man may as well marry the place, but it was still bullshit. That was also something he couldn't tell Alicia. He didn't even talk about it with Michael, though he was sure he knew. He has to see it he internally groaned as his eyes took in Alicia's condition. Because of Percy steering Division rouge his girlfriend had just gone through hell for a few lousy million. If that's all they think she's worth he watched as she came to a stop in front of his computer desk I'd gladly buy her from them. Trying to hide the smile at that tempting thought he met her eyes and felt anger at the damage up close. "Only for surgery I hope?" he asked, navy eyes lingering on the cut on her cheek.

"What this? No, I spat in a Russian's face," she dismissed easily with a sly smile. From the sparkle of her eyes he knew she spoke the truth, and he pretended not to feel a shiver of excitement at how badass she could be sometimes. Under it all he hated that she was hurt, why she was hurt and even more so that he could do nothing about it.

"So," he cleared his throat, relaxing back in his computer chair with his hands casually behind his head, "what brings you to my humble domain?"

Alicia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I've been confined to Division so they can monitor the progress of my recovery. I hear you have a couch in your office, and I was wondering if I could impose on you to borrow it for a while? I've seen enough of medical these past few days to drive me crazy," she smiled as she said it, and her eyes said it all. With her back to the students who were undoubtedly hanging on every word, a little look was able to pass between them. Finally some good news.

"Of course, I'll add access for you from here," he motioned idly to his computer with one hand before returning it to its post behind his head, "so make yourself at home. I've got newb duty for the next few hours."

She gave a nod before falling back a graceful step, clasping her arms casually behind her back. "Oh, and Percy said to tell you he'd like to see you in your office when you're finished for the day," Alicia added on an end note, "so feel free to kick me out if I've dozed off by then."

They both knew he never would, and as he watched her leave he noticed an increase in the typing pace of the recruits around him. Put that in your pipe and smoke it his thoughts were smug up until his eyes locked on the deep purple peeking around the edges of Alicia's bandages. He spun around to find one of the male students watching her figure through the glass and he was quick to step up behind him and reprimand him with a knock to the back of the head. "Eyes on your exploit," he growled down into the younger man's face, lip raised in a sneer. Needless to say the poor recruit did just that.

Classes passed by at an all time slow, and Birkhoff didn't know whether to attribute it to being excited or nervous. He was beyond thankful to have Alicia bound to Division for the time being; the privacy his mancave offered would do wonders for his mood. As long as she was confined to the underground bunker that held the Agency he'd be able to sneak away to see her whenever he wanted. Even as he made the walk towards Percy's office he worried what the man would say. After the heroics Samson and Alicia had pulled in order to off Kruikov he wouldn't have been surprised if he wanted to organize their next high profile target. The last thing Birkhoff wanted to do after seeing Alicia so battered was discuss how best to use her next.

He reached out, pressing the keypad on the wall with gusto. It took a minute for the light to turn green and as he waited Birkhoff stuck his hands nervously into the pockets of his jeans. Wrestling the right one back out, he pushed open the door to slide into the room. No matter how many times he set foot in Percy's office he always felt insignificant and on edge. Blue eyes flickering to where the head honcho himself sat behind his large desk, Birkhoff eased the door closed behind him as he tentatively stepped further into the office. While Percy was busy on the phone, from the looks of it not having a very good talk, he lingered near the front of the office.

His eyed danced over some of the artwork and sculptures, locking onto the one nearest the door. In the middle of an internal debate about whether it was a horse or some horse-bull half breed in the sculpture, he almost didn't notice the office had fallen silent. Before Percy could say something to get his attention, Birkhoff turned his eyes over to him trying to show that he wasn't just zoning out with his head in the clouds. "You have something for me?" Birkhoff questioned, wishing as he said it that he'd worried it better. He couldn't help it. The man was damnned scary when one knew about how he'd strayed from the cause.

The cold blue eyes and dry smile of Percy reminded Birkhoff that there'd never really been a cause in the first place. Though he liked to refer to it as having been drafted into the Black Ops program that was Division in truth Seymour was there for the same reason everyone else was; he had no other options. "Only a few words," the man responded, "which you'd do well to listen to."

"I'm all ears," Birkhoff mumbled halfheartedly, striding further into the office. He withdrew his hand from his pocket, running it instead through his hair as he took one of the seats opposite the large desk the man was behind.

With a hand he nudged the phone back into its corner before relaxing back in his regal leather seat. He waited for a second, looking at the Head Tech before him as though trying to make him more uncomfortable than he already was. "It's been brought to my attention," Percy started in a cool tone, "that you and a certain Agent have been fraternizing after hours."

"Whatever Mikey told you," Birkhoff was quick to speak up defensively, "I can explain."

"You're not in trouble."

"I'm not?" the level of disbelief and apprehension was clear on his scruffy face.

Percy all but sighed. If it wasn't for the fact the man was so easily toyed with Birkhoff could have been a bigger player in Division than he was. Oh he was a genius, Percy had known that when he'd set the trap that caught him, but was he ever annoying. Between his immature attitude and lack of backbone it was a wonder Amanda hadn't broken him yet. For being so weak he was surprisingly resilient to the one woman intent on seeing him squirm. "No, Birkhoff, you're not," he dismissed the idea, and the smile he gave him was anything but reassuring.

"Oh," he muttered, trying to relax back into the seat. No matter how well he covered his and Alicia's tracks one could never be too careful when it came to Percy.

"I gather from your reaction you know who I'm talking about."

Taking the prompt Birkhoff nodded, swallowing despite the fact his mouth had gone dry. "Alicia," her name rolled from his lips as he averted his eyes.

"Yes, well she's turning out to be a real crowd favorite," Percy looked as unenthusiastic about this as he sounded. His icy eyes scanned Birkhoff, letting his words hang in the air as he did so. He leaned forward lifting the glass of scotch he'd poured himself earlier, enjoying the nervousness of the man in front of him. "Frankly Birkhoff, I'm concerned."

It was moments like these that Birkhoff wished he could just disappear. Or rather, it was moments like these he wanted to hightail it from the office of Percival Rose and rework the system to lock him away for good. Of course he'd never actually do that, or even dream of it for it always became a nightmare, but he used the thought to keep himself subdued. Imagining Percy locked in his office teetered on the line of hilarious and dangerous to dwell on and Birkhoff shook it from his head. I'm already cornered he chastised himself I don't need to make myself an easier target. He could feel Percy's eyes taking in his distraught appearance in the uncomfortable silence that had followed his words. "Look it-" his voice came out an octave too low and he cleared his throat before trying again, "- it was just for fun."

"And was it?" Percy pushed him, cool blue eyes revealing nothing. Even the smirk on the man's face was up to interpretation.

For a second Birkhoff paused, losing track of the conversation due to the dread swirling in his gut. He'd seen that expression on his boss many times before, but it had always been directed at lackey computer techs. Now that it was being directed at him he slouched a little lower in the seat, noticing for the first time the ticking of his Rolex. "What?" he finally gave in, asking with a nervous twitch of his lip.

"Fun," he reminded him with a flat stare.

Birkhoff was too busy trying to follow the conversation react to the question with anything but fear. It had to be a trick question; there was always a test in progress when it came to Percy. Yet he didn't know how he was supposed to answer. Being the man in charge of Division he surely knew about Amanda's little plan, in fact he had to approve of it for it to even exist, but what he didn't know was Birkhoff knew, or that Birkhoff knew that he knew. It was complex and confusing really, and time was running out. He could feel his upper lip begin to perspire as he shoved his glasses nervously back up his nose. "Yes?" he answered tentatively.

Holding his breath, he watched for a reaction to give some flicker of a clue as to whether this was the right thing to say or not. All he found was a dry smile and eyes twinged with a humor that didn't include him, but was caused by him. Birkhoff sunk a little lower in his seat. "You don't sound very sure of yourself," he pointed out, one thin brow cocking up.

He blinked, hands closing and opening over his knees as he tried to figure out what it was Percy wanted from him. He can't know about us Birkhoff was quick to return to the phrase he'd been falling back on for months now. If he did his mind reminded him as he gripped his knees I'd be in trouble. While he didn't know if he honestly believed the man when he said he wasn't in trouble, it was the only thing that reassured him enough to regain a small amount of his usual sarcastic bite. "I mean, I wouldn't exactly call it fun," Seymour smirked the slightest bit just thinking about it.

"Unprofessional is more fitting," Percy responded, lips hitch in a cold smirk that wiped Birkhoff's clear from his face.

"I thought you said I wasn't in trouble?" he asked nervously, eyes scanning the office for Roan purely out of habit. Or Amanda, who would have been equally if not more terrifying. Luckily they were still alone and his navy eyes slid back to the head honcho sitting behind his desk.

For the first time Birkhoff realized he sat lower than Percy as he tilted his gaze up in order to meet his eyes. "What you do in your time off is of no interest to me Birkhoff. I would, however, advise a little something called discretion," once more a pointed, if not haughty, look was paired with his words. Pausing for effect, and to take another drink of his scotch, he let computer tech stew for a little bit.

Despite knowing he was doing it on purpose, Birkhoff returned to his palms to his knees, drumming his fingers on the dark jeans that covered them to sooth his nerves. "Won't happen again boss," his tone was surprisingly sarcastic, especially compared to how meek it'd sounded when he thought it. It was for this reason Birkhoff rarely thought before he spoke. Everything just came tumbling out; if it wasn't his words he couldn't control then it was his tone.

"I'll hold you to that," Percy promised with a brief nod. Tilting the glass he poured the remainder of his drink over his lips and into his mouth. With a swallow it was down his throat, a warm sensation following it down known as the burn of alcohol. Normally he would have preferred tea, but events as of late had stretched him thin.

"Well if that's all-"

"Sit down Birkhoff," Percy's sharp tone made the man quickly fall back into his seat, giving up his attempt at escaping. He sighed, shaking his head at the Head Technician in disappointment. At least Michael has nerves he thought of his right hand man. Michael may be a soft touch with the recruits compared to Birkhoff, but when it came to standing their ground he outlasted the computer jokey any day of the week. It was because of this he had allowed Amanda her little pet project. When the time came to pull on Birkhoff's leash he'd be on the other end with his tail between his legs.

Leaning forward in his seat Percy clasped his hands together on the desk as he resumed full eye contact so as to make sure his point was understood the first time. He was not a man who enjoyed repeating himself. "Now, let's have a little chat about Alicia," he said her name delicately, as though testing out how it sounded coming from his mouth.

A chill ran down Alicia's spine, her eyes easing open as she woke with the ominous feeling someone was watching her. She took a moment to wake up the rest of the way before easing herself up on the brown leather couch. It only took a second to assess she was still alone in Birkhoff's lair as she'd dubbed it. This is where he spends most of his time she thought in awe and not for the first time. There'd been a time when seeing Birkhoff in Op's made her heart beat a little faster knowing she was in his territory. It felt even better to know that she fit in, that when she was in the Command Center she wasn't a mere waste of space.

There was an aching pain coming from her ribs and her hand drifted to rest on the bandaging that covered it. She made her way across the room towards his computer table, her eyes dancing over the elaborate set up. Feeling slightly intrusive she closed the distance, walking slowly as she allowed her eyes to eat their fill. She'd tried to wait, averting her eyes from Birkhoff's belongings, but it had been hours. Glancing over her shoulder and feeling intrusive, she stepped up to the table.

Alicia couldn't help but smile as her eyes flickered over the more personal touches he had littered about the place. An action figure here, a sticker there; little traces of Birkhoff caught her eye everywhere she looked. Even in the dreary grey pallet that most of Division consisted of he had somehow managed to make the place feel warm. Before she knew it she'd settled into his computer chair, gently toeing the ground as she spun in a slow circle. Dark with an almost spice to it, Birkhoff's cologne clung to the chair from all of the time he spent in it. Sliding her hands slowly over the material that padded the arms, she curled her fingers over the edges and closed her eyes.

The dull throb of her abdomen lulled her back into a sleeplike state as she spun slowly in the seat. She heard the click of the lock before the door, eyes lifting as she brought the computer chair to a stop. It was only a second before her eyes landed on Birkhoff, watching as he peered back out into the hall before closing the door securely behind him. A little smile crept onto Alicia's face as she waited for him to come further into the computer cove. If it weren't for the haze of drugs working their way out of her system she would have risen, but it seemed like all she could do was observe.

Birkhoff scanned the lab, his eyes seeking out Alicia before breathing a sigh of relief. "We alone Aphrodite?" he asked, taking the steps two at a time to come down to her level. If he wasn't so unwilling to take his eyes off of her, even for a second, he would have paired the question with a quick scan of the area on his own. She gave a small nod, rising smoothly to her feet before he could close the distance between them. "My crib is a safe zone," he responded to her eyes sweeping the space, "only eyes and ears here are ours."

"Something the matter?" Alicia questioned, looking up in concern. There was an unmistakable urgency in his steps and the moment she'd been looking forward to all day was put on hold. Birkhoff didn't answer, just closed the gap between them with another two steps as his eyes danced over her. "Seymour?"

Deep navy eyes met hers, a glisten to them of the likes she'd never seen before. The intensity held her captivated and she stood rooted in spot as Birkhoff reached out slowly to touch her cheek, his fingers grazing over the bruising. "You look like you went a round with a rock em' sock em and lost," he commented, able to get a good look at her injuries for the first time.

"I know," Alicia groaned, drawing back as she tucked her hair back behind her ear, "you don't need to rub it in. I've been taken off Active duty because of it."

"Yeah, until you're marketable again," he scoffed, unable to tear his eyes away from the bruising on her face. It wasn't nearly as bad as when Samson had first carried her in. Just thinking about the young man with Alicia limp in his arms made his hands ball into fists at his sides.

"It shouldn't take that long," she sounded almost worried as she said it, and his eyes found her emerald ones, "hopefully just a week or two. After that I'll be ready for action again."

Birkhoff almost couldn't believe what he was hearing. The look in her eyes was one of regret all right, and if he hadn't been so worried about her well being he would have taken her by the shoulders. "Don't tell me you want to get back to work?" he asked incredulously. A baffled look took over her face as she nodded slowly, making him rake a hand through his hair in disbelief.

"Of course I do, why wouldn't I?"

"Well maybe I thought you were looking forward to spending time with yours truly?" the hint of a smile as he posed the answer almost melted his heart. Through hooded eyes she looked up at him, hands slipping over his shoulders to lace behind his head. His own hands found the dips in her waist with ease and he marveled at how perfectly she fit against his body. Her auburn waves tumbled down her back, a few stray strands venturing over her shoulder as she had to tilt her lips upwards in order to accept his kiss. I missed this he smiled inwardly, the kiss deepening even though he hadn't intended for it to. Something about the feel of her fingers as they ran through his hair made his gut clench in longing. He wanted to hold her damnit, but he couldn't for fear of hurting her.

Alicia broke the kiss first, pulling back to smile up at him. Looking through her long lashes at him she couldn't resist the urge to plant another soft kiss on his lips. "That's a given Shadow Walker," she purred playfully.

Birkhoff smiled wryly, one of his thick brows rising. "You'll have to do better than that if you want me to forgive you," he warned with a wag of his finger.

The teasing smile he'd expected to see instead came as a tightening of the lips. "I did something wrong?" she sounded almost hesitant to ask, as if afraid of his answer.

"Going all Bonnie and Clyde was a stupid stupid thing to do," he answered, eyes narrowing to show just how serious he was. As immature and playful as he may seem he was still a full grown man.

"It wasn't like that."

Taking a step back Birkhoff turned, collapsing into the couch with a groan. Hanging his head over the back he stared up at the matte grey of the ceiling contemplating what he should be feeling right now. Part of him was angry at her and he was having a difficult time fighting it off. "So you didn't charge into the depths of a Russian drug lord's basement completely unprepared then?" he couldn't help the bite to his tone. Once again Birkhoff had to rely on Samson to bring her home safely. This whole Team thing was starting to get to him. Every moment they were alone together was another potential disaster just waiting to happen.

The sound of her footsteps caused him to lift his head, peering at her through the hair strewn across his eyes. "I just wanted to get Kruikov," she looked away almost guiltily as she came to a stop near his feet.

"And served yourself up in the process," he intoned looking sour at the reminder. Every time he saw those bandages it felt like his insides were braiding themselves into a rope to hang him with. He didn't want to feel irritated with her, in all reality it wasn't her fault, but the helplessness Birkhoff was experiencing was new and painful. Sure there'd been a mission or two where he worried over Nikita's safety back in the day, but he had never felt what he had felt as the hours of no communication dragged onwards.

"It wasn't on purpose," she tried to assure him, eyes taking in the tightness of his full lips. He's mad, Alicia didn't even question it; she could tell just by looking at him. "I had to make a decision or risk losing him."

"Maybe losing boy wonder wouldn't have been such a bad idea," Birkhoff shot back grumpily.

Seeing that something was clearly on his mind Alicia hesitated only a moment before easing herself onto the couch beside him. Tucking her legs beneath her, she sat cross legged on the brown leather as she turned to face him. "First off; stop calling him that. Every time you do I picture him in Robin's spandex suit and-" Alicia paused, a little shiver of disgust running through her as the image came to mind once more, "- and well it's not pretty. Secondly I didn't go in for Samson, I went in for Kruikov."

"We wouldn't have lost him," he scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"He disappeared into an underground tunnel," she pointed out, brows rising at his stubborn mood, "what was I supposed to do?"

"This thing called wait?" he supplied the answer like she was an idiot, "I would have found him."

"You don't know that," Alicia refrained the urge to roll her eyes as the words tumbled from her lips. The same sense of cynicism that he held for his students was clear in his tone and it brought a memory to mind. She could picture him almost perfectly behind his desk with the same glitter of irritation in those navy blue eyes.

Before she could try to take back her words he'd already latched onto them, eyes narrowing in anger. "Trust me babe, if I say I would have found him then I would have found him," Birkhoff's cool tone stretched out over the last few words leaving an icy feeling hanging in the air.

Alicia recognized the symptoms and she knew the cause, yet her mouth seemed to be on autopilot. "Or he could have gone back into hiding and we would have failed our first Op," her head tilted, auburn waves cascading as she leaned slightly forward.

Birkhoff looked away, avoiding the wide eyes that waited for him to show an emotion other than frustration. It wasn't fair of her to sit so close, not when he was trying to be mad damn it. He had so much he wanted to say and yet with Alicia the words didn't seem to come. He felt lost, confused and worst of all vulnerable. I was worried about you he mulled over in his mind even as her hand found his how hard is that to say? But the words couldn't come. The feeling itself was foreign in his veins. Never before had Seymour Birkhoff wanted to put someone before both himself and Division. How could he say that he wished they had failed, that he wished she was taken off Active duty and stuck back in the lab with him?

He couldn't. Just like I can't protect her the thought flared up the moment his eyes returned to her. The bruising on her face was too bold not to call his attention instantly and he drew his hand from hers, getting swiftly to his feet. "Yeah, well, we'll never know will we?" he groaned, hastily shoving his hair back behind his ear.

If Birkhoff had been looking at her he would have caught the slight opening and closing of her mouth as she faltered on what to say. Staring up at him she was back at square one; stuck trying to decide whether or not to tell him the truth about the Operation. Clearly he was worried, upset even, and telling him that Samson had saved her seemed like the absolute worst thing to do. Her eyes flickered away, focusing instead on the hands clasped together in her lap. She interlaced her fingers, squeezing the one at a time to put pressure to the tune of her heartbeat. "I had to make a judgment call," her voice was soft, apologetic almost.

"One that almost got you killed!" Birkhoff's voice kicked it up a notch, becoming more of a bark than anything else.

"I know," Alicia admitted. In the two days she'd been confined to the medical lab she'd had plenty of time to go over the mission in her head. No matter which way she looked at it the best way to have avoided being in debt to Samson was to have never entered the tunnels.

He looked down at her and immediately his face softened. "Some good did come of it though," he found his voice after a moment of pause, "you get to stay with me while you recover." Waiting until she looked up, he gave a small smile and settled back down on the couch behind her. Slipping an arm over her shoulder Birkhoff felt the familiar warmth of her body as she settled against him.

"Amanda changed her mind?" she asked, voice soft as she brushed her hair from her eyes. "She wasn't so sure it was a good idea," Alicia admitted, smiling as Birkhoff rested his chin on her head, "said you might be bad for the healing process."

"Right, because I'm a deviant," Birkhoff snorted.

Feeling completely safe for the first time she couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, I didn't want to say anything…" she trailed off playfully. He gave her a gentle squeeze, stopping immediately when the bandaging on her stomach crinkled. "That reminds me, I need to let it air out," Alicia sat forward, too used to the dull throbbing for his hold to affect her. Standing up so she wouldn't have to twist and upset her ribs any further, she carefully peeled off the tape that held on her bandaging.

"I thought you just cracked your ribs?" Birkhoff sat forward, eyes sweeping over the surgical slices amidst a green and deep purple hue or bruising. When she'd been carried in by Samson Seymour had only managed a quick assessment of her injuries before she was being whisked off to medical. Work was suddenly thrust upon him and for two days he had nothing but the lab reports he dug up to reassure his she was okay. He'd known Amanda had signed off on a trial surgery but even he hadn't been able to find out exactly what it entailed. All he knew was the Shop guy had shown up, with his glasses and obnoxious cheeriness. The guy seriously creeped him out, and knowing he was on board for the surgery had caused Birkhoff to have nightmares.

Even after seeing terrible things, one particularly odd dream consisted of Alicia becoming an integrated human/robot thus losing her emotions in the process; the state of her now pained him to see. Alicia seemed less worried as she looked down at herself, feeling the chill of the air conditioned room for the first time as she saw the sports bra she wore. "There was the option to get them reset so they'd heal evenly. Amanda suggested it," she informed him calmly.

"With your best interests at heart I bet," Birkhoff scoffed, his mouth twisting into a scowl. While he understood it; he didn't like the blind obedience Alicia showed the dragon lady.

"It would have interfered with my ability to carry out certain covers," Alicia responded, meeting his eyes.

Underneath those words was a truth that stung; Alicia's greatest asset was her ability to use her looks to her advantage. "You mean your ability to seduce?" he couldn't help but comment dryly knowing that was exactly what the dragon lady had been worried about. Emotional espionage was as much her specialty as what made her Amanda's pet. Without seduction in her arsenal her value would be lessened.

She couldn't deny that it was true and shrugged, her lips giving way into a little smile. "They injected some sort of metal to coat the bone," she informed him, knowing he'd find it interesting, "so not only will it heal in place but I'll be better than ever."

Normally he would have cracked some sort of wolverine inspired joke, but frankly Birkhoff wasn't in the mood. He couldn't help but wonder if she was taken off of being a Cover Agent. He figured she'd either be switched to the Alpha ground team, made a Cleaner if Roan got a say in it or- Or be a tech up in Ops with me. The idea made him wonder if she'd ever considered that. "Did you even get a choice?" he questioned. Bikrhoff wouldn't put it past Amanda to give the go ahead without so much as Alicia's knowledge.

"It wasn't a very hard decision," Alicia nodded before settling back down beside him.

Feeling the cold of her skin the instant his hands landed on her, he shifted to pull the blanket from the edge of the couch over them. It was natural habit by now as they relaxed onto the couch, Birkhoff with his back against the arm. Alicia lay with her back to his chest, slim waist fitting between his legs that helped to warm her. Closing his eyes he allowed himself to relax for the first time in days. All the stress and worry lifted as she seemed to meld against him. Wrapping his arms over her chest he squeezed her closer, and the feel of her arms rising to cover his making his heart beat faster. The way she clutched him made Birkhoff hold her closer, and for the first time he felt something from her he'd never felt before; need.

Seymour buried his lips against her hair, pressing a kiss onto her head as he held her. For a long time they lay like that, the blanket and their combined body heat creating a comfortable warmth. He could feel the tension lifting from her body as she gave a soft breath of pleasure. Closing her eyes she eased up on her hold, moving to trace her fingers across his forearms. "What did Percy have to say?" she asked softly, breaking the silence that had fallen over them.

"He told me someone should keep an eye on you while you're confined to Division. Seeing as we're a team, and I just happen to have a pad away from the action, it's only natural I offer you its use. Having you too close to the recruits wouldn't be appropriate; not for an Active Agent. So we'll be bunk mates for a while," he smiled at the news.

Once more Alicia couldn't quite believe her ears. As unfortunate as her wounds were, she was suddenly rewarded with a bright side. "That's why he called you in?" she asked in disbelief. It seemed like for every bad thing that happened a positive was paired with it. It was almost too good to be true.

"Well, it was more to warn me to keep my mouth shut and be on guard. I swear everyone thinks I'm an idiot. First Michael now Percy?" he grumbled begrudgingly.

"They're looking out for you; you should be glad. I, on the other hand, get to play the role of a mole who's using her body to win you over. Percy said he found it unsettling how casually I'm willing to use my body," it was her turn to grimace slightly, her fingers pausing in their light touches.

"He's the one using you like that," Birkhoff growled. He didn't like anyone talking ill of his girl, let alone the very person responsible for every danger she was put through. "You know, I used to understand the work that came our way but lately the lies and secrecy are at an all-time high. I'm starting to wonder if there are any boundaries anymore," he wasn't sure what made him feel so safe admitting this to her, but the word found themselves.

For a minute Alicia was silent, his words rebounding in her mind. She was included in those lies and secrecy, and suddenly she felt guilt at hiding information from Birkhoff. "Look, about the Kruikov mission-"

"No more work talk," he cut her off, giving another affectionate squeeze.

Her mouth opened again, only to close as Birkhoff silenced her with a kiss to the top of her head. His lips lingered, pressing against her waves of hair, and Alicia's eyes fluttered closed. She didn't want to talk about it any more than he did, but try as she might she couldn't ignore the little warning going off in the back of her mind. Letting out a small breath, she decided to try one last time. "It has to do with Samson," her words came in the form of an apprehensive whisper. One thing she'd learned about Seymour was never to push him into talking about something. When he was ready it would be brought up, otherwise the likelihood of him shying away was high.

Just from their partner's name alone he had a negative reaction. Feeling his lips leave their lingering kiss, she could just imagine the grimace Birkhoff now donned. "Unless it's to say he's been abducted," he huffed, "I don't want to hear it."

"By aliens?" Alicia was surprised by how quickly he could make her smile. If it wasn't for his sense of humor she had a feeling her second chance at life would have been depressingly empty.

"What, you don't think he could use a good probing?"

The mischief in his voice coaxed a laugh out of her; something she instantly regretted. It fell short, her hand darting to her stomach as she quieted herself in an attempt to stop the pain. "I won't argue with that," Alicia agreed playfully. Before Birkhoff could question the state of her health she eased her back from his chest, turning to look back at him with her hand lingering on the core of her trim stomach. "But no Seymour, sadly Samson remains here on planet earth," a smile accompanied the rolling of her eyes.

Birkhoff tried to remain worried about her, but now that she was in his arms and smiling it was very difficult to do. His gaze didn't even have time to flicker to the bruising on her face before he was lost in those emerald eyes of hers. The sparkle in them was unmistakable and he kissed her, unable to tell if the shudder of relief came from him or the young woman now curled up in his lap. "Well until boy-"

"Stop calling him that," she reminded him, cutting him off with a playful nip at his lips. He answered with a playful growl, a mischievous glitter to his navy eyes as his face loomed closer towards hers. "I mean it; you're giving Robin a bad name," Alicia scolded him.

As he wrapped his arms around her waist, burying his lips against the nape of her neck, he grinned against the warm skin there. She wasted no time in getting perfectly comfortable. With her legs now hanging over the front of the couch she sat across his lap utterly content with things. Feeling Alicia relax against the back of the couch he withdrew his lips from her neck, grinning at the beautiful girl before him. While he'd learned she wasn't a gamer, cards or video alike, she made up for it with her batman obsession. "Please, he was never any good to begin with. Everyone knows Batman did all the real work," Birkhoff teased. That'll get her mind off the D-word he mused, seeing her lips purse in frustration.

"To even argue that point you'd need to specify just which Robin you're referring to," she huffed, brows rising at his challenge.

Birkhoff finally understood how Michael felt when he had nothing better to do but pick on him for his nerdy passions. Had it been the broody Head Agent, the man would have shaken his head and found some belittling comment to make. But it wasn't, and so instead his lips quirked up into a smirk. "Dick Grayson," he filed off, quite informed in the Batman universe, "for starters. The kid wore tights and did the splits on a daily basis; you want to defend that?"

"You mean Dick Grayson, formerly of the Flying Graysons?" there was a glimmer in her green eyes as she saw recognition cross his face. "Yes, he rubbed it in the badguys' faces that he was an acrobat but come on- any sidekick to Batman has to get creative."

It was a rare day that Seymour Birkhoff found himself out-nerded, and he wasn't about to accept it without a fight. With matching smirks and little space between them he carried on the superhero/sidekick debate that he had started as a means of distraction. Not only had it worked but now he was entirely sucked in. Like with Batman and Robin he couldn't help but think his relationship was unevenly matched. Alicia was smart, beautiful and deadly. What did he have but big brains, big money and big dreams? Even working his way to the top he still remained inside Division: under enough earth, metal and cement to withstand a nuclear attack.

But like Batman and Robin they just worked. Every quirk aside, every downfall overlooked, the pair was drawn together. Apart they would survive, but it wasn't until they were together that they felt real again; that they had something worth fighting for. For the masked crusaders it was spandexy justice, but for the couple cuddled together in the depths of a ruthless Black Ops organization it was much simpler than that; it was happiness.