A/N: Sorry guys, haven't had my computer for a month! I originally planned for this to just be the beginning of the next chapter, but I decided that wouldn't do it justice. And now y'all have a little something to read while I finish the next chapter. Enjoy! :)

Hundreds of tiny snowflakes float past, creating a faint white tint on the shadowy outside world. Windshield wipers knock the occasional stubborn crystals off the glass to rejoin the gentle flurry as the silver Honda Accord meanders down the quiet suburban road in Washington D.C. Beams from the headlights illuminated the thin blanket of glistening snow that now covered the road. The knee-high snow mounds ran along both sides of the quiet road, casting dark shadows against the houses passing by.

The blonde straightened her back and gripped the steering wheel tighter as she focused intently on the road before her. Her icy blue eyes pierced through the darkness, searching for all the dangers hidden within the shadows. It was in times like these when you're most vulnerable, letting your guard down during a late night drive. But she knew better. She was always ready for any –

A hand landed lightly on her forearm, distracting her from the shadows. "Els, do you want me to drive?" She glanced over at the smiling boy – no – the man next to her. The blonde returned her softened gaze to the road, "Of course not. What else are big sisters good for if not to chauffeur you around whenever they visit?" The jest was rewarded with a hearty laugh.

How quickly time flies. It's as fleeting as the snowflakes rushing past. Seems like only yesterday when she taught that scrawny little boy how to make his first snowman. Now she's driving him back to his first college dorm. He's grown into a fine young man. She looked back at him once more and chuckled. Barely. His messy light blonde hair, the raggedy dark-blue pullover sweater, the brown jeans many sizes too short, and those sandals…the epitome of fashion lay right before her eyes. Guess I know one thing to get that kid for Christmas – a new wardrobe.

"What's so funny?" Elsa could see his playful glare out of the corner of her eye.

"Ohhh…" she smiled, "it's nothing," using a fake haughty tone that obviously implied there was something, she just didn't want to tell him.

"Ugh," the young man rolled his eyes at her smile. "Whatevers sis," he replied as he turned on the car radio, ensuring it wasn't too loud so they could still talk. The song that was playing sounded very familiar, but Elsa couldn't think of where she had heard it before. "Aaaanyways," her brother started, scattering her thoughts of the music, "thanks for visiting me today, Els. I know you must've been tired, first day back and all…"

"I always have time for my little bro," she answered with a smile. "And besides, I should be thanking you! Making time for me in your hectic grown up college kid schedule and all."

"Oh yeah, you better be thankful," he played along, "you cannot imagine the struggles I went through to make this happen." Their laughter seemingly brightened the dark outside world as the car continued down the street.

They were entering the city now. Bright streetlights illuminating the roads, traffic lights beaming green, building lights expelling shadows into the alleyways, the car was quiet, except for the song playing on the radio. Was it still the same song? Elsa couldn't recall.

"Hey, Els…?" he asked hesitantly.

"Hmm?"

"Where'd they send you this time?"

The car grew quieter still. The sound from the radio seemed to fade away. Elsa's face grew serious. Her brother watched the lights and shadow battling for control on her pale skin as they passed streetlights and stoplights that littered the road. Elsa never enjoyed talking about her work, but he was the only person that knew of what she did. Elsa chose to read him in the day after he came of age; she was sick of the lying and secrecy she had to endure for the past two years. And, she admitted, it was…comforting that someone knew. She had someone to confide in, someone who supported her and what she did, even if he didn't know exactly… what… she did.

Elsa clenched her jaw before letting out a sigh. "Russia," she said softly, "they sent me to Russia. There were a few extremists there that I had to…" she paused, unsure of how to state it without exposing the boy to the horrors of his big sister and the outside world. She took a deep breath. "… deal with."

She kept her gaze fixed on the road; she could feel his innocent eyes watching her. When he finally turned away, Elsa stole a quick glance to analyze his expression. The boy wasn't terrified of her, not disgusted either. He just seemed… sad. She heard him let out a sigh. "I hate what they make you do." Elsa was taken aback, her brother never openly admitted that before, though she always suspected he secretly hated her. No wait… "I hate what they MAKE you do"…he doesn't hate ME… At this revelation, Elsa let out the breath she didn't know she was holding. "Me too…" she quietly admitted, hoping he was too engrossed in his thoughts to hear her confession. Suddenly an idea popped into her head – another Christmas gift perhaps. Resigning from the C.I.A. He'd definitely love that. Much more than clothes.

Elsa smiled, very pleased with the idea and looked over at her brother. He slowly greeted her with his worried eyes, but they softened as he saw his sister's comforting smile, instantly wiping away his concerns.

A green traffic light passed overhead, Elsa still looking at him, her face seemingly caught in a spotlight. She watched her little brother with a caring smile, a tinkle gleamed in her eye. Elsa started to speak. "Everything's going to be oka –" A blaring horn cut her off as a truck smashed into the passenger side.

A/N: :)