A/N: So as a result of the 2 encouraging reviews I received for the last chapter, I've decided to upload the next one. In response to VelocityGirl1980, I hadn't actually considered writing about the details of how the relationship between Sasha and Emma came about, but this is perhaps something I may explore later in the story, or even in a prequel perhaps.
I am glad I had already written this chapter as last night I cut my finger whilst chopping onions and ended up in hospital to get a dressing put on it, so typing is rather a challenge at the moment! Anyway, without further ado, here it is...
Chapter Two
"Well done Sasha. You were good today. A real asset to the team," Harry told his son genuinely, whom he had asked to join him in his office after the debriefing.
"Glad my extra pair of hands could be of assistance," Sasha replied, a hint of a smile on his face.
"Indeed," Harry said. He then paused before proceeding with his proposition. "I know we didn't hit it off when we first met, what with the circumstances that we were faced with. But I'm glad we have reached a stage in our relationship that is almost, dare I say, bordering on father-son territory. Moreover, I am especially glad that we are even able to work together, and very well, as was proven today. It's made me wonder whether perhaps you would ever consider becoming a more regular presence on my team."
"Wait a minute, are you actually suggesting that, I, a Russian spy should openly work for MI5, permanently?" Sasha asked, astounded.
"I know it sounds a little far-fetched, but I believe it's doable," Harry told him. "As I have been told many times, The Cold War is well and truly over. Anglo-Russian relations are at an all-time high and I might actually be beginning to believe that our countries may truly be on their way to making amends and working together. Besides, you are half-British after all, and once you get a permanent citizenship for over here, as I understand you are planning to do, then there really would be nothing standing in the way."
"Apart from the distinct possibility that my friends at The Kremlin will think I'm going to give away all of their secrets and will take it upon themselves to prevent me from doing so," Sasha added.
"He may not be your biological father, but we both we know he still cares greatly for you, and so Ilya would not let such a thing happen," Harry continued in his persuasion.
"Even after I've betrayed him so much already by remaining in regular contact with you, and still having not returned to Russia?"
"Yes, even after all that. Don't you think the FSB hasn't noticed that you're in a sexual relationship with an MI5 officer? Pillow talk is one of the most dangerous weapons in our business, yet they have not intervened. Ask yourself why. And besides, our section has been sharing more and more intelligence with the FSB headquarters here in London lately to work on operations together, in harmony. So I really don't think a little merging would do any harm. And besides, he's stuck by your mother in spite of all she's done, so I have no doubt that he'll do the same for you," Harry told his son from across the desk in his office.
"Wow, you've really given this some thought, haven't you?"
"I just think that it would be a good option. I mean, for starters, you'd get to see more of Emma."
Sasha smiled at the mention of her name, and murmured pensively: "That is true," before citing another concern: "But, I just can't see my employment here sitting well with your authorities."
"You forget I've been doing this job for a very long time, Sasha. And over the time I've gathered enough secrets of my own to be able to manipulate certain higher powers when needs must," Harry explained, suggestively. "Besides, persuading them shouldn't be too difficult, seeing as the likes of Towers and co. are the ones who were gunning for our companionship with Russia in the first place."
"I can't believe you're trying to convince a Russian to take a job in your section. You've certainly changed your tune from when we first met," Sasha joked.
"The last few months have changed a lot of things for me, my view on Russia being just one of them," Harry said, as cryptically as ever, though his son knew just what he meant. "Anyway, I know that I can trust you."
"Ok. You've sold me the idea. After all, I did find working with you all today rather an enjoyable experience. So, I will join your team. But, only as long as you get your Home Secretary to agree to it, help grant me that permanent British citizenship you mentioned, sort out my transition with the FSB, protect my former colleagues from murdering me, try and stop my parents…well Ilya and my mother from permitting such a thing, and give Emma and myself a week off before I take up a stable position," Sasha bargained.
"Consider it done. The last clause is of course only permitted on the condition that another emergency does not crop up of course," Harry added.
"Of course," Sasha repeated before standing to shake his father's hand to seal the deal.
Ruth watched him leave the office, and then waited impatiently for him and Emma to say their goodbyes and head home, before bursting in to talk to Harry who almost coughed on his mouthful of whiskey in reaction to her sudden entrance.
"Please, don't knock; I much rather prefer to leap out of my skin to greet you," Harry told her sarcastically.
"So, how did it go?" Ruth asked eagerly, ignoring his jibe.
"He agreed. Eventually. It took some persuading, and reassurance that the Russians wouldn't kill him, but I think the suggestion that he'd get to spend more time with his girlfriend was what swayed him," Harry told her, with a slight grin.
"Oh great!" Ruth said excitedly. "That's just great. He'll fit right in. Well done, Harry."
"I do believe he will. And well done to you for making the suggestion. He really did prove his strengths today. We need someone like him on our team. Plus, the great working relationship was highlighted between him and Emma, which I admit did surprise me somewhat."
"I know what you mean. We better watch out as we might have a new power couple to compete with on the scene!" Ruth joked.
"Don't be obscene, Ruth! Nobody could compete with us. We are essentially the Brad and Angelina of the intelligence world," Harry joked back, exposing his sense of humour which he only displayed on rare occasions, and only really when with Ruth.
"This is true," Ruth replied in between giggles. "Now come on Brad, put that whiskey down and let's get home."
"Right you are, Ange," Harry said, doing as she said and pulling on his coat.
A/N: I know this part is a tad unrealistic, but I really wanted Sasha to be part of the section D team so he could work alongside Emma and Harry, and this was the best I could come up with. So, all I ask of you is to just humour me and enjoy the ride! I will update either tomorrow or the day after.