Thanks to all commenters. Wish I had a beta, message if you're interested! User replies and comments at the bottom.

Disclaimer: I dearly wish that Alex Rider was mine. Who knows what I'd do.

Warning: Slash. Otherwise, enjoy, R&R!

Alex held a scowl on his face. It had already been four days, and he'd yet to find any information on Conolly. He'd tried asking a ton of people on campus, but info about Conolly was scarce- if any at all. He kept his cover though, pretending just to be genuinely curious. Not overboard. But now, he had a plan. It was quite a risky plan though- possible suspension or the risk of not finding any information at all.

He rubbed his eyes, getting rid of sleepiness. The dorms at Malvern were actually quite comfortable and roomy. It was to be expected. This place held the snottiest, richest students after all. He slumped back onto his queen-sized bed, complete with six fluffy pillows. He pushed himself up, took a look at the clock, and plopped himself back down into the multitude of feathery pillows. He groaned, "Why do I do this?"

Despite his reluctance to do missions, this one had definitely been one of the better ones. James was always cheerful and fun to be around, so that made him slightly happier. He didn't like the fact that he always had to be on the prowl though. For once, he just wanted to relax. He wouldn't mind being in this school if he wasn't on a mission.

Alex swung his legs over the edge of the bed and propelled himself forward with his arms. He pulled out his dress shirt then his vest. He didn't waste time making sure his shirt was tucked in or his vest was placed properly. He quickly cleaned himself up and ran out the door with books in his hand. He was going to be late for first period, and if he wasn't there, his plan wouldn't play out properly.

In every plan, there were risks and uncertainties - he was slightly worried. Alex saw James in the corner of his eye and grinned. "James!" he yelled, running to his friend.

"Hey Alex! You're up early. Normally you'd be like what, 15 minutes late for class?" James smirked.

"I am never late for class! Just… sometimes." Alex said, shying away from James accusing eyes, a grin still playing on his features.

"So, is it still on?"

"Yeah. Just be sure to make it believable," Alex smiled.

"Don't worry. I even wrote up a list of insults for this," he beamed.

"You'll need them, since you're up against me. The boy who always has something witty up his sleeve," Alex laughed and tugged on James sleeve pulling him into first period.

James always brought out the best in Alex. Alex decided he'd give James a call after he finished his mission. Who said he couldn't have friends?

They took their seats and the teacher coughed loudly, gathering everyone's attention. Tucking away their cells and trinkets, they lazily averted their attention to the front of the classroom.

"As you all know, maths is very important in our society, so students should pay good attention," the teacher scowled, giving each and every student a stern glare unanimously.

Alex almost snorted. Being in maths class reminded him of Yassen, and how he was supposedly an 'advanced maths' teacher.

The teacher quickly gave them their assignment and told them to choose their partners before turning back to his desk and mumbling something incoherent.

James quickly strode over to Alex, "Partner?"

"Of course."

James walked over to their teacher's desk and grabbed a fistful of papers- supposedly their homework. They grabbed their pencils and scrambled to start the work. Within minutes, they'd both finished their page of maths. Alex wasn't that bad actually, regardless of the months he'd missed.

"I think you've made a mistake there James," Alex pointed at James' paper with a finger, eyes fluttering back between his paper and James'.

"I don't think so. Keep your eyes on your own paper, I'll bet there are a thousand mistakes there," James gave Alex a silly look yet kept the aggression in his voice.

"You can clearly see the mistakes on your paper James…"

"I don't think so Alex."

They tossed around a few insults and eventually the conversation became more heated. James tossed a punch at Alex's head - making sure Alex didn't get hurt too bad. Alex punched James in the stomach and before long it became a full out brawl on the floor. The boys sought at each other's faces and punched relentlessly.

"Fuck you!" Alex screamed, wincing as James launched a blow at his face. That would bruise, he mentally noted.

"My pleasure," James smirked, bringing his hand back before slamming it into Alex's stomach.

Alex barely had time to recoil before being kicked again in the groin. A groan came out of Alex's mouth and James felt a little guilty. It seemed like he had the upper hand over Alex.

"Stop! Stop! What the bloody hell are you two boys doing on the floor? Get up this instance - or you'll be sent to the office." The teacher shrieked loudly. Alex paused briefly, would this be enough? He quickly shook away that thought and followed the act with many more punches. He could feel bruises rising to his skin, but he took notice of how James was trying to aim the punches precisely at places where it wouldn't hurt as much.

"You little shit!" James screeched as Alex tried to lightly kick him in the gut.

Alex laughed mentally; James really could be an actor.

The teacher took charge and pulled them apart - requiring the help of two other boys around him. They were pulled apart while grabbing at each other and still managing to give hearty insults. The teacher gave them both a look of fury; his eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his sockets. Obviously, he didn't think there would be much commotion this early.

"Both of you. Off to the office, scram! You've just earned a week's fill of detention! Who knew boys could be so rowdy even in the morning…"

The two drudged their way to the door and Alex slammed it - just trying to piss the teacher off a little more, since he'd gotten detention for a week anyway.

Alex took a look at James, and James stared back at Alex. They both burst out laughing, clutching their stomachs. They were laughing jovially as they made their way into the office.

"Hey James, wasn't that a bit too much? Now I have a big bruise on my cheek," Alex pouted and his nose scrunched up.

"Awww, poor little Alex! Would you like James to kiss it better for you?" James came and blew a kiss at Alex, laughing.

"Hey! It isn't funny," Alex sulked, feeling the texture of his face, "Now I'm ugly."

"Don't worry, in my eyes, you're still very good looking." James winked and snickered.

"Don't make me give you a bruise to match mine!" Alex stuck his tongue out, feeling slightly childish.

"I think you've given me enough bruises thank you. I probably won't even be able to eat anything for days, considering the beating you gave to my stomach," James gave Alex a joking glare.

Alex looked down, even though it was just a 'pretend' fight, somehow it had sort of gotten out of hand. Of course, they had to do everything unreservedly as to convince the teacher it was serious, but maybe they had pummeled each other a little too eagerly.

"Sorry, James. Next time I beat you up, I'll try to be a little less harsh."

"Nah, no worries Alex. I'm fine, really. It's you I should be worrying about. Look at that nasty bruise on your cheek… sorry." James looked endearingly at Alex and touched the bruise softly.

Alex stepped back from the touch, the bruise didn't hurt that much, but it certainly did react when touched.

"It's fine, we should get to the office before the teach thinks we've ditched or something."

"OK," James grinned as he dragged Alex playfully.

They arrived at the door to the office shortly later, Alex panting. Who knew schools could be that big? At least they hadn't gotten lost - although it would've been a good excuse if they were late for their next class.

Alex grabbed the cold, metal handle and pulled. Inside was a nicely furnished room, mostly wood. It smelled like pine too - although not naturally. Probably from those sickening air fresheners everyone was spraying lately. Febriz, was it?

"Hello boys. Mr. Sellers told me that you'd be here shortly," The secretary said. "You boys can sit down there and wait for Mr. Conolly. I'm sure he'll be here before long."

The secretary gave them a stern look that screamed of disapproval, but Alex didn't care. It wasn't as if he was actually trying at this school. Although inside, he though it was quite fun to be in a school with friends… Well, a friend - one he didn't have to lie to.

They sat down on the leather chairs adorned with gold details. Everything in this school seemed fancy. He'd much prefer a normal school with normal kids.

Alex and James stared and tried to communicate with their eyes. The secretary just sat there, tapping away at her computer once in a while and lifting her glasses. Sitting in the pine-smelling lobby was a bore. Alex was worried, maybe his plan wouldn't work. If only he had a chance to go into Mr Conolly's room without having permission… Maybe he could pull it off. He took another look at the secretary and knocked that idea out of his head. The secretary would suspend him before he'd even set foot in Conolly's room.

Alex shifted his weight between one side and another, he was fidgeting. He didn't know how his plan was going to work out. Apparently, the secretary took notice of his fidgeting and their secretly exchanged glances. She found it highly conspicuous.

"Ahem," She cleared her throat. "Mr Emmett, you can go sit and wait in Mr Conolly's room, seeing as your friend and you are having way too much fun out here."

Alex tried not to look giddy as his plan fell into place. A chance to look at Mr Conolly's files - was this secretary dumb? She'd probably get fired if he found any dirt on Conolly. He smirked and walked reluctantly to the door, making sure to show his contempt.

While the secretary was busy typing away, James gave him a nod and a thumbs-up. Alex smiled; it was good to have someone to count on. He quickly closed the door and set out to work at once. He gave the room an once-over to check for bugs and hidden cameras. He looked in the vents and all the bookshelves. Satisfied, he made his way to Conolly's desk, planning out a route of escape just in case Conolly came in suddenly.

He looked at the table. It looked pretty typical, made of some brandy-coloured wood. There was paper scattered all over the desk, a monitor, stationary strewn all over, and a couple of files - all paper-clipped nicely, and a stapler. The desk didn't look very suspicious. Alex speedily memorized where everything was placed.

He picked up an orange folder with no label. Inside there were a couple of files about the financing of the school. Smithers had kept him supplied for times like these. He took a cellphone and snapped a couple of pictures. It seemed like a normal phone, but the camera in it was amazing. It took pictures rapidly and they were all in extremely high resolution. Even a blurry shot could be manipulated on his cellphone to become clearer.

He closed the folder and placed it back exactly where it belonged. He then picked up the other two folders and took pictures. He put everything back and snapped a couple pictures of the desk. Luckily, he'd be able to study everything on the desk later, when he had more time. He'd made it, and with time to spare. He was just setting the stapler back on the edge of the table when he heard the opening of a door.

Alex didn't want to turn around. He put the stapler down immediately and didn't make any sudden movements. Perhaps if he looked like he was just lounging around waiting, the headmaster wouldn't think he was doing anything suspicious. Alex stepped back and waited for the scolding.

It didn't come.

He felt warm, big hands touch the sides of his waist and pull him in. He gasped; his eyes wide-open. Alex whipped his head around and stared at the harasser.

"Y-Yassen..."

Yassen's deep voice chuckled, "Alex, Alex. What did I tell you? Always sniveling your way into things that do not concern you… Well, I suppose that's how you work, right?"

"That's my business… Why are you here anyways? Isn't this Conolly's office?" Alex tried to remain indifferent, but Yassen had his heart pounding. He pushed Yassen away, removing Yassen's hands from around his waist.

"There is much to be said, Alex. But this is neither the time nor the place to discuss."

"So… you're saying you're going to give me information?"

"If I must. Just keep your head out of this OK? It's not really something MI6 wants to get its filthy hands into. I promise."

Yassen almost sounded caring. But Alex shrugged that thought away. Here beside him was a killer. A killer of his close family members too… Yet he couldn't bring himself to want to kill him. He was ashamed.

"How long? I can't keep this up without MI6 suspecting that I'm stalling," Alex grimaced. He would strike up a deal with this guy… At least he'd get the full story- not just bits and pieces, from what he could imagine.

"Don't ask so many questions, Alex. You'll be disappointed when you realize most questions are best left unanswered. MI6 will wait. When have you disappointed them?" Yassen said.

Alex brows furrowed and a scowl appeared on his face, "Fine. But you better tell me, or else--"

"Or else what, Alex? Will you kill me? I think you hardly have the guts to even hit me," Yassen loved to piss Alex off, he was so easy to anger.

"You never know, Yassen," Alex's jaw clenched and redness spilled onto his cheekbones.

"We'll see. Now come with me, you don't want to be caught by the headmaster do you? That would cause unnecessary complications," Yassen smirked and held Alex by the wrist.

"But, Jame--"

"Let the headmaster deal with him. I'll just tell him I caught you first and gave you a month of detentions," Yassen said, pulling him along.

Alex complied, reluctantly though. He'd never let himself be at rest if he let Yassen do what he liked with himself.

The smell of cinnamon sifted through Yassen's room, reminding him of Mrs Jones. It was quite roomy. A leather sofa placed at one end of the room, under a gold rug with burgundy patterning. His desk was at the other side, almost empty save the laptop and the light. The room seemed slightly too organized, as if a perfectionist was the designer.

"Why'd you bring me here?" Alex demanded angrily. Yassen was bizarre, too bizarre for his likes. He was hard to understand. Sometimes he was a little fearful of Yassen, who knew what this cold-blooded hunter could do?

"You want to go back to class? Hn, never thought I'd see the day where a student actually wanted to go to school. Think of it as transferring to my advanced maths class. No other students have ever had the pleasure of my teaching," Yassen said, ending his sentence with an airy whisper.

"No… What do you mean?"

"Let's just say the headmaster regards my opinion very highly. What I say is law to him, basically. I'll tell him I've transferred you into my maths class or any class I want to see you in."

"What? No! I don't want to be in your 'class'. It's going to draw so much suspicion, and that's the least I need. Stupid Jake and his crew are already too much to handle." Alex gritted his teeth, thinking of that dumbass Jake.

"Mr Simling? I'll make sure he doesn't bother you again. I don't think he will, actually. My detentions are quite… a hassle. What happened to your face?" Yassen held a worried look and scrutinized Alex, giving him a looking over.

Alex shuddered. Who knew what Yassen did in his detentions? And him being worried? Almost even scarier.

"How do you think I got into the office? I suppose… I owe you a thanks," Alex eyes darted away from Yassen's obviously amused ones.

"Be more careful, Alex. By the way, I accept thank you's in forms of kisses," Yassen said in an entertained yet serious way.

Alex's cheeks flushed pink, interrupting the pale features of his skin. "I-in your dreams. Pervert…" he mumbled, cheek as ever.

"Well yes, I do often dream of you," Yassen shrugged the insult off and smiled menacingly at the blonde.

Alex narrowed his eyes and gave Yassen a glare. Yassen seemed to always want to tease him. He'd rather Yassen hate him and want to kill him.

Yassen was having trouble omitting the thoughts of doing naughty things to Alex. Alex didn't realize, but the effect he had on people really was annoying. Yassen wanted to kill Alex. He'd practically killed half his family anyway. Yet, Alex had more of an intrigue to him. The glare Alex often gave Yassen was simply adorable. Sometimes, Yassen teased him just to get that glare. That delectable pout with the cute wrinkle of his nose… It was almost too much to handle.

Large doses of Alex Rider might be fatal, Yassen noted.

"I think you'd rather not go to class, am I wrong?"

"No, you're right… I'd rather not," Alex said, embarrassed. He didn't want to ask for any favours.

"That's quite alright. I'll call your teacher, who is it?" Yassen picked up the phone on his wall, hands lingering on the buttons, waiting for Alex's answer.

"Miss Gainsborough. That manly woman hardly could be called a woman," Alex scowled, looking up as if he could picture her buff build.

"For once, Alex, I agree," Yassen almost smiled, looking down at Alex who was busily thinking about Gainsborough.

Yassen quickly dialed her number and told her of Alex's whereabouts.

"Done and done, Alex," Yassen said, now gazing predatorily at Alex. "Now let's get down to business, shall we?"

"Huh?" Alex quickly looked at Yassen in a perturbed way. Yassen secretly thought it enticing.

Yassen stepped forward, stride by stride, pushing Alex towards the couch. Alex had a bothered expression on his face and tried to hold his own, but found himself moving back as Yassen wanted.

"U-uh…" Alex found himself with no words to say as he was pressed onto the couch. He tried pushing, but his arms felt like jelly compared to Yassen's broad chest.

"Alex…" Yassen whispered huskily into his ear. Alex shivered and almost lost all sanity. Yassen slipped his hand under Alex's shirt and caressed his stomach tenderly, producing moans and gasps from Alex.

"No… stop," Alex said, managing to gain control of his voice as Yassen

He managed to push Yassen off, but Yassen quickly recoiled and claimed Alex's lips.

Alex felt like he was on fire. He arched his back as Yassen's hands roamed his body, going where no one had ever gone before. Yassen paused for a moment, rubbing his hands gently against Alex while leaning down for another kiss. When their lips met, Yassen thrust his tongue into Alex's mouth, savouring the mint taste on Alex's lips.

Yassen wanted Alex. He'd always wanted Alex, right from the start of their long, winding, confusing relationship. Yassen leaned in and the kiss progressed into something more passionate and fierce. Alex unconsciously thrust his hands into Yassen's light auburn tresses.

Pleasure swirled in the pit of Alex's stomach as Yassen stroked him again and again. Yassen looked down at Alex's whimpering body and savoured the image below him. This was one he would never forget. Alex looked so simply arousing when writhing and wriggling under his grasp. Honestly, Alex looked arousing anytime actually.

Yassen promptly started to nip and attack at Alex's neck, drawing in that intoxicating scent that seemed to be Alex's own. Alex moaned from the sensations he was getting from Yassen's experienced hands. He was getting to the point of delirium. He hadn't known he could even possibly feel this good.

Yassen kissed him again, causing Alex to gasp and shudder out of embarrassment. Alex felt his mind roll and begin to work again. Here he was, letting Yassen, his beloved uncle's killer, take advantage of him. Somewhere in his dizzy mind, the situation finally registered. As much as Alex felt good, he wanted to stop.

"Ah… Yassen… Stop!" Alex gathered all his strength and pushed Yassen off. Face red and glowing, he collected himself and looked down, embarrassed.

"S-sorry," Alex didn't even know why he was apologizing.

"Quite alright, maybe we'll continue this another time," Yassen remained calm and polite, with a slight amused tone. Yassen hid his disappointment. He thought he'd claimed the boy by now, but apparently, Alex wasn't completely consumed by lust. He even wondered if Alex was experienced. Probably not though, his reaction told a lot.

"Uh--" Alex didn't know what to say. He felt completely vulnerable.

"You can stay here and read or do what you like, or you can go back to class," Yassen offered as if nothing had happened.

Alex didn't want to go back to class, yet he didn't want to stay here, sitting awkwardly with Yassen. Fearing the possibility that Yassen wanted to do something… Weighing his options, staying with Yassen or going to Ms Gain… He chose the latter.

"I think I'll go back to class," Alex's face was quieting down now, the blush not so apparent. He hoped nobody would notice his rugged appearance.

"Very well, Alex. I suppose I'll have to catch you later," Yassen said, turning back to his desk.

"Bye," Alex murmured as he ran out the door in a flourish.

"Charming."

Yassen grit his teeth and slammed his hand onto his desk. He should have just taken Alex right then and there. It wasn't as if he couldn't. He had the strength and the will- maybe the will was lacking. Alex had to be the only person he'd ever desired so passionately. He wanted to own him badly, but he wanted Alex to enjoy it as well, and be in consent.

Alex was a fixation, an unhealthy desire.

What the hell was he doing with Yassen? He couldn't even stop it at first, but he felt himself leaning into the touch. Something that shouldn't have happened. He was not gay. Or maybe this gay school was turning him gay... He didn't even have a hint of dislike towards gays, but somehow he couldn't imagine that he was. Impossible, he decided finally. He'd just ignore all his urges.

Walking through the hallway, he finally got to the gym, right when the bell rang. He saw James smiling and running towards him hurriedly.

"Where were you, Alex?" James prodded after seeing Alex fresh off of Yassen's couch. "Are you alright?"

"I-I was with Mr Gregorovich. He caught me in the office," Alex muttered quickly. He was trying to forget what happened with Yassen.

"What happened?" James asked worriedly, giving Alex a perturbed look.

"Nothing really… Yassen-- Mr Gregorovich, just gave me a months worth of detentions. I didn't catch the headmaster. What happened with you? Did you get in deep trouble? I'm so sorry James. I really didn't want to involve you… but I'd look kind of stupid beating myself up," Alex frowned and looked at James with concern.

"Don't worry about me Alex! I was glad to help you. Now I feel like some sort of super spy," James chuckled and put his hand around Alex's shoulders in a friendly way, "The headmaster just told me to settle down, and get unruly outside. But I kind of have to do classroom duties for a month. Help the teacher, wipe tables, that kind of stuff."

"Heh, I'd rather you be a spy than me. And I thought they had janitors for those kinds of things…?" Alex wondered out loud.

"Yeah, but I guess they just want to punish students. Oh well, I only have it for a week. Better than you, even!" James beamed at Alex.

"Sorry, James… Next time I'll leave you out of it," Alex said dejectedly. No matter how much James reassured him, he knew it'd be better for James if he hadn't included him. Maybe he should've started a real fight.

"Nah, it was all good fun Alex. Don't worry," James slapped Alex on the back. A little too low, Alex noted but shrugged off.

"OK… I'll take your word for it," Alex smiled his award-winning smile.

Sorry, that chapter was extremely long. Twice the size of my usual chapter! I just felt like I had a lot to fit in into this chapter. And with the mere appearance of Yassen twice, I felt like he had to have a bigger part in this chapter. (Huhuhu, molesting dear Alex). There may be a possible lemon in the future. And I'm hoping this story will be kind of an epic (since I intend to make it pretty long). I kind of like the platonic relationship of Alex and James. (With the occasional flirty James, of course.) I don't think I'm going to progress them much further than one-sided love. I couldn't bring myself to make Yassen take Alex's virginity already, but maybe in later chapters. /Winkwink. Or Wolf… I might only respond to some user replies, sorry.

McNuggets - I actually liked James' lack of character, makes him all the easier to write in fics. If you read the graphic novel, you'd see that he actually kind of has some sort of attitude, but I just wrote James' how I liked. Oh how I wish I could kill Jake off... But that would be too drastic. I love your long comments! I think Alex could be shared too... But my OTP is definitely Yassen/Alex. Not to make you lose hope though !
vamp - Well, the James/Alex in this chapter should suffice, if you squint. :)
marisje - Thanks, and yeah I think I'm going to include K-Unit in later chapters.
Independant-Chick-92 - I agree, I don't think Yassen should be overly nice. I don't like it when Yassen portrays his love for Alex or something... Seems too OOC.
Pheonice Dutch - Aw shucks, your reviews make me feel nice. /Blush. Loved your review and yeah, I know James + Alex didn't really have too much chemistry but all that can be changed within the realms of fanfictions, can it not? ;)

Review please! You can take it from me, click that button down there and you'll receive a chapter faster. Love all my reviewers and lurkers! And I'm looking for a beta reader, please PM me or leave a comment if you're interested. :)