Mette
Cadet
It Was For The Best - Part 2.
Next chapter is here. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you all for reading and for the lovely comments. I really appreciate it.
Irina_Derevko_Bristow: I don't know if I'd call them stalkers, but they do get near Jack and Irina every chance they get. Yes, Stan is a creep. He might be put in his place one day. Thank you. I'm sorry to hear that. I know where I want Katya to go, and I'm not going to change my mind. No, Katya doesn't have Alzheimers and she's not ill in any way. But there's a reason why she didn't remember the report, and that will be explained in the third and final story. You're allowed to your thoughts. :lol: I know what Irina wanted to talk to her about, but I'm not telling. Yes, there was a reason why she smiled.
Sydney Derevko Bristow: I know what's up with Katya, but I'm not saying. :lol:
TheDerevkoGirl: Yes, they really should but they can't tell them. Yes, it would make them back off. :lol: But she can't tell them that either. :lol: Yes, there's something about Katya, but I'm not telling. I don't know if Jack and Dixon have done that, but maybe.
nicewoman: Yeah, they're doing that to me too. No, she wouldn't or couldn't very well do that. But maybe she'll put him in his place one day. I know what's up with Katya, and so far she's fine. But there's a reason why she's acting the way that she is, and it has something to do with her past. I'm glad I had great timing. :lol:
Chapter 7
A few days later Jack and Irina were sitting in the living room after having tucked the triplets in bed. Irina looked up from her book and turned her head to look at Jack.
“So, what do you want for your birthday?” He looked up from his book too, and looked at her.
“You know what I want.” He wiggled his eyes at her and she rolled her eyes at him.
“Yes, I’m perfectly aware of the entertainment you want, after we’ve gone to bed.” She smiled at him. “And you know I’ll be happy to put on a show for you like I always do.” He smiled back and wiggled his eyes. She let out a laugh. “But I meant for a present. What do you want for a present for your birthday?” He moved closer to her on the couch.
“I don’t want anything. I already have everything I could ever wish for.” He started trailing kisses up and down her neck.
“Jack.” She moaned in pleasure and got distracted for a moment. “You have to come up with something. The triplets and I have to buy you something.” He continued with what he was doing and she started to run a hand through his hair.
“Just get me a tie or a shirt. I really don’t care.” She slapped him playfully on his arm with her free hand.
“You’re impossible, you know that?” He laughed against her skin.
“Yeah, I know.” He looked her in the eyes, and held up the book he was reading. “I got a really great present for Valentine’s Day, so I really don’t need anything.” She smiled and kissed him.
“But that present was just from me. You need to come up with something.”
“Well, then ties and shirts.” She rolled her eyes at him.
“Jack that’s not really special.”
“But what if that’s what I really want. I don’t have to get a big present or something special. As long as it’s something I want that should be fine.”
“You have enough ties and shirts. And you don’t really want anymore at the moment. You’re just saying that to get out of thinking of what you want. It’s not going to work, so think of something else.” He sighed.
“Sweetheart I really don’t know what I want. I haven’t got a clue.”
“Then now is a good time to think about it.” He started kissing her neck again.
“But I thought we were just about to make out.”
“No we weren’t. I’m going to read my book, and you’re going to think about what you want for a present.” He looked at her to see if she was serious, and gaped a little when she’d already started to read her book again.
“You’re actually serious.” She nodded not taking her eyes from her book. He let out a frustrated grunt. “Well then I’ll just go back to reading my book too.” She shrugged.
“Fine. But you have to think of a present sooner or later.” She grinned a little and he rolled his eyes before going back to his own book.
More than an hour later Jack sighed, and put his book down. He looked at Irina.
“I honestly don’t know what I want for my birthday. All I can come up with is a jacket. I know that’s clothes too, but I could really use a new jacket.” She put her book down and turned to him smiling.
“A jacket is not a bad gift. That’s a good choice. So what kind of jacket?” He smiled back glad that his choice of present was accepted.
“I don’t know. Just a jacket I can wear when it’s not too cold outside. But no screaming colors. I don’t want a jacket that’s yellow or orange or something like that.” She laughed.
“Okay. I’m sure we can find a nice jacket for you. And if you don’t like it, you can always return it.”
“So, you’re okay with me wanting a jacket for a present?”
“Jack, it’s your birthday. You’re allowed to wish for anything you want.” He cocked an eyebrow at her.
“Apparently I wasn’t allowed to get ties and shirts.” She threw a cushion at him and moved closer.
“Like I said, you have enough of that. And it’s something you can easily get yourself that won’t have that much meaning to you. You won’t be able to remember which white shirt you got from me and the triplets, whenever you put a white shirt on. But whenever you put a jacket on, you’ll be able to remember that you got that from me and the triplets.” He laughed a little and put an arm around her.
“Well you’ve got a point.”
“But if you’re so keen on getting ties and shirts, we can throw a couple of that in your present as well.” He kissed her and when he was about to pull away she held him in his place. When they eventually needed air she looked at him seductively. “You know if you’d come up with the jacket an hour ago, we could’ve been making out for that long.” He grinned.
“So now you want to make out?” She kissed him again.
“I wanted to make out the minute you started kissing my neck. I haven’t read a single thing since you picked up your book again.” He gaped at her.
“Then why did you make me stop?”
“Because you really had to think of a present. You always put it off to the last minute, so this year I just wanted to get an answer out of you early. But I didn’t think it would take you that long, when you were pushed into giving an answer, and not be allowed to make out.” He shook his head laughing.
“I’m going to make you regret teasing me.” She cocked an eyebrow and looked at him amused.
“Oh yeah? What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to do this.” He quickly tossed his book aside and started tickling her.
“Jack stop it. Stop. Jack stop.” She was trying to tickle him back, but she didn’t succeed, because she was laughing too hard and squirmed with his constant tickling. “I’m sorry I prevented you from making out. Please stop.” She was laughing harder and harder and after a few seconds Jack stopped. But he only stopped to give her a kiss before he continued tickling her again. “I can’t believe you. Jack stop. We could be doing more pleasurable things now.”
“It’s quite pleasurable for me to tickle you.” She laughed harder and tried to get away, but still wasn’t successful. After a little while Jack stopped and pulled her to him. “Now let’s make out.”
A couple of weeks later it was Jack’s birthday. He and Irina were setting the table for breakfast when the triplets came down carrying Jack’s presents.
“It’s time for your presents, daddy.” Jack turned and smiled, and then walked over to give them a hand. They sat the presents down on the table and then sat down themselves.
“So which present should I open first?” Caitie picked up a small one.
“This one daddy.” He smiled and took the present. He unwrapped a silver, pink, purple, green, blue, and black striped tie, and looked at it a little oddly.
“Do you like it daddy?”
“Well it’s very nice, but I don’t know if it’s really me.”
“But it will look really good with a dark gray suit and a lighter gray colored shirt.” He was still a little skeptical and looked at Irina, who was smiling.
“It really would sweetheart.” He smiled back.
“Well okay, if you say so. I trust you to have more fashion sense than I do.” They all laughed a little bit. “Thank you for the tie. I love it.”
“Now open this one daddy.” He took a larger present from Maddie and unwrapped a black, white, and gray striped shirt. He chuckled and looked at Irina.
“You said you wanted a tie and shirt.” He nodded.
“Yes, I did and I really like this one. Thank you.”
“And now this one daddy.” He took a third present and unwrapped two polo t-shirts. One dark gray and one black.
“Thank you. I needed some of these.”
“Yes, I noticed.” They smiled and Irina handed him the last present. “And now the last one.”
“I bet I know what this is.” He smiled as he unwrapped a black leather jacket. He looked a little skeptical as he took a closer look at the jacket. “A leather jacket? You really think this is me?” Irina nodded.
“Yes, we really do. It has the same shape as a jacket for a suit, so we think it’s perfect for you. Try it on.” He still looked a little skeptical, but stood up and tried it on. He then started to nod.
“It’s actually quite comfortable.” He looked up at everyone. “So, how do I look?”
“You look really nice daddy.”
“It suits you.”
“You look very handsome daddy.” Maddie looked at her mother. “Doesn’t daddy look handsome mommy?” Irina was looking at Jack, and had appreciated the way the jacket looked on him very much. She nodded and locked eyes with Jack.
“Yes, sweetheart. Daddy looks very handsome in that jacket. Very handsome indeed.” He could see the desire in her eyes and looked at her the same way. They looked at each other that way for a few seconds before they smiled softly at each other.
“I should probably take the jacket off, so I don’t spill on it.” He took it off and went around giving the triplets a kiss. “Thank you very much. I love my presents.” He walked over to Irina and gave her a kiss too. “Thank you sweetheart.” He gave her another kiss.
“You’re welcome.” They kissed one last time before sitting down to eat.
After breakfast Jack and Irina cleared the table while the triplets got ready for school. Jack wrapped his arms around Irina and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for a great birthday so far. I’m looking forward to the rest of it.” She turned in his embrace and kissed him.
“You know what I’d really love to do?” She smiled seductively and he returned the smile.
“No, tell me.”
“When we get to work, I’d really love to go into your office, lock the door, soundproof the office, put the blinds down so no one can see in, then put on a show for you, and end up having my way with you on your desk.” He stared a little wide eyed and swallowed a few times. She was about to kiss him, but then pulled away to his irritation. “But, at work I’m just an agent and you’re the director, so I can’t have my way with you there.” She was about to walk away, but he pulled her to him, and crashed his lips on hers in a passionate kiss. A few moments later they both needed air.
“We’re not at work yet, so there’s no reason not to kiss me.” He kissed her again.
“Oh, I know. But seeing you in that leather jacket was such a turn on that I thought it’d be best not to kiss you, because I wouldn’t be able to stop and keep it to just kissing, and we do have to be at work shortly director Bristow.”
“Well, agent Bristow, what about what you just told me about having your way with me on my desk in my office? I’d call that a turn on too.”
“I’d call it a promise of what’s to come later tonight.” She wiggled her eyes at him and he kissed her again. They were still kissing when the triplets came downstairs. They only looked at their parents for a split second before leaving the kitchen again, going to wait for them until they were done. A few minutes later Irina looked at her watch. “We really should get going director Bristow.” Jack gave her a quick kiss and took her by the hand.
“Certainly agent Bristow.”
When Jack and Irina arrived at APO everyone had gathered round, and the minute they got into view, everyone started singing.
“Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear Jack,
happy birthday to you.” He rolled his eyes for a second before smiling.
“Thank you all for the song.” He looked around the room smiling and nodding before everyone returned to work. Sydney and Nadia walked up to him. Nadia gave him a hug first.
“Happy birthday dad.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek, and then Sydney gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Happy birthday dad. Have you had a great day so far?” He smiled at them.
“Thank you, and yes, my day has been great so far.” Dixon walked up to Jack and smiled at him.
“Not to interrupt your celebration, but we have to make a call to Washington in two minutes.” Jack nodded.
“Yes, I’ll be right there.” Dixon left and Jack looked back at Sydney and Nadia. “Well, I should get to work.”
“So should we. Talk to you later.” They both gave him another kiss on the cheek before leaving. Jack walked over to the coffee maker and Irina followed him. He poured them both a cup of coffee and handed Irina her cup.
“You should get to work too agent Bristow.” He spoke in a neutral tone, and she gave him a polite nod, speaking with the same tone in her voice.
“Yes, of course director Bristow.” He gave her a nod and left. Irina went in the other direction to her desk and sat down. What neither of them had noticed was that Nadia had walked the other way around and had stood out of sight from them by the coffee maker. She looked in the direction of her father and then in the direction of her mother, wondering what was up with her parents. She shook her head, deciding to leave it be and went back to work.
Three hours later Jack walked over to Irina with a folder in his hand. She looked up when he came over, both their expressions were neutral. He spoke quietly and his tone was business like.
“Agent Bristow.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I have some urgent work for you to take care of.” He gave her the folder. “Put what you’re working on aside, and get started on this right away. I need it done and on my desk before you leave the office today. Is that understood?”
“Yes, director.” Jack left without another word and Irina started on the work she’d just been given. Once again Nadia had been standing close to her parents and heard everything. She was a bit taken aback from how her parents were behaving, and was just about to go over and talk to her mother when Kendall walked over.
“Nadia I need your help.” She turned around and looked at Kendall.
“Okay.” She smiled back and walked with him to his office.
At lunch time Sydney walked over to her mother’s desk. “Hi mom. Nadia and I are just about to go and have lunch with dad in his office, so I thought I’d come and take you with me.” Irina smiled back at Sydney.
“I can’t sweetheart, I’m swamped with work.”
“Surely it can wait for a while. It’s dad’s birthday.”
“I wish it could, but your father wants me to finish this and hand it in before I leave. I still have a lot of work to do, so I can’t really take a break. I have to settle for eating while I work.” Sydney looked at her mother a little oddly.
“Are you sure?” Irina gave her a smile.
“Yes, I’m sure. You and your sister go and have a nice lunch with your father.” Sydney nodded.
“Okay.” Sydney left and walked away. She looked over her shoulder for a second to see if there was anything wrong with her mother. Irina was back to work, so Sydney didn’t think anymore of it and left to have lunch with her father and Nadia.
After having had lunch with their father, Sydney and Nadia went over to the coffee maker to get a cup of coffee. Nadia poured them both a cup, and then looked at Sydney when she was giving her the coffee. She was about to say something but decided not to. However, Sydney saw this.
“Were you just about to ask me something?” Nadia smiled and shrugged.
“Yeah, but it’s nothing.”
“Tell me anyway.”
“Well, I was just wondering if mom and dad are fighting. Do you know if they are?”
“No, I don’t. What makes you think they’re fighting?”
“It’s just that dad is calling mom agent, and mom is calling dad director and even called him sir. Their tone is also quite neutral, so I just thought that they might be fighting.” Sydney was a bit puzzled by this but shrugged.
“I haven’t heard them calling each other that. But mom did say she had work to do, when I came to take her to dad’s office for lunch. I thought that was a little strange. But if the work has to be done, then I really don’t see the big deal with her not joining us for lunch. I’m sure it’s nothing.” Sydney smiled at her sister, and Nadia smiled back.
“Yeah, I’m sure you’re right. I’m probably just imagining things.” She noticed Kendall waving her over. “I have to get back to work. Talk to you later Syd.”
“Yeah, talk to you later.” They went in opposites directions and went back to work.
Two hours later both Sydney and Nadia were standing near their mother’s desk in opposite directions. They saw their father walking up to her desk, and noticed he was very business like. Nadia caught Sydney’s attention and nodded at her, indicating that they should listen in on what their parents were talking about. Sydney nodded back and moved a little closer.
“Agent Bristow.” Irina looked up when Jack stood in front of his desk, and kept her tone and facial expression as neutral as she’d done earlier.
“Yes, director.”
“How far are you from completing the work I gave you?”
“I still have about an hour or so. Probably a little longer.” He shot her a look that was a little stern and his voice held a little anger, but he spoke quietly.
“You do realize that I don’t have all day to wait for this report, right?”
“Yes, of course sir.”
“Good. Then pick up the pace. I don’t want to be here later than I have to today. I have to step out of the office for a while. I’ll be gone for about an hour, so I’d appreciate it, if the report was on my desk by the time I get back.” Irina nodded.
“I’ll do my very best, and work as fast as I can.” He gave a slight nod, went to talk to Dixon for a few seconds and then left APO. Sydney and Nadia went over to the coffee maker, and stared a little wide eyed at each other.
“Did you hear them? They did it again.”
“Yeah, I heard them, and I see what you mean. I just can’t believe that they’re fighting. They don’t fight that often, but today on dad’s birthday? That doesn’t make sense.” They were shaking their heads in disbelief when Vaughn, Eric, Marshall, Carrie, and Kendall walked over.
“Hey, what’s up with you two?” Vaughn smiled at them when he noticed they seemed a little worried.
“We think mom and dad are fighting.” Everyone looked at them a little oddly.
“Why would your parents be fighting today on your dad’s birthday?” Sydney and Nadia both shrugged.
“We don’t know. Have any of you heard them fighting?” They all shook their heads.
“Your parents don’t really fight. Well, of course I don’t really know, because I don’t live with them. But I do spend a lot of time with them here at the office, and out of the office, you know when we go to the kids’ soccer games, or just pick them up from practice, or when…”
“Yes, Marshall we know.” Carrie interrupted Marshall’s rambling. “Have the two of you talked to your parents?” Sydney and Nadia both shook their heads. “Well, why don’t you ask your mom, what’s wrong. Look she’s coming over now.” They all turned to see Irina coming over to get a cup of coffee. She smiled at them.
“Is there a line for the coffee, or are you just all hanging out?” They all laughed a little.
“No, no line.” Nadia motioned for her mother to go ahead and get a cup of coffee. She looked at Sydney, who nodded and she nodded back. “Um, mom?” Irina turned around once she’d gotten her coffee and smiled.
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“Are you and dad fighting?” Irina looked at Nadia a little curiously and also at Sydney, when she saw that she had the same worried facial expression as Nadia.
“No, we’re not fighting.” Sydney looked at her mother a little concerned.
“Are you sure mom? You’re calling him director and sir, and he’s calling you agent.” Irina smiled.
“Yes, of course I’m sure.” Sydney and Nadia looked at each other not really sure what to think. Sydney shook her head.
“Then if you and dad aren’t fighting, why on earth are you calling each other that? What’s that about?” Irina’s smile broadened.
“Foreplay.” Sydney gaped, Nadia shut her eyes, and everyone else laughed.
“Honestly, mom.”
“I did not need to hear that.” Irina just shrugged at her daughters. Eric shot Irina a curious and amused look after he stopped laughing.
“So Irina, you and Jack act out these roles at home, where you’re the agent and he’s the director?” Sydney and Nadia immediately turned to Eric staring wide eyed at him. Irina smiled at Eric.
“Yes, we do. Although sometimes I get to be on top.” In a split second Sydney’s and Nadia’s heads turned to stare wide eyed at their mother.
“Eeewww, mom.”
“Stop that.” Irina rolled her eyes at them and shook her head.
“That’s not what I meant. I meant that sometimes I get to be the director and your father is the agent.” They both covered their eyes and shook their heads. “But speaking of the way that you thought, I’m on top of your father, just as much as he’s on top of me. Well, it’s not like we keep track on whose turn it is to be on top. But I’d say that I’m probably on top of him as much as he’s on top of me.” Sydney’s and Nadia’s eyes were almost about to fall out.
“Mom will you stop it.”
“We don’t want to hear these things.”
“Girls you asked me why your father and I were calling each other by titles, and all I did was answer. That let to Eric’s question, and you know that I’d answer it. If you didn’t want to hear the answer, you should’ve left. And you’re the ones who jumped to the wrong conclusion, so naturally you should’ve known that I’d explain everything to you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a report to finish. Your father really needs the report to be done before I leave. I don’t want to get a real reprimand from him.” She winked at them and went back to her desk. Everyone but Sydney and Nadia laughed. Kendall walked a little closer to them.
“Well girls you got your answer. And now that the mystery is solved let’s all get back to work.” He laughed a little as he left for his office. Everyone else left too, and Eric left in a hurry before Nadia or Sydney could throw anything at him. They looked at each other and grimaced before returning to work.
An hour later Jack returned to APO. He walked over to Sydney and Nadia, who were going through some work at Nadia’s desk. “Hi sweethearts. I thought you’d have left by now.” They looked at each other and were still a little uncomfortable from the conversation they had with their mother an hour ago.
“Um, hi dad. Uh, we’re on our way out the door.”
“Yeah, we’re just finishing up here.” He looked at them a little curiously.
“Are you alright?” They looked at him and tried to smile the best they could.
“Yes, we’re absolutely fine.”
“Couldn’t be better.” He eyed them, still not convinced that they were alright, but decided not to push the matter any further.
“Okay. I’ll see you soon at the house.”
“Yeah, looking forward to it.”’
“Absolutely.” He nodded and smiled at them, but left feeling like they seemed a little off.
A few minutes later Irina walked into Jack’s office with the report. “I finished the report director.” He gave her a nod.
“Thank you.” He took it from her, acting like he’d acted earlier, but when she was just about to leave he changed the tone in his voice, to how he usually talked to her. “Sweetheart, wait a minute.” She turned and looked at him amused.
“Isn’t that a breech of the rules director?” He let out a laugh and nodded.
“Yes, it is, but I have something I need to ask you. Something I need to ask you as your husband and not as your boss.” She smiled and nodded. “Do you know if there’s anything wrong with Sydney and Nadia? They’re acting a little strange to me.”
“They overheard us calling each other by titles, and asked if we were fighting.” He gaped a little.
“You didn’t tell them why we called each other by the titles did you?”
“Yes, I did.” He gaped more. “When I told them that we weren’t fighting, they wanted to know why we then called each other by the titles.”
“And you couldn’t have told them something other than the truth?”
“What was I supposed to have told them?” He just shrugged. “I don’t like lying to my daughters. I’ve done that enough in my life.” He nodded.
“Yeah, I know you don’t want to do that. But I still think that a lie would’ve been better in this case.”
“Maybe, but I couldn’t think of anything other than the truth.” He nodded. “But Eric also asked me a question, which I answered, and that let the girls to thinking something completely different than what the answer was. But I then clarified what they original thought. I guess all of it has something to do with their behavior too.” He stared wide eyes at her.
“Do I even want to know what that whole conversation was about?” Irina smiled.
“No, I don’t think so.” He groaned.
“It’s my birthday. Had it been on any other day, they’d probably have forgotten about it by tomorrow. But we’re spending the evening with them, so it’s really going to be uncomfortable.” He shook his head. “Not that it’s not bad enough that the girls and especially Eric were around when this conversation took place, but they were the only ones there, right?”
“No. Michael, Marshall, Carrie, and Kendall were there too.” He groaned again.
“Just wonderful.” She smiled at him lovingly.
“I’m sure it won’t be that bad. I’ll tell Michael and Eric not to mention anything about it tonight. In the meantime, you just think about what I’ll do to you after everyone has gone home. I think that should help you take your mind off of things.” He let out a sigh and smiled back at her.
“Yeah, I think I better think about that. But before I do that, I should probably take a look at the report you did. You’re going home now right?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. I just have this to go through, and then some other things to take care of, so I should be able to leave the office in about an hour.” She nodded.
“Then I’ll let you get back to work director Bristow.” She winked at him and he let out a small laugh.
“See you at home agent Bristow.” They smiled at each other one last time before Irina left his office.
A few hours later everyone showed up at Jack and Irina’s house for dinner. All except for Chase. She was invited every time, because Irina wanted it that way, but she never came to their house. She had a hard time accepting that Dixon and his children went to every event at their house, but she also knew that Dixon wouldn’t allow her to stand in the way of spending time with his friends.
Jack opened the door and greeted Sydney, Vaughn, their kids, Nadia, Eric, their kids, and Kendall, who had all arrived at the same time. Jack, Sydney, and Nadia acted like nothing had happened earlier at work. They helped the children with their jackets, and then walked into the living room while Jack, Vaughn, Eric, and Kendall put the jackets and coats away. Vaughn and Eric started to laugh a little and Jack turned and glared at them. Vaughn put his hands up in defense.
“Sorry Jack. We’ll behave. We promised Irina that we won’t comment on anything tonight.” Eric nodded.
“Yes, we promise to be good. But just so you know, Vaughn and I can never call you director again. We would hate for you to think that we’re coming on to you.” They started to laugh and left the hall with Jack glaring at them as they left. Kendall let out a small laugh too. When Jack turned to look at him he too, put his hands up in defense.
“Jack, you know I won’t comment on anything. But I also can’t help but laugh when Eric makes a comment like that.” Jack sighed and nodded.
“Yeah, I know.” He sighed once more and they joined everyone in the living room. Everyone else was there and Kendall said a quick hi to everyone. The only empty seat was next to Katya and he hesitated for a moment before sitting down next to her. She cocked an eyebrow at him.
“You hesitated before sitting next to me.” He rolled his eyes before looking at her.
“Can you blame me? The last time you were responsible for me ending up in the pool.”
“So you claim.” He let out a frustrated grunt.
“So I know. You might as well stop denying it, because we all know it was you.”
“You really whine a lot, do you know that?” He rolled his eyes.
“Yes, so you’ve told me several times.”
“Then you’d assume that you’d paid attention to what I’ve been telling you. But apparently you need a hearing aid.”
“I can hear perfectly fine.”
“So you claim.” He let out another frustrated grunt.
“So I know. I think I know my own health and my own body more than you do.”
“Yes, who else would want to know your body.” Everyone laughed a little while Kendall groaned. Jack got up from his seat.
“Okay, why don’t you all go into the dining room. Dinner is about done.” Kendall got up quickly and Maddie walked over to him.
“Uncle Kendall will you sit next to me?” He smiled at her.
“I’d love to sweetie.” He took her by the hand and they went to the dining room. Irina was about to walk over to Katya, after seeing the expression on her face, but Sarah walked over to her.
“Grandma I want to come with you.” Irina picked up her granddaughter and gave her a kiss on the cheek
“I’d love for you to come with me. Let’s go sweetheart.” She walked after Jack to the kitchen, concentrating on her granddaughter rather than what she wanted to talk to Katya about.
A few minutes later everyone sat down to dinner. Isabelle looked at her mother. “Mommy?” Sydney looked at her and smiled.
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“We haven’t sung Happy Birthday for grandpa yet.”
“No you’re right, we haven’t done that yet. Should we do it now?”
“Yeah.” All the other children cheered too.
“Okay, but we need an order. So how about we sing daddy, grandpa, uncle, and Jack?” Sydney looked around at everyone. “Is everyone onboard with that?” They all nodded. “Okay, on three. One-two-three.”
“Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear daddy, grandpa, uncle, and Jack,
happy birthday to you.” Everyone cheered and Jack smiled around at them all.
“Thank you all very much for the song. I appreciate it. Now dig in.”
Later Jack and Irina carried the dishes to the kitchen. She put her arms around him and gave him a kiss. “So, are you enjoying your birthday?” He smiled back at her.
“Yes, very much.”
“I never get tired of singing Happy Birthday with all the names we put in there.” He chuckled.
“Just wait. In less than a week it’s your turn.”
“Yeah, I can’t wait.” He gave her a kiss, and a few seconds later Ethan, Mitchell, Matthew, and Stephen came into the kitchen.
“Can we help with anything uncle Jack?” Jack and Irina smiled at the boys.
“Yes Matthew, you and the rest of you can take the coffee mugs, the juice, the cookies, and the cake into the living room.”
“Okay.” They took everything with them and Jack and Irina came into the living room a few seconds later with the coffee and tea.
A while later everyone went home. Kendall was the last one to leave, and stood in the hall putting on his jacket, while Jack and Irina were clearing the table in the living room. Katya walked across the hall and was about to walk upstairs. He sighed and thought he’d be the bigger person and speak kindly to her.
“I know that I’m your contact person and therefore know of your whereabouts. So, as far as I know you’re not scheduled to be at APO, and you’re not scheduled to be anywhere else. But have you thought about coming to APO to do some work? Since Irina’s birthday is in less than a week, I assume you’ll be in LA.” She turned around, cocked an eyebrow and crossed her arms.
“Don’t assume anything.” He rolled his eyes and shook his head, not really surprised by the tone in her voice. “I have no desire to be at APO, since I don’t have to. I’ve already looked at your face enough today, and I’ll be looking at it at Irina’s birthday party, so I see no reason to look at it in between the two birthdays.” He shook his head.
“Fine, suit yourself. But just so you know, I won’t be here for Irina’s birthday.”
“Oh, and why is that?”
“I have a date.” Her eyes widen a little in surprise.
“You have a date?” He nodded. “Who with?”
“That’s none of your concern.” She cocked an eyebrow at him again.
“Well, I just wonder what woman could possibly want to go out with you. She must be blind.” He let out a frustrated grunt, and gave her an annoyed glare.
“No, she’s not. She’s got perfect sight and is a very lovely woman, unlike another woman I know.” She gave him a stern look and Jack and Irina returned from the kitchen. Katya looked at Jack and smiled.
“Goodnight Jack. I hope you had a pleasant birthday.” She then looked at Irina and smiled. “Goodnight Irina.” Then she walked up the stairs without saying anything to Kendall. Jack and Irina both looked after her.
“Yeah, I did. Thank you Katya. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight Katya.” Jack and Irina looked at Kendall a little curious. He just shrugged.
“She’s behaving like she’s always behaving.” They both nodded at him. “Well, I should go. See you at work tomorrow, and thanks for a nice evening.”
“Yeah, you too. Thanks for coming.” Jack closed the door, and Irina looked in Katya’s direction. She then turned and looked at Jack, putting her arms around him and kissed him deeply and passionately.
“So birthday boy. What do you say, to cleaning up the last few things in a hurry, so that you can get your last present?” He smiled broadly and kissed her again.
“I love the sound of that.”
Almost a week later it was Irina’s birthday. Jack and the triplets had given her a new watch and a pair of earrings. Kendall took her out to lunch since he couldn’t make it to her birthday dinner in the evening. Later everyone who’d attended Jack’s birthday was at the house for Irina’s birthday dinner. Everyone had sung Happy Birthday to her, and included all her names, mommy, grandma, aunt, and Irina. When everyone had gone home, and Jack was getting ready for bed, Katya was in the kitchen getting herself a cup of tea, as Irina walked into the kitchen. She smiled at her sister when she walked in.
“So, did you have a nice birthday?” Irina walked over and gave Katya a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Yes, I did. Thank you.” Katya smiled and took a sip of her tea. “You’ve been very quiet tonight.”
“I’m a little tired. Since I just came back from Florida this evening, I still have to get used to the time difference. And I’ve been out all the time when I was away, so I haven’t gotten much sleep.” Irina nodded.
“Okay. Katya is there anything you’d like to talk about?” Katya looked at her sister curiously.
“Like what?” Irina smiled at her softly and spoke the same way.
“You tell me.” Katya looked at her for a few seconds, before shaking her head and giving her a big smile.
“Nothing to talk about. I’m absolutely fine.” Irina eyed her sister for a little bit, and then decided to just nod.
“Okay, if you say so. You know you can always talk to me.” Katya smiled.
“Yes, I know. But I have nothing to talk about, because I’m perfectly fine.” Irina nodded at her and smiled. “Goodnight Irina.”
“Goodnight Katya.” Katya left and Irina turned out the lights a few seconds later and headed for her bedroom. When she walked in Jack smiled at her.
“I was just about to go into the bathroom to change into the uniform. Sorry I’m not ready yet, but I looked in on the kids.” She smiled lovingly at him and then closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him.
“I don’t need a show tonight.” He looked at her a little puzzled.
“You don’t?” She shook her head. “Don’t you want one?” She let out a laugh.
“Yes, I’d love one, but I don’t need one tonight. I have you and that’s all I could ever want. I love you sweetheart.” She kissed him again. After they broke the kiss, he looked at her a little puzzled again, but then shook his head, and smiled.
“Okay, if you say so. I’ll give you a show another night.” He kissed her again. “I love you too.” Although Jack didn’t put on a show for Irina, they ended up having a pleasurable night.
In another part of the world, the two men, who had decided to destroy Jack and Irina, met up again.
“I have some very interesting pictures to show you. I think it means that we have to make new plans, and postpone our attack.” He handed the pictures to the other man. The man who received them stared wide eyed at them and got angry.
“I don’t believe this.”
“Yes, I know. It’s hard to believe.”
“I agree. We have to come up with a new plan, because this is very valuable.”
“I’m glad to hear it. It’ll probably take a while to come up with a new plan, but I think it’ll be worth it.” He smiled and the other man smiled back.
“Oh yes, I think so too.” He took an envelope from his inner pocket and handed to the other man. “I have some interesting pictures too.” The other man took them and got a little angry.
“Well, well, well.” He then smiled and turned to the other man. “I assume we’re keeping track?”
“Of course.” He nodded and smiled.
“Then I suggest we use this in our plans.”
“That was also my thought.”
“Good, good. Now why don’t we go and have dinner. We can talk about a new plan on how to destroy Jack and Irina.”
“That sounds like a very good idea.”
TBC
Next chapter is here. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you all for reading and for the lovely comments. I really appreciate it.
Irina_Derevko_Bristow: I don't know if I'd call them stalkers, but they do get near Jack and Irina every chance they get. Yes, Stan is a creep. He might be put in his place one day. Thank you. I'm sorry to hear that. I know where I want Katya to go, and I'm not going to change my mind. No, Katya doesn't have Alzheimers and she's not ill in any way. But there's a reason why she didn't remember the report, and that will be explained in the third and final story. You're allowed to your thoughts. :lol: I know what Irina wanted to talk to her about, but I'm not telling. Yes, there was a reason why she smiled.
Sydney Derevko Bristow: I know what's up with Katya, but I'm not saying. :lol:
TheDerevkoGirl: Yes, they really should but they can't tell them. Yes, it would make them back off. :lol: But she can't tell them that either. :lol: Yes, there's something about Katya, but I'm not telling. I don't know if Jack and Dixon have done that, but maybe.
nicewoman: Yeah, they're doing that to me too. No, she wouldn't or couldn't very well do that. But maybe she'll put him in his place one day. I know what's up with Katya, and so far she's fine. But there's a reason why she's acting the way that she is, and it has something to do with her past. I'm glad I had great timing. :lol:
Chapter 7
A few days later Jack and Irina were sitting in the living room after having tucked the triplets in bed. Irina looked up from her book and turned her head to look at Jack.
“So, what do you want for your birthday?” He looked up from his book too, and looked at her.
“You know what I want.” He wiggled his eyes at her and she rolled her eyes at him.
“Yes, I’m perfectly aware of the entertainment you want, after we’ve gone to bed.” She smiled at him. “And you know I’ll be happy to put on a show for you like I always do.” He smiled back and wiggled his eyes. She let out a laugh. “But I meant for a present. What do you want for a present for your birthday?” He moved closer to her on the couch.
“I don’t want anything. I already have everything I could ever wish for.” He started trailing kisses up and down her neck.
“Jack.” She moaned in pleasure and got distracted for a moment. “You have to come up with something. The triplets and I have to buy you something.” He continued with what he was doing and she started to run a hand through his hair.
“Just get me a tie or a shirt. I really don’t care.” She slapped him playfully on his arm with her free hand.
“You’re impossible, you know that?” He laughed against her skin.
“Yeah, I know.” He looked her in the eyes, and held up the book he was reading. “I got a really great present for Valentine’s Day, so I really don’t need anything.” She smiled and kissed him.
“But that present was just from me. You need to come up with something.”
“Well, then ties and shirts.” She rolled her eyes at him.
“Jack that’s not really special.”
“But what if that’s what I really want. I don’t have to get a big present or something special. As long as it’s something I want that should be fine.”
“You have enough ties and shirts. And you don’t really want anymore at the moment. You’re just saying that to get out of thinking of what you want. It’s not going to work, so think of something else.” He sighed.
“Sweetheart I really don’t know what I want. I haven’t got a clue.”
“Then now is a good time to think about it.” He started kissing her neck again.
“But I thought we were just about to make out.”
“No we weren’t. I’m going to read my book, and you’re going to think about what you want for a present.” He looked at her to see if she was serious, and gaped a little when she’d already started to read her book again.
“You’re actually serious.” She nodded not taking her eyes from her book. He let out a frustrated grunt. “Well then I’ll just go back to reading my book too.” She shrugged.
“Fine. But you have to think of a present sooner or later.” She grinned a little and he rolled his eyes before going back to his own book.
More than an hour later Jack sighed, and put his book down. He looked at Irina.
“I honestly don’t know what I want for my birthday. All I can come up with is a jacket. I know that’s clothes too, but I could really use a new jacket.” She put her book down and turned to him smiling.
“A jacket is not a bad gift. That’s a good choice. So what kind of jacket?” He smiled back glad that his choice of present was accepted.
“I don’t know. Just a jacket I can wear when it’s not too cold outside. But no screaming colors. I don’t want a jacket that’s yellow or orange or something like that.” She laughed.
“Okay. I’m sure we can find a nice jacket for you. And if you don’t like it, you can always return it.”
“So, you’re okay with me wanting a jacket for a present?”
“Jack, it’s your birthday. You’re allowed to wish for anything you want.” He cocked an eyebrow at her.
“Apparently I wasn’t allowed to get ties and shirts.” She threw a cushion at him and moved closer.
“Like I said, you have enough of that. And it’s something you can easily get yourself that won’t have that much meaning to you. You won’t be able to remember which white shirt you got from me and the triplets, whenever you put a white shirt on. But whenever you put a jacket on, you’ll be able to remember that you got that from me and the triplets.” He laughed a little and put an arm around her.
“Well you’ve got a point.”
“But if you’re so keen on getting ties and shirts, we can throw a couple of that in your present as well.” He kissed her and when he was about to pull away she held him in his place. When they eventually needed air she looked at him seductively. “You know if you’d come up with the jacket an hour ago, we could’ve been making out for that long.” He grinned.
“So now you want to make out?” She kissed him again.
“I wanted to make out the minute you started kissing my neck. I haven’t read a single thing since you picked up your book again.” He gaped at her.
“Then why did you make me stop?”
“Because you really had to think of a present. You always put it off to the last minute, so this year I just wanted to get an answer out of you early. But I didn’t think it would take you that long, when you were pushed into giving an answer, and not be allowed to make out.” He shook his head laughing.
“I’m going to make you regret teasing me.” She cocked an eyebrow and looked at him amused.
“Oh yeah? What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to do this.” He quickly tossed his book aside and started tickling her.
“Jack stop it. Stop. Jack stop.” She was trying to tickle him back, but she didn’t succeed, because she was laughing too hard and squirmed with his constant tickling. “I’m sorry I prevented you from making out. Please stop.” She was laughing harder and harder and after a few seconds Jack stopped. But he only stopped to give her a kiss before he continued tickling her again. “I can’t believe you. Jack stop. We could be doing more pleasurable things now.”
“It’s quite pleasurable for me to tickle you.” She laughed harder and tried to get away, but still wasn’t successful. After a little while Jack stopped and pulled her to him. “Now let’s make out.”
A couple of weeks later it was Jack’s birthday. He and Irina were setting the table for breakfast when the triplets came down carrying Jack’s presents.
“It’s time for your presents, daddy.” Jack turned and smiled, and then walked over to give them a hand. They sat the presents down on the table and then sat down themselves.
“So which present should I open first?” Caitie picked up a small one.
“This one daddy.” He smiled and took the present. He unwrapped a silver, pink, purple, green, blue, and black striped tie, and looked at it a little oddly.
“Do you like it daddy?”
“Well it’s very nice, but I don’t know if it’s really me.”
“But it will look really good with a dark gray suit and a lighter gray colored shirt.” He was still a little skeptical and looked at Irina, who was smiling.
“It really would sweetheart.” He smiled back.
“Well okay, if you say so. I trust you to have more fashion sense than I do.” They all laughed a little bit. “Thank you for the tie. I love it.”
“Now open this one daddy.” He took a larger present from Maddie and unwrapped a black, white, and gray striped shirt. He chuckled and looked at Irina.
“You said you wanted a tie and shirt.” He nodded.
“Yes, I did and I really like this one. Thank you.”
“And now this one daddy.” He took a third present and unwrapped two polo t-shirts. One dark gray and one black.
“Thank you. I needed some of these.”
“Yes, I noticed.” They smiled and Irina handed him the last present. “And now the last one.”
“I bet I know what this is.” He smiled as he unwrapped a black leather jacket. He looked a little skeptical as he took a closer look at the jacket. “A leather jacket? You really think this is me?” Irina nodded.
“Yes, we really do. It has the same shape as a jacket for a suit, so we think it’s perfect for you. Try it on.” He still looked a little skeptical, but stood up and tried it on. He then started to nod.
“It’s actually quite comfortable.” He looked up at everyone. “So, how do I look?”
“You look really nice daddy.”
“It suits you.”
“You look very handsome daddy.” Maddie looked at her mother. “Doesn’t daddy look handsome mommy?” Irina was looking at Jack, and had appreciated the way the jacket looked on him very much. She nodded and locked eyes with Jack.
“Yes, sweetheart. Daddy looks very handsome in that jacket. Very handsome indeed.” He could see the desire in her eyes and looked at her the same way. They looked at each other that way for a few seconds before they smiled softly at each other.
“I should probably take the jacket off, so I don’t spill on it.” He took it off and went around giving the triplets a kiss. “Thank you very much. I love my presents.” He walked over to Irina and gave her a kiss too. “Thank you sweetheart.” He gave her another kiss.
“You’re welcome.” They kissed one last time before sitting down to eat.
After breakfast Jack and Irina cleared the table while the triplets got ready for school. Jack wrapped his arms around Irina and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for a great birthday so far. I’m looking forward to the rest of it.” She turned in his embrace and kissed him.
“You know what I’d really love to do?” She smiled seductively and he returned the smile.
“No, tell me.”
“When we get to work, I’d really love to go into your office, lock the door, soundproof the office, put the blinds down so no one can see in, then put on a show for you, and end up having my way with you on your desk.” He stared a little wide eyed and swallowed a few times. She was about to kiss him, but then pulled away to his irritation. “But, at work I’m just an agent and you’re the director, so I can’t have my way with you there.” She was about to walk away, but he pulled her to him, and crashed his lips on hers in a passionate kiss. A few moments later they both needed air.
“We’re not at work yet, so there’s no reason not to kiss me.” He kissed her again.
“Oh, I know. But seeing you in that leather jacket was such a turn on that I thought it’d be best not to kiss you, because I wouldn’t be able to stop and keep it to just kissing, and we do have to be at work shortly director Bristow.”
“Well, agent Bristow, what about what you just told me about having your way with me on my desk in my office? I’d call that a turn on too.”
“I’d call it a promise of what’s to come later tonight.” She wiggled her eyes at him and he kissed her again. They were still kissing when the triplets came downstairs. They only looked at their parents for a split second before leaving the kitchen again, going to wait for them until they were done. A few minutes later Irina looked at her watch. “We really should get going director Bristow.” Jack gave her a quick kiss and took her by the hand.
“Certainly agent Bristow.”
When Jack and Irina arrived at APO everyone had gathered round, and the minute they got into view, everyone started singing.
“Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear Jack,
happy birthday to you.” He rolled his eyes for a second before smiling.
“Thank you all for the song.” He looked around the room smiling and nodding before everyone returned to work. Sydney and Nadia walked up to him. Nadia gave him a hug first.
“Happy birthday dad.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek, and then Sydney gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Happy birthday dad. Have you had a great day so far?” He smiled at them.
“Thank you, and yes, my day has been great so far.” Dixon walked up to Jack and smiled at him.
“Not to interrupt your celebration, but we have to make a call to Washington in two minutes.” Jack nodded.
“Yes, I’ll be right there.” Dixon left and Jack looked back at Sydney and Nadia. “Well, I should get to work.”
“So should we. Talk to you later.” They both gave him another kiss on the cheek before leaving. Jack walked over to the coffee maker and Irina followed him. He poured them both a cup of coffee and handed Irina her cup.
“You should get to work too agent Bristow.” He spoke in a neutral tone, and she gave him a polite nod, speaking with the same tone in her voice.
“Yes, of course director Bristow.” He gave her a nod and left. Irina went in the other direction to her desk and sat down. What neither of them had noticed was that Nadia had walked the other way around and had stood out of sight from them by the coffee maker. She looked in the direction of her father and then in the direction of her mother, wondering what was up with her parents. She shook her head, deciding to leave it be and went back to work.
Three hours later Jack walked over to Irina with a folder in his hand. She looked up when he came over, both their expressions were neutral. He spoke quietly and his tone was business like.
“Agent Bristow.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I have some urgent work for you to take care of.” He gave her the folder. “Put what you’re working on aside, and get started on this right away. I need it done and on my desk before you leave the office today. Is that understood?”
“Yes, director.” Jack left without another word and Irina started on the work she’d just been given. Once again Nadia had been standing close to her parents and heard everything. She was a bit taken aback from how her parents were behaving, and was just about to go over and talk to her mother when Kendall walked over.
“Nadia I need your help.” She turned around and looked at Kendall.
“Okay.” She smiled back and walked with him to his office.
At lunch time Sydney walked over to her mother’s desk. “Hi mom. Nadia and I are just about to go and have lunch with dad in his office, so I thought I’d come and take you with me.” Irina smiled back at Sydney.
“I can’t sweetheart, I’m swamped with work.”
“Surely it can wait for a while. It’s dad’s birthday.”
“I wish it could, but your father wants me to finish this and hand it in before I leave. I still have a lot of work to do, so I can’t really take a break. I have to settle for eating while I work.” Sydney looked at her mother a little oddly.
“Are you sure?” Irina gave her a smile.
“Yes, I’m sure. You and your sister go and have a nice lunch with your father.” Sydney nodded.
“Okay.” Sydney left and walked away. She looked over her shoulder for a second to see if there was anything wrong with her mother. Irina was back to work, so Sydney didn’t think anymore of it and left to have lunch with her father and Nadia.
After having had lunch with their father, Sydney and Nadia went over to the coffee maker to get a cup of coffee. Nadia poured them both a cup, and then looked at Sydney when she was giving her the coffee. She was about to say something but decided not to. However, Sydney saw this.
“Were you just about to ask me something?” Nadia smiled and shrugged.
“Yeah, but it’s nothing.”
“Tell me anyway.”
“Well, I was just wondering if mom and dad are fighting. Do you know if they are?”
“No, I don’t. What makes you think they’re fighting?”
“It’s just that dad is calling mom agent, and mom is calling dad director and even called him sir. Their tone is also quite neutral, so I just thought that they might be fighting.” Sydney was a bit puzzled by this but shrugged.
“I haven’t heard them calling each other that. But mom did say she had work to do, when I came to take her to dad’s office for lunch. I thought that was a little strange. But if the work has to be done, then I really don’t see the big deal with her not joining us for lunch. I’m sure it’s nothing.” Sydney smiled at her sister, and Nadia smiled back.
“Yeah, I’m sure you’re right. I’m probably just imagining things.” She noticed Kendall waving her over. “I have to get back to work. Talk to you later Syd.”
“Yeah, talk to you later.” They went in opposites directions and went back to work.
Two hours later both Sydney and Nadia were standing near their mother’s desk in opposite directions. They saw their father walking up to her desk, and noticed he was very business like. Nadia caught Sydney’s attention and nodded at her, indicating that they should listen in on what their parents were talking about. Sydney nodded back and moved a little closer.
“Agent Bristow.” Irina looked up when Jack stood in front of his desk, and kept her tone and facial expression as neutral as she’d done earlier.
“Yes, director.”
“How far are you from completing the work I gave you?”
“I still have about an hour or so. Probably a little longer.” He shot her a look that was a little stern and his voice held a little anger, but he spoke quietly.
“You do realize that I don’t have all day to wait for this report, right?”
“Yes, of course sir.”
“Good. Then pick up the pace. I don’t want to be here later than I have to today. I have to step out of the office for a while. I’ll be gone for about an hour, so I’d appreciate it, if the report was on my desk by the time I get back.” Irina nodded.
“I’ll do my very best, and work as fast as I can.” He gave a slight nod, went to talk to Dixon for a few seconds and then left APO. Sydney and Nadia went over to the coffee maker, and stared a little wide eyed at each other.
“Did you hear them? They did it again.”
“Yeah, I heard them, and I see what you mean. I just can’t believe that they’re fighting. They don’t fight that often, but today on dad’s birthday? That doesn’t make sense.” They were shaking their heads in disbelief when Vaughn, Eric, Marshall, Carrie, and Kendall walked over.
“Hey, what’s up with you two?” Vaughn smiled at them when he noticed they seemed a little worried.
“We think mom and dad are fighting.” Everyone looked at them a little oddly.
“Why would your parents be fighting today on your dad’s birthday?” Sydney and Nadia both shrugged.
“We don’t know. Have any of you heard them fighting?” They all shook their heads.
“Your parents don’t really fight. Well, of course I don’t really know, because I don’t live with them. But I do spend a lot of time with them here at the office, and out of the office, you know when we go to the kids’ soccer games, or just pick them up from practice, or when…”
“Yes, Marshall we know.” Carrie interrupted Marshall’s rambling. “Have the two of you talked to your parents?” Sydney and Nadia both shook their heads. “Well, why don’t you ask your mom, what’s wrong. Look she’s coming over now.” They all turned to see Irina coming over to get a cup of coffee. She smiled at them.
“Is there a line for the coffee, or are you just all hanging out?” They all laughed a little.
“No, no line.” Nadia motioned for her mother to go ahead and get a cup of coffee. She looked at Sydney, who nodded and she nodded back. “Um, mom?” Irina turned around once she’d gotten her coffee and smiled.
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“Are you and dad fighting?” Irina looked at Nadia a little curiously and also at Sydney, when she saw that she had the same worried facial expression as Nadia.
“No, we’re not fighting.” Sydney looked at her mother a little concerned.
“Are you sure mom? You’re calling him director and sir, and he’s calling you agent.” Irina smiled.
“Yes, of course I’m sure.” Sydney and Nadia looked at each other not really sure what to think. Sydney shook her head.
“Then if you and dad aren’t fighting, why on earth are you calling each other that? What’s that about?” Irina’s smile broadened.
“Foreplay.” Sydney gaped, Nadia shut her eyes, and everyone else laughed.
“Honestly, mom.”
“I did not need to hear that.” Irina just shrugged at her daughters. Eric shot Irina a curious and amused look after he stopped laughing.
“So Irina, you and Jack act out these roles at home, where you’re the agent and he’s the director?” Sydney and Nadia immediately turned to Eric staring wide eyed at him. Irina smiled at Eric.
“Yes, we do. Although sometimes I get to be on top.” In a split second Sydney’s and Nadia’s heads turned to stare wide eyed at their mother.
“Eeewww, mom.”
“Stop that.” Irina rolled her eyes at them and shook her head.
“That’s not what I meant. I meant that sometimes I get to be the director and your father is the agent.” They both covered their eyes and shook their heads. “But speaking of the way that you thought, I’m on top of your father, just as much as he’s on top of me. Well, it’s not like we keep track on whose turn it is to be on top. But I’d say that I’m probably on top of him as much as he’s on top of me.” Sydney’s and Nadia’s eyes were almost about to fall out.
“Mom will you stop it.”
“We don’t want to hear these things.”
“Girls you asked me why your father and I were calling each other by titles, and all I did was answer. That let to Eric’s question, and you know that I’d answer it. If you didn’t want to hear the answer, you should’ve left. And you’re the ones who jumped to the wrong conclusion, so naturally you should’ve known that I’d explain everything to you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a report to finish. Your father really needs the report to be done before I leave. I don’t want to get a real reprimand from him.” She winked at them and went back to her desk. Everyone but Sydney and Nadia laughed. Kendall walked a little closer to them.
“Well girls you got your answer. And now that the mystery is solved let’s all get back to work.” He laughed a little as he left for his office. Everyone else left too, and Eric left in a hurry before Nadia or Sydney could throw anything at him. They looked at each other and grimaced before returning to work.
An hour later Jack returned to APO. He walked over to Sydney and Nadia, who were going through some work at Nadia’s desk. “Hi sweethearts. I thought you’d have left by now.” They looked at each other and were still a little uncomfortable from the conversation they had with their mother an hour ago.
“Um, hi dad. Uh, we’re on our way out the door.”
“Yeah, we’re just finishing up here.” He looked at them a little curiously.
“Are you alright?” They looked at him and tried to smile the best they could.
“Yes, we’re absolutely fine.”
“Couldn’t be better.” He eyed them, still not convinced that they were alright, but decided not to push the matter any further.
“Okay. I’ll see you soon at the house.”
“Yeah, looking forward to it.”’
“Absolutely.” He nodded and smiled at them, but left feeling like they seemed a little off.
A few minutes later Irina walked into Jack’s office with the report. “I finished the report director.” He gave her a nod.
“Thank you.” He took it from her, acting like he’d acted earlier, but when she was just about to leave he changed the tone in his voice, to how he usually talked to her. “Sweetheart, wait a minute.” She turned and looked at him amused.
“Isn’t that a breech of the rules director?” He let out a laugh and nodded.
“Yes, it is, but I have something I need to ask you. Something I need to ask you as your husband and not as your boss.” She smiled and nodded. “Do you know if there’s anything wrong with Sydney and Nadia? They’re acting a little strange to me.”
“They overheard us calling each other by titles, and asked if we were fighting.” He gaped a little.
“You didn’t tell them why we called each other by the titles did you?”
“Yes, I did.” He gaped more. “When I told them that we weren’t fighting, they wanted to know why we then called each other by the titles.”
“And you couldn’t have told them something other than the truth?”
“What was I supposed to have told them?” He just shrugged. “I don’t like lying to my daughters. I’ve done that enough in my life.” He nodded.
“Yeah, I know you don’t want to do that. But I still think that a lie would’ve been better in this case.”
“Maybe, but I couldn’t think of anything other than the truth.” He nodded. “But Eric also asked me a question, which I answered, and that let the girls to thinking something completely different than what the answer was. But I then clarified what they original thought. I guess all of it has something to do with their behavior too.” He stared wide eyes at her.
“Do I even want to know what that whole conversation was about?” Irina smiled.
“No, I don’t think so.” He groaned.
“It’s my birthday. Had it been on any other day, they’d probably have forgotten about it by tomorrow. But we’re spending the evening with them, so it’s really going to be uncomfortable.” He shook his head. “Not that it’s not bad enough that the girls and especially Eric were around when this conversation took place, but they were the only ones there, right?”
“No. Michael, Marshall, Carrie, and Kendall were there too.” He groaned again.
“Just wonderful.” She smiled at him lovingly.
“I’m sure it won’t be that bad. I’ll tell Michael and Eric not to mention anything about it tonight. In the meantime, you just think about what I’ll do to you after everyone has gone home. I think that should help you take your mind off of things.” He let out a sigh and smiled back at her.
“Yeah, I think I better think about that. But before I do that, I should probably take a look at the report you did. You’re going home now right?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. I just have this to go through, and then some other things to take care of, so I should be able to leave the office in about an hour.” She nodded.
“Then I’ll let you get back to work director Bristow.” She winked at him and he let out a small laugh.
“See you at home agent Bristow.” They smiled at each other one last time before Irina left his office.
A few hours later everyone showed up at Jack and Irina’s house for dinner. All except for Chase. She was invited every time, because Irina wanted it that way, but she never came to their house. She had a hard time accepting that Dixon and his children went to every event at their house, but she also knew that Dixon wouldn’t allow her to stand in the way of spending time with his friends.
Jack opened the door and greeted Sydney, Vaughn, their kids, Nadia, Eric, their kids, and Kendall, who had all arrived at the same time. Jack, Sydney, and Nadia acted like nothing had happened earlier at work. They helped the children with their jackets, and then walked into the living room while Jack, Vaughn, Eric, and Kendall put the jackets and coats away. Vaughn and Eric started to laugh a little and Jack turned and glared at them. Vaughn put his hands up in defense.
“Sorry Jack. We’ll behave. We promised Irina that we won’t comment on anything tonight.” Eric nodded.
“Yes, we promise to be good. But just so you know, Vaughn and I can never call you director again. We would hate for you to think that we’re coming on to you.” They started to laugh and left the hall with Jack glaring at them as they left. Kendall let out a small laugh too. When Jack turned to look at him he too, put his hands up in defense.
“Jack, you know I won’t comment on anything. But I also can’t help but laugh when Eric makes a comment like that.” Jack sighed and nodded.
“Yeah, I know.” He sighed once more and they joined everyone in the living room. Everyone else was there and Kendall said a quick hi to everyone. The only empty seat was next to Katya and he hesitated for a moment before sitting down next to her. She cocked an eyebrow at him.
“You hesitated before sitting next to me.” He rolled his eyes before looking at her.
“Can you blame me? The last time you were responsible for me ending up in the pool.”
“So you claim.” He let out a frustrated grunt.
“So I know. You might as well stop denying it, because we all know it was you.”
“You really whine a lot, do you know that?” He rolled his eyes.
“Yes, so you’ve told me several times.”
“Then you’d assume that you’d paid attention to what I’ve been telling you. But apparently you need a hearing aid.”
“I can hear perfectly fine.”
“So you claim.” He let out another frustrated grunt.
“So I know. I think I know my own health and my own body more than you do.”
“Yes, who else would want to know your body.” Everyone laughed a little while Kendall groaned. Jack got up from his seat.
“Okay, why don’t you all go into the dining room. Dinner is about done.” Kendall got up quickly and Maddie walked over to him.
“Uncle Kendall will you sit next to me?” He smiled at her.
“I’d love to sweetie.” He took her by the hand and they went to the dining room. Irina was about to walk over to Katya, after seeing the expression on her face, but Sarah walked over to her.
“Grandma I want to come with you.” Irina picked up her granddaughter and gave her a kiss on the cheek
“I’d love for you to come with me. Let’s go sweetheart.” She walked after Jack to the kitchen, concentrating on her granddaughter rather than what she wanted to talk to Katya about.
A few minutes later everyone sat down to dinner. Isabelle looked at her mother. “Mommy?” Sydney looked at her and smiled.
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“We haven’t sung Happy Birthday for grandpa yet.”
“No you’re right, we haven’t done that yet. Should we do it now?”
“Yeah.” All the other children cheered too.
“Okay, but we need an order. So how about we sing daddy, grandpa, uncle, and Jack?” Sydney looked around at everyone. “Is everyone onboard with that?” They all nodded. “Okay, on three. One-two-three.”
“Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear daddy, grandpa, uncle, and Jack,
happy birthday to you.” Everyone cheered and Jack smiled around at them all.
“Thank you all very much for the song. I appreciate it. Now dig in.”
Later Jack and Irina carried the dishes to the kitchen. She put her arms around him and gave him a kiss. “So, are you enjoying your birthday?” He smiled back at her.
“Yes, very much.”
“I never get tired of singing Happy Birthday with all the names we put in there.” He chuckled.
“Just wait. In less than a week it’s your turn.”
“Yeah, I can’t wait.” He gave her a kiss, and a few seconds later Ethan, Mitchell, Matthew, and Stephen came into the kitchen.
“Can we help with anything uncle Jack?” Jack and Irina smiled at the boys.
“Yes Matthew, you and the rest of you can take the coffee mugs, the juice, the cookies, and the cake into the living room.”
“Okay.” They took everything with them and Jack and Irina came into the living room a few seconds later with the coffee and tea.
A while later everyone went home. Kendall was the last one to leave, and stood in the hall putting on his jacket, while Jack and Irina were clearing the table in the living room. Katya walked across the hall and was about to walk upstairs. He sighed and thought he’d be the bigger person and speak kindly to her.
“I know that I’m your contact person and therefore know of your whereabouts. So, as far as I know you’re not scheduled to be at APO, and you’re not scheduled to be anywhere else. But have you thought about coming to APO to do some work? Since Irina’s birthday is in less than a week, I assume you’ll be in LA.” She turned around, cocked an eyebrow and crossed her arms.
“Don’t assume anything.” He rolled his eyes and shook his head, not really surprised by the tone in her voice. “I have no desire to be at APO, since I don’t have to. I’ve already looked at your face enough today, and I’ll be looking at it at Irina’s birthday party, so I see no reason to look at it in between the two birthdays.” He shook his head.
“Fine, suit yourself. But just so you know, I won’t be here for Irina’s birthday.”
“Oh, and why is that?”
“I have a date.” Her eyes widen a little in surprise.
“You have a date?” He nodded. “Who with?”
“That’s none of your concern.” She cocked an eyebrow at him again.
“Well, I just wonder what woman could possibly want to go out with you. She must be blind.” He let out a frustrated grunt, and gave her an annoyed glare.
“No, she’s not. She’s got perfect sight and is a very lovely woman, unlike another woman I know.” She gave him a stern look and Jack and Irina returned from the kitchen. Katya looked at Jack and smiled.
“Goodnight Jack. I hope you had a pleasant birthday.” She then looked at Irina and smiled. “Goodnight Irina.” Then she walked up the stairs without saying anything to Kendall. Jack and Irina both looked after her.
“Yeah, I did. Thank you Katya. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight Katya.” Jack and Irina looked at Kendall a little curious. He just shrugged.
“She’s behaving like she’s always behaving.” They both nodded at him. “Well, I should go. See you at work tomorrow, and thanks for a nice evening.”
“Yeah, you too. Thanks for coming.” Jack closed the door, and Irina looked in Katya’s direction. She then turned and looked at Jack, putting her arms around him and kissed him deeply and passionately.
“So birthday boy. What do you say, to cleaning up the last few things in a hurry, so that you can get your last present?” He smiled broadly and kissed her again.
“I love the sound of that.”
Almost a week later it was Irina’s birthday. Jack and the triplets had given her a new watch and a pair of earrings. Kendall took her out to lunch since he couldn’t make it to her birthday dinner in the evening. Later everyone who’d attended Jack’s birthday was at the house for Irina’s birthday dinner. Everyone had sung Happy Birthday to her, and included all her names, mommy, grandma, aunt, and Irina. When everyone had gone home, and Jack was getting ready for bed, Katya was in the kitchen getting herself a cup of tea, as Irina walked into the kitchen. She smiled at her sister when she walked in.
“So, did you have a nice birthday?” Irina walked over and gave Katya a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Yes, I did. Thank you.” Katya smiled and took a sip of her tea. “You’ve been very quiet tonight.”
“I’m a little tired. Since I just came back from Florida this evening, I still have to get used to the time difference. And I’ve been out all the time when I was away, so I haven’t gotten much sleep.” Irina nodded.
“Okay. Katya is there anything you’d like to talk about?” Katya looked at her sister curiously.
“Like what?” Irina smiled at her softly and spoke the same way.
“You tell me.” Katya looked at her for a few seconds, before shaking her head and giving her a big smile.
“Nothing to talk about. I’m absolutely fine.” Irina eyed her sister for a little bit, and then decided to just nod.
“Okay, if you say so. You know you can always talk to me.” Katya smiled.
“Yes, I know. But I have nothing to talk about, because I’m perfectly fine.” Irina nodded at her and smiled. “Goodnight Irina.”
“Goodnight Katya.” Katya left and Irina turned out the lights a few seconds later and headed for her bedroom. When she walked in Jack smiled at her.
“I was just about to go into the bathroom to change into the uniform. Sorry I’m not ready yet, but I looked in on the kids.” She smiled lovingly at him and then closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him.
“I don’t need a show tonight.” He looked at her a little puzzled.
“You don’t?” She shook her head. “Don’t you want one?” She let out a laugh.
“Yes, I’d love one, but I don’t need one tonight. I have you and that’s all I could ever want. I love you sweetheart.” She kissed him again. After they broke the kiss, he looked at her a little puzzled again, but then shook his head, and smiled.
“Okay, if you say so. I’ll give you a show another night.” He kissed her again. “I love you too.” Although Jack didn’t put on a show for Irina, they ended up having a pleasurable night.
In another part of the world, the two men, who had decided to destroy Jack and Irina, met up again.
“I have some very interesting pictures to show you. I think it means that we have to make new plans, and postpone our attack.” He handed the pictures to the other man. The man who received them stared wide eyed at them and got angry.
“I don’t believe this.”
“Yes, I know. It’s hard to believe.”
“I agree. We have to come up with a new plan, because this is very valuable.”
“I’m glad to hear it. It’ll probably take a while to come up with a new plan, but I think it’ll be worth it.” He smiled and the other man smiled back.
“Oh yes, I think so too.” He took an envelope from his inner pocket and handed to the other man. “I have some interesting pictures too.” The other man took them and got a little angry.
“Well, well, well.” He then smiled and turned to the other man. “I assume we’re keeping track?”
“Of course.” He nodded and smiled.
“Then I suggest we use this in our plans.”
“That was also my thought.”
“Good, good. Now why don’t we go and have dinner. We can talk about a new plan on how to destroy Jack and Irina.”
“That sounds like a very good idea.”
TBC