Up, Up and Away!

Walter's POV:

I have no idea how Alex managed it, and I'm not sure if I want to know but here we are in first class. I thought when I gave him my itinerary, he was just going to buy his own ticket. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised when we checked in to find that not only did he purchase a ticket but he upgraded mine to first class. So here we are in first class on our way back to Montana. I have to admit that I am grateful for the extra leg room. Being six foot something has its advantages, especially when trying to intimidate the criminal types, present company excluded, but the draw back is cramped knees when flying coach. So, here we are in first class, me in the window seat with Alex snuggled up against me, again buried into my armpit. I'll have to ask him about that strange habit of his.

I've never seen a man with his ability to fall asleep at a moment's notice. As soon as the seat belt light came on and the plane began to taxi to the runway, the little rat leaned up against me, wriggled his way in then promptly started to snore. Cute little snores; don't think I'll mention that to him. When we reached cruising altitude, the steward came around to offer coffee and scones, airline version of scones. I accepted the coffee and scones and a blanket for the rat. I'm surprised Alex didn't wake up when the steward covered him but I guess he feels safe. He just sighed in his sleep then the cute snores started again. With any luck I'll be listening to those snores for the next thirty years or so.

Alex wasn't that hard of a sell, rather easy to convince to come back home with me. I still don't know how he was able to get rid of his apartment so easily, and his truck. While I was finishing up at Quantico and at Hoover, Alex was busy packing his belongings and shipping them to my ranch. He sold his truck and arranged for the sale of his units. He found a buyer rather quickly. A mature couple that preferred that dark but quiet neighborhood. They have elderly parents so having the connecting doors and no stairs were the selling point. Alex wanted none of the furniture, which was all in great shape, so, poof! No more home owner. It didn't faze him in the least. I don't think it fazed him. If it did, he never said. What he did say was that he was glad to leave. He's actually looking forward to the wide open spaces. I can only hope he knows what to expect. Sometimes the crowded city is comforting, especially for rats.

"Shit. Alex, wake up, I have to take a leak."

"Mmph, k."

The boy can sleep. I was able to extricate Alex from my armpit, sit him upright while I went to the head. The minute I was back, Alex was back, burying himself again under my arm. Poor kid. My guess is that he hasn't really slept in years. I know the feeling. Maybe I can catch a few z's.

* * * * *

Alex's POV:

Man, Skinner was, I mean Walter, was floored when we checked in and he found out I upgraded us to first class. We're about the same height; I appreciate the leg room. It's the least I can do; he's giving me a new life. Fresh air, open space, chickens, excuse me, ornery chickens. What more can an ex-spy want?

Truthfully and yes, even I can be truthful, I am scared shitless and not just of the chickens. Lots of bad things happened to me in wide open spaces, things I don't want to think about or remember.

He's finally asleep. He's been keeping watch ever since our first night together. Funny thing, I feel safe with him. It's like my body knows that when I'm next to him, it can safely relax. I haven't slept this good since I was ten years old. Another thing, we haven't had sex. It's not like I don't want to and I think he wants me but we're not ready 'to go all the way.' Not yet. But boy, has it been fun getting to know one another, getting to know him and his body. For an old dude, he has a beautiful body. It's so strong, very masculine and furry. I like all the fur. And safe. Yeah, yeah, I know I can kill with my bare hands but his hands are big, thick and strong. Just like another part of his anatomy that I'm having fun getting acquainted with. Better not tell him that.

And the way he smells. Okay, so I'm weird but I get off on his strong musk. Must be the rat in me, it draws me right to him. I could pick him out in a crowd. I wonder what he smells like after he's been working his ranch. Shit, must be like heaven. Oh hell, I'm glad I have this blanket covering me.

He's snoring now. Not really the sawing down trees type snoring but it's music to my ears. I wonder what it'll sound like when he's asleep in his own bed. Bet it sounds glorious. I said I was weird. Smelly, big old bald guys. Ha, and they all said I was lusting after a fox. Who'd want a skinny young fox when you could have a big old bear?

A little more sleep for now. We have a whole new life waiting for us. I only hope I don't fuck it up.

* * * * *

"Lexi."

"Mmm?"

"Time to wake up, we're landing."

"Okay."

"You ready for this?"

"As I'll ever be."

"Then we do this together."

"Together."

TBC

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