Agents Universe

Read this first:

THE HEALING PROCESS - HOMECOMING PART 1
( https://mars.chatfighters.com/story/51469 )

DINNER AND A WRESTLE - HOMECOMING PART 2
( https://mars.chatfighters.com/story/51524 )

A few days later, at Dr. Marcus’s office

12:26 AgentJamesMason: The last week since our last therapy session had seemed to pass so quickly. I had been getting caught up with the Syndicate’s worrying movements, trying to plan a strategy to get us intelligence on their movements again. We were blind at the moment, and everyone was worried. Then there had been the dinner with Sam and Kyle, and then our little session in the new gym. I smiled and looked over at Kyle beside me as I held his hand, thinking warmly of that special moment we had shared, wrestling followed by tender lovemaking. I leaned back. Of course, there were the nightmares, when I woke up in the middle of the night, covered in sweat, having been taken back to Toledo in my dreams when I was tortured. The dreams were really bad, but they were less frequent then they had been. It was all worth it. I looked over at Kyle again. He is so handsome, so amazing. So worth it. I lean back and wait for Mark to come and lead us in for our next session.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: Leading up to our session, we had generally been focusing on preparing a plan to gain intelligence on the Syndicate’s operation. But the days were just amazing. I was with James and Sam, and we were having lots of fun. It wasn’t a “regular” lifestyle. Both James and I had nightmares, but I was getting used to it. The problem was, the nightmares weren’t about Xavier, Tim, or James so much. They were focused on Ivan. Seeing Ivan sad, mad, and alone was breaking my heart. This was also another reason why I was looking forward to this day. I really and truly hoped Doctor Mark could show me a way out from these nightmares once and for all. But compared to last week, I have made so much progress, and even I can realize it. The book that I borrowed from the doctor was really useful, and it was in my hand while we were waiting in the lobby. My other hand was holding James’s hand. I catch a look of his directed at me as I look back at him. He was so beautiful, and I never managed to get enough of him. I lean towards him, and put a quick kiss on his lips “We are fine…” I mumbled into his mouth with a grin, but inside, I was really nervous. I was so scared that I won’t be able to hide my feelings about Ivan anymore. The longer it had been since I saw him, the more I was craving him. And I was not sure how long I could hide this from James. Well, I wasn’t even sure if James was aware of this or not…

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: I was reading over my notes from the last session once more as my phone buzzed to let me know James and Kyle were here. I wondered how this week would find them. I looked over at the manilla folder containing some pictures for today’s session. Some would be very pleasant for both men; some would be very hard. It was important to face these hard things with honesty, though, and I had hoped that James had given some further thought to what he and I had spoken about last time. Some brainwashing traumas were easier to “undo” in therapy while some could be persistent scars that required a lifetime of work and rehabilitation. It depended on so many variables that we couldn’t even hope to comprehend, but…. I had faith that these men could do it. Last week’s session had been hard - an emotional storm - but they had weathered it and came out stronger when they left. I took a deep breath and proceeded out to the lobby to greet them in whatever state I found them in this week.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: As I opened the lobby door and saw Kyle holding James’ hand and kissing him, I smiled. They were so deeply engrossed in one another, just like Darrin and I were. I laughed just slightly and saw them turn to look at me. “Come join me, gentlemen?” I said with a smile as I motioned down the corridor. As James came in, I gave him a wink and nodded down the hallway. I could see at least some ease on his face already, which was a good sign. But...I wanted to know more about how they were doing. Last week I had led them to my office, but this week I trailed behind them. I was observing their body language and trying to get a read on how they were doing before going into this session. “How has your week been, gentlemen?” I asked as we walked to my office.

12:26 AgentJamesMason: I smile warmly at Kyle as he kisses me quickly. Mmm.. I would like for it to be more than just a quick kiss, but I suppose the doctor’s office is not the place for that. I stand up as Mark steps into the lobby. Kyle and I walked into Mark’s office. I was nervous, but not as nervous as last time, remembering how I had broken down and lost control. It had been embarrassing, but at the same time, it had been exactly what I needed. I gave Kyle’s hand an encouraging squeeze as we walked in. I could feel the tension in him. He was nervous, more nervous than me. We sat down on the comfy couch together. I looked around Mark’s office, feeling at once nervous, and at ease. Mark had a way of arranging a space to put you at ease. I smiled in response to Mark’s question, “It’s been a very good week, but not without its challenges.” I think of the dinner with Sam, our wrestling match, the nightmares, and the stress building at work as we feverishly try to get a handle on the Syndicate situation.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: After I gave James a kiss, Doctor Mark finally greets us, and asks us to go to his office, following behind us. We went to his office while James and I were holding each other's hands. As soon as we entered, James gave my hand a gentle squeeze, and I smiled back at him. Oh he knows, doesn't he? That is so embarrassing. I started to blush as Mark also asked how we are holding up. If I have to be honest, last week was amazing even though we still both suffer from the effects of trauma. It was a great opportunity for us to get to know each other, and spend more time together. I smiled at Mark, and replied back "It was pretty great Doctor. We had lots of fun, thanks to James's surprises." I looked at him after saying that, and kissed his cheek. "I even managed to experience his fighting skills firsthand." I chuckle, remembering how he embarrassed me in the match, then I took a deep breath. "So it was a wonderful week actually… In terms of us…" I know we were busy with the Syndicate. But like I mentioned to him the day Sam arrived, I had a plan, and I was working on it. But in terms of us, I really believe it was a bright week. And while I was thinking about all of this, we entered Mark's office, and after examining the room, I took my seat.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: As I watched their body language, the men communicated things I expected: nervousness, love, confidence. Their words even spoke of joy while James openly acknowledged challenges in the week. For an Englishman, this was huge. There was an openness in James that had been closed off at the start of our first session but had burst forth like a failing dam at one point. I poured myself a glass of water and then joined them on the chair across from the couch. I couldn’t help but smile at them. I was beginning to truly see how much they truly were in love - to be in their current state after just one session was astounding. I had a feeling that after this session, I would be missing Darrin even more. My sharing and opening up myself last week had helped me put a more solid, gentle touch on my love for Darrin. He’s been gone for four years now, but these men reconnected me to him in some ways. I pushed those thoughts of my mind right now, though. It was time to focus on helping these men. And, specifically, part of Kyle’s statement also needed to be addressed this week: “in terms of us.” In some way, maybe directly or indirectly, Kyle was likely struggling with Usov. They were both open and ready to proceed further this week. Before we did, I needed to do two things. First, I had to let them know this was a safe space for them. And second, I had to be honest with them about what this week would entail; them knowing where we would be going would be so imperative. So I started with the first.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: “It sounds like you’ve had a good week overall… Some challenges...but a good week. I’m very glad to hear that,” I said with a smile as the men looked to each other and smiled. “How do you two feel like you’ve been successful in dealing with moving forward?” I looked at both of them and wondered what their answers might be, but Kyle’s would be very informative. His answer would give me some insight on where to steer today’s session for the both of them. I wasn’t sure who would go first in answering, though, but I patiently waited as I relaxed back into my chair.

12:26 AgentJamesMason: I sat back and listened as Kyle enthused about our last week, kissing me on the cheek, which brought a tender smile to my face. Then, as Mark settled in, he asked us how successful we’ve been in moving forward. The question caught me off guard. I looked over at Kyle, and considered the question. There was no doubt that I had been holding in so much pain and fear, and as embarrassing and awkward as it had been, losing control during the last session had helped enormously. And seeing Kyle begin to regain his confidence, to begin to believe in himself had brought me a special kind of joy which further diminished that pain and fear. I squeezed Kyle’s hand, considering my response, “For my part, seeing Kyle begin to regain his confidence is the best reward of moving forward I could wish for.” I lean over and kiss Kyle’s cheek with a tender smile. “And…” I start to shift a bit uncomfortably, turning red, “...sometimes I guess you do need a good cry. I feel… “ I searched for the right words, “...like some of the pressure, the weight has been lifted off me since our last session.”

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: I listened to James’ answer and nodded. He certainly had reflected on the emotional release he had last week and had realized the healing that had come from it. He also celebrated the successes and victories that Kyle had been making. It was everything I could hope for, especially because it all felt so genuine for James. But I knew James would be the easier of my two patients to help, not that James had an easy road to healing ahead of him. Anything but…. “That’s amazing, James. And yes, a good cry can release a lot,” I agreed and smiled at him. Then I turned to Kyle.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: I look at Doctor Mark with interest as he asks his question, and I stop smiling. I… I don't want to mention Ivan. That's so… That is so uncomfortable. I already assume James is aware of what is going on, but until now, we never talked about it directly. We talked about Xavier, Tim, and even James...But not Ivan… So, as far as Ivan was concerned… I wasn't very successful moving forward at all. But I don't answer right away, and I just look at James as he replies. And his answer helps me to smile sorrowfully. I squeeze his hand and reply "James… Do you remember the time when you said you love me when I am happy and when I am sad… When we were going to the hospital, you were trying to bring me back to life... Let me put it in my own words… I love you when you think you are strong and you think you are weak… Whatever happens, whatever you feel, you are my idol, my lover, my everything." He has done so much for me, so I wanted the best for him. I wanted him to completely heal from the nightmare we experienced. And he had a chance… But do I? Ivan… Ivan…

12:26 AgentJamesMason: Suddenly, Kyle turned to me, and my mouth dropped open in surprise as I heard Kyle echo back a variant of what I had told him when we were on the way to the hospital in Des Moines. I choked back some tears, feeling his words strike me right where I was most vulnerable. What had I done to deserve his love? I squeeze his hand tightly, but don’t speak. If I tried to speak, I would lose control. I loved him so much, and I felt all that love shining inside me right now, at this moment, with a strength and fierceness that caught me by surprise. I moved closer to Kyle, so that we were touching thigh to thigh and squeezed his hand, looking at him, letting him see how much I loved him with my gaze.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: Then I look at Doctor Mark, I don't answer the question directly, I take my time. I can feel I am turning red as well. I… I am not sure if I should mention this when James is here. I… I don't want to hurt him. He probably knows it already, but hearing that his lover is in love with his biggest enemy out loud would be something else. I take a deep breath, then answer the question. "And for me… Being with James is the best cure in the world. I don't know what I would do without him. It's easier to hold onto the future when I am around him. And… The book you gave me also helped me a lot Doctor, especially with Xavier. Then spending my time with Tim, seeing he is still proud of me is amazing. This goes for James as well… So it is great…" I intentionally didn't say Ivan, and hoped the doctor would realize I didn't want to say it out loud. I just… It has already been hard for James, and I don't want to make this any harder for him. I look into Mark's eyes, almost begging him to read what I didn’t say from my eyes.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: As Kyle started giving his “answer,” it wasn’t really an answer at all. That was because there was a ghost in the room with us, one that hung heavy over Kyle. I remembered how I felt with this, how I still felt the ghost in the room with me sometimes. I had to help Kyle with his ghost, but I would not do it as easily as his eyes seemed to plead. I could only show Kyle the way - it was up to him to make the steps, though.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: “I’m very glad the book was helpful, Kyle. I’m sure Xavier would be happy for that.” I smiled gently at Kyle, feeling his eyes continue to plead with me to acknowledge the ghost, banish it, or possibly do both - but I could not. “Kyle-” I said tenderly as I leaned forward. “Do you feel safe right now?” I asked. Again, I became an anchor, awaiting the buildup of an emotional storm. This was why we were here, though. And I would weather the storm with these men - no matter what.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: I can definitely tell James liked my answer, and his beautiful gaze is looking right at me. However, Doctor Mark was not really that supportive. He nods in response to my words, mentions he is glad about Xavier, but just doesn't mention Ivan. Of course he doesn't. I just hoped it would be easy to get rid of him, but I can't get rid of him easily it seems. I gulp at the doctor's question, then look at James before answering. "I feel safe… I really do… It's just… I don't want to upset people who make me feel safe anymore…" I can tell I am starting to blush. It's now or never Kyle. Give him the name, and maybe he can help you to figure it out, maybe even send James away. I move on in a quiet, ashamed tone. "It's about Ivan…" Ohh… Fuck… There, I said it. Desperately, I prayed that James doesn't know what I am talking about, but I know he does… I just know.

12:26 AgentJamesMason: I listen with love in my eyes as Kyle enthuses about how he has been moving forward, but I can see him falter towards the end. I knew he was holding something back, and I was sure he wasn’t fooling Mark. Mark, though, simply asked another leading question. And as Kyle started to respond, it became clear that he was holding back out of fear of hurting me. I felt a fist clench my guts. I knew… I knew what he was going to say. And sure enough, it was Ivan. It was a relief to get it finally out in the open. There was a tangle of conflicting emotions snarled in my heart about Ivan. Rage, hatred, fury, and … amazement, wonder, gratitude. I couldn’t even begin to make sense of it all. And I realized suddenly that I almost never mentioned Ivan around Kyle. Not because … I was jealous. But because I couldn’t make sense of my own emotions.

12:26 AgentJamesMason: My face started to go blank, and I turned an looked away from Mark and Kyle, staring at the picture on Mark’s bookshelf. The picture I had chosen during our first visit. The picture of the British soldier standing over his wounded comrade, holding off a squad of Nazis with his bayonet. Suddenly, I started to speak, with a numb feeling in my heart. “I… I … was on the floor… Ivan… had a gun to my head… and I knew… that everything… EVERYTHING.” I felt the rage and despair rise up again..”was lost. I would be captured or killed…. Kyle would be turned into a slave… and Ivan would get everything he wanted… because I hadn’t been strong enough… because I hadn’t been good enough… to save Kyle. I had failed. I was powerles… and then… suddenly… Ivan goes bat-shit crazy… and screams at me to take Kyle and go… and as we were fleeing, Ivan screams out how much he loves Kyle… this man… this fucking monster… takes the man I love and brutalizes him… tortures him… brainwashes him…. Then falls in love with him? Sets him free? I was supposed to save Kyle… but Ivan saved Kyle… and I was just along for the ride… “ I screamed suddenly, “HOW THE FUCK DO YOU MAKE SENSE OF THAT?” Then, I buried my head in my hands, and started to cry.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: As soon as I mentioned Ivan, James started to talk in desperation. His tone is hopeless, confused. For someone who knew Ivan as a monster for years, it was natural for him to look at him in that way. But I saw… I know what I saw, even in my weak and sensitive position at that time, I can say Ivan was more than just brutality. But what hurts me most is that James still believes that he is not the one who saved me. He is… Both him and Ivan… If it weren't for James, Ivan would never have softened, never would have respected me in the first place. I know the reason why both were confused. They didn't know about Dave. But I didn't reply right away, I let James finish speaking. And his scream… I… Maybe if I just died, everything would be so much easier. He would just mourn me for a couple weeks, but this situation wouldn't be so fucked up. I, unwillingly, made Ivan fall for me. And it cost me as well, I fell for him, too. I got out of my seat slowly, and just like in our previous session, I hugged James as he continued to cry. Every tear he shed was my fault. I brought this on him.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: The storm came quick this time, even quicker than in the first session. But despite the severity and the quickness that the tornado of emotions descended in my office, these men were facing it with such strength - strength they couldn’t see themselves, but a strength that I marveled at. Kyle couldn’t understand his own feelings and felt ashamed of them while James couldn’t make sense of it at all. Could I show them the way forward? Maybe. The stakes were even higher this time than they were last week, though. I dug deep into my own stoic strength and tried with every fiber of my being to anticipate the landmines ahead of us. Time for the first possible step forward in this storm. I waited for a moment and let James cry, expressing his emotions and draining the dam a bit more before I spoke.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: “James…. It’s hard to make sense of it. Some parts of it may never make sense. But….” I paused and looked at the two men again. It was all I could do to hold myself back from hugging them both. The secrets I carried weighed heavier in my own heart then, but now wasn’t the time for that. “I can tell you this, James. You didn’t fail Kyle. If you hadn’t gone…. Neither of you would be here today. I know that. And I think you do, too.” I waited for a moment, but not too long. “I think….you being there showed Ivan something. I think Kyle showed Ivan something by you being there. And as monstrous as he is…. He gave you both something.” I paused then. Another quiet moment in the storm between James’ tears and sounds of anguished pain. And when the potential was again heavy in the air, I asked the question neither men had dared asked. They might not be ready for this, but it was time for the leap of faith.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: Softly, I asked, “what did he give the two of you?”

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: Then Doctor Mark speaks, again, reasonably. Of course it was James who rescued me. It was just… He rescued me along with Ivan. Then he asks both of us one of those direct questions of his. What did Ivan give us? He… I can tell my face was turning red, but I needed to be strong. I needed to be strong for James. I hugged him tightly, and started talking. "He gave us… Another chance… He gave us hope… Because…" I gulp, I can tell I will cry soon "James listen to me… You and I… Back in the warehouse… The British guy we killed back there who was pointing a gun to your temple, and threatening me… Dave… He was Ivan's lover… Ivan… I know he is a bad person but… He is not the guy you think he is… There is… So much more than that…" I hug him a bit tighter and start crying. Ivan… I am so sorry… What is he doing right now, without Dave, without me? "He gave us his respect James… He… If it weren't for you, I would now be in a Syndicate center, and I would be used for the Syndicate men's pleasure… If…" God it is so hard. Sobbingly, I finish my sentence "If you hadn’t loved me in the first place, Ivan wouldn't have loved me either… You are the reason why he spared me, spared us…"

12:26 AgentJamesMason: Slowly, I gain control of my tears, bit by bit, as I feel Kyle holding me tightly in his arms. He was being strong for me… and I realized, I’d never really given him a chance to show me how strong he could be. I looked up, my emotions all tangled and twisted inside me, as I gazed at Mark as he tried to reassure me that I hadn’t failed. My head understood… but my heart was far more stubborn. Then, again, he asks a question from left field, flipping the script. What had Ivan given us? I turned to face Kyle, listening to him. I felt the world turn upside down as Kyle told me that I had killed his lover.. Dave… had been Ivan’s lover? Suddenly, I saw everything in a different light. Kyle insisted that somehow, our love had somehow opened Ivan up to fall in love with Kyle. I felt dizzy trying to sort it all out. I know, intellectually, that the men I face in battle are human beings, with families and lives. But… I can’t let myself dwell on it. I have to protect myself when I’m in combat. Any soldier does… or else how could we do our job? It isn’t personal… but yet, we kill so easy not realizing the consequences. And this time… this one man I had killed without a second thought… his death had consequences that were coming full circle, to breach that barrier. Oh fuck. How… Ivan…. I held Kyle tightly now, my tears exhausted, and enfolding him in warmth.

12:26 AgentJamesMason: I sighed deeply then, feeling a heavy weight descend on me. I spoke up, holding Kyle tight, letting him cry, making space inside me to hold the love he felt for Ivan. A love I had seen first hand. I turned to Mark, my face heavy, “This is so fucked up Mark… Why can’t it be simple? Why can’t it be black and white, us and them, the good guys and the bad guys? How can I do my job… how can I keep people safe… when someone pulls the curtain aside and shows us that our enemies are also human?” I started to cry again, but softly this time, the deep pain and sorrow taking over my heart, and growing to include Kyle and Ivan.. and Dave.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: And then I got a hard question. This was a question I was used to getting from the MI6 agents, though. It was, in my opinion, the most important question for them to ask. It was an important question for all humans. My eyes looked deeply into James’ and I could feel my own compassion pouring to him as much as I could will it. I sighed and wondered if I should answer James’ question, though - as a psychiatrist, I needed to be careful from saying too much to directly influence my patients. But to just sidestep this question would be another ethical failing. As I reflected on the answer I would give James, that same answer also told me what I should do.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: “I promise you that I mean every word I’m about to say. And I’m not being cryptic with you, James. It is a very complicated question you ask...and it’s very simple...all at the same time.” I watched James’ eyes and looked to Kyle occasionally as well. “You keep people safe by doing the right thing. It was the right thing to go save Kyle. It was the right thing to protect each other in all the countless ways you did. Protecting each other brought consequences, yes. All actions bring consequences. But…. It’s not just your actions.” I paused before going forward. “Dave’s actions had consequences. Ivan’s actions...had consequences. And Ivan faced them. He faced them for reasons we may never understand…. But what we can do...is be grateful that he did face those consequences. I am grateful that he faced...those consequences.” I felt my own emotions surge up in me. I took a deep breath, and then said the thought that had caused the surge of emotions in me - because it was a truth we all had to face. “Because if Ivan hadn’t faced it...I would have lost a good friend...and I wouldn’t have seen the love my friend has for a very special man.” There was so much in what I had just said, things that would likely have repercussions to these amazing men, who were my patients...but were also human. And how could I not be just as human with them in this storm?

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: As I finish speaking, I sit down next to James again, letting him hug me. I was so ashamed. I dragged all of us into this situation. Both Ivan and James are so confused because of me. Ivan… Saying his name loud is not helping at all. I miss him so much. How… Why… Why doesn't it feel like some kind of psychological issue such as Stockholm Syndrome? Then James asks a very good question. Why isn't everything black and white? Yes… Why did I have to fall for Ivan, and why did he have to fall for me? And Mark answers the question in a very logical way again, telling us every action has consequences that we may not predict. He is right… He is so right… I tried to kill myself, and that was when he started to care for me “genuinely”. Hearing Mark’s last words also touched me deeply. He… He was also grateful that Ivan had faced the consequences of his actions, because Mark would be able to see his friend and the man he loved, me. I looked at Mark for a moment, examining his sincerity, and smiled at him.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: And he is right. We all need to face the consequences of our actions, so do I. James… James needs to hear that I also love Ivan. If this changes the way he looks at me, so be it. I… James deserves to know. I can’t hold this in much longer. I shouldn’t hold this in much longer. I calmed myself down a little bit, and took a deep breath, slowly pulling away from James a little bit, but I didn't let go of his hand. “I… I need to confess something as well… I need to… We need to face another consequence James...” No… I am going to cry again. But he should know. He deserves to know. It’s the right thing to do. “I… I… I love Ivan… I… I miss…” I can’t complete my sentence, and I start crying my heart out savagely. I… I didn’t know… I tried… I tried to forget him… I tried… But I can’t… I just love him, miss him. Ivan… I miss you so much… Where are you now? Are you alright? Can I ever see you again? Won’t I forget you? I continue to mumble while crying “I’m sorry James… I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”

12:26 AgentJamesMason: I hold Kyle gently, taking in Mark’s words. They were simple, and to the point. He didn’t answer my question, not directly. But he answered it nonetheless. I sighed deeply, feeling that pain and sorrow inside me throb in response. Actions and consequences. On the battlefield, on a mission, there is no time to consider the consequences of what we do. And once the fight is over, there is no point in beating yourself up about what we had to do to get the job done. And so the consequences end up safely tucked away behind a wall, the wall that separates us and them. But sometimes… there were consequences that you couldn’t safely tuck away, consequences that refused to stay tucked away behind that wall. I’ve never really had to face them before… to fully face the consequences … This was hard. But another thought occurred to me, one that made me very uncomfortable indeed. I’ll bet Ivan never had to face them either… but yet in the end, as Mark pointed out, it was Ivan’s strength of character that allowed him to face those consequences, and that was why Kyle and I were here today. I felt on very shaky ground here… the implications were enormous… I … knew… that I could never fully go back to the way I had been… But if Ivan was strong enough to face them, man enough to own those consequences, then I could do no less.

12:26 AgentJamesMason: Was Ivan … my enemy? Or was he my brother? What would I do if I faced him in the field again? What would he do? What would Kyle do? I had no answers… only a sorrow that felt too large for me to hold. But that wouldn’t stop me from trying. This was just another kind of battle. My weapons were not my fists or my glock… but my mind and spirit… and my love for Kyle. I would do this, face this for his sake… for my sake… for our sake. I felt Kyle pull away from me a bit, and begin to speak again. I held his hand and looked deep into his face, gently stroking his cheeks as he began to speak and cry. When he confesses his love for Ivan, and how much he misses him, I suppose I should have been jealous? Angry? Hurt? But… someone, Kyle’s love for Ivan fit right into that great sorrow that I would have to learn to hold like a key going into a lock. I smiled at Kyle as he wept, and gently wiped away those tears. I murmur softly, “Of course you love him Kyle. Of course. I’m so sorry.. I wish.. There had been another way… I’m so sorry.” I pull Kyle back into my arms, trying so hard to hold onto this emotion that was too big, too heavy. Consequences… I would have to learn to live with them in a way I never had before. I can do this… I know I can.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: I felt the storm dissipating again, much like it had last week. I let out a deep sigh as I watched the men and I leaned back into my chair for a moment to breathe easier, to let some of my own tension melt out of my body. I could feel myself resuming the role of the anchor, a role I had temporarily stepped just slightly away from to be human with James and Kyle, but I had to resume that role for one last thing. One last hard truth. But we needed a moment of calm and reprieve, just for a moment. I watched as the men cared for one another; James loving Kyle by holding and supporting him; Kyle loving James by being honest with him. As time passed and Kyle’s crying lessened, I moved to what I suspected might be the close of today’s session...but one can never know with these things.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: “You both...have been so incredibly brave today. You have shown each other amazing gifts of love...through your honesty...your care for each other...through so much. I have one last question for you today...if you think you can….” I waited then, looking at the two men, unknowing if they had the energy for one last question in them today. I saw James clearly nod to me and then Kyle’s head nodding, too. Again I marveled at their strength and missed Darrin all the more.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: “Just...be comfortable with one another...and look at each other.” I watched your bodies move as you looked at one another deeply, the love shining clearly to me as you looked at each other with love in spite of all the pain and trauma. And I asked a question that would be easy...but it might have some far reaching implications for Kyle. It was another open door...but it was his choice.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: “Would you ever hurt the ones you love? Truly...deeply...hurt them?” I asked as they stared at each other.

12:26 AgentJamesMason: I held Kyle so tightly, holding him in my arms lovingly, tenderly, letting him know that it was okay to love Ivan. I listened to Mark as he told us to look at each other, I pulled away from Kyle and looked into his eyes. Then, I prepared myself for Mark’s question. And once again it was nothing like what I was expecting. I thought about a hundred scenarios… but I knew that wasn’t what he was asking. It felt like a trick question, but the answer was obvious. “Of course not. I couldn’t.” And then, as I stared into Kyle’s eyes, my own eyes widened suddenly in shock… because I realized then… Ivan had asked himself the same question… I turned to stare at Mark in wonder, and grinned suddenly, “You clever bastard Mark…” Then, I laughed, mirth bubbling in my soul. Mark had shown me in a way that I could not avoid exactly why Kyle and Ivan loved each other.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: James just hugs me in response to my confession. He just says he knows. Of course he knows, he knew from the beginning. And yet… He is so understanding, so tender and gentle as well. He doesn’t accuse me, blame me, or even attempt to change things between us. He just hugs me. Well… He is James Mason after all. A perfect example for humanity. I hug him back until my crying slows down once again. Yes Ivan… There… I said it… I love you too… You opened your heart. You opened your soul. And I loved what I saw… And… I will never forget you. I don’t know if I will see you ever again, but I will carry you in my heart. There will always be room for you in my heart. Then Mark congratulates us, and says he has one more question to ask. Well… We came this far with James. It’s now or never. I nod at the doctor, and listen to his question. That… Was… Interesting… I wouldn’t hurt my beloved ones of course… Yet… I don’t answer right away, I just examine James’s beautiful face.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: And he answers first. As soon as he says what I was expecting, his eyes widen, and he starts grinning. Hmm… I was a little bit confused as well, but then, it hit me. Ivan… This same question was in his head all along, from the moment I tried to kill myself. He was trying to remind himself of this . I chuckle as James teases Mark, then I reply back “I wouldn’t hurt the people I love… At least… Not intentionally…” But that was another struggle for me to face. What if I ever see Ivan? Was I lying? Isn’t my absence hurting him? I… I don’t think I can… You don’t hurt the people you love. I look at Mark as well, but with a more questioning look “Is… Is there… I mean… If I ever see Ivan again? What is… Going to happen…” I wasn’t sure even he knew the answer, but it was worth asking.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: I heard James’ reaction and saw his face...but then it evolved and I smiled wide and laughed as James called me a clever bastard. But then...he laughed, too…. A deep, joyous laugh...and I sighed, smiled, and melted back into my chair even more. But how would Kyle fair with my last question? I got another question hurled at me in response. I smiled at this one, too, laughing genuinely at it.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: “Kyle… You know I can’t answer that. That’s for you to find an answer to. And there’s no way for any of us to predict how that will go, even for Ivan.” I smiled and looked down for a moment, then looked back at Kyle. “You’re a smart man, Kyle. You have good instincts...and you give people their credit...even when it’s hard to. But...remember…. Who we are is the whole. It’s not one decision. It’s not two weeks of time. We become who we are over a lifetime of choices. So when you see Ivan again...see all of him. I’m confident you can...but you have to regain your own confidence before you will be able to see the whole truth with him. You have to trust yourself again. You have to trust others again...and let them deeply, truly love you.” I looked at you both again and smiled. I was so thankful that your situation had gone so different than my own had. So much trauma I have endured at his hands…. Again, I refocused on these men instead of myself, though. While it might be a heavier burden for James to carry with his work to now see that even his “enemies” were human too, it was essential for him to understand the eye of the storm - his, Kyle’s, and Ivan’s storm…. I knew the higher-ups at MI6 would have some questions for me if they knew what I was suggesting to these men, but...at the end of the day, I am beholden to help my patients - especially my friends - find truth for healing.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: Doctor Mark laughs at my question, and tells me he doesn't know the answer either. Of course he doesn't. Probably nobody does. That's why this situation is so fucked up. But he also says he trusts me, and tells me we are whole. And he is so right. I may love Ivan, even though he was my enemy. And I needed to prepare myself for this mentality. Maybe just like Mark said, I needed to regain my confidence, and let my beloved ones love me completely to achieve this. I look at James, and put a kiss on his hand. I was so lucky, so very lucky. Especially compared to Ivan. Ivan was alone now. Dave was not with him, neither was I. I… I had James. He was there for me, from the beginning. He never left me alone, he always tried to remain strong just to make me feel better. I don't know if I could ever thank him properly. I never realized I was that lucky. I pull James up by his hand, and kiss him deeply, passionately. I started crying again, softly, my eyes were already red, but these were the tears of joys. Then I mumble into his mouth after I stop kissing him "Thank you James… Thank you… For everything you have done…"

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: Then I turn to the doctor, and smile at him too. He was such a deep person, such a sensitive heart. "You are right, doctor… I will… I will do my best…" I shouldn't let just one thing, one trait of mine determine the rest of my life. Yes… I love Ivan… And I love him so much. But he is my enemy and we are on different sides. And if we ever come across each other again, I don't know what will happen, but at least I can prepare myself for it.

12:26 AgentJamesMason: Mark, as always, spoke with a clarity and depth of wisdom that spoke right to the heart of a situation. This had been such a hard session. I honestly thought I had already made peace with Ivan’s and Kyle’s love, with the central role he had played in both hurting and saving Kyle. But I hadn’t. I had been lying to myself. I had needed this today, so badly. Kyle suddenly stands up after Mark finishes speaking, pulling me up. I look a bit confused, but then suddenly, Kyle starts kissing me seriously, passionately. This is not a quick peck on the cheek, but a serious, deep kiss. I feel a quick flash of surprise, then I’m melting into the kiss, my hard muscled arms wrap around him gently, fiercely, protectively pulling him into my embrace, my beard scratching and grinding into his light beard. I love him so much. He starts crying again, I can tell how powerfully Mark’s words have impacted him. Kyle is so incredible. He is so deeply, deeply strong, and yet also so incredibly tender and loving. I am so lucky, so incredibly lucky to have him in my life. I wonder if I’m doing enough to let him know how thankful I am for him. He breaks off kissing, and thanks me again. I start to blush, a bright red color. I feel the opposite, that I should thank him.

12:26 AgentJamesMason: Kyle turns to Mark, smiling. And seeing Kyle happy was the best gift I could ever have. I hold Kyle’s hand, and realize there is one more topic I want to bring up with Mark. “Mark, I don’t know if I mentioned this to you.. But Commander Craig has agreed to interview Kyle for a position with MI6. When the Commander agreed to interview Kyle, he said to arrange after Kyle has sufficiently recovered from his ordeal. In your professional opinion, is Kyle ready?” I smile warmly at Kyle as I ask the question, then look deep into Mark’s eyes.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: I watched these men and their incredible love. I watched James embrace Kyle with his arms, and I immediately thought of Darrin and how he used to hold me close to him like that. But again, I was pulled out of my own head and back to these men as James asked me for a professional pysch eval for Kyle to return to work...but at MI6. This would be a huge step for Kyle, and it would test his confidence in what I suspected would be a wonderful way. I smiled and stood up to look into Kyle’s eyes. “Alright, I lied. I have one more question for you,” I said with a smile. “Do you feel you’re ready to get back to duty, Kyle? And at MI6, one of the world’s leading anti-terrorism agencies...one that only hires the best and brightest - are you ready for that, Kyle?”

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: I was feeling so relieved. Maybe that was what I needed to do Telling Ivan out loud, talking it out with James. It was definitely what I needed, and I can tell it was the same for James as well. I am so happy that I met with Mark. He was such a cornerstone in our lives for sure. Then James asks if I am ready for a position in MI6. And that question is followed up by another question from Doctor Mark, asking me if I am ready or not. I… I don’t believe I deserve MI6. But both of these men said they trust me. Moreover, I was preparing a plan to help MI6 against the Syndicate. It could be a good opportunity for me to talk about it with Commander Ronald Craig. I actually don’t care about a position, but if James wants me to, I will try my best. I smile at Mark, and reply back “I am ready Mark… From the moment I met James, he has been preparing me for that job it seems…” I chuckle and tease James, rubbing his hand gently. I was going to try my luck. Not for myself, but for James, for Mark, for MI6, and especially for Jeff and Jack…

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: I nodded then, smiling gently at Kyle’s answers. He would be alright. “Then I’ll have my report to Commander Craig by the morning,” I said in a happy tone.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: Much like last week, the last part of the session was more of a “wind down” and a grounding of the emotions that had been unleashed in this week’s emotional storm. As the session ended and we parted ways, I was again alone in my office. I buzzed my attendant and asked her that I not be disturbed for the rest of the day. I needed some time myself. I opened the top right drawer of my desk, and I pulled out a framed picture. It was Darrin and I, on our wedding day. I put it on my desk and stared at it, smiling, feeling the tears come to my eyes. I felt pangs of missing him occasionally even after four years of him being gone. Watching James and Kyle reminded me so much of he and I, though, and so it was only natural that I felt his absence even more after our sessions. I anchored myself in the good memories with Darrin, though. The trips around the world, the cafe in Paris, the kiss in the London Eye, taking him to visit my old family home in America - all of those memories always put a smile on my face. But even though I anchored myself in the good memories, there was a rage that boiled under the happiness I felt. As I emotionally acknowledged that bubbling rage, my eyes glanced over to the manilla folder that I had prepared for today’s session. It turned out that we didn’t need it for Kyle and James...but I needed it for myself now.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: I put away mine and Darrin’s wedding picture and then pulled the manilla folder before me. I opened it, seeing a picture of James. I smiled and thought of how well my friend had done in the last few weeks with moving through his trauma. I turned the picture over and saw a picture of Kyle. I smiled wider, my respect and admiration for this young man clearly ringing through as I saw his picture. I turned that picture over and then saw Derek Steel. My face ran colder. I looked at him and saw the mastermind that had wreaked so much havok across the globe. Of course, that wasn’t true exactly - Steel was a hired man, and the true mastermind - or, much more likely, masterminds - behind the Syndicate remained unknown to us. But Steel was the face of the operation for many of us, myself included. But the man I hated the most was just behind Steel’s picture. I looked up out the window to ready myself for who I would see next. The compassion and warmth was drained from my face - I had pulled it from my body and tucked it away somewhere safe with the memories of Darrin. I pulled my eyes back to the folder and then turned Steel’s picture.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: Then...there he was. The man responsible for so much of my trauma and pain. Daniel Allen. My fists clenched on either side of the picture as I stared into his eyes. He was smiling in this picture, but the man did not know wholesome joy - no, his smiles came from inflicting sadistic pain and trauma. It was at his hands that I suffered. I raged for James then, feeling the emotions boil almost to eruption as I thought about Daniel torturing my friend. But as much as that made me rage, something greater still boiled at the white-hot center of me. I remember the last torture session…. The one where I was saved…. I remember the hypodermic needle...and Daniel coming towards me with it. It was filled with something that he said would kill me slowly...and that I just needed to give him the last bit of information he wanted. I knew he was lying, though. I could tell him the information and he would continue the game of cat and tortured mouse with me. I laughed slightly at my ability to discern that even at that point in my torture. Darrin had used that to help ground me and lead me out of my own trauma. But the price that I...that Darrin had paid….

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: Daniel didn’t get to inject his concoction of benzene into me that day. Darrin stopped him. I remember watching them wrestle and fight...and Darrin came out on top...but not before Daniel had injected him with the poison meant for me.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: It took a few years for the benzene to do it’s work, all thanks to Darrin getting medical care as soon as that mission was completed. But, they couldn’t stop it completely. Eventually, the leukemia set in. We always suspected it might happen. We always prayed it wouldn’t. But it did. And the poison meant for me killed my husband. And it was delivered the day he and I met.

12:26 Dr.MarcusVanderbilt: One day, Daniel…. I’m going to show you everything I’ve learned. And I will show you everything Darrin taught me. I vow that on my husband’s grave.

A Few Days Later

12:26 AgentJamesMason: In some strange way, we have come full circle. Back to where we began. In the lobby of MI6’s London offices. Except… the last time, Kyle came with me to provide moral support as I faced the dragon, Commander Ronald Craig. This time, everything was flipped on its head. Now, Kyle was facing the dragon. He’d stayed up late last night preparing for this interview. He’d been preparing something, something big, but he hadn’t given me the details yet. But I know it had something to do with the idea he’d voiced over that dinner with Sam. I held his hand, feeling nervous. I knew Kyle could handle this. He was talented. So talented. But only a fool faced the prospect of an interview with Ronald Craig without being nervous. I leaned over and kissed Kyle. “You will do fine. I know you will. Trust me, I’ve seen you in action.” I chuckle, “Anyone who can smooth talk some of the Syndicate’s finest men out of shooting us dead will have no trouble with Commander Craig.” I take a deep breath. I wish I could go with Kyle, but I would have to stay here. Kyle had to handle this on his own. “It’s almost time. Are you ready?”

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: Here we are… The big day James was waiting for. I can definitely tell he is much more excited than I am. Not because I am not nervous, hell, I don’t know what I am going to face inside. But I was much calmer because James was the one who really thought I belonged in MI6. I mean, I know my capabilities, and my confidence is almost reestablished now, but still… I don’t see myself as worthy for MI6, not yet at least. I’m not an ordinary person applying for a job at MI6. I am the man who put MI6 and James Mason in danger in the first place. I am not saying this because I am trying to blame myself, but that is the truth. However, I also know James has been waiting for this day for so long, and I owe this to him. I need to try. Besides, it’s a perfect opportunity for me to mention my plan about the strange Syndicate activity. I actually don’t care if Ronald Craig hires me or not. I just want to contribute, and make up for putting everyone in danger. Then James leans over, and kisses me, telling me that he trusts me with his whole heart, mentioning my “smooth talk” will help. I smile back at him, and hug him before I get up. “I’m ready James… Thank you for everything…” Then I take a deep breath as well, and drop by the secretary.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: I knock on the door of Commander Ronald Craig first, then step inside slowly. I was wearing a tight white shirt, black dress pants, and shoes. There were some documents in my hand, my CV and especially some of the records that I used to help me prepare my plan. I clear my throat silently, then talk in a professional tone “Good morning Commander Craig…”

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12:26 Commander_Ronald_Craig: I read through the reports one more, frowning as I put the last page aside. I lean back in my chair and steeple my fingers thinking about the entire situation. This Kyle Byrne was … interesting. However, there was one problem. He and James were clearly involved in a sexual relationship. I wanted to be certain that Mason’s feelings for Kyle had not influenced his report. Hmmmm.. There was a knock on the door suddenly, followed by Kyle Byrne. I slowly stood up as he greeted me. I walked around the table and took careful note of his immaculate, clean suit, his bearing, his musculature. I will say this about Mason. He has good taste in men. Kyle was stunningly attractive. I gestured at the seat in front of my desk as I reached out to shake Kyle’s hand. “Mr. Byrne I presume. Please, take a seat.” I walk back around my desk and carefully sit back down. I let the silence drag out for a while, as I lean forward, my elbows on my desk, my hard muscled body, still rippled with strength despite me being relegated to office work instead of field work. My eyes were penetrating, with a hard, searching, direct gaze. Finally, after about a minute of silence, I speak. “Tell me Mr. Byrne, your boyfriend James Mason believes you belong in MI6. The reports I’ve read about your conduct surrounding Minneapolis and your subsequent capture do lend some credence to that notion. But what do you think? Do you believe that Mr. Mason’s report was influenced by his emotional involvement with you?” I never fuck around, and always ask the most difficult and challenging questions first. The best way to find out about a man’s character was to put him under pressure. Let’s squeeze Mr. Byrne a bit and see what kind of man he is.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: And there he was, Commander Ronald Craig. I can definitely tell at first sight that he is a hard man to please. Oh, “don’t-fuck-around-with-me” type… Kinda cool actually. In the police department, you have lots of people like this. But of course, none of them were at the top of an intelligence agency. I gave him a formal smile, returned his handshake, then took the seat he showed me. He examines me for a while, and I don’t break eye contact. This is something I learned while interrogating people. You need to adapt yourself to any kind of gaze. My expression doesn’t change as he asks his first question. Of course he would ask that. I would have done the same if I were in his shoes. I take a deep breath, then reply. “Well… My answer depends on what kind of answer you want me to give, Mr. Craig. If you want me to tell you what you want to hear, I can say there is nothing wrong in James Mason’s report, he is very clear when it comes to separating his personal and professional life, and everything he said is accurate.” Then I lean towards Ronald Craig a little bit, putting the papers in my hand on the table gently, then move on “However, if you want me to be honest, I am not sure… James Mason is one of the most successful agents in MI6, but what we had in Minneapolis back there was so powerful, so strong that he broke all the rules and regulations that he knows very well, just to save me. I can’t directly say whether our relationship affected the report he prepared, because I didn’t see it. I can say he is a very clever guy when it comes to reading and understanding people, but we can’t ignore that he is also someone who carries the burden of the world on his shoulders, and very devoted to caring for his beloved ones. So it's completely up to you to decide at this point…” I give him a final smile before I lean back on my chair.

12:26 Commander_Ronald_Craig: Oh this one had a sharp mind, quick and clever. He could make words dance like puppets. My eyes narrowed, and I slowly began to smile. I replied, “It, is, Mr. Byrne, always best to be honest when you are speaking to a Commander in MI6.” I lean back, then suddenly, completely change the topic. I already knew that Mason’s report was accurate. Kyle had answered my question. Not the question that I had asked directly, but the hidden question. “What kind of man is Kyle Byrne?” It was time for another topic. “You arranged for Mason to leave Minneapolis and monitor the interrogation of Usov remotely. I have learned from independent sources…” I pause, and stare at Kyle with a hard, fierce gaze, “...that you did this on your own initiative, over the objections of Mason, going to a tremendous amount of effort to arrange this, even selecting a new identity for him. I require you to explain your motivations and line of reasoning behind these actions.”

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: The Commander smiles at my reply, then quickly changes the topic, asking me why I sent James away in the first place, his gaze is hardening as he asks his question. Oh no Mr. Craig. You are grateful that I sent James away deep inside, don’t give me that look just because I disobeyed regulations, and used “MI6’s name” to send James away. I smile back at him confidently, then continue in the same tone. “Well… James already had suspicions that this whole operation might be a trap, he mentioned this to me even though he had been told not to. But he was right in a way… I was being pushed really hard to do this interrogation before the FBI arrived.” I chuckle, examining Ronald Craig’s expression, then move on “And I received a phone call the day before Ivan Usov’s interrogation from my department manager, telling me that some “UN officials” were going to attend the meeting. And sir… We both know that the UN couldn’t have learned about this before it is even reported to the media, unless it has a very “strong” connection with the case. I thought there was a possibility that James could be right, so I didn’t want to trust luck. I just wanted to send him away without arousing suspicion in either my department, or MI6, or James. So I told my department that it was MI6’s request, while I told James that it was a decision of the department’s administration at my request. I didn’t have much time, only one day. So I had no choice… I believe you would understand… So I arranged a ticket to Detroit from my station as a bait, and sent him to Chicago instead… I thought if James was right, our department would already have been infiltrated, so that was another risk I didn’t want to take I am a pretty cautious guy Mr. Craig…”

12:26 Commander_Ronald_Craig: I leaned forward, my expression unchanging as I listened to Kyle explain his actions. Clever lad. And of course, it wasn’t his fault that Mason threw away all his hard work. Once Mason decided something needed doing, he did it. And he never gave a damn about the rules. One of these days it was going to cost him his career. But so far, he had lucked out. But one thing was certain. Mason hadn’t exaggerated Kyle’s talents in the slightest. Hmmm.. I leaned back. “Mr. Byrne. About a week ago, Mason requested that he be allowed to share with you the current reports regarding the alarming upsurge in Syndicate activity. I gave him permission to do so. Now, you will explain to me why you requested access to these reports.”

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: His expression doesn’t change as I explain all of this. Wow… This guy is hard as rock. He just leans backs, and asks the question that I have been craving for. I am not trying to impress anyone, nor am I trying to reserve a seat in MI6. I take a deep breath, and look at the Commander, selecting some of the papers, and push them in front of him, and start talking while he is taking a look at them. “I know you are in trouble trying to discover what the Syndicate is up to. But I thought this can still turn out to our advantage in the end.” I take a deep breath before I move on, because the next thing I have to say may not please him very much. “Sir… You are blind and deaf to the upcoming events, all of us are. I know you are trying your best to prevent this activity, but it’s so hard. Especially since CCS is focusing on some other activities completely, and CSIS is already in big trouble because of the information leak.” I clear my throat one more time, then go on. “You may still try to focus on preventing this activity, which is probably “inefficient” at this point. But I say… We should start preparing ourselves for the crisis and war. And “then”, we may have a chance to turn the tables on them… This may be your plan B, but just… You need to focus on different aspects of this chess game Sir...” Yeah, I am suggesting we wait until the Syndicate acts. This is sure to surprise Ronald Craig since his job is to prevent crimes before they happen. It’s my job as well as a cop, but if that is unlikely, we need to think about alternatives. I assume MI6 were so focused on stopping the activity they never considered this option.

12:26 Commander_Ronald_Craig: I listen carefully to what he is saying, maintaining my stony, unreadable expression. I let the silence drag on for about 30 seconds, then lean forward. “How can we prepare ourselves if we do not know what the Syndicate is planning? We need eyes on them. Clearly you have given some thought to this, Mr. Byrne. Please, carry on.”

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: I wait a little bit for Ronald Craig to process all of this, and then, he asks a reasonable question in a reasonable manner. I move on “You know the answer as well sir… Double Agents… I know you just lost two successful agents recently, and sending another one would take both too much time, and would also be expensive.” I lean towards him a little bit, then go on. “But you know commander, in war, no one can think clearly. No plan works out perfectly. No one can realize what is happening in front of their eyes. So it’s the best way to gain someone’s trust. Life and death situations… If we send the double agent to the site of an attack, and if that agent saves a Syndicate trooper’s life, then the Syndicate would embrace that agent as if he is already one of them...” then I lean back, and start addressing the possibilities. “Yes… We don’t know what kind of activity the Syndicate is up to, but we know it’s something big. So this means they are either going to launch a couple of attacks, which means we can send the agent to the site of one of those attacks… Or either they are going to do one big strike which is going to take at least a couple of days... And in this scenario, we can just send the agent directly after we learn about the attack… And of course, I also thought about some of the traits of this agent. He shouldn’t make them suspect anything, he should appear to be just an “ordinary” trooper for the Syndicate… It’s also in the list I brought here today, and open to criticism...” I wait a little bit for the commander to think all of these as well, then move on “Sir… If Ivan Usov’s case taught me one thing, it’s that sometimes you need to respect your opponents’ plans… Daniel Allen was the spy who was sent for Ivan Usov… And in the midst of that crisis, we couldn’t see what was happening… They handled it so perfectly… Now it’s our turn to do the same… You should start educating a spy, a double agent who is going to be sent to the site of an attack…”

12:26 Commander_Ronald_Craig: I lean back and listen carefully to what Kyle is saying. I nod. Yes, we need a double agent. The problem is the time, energy, and effort it takes to get them embedded into the Syndicate’s organization. It can take years. I let Kyle finish speaking. Well.. he was on to something. An approach none of us had considered. Hmmmm… “Mr. Byrne, please speak to my secretary on your way out. She will make all the necessary arrangements. You will report to Mason, and I will trust that both of you are capable of separating your personal and professional relationship. You will be placed in charge of selecting and training an appropriate double agent. There will however, be one modification to your plan. We cannot wait for the Syndicate to attack us. However, we can attack them. We will arrange a strike on a Syndicate base, and during the conflict, we will slip in your double agent. A very clever plan, Mr. Byrne. Welcome to MI6. Your rank will be senior investigator. You are dismissed.” I shuffle my paperwork, already lost in thought, planning the details and logistics of this strike. It turns out that once again, Mason was right. Kyle Byrne most certainly belonged in MI6.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: Ronald Craig listens to me as I finish my plan. And I sighed deeply. There… I did my part… Now they can do whatever they want with this plan. I hope this will be enough for them. But, the Commander tells me to speak with his secretary, and mentions that I am a new senior investigator in MI6. My eyes widen. I didn’t think I couldn’t get the job, but I “never” focused on that part. I just wanted to tell him my plan, but it appears that there were more outcomes to face. I smile as he says I am dismissed, and get up slowly, leaving every document I brought on the table. “Thank you Sir… I will do my best to serve MI6. You can be sure about that…” I, then, turn around, and leave his office. Wow… I really can’t believe that just happened. I talk with the secretary, then head to the lobby, and see James there sitting and waiting for me. I smile at him casually, as if I don’t have big news for him. I approached him, and hugged him, letting him to talk first, teasing him by not saying anything.

12:26 AgentJamesMason: I stare nervously at the wall as Kyle is being interviewed. I mean, I know what Kyle is capable of. I’ve seen him in action. I know he belongs in MI6. But Kyle won’t believe it. But I know Commander Craig. I know he will see Kyle’s talent. But I’m still nervous. This is an amazing opportunity for Kyle. I keep fidgeting, and adjusting my tie. Then, suddenly, the doors of the lift open, and out comes Kyle. I look at him, scanning his face, searching for any hint of the outcome. But Kyle is teasing me. I can tell. He is such a tease sometimes. I start to chuckle as he approaches, and I stand up to hug him. He just smiles at me casually, and I tease him right back. “Kyle, if you don’t want me to wrestle you down and make you beg for mercy right here in the lobby, then you are going to tell me what happened up there in the dragon’s den.” I growl playfully in his ear.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: I laugh hard as I hear James tease me back, threatening me in his adorable way. I slowly let him go, but my arms are still around his waist, as I lock my eyes with his. “Well… You may try, I don’t mind being forced to beg for mercy by you. However, then this would mean MI6 would lose an agent and a senior investigator…” I chuckle as I finish my sentence, and suddenly kiss him in the lobby before he can say or process anything. I let my joy come out, and let James feel it as well. Wow… That was happening… I was going to work for MI6. That was just amazing. All thanks to James once again. He was such an incredible man. After giving him a long, deep kiss, I pull back and examine his handsome facial features. “How can you be right all the time… How can you be just perfect all the time… Ronald Craig loved my plan… And it appears that you are going to shift your focus on other parts when it comes to coming up with a plan, Mr. Mason...”

12:26 AgentJamesMason: And then, Kyle tells me, laughing with joy shining in his eyes. MI6 has a new senior investigator. Before I can react, Kyle kisses me right there in the lobby, a deep, long hard kiss. I hug him fiercely, my hard muscles flexing as I wrapped him up in my arms, and kissed him back. Kyle pulls back then, and we look into each other’s eyes as Kyle tells me that the Commander liked his plan, saving me the effort of figuring out how to handle this mess. I laugh again, “Are you trying to put me out of a job, Kyle?” I lift him up off his feet, and spin around a few times, overflowing with joy. Finally, breathing heavily I put Kyle back down.

12:26 Inspector_Kyle_Byrne: After speaking, James teases me one more time, and suddenly lifts me up off my feet, spinning a couple of times. I can’t help but laugh as well, hugging him tightly. This is all worth it… All the pain, all the trauma… all of it was worth it just to see James like this, this happy, I would bear it over and over again. Then he puts me down while panting heavily. I move my hands to his jaw, rubbing his cheek with my palms. My eyes are shining with joy, excitement, and love. I take a deep breath, and continue “There is just one simple thing I didn’t mention to Ronald Craig, James…” I wait a little bit, then continue “This is not just for MI6, you, and me… This plan is also for Jack and Jeff… I… I will find where Jack is… I promise you…” Then I put one final kiss on his lips, sealing them with mine.

12:26 AgentJamesMason: I’m smiling brightly as Kyle continues, mentioning Jack and Jeff. I sigh, I had been trying as hard as I could to find out where Jack might be, without any luck. The guilt of Jack’s sacrifice weighed me down heavily. Then, Kyle continues and my eyes widen. Of course… if we could get another double agent into the Syndicate, we could find Jack!!! I hugged Kyle against me as I kissed him fiercely, passionately, tenderly. Kyle never ceased to amaze me with his talents, his generosity, the depth of his heart. I was so lucky to have the love of a man like him. I slowly broke off our kiss, and gently reached up to cup his bearded chin, and tilt his face to stare into my eyes, overflowing with love and joy. Softly, lovingly, I whisper to him, “Welcome Home.”

Published: 2021-04-19, viewed 43 times.