Somebody That You Used to Know - Alex (Echo 3-1) Keller x Female Reader
Requested by Anonymous
Summary: It’s been 5 years since you’ve seen Alex, and a dangerous mission in Urzikstan is just the thing to bring you back together…
Warnings: Violence, Language, fluff, Friends to Lovers type beat
Tags: @pukbadger @fiveshelmet @myguiltypleasures21 @madamemelaninn @emmaadlerrichtofen1 @swissy23 @thatchickwiththecamera @glitterypirateduck
A/N: I love writing action fics, its truly an obsession. Alex is so fine i cannot even deal omfg - enjoy :))
You walk into the small briefing room, the door closing behind you with a soft click. The room is dimly lit, the only source of light coming from a large screen displaying a map of the Al Qatala stronghold. The Captain and Gaz are already present, sitting around.
Laswell stands at the head of the small room, her gaze focused. She acknowledges your arrival with a nod before turning her attention back to the map. The atmosphere is tense, an undercurrent of urgency lingering in the air.
"Alright, listen up," Laswell begins, her voice firm yet calm. "Al Qatala and their recent attacks here in Urzikstan have left not only a trail of disaster but also of Russian footprints."
"Bloody hell." Gaz mutters.
"Russians?" You interject. "Can't be missiles again, those would've been on our radar."
Agent Laswell glances at you, a hint of knowing in her eyes. "We believe the Russians are involved in a more covert operation, possibly aiding Al Qatala with weapons, training, or intelligence."
Captain Price leans forward, his voice low and resolute. "The last thing we need is them getting cozy."
Laswell nods, her expression grim. "Exactly. Our mission is two-fold. We need to cripple Al Qatala's stronghold and gather any evidence of Russian involvement. We have an opportunity to disrupt this unholy alliance and dismantle their operations."
You glance at the map on the screen, "Do we have any intel on the main compound layout? Possible weak points?"
Laswell taps a few keys, bringing up a satellite image of the compound. "We've managed to obtain some blueprints of an HQ type facility, but keep in mind they might have made changes to the structure. Expect the unexpected."
Captain Price leans back in his chair, a calculating look on his face.
Gaz raises an eyebrow. "Who's going in?"
A steely resolve glimmers in Laswell's eyes as she answers, "Y/N, you'll be our point of entry. Captain Price and Gaz will join you once you've secured a foothold inside."
You meet the Captain’s gaze, a silent understanding passing between you.
"You'll be meeting with an American Agent before the mission tomorrow morning, he'll be on the mission with you. Good luck."
"American huh?" Gaz says, turning to you. "Think you know him?"
"Doubt it." You exhale, leaning back in your seat.
The next morning dawns with an air of anticipation and determination. You stand in the armory, surrounded by shelves of equipment and gear.
You slip on your tactical vest over your layered shirt, adjusting the straps for a snug fit. The familiar weight settles against your chest.
You fasten the pouches on your belt, carefully arranging your ammunition, grenades, and other essential tools. Each item has its place, a delicate balance of readiness and accessibility.
After you’ve gotten yourself situated, you meet Gaz and the Captain on the tarmac to wait for the plane into Sakhra.
“Mornin boys.” You nod, leaning against a crate waiting to be loaded into the aircraft.
“Well someone’s chipper this morning.” Gaz teases, pulling his flag embroidered hat on.
“Yeah chipper to get this shit over with.“ You chuckle, shaking your head.
Price glances at both of you, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "That's the spirit, lads.” Sarcasm coating his tone.
"Hope i’m not too late." A voice suddenly says from behind you, causing you to turn your head in surprise. Your heart skips a beat as your eyes lock with a familiar gaze.
"Alex?" You utter his name, a mixture of shock and disbelief coloring your voice. It has been five long years since you last saw him, “You’re the other agent?”
“Right on time, Agent.” Price nods, shaking his hand, followed by Gaz.
"Well, you've certainly changed," Alex says, turning to face you. Your gaze lingers on his face, noticing the subtle lines etched near his eyes, evidence of the experiences he has endured over the years.
His once boyish features have given way to a more hardened and mature visage.
Gaz, observing the exchange, interjects. "You two know each other?"
You tear your eyes away from Alex to meet Gaz’s questioning expression. "We served together in the MARSOC years back.” You explain, slinging your riffle over your shoulder.
Captain Price interrupts the silence, breaking the reunion. "We have limited time, and the mission takes precedence. Alex, I trust you're ready to brief us on your findings."
Alex nods, his focus shifting back to the present. "I've gathered substantial intel on Al Qatala's operations over the past year, their chain of command, and possible connections with other organizations.” He continues, “We have a high chance to deal a significant blow to their infrastructure and reveal the extent of their influence."
“I like those chances, mate.” Gaz replies, speaking for the whole team.
“Well then, let’s get this show on the road shall we?” The captain heads into the aircraft, followed by the rest of you.
“It’s good to see you, Y/N.” Alex says, nudging you slightly as you smile back, taking your seat.
When you arrive landside to the outskirts of the compound, you all split up to your respective positions. You and Alex take the entry while Price and Gaz take the perimeter.
“I’ll cover you.” Alex says, as you both stay hidden a good distance from the front gates. Two guards take watch, Al Qatala security forces.
“Moving in.” You say, aiming your crosshairs on the first guard.
With practiced precision, you squeeze the trigger, the suppressed shot echoing softly through the air. The guard drops, a lifeless silhouette on the ground.
Without missing a beat, Alex shifts his focus to the second guard, his weapon trained on the target. You provide cover, scanning the surroundings for any sign of reinforcement. As Alex takes the shot, the second guard crumples to the ground, leaving the area silent once more.
You and Alex approach the now vacant gate, keeping low to avoid detection. “Let’s move.” You motion towards the gates, quickly picking the locks and moving into the compound.
Inside the compound, the darkness acts as your ally, concealing your movements and intentions. “I know Laswell said to expect the unexpected but I didn’t expect this place to be empty.” You remark, switching to your sidearm.
"Wouldn't get too comfortable," Alex replies, his voice low and cautious as he clears the stairs. You follow suit, ascending silently, your senses heightened.
The absence of guards and personnel within the compound raises an unsettling feeling within you. Something doesn't add up. “Delta 4 to Bravo 6, how copy?” You speak over the comms.
“Loud and clear.” Price radios back.
“Stay on standby at the perimeter, compounds vacant” You explain.
“Copy that. Staying low.” He responds back.
You both move with precision, keeping your backs to the walls, scanning each room as you make your way through the labyrinthine corridors.
The eerie silence amplifies the tension in the air, intensifying the need for caution.
As you round another corner, you catch a glimpse of a dimly lit room at the end of the hallway. The faint glow seeping through the cracked door raises your suspicion. Motioning for Alex to stay back, you inch closer, your senses on high alert.
Peering through the narrow opening, you see a group of monitors displaying security feeds from various parts of a large machine.
"They got eyes on something," you whisper, your voice laced with both concern and determination.
Alex's expression hardens as he joins you, his eyes focused on the screens. You both nod a quick agreement and let him kick open the door.
Alex's boot crashes against the door, sending it flying open with a resounding bang. But before you can fully register the impact, a sharp, searing pain erupts through your upper arm. "Fuck!" you exclaim, stumbling backward, clutching your arm.
Alex's eyes widen with alarm as he rushes to your side, concern etched across his face. “Shit, they have this place rigged.” He drops his gun, making you sit on a metal crate.
“I’m fine, Alex. We have to keep moving.” You argue, but it’s no use.
“You’re gonna bleed out. Let me handle it.” He replies, as he rips a part of his sleeve and wraps a makeshift bandage around your arm, applying pressure to stem the bleeding
You watch Alex's face intently as he focuses on your arm, his brows furrowed with a mix of concentration and concern. His movements are deliberate and steady, a testament to his training and experience in the field.
His hands work quickly, efficiently securing the fabric around your wounded arm. The pressure he applies causes a sharp pang of pain, but you grit your teeth, determined not to let it distract you. The burning sensation begins to subside, replaced by a numbing throb.
"Alex, we can't afford to stay here," you protest once more, your voice laced with urgency. The mission hangs in the balance, and every moment counts.
He meets your gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of determination and worry. "The one back up they had already did it’s job, we can afford to spare 5 minutes.” He sternly answers, making you chuckle a bit at his concern.
“Was beginning to think you died after all these years.” You say after a few beats of silence, trying to distract yourself from the agonizing burn of pressure.
“I meant to write you know.” He explains, putting his hands up in defense. “But you know how it is, assignment after assignment.”
You nod, playing with the blood spotted hem of your right sleeve.
You nudge him playfully as he takes a seat next to you on the crate, your voice lightening. "Well, look at you, all grown up and saving the world. I guess it suits you."
A wistful smile tugs at the corners of your lips as you engage in this unexpected moment of familiarity amidst the chaos. The pain in your arm momentarily fades into the background as the weight of unspoken words hangs between you.
Alex's lips curl into a half-smile, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. “I went CIA and you stuck to what you know. Wish I was that smart.” He admits, turning his head to meet your gaze.
“Still winded up here. It was bound to happen Keller. You sigh, wincing at the sudden movement jolting through your arm.
The atmosphere between you and Alex shifts, an unspoken tension hanging in the air as your gazes meet. In a moment of vulnerability and longing, he leans in, closing the distance between you, his lips pressing against yours.
For a few precious seconds, the world fades away, and you are lost in the intensity of the moment. The touch is gentle yet filled with a deep-rooted longing that has lingered beneath the surface for years.
But just as quickly as the connection ignites, you both pull away, breathless and wide-eyed. The realization of the situation dawns upon you, a mix of surprise. “Sorry um-“
“Yeah we should get back to the...” You finish his sentence, regaining both of your composures.
With a shared understanding, you push aside the overwhelming emotions and focus on the task at hand.
A/N: If i keep writing this i’ll be writing forever loll. Let me know if y’all want a part 2. Im a sucker for action fics y’all already know 😭
