Welcome to my new story! A sequal to Perfectly Normal.

Disclaimer: I do not own Alex Rider or any recognizable characters. This universe belongs to Anthony Horowitz. Also, if I reference or you recognize the brilliance of published author's or fanfiction writers, I disclaim.

This story was inspired by 'It Get's Better Sometimes' -stormbringer94

K unit didn't even flinch as the James Bond theme song rung out through the house, followed by the jingle of keys in the door. It was a signal of sorts, they'd agreed to ring the doorbell before coming in as last time Alex had suddenly appeared in the house when they'd all thought he was on a mission, Fox had almost sent a bullet through him.

Of course, at the time they hadn't realized the doorbell played the 007 theme. According to Alex, it had been a gift, and 'believe me I've tried to change it'. On the bright side, it prevented any accidental murders. They all turned as the front door swung inward.

Alex stepped in, shaking off his black umbrella and putting it in a container by the door. He shucked off his coat, tossing it on the hook, then turned to acknowledge his unit.

"Hey."

"Hey Cub. You're back early."

"Yup," he replied, popping the 'p'. "I made the executive decision to forgo the mandatory medical eval on account of I'm not even injured."

"Cub. I'm pretty sure there's a reason it's called mandatory," Snake said, a hint of disapproval in his voice.

"Yes I'm sure there is. Haven't figured it out yet."
Alex plopped on the couch, still managing to keep his natural grace, even when tired and lightly coated in rain water.

Eagle quickly rose from his usual spot on the couch and walked into the kitchen. He reappeared moments later with a steaming mug of coffee, which he placed in Alex's grateful hands. Alex wrapped his fingers around the drink, trying to scavenge some warmth through the insulated mug.

"So, you miss me?"

A round of snorts met his words, closely followed by 'of course not' and 'very funny Cub' and 'bout as much as I miss the chicken pox'.

Alex leaned back into the couch, pulling his legs up under him. Sitting cross legged, he sipped carefully from his mug. Steam hit him in the face, causing his cheeks to pink slightly. He let his eyes drift over the four men in front of him, observing their playful banter. He took a moment, as he'd been doing often, to reflect on how he'd ended up where he had.

In the past, he'd looked back and thought about Blunt and the blackmail. Ian and his parents and Ash and all the lies that had piled up. Now, he thought about how he and K unit had slowly grown together.

They had been living with him for nearly half a year. Well, not Eagle. Turns out that he actually had a fiancé, Sadie Chambers, who he lived with a couple districts away. He wasn't too far, which was a good thing since he spent so much time here, Alex occasionally forgot that he didn't in fact, live in the house.

Alex had met Sadie quite a few times. He liked her alot, she was funny and intelligent and more observant than most. The only down fall was the fact that she was an army psychologist. Shrinks were not his favourite people in the world, but she'd never tried to psychoanalyze him before, so she was good in his books.

Alex thought that she reminded him a bit of Jack and Sabina. Friendly and caring, but outspoken and the very embodiment of independent, strong women. She was fine with Eagle running off with the SAS for days, weeks, or even months at a time. She was proud of him for it. And she treated Alex like family from day one. Now a days, she was over as much as Eagle was. Either with him or alone.

K unit had gone on a few missions since being with Alex, and Sadie would come keep him company, or vice versa. Last time Alex was on a mission, he came home to Sadie, alone in the house, watching Doctor Who reruns on the telly.

And Sadie wasn't the only relative he'd met. Eagle had dozens of relatives, mostly weird Aunts that smelled like taffy and peppermints.

For Christmas, the whole of K unit had been invited to Wolf's mothers house. They were adamant that that included Alex.

Turns out, Wolf had a huge family. His mother, Elena San Luca was like a female Wolf. Tough as nails and demanding.

Yet, unlike her son, she'd taken an instant liking to Alex. Elena had immediately swept Alex away upon him entering her home to introduce him to the family.

Wolf had four older siblings, Jason San Luca, Carmen Cane, Heather Taloo, and Ashton San Luca, and two younger, Katherine San Luca and Mat San Luca.

His four older siblings were all married with kids, so he met Rose San Luca, Lincoln Cane, Drake Taloo and Mari San Luca, Wolfs in-laws.

And of course Evelyn San Luca, Wren and Tess Cane, Trevor and Thea Taloo, and Zia, Griffin and Klaus San Luca, Wolfs nieces and nephews.

Alex had been understandably overwhelmed and spent most of the time sitting on the floor playing with baby Tess and Klaus, skillfully avoiding all questions.

Eagle also had two siblings, West and Brook Taylor. Alex had met Brook, who was divorced with 2 kids. She had identical twins, Ember and Aspen.

West was one sibling whom Alex hadn't met, as he was living in Hong Kong at the moment, but he had heard plenty about him, and had dropped in on his and Eagles Skypes occasionally.

Snake was an only child, but Alex had met both his parents and his grandparents long before Snake introduced them in a situation he'd rather not think about. That was one of the weirdest missions he'd ever been on.

And then there was Fox, he had a half brother on his dad's side named Ace who he never spoke to on the grounds that 'he's an ass'.

He also had a stepsister on his mums side, Jessica Fleur, and another half brother, Roman Jonstone.

Jessica had 3 kids and was living with her husband in Nice, France. Roman had 4 kids and lived with his girlfriend in Brixton. Alex was quite fond of them.

All in all, Alex thought his unofficial family had expanded more than enough over the past few months. All though, according to Elena San Luca, (she insisted on Alex calling her grandma, he wouldn't have it), there's no such thing as too much family.

All the people in his life made him increasingly nervous, but it was too late to go back now.

Anyway, Alex thought he actually liked having a big family. Surprisingly, even if he didn't see them often, it was nice to know they where out there. Actual people with actual lives that didn't involve terrorists plots or mass genocide or world domination.

Actual people that were, not only living and breathing, but living and breathing thanks to him. It was nice to know he'd managed to save some people.

Next: One little letter can change a lot.