Since people wanted this continued, here's the next part! I had this all done before I was injured so I decided to release what I had so far.
Disclaimer: I don't own Carmen Sandiego
Black Sheep and Gray walked to class, her proudly holding the roses and Gray tried to keep himself from sighing like a pathetic lovesick schoolboy. However, his earlier revelation kept him from being completely mushy.
Again, Black Sheep didn't get he was trying to convey his feelings for her. After the bump of her not understanding the significance of February 14th, Gray internally collected himself, too embarrassed to explain what Valentine's Day exactly was. Call him a sap, but he wanted it to be romantic when he confessed to Black Sheep—not supplying her knowledge like he was in a lecture.
Tigress made a face at the roses when they arrived at Shadowsan's classroom. Her eyes flickered to Gray, annoyance clear in them. Gray didn't understand what her attitude was about, but his question was soon answered when she handed some money to El Topo and Le Cherve, who appeared smug.
"You just had to confess on Valentine's Day, didn't you?" Tigress hissed when he took his seat. Black Sheep was being approached by several students to admire the bouquet, oblivious to Tigress's presence. "Thanks to you, I lost some good cash!"
"Eh, it's not that bad, Tigress. Crackle finally got Black Sheep to date him." El Topo tried to soothe, but it didn't help he was counting the money right in front of her. Gray winced.
"She did understand you like her this time, right?" Le Cherve asked, seeing Gray's expression. His answering grimace was enough for them to understand. Tigress smirked.
"Ha! I knew she wasn't going to get it! Give it back, boys!" Tigress exclaimed. El Topo and Le Cherve groaned and handed her back the money along with extra for winning. "I told you guys she's denser than a rock when it comes to this stuff! I had to explain to her what sex meant that time she stole Countess Cleo's trashy novels again!"
"You couldn't just say 'I love you' in words, couldn't you?" El Topo rolled his eyes. Gray glared.
"Oh yeah, that's real romantic! 'Hey by the way, today's Valentine's Day so surprise! I love you!' I'd be a real keeper then." Gray sarcastically retorted.
"Don't worry, Gray. If you keep this up, I'll be even more rich." Tigress smirked gleefully. "My advice: probably best to give up and find another girl. Find a real woman instead of a little girl."
"You're just jealous he thinks Black Sheep is prettier than you." Le Cherve remarked. Tigress growled. "Don't worry, Sheena. I'm sure Mime Bomb will be willing to fawn over you."
El Topo burst out laughing while Tigress turned red. Black Sheep interrupted whatever she was going to say as she came over, happily clutching her roses.
"Hey guys! Look what Gray gave me! They're called roses! Aren't they pretty?" Black Sheep babbled happily. The three thieves couldn't help but give Gray looks of pity. El Topo gave Black Sheep a smile.
"They're very lovely. I wish I would receive a gift like that." El Topo eyed Le Cherve critically and Le Cherve sighed, glaring at Gray.
"Now you've done it—you've shown me up." Le Cherve snipped. Gray shrugged.
"Sorry mate." But they both knew Gray wasn't really sorry. He was truly glad Black Sheep loved the roses and he'd grow more for her if it made her smile.
"Class is in session." Shadowsan announced his presence and everyone quickly sat down. Shadowsan eyed the roses Black Sheep possessed, his eyes flickering to Gray before turning to face the class. "Remember, do not let yourself be distracted just because of today! A thief's life is always needed to be composed and you may need to be able to out maneuver at a moment's notice." He instructed. Gray felt the jab was directed at Black Sheep but knew he couldn't prove it. Protectiveness filled him—if Shadowsan picked on her because of his roses, he would make sure to give him a hard time.
However, class went by normally, and he was thankful there was no conflict. When class was dismissed, Gray was prepared to follow his classmates out when Shadowsan cleared his throat. He noticed Shadowsan eyeing him, and Gray stayed back. Black Sheep gave him a look of concern before he waved her off, letting her know it was okay. She smiled and went on her way, and Gray found himself missing her presence already.
"Black Sheep was very distracted today. I assume the roses were your doing." Shadowsan stated, knowing full well of his feelings for Black Sheep. Gray felt his face heat up—does everyone know about his love for Black Sheep except Black Sheep?
"Er sorry, sir." Normally he'd be cocky, but he didn't want to be on Shadowsan's bad side unless he had to. Shadowsan looked unimpressed.
"I'm not surprised. She's from Argentina so she's never seen roses before." Shadowsan replied, and Gray blinked, absorbing the information Shadowsan had given him. Realizing Shadowsan had told him something crucial about Black Sheep, he couldn't help but grin.
Black Sheep was very vague about herself and where she came from, so he didn't know much about her besides her wanting to be the greatest thief ever. To finally know something, even if it was something small like where she was from, gave him excitement.
"Really? What part? Does she miss it?" Gray found himself rapidly firing questions, greedy for more information. Shadowsan narrowed his eyes.
"That will be all for today, Crackle. Make sure Black Sheep doesn't get distracted anymore." Shadowsan dismissed him. Gray was disappointed, but he took what he could get, and left, thoughts running a mile a minute.
Black Sheep was Argentinian. He wondered why she kept it a secret. Gray didn't know much about Argentina, but he knew sometimes he missed Australia. Maybe Black Sheep was the same and didn't want to talk about it because it made her sad.
"Of course! I know what to do!" he snapped his fingers, an idea hitting him. He pivoted around to race towards where he would find Coach Brunt. The massive woman was of course in the training room, checking the equipment. "Coach Brunt!"
"Hm? What is it, Crackle?" Brunt didn't appear annoyed, but she was a little miffed at being interrupted. Gray, however, wasn't deterred.
"Where can I find a book on Argentinian dishes?" he asked. Brunt blinked, not expecting that question.
"Errr I suppose Cleo would be the best bet—she has books on cultures all over the world along with records of music." Brunt said, still confused on where this conversation was going.
"She has music?" Gray asked innocently, cogs already turning in his head. He masked his eagerness lest Coach Brunt catch onto his plan.
"Yeah, I would assume so." Brunt said, already losing interest in the conversation. Gray had all he needed.
"Thanks, Coach Brunt. Sorry for bothering you." Gray made sure he was extra charming as he left. Coach Brunt blinked before shrugging, going back to checking the equipment.
Gray whistled casually, keeping his posture nonchalant. His journey to Countess Cleo's domain was quick, and soon Gray heard music drifting into his ears. His ears perked up as he realized it was tango music.
Black Sheep wouldn't know what hit her.\
I was trying to make this the last part but I recently got injured and part of my dominant hand is numb so typing is really uncomfortable. However, I really wanted to get this next part out. I hope everyone likes it!