AN: This chapter was really fun to write. There is a lot going on. Things are getting interesting. I hope you like it! Don't forget to review! I really want to know what you think, especially with this chapter.
It was a rough three days later. Gaby finally felt well enough to leave her room. She got dressed in a pretty blue dress with matching shoes. She loved how Illya, kept the matching things together. She was not, good at fashion. She was nervous. She knew her time was up. She didn't know what to do. They hadn't spoken about Daniel or Charlotte. In fact, both him and Solo had been very quiet. She would hear them murmuring at night but had been too sick to get up and spy. Her coughing would have given her away.
They had both been so sweet, she had found it awkward. Them caring for her. She knew they both cared for her, but she was not used to this. Someone making sure she was ok. Illya making sure she had a cold compress on her head and that she didn't kick off her covers. Daniel and Napoleon making sure she had an endless supply of chicken noodle soup. She felt warm and fuzzies towards all of them.
She creeps up to the door hearing yet again more murmuring. She cracks the door open.
"One of us has to go over there." Illya says. "Three days has been too long."
"I know, Peril." Solo responds. "I was coming up with a plan. I will go over there now. I told you I would handle it."
She hears Solo leave. Her brow furrows. What was that all about? She decides to step outside. Illya's eyes immediately lock on hers.
"What are you doing out of bed?" He asks. He was by her side in no time.
"It's been three days. I am feeling better. I need to go to the auto shop and make an appearance." She looks up at him defiantly.
He ignores the look, his hand going to her forehead. "Fever is gone. I think you should rest one more day."
"I am fine. I need to get outside for a bit." She stands on tip-toe and kisses his cheek. "I will only look over paperwork. I will be back in a little while."
"I should drive you." He insists.
"Are you still seeing Charlotte?" She asks.
He gives her an odd look, that she couldn't quite identify. He looked torn. He finally speaks. "I have been with you these past three days."
Her eyes narrowed. "Do you plan to see her again?"
He opens his mouth and closes it.
She shakes her head. "I am driving alone. Get back with me when you can answer that question."
She walks out the door, not looking back.
(Charlottes house)
Solo had played this role before. The bad guy. Pretending to not care about people. He still didn't like it. The way he was able to so easily go so dark. He knew something in him was broken, but usually he didn't have to think about it. What he had to do, would force him to stare into that black void inside himself. Still, he would do it.
He knocks on the door.
Mrs. Reed answers the door, frowning. "Mr. Jarrett?"
"Please, call me Mark. We have something to discuss." He says. "May I come in?"
She steps out of his way. "He told you?"
He walks in and looks her up and down. She had a nice figure. He could sense the darkness in her, and pulled up his own. His cool calm mask slipping, showing such anger and bitterness. "He told me that you are attempting to use the same threat I have been using on him for years."
"What?" She looks at him confused.
He gestures at his clothes, as he sits. "I am used to a comfortable life style. I don't like to work so hard. I say we are partners, but he is more like my slave. I have been letting the threat of turning him in hang over his head to get my way." He smiles a dark smile. "It was starting to wear off, but then I saw the way he looked at my father's mistake. So I forced myself to play nice with that vile creature." He sneers. "Had her move in. Waited to make sure I was right, before showing him fabricated evidence that would implicate them both. He has been so subdued. Then you come crashing in and ruining things. I will not have that."
She smiles, sitting across from him. "That's not my problem."
"Yes. I know." He sighs. "He will run away with her, if you push him and then I lose my cheap labor. Also that thing needs to suffer, she is only just starting to show interest in him. You will be perfect, but I need you to wait."
She perks an eyebrow. "Oh? Perfect for what? And why should I wait?"
"Because I deserve my revenge." He pauses. "Also, think of how much sweeter it will be to sleep with the Russian, once they fall for each other. Think of the misery you would cause him. Think of the look on her face when she walks in on you two? Then when they are no longer useful, imagine how good it will feel when they are hauled away in handcuffs." He puts a hand on her thigh. "Just thinking about it, gets me worked up." In reality, he is fighting back bile.
Her eyes light up. "I do like the way you think." She puts on a seductive look. "But what will I do in the meantime?"
He smiles, back at her. "Me." He grabs her roughly, pulling her into his lap. His hand in her hair. "You have nearly destroyed my plans. I will not be gentle."
He eyes sparkle, as yanks back her hair. She gasps. "Good."
(Later on at the house)
All three are in the living room. Gabby looked at the two men. They were acting so odd.
Solo was halfway through a bottle. His hair wet from a way too early shower. He looked ill. She hoped she didn't pass on her sickness to him. He wouldn't look at either of them.
Illya kept glancing at Solo. It looked like he was so anxious to talk to him, but then he would glance at her. She didn't even bother to pretend she was not staring. She gave him a questioning look, but he ignored her and looked down at his stupid chess board.
She was about to go mad from the tension. What did she miss? She had never felt so relieved to hear the phone ring.
It was Waverly. He said they were needed at HQ for urgent business. She felt a thrill go through her, as she relayed the message.
(At HQ)
"What do you mean he escaped?! And why are we just now hearing about it? He's been gone for days!" Gaby yelled.
"Raymond Sr. faked a heart attack. They thought he was in a coma so security was minimum. He just walked out. The men on the assignment have also disappeared. That is why the delay." Waverly said.
Gaby was about to unleash her wrath, but was cut off by Solo.
"Do you think he went to THRUSH?" He asked.
"Unlikely. He failed their task. They will most likely want him dead. It does not make any sense. He was safest where he was." Waverly answered.
"Then something personal, must have made him want to escape. Do you think he connects us? We were left out of the testimony. We were never all together in front of him." Solo rambles.
Gabby's jaw drops. "Oh no..."
They all look at her.
"Ray. He came to the shop several times, before giving up. He could have saw either one of you with me. If he said something to his father..." She shakes her head.
Illya finally speaks up. "I don't think so. He is by himself. THRUSH and UNCLE looking for him and him facing death with either one. I think he is running." He looks at Gaby.. "Until he is found, one of us" He gestures to Solo. "should stay close by you. Just in case."
She rolls her eyes at him. "I can take care of myself. You are not going into bodyguard mode and blowing our covers."
"Do try to keep your cover. I don't have another lined up at the moment. Considering you just got this one." Waverly states.
Gaby notices an exchange between Solo and Illya and tilts her head. Again, what was she missing? Yes. She liked the damned house. But it was just a house. She would get over it. Or was it something else?
(In the city)
It had been two days and there was no sign of Raymond. She was considering dropping by to see Ray. She knew that was not a good idea, but there had been no progress and she was not a patient woman.
Illya and Solo were acting so strange. Avoiding her. Solo disappearing at odd hours. He was drinking heavily. Snapping at her when she tried to pry. She tried to talk to Illya about it, but he too brushed her off. That hurt the most, he had yet to make a move with her. Did he change his mind?
She was supposed to be meeting Illya, back at HQ to start practice up again tonight, since she spent most of the day at her shop.
She was dragging her feet. She had parked in a garage a few blocks away. Things were just so messed up. Everyone was on edge about Raymond. She had hoped the night air would clear her thoughts. It was quiet, the sound of her heels echoing on the pavement was soothing.
Until she felt it.
A cold chill run up her spine. She stopped and looked around. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Innocent sounds turned ominous. Someone was watching her. She picked up her pace. She swore she could hear footsteps echoing her own. She chances a glance back and saw nothing. Looking forward, she runs into a very broad chest. She jumps frightened, but lashes out a punch to his throat.
Illya barely dodged it. "Woah? What was that about?" He looked at her, then out into the night behind her.
She calmed at hearing his voice. Should she tell him, she thought someone was following her? He would believe her, even if she had no proof. She quickly decides against it. She didn't want to seem silly. "What are you doing out here? Sneaking up on a me like that. You are lucky I didn't hurt you."
He snorts at that last line. "You were taking too long. If you are not ready, we can wait."
She shakes her head. "I am ready to continue my training. I am not looking forward to the next day, but I need to keep learning."
"We can go over Russian tonight instead." He offers.
"If I were a man, would you extend the same offer?" She asks.
He looks at her and closes his mouth into a firm line.
"I thought not." She sighs. "Stop babying me. Let's go get this over with."
They turn and walk away, as a man steps out of the shadows watching them.
(Training room)
They had stopped for a break.
Gaby looked over at him. "Are you going to tell me why you two are acting so odd?"
She watched him tense up. "Solo has been leaving at odd hours."
"He is tracking down leads about Raymond." He says.
She knew this was only partially true. "I hear you two talking late at night. I can't make out what you are saying, but the tone sounds tense."
"Let this go." He says.
"Solo is drinking more. You let him. Yet, confiscate all my bottles." She states, her tone turning angry.
"He is trained agent." He says curtly. "You are in training. Drinking is not good for you."
"Solo can choose to drink, but I can't? Why do you get to make that choice for me?" She snaps.
"You are not drinking." He stands. "Break is over."
She gets up. "Fine, but you know I am talking about more than just drinking. Why do you two get to do whatever you want, yet I have to have rules?" She glares at him.
"We are done, for tonight." He starts walking toward the locker room.
"The hell we are." She stalks up to him. "You are going to answer me. I deserve answers, from the both of you. You don't want to talk about what you and Solo are up to right now. Fine, but you are going to tell me why I am left out."
"I am trying to keep you safe." He starts walking again.
"I can take care of myself!" She yells.
Whirling on her. "No. You cannot. You barely remember to eat. I barely caught you, when you collapsed from dehydration."
"That was one time. You hadn't eaten at all those two days either!" She snaps.
He ignores her. "Who has to fight your fights when you impulsively break cover, because you just couldn't keep still?"
"There was a bee!" She protests.
"You cannot cook. You cannot even dress yourself properly! You are like child!" He yells.
She flinches at that. Where was all this coming from? Is he trying to tell her, he doesn't see her like he used too?
He seems to realize, he went too far. "Koshka, I..."
"Is that why you haven't made a move? You see me as a child? Is that why you have changed your mind" Her voice sounded so small, as she wrapped her arms around herself.
His face fell. "No. Things are complicated. I didn't mean those things, Koshka. With everything going on..."
"You mean the things you won't talk to me about?" She asks.
He nods. "It is for your own good."
"I am so sick of hearing that." She says. "I am your partner. It should be equal. You shouldn't keep things from me." She takes a deep breath.
"You know I consider you more than partner." He says.
"Well, until you can stop keeping secrets from me, don't bother." She huffs.
He looked pained, but he nodded. "Understood." He turns to walk away.
Her jaw dropped and anger boiled within her. "Fine. I am going to stay at the Mask club for a while. It is mostly agents. Maybe I will find someone who won't keep secrets from me.. Don't wait up." She fires at him. She knew it was a mistake, the second he turned around. She turned to run, but he was on her in seconds.
Before she knew it she was backed up against the wall, her hands pinned above her, his body pressed against her. She tried breaking free but it was no use. "Let me go!"
"You are my woman! I will kill any who touch you!" He roars.
"No. You do not get to leave me in limbo. You make up your mind!" She glares at him.
"You don't even know who could be double agent." He says.
She rolls her eyes. "Let me go!" She yells.
"No. I will not see you hurt." He says. "You asked me why you get rules."
She looks away from him, knowing this was something she did not want to hear.
"This is why." He nods at her pinned body. "You are not strong enough to take care of yourself. You say whatever you feel, like there is no consequences." His face was inches from hers. "There are. You act like you are invincible. You are not." He holds out his free hand, and waits for her to look at it. "What if you were drunk and this wasn't me? They could do anything to you. You would not be able to stop them." He puts his hand to her throat, squeezing gently. "They could kill you." He brushes his hand down the middle of her chest. "They could do worse."
"Stop it Illya!" She whispers. "Just stop it."
He lets her hands go. "I just want you safe. I am sorry, Koshka. I know no other way to get it through to you. The dangers you face."
She rubs her wrists. "Is that why you won't talk to me? I am in danger?" She looks up at him. "Did Raymond leave a clue he was coming after me?"
He looks at her. "I have said and done too much. I am sorry if I hurt you."
She waved him off. She so did not want to process that right now. "Like you would ever hurt me." She looked down at her shoes. "I know what you were trying to get across. I am not happy about it, but I get it. I know I can be reckless. The freedom I now have is more intoxicating than any drink. I want to do whatever I want to do because I can. I never had anyone, to take into consideration."
She touches his face. "I am sorry. It sounded like you have been bottling this up for a while. Maybe, hoping I would see things sooner? You know how hard headed I am." She smiles at him. "You impossible man."
He moved a hand up to hers. "I should not have been so harsh."
She shrugs. "We are intense people. It reminds me of that one night."
His eyes go dark. Remembering spanking her. "I should not be so rough with you. Normal woman would have been scared of me."
She rolls her eyes. "Since, when have I been a normal woman?" She pulls him down to her, feeling his hands on her waist. "You obviously accept all of me, considering your earlier outburst. I accept how you express yourself as well. I may not always like it, but I get what is behind it." She kisses him, biting his lower lip.
He groans lifting her up. He kisses her deeply as she wraps her legs around his waist. When they come up for air, he says. "Oh the things you do to me."
"Yes. The things I will do to you. If..." She looks up at him. "You tell me the truth about what's going on."
He tenses with her still in his arms. "I..."
She kisses him again, running a hand down his chest. "Think carefully on what you say next."
"You do not play fair." He groans.
"No. I do not." She agreed. "Now spill."
"You will not like it." He says sitting down with her in his lap.
"I figured that much." She says.
(Home)
She marched into the house looking for Solo. He was on the couch with a bottle. "You are not sleeping with that vile woman anymore." She takes the bottle away from him.
"I have too. You heard Waverly." He slurs. He looks at Illya. "I thought we were not going to tell her."
"She left me little choice, Cowboy. You know how she can be." He shrugs.
Solo chuckles at that, before his eyes drift close.
"I don't care, what Waverly said. We will go tell him what is going on tomorrow." She says to Illya while retrieving a blanket. She spreads it over Solo.
She looks at him. "I am still mad at you, for keeping all this from me. Is there anything else?"
He shakes his head.
"Good. Now let's go to bed." She gestures towards his room.
(The next morning)
She walks out of his room, with one of his t-shirts on. She smiled smelling his scent. Remembering last night, she shivered. She had told him, she wanted to go slow. He respected that. So while they were not fully intimate, they had both been satisfied.
She checked on Solo, in the living room. He was still passed out. She thought she heard a faint tapping sound, but she couldn't place it. She shrugged it off.
Dressing for a quick jog. She walks out of her room, to see Illya up. Solo was stirring as well. She smiles at them as she goes to the door. She hears that tapping noise again coming from the door. "Do you guys hear that noise?" She tilts her head.
"I can't hear anything over the pounding in my head. What are you talking about?" Solo stands, a hand going to his temples.
Her hand goes to the doorknob. "A tapping noise, outside." She turns the knob, pulling the door open.
Both Solo and Illya are yelling no and rushing towards her...
AN: What is that tapping sound indeed. Will they get to her in time? I just simply could not help myself with the cliffhanger. Please review and let me know how you liked it! As always thank you for reading!
