Carmen does what she thinks is best, but maybe it's not such a good idea.
Once the intel of Argent's location was confirmed, Carmen moved. Before she changed her mind. She went straight to Chase's room. He opened.
" Chase, come with me please."
He blinked in curiosity, but followed without question. Sandiego bit her lip. What was this feeling of deception, almost betrayal she was having ? She breathed. She put her hood on, and guided him to a taxi. He asked about their destination, but she remained silent. Carmen entered a hotel, then went to a room where she knocked. Julia opened the door.
" Hello Jules. As you can see, I brought him." briefly announced Carmen.
" Oh … oh my."
That was called being taken aback.
" Carmen ? Il se passe quoi l๠?" Asked Chase.
She couldn't look at him. Julia took over, in French and explained she requested to meet him. She invited him to come in. But Devineaux shook his head and made a step back. This hurt Sandiego even more. He, too, didn't want this. Julia thought it was because he didn't remember her. She asked him. Chase thought she was familiar. She simply wanted to talk, nothing more. Devineaux hesitated. He glanced at his teammate, who simply turned her back and left. Chase opened his mouth in reaction, reaching for her even. Well, it looked like he had no other choice. He entered.
Carmen hastened to exit the hotel. Once out, she breathed. Had she ran for a marathon that she wouldn't feel otherwise. Her heart was pounding hard, her breath short, but the worst part was her heart. Aching. Yelling why did you do this ? She clenched her teeth. Up there, Julia sat on her bed, before Chase, whom she left an armchair. Now, where to begin ? She decided to introduce herself. He didn't answer. The man was looking at her as if she were mingling in his business, unwanted. She assured him she was here to help and nothing more. She and him had been partners, he protected her when he got his accident, so she wanted to return the favour.
Julia saw his facial features relaxing.
She quickly ensured that because of this, she was against what was going on. She secretly got in touch with Sandiego in hope to be useful. Chase wondered what she wanted exactly. To which Argent answered that it would depend on him : what were his intentions once what was lost would be back. He then announced :
" I don't want to remember."
In English please. Julia widened her eyes. His tone was categorical. She allowed herself to ask why.
" None of your business."
" Alright. Then I won't insist."
Normal reaction, how could he trust her ? Julia spoke about his work. Interpol first, then ACME, Current employer. Their goal. Chase scoffed mentally. They were tracking then arresting evildoers, but didn't mind throwing a weakened if not disabled agent to the enemy. Good people, yeah right. Julia ended by offering her card. It was in case of need, in case his memories would surface. Chase took it. He greeted her then left the room. Once out, he remarked that Carmen was still there. She approached him, tensed. The expression he returned her …
Why did you do this ? How could you ?
He didn't left her time to reply and called a taxi.
" Chase listen. I did it because …" began Carmen.
He cut her with a gesture, before turning his head to the window to indicate he didn't wish to talk about it. Carmen felt bad. He was hurt. This might not have been such a good idea in the end. Upon returning, the man continued to ignore her. Zack saw him arriving in the training room, quite in a mood. Carmen arrived a few seconds after, looking unhappy. She stared at the man, sad, then went for some exercise on her own. The rest of the crew, present too, exchanged looks. Something happened. Zack sighed again. He had to confess the truth to Carmen and quickly. For the entire day, Chase acted as if Carmen wasn't here. He couldn't comprehend why she led him to that woman, albeit being fully aware of his feelings about his memories.
Maybe she didn't want him around after this emerald case. Surely that was what she implied with this visit. Being pragmatic, it was bound to happen. But Chase didn't want to think about this, he was still afraid to discover he was, in reality, not worthing it. Here at least he was useful. So screw this previous life.
Shadowsan, worried about Sandiego, went to find her. She was looking in the void from her window. She opened when the old man knocked. She had hoped that Devineaux would come to understand why she planned this meeting. She hid her disappointment when discovering someone else on her threshold. She invited him in silence.
" I suppose you know why I'm here." began Shadowsan.
" I know I've been looking down all day, so yes." replied Carmen, returning to her window.
" Want to talk about it ?"
" Why not. You see, I met Jules the other day. She wanted to see Chase, to help him and all. At first, I was reluctant. Then after talking with Player, I decided to let them meet. I asked Chase to follow me, and he did it without second thoughts. But it appeared it was a bad idea. When they were finished, incomprehension was all over his face. Reproach too. He was hurt Shadowsan." told Carmen.
" I see. Despite that, I believe you did the right thing. Otherwise would have been selfish." answered the former VILE head thinking.
" But why am I feeling so bad right now ? Like I betrayed him ?" interrogated Carmen.
" Maybe you should have explained why you were doing this, instead of just taking him there."
" Surely." sighed Sandiego.
A part of her knew why. Because she didn't want to give him back. Even now. She sighed once more, watching without seeing the vehicles below, an arm pending on the void. Another knock interrupted the course of her thoughts.
" Yes ?"
It was Ivy this time. She entered, carrying a shirt in a hand.
" Carm. Sorry to disturb you, but I found something" announced the young girl.
" ? "
Ivy showed a sweatshirt belonging to Zack, with a tearing made by claws. Carmen straightened.
" I think Chase didn't lose the emerald the other day. But Zack did."
The Argentinian went to examine the exhibit.
" Meaning … Chase took the blame instead of him. Ooooh so now he must feel … I have to talk to him." she said.
Carmen left her room. Meanwhile, Zack was discussing with Devineaux about what happened. He tried to reassure the man about Carmen's real intentions.
" She needs you Chase. I'm sure of it."
" Mumph."
Chase explained through his phone that he mused over it. In all likelihood, it was for helping him as Zack surmised. And if he were to be honest, his memories would come back sooner or later. This Julia seemed to know him …
" I'll go see her." he announced.
" You'll what ?" repeated Zack.
" Don't worry, I'll be fine. I must talk about this" assured Chase, getting up.
He exited the room to wash before meeting miss Argent again. By the time Carmen found out about this shirt case, the man had finished and was out. He had memorized the address the first time. He looked up at the building. Come on. He walked and entered. A few minutes later, he was before Julia's door. He took a breath and knocked.
" Sir Devineaux ? What are you … pardon, que faites-vous là ²?"
" J'aimerais vous parler. Je dois savoir … qui j'étais avant.³" explained Chase.
Julia agreed, then let him enter. She invited him to sit on the armchair like before. He apologized for coming without warning. She just waved at this, and was rather happy he accepted to see her again.
Carmen landed in the training room. Her eyes searched for the Frenchman. Finding Zack, she went to him.
" Chase ? He … well, he went to see Jules."
" What ?" asked Carmen, very surprised.
" Yes. He wanted to talk to her more about his situation." added the young man.
" He … went on his own ?"
Zack nodded. Carmen remained mouth opened. Why would he decide this ? Unless … he changed his mind. Meaning he intended to leave. Carmen's chest tightened. Then her throat. She cursed Julia for approaching her. For trying … to take Chase away from her. To steal him. Tears appeared at her eyelids.
" Carm ? Hey, is everything okay ?" worried Zack.
She just ran away. Ivy and Shadowsan just had time to step aside.
" What happened ?" asked Ivy.
" Aaaaah I can't stand this anymore !" just shouted Zack.
He too ran after Sandiego. That one just reached her room, back to her door. Sobs were threatening to burst.
" Carmen ! It's me please open. I have things to tell you." called Zack knocking.
" Leave me alone !" she exclaimed with a broken voice.
" Listen ! Chase didn't lose the gemstone. It's me."
Carmen opened. Zack spotted tracks of tears on her cheeks.
" I already know." she said.
" You do ?" he wondered.
" Yes. Come in."
She closed the door behind him. Then, she revealed that Ivy found his teared sweatshirt. Zack said he wanted to confess, but didn't find the moment and Chase dissuaded him to do so the first time.
" Before I could understand what was going on he said that. That's why we went to retrieve it : we know how important it is to win against VILE. Carmen I'm so sorry, I know I should never have let Devineaux take the blame for me. It caused a rift between you and I'm feeling really bad about it. I'll do whatever you want to make it up. I'll … I'll talk to him, I already did earlier." narrated Zack.
He was looking so sincere and sorry, that Sandiego began to think it might have been her fault too. Like Raccoon said, she might be obsessed with her fight, to the point of hurting her beloved ones.
" What have I done ?" she muttered.
The thief fell on her bed, blank. Zack was ill at ease too. She noticed that.
" Zack, I'm sorry. I hurt you and Chase, but as I told this isn't worth your lives. You're more important than all this." she said.
" Yeah but because of me you quarrelled with Chase and you're sad now." he continued.
" Oh no don't worry about this. I'm fine, really."
" No Carm. You're not okay at all. You care quite a lot about him, don't you ?" contradicted Zack.
" That doesn't matter anymore. He went to Jules, meaning he won't stay. He'll certainly leave today." stated the young woman.
" Carm, I'm so sorry, so so so so sorry."
" It's not your fault Zack. Your shirt had been torn, Chase only wanted to help you I suppose … I should have been more comprehensive. Know that we can't always win." concluded Carmen.
Except that it was too late. Chase would certainly leave. This simple thought tore her heart. Tears appeared again. She struggled against them. Zack wanted to hug her but she refused with a smile. It will be fine in a few minutes.
" So what is it you want to know ?" asked Julia in French.
Chase hesitated once more.
" I wanted to know … what kind of man am I." he finally said.
There. He jumped in the water.
" What kind of man ?" repeated Julia, a bit surprised by this question.
She thought he would rather ask about their common past. But he wanted to know about himself.
" Yes. Am I … a bad one ?"
" Oh no. If you allow me to be frank, I don't think you're especially mean. Just … arrogant, stubborn, reckless and impatient. But you're not bad. I've come to see some sides of you that prove you're not. You're not very social either." replied Julia honestly.
An intense relief passed on his face, which made her frown in surprise. So he was afraid of discovering he might have been a bad person? And here she thought she had circled him. Chase smiled : he had flaws, of course but he expected, dreaded worse. Now, a weight had been removed from his shoulders.
" Thank you." he said quite warmly.
Julia had an amused and astonished smile. Devineaux continued with their own relation. He added that he wanted the truth, even an unpleasant one. Julia was agreeably surprised by this detail, so she didn't hide anything.
" I see. I must say I am really sorry for the way I treated you. It's obvious you're the smart one and deserve credit and respect for that." he said at the end.
Thank God she was sat ! Otherwise Argent would have collapsed. Her deduction about him was correct : without the Interpol mask, Chase Devineaux was a different man.
" Apology accepted. With the hope you won't take it back." she smiled.
" I'll try to not."
"I also would like to know : what do you intend to do once your memories return ?"questioned Julia, more serious.
" I don't know for now. I must think about this. But … will I be able to count on you then ?"
How could he say that while looking cute ? Anyway, she couldn't refuse. He had another bright smile and a warm thank you. Julia wished he could remain that way once recovered. Or show this part more often. It was time for him to go. They chatted for one hour. In the meantime, it was dinner time for the whole crew. Carmen was simply pecking on her food, without conviction. The three others were desperately looking for a way to cheer up. But how ? Here they were when someone put a tray at their table.
" Chase ?!" said the siblings.
" Good evening everyone." he replied, pulling a chair.
He sat and was about to begin his meal when he noticed the whole team's look at him.
" Quoi ?" he asked.
" Huh …" made Ivy.
" You're still here ?" completed Zack.
Chase displayed an expression of incomprehension. What did he mean by that ? In front of him, Carmen was so glad to see him that she was wondering about throwing the table and hugging him. Right after she blinked, still confused about those intense feelings she was having lately.
" We thought you'd be leaving, after seeing Julia Argent." translated Shadowsan.
His phone helped understand the words, but not why were they thinking that. They exchanged looks.
" I just wanted to know a thing or two about me, that's all." revealed the machine.
" Oh ! And … did you learn what you wanted ?" asked Ivy.
" Yes." he said, looking in peace.
Chase began to eat. After another glance, Zack just shrugged and continued his meal. So did Ivy after a second. Even Carmen ate more. However, she was experiencing another feeling unknown until now. Why was it Julia and not her who cheered him up ? He really looked fine now. This sparkle of worry he always had in his eyes was gone. What did she do to solve this ? Why did Carmen herself fail to help him ? It was unfair. Sandiego was angry toward Julia. Everyone left after the dinner. Carmen hastened to catch up with Chase.
" Hum …" she said behind him.
He turned.
" You know … Zack told me everything. That he was the one losing the emerald. So I …I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about lecturing you." she said.
" That was the goal."
" Yeah ... but I was wondering."
Carmen asked him in French why he did that.
" Zack is family. I am no one. Easier." replied Chase, shrugging.
Carmen showed surprise once more. He smiled at her, then he entered his room. Later, as he was sleeping, his door opened. A slim silhouette entered. Chase was asleep on the belly. His visitor kneeled near him.
" It's hard to believe this adorable man is the same inspector I know." thought Carmen.
She put her chin on the mattress, close to his face. The man had forgotten to pull his curtains, letting the moon enlighten the place. Chase moved a hand who landed on Carmen's head.
" !"
Okay. She waited, then lifted her hand to remove his. However, at the contact of her fingers around his wrist, added to the movement, he awoke. Devineaux grabbed one of the crackle rods he picked and activated it.
" Chase it's me !" exclaimed Carmen, sliding back.
He saw her face thanks to the electricity running around the stick. He switched on his bedside lamp.
" Mais ça va pas ? J'ai failli te blesser ! Enfin qu'est-ce que tu fais là Carmen ?⁴" he exclaimed.
He switched off his rod, before storing it under his pillow.
" Hum …" was all that Sandiego could reply.
How was she going to explain her presence in his room ?
" You can't sleep ?" he asked before her silence.
" Yes ! That's it, that's exactly this." seized the woman.
Too fast to be the truth, thought Devineaux. Even if he knew about her troubles during the night. Carmen went back where she was an instant later. He sat on his mattress.
He just forgot he was shirtless. Carmen rounded eyes, while a flow ran through her veins. The crave of touching this naked skin, those muscles. Her eyes went to his face. His manly, well sculpted face. Chase stretched with a moan, and a grace she never suspected he possessed. Carmen remembered she already had thoughts about him being attractive. It was being more and more confirmed. He folded his fingers, inviting her to come in. He added he couldn't let her on the floor, before backing away enough to let a respectable distance between them. Anyway, Carmen sat before realizing it.
" Say … I was wondering, why did you go to see Julia ?" asked Carmen.
" Ah this. Well I wanted to know, what man am I."
He preferred to take his phone. Way easier. Chase precised that only someone who knew him could answer that. He told Sandiego what Julia revealed. Carmen felt relieved : it was a normal curiosity, and apparently he never intended to leave soon. She apologized once more about the way it occurred, she acted on an impulse instead of consulting him. Her face darkened saying this.
" Carmen ?" called Chase.
She seemed lost in her thoughts. The man caught her chin between his thumb and index.
" Hey."
" Sorry. I was … thinking."
Devineaux inquired about this, releasing her.
" It's just … you sure I am not bothering you ? You should be asleep and I woke you up."
" Carmen. Go ahead." insisted Devineaux.
So she resolved to tell what was on her mind. The fact she scolded her crew for losing a loot, causing them to want to bring it back, risking their life.
" You were afraid of being the bad one, but the truth is I might be. Raccoon was right, I'm obsessed and thus hurting my beloved ones." she confided.
" Again with that dumbass ? Listen Carmen. You're not a bad person, because if you are then we're all evil. You weren't wrong about insisting that we succeed on our mission, because people's well-ness somehow depends on it. It's not fun or pleasant to be stolen from. It hurts. Always. We talk about countries' history and identity here. And I'm not talking about all the money you give, can you imagine how many lives improved thanks to that ? Zack and Ivy admire you so much that they want to do anything for you, to be worthy of being with you. Of your purpose. We can't afford mistakes in this kind of job. That doesn't make you someone bad."
That snatched her a little smile.
" But, I'm so used to stealing I wonder if I'll be able to stop one day." continued Sandiego.
" And why not ? If you feel like there is no more need for that, why would you continue ?"
" You're right, however I never thought about after. How to switch on a normal life." resumed Carmen.
" That won't be easy, I grant you that. I suggest you think about this later. Your fight isn't over yet."
She nodded, then thanked warmly for cheering her up. He smiled in return.
" Now, how about you try to grab some sleep, hm ?" asked Chase.
" I don't know." she pouted.
But seeing him yawning, she knew she had to go. If only her body wanted to obey.
" Say."
" Hm ?"
" Can you … could you sing for me please ?" questioned Carmen, blushing.
" Fine. Any song in particular ?" wondered Devineaux.
She answered she left the choice up to him. He then rolled on his back, closing his eyes. An old tune, coming from his childhood emerged. He hummed it. Carmen laid a bit more comfortably. His warm voice rocked her. So much so that when Chase looked at her, she was sleeping. And he was on the verge of doing it too. He just had time to switch off the lamp, before closing his eyes. The sun woke the lady the next morning. Her head was on Devineaux's shoulder.
" It's like his shoulder was especially made for my head." she thought.
His face was turned to her. Carmen contemplated his peaceful face, leaned on her elbow. Once again, he comforted her, relieving her from her fears. Sandiego leaned towards him. She froze when she realized what she was about to do.
" Oh boy what was I doing ? What's wrong with me ?"
Red like a cherry, she jumped out of the bed and exited the room. She leaned on his door for a while. She had just tried to … to … her cheeks burned her. Carmen went to her room, showered and changed clothes before heading to the restaurant. One by one, her teammates joined her.
" Bonjour Carmen." made a warm voice near her.
She startled so brutally she almost dropped her tray. Well, her orange juice fell. She wiped her mess, hands shaking. Chase handled the glass.
" Sorry." she said in a low voice.
" Oh no, it's me, I didn't want to scare you."
Carmen conscientiously avoided looking at him. However, he chose to sit near her as usual. Her heart pounded strongly, and she could feel her facial temperature increasing. Sandiego didn't pay attention to the chat around, feeling his presence so intensively. She could almost feel his warmth. Thinking about being in his arms made her reddening. Zack asked for some bread, at the exact same time Carmen reached for it. Her hand met Devineaux's. She took hers swiftly, face burning. And the only one who didn't notice that was the man.
" Oh. My. NO WAY." thought Shadowsan.
That was worse that he imagined. Ivy discreetly pointed her leader to Zack, asking mentally if he too, saw what happened. He nodded with a little smile. Interesting, seemed to think Ivy. So later, once breakfast was over, two pairs of arms caught Carmen, with a hand obstructing her mouth. She was softly slammed against a wall. The crimson ghost discovered two Bostonians looking at her like cats before a cream puff.
" What the hell guys ?" asked Carmen.
" That's our line, miss Sandiego. What the hell was that earlier ?" smiled Ivy.
" Huh ?"
" You should have seen your face. Totally the lady in red, from head to toe." added Zack.
OH. CRAP. Been spotted here. She pretended to miss the point.
" Oh don't play dumb or innocent with us Carmen. We saaaaw you blushing like crazy during breakfast." explained Ivy, touching her chest with a finger.
" Not to mention your continuous glances at him." added Zack, crossing arms.
She gulped.
" Don't blush don't blush don't blush don't blush …"
" So. The big question." continued Ivy.
" Eeeep."
" What are your feelings for Chase ?"
HUGE. BLUSH.
" Ah." they said.
" No no no no ! You got it all wrong. It … it's not what you think." she exclaimed, raising her hands.
" Reaaaallyyy? Then what it is ? Please enlighten us." made Zack.
" I don't know, I don't know !"
Sandiego felt panic increasing as things progressed. She didn't even have time to think about this storm of feelings, that they were interrogating her about.
" Please guys. I'm telling the truth. I don't know what I'm feeling. So … can we just postpone this conversation, pretty please ?" begged Camen.
They exchanged a look.
" Alright miss Sandiego. Postponing it is." decided Zack.
" Meaning … we'll talk about it later." reminded Ivy.
They left. Carmen let out a huge sigh.
Translation :
Il se passe quoi là¹= what is happening here
pardon, que faites-vous là ² = what are you doing here
J'aimerais vous parler. Je dois savoir … qui j'étais avant.³ = I'd like to talk to you. I must know ... who I was before
Quoi = what
Mais ça va pas ? J'ai failli te blesser ! Enfin qu'est-ce que tu fais là Carmen ?⁴ = Are you crazy ? I could've hurt you ! What the hell are you doing here Carmen ?