Realisation of how important the other is ... more than expected.

Happy new year for you !

After the meal, Chase offered coffee to the ladies. They accepted.

" Weird, where's my own cup ?" asked Chase, looking in every closet.

He scratched his head. Oh right, he used to drink coffee in the guest room which also serves for his work. Must be there. It was, with a spoon in it. Devineaux decided to wash it before using.

" So miss Sandiego, I hope you didn't keep any after-effects of your accident." said Julia.

" No, I've perfectly recovered, thank you." smiled Carmen.

She also thanked the young woman for her help. A sound of metallic noise resonated. Chase leaned to pick his spoon.

" Raaaah !"

It rolled under some furniture, it seemed. Carmen leaned a bit on her chair, pretending to stretch. Nice view of the moon here. Julia observed the Latina leaning more and more.

" Careful miss Sandiego you're about to-"

CRASH !

" GWAH !" made Carmen.

Chase turned, his spoon in a hand and a cup in the other.

" Carmen ? Are you okay ?" asked Chase, crouching near her.

" Y-yes, just peachy." she said, blushing.

Julia was holding back a laugh, hands on her mouth. Chase straightened the chair.

" What the hell happened ? Did you have a malaise ?" worried Chase, taking her chin.

" Yes, cause you're too hot. No no, I just hum … slipped."

" Pfffffrrrrttt !" commented Julia.

" Slipped. You slipped from your chair backward. Just like that." resumed Devineaux.

" Yes. That happens even to the best." continued Sandiego, finally getting up.

" Looks like you're absolutely no good in a kitchen."

" HA !" burst Julia.

Carmen was red like a cherry, while Chase remained stoic. Anyway, the coffee was ready. He washed his spoon before serving the ladies. The beverage was taken in silence. However, Julia surprised several glances from Carmen to Chase, even hidden by her long hair.

" Would you look at that ! The international thief seems to have fallen for an inspector. The irony." she thought, amused.

Him of course, might have not the slightest clue. But if he too, had feelings for her then she would tease him to no end. Julia left the apartment one hour later to continue her investigation about Roundabout. Carmen wanted to help do the dishes, but Chase repelled her:

" Sorry, but I'd prefer you out of my kitchen at least for today."

" Oh come on. I may not be an ace at cooking but I can wash a plate." she said.

" An ace eh? You're not even a card actually." he retorted.

" Are you trying to hurt my feelings, sir Chase ? If so, you're about to succeed." warned Carmen, crossing arms.

" Well, just payback for how many times you made me ridiculous." he quipped peacefully.

" Grmph."

" Enjoy this time to get some rest, okay ?"

Carmen went to curl up on the sofa. Some rest huh. Well, why not after all. Devineaux was expecting her to lay in her bed, but oh well. After he finished, he went to put a blanket on her. This done, he left the living-room. Meanwhile, Julia was back in her own house calling an old friend at the MI6.

" Julia, I'm not sure about this. Suspecting a colleague doesn't sound right. Would you do it if someone doubted one of yours ?"

" Yes. Even to prove they're wrong about that person. If there's a hint that someone I know is involved in something evil, I'd like to know." replied Argent.

Her friend lowered eyes. She wasn't completely wrong. If this suspect was innocent, better to prove it. Julia thanked her warmly. She sighed once her phone hung. Even at the MI6 Vile was present. Would they really be able to take them down ? Carmen was causing important damages alright, but would it be enough ? Chase shared while the thief was recovering that Interpol arrested several operatives. They were establishing a network supposed to lead them to others, hidden. Then maybe … maybe it was possible. Argent would do her part, as much as she could.

Carmen opened her eyes. A blanket slipped from her shoulder. Chase was here, on an armchair, reading a file.

" Sleep well ?" he asked, lifting eyes to her.

" Yes, thank you. But now I think it's time for me to leave." she said, stretching.

" WHAT ?!" exclaimed Devineaux.

" You heard me. I've recovered, now I have to be back on the field. This battle isn't over yet."

Carmen stood up. Chase stared at her, mouth opened.

" Are you completely crazy or what ?"

She turned her head to him.

" You can't go back yet ! You just can't ! You almost died last time, there's no way I'm letting you out !" he said, jumping on his feet.

" Huh ?! You can't be serious ! I still have to fight VILE, because if I don't, then they'll recover as well. All of this will have been for naught. I can't remain hidden forever !"

" Yes you can ! Let Interpol deal with them now that we're aware of their existence."

Carmen spotted his look. Fear. Intense worry and fear. Was it … his feelings about her ? Was he worrying for her ?

" Chase. Would you, yourself, stop just like that ? This battle is reaching a turning point, it's too late for me to turn back. They won't stop tracking me, so my only way is to face them." she said.

Devineaux vigorously shook his head. He replied that he could hide her, hide her whole team somewhere while dealing with the threat. She didn't have to do this alone, not anymore. Carmen opposed that he didn't know how long it would take. How could he possibly expect her to wait nicely ? Chase was terribly afraid now. If Carmen stepped outside, she was dead, he was sure of it. He had to prevent that. Even against her will. He had to protect her. Those certainties were growing stronger.

" No, he breathed. You can't. I won't let you. It's too dangerous."

He was reviving her drowning. This fear of not making it in time. Her eyes closed when he finally reached her. The fact it was maybe too late. Carmen smiled softly. He really was worried about her. She crossed the distance between them.

" But if you're helping me, then I'll be fine." she said mid-voice.

" You. can't. go. out."

She sighed with a smile. It was touching. But she already made up her mind. He'll be mad, but she didn't have any choice.

" Carmen, please." he begged.

Oh no, she wouldn't be able to hold on for long, looking at him in the eyes.

" Don't worry. We'll get through this. As long as you help me, as you're here, it will be okay."

Carmen thanked him once for this, assuring it meant a lot for her. Chase had a faint smile. For an instant, he wanted to hug her. Hug her and never let go. He clenched his fists, restraining himself. How she took an increasing place in his life … how he realized how amazing she was, how important it was to protect her. It surprised him. But could he trust her now ? She was gifted to get away. And as she said, there was no turning back now.

" Okay Chase ?" asked Carmen.

" No need to ask me to help you, nor protect you. Of course I will. But I'd really rather you be safe somewhere. It is possible, you know."

" Really ? When they were able to find you, even concealed by ACME ?" reminded Sandiego.

Chase stiffened. If she were to hide, VILE would track her. Potentially find her. And if he wasn't here …

" But !"

" Look, I appreciate your concern but seriously, I'll be fine. Just have to be even more careful."

Chase sighed. He let her on this. But he still ruminated all day. During the night, Carmen awoke after a nightmare. She went for a drink in the kitchen. There, she heard Chase speaking on the phone, in his terrace.

" What should I do Bianca ?" he asked in a worried tone.

" Well, I also talked about this with her team. They would agree to hide her somewhere, but they also doubt it would be efficient. From what I could learn, you won't be able to lock her up."

" But !"

" I know. You'll have to protect her as much as you can, without putting you in danger."

Chase sighed again. He thanked his colleague, then went back inside. He met Carmen on the way to his room. The young woman had her drink.

" You heard me, didn't you." he said.

" Yes."

He grabbed her chin.

" Tell me Carmen, what must I do for you to be safe ? So you won't be hurt again ?"

Saying that, he leaned to her, his mouth on his forehead at the end of his sentence. Carmen stood, eyes wide opened. Her breath went short, her cheeks red and warm. His scent, his delicious scent invaded her. She wanted to get closer, to embrace him. But couldn't move at all.

" Too close too close too close … come on move. React."

" I should hide you in a bunker. We got some in France. They wouldn't be able to reach you there." he continued.

" Chase …" she finally half breathed, half moaned.

" Hm ?"

" You're too close."

Carmen immediately cursed herself after that. That wasn't what she wanted to say at all ! Why did she have to go and said that ? Couldn't she say : please hug me or kiss me even ? But no. Chase for his part, backed away swiftly, apologizing vividly. Then, he went to the guest room, still letting her his own room. Carmen sighed then whined, cursing herself. He made a step and she just ruined it. When was next time ? Maybe never, since she just repelled him. She let herself fall on the bed. What now ? Nothing probably. At least she didn't know what to do. How to behave with him. She also resented him a bit for making her feel all that. Because she didn't have any control over it, because she felt shy, vulnerable with him. But also safe, supported, comforted, protected, taken care of on a whole other and new level. And she liked it. The sensations when seeing him, this joy, happiness, the energy it gave her, hope … it was worth it.

Sandiego closed her eyes on those thoughts after getting under her blanket. The next day, she decided to leave and tell Chase. The way he stiffened and shook his head really touched her.

" You know I have to."

" No you don't !" he protested.

" Damn, stop being that adorable !"

The Latina saw that he was beginning to panic. Then, he'd make a stupid move like handcuffing her here, or zap her and bring her elsewhere … Carmen didn't want to part, but she knew VILE wouldn't give up. That they'd track her to the end of the world. As she reminded him.

Chase clenched his fists, his nails sinking into his skin. Why … he was feeling powerless right now. He HAD to do something. It suddenly hit him.

" Then I'll come with you."

" What ?"

" You heard me. And you better not try to lose me, or I'll handcuff myself to you, okay ?" he warned.

" Are you insane ?" replied Carmen.

" No. This isn't negotiable, Miss Sandiego. VILE already knows me and that I helped you by arresting them or stealing from them. Just because I'm not around doesn't means they'll forget about this." he opposed.

True, but she didn't want to expose him even more.

" I'm not letting you have any choice, is that clear ?"

Sandiego answered with a frustrated growl. Chase went to attend some business in his home, indicating that the talk was finished and settled. Carmen for her part, went to walk in circles in her room. They had to occupy themselves as best as they could. While doing this, she thought about how getting away without mister Chase.

" Guess I have to go at night like I first planned."

Gifted as she was, there should be no problem. In the meantime, she would just act as usual. Devineaux did the same, however he was keeping an eye on her. He was certain she would just sneak away. But he'd be waiting for this. Carmen patiently waited in his room for the moment to leave. She was feeling good in here, liked to share his company, however she had to go. She silently got up, dressed in her casual outfit and tied her hair. Carmen approached the door and used her lamp … to spot Devineaux blocking it.

" Ah !" she exclaimed, surprised.

Chase switched on the light.

" Going somewhere miss Sandiego ?"

" Hum …"

She spotted some luggage at his feet. So he was planning this. She bit her lip. How to persuade him to remain here safe ? Especially when a part of her wanted to stay with him ?

" Well then, shall we go ?" he said, straightening.

It was Carmen's turn to shake her head. Chase had a smirk. This was a never-ending problem. He opened the door though, inviting her to face destiny with a head sign. She looked at him, questioning with her eyes if he was serious. So he stepped out first, to answer that yes. Sandiego hesitated once more, before finally following. Alright then, she'd just have to keep a very close eye on him. Carmen arrived at his level. She was so close she could hold his hand. They grazed a few times, before, she finally dared to intersect her fingers with his. Chase widened his eyes and became ruby before closing his hand on hers. They walked like this until the bus stop. They released their hands to hop in, then choose a seat. Very few people were inside. Since they left in the middle of the night, and had quite a long way to go, it wasn't long before they fell asleep.

Carmen woke up with a gasp one hour later. It took a few seconds to realize she was in a bus. As if he knew she had a nightmare, Chase turned to her and embraced her in his sleep. Carmen had a huge smile, and dropped a kiss on his cheek while he tightened his grasp. She was feeling safe in his arms. Her fears were trying to reach her, but were somehow backing away. The peace she was experimenting right now … it left her bewildered. How could he manage to do this ? Her heart was beating with love, of course, but also gratitude. She closed her eyes once more. Sleep came back fast, peaceful this time. Later, it was Chase's turn to awake. He noticed with surprise that he was holding Carmen in his arms. The young damsel was curled against him, deeply asleep. He had a tender smile. How did they end up like that ? And just not the hug. Who could have thought they'd be allying, or friends ?

Who could have thought he was so wrong about her ? That she was completely different from what he imagined ? Carmen Sandiego was actually a pearl. Contrarily to him. Glancing at his hands on her shoulder and waist, he had the sensation of … soiling her. He wasn't worthy of touching her. He slowly took away his hands and straightened. Devineaux thought he should keep his distance with her. He stretched before standing up. Some fresh air following his distance dragged Sandiego of her sleep once more. She rubbed eyes, noticing Chase up.

" Chase ? Something wrong ?" she called.

He glanced at her, then shook his head. She tilted hers. Before she could add anything, the bus stopped. They were here. The airport. Carmen followed the man. As she was walking quite close to him, he deliberately took a step aside.

" ?"

He ordered three tickets. They were to meet with her team in London. Julia was also to join them in the airport. They had to wait for her here. Carmen sat near Chase, he just slipped a bit. She blinked. There was definitely something going on. Julia arriving at that time prevented her from thinking about it. She greeted her warmly, while Chase just waved. Julia informed that a contact from Interpol was to meet them with intel about their investigation. The man nodded. He created a place for Julia to sit between him and Carmen. The brunette glanced at the Argentinian, believing she would seize an opportunity to be near him. She spotted her blue eyes gaining a sad cue. Oh ? Did something happen ? Anyway, not wanting to raise a sensitive topic or create an embarrassing situation for the moment, she sat. Maybe she was wrong, he was just inviting her to sit there was nothing abnormal.

The inspector seemed like usual. Glance toward the thief. Nothing more on that side too. The three of them kept silent. Eventually, Julia started a conversation with the thief. Later, they went to embark. This time again, Chase made sure to let some distance between him and Sandiego. This time, there was no doubt. When inside the plane, the girls noticed that he gave them seats next to each other. He was behind them. Chase left to go to the toilet, and Julia grasped this chance to interrogate Carmen.

" Did something happen between the two of you ?"

" I wish I knew. Everything was okay until now, what's gotten into him ?" wondered Carmen.

" You didn't quarrel or anything ?" continued Julia.

" Absolutely not ! It really happened all of a sudden, out of the blue."

Sandiego added that she was searching for what could have caused this sudden need of distance, in vain. Julia insisted since she noticed it all. After musing a while, she reckoned it happened on their way here. They were sleeping in the bus, and when she awoke after a nightmare he embraced her in his sleep. She managed to be back to sleep, and it was all. When she opened her eyes again, he was already up.

" Hmmm. Maybe he was still holding you in his arms and is just feeling embarrassed by this." ventured Argent.

" I hope so. Because I can't figure any valuable reason for this change." replied Carmen.

Noting the saddened tone and expression, Julia looked at her.

" You really like him, do you ?" she smiled.

" HUH ?! B-but but but no, n-not at all, w-w-why ? You g-got it all wrong !" stammered the Latina.

Julia chuckled. Carmen was as red as her sweatshirt, and Argent was expecting steam to pop out her ears with a hiss.

Carmen hid her burning face in her hands. Damn, was it so obvious ? Before she could answer, Devineaux was back. The girls kept silent. Carmen was musing on her situation. Everyone around her noticed her crush on Chase. How long before he remarked it was well ? And worse : how long before VILE spotted that too ? No, she couldn't let this happen. He was too important for her. It was too late for turning back. The young woman cursed herself for letting herself get caught by romance. She fought those feelings, tried to ignore them in the hope they'd simply vanish. All for naught. Right now, she just wanted to leave her seat, and go curl against him. For his part, Chase was missing her presence near him too. But he couldn't ask for it, he knew he didn't deserve it.

Checking his phone Onyx informed him that Carmen's crew was on its way. The plane began to take off. They arrived one hour later at London airport. From here, they travelled to town in a bus. Julia announced they were to join her former colleague the day after, in a restaurant. Meanwhile, they could take some rest.

" I would if I could do it in Chase's arms." pouted Carmen, laid upside down on her bed, on the belly.

Should she pretend to not feel okay so he could comfort her ?

" He'll think I'm a baby."

Carmen sighed, tried to calm down and think about something else. Shadowsan said that meditation could help. Maybe that was the occasion to try it. She sat cross-legged. First, to take a deep breath. Sandiego breathed thrice. Then, empty her mind. In other words, the hardest part. She was passing from this investigation about VILE to her new ally to her feelings. Or rather, the one who was inspiring them. Chase in his ACME suit, his innocent face when he was part of her team, his worries about her, his cares, comfort, the help he was providing now … she was hearing his voice now. This sweet embrace in his arms in the bus. How she was feeling safe. Carmen had a smile. Peace was coming back.

In the evening, she met with the others in the restaurant. She offered Chase such a kind smile which made him go pink. He wondered what caused it. Each time he crossed her eyes, he went red. Carmen was looking at him with love. Julia wondered if she shouldn't let them alone. Devineaux did his best to avoid her look. Why was she looking at him this way ? It was really for him, no doubt about it. After the meal, Julia went to talk to him, in the hope of making him realize Miss Sandiego's feelings for him.

" I never told you how glad I am that you changed your mind about miss Sandiego." began Julia.

It only reminded him how of a jerk he'd been to Argent. She saw his face getting dark, and wondered what happened.

" Yeah … I was an idiot, wasn't I." he said, leaning against a wall.

" That's not what I meant. I know you saw people doing good but being evil in reality. In a way, you weren't fooled. You could have been right about her." tampered Julia.

" Hm hm."

" But now, you seem to be good friends with her, aren't you ?"

He smiled, and nodded.

" She really appears to be attached to you, don't you think ?"

First hint. Insert a noise of a broken glass in here. Chase looked at her with big eyes.

" What ?!" he exclaimed.

" Well yes. Didn't you see the way she was looking at you earlier ?" insisted Julia.

Of course he did. He tended to be oblivious to some things, but even he could not notice this. Carmen … attached to him … he looked aside.

" That doesn't matter Julia." he threw.

" Huh … and why ?" replied the brunette, bewildered.

He then had a sad smile. He stared at her for a while. Chase thought he could tell her that. Sorting this would do him some good.

" Carmen isn't a woman for me. Just … don't tell anyone, please."

He left the place before his colleague could have add anything. So that was it. His distance. This sad smile. He too, was attracted to her. He practically confessed. But who decided he wasn't good enough for Carmen ? She was the one to decide this. Julia had to convince him. They both deserved love.

The next day was the meeting one. They sat around a table outside. A few minutes later, a man joined them. Brown skin, he was wearing a casual outfit and greeted them quite joyfully. Then he sat. Julia introduced him : John Chandler.

" I brought files about our man, in those magazines." he announced.

Devineaux smiled.

" Normal magazines this time ?" asked Julia, taking one.

" Yes ! I bought them myself." said John.

" Why ? Are there ones that aren't normal ?" wondered Devineaux.

" Let's say ones you don't usually show in public." replied Julia, pursing lips.

John explained the story here. Three years ago a colleague played a prank on him. He was to meet with an elite agent, and give him special files just like today. Except his colleague replaced the mags. Of course he didn't notice until the moment he handed it.

" He looked at me pretty shocked. And when I lowered my eyes … I discovered I was handing him over a PORN MAG !" exclaimed Chandler.

Chase and Carmen gasped in amusement before laughing.

" And not any porn one, but a gay one ! What was I looking like ?!" continued the agent.

Julia took over : she was overhearing the meeting, when she heard John cursing while their teammate just burst in laughing.

" So now, I do it myself." concluded John, crossing arms.

They opened said mags. A photo was in here, showing Roundabout.

" We found suspicious things about him. So if your pal can confirm it." said John, to Carmen.

" Right, I'll transmit it. But will it be enough ? We're thieves after all." agreed Carmen.

John raised brows.

" You didn't tell her ?" asked John to Julia.

" Told me what ?" intervened Carmen.

" All of Carmen's crew is considered special agents for Interpol. Dedicated to take VILE down, created especially for that. So all of your testimonies do have value." revealed Chase.

It also meant that all charges against them were cleared. Carmen blinked, looking at him. He had gone so far for her. Sandiego's phone interrupted her : the rest of the team was here, as Ivy announced. Time for them to go in that case. They greeted John, Julia assuring him she'd contact him as soon as possible.

" Yes, that's him. Roundabout." confirmed Shadowsan, holding the file.

" Roundabout. What a dumb name, why not Tricolor lights ?" commented Zack, leaning to see that face.

" But how to short-circuit him ? If he had connexions in the MI6, he'll certainly try to classify this investigation about him." pointed Ivy.

" The persons I contacted know how to do this discreetly. With your testimony we can progress and order deeper searches, to find more evidence." made Julia.

" Then don't waste any more second, before he realizes it." advised Chase.

" Naturally."

Argent already had her phone in hand. John replied, and agreed to have an official search. Carmen was glad to have her and Chase on her side. A VILE faculty member might just be about to be arrested. And if they could find the others' location … all the better. Chase glanced at the thief. Her fight reached a turning point and was approaching its climax. How to defend her was still the big question. Julia got a call. She widened her eyes, before rushing to the windows. Cars were pulling in.

" We've been spotted !" she exclaimed.

Carmen and Chase rushed near her.

" VILE." breathed Carmen.

" Then let's move ! You get out, I'll distract them." said Chase.

" WHAT ?! Are you out of your mind ?!" exclaimed Carmen.

VILE operatives were already getting inside the tenement.

" Now isn't the time to argue, Carmen ! Get out !" retorted Chase.

" Not without you !"

He came closer and pushed her. He asked Julia to take the scarlet lady with her. Shadowsan went to pick the young woman as well. They dragged her along. The Asian gave him a look of gratitude. Carmen protested. VILE would capture him for sure, he was in grave danger. How could they expect her to simply abandon him ?!

" You'll need this, pal." heard Devineaux.

The man turned to discover Zack throwing him his two crackle rods. Zack happened to collect one for himself.

" What are you doing here ?!" wondered the adult.

" I still owe you for believing in me, helping to train and took a blame for me."

" I'm not sure I'll be able to defend you, you better run away from here." pointed Chase.

" Don't underestimate me." smiled Zack in an evil way.