Author's Note: Hello All! I'm back after what feels like an exceedingly long absence. I'm afraid school and life got in the way of writing, but here is an extra long chapter and the promise of another one to come in the near future. Thank you so much for your reviews and kind words, they have really made my days and encouraged me to finally get this chapter edited and posted! You are all so wonderful, and even though this year has been pretty rough with the new job, you've been helping to keep me going. :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Carmen Sandiego, if I did this would all be canon.
The meetings in Osaka were still going strong. Chase was beginning to think he would lose his mind before being able to return home from this blasted gathering. Not a bit of news from the outside world. For all he knew there could be a nuclear war, or Carmen could have kidnapped the president! Even now she was still on his mind. Childish and immature, he knew, but he was still blaming his lack of concentration on her instead of himself.
Even now he was having a difficult time clearing his mind. He was finding that instead of relaxing him this meditation class was bringing up more memories. He felt that he would have been better off in meetings today or perhaps filling out paperwork. There was arguably less time to concentrate on other things than in this situation. At the very least there were outside distractions and things for him to think about there. Here it was just him and his thoughts. Every time he closed his eyes he could not seem to get her image out of his mind.
"Good morning." she said walking up to him with a bag from a local bakery in her hands.
"Good morning." he said looking up from his watch at her. "You decided to come then." After taking in some of the city the evening before the two of them had parted ways. They had tentatively agreed to meet up the following morning but Chase was not sure whether or not Carmen would actually follow through with that. She could be rather unpredictable at times.
"I did say that I would." she replied with a raised eyebrow. "Don't look so surprised. Unless you were expecting so see someone else." She nodded towards the two cups he held in his hands.
"Oh, well…." Chase said blushing a bit.
"I know you love your caffeine, but I would think one cup of coffee at a time should suffice." She said with a look. "Especially over here, the stuff is so strong that if you were to leave your spoon in it for too long it would dissolve. How you drink it straight I shall never know."
"When you are brought up on this stuff that's another matter entirely." He said handing one of the cups to her.
She breathed in deeply taking in the rich aroma and then took a sip. "You remembered." she said with a small smile. "Just how I like it."
"It's good to know that some things never change." Chase said with just a hint of a smile.
"I nearly forgot." she said opening the bag that she held. "This is for you." She handed him a pastry.
Picking it up he saw that it was pain au chocolat, from his favorite bakery. "It seems that you remembered as well." he said with a smile.
"Just as you said before. Some things never change." Carmen said with a smile and a wink. "Don't worry, I'll never tell your secret."
"Which one?" he asked raising an eyebrow. "I have a number of them, and many of them involve an individual who shall remain nameless."
"I haven't the foggiest idea to whom you are referring." Carmen said innocently fingering the chain of a necklace that she was wearing under her dress. "Even if I did that little secret is safe too. Although I believe it pales in comparison to your great love of chocolate. Imagine, one as stoic and unapproachable as you having such a sweet tooth! What a scandal that would be for you, none of ACME would ever take you seriously again!"
He smiled a bit and nudged her arm playfully with his elbow as they crossed the street. "You're right. Such a scandalous secret leaking to the public would cause irreparable damage to my pristine reputation. I would be utterly ruined, my career would be over. I could no longer be "stoic."
Carmen nudged him back. "Careful there, you're breaking character already. It would seem that one bit of chocolate has altered you entirely. Careful, lest I start to believe that you might be flirting with me."
"We could not have that, now could we?" Chase said in a very serious tone. "It simply would not do."
"I would agree completely." Carmen said in an equally serious tone, throwing away the now empty pastry bag and coffee cup she had held.
"It would be highly unprofessional." He said throwing away his cup as well and linking his arm with hers.
"Very much so indeed." She said slipping her hand into his and intertwining their fingers. "It would almost be as bad as everyone finding out about your chocolate addiction. I would hate to see the consequences of that."
"It's certainly a good thing that we are not engaging in the act of flirting then." Chase said.
"Indeed, that would be highly problematic." She said with a gleam in her eye. "So, my completely platonic impartial tour guide. What is it that we are going to do first on this trip today?"
"I thought that perhaps today perhaps we could start with some of the more touristy things. Parks, picturesque streets, churches." Chase said "We should be arriving at our first stop right about now."
"You would start the tour in Montmartre wouldn't you?" Carmen said with a smile. "Oh it feels like ages since we have been here."
"It does indeed." Chase replied as they walked through the picturesque streets. It had been a very long time since the two of them had travelled this way together. Although it was early morning tourists were already out and about trying to take in all of the sights. It was busy, but not crowded. The calm before the storm.
As they travelled through the winding streets there was a comfortable silence between the two of them. After all of this time Chase found it a comfort that indeed, some things never changed between them. There was nobody else he was this comfortable with. Not that he would dare to admit it aloud. That would have been a complete breach in character for him.
After wandering around for a few minutes they found themselves in the arts district. The streets here were much busier, lined with artists of all kinds. Drawing, painting, creating masterworks. "Anything here you would find worthy of theft?" Chases asked Carmen quietly. "Anything you would like to add to that collection of yours?"
"Remember dear, I am on vacation at the present. None of that here." Carmen said lightly tapping his arm with her other hand. "I would certainly buy some of this work. I certainly believe that we should support young artists, the next generation."
"I'm surprised to hear you say that." Chase said looking at her this time. "Although in retrospect it does sound more like you. You don't steal for the sake of stealing something."
"I'm glad we've established that finally." She said, and Chase got the feeling that she really wanted to change the subject.
"Has your vacation been going well?" Chase finally asked fishing for something.
"So far it's been quite pleasant." She said looking around and taking in the sights. "The past day or so has made things significantly better."
When she had added that last part he felt his heart jump just a little bit. He knew that he should have been proceeding more cautiously, but that was easier said than done. "I'm glad." He finally said in reply hoping that his face would not betray him any. "I would say that my vacation has improved significantly as well." She gave his hand a gentle squeeze and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Madame, Monsieur, would you like a portrait? To capture this fine day? It will give you a memory you will not forget." Said a man across the street.
Chase looked at him thoughtfully for a moment. He was about to say no when he thought differently, why not try something touristy for once? Yes, he was a native to this place, but he was also an American now. "What do you think?" He asked looking at Carmen. "Would you like to see if he can capture our likenesses?"
"I would like that." She said with a half smile. "It would be something different. Nice to have a recent picture of the two of us."
He looked at her with a raised eyebrow as he led her over to the artist at the other side of the street. The man in question was perhaps the most stereotypical French artist he had ever witnessed in real life before. He wore a gaudy cape tied with a bow, and a beret sat slightly askew on his head. There was a large pallet in his left hand and he stood in front of an easel and canvas. If nothing else, this would prove to be an interesting experience.
"Lovely, lovely, tres magnifique." The man said clapping his free hand. "Madame and Monsieur are looking quite lovely today. I saw them walking down the street and I said to myself this is a couple I must paint. So young, so in love. Please, please take a seat. It will not take long at all I only need to get a sketch of you now and it will be finished this evening."
Chase looked at Carmen and the two took a seat on a bench across from the artist. "Very good, very good." He said framing them with his fingers. Chase had to say he had never before seen anyone who fit the stereotype so well before. It was quite amusing.
"Actually no, stand up and face one another. That's good, very good. Now if you would Monsieur, please take the lady's hands in yours, very good. Oh a blush, how sweet Madam, what a lovely smile you have! If you could also….oh that is perfect hold that pose for just a few minutes and I will let you go on your way."
Chase and Carmen now stood facing one another hand in hand, her head tucked just underneath his chin. On impulse Chase leaned forwards just a bit and kissed the top of her head chastely. The artist did not say anything this time around, but out of the corner of his eye Chase could see him smiling. They stood there like that for the greater part of an hour before the artist told them that they could move.
"Very good, very good, 'ave a look." He said gesturing towards the canvas before him. The man had managed to capture a remarkable likeness and in such a short time. Chase was really quite impressed.
"It's lovely Monsieur Chapeau!" Carmen said enthusiastically in French. "Simply marvelous."
Chase looked at her surprised that she was acquainted with the artist. Evidently the artist too was surprised, as he looked somewhat confused. After a moment however recognition seemed to dawn upon him and a warm smile soon replaced the look of confusion.
"Oh Madame," he said coming over and hugging Carmen and kissing both of her cheeks enthusiastically. "I am so sorry I did not recognize you sooner. You look so very different now! As beautiful as ever though my dear!"
Chase was now quite perplexed and more than a little bit curious about this whole situation. Of course she lived her own life, she was very much her own person. The fact that she had other friends, and colleagues that he did not know about should not have been a surprise to him. Yet there was something about the way that this man acted, that really bothered him.
"I am on holiday." She said with a wave of her hand. "That brings about difference enough. Surely you could not expect me to have my usual uniform."
"No, no, it is not the clothes Madame. I have just never seen you so….happy before. It looks as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. It makes you look like a completely different person." He said, and Carmen turned with a blush.
"Vacation does that to a person you know. Not having to worry about work can be quite the stress reliever." Carmen said matter of factly.
"We both know it is something different than that." He said tapping her nose with his index finger. There was a twinkle in his eyes as he said this. "It is the look of someone who is very much in love. Speaking on that note is this….."
"Yes." Carmen replied with a smile. "This is Chase." The other man still had his arm around her and there was an easiness in her manner that Chase had not seen in some time.
"I am so pleased to finally be able to meet you. Madame has told me so much about you." He said shaking Chase's hand vigorously. "I am Chapeau, Pierre Chapeau. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to paint the two of you today. Oh to think that I would have a chance like this! I am so very happy for the two of you. You are so lucky to have Madame, she is a wonderful woman."
"It's very good to meet you too, and yes I agree that she is quite wonderful." Chase said still at something of a loss for words.
"Really, the best woman in the world. Make sure that you take care of her, that you treat her well." Chapeau said giving her another squeeze.
"Of course, I would do nothing less." Chase said, some slight irritation in his voice now. "Well, we do have plans for today and we do not want to keep you from your work…." Perhaps it was a bit harsh, but Chase found that while this man was quite the artist he wanted to get away from him, or rather he wanted to get Carmen away from him now.
"Yes, but of course, I should not keep you any longer, you two should go, enjoy yourselves and this beautiful city. Come back this evening and the painting will be finished. Now go, explore the city, see the sights! Live a little!" He kissed Carmen's cheeks one more time before letting them go, almost shooing them away now. They soon found themselves wandering the streets of Paris once more; Carmen's arm linked with Chase's. "So you two seemed to be on rather familiar terms." Chase said after a few minutes of strolling down the winding streets.
"I'm not sure what you mean by familiar." Carmen said lacing her fingers through his once again.
"The way he greeted you, it was far more personal than one would greet an acquaintance." Chase said gesturing a bit with his free hand. "Lots of touching, and contact. Do you need a handkerchief after that, maybe a disinfectant wipe? I might have one on me somewhere." He began to reach into his pockets.
"Since when are you a germaphobe?" Carmen asked teasingly. "I'm sure he was not carrying some dangerous virus. I think I will be fine."
"You never can tell with these artist types." Chase said. "They are exposed to all sorts of germs and diseases here on the streets. All of the tourists and such. Not to mention the pigeons, you know they carry diseases right?"
Carmen stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him. "Why Chase, don't tell me that you of all people are jealous." She said the faintest hint of a smile on her face.
"Jealous? No certainly not….. I was just curious, you seemed to know him pretty well." Chase said somewhat flustered now. "Also the germs, you could come down with something, and that would be bad. You need to stay healthy."
"You're jealous." she said flatly. "I'm touched, I'm really touched. After all this time you still care enough to be jealous." She squeezed his hand in hers.
"I'm not jealous, you just seemed to know him pretty well. Or at least he seemed to be very familiar with you" Chase said rubbing the back of his head with his hand.
"He's not my type Chase." Carmen said.
"What exactly is your type then?" he asked her after a moment.
"Apparently insecure Frenchmen." She said with a smirk.
"You think you are funny, don't you." He said with a shake of his head.
She just raised an eyebrow at him in reply. "You really are adorable. Especially when you are all worked up like this." she said caressing his cheek with her free hand. "Remind me to introduce you to all of my male acquaintances."
"That could be quite problematic. Nobody will ever take me seriously again, if I am adorable. I'm supposed to be stoic, remember?" Chase asked wrapping his free arm around her her waist and pulling her close.
"Oh yes, I nearly forgot. So this is just a temporary lapse on your side then?" She asked him. "Brought on by this charming atmosphere, and your apparent distrust of street artists and pigeons."
"That might have something to do with it, but I think there are perhaps stronger forces conspiring against me at the moment." He said in mock seriousness.
"Indeed?" she asked him? "Just what might those be.
He pretended to think for a moment. "The beauty that is before me now."
"Paris is quite lovely." Carmen said in reply.
"Oh, I wasn't referring to the city." He said. "Although I suppose it does add a certain ambience."
Carmen smiled and a light blush spread over her cheeks. Not normally one for public displays of affection Chase pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. As the two of them stood there it felt as if they were the only people in area, although logic told him that the street was crowded with people. The two of them stood like that together until without warning the sky opened up and it began to pour. Holding her hand they raced for cover under a nearby building. For once neither of them was prepared.
It was almost refreshing. Carmen laughed as they ran through puddles and the rain soaked them. Once they had found a dry spot Chase removed his blazer and placed it over Carmen's shoulders. They waited together for the storm to clear silently watching the rain came down. It did not last long, as many spring showers were not in the habit of this, and soon the sun was shining again.
"Would you like to go find some dry clothes?" Chase asked her once things seemed clear enough to leave their shelter.
"No, I should think we will dry off soon enough anyway, besides there is still so much to see and do and I would hate to waste any time." She said brightly.
"If you are sure." He said in reply.
Carmen smiled at him. "I am quite sure." She said "Come on, let's go be tourists some more." With that she pulled him out from under the shelter with her and Chase could not help but smile too as they continued on with their journey.
"Chase, are you quite alright?" A voice said pulling him out of his thoughts. Chase opened his eyes to find that he was the only one left in the gardens now, well the only one aside from the person who had just brought him back to the present. He looked over to see his friend Edward looking at him rather concerned.
"I'm fine." Chase said with a sigh. "I suppose I just got a little bit carried away."
"That is certainly an understatement. The class ended more than twenty minutes ago. Everyone else went inside for lunch." Edward said. "You must have had something quite interesting on your mind."
"You could say that." Chase said moving to stand up. "Perhaps we should be getting inside."
"Let's wait a few minutes." Edward said pushing him back down gently. "You have been distracted these past several weeks and I would like to know what the cause of it is. Something has clearly been weighing on your mind lately."
"It's nothing, something I should have been able to handle by now." Chase said with a wave of his hand.
"Chase, I'm not talking to you as a colleague right now. I'm talking to you as your friend. As your concerned friend. Our conversation will stay in confidence." Edward said emphatically. "Now please, tell me what is going on. Something is wrong. I have known you too long to think otherwise."
"Carmen." was all he had to say.
"I see." Edward said sympathetically. "Professionally or personally?"
"Personally." Chase said with a sigh.
"That certainly sheds some light on the situation." Edward said finally. "I take it you saw her again recently?"
"Right before these meetings actually. I, we, were together in Paris." Chase said at last. "It was not the wisest decision that I have made in recent memory. It was not exactly planned either. At least not on my part."
"What exactly happened?" Edward asked. "I know your arrangement is complicated to say the least."
"That is certainly an understatement." Chase said. "The same thing that happens every time. Only this time it was a bit more painful than it has been in the past."
"She left again this time." Edward said.
"That she did, but it is not as if I should not have been expecting her to do just that." Chase said with a sigh.
"She is something of a free spirit." Edward said. "It's in her nature, and it always has been. She's also never been good with goodbyes."
"Of course not, she would actually have to stick around long enough for there to be a goodbye." Chase said frustratedly. "Again, I know I should not be surprised. Yet in times past there have been goodbyes. It's my own fault I should have been prepared for this."
"I cannot imagine what it would be like to be in your situation." Edward said. "What I can say is that you should not be blaming yourself for this. Carmen is Carmen, things with her are not necessarily straightforward or easy. The things you have gone through are not normal situations, and they can be painful."
"I just feel so used this time. It's starting to wear on me." Chase said. "It feels like sometimes I am just her toy. She comes to see me when she wants to play house, and then she disappears off into the sunset leaving me behind to pick up the pieces."
"Carmen is many things, but she is not a user." Edward said. "While I do not agree with how she treats you in times like this I do know that she genuinely loves you. If she didn't she wouldn't seek you out at all. Although I digress we have been over this before. If only the two of you were not so stubborn."
"Stubbornness aside I don't know how much longer I can take this. The constant disappearing act, this tug of war."
"She's always been a free spirit, we have come full circle on this. You knew that when the two of you…..Besides you were never the type to settle down yourself."
Chase sighed deeply. "It would be nice I think. A house in the country, a regular day job, some pets…..children."
"This is new." Edward said. "Is this a recent development for you?"
"It's always been on the back burner. Something I've thought of for a long while now. Every time I see her it bubbles to the surface again. Having something of a normal life would be quite nice I think."
"Children? Is that still a possibility for the two of you…." Edward asked trailing off.
"I would be happy to adopt." Chase said after a moment. "A family doesn't have to be blood. That is something that both Carmen and I have always had a firm belief in. She always said that she would like to give children a home."
"That would make sense." Edward said. "The two of you would be great if somewhat unconventional parents."
"It's a nice thought, but I am afraid right now it is more wishful thinking than anything else." Chase said. "That's what is so melancholy about it. It is so close, but yet so far. Something that I want, but deep down inside I know I will never get."
"I know you love her, but do you perhaps think it might be time to move on if you want something different. The two of you have been together this long, and you've been through a lot. I know it's a difficult thought, but if it tears you up this much it might be time to end things." Edward said.
"I would be lying if I said the thought had not crossed my mind in the past." Chase said at last. "I know the feeling, and at times it is tempting. I've had opportunities in the past. There have been several women I think I could have been content with. Yet I have also realized that as much as I would like that life, I know I would only be truly happy in a life like that with Carmen."
"In many ways you are a walking paradox." Edward said.
"You know what the worst part of this all is?" Chase asked putting his head in his hands?Edward nodded for him to continue.
"With as much pain as this has caused me, I would do it all again if I could. I love her, against all logic and all sense. Do I wish things could be different? Absolutely. Yet it is what it is. Even though I feel as if my heart was trampled on that week, even though I cannot get her off of my mind. I know I could not be happy with anybody else."
"If you'll pardon the expression, the fun is in the chase." Edward said with a slight smile. "Your love life is certainly never boring. Many couples could not say the same."
"That's a new spin on things." Chase replied. "I will say though, that I cannot wait until we can get out of these meetings. I feel like once we have access to the outside world it will be easier to return to normal life. I will recover from this and get back to my usual schedule. My focus can change from our love life to our professional lives and bringing her to justice."
"You have such a weird dynamic going on, just so you know." Edward said. "I am not judging you for that of course. It's just quite unconventional."
Chase gave the director of MI6 a gentle shove. "Let's go get lunch, the sooner we can get all of this done, the sooner we can get out of these meetings and back to the real world." It had felt good to be able to discuss this with someone, but it did not alleviate the inner turmoil that he was feeling right now. He had a feeling that for as long as these meetings were going on he would not have peace.