So big time has arrived. Confession incoming !

Enjoy ^^


In her room back at the HQ, Carmen paced. She was tempting to assemble her ideas in order to confess her love to Chase. Then, she stopped and took a breath.

" Alright. Let's do this." she said.

The young woman directed to the fitness room. He should be training with Shadowsan at this hour. She opened the door, to find her former teacher alone.

" Chase isn't training today ?" she asked, surprised.

" We ended it ten minutes ago. He asked to begin it earlier, he has work to do apparently." replied Shadowsan.

" Oh I see. Do you know where I can find him ?"

" How about you train a bit young lady ? It's been a while since we did this together." suggested Shadowsan.

" Not now, I have something important to do first." smiled Carmen.

" But …"

" See you later !"

Sandiego left quickly. She trotted to Devineaux's room. Once before his room, she hesitated, stressed.

" Come on Carmen ! You've done things more complicated than that, with bigger pressure. So this should be a piece of cake in comparison."

However, she has been trained to carry out her missions. But this was her first love, the pressure was different. She breathed again and finally knocked. She heard his voice inviting her in. Sandiego opened the door. Chase was sitting near the window, some sheets on the hands. His white shirt was ajar, the sun was illuminating him. He was really handsome.

" Oh it's you Carmen. To what do I owe the pleasure ?" he smiled.

" I hum …"

Oh no, not stage fright again.

" I-I'm not disturbing you at least ?" she asked.

" Well I'm quite busy to be frank. I just had a reunion with my boss. About this case in Botswana they have a suspect. A notable." informed Devineaux.

" That's a good new. So are they progressing in VILE dismantlement ?" continued Carmen, quite happy to change topic.

That would allow her to gather her ideas and relax a bit.

" Pretty much. They arrested a lot of henchmen. It's still difficult to connect them to VILE, but some gave in under the pressure."

He stood up.

" Perfect. Then, our alliance is a good thing." she said.

Fine, let's try with that.

" Hell yes. I don't regret it at all. Just … the embarrassing amount of time it took me to realize I was wrong, and Julia was right. She saw through you quite fast."

" Yeah, but you too in the end."

" Yep, he sighed. You can sit senorita."

" I really like when you're calling me that way." she said, suave voice sitting on his bed.

Chase was rummaging in his papers. She contemplated him for an instant.

" Just as I like your attentions, your humour, your kindness …" continued Carmen, standing up.

She walked to him. Chase wasn't really listened, focused on his case. He was looking in the void, when he suddenly found the young woman's face quite close. He blushed immediately, wondering what was happening. His heart raced, while she was placing a hand on his chest.

" Huh ? Wha … you're too close !"

He stepped back, colliding with the dresser behind. That's when the gong saved him. His computer more precisely, announcing an e-mail.

" Oh it's for me ! Work work work." he said, escaping.

Carmen believed it was refusal. She bit her lip, feeling sorrow incoming. Shadowsan called, announcing a mission.

" Coming right away." replied Carmen, fleeing the room.

The Asian watched her passing swiftly. Devineaux arrived in turn. He walked normally, letting nothing show. The Red Team gathered in the living-room. Carmen sat, and hard trouble to focus on what Player was telling. Maybe she wasn't to his liking after all. The young woman remembered that girl from Interpol, Snipes. She had more shapes than her and was older. More his type, probably. Her team was now debating on how to proceed.


" Carmen !" called Shadowsan.

" Huh ?"

" We were wondering who would go to that party. Are you alright ?"

" Yes, I am. Well, that agent is like Countess Cleo whom she admires, so we should sent Zack he already did this." she replied.

" Oh no please no !" made the one.

" I can do it. Zack must be known by that countess, so if she's briefed her agent she'll spot him." contradicted Chase.

" Indeed. Fine, if you feel like it. Carmen and I will steal that tiara." said Shadowsan.

" You mean you won't attend ?" asked Devineaux, looking at Sandiego.

She shook her head, trying to hide her sadness.

" Oh."

" Is that … disappointment ? But why ?" wondered Carmen.

Now that puzzled her. Could it be he wanted to go there with her ? She did not understand anything anymore. Or … did she misinterpreted his reaction earlier ? The reunion ended. Time for preparation. First, the team had to go to Germany.

" Hey Carm. Are you okay ?" asked Ivy, a bit later.

" That's the question. Come in and close the door, please."

The Bostonian entered her friend room, doing as she asked. There, Sandiego confessed her attempt and the result.

" I see. But he did he clearly said no ?"

" He didn't, but sometimes reaction is enough to get it."

" That doesn't make sense. All past reactions showed an interest in you. Why would he refuse all of a sudden ? I don't reckon he has someone else. Sooo … could it be he was afraid ?" analysed Ivy.

" Afraid ?" repeated Carmen.

" Yeah. I wish I could've been here. What was he doing when you were confessing ?"

" Looking into his papers."

" I can assume, and that's only theory, that while working he didn't pay attention to you."

" So what you're implying is that I took him by surprise ?" asked Carmen.

" That's only theory but maybe. Or he didn't know how to react and just fled." acquiesced Ivy.

" Hm hm. Maybe there's still hope then." resumed Carmen, undertone.

" My thoughts exactly. Until he isn't clear you can have another try."

" Alright. Thanks Ivy."

" At your service."

Sandiego felt better. Indeed, as long as she didn't have a clear no, she'll try again. Two days later, they were ready to act. Sandiego went to Chase to help prepare with his acting. He was already dressed, and she had to admit he was very attractive in this tuxedo. Focusing on her goal, the professional one, she described what a person acting like a noble expected. Devineaux narrowed his eyes.

" Don't worry senorita, I don't really need this."

" Hum … and why not ?" she asked.

" I am French deary."

" Soooo ?"

" Well my people do have a certain reputation, and I'll show you what it mean." he smiled.

Carmen blinked. The heck ? Chase exited the room. While he arrived in a limousine rented by Player, the rest of the team came in van. Sandiego was curious to know how Devineaux would handle the VILE operative, and since the man was connected to them she decided to listen. She heard him greeting the woman going by the Baroness. He voluntarily mistaking her title, calling her princess. He apologized, saying that someone of her standard could only be a princess to him. Apparently, she was pleased with those words.

" You have a cute accent." she said.

Chase continued, flattering his host without seeming. His words were natural, with an innocent tone, he acted in an almost naïve way. The laugh she had flayed everyone's ears.

" Looks like he completely captivated her. Now I understand." said Zack.

Carmen had mixed feeling about this. It was for the mission, however a part of her would love that his words were for her. Anyway, time for her and Shadowsan to play their part. They exited and approached the mansion.

" Urgh ! That sneer of that baroness is unbearable." made Shadowsan.

" You don't say. And you're not in love, what should I say ?"

Carmen's heart pinched when she heard Chase inviting his target to dance. She knew what sensations he could provoke. The young woman remembered his warm voice in her ears when they did this kind of mission together. The electrical shock that ran through her body. That was the first time she ever felt something like this. Was it at that moment that she began to fall in love with Chase ? She wasn't sure, but it sure contributed. She breathed to concentrate. They were inside. Shadowsan dealt with the guards while she handled the tiara. Now, time to leave. She informed her partner.

" Thank god !" he said.

Oh ? The two thieves went outside. They reached the van. Carmen went rearward. An instant later, Chase arrived. Zack started and got away. Inside, Devineaux untied his bow tie then leaned his head against the vehicle wall. Carmen glanced at him. He was smiling softly, dreamingly even. Was it because of that stupid baroness ? Anger pointed.

" At least someone enjoyed his evening." she said.

" Hm ?" made Chase.

" Did you have fun while dancing ?" asked Sandiego, a bit acid.

" Me ? Pfah. Far from it."

She blinked. That man sure was confusing.

" But … Why are you smiling that way then ?" she asked.

" Oh that. I was just remembering when we were to a party together." replied Devineaux.

He really enjoyed dancing with her. He remembered clearly het outfit, her outstanding beauty that day. He could see it while looking at her. The memory was merging with reality. How he wanted to touch her when she appeared. Even more when they were on that car, when she untied her splendid hair after the mission. He remembered he stared at her for a while. Just like now, with sparkling eyes.

" Why is he looking at me that way ?" wondered Carmen.

She felt like he was like devouring her with that look. Her heart beat fast.

" Alright but what's the point with today ?" she asked.

The car suddenly stopped. Devineaux stood up, Carmen approached to get out. He leaned to her, to whisper in her ear :

" The point is that you were truly magnificent that day, and I'd love to see you like that again. You were the most beautiful thing I ever saw."

Carmen opened her mouth and blushed hard.


Chase got out of the van. Yes, she was gorgeous. Smart, so generous and brave, it made him wonder if he was worthy of her. He, the clumsy and stubborn inspector. Probably not, he thought with a sad smile.

" Carm ? What happened you're all red." made Ivy.

" Well, she's the Lady in Red so that's normal." said Zack.

" HER FACE is red, and that's not normal. Chase must have said something. Hey Carm, what was it ?" resumed Ivy.

The last words were excited. Sandiego was planted in the back of the van.

" GAAAH ! I don't get that man ! Chase wait !" exclaimed Carmen, pulling her hat in frustration.

She rushed out and ran to the hotel. The others exchanged looks before running after her too.

Carmen called for the French. He was already gone. She didn't wait for the elevator and rushed in the staircases.

" I hope you don't intend to join him in his room ?!" said Shadowsan.

" I'll go the hell where I want to, this isn't your business !" she exclaimed.

" What ? But you're too young !"

" Oh come on Shadowsan ! You know as well as we do that she loves him, and she's an adult." intervened Ivy.

The Asian just grumbled. Carmen finally arrived where the Red Team was lodging. She saw Devineaux's door opened.

" Chase !"

They almost collided, as he went to meet her and she crossed the door.

" Whoah ! What's happening senorita ?" he said, backing.

" It's … about what you said. You really meant it ?" she asked.

He stared at her then smiled.

" Do you believe I'd just say that out of the blue, if I didn't mean it ?"

" But … I thought that maybe I … wasn't to your liking." resumed Carmen.

" You are a gorgeous woman. What made you think the contrary ?"

" You kinda fled when I tried to tell you how I feel two days ago." she reminded him.

Chase blinked. When was that ? He searched in his memory. Two days ago ? Wait. Oh !

" So that was it ! Oh man, the truth is I wasn't paying attention and you took me by surprise. Now I understand. Gosh, I'm sorry senorita." he said.

" Well, I'll repeat then. First, just like the song said I love it when you call me senorita." she smiled.

Singing she came closer, making him smile. Carmen told him what she liked in him.

" And … I think I simply love you."

He leaned more to her.

" Really ? I didn't think I could interest you. You're an exceptional woman, and I'm just …"

" What ? You're supportive, willing to improve as you proved it. Not everyone is able to change. You're caring too, and as brave as I am." she responded, putting her hand on his chest.

That hand gently lifted until his face she caressed. He closed his eyes, savouring the sensation. His arms surrounded her, closing the lady in embrace.

" I love you too, Carmen." he muttered.

" You do ?" she said looking at him.

" And she doesn't believe me. Alright, Little Red Robbing Hood let me be more specific." replied Chase with a mischievous smile.

His lips came in contact with hers.

" Oh. My. Gosh." thought Carmen.

It was like lava, or a torrent that rushed through her whole body. Warm, soft, tender. His tongue went to dance with hers. She tensed under that other electrical shock. She almost moaned, and grasped his shirt instead. Chase shivered as well. He has been wanting to do this since a while, and wasn't disappointed. That was … so warm, so soft, so sweet ! His fingers caressed her hips then her back. He could feel her pressing against him, he did the same like he wanted to merge with her. Outside, the rest of the team arrived. They tilted to see what was going on. Seeing them kissing made Ivy and Zack smile while Shadowsan just sighed.

" Finally." said Ivy while leaving.

" I'd say more, about time." added Zack.

Inside the room, the lovers separated breathless. They tenderly smiled at each other.

" Is that clearer now ?" breathed Chase, nuzzling her nose.

" Well … I'm not sure I understand it all. Would you mind repeating ?"

" Hahahaha ! With pleasure, just be attentive this time." he laughed.

" Hell yes."

They exchanger another kiss, as delicious as the first.

" Mnnnh I don't want to leave you now." moaned Carmen, placing her forehead in the hollow of his neck.

" That will teach you to confess at night ! However, no one forces you to leave." replied Chase.

" I know, my fault. If you so insist then I'll stay."

" Fine. Can you allow me two minutes of jubilation please ?" asked Chase.

" Huh, okay." she said, intrigued.

" I CAUGHT LA FEMME ROUGE YAAAAAYYY ! I GOT HER SHE'S ALL MINE WOOOOOH !" he just yelled, lifting his arms in victory.

Carmen burst out laughing. Fair enough, she admitted. He did catch her and really good.

" I knew I'll get you one of these days ! HA ! And on my own on top of that !" he continued with pride.

" And now what inspector ? Going to cuff me ?" she questioned, amused.

" That my love, will be for later. There's other ways to use handcuffs you know." retorted Devineaux.

That silenced Sandiego in addition of making her blush.

" You asked for it."

" Hmph."

Anyway, back to tenderness. After a while, Carmen laid in bed and curled against her man happier than ever. The next day, they arrived hand in hand.

" Weeeelll look at that !" smiled Ivy.

The concerned ones blushed a bit. They sat to heave breakfast. Carmen noticed her former teacher not so happy face. She raised an eyebrow, then glanced at Ivy who was trying to hide her laugh. She asked her friend with a look, and the ginger made her understand she'll explain later. After that, time for the Red Team to leave Germany.

" So what is it this time ? I reckon Shadowsan is grumpy but why ?" asked Sandiego.

" Aha ! Well it's simple : if he ever saw you as his daughter or so, then he doesn't like that a naughty boy came to steal you."

" Oh !"

" Anyway, how was your first kiss ?"

" Honestly ? Wooow."

Ivy smiled. Concerning the Asian, he'll have to deal with it. Anyway, she sat near Chase and leaned to him. Shadowsan looked like he was about to say something, but he abstained. He was wise enough to know he couldn't say anything here. Not to mention how desperate Carmen was when she thought him dead. She needed him.


Back in the HQ, Devineaux opened his computer. A new e-mail. When he opened it, his faced darkened. Now that was something. A photo was showing four persons spotted entering a warehouse. With one he would recognize anywhere. That bear woman with green hair. The one who kidnapped him, and tried to kill Carmen. They were VILE thinking heads. They have been located in Mexico. Now what should he do ? If he warned Carmen she'll want to deal with them. No way he'll put her in danger. But if he hid it from her she would resent him. They just started dating, what if this angered her enough to break up with him ? Would she consider this as betrayal ? Devineaux reflected. To whom to talk about this ? Player ? No, he didn't want to put the young in trouble between him and Carmen.

Shadowsan ? Sounded like more reasonable. So the man decided to find him. He was meditating in his room. The Japanese allowed him to come in. Chase went to sit in front of him on his tatami. There, he explained his problem.

" I see. You're right about Carmen, last time she faced Coach Brunt, the one who tortured you, she was defeated and got almost killed." replied Shadowsan.

" That's why I came to seek advice. I want her to be safe above all."

" I understand and it's normal. However, I believe sincerity is important, in any kind of relation. It was exactly the same when Carmen wanted to ally with ACME : it's was solely to protect you. Even if you happened to hate her later, as long as you were safe she was fine with it. Or so she believed, because truth is you're now the only one who can bring her true happiness. She was radiant the other day, when you arrived hand in hand. I never saw her that way." explained Shadowsan.

" You're right … but … if something bad happen … like in Sweden … then I …"

" You have to trust her. She's strong you know, and until now could get away with any kind of situation, even without the two of us. Now we're here and we're additional support. No to mention you have all Interpol behind you. That should be more than enough." reminded Shadowan.

" Alright. I asked her to trust my abilities but I have to do the same. I'll do my best to protect her. Thank you for your wisdom, sensei." decided Chase.

" Take utmost care of Carmen and that will be thanking enough."

Chase nodded, then straightened. He exited and looked for Carmen. She was in the fitness room.

" Oh hey my love." she greeted.

He stared at her.

" Something's wrong ?" she wondered.

" Preoccupying is the word. Honey I …"

He paused.

" I have news of VILE's chiefs. I just received a photo of them, they've been spotted in Mexico."

Carmen widened eyes.

" What ?"

" You heard me. I must admit I was reluctant to announce it to you." continued Devineaux.

" But why ? This is our chance to defeat VILE, why would you hide to me ?!" asked Carmen, surprised.

" For the exact same reason you wanted to team up with ACME."

" Oh. Seeing that way, I understand." she said.

" I don't want you to be in danger. I reminded what you told me when narrating your story, about that Brunch who beat the crap out of you when I was abducted. Carmen I'd die if this time it turns horribly wrong." revealed Chase, with a worried voice.

" Aaaaw, that's adorable. But as you so justly said I'm not alone. You'll be here to protect me, just as I will for you, right ?" she replied, touching his face.

" To be honest, I just want to lock you up somewhere and deal with the problem myself. You'll be safe at last." he resumed with a faint smile.

She sneered. He kissed her palm.

" Anyway, thank you for me telling me in the end. I appreciate your honesty."

" Hmph, let's just hope I won't regret it."

She kissed him. Alas, that wasn't enough to erase his worry. He'll call his Interpol colleagues, and ask for a whole army. That way, he'll be more serene. Sandiego was also preoccupied. Was it the moment she knew that would come one day ? Facing her former teachers, the ones she first considered as a family ? She wasn't in a hurry to face Coach Brunt again. What if she discovered her relation with Chase ? She would torture him before her, that was certain. Carmen tightened her grasp on her man. That one did the same. They were more worried about what could happen to the other than completing the mission.

" I won't lose him again. I'll kill anyone who would hurt Chase." she resolved.

" Try to even touch her shadow, you rats of VILE, and you won't know what's coming to you." thought Devineaux.