Aisha woke up from the sound of male voices in Harry's living room. She put
on her pants and shirt. She groggily walked into the living room. It had
about 3 rough-looking guys in it. They had guns on the table too.
Harry and Ron looked up when she came in.
" Good morning Aisha. So nice to see you again." Ron said.
" Mornin' Ron. Hey Harry." She said.
" Hey babe." He said pulling her down for a kiss.
She walked on to the kitchen and got herself some milk. She could over-hear their conversation.
" So we lure him to the old courthouse and we take him out."
" How many?"
" Nothing we can't handle."
" Who gets him?"
" I do."
That was Harry.
" I'll take care of him. He's mine. No one else touches him." He said.
Aisha was used to them handling business in her presence. They didn't bother her. She didn't talk to any of the other guys. She just went back to her and Harry's room until she had to get up.
She set the glass of milk on the night stand and laid down. She thought back over the night before. She had seen Gene again for the first time in a long time. He had hurt her so many times, this last time had been the last she'd stand for. She remembered he said he loved her. Maybe that would'of worked on Melfina, she thought. But she was not so naive.
" *Sweet, delusional, Melfina. Everyone wants her. Even Harry wanted her. Let'em have her.*" She thought.
She could see that Gene obviously didn't care enough about her to not project his feelings. He hurt her to spare himself. She remembered every word he said. All their kisses and that night they spent together.
She could feel tears welling up in her eyes. She put her face in the pillow. She had convinced herself she was over him. She didn't love him.
" * But if I am over him, why am I still crying?*" She thought to herself.
She sniffed a little and tried to compose herself. But it was too hard. As she silently cried on her pillow, the conversation in the living room was ending.
" Be there early and come armed."
" And remember, Gene Starwind is mine to kill."
Aisha gasped. They were going to kill Gene!
" * Wait a minute! Why do I care?! Let them blow what little brains he has left out!*" She thought.
Aisha listened until the door was shut.
" Aisha? Yo babe! You alright?!" He asked.
She cleared her throat and dried her tears.
" I'm fine Harry." She said.
He came in and jumped in the bed next to her. She instinctively melted her body into his. She couldn't fit perfectly, something metal always poking her in the side.
" * Not like with Gene.*" she thought.
Then she mentally kicked hgerself for thinking such a thing.
" Harry?" She asked.
" Mmm?" He said.
" Is Melfina prettier than I am?" She asked.
" What makes you ask that?" He asked looking at her.
" Everybody wants her." She said.
" I don't. I want you." He said.
She closed her eyes when he kissed her forehead.
" I'm going to go find a bounty or something. You rest until your show." He said.
Aisha watched him leave. She was left alone. She knew he was lying. He was going to kill Gene. Aisha really wanted to warn him. She hated the stupid redhead, but she didn't want him dead. She couldn't just betray Harry like that though. Her heart torn in half between two men.
Growling as her heart decided for her, Aisha got up and got one of her longest cloaks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gene was walking down the street. He could have been at a bar somewhere. He could be in bed, preferably not alone. But all he could think of was Aisha. He could go find any girl he wanted. But he was thinking of her. He couldn't stand it.
" I guess I really do love that girl." He said.
He actually laughed a little. After all the things he'd said to her. The threats he'd given her. The last thing he did to her. That look on her face when she saw him kiss Melfina. She looked like she'd shatter into a million pieces before them.
Now he lost her to Harry MacDogull. The construct after Melfina. Now he was trying to take Aisha. He decided a long time ago, he was gonna get her back.
" One way, or another, I'm gonna find her." He thought to himself.
As he was walking back, he met up with Suzuka.
" What's up?" He asked.
" Nothing. I'm going to the courthouse and getting a bounty." He said.
" We got a warning from some person saying if you went into the old courthouse tonight, you would die." She said.
" Who said that?" He asked.
" I don't know." She said.
She looked up at the sky.
" You know, when stars are born, they're small, dim, not very noticeable. But when they get older, they get brighter, more noticeable and desired. You should think about that Gene." She said.
" Yeah, whatever." He said.
~~~~~~~
Aisha sat on her bed. She was at her own place. Her cloak was on her chair. She looked out the window. The lights of the city danced. She could hear the slot machines in the casinos. Some cars on the road below. The soft pat of raindrops on the window. The knocking at her door.
" Huh? Who could that be?" She asked.
She went to open the door. A redheaded surprise was there to meet her.
" Gene?" She said.
" Hi Aisha. Can I come in?" He asked shyly.
She moved aside and let him in. He smiled and sat down on her couch.
" What are you doing here?" She asked.
" Came to thank you." He said.
" Thank me? For what?" She asked.
" You saved my life." He said.
" I did?" She asked.
He walked over and picked up her cloak.
" Yes, you did. If had gone into the old courthouse, I wouldn't be here now." He said.
" How did you know it was me?" She asked closing the door and walking over to where he was.
" A black bird wearing a kimono told me." He said.
Aisha sat down in a chair across from him.
" So what does this mean about us?" He asked.
" There is no us." She snapped.
" Then why did you save me?" He asked smiling.
" I…" She trailed.
Gene shook his head still smiling. He stood up and went over to Aisha. He pulled her up from the chair so she was against him. She made little effort to fight him off, even though his arm around her waist was loose enough so if she did want to get away she could.
" I…I did it because I guess I still feel something for you." She whispered.
" You said you hated me." He said.
" Not in so many words. But I do, I did. I...I don't know!!" She said crying on his chest.
He put his other hand on the small of her back and ran it up and down as she released the tears she had held for so long.
" I can't still love you! You hurt me so bad! You don't even like me! You love Melfina!" She said.
" You're right, I did hurt you. I'm sorry. I don't think I'll ever say that enough. But I don't love Melfina. At least not how you're thinking. I got scared. I was beginning to really like you and I guess I couldn't handle it. I didn't know what to do with my feelings for you and the feelings I thought I had for Melfina. It was the first time I was given responsibility of someone with her and someone's heart with yours. Maybe I am a low down dirty tramp, but I still care about you." He said.
" And why should I believe anything you say? How do I know you're not lying now because Melfina will not have anything to do with you?" She asked somewhat viciously.
" You're right, she won't have anything to do with me, but that isn't why I said that. I don't blame you for hating me, hell, I'm beginning to hate me. But I'll do anything you want me to to prove myself." He said.
Aisha thought for a minute.
" Take me out, for real dinner and dancing." She said.
" Done." He said quickly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
" I can't believe it didn't work!"
Harry was livid. His plan had fallen apart and him and his brother were almost arrested. Their friends were in jail and Gene Starwind was still alive. He hated him even more. He knew he had something to do with it.
" How could he know?! Someone told him! I bet one of those rat's in jail did it!" He said.
Whoever it was, it wouldn't happen again. It was time to raise the stakes. His face turned from angry to malicious.
" I got an idea how to get to him. He won't duck out this time." Harry said.
" How can you be so sure?" Ron asked.
" I'm going to make him an offer, he can't refuse." He said in a bad Italian accent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aisha couldn't believe what she had gotten herself into. She was enjoying spending time with Gene. She was supposed to hate him and be bitter forever. She was supposed to be done with him.
But his endearing face and boyish smile made her think different. He was genuinely trying this time. He was serious. She wanted to believe him. She wanted it to be like it was in those days she had with him. But she refused to be hurt by him again.
It was all she thought about on their walk home. She had to consider he went all out. He took her to an expensive restaurant and let her have anything she wanted. He danced with her as long as she wanted.
They stopped as the neared a bridge. They were holding hands and looked like a beautiful couple. Aisha could hardly keep a smile off her face. Gene made her laugh, he made her smile, he made her feel special. She wondered if he really did love her.
Then again she felt the pain of hurt and stung of betrayal. She tried to see through him, but there was no ulterior motive he seemed to have. He just seemed content to have time with her. She could only wondered and hope he wouldn't hurt her and make her run away. To space and Harry.
" * Oh no.*" She thought to herself.
Harry.
She forgot about Harry.
She still loved him right? She was still in love with him, right? She wasn't falling for Gene again was she? She couldn't be falling for his charms and good looks again right?
She hated to think she would hurt Harry like that. He cared about her a lot. Sure he yelled some times and once he raised his hand to her. But after a quick knee to the groin it never happened again.
He had a bad temper. So did she. But he had good qualities. Sure he was possessive at times. In one argument he told her he'd kill her if she left him. She'd dared him too and slapped him hard across the face, but that was just once.
Gene must have sensed her grief and put his arm around her.
" What's wrong?" He asked.
" I can't do this. I want to spend time with you…" She trailed.
" But?" He pressed.
" I can't hurt Harry like this." She said.
He groaned loudly.
" I'm sorry!" She said.
" He doesn't love you Aisha!" He said.
" What?! How dare you say that!" She said.
" Well, it's true! Notice how he didn't take interest in you until you were vulnerable? How much he hates me? The guys unstable!" He said.
" Stop it Gene! You're being jealous and I won't stand by and let you talk about him like that!" She said.
She turned to walk away.
" You walk away from me and you'll regret it!" He said after her.
" Don't you threaten me Gene Starwind!" She yelled.
" I'm not threatening you! I'm threatening myself!" He said.
" What?!" She said turning.
Gene was standing on the rail of the bridge. He was a good 100ft. from the ground. The fall would kill him.
" What are you supposed to be doing?!! Get down from there before you fall!!" She said.
" That's the general idea! I'm not coming down until you admit you love me." He said.
" What?!" She cried.
" You heard me. I'll lose my balance or my legs will get tired if you take too long." He said.
" You're impossible! I can't believe you're pulling a stunt like this!!" She said.
" Yeah, yeah." He said.
Aisha was between anger and shock and fear. He was actually doing this.
" You're crazy!" She shouted.
" Only for you babe." He said.
She growled in frustration and anger.
" You're not serious!!" She said.
" My life is in your hands." He said.
Aisha couldn't believe this.
" I'm waiting." Gene said.
" Ouuuuu!!! Go ahead and jump!!" She yelled.
Gene looked surprised for a minute, and then had this stubborn look on his face.
" Hmp. Fine then. I hope you enjoy your life with psycho pretty boy." He said turning around.
Aisha continued to think he was bluffing. Until he actually stepped off. She gasped and screamed for him.
" GENE!!!!!"
She jumped over the side and grabbed his wrist. Gene looked up at her relieved.
" Whoo! Thanks Aisha. I didn't think you were going to save me for a minute." He said.
After she pulled him back up, she started to cry.
" I'm sorry Aisha, I just couldn't take it anymore. You knew you loved me, I knew you loved me. I just had to get you to say it." He said.
Aisha whipped around with anger flashing in her eyes.
" GENE STARWIND DON'T YOU DARE EVER PULL A STUNT LIKE THAT AGAIN OR I WILL KILL YOU MYSELF YOU HEAR ME?!!!!!!" She yelled.
Gene smiled sheepishly.
" Gomen nasai." He said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That's how Aisha had ended up back in her bedroom with Gene lying next to her asleep. He was so handsome when he slept. She ran her hand across the two scars on his face. He pulled her body closer to his. The feeling of his skin against hers made her high. She missed it. She had to admit it.
She loved Gene.
" I love you Gene Starwind." She whispered.
" I love you too." He said back, even though he was half asleep.
She settled back against his body to go back to sleep. But she heard a car outside. She shot up like a dart.
" Gene? You have to go. Harry's here." She said.
He whined and reluctantly got up and got dressed. Aisha stood in her white sheet while he sat in the windowsill. He was about to leave.
" I'll be back later." He said.
" Gene-"
" I'm not leaving you here." He said.
Aisha sighed.
" Fine. Just give me a chance to straighten this out with Harry." She said.
" Deal. See ya." He said.
After a quick kiss, he was gone. Aisha watched the redheaded outlaw run down the street. He turned and waved, then disappeared into the alleys.
" Hey Aisha-chan!!"
Aisha groaned inwardly. She knew she was in trouble.
" Oy. Gene just left. Harry just got here. I'm in love with two men. A fine cargo hold of fish." She said holding her head.
Harry and Ron looked up when she came in.
" Good morning Aisha. So nice to see you again." Ron said.
" Mornin' Ron. Hey Harry." She said.
" Hey babe." He said pulling her down for a kiss.
She walked on to the kitchen and got herself some milk. She could over-hear their conversation.
" So we lure him to the old courthouse and we take him out."
" How many?"
" Nothing we can't handle."
" Who gets him?"
" I do."
That was Harry.
" I'll take care of him. He's mine. No one else touches him." He said.
Aisha was used to them handling business in her presence. They didn't bother her. She didn't talk to any of the other guys. She just went back to her and Harry's room until she had to get up.
She set the glass of milk on the night stand and laid down. She thought back over the night before. She had seen Gene again for the first time in a long time. He had hurt her so many times, this last time had been the last she'd stand for. She remembered he said he loved her. Maybe that would'of worked on Melfina, she thought. But she was not so naive.
" *Sweet, delusional, Melfina. Everyone wants her. Even Harry wanted her. Let'em have her.*" She thought.
She could see that Gene obviously didn't care enough about her to not project his feelings. He hurt her to spare himself. She remembered every word he said. All their kisses and that night they spent together.
She could feel tears welling up in her eyes. She put her face in the pillow. She had convinced herself she was over him. She didn't love him.
" * But if I am over him, why am I still crying?*" She thought to herself.
She sniffed a little and tried to compose herself. But it was too hard. As she silently cried on her pillow, the conversation in the living room was ending.
" Be there early and come armed."
" And remember, Gene Starwind is mine to kill."
Aisha gasped. They were going to kill Gene!
" * Wait a minute! Why do I care?! Let them blow what little brains he has left out!*" She thought.
Aisha listened until the door was shut.
" Aisha? Yo babe! You alright?!" He asked.
She cleared her throat and dried her tears.
" I'm fine Harry." She said.
He came in and jumped in the bed next to her. She instinctively melted her body into his. She couldn't fit perfectly, something metal always poking her in the side.
" * Not like with Gene.*" she thought.
Then she mentally kicked hgerself for thinking such a thing.
" Harry?" She asked.
" Mmm?" He said.
" Is Melfina prettier than I am?" She asked.
" What makes you ask that?" He asked looking at her.
" Everybody wants her." She said.
" I don't. I want you." He said.
She closed her eyes when he kissed her forehead.
" I'm going to go find a bounty or something. You rest until your show." He said.
Aisha watched him leave. She was left alone. She knew he was lying. He was going to kill Gene. Aisha really wanted to warn him. She hated the stupid redhead, but she didn't want him dead. She couldn't just betray Harry like that though. Her heart torn in half between two men.
Growling as her heart decided for her, Aisha got up and got one of her longest cloaks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gene was walking down the street. He could have been at a bar somewhere. He could be in bed, preferably not alone. But all he could think of was Aisha. He could go find any girl he wanted. But he was thinking of her. He couldn't stand it.
" I guess I really do love that girl." He said.
He actually laughed a little. After all the things he'd said to her. The threats he'd given her. The last thing he did to her. That look on her face when she saw him kiss Melfina. She looked like she'd shatter into a million pieces before them.
Now he lost her to Harry MacDogull. The construct after Melfina. Now he was trying to take Aisha. He decided a long time ago, he was gonna get her back.
" One way, or another, I'm gonna find her." He thought to himself.
As he was walking back, he met up with Suzuka.
" What's up?" He asked.
" Nothing. I'm going to the courthouse and getting a bounty." He said.
" We got a warning from some person saying if you went into the old courthouse tonight, you would die." She said.
" Who said that?" He asked.
" I don't know." She said.
She looked up at the sky.
" You know, when stars are born, they're small, dim, not very noticeable. But when they get older, they get brighter, more noticeable and desired. You should think about that Gene." She said.
" Yeah, whatever." He said.
~~~~~~~
Aisha sat on her bed. She was at her own place. Her cloak was on her chair. She looked out the window. The lights of the city danced. She could hear the slot machines in the casinos. Some cars on the road below. The soft pat of raindrops on the window. The knocking at her door.
" Huh? Who could that be?" She asked.
She went to open the door. A redheaded surprise was there to meet her.
" Gene?" She said.
" Hi Aisha. Can I come in?" He asked shyly.
She moved aside and let him in. He smiled and sat down on her couch.
" What are you doing here?" She asked.
" Came to thank you." He said.
" Thank me? For what?" She asked.
" You saved my life." He said.
" I did?" She asked.
He walked over and picked up her cloak.
" Yes, you did. If had gone into the old courthouse, I wouldn't be here now." He said.
" How did you know it was me?" She asked closing the door and walking over to where he was.
" A black bird wearing a kimono told me." He said.
Aisha sat down in a chair across from him.
" So what does this mean about us?" He asked.
" There is no us." She snapped.
" Then why did you save me?" He asked smiling.
" I…" She trailed.
Gene shook his head still smiling. He stood up and went over to Aisha. He pulled her up from the chair so she was against him. She made little effort to fight him off, even though his arm around her waist was loose enough so if she did want to get away she could.
" I…I did it because I guess I still feel something for you." She whispered.
" You said you hated me." He said.
" Not in so many words. But I do, I did. I...I don't know!!" She said crying on his chest.
He put his other hand on the small of her back and ran it up and down as she released the tears she had held for so long.
" I can't still love you! You hurt me so bad! You don't even like me! You love Melfina!" She said.
" You're right, I did hurt you. I'm sorry. I don't think I'll ever say that enough. But I don't love Melfina. At least not how you're thinking. I got scared. I was beginning to really like you and I guess I couldn't handle it. I didn't know what to do with my feelings for you and the feelings I thought I had for Melfina. It was the first time I was given responsibility of someone with her and someone's heart with yours. Maybe I am a low down dirty tramp, but I still care about you." He said.
" And why should I believe anything you say? How do I know you're not lying now because Melfina will not have anything to do with you?" She asked somewhat viciously.
" You're right, she won't have anything to do with me, but that isn't why I said that. I don't blame you for hating me, hell, I'm beginning to hate me. But I'll do anything you want me to to prove myself." He said.
Aisha thought for a minute.
" Take me out, for real dinner and dancing." She said.
" Done." He said quickly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
" I can't believe it didn't work!"
Harry was livid. His plan had fallen apart and him and his brother were almost arrested. Their friends were in jail and Gene Starwind was still alive. He hated him even more. He knew he had something to do with it.
" How could he know?! Someone told him! I bet one of those rat's in jail did it!" He said.
Whoever it was, it wouldn't happen again. It was time to raise the stakes. His face turned from angry to malicious.
" I got an idea how to get to him. He won't duck out this time." Harry said.
" How can you be so sure?" Ron asked.
" I'm going to make him an offer, he can't refuse." He said in a bad Italian accent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aisha couldn't believe what she had gotten herself into. She was enjoying spending time with Gene. She was supposed to hate him and be bitter forever. She was supposed to be done with him.
But his endearing face and boyish smile made her think different. He was genuinely trying this time. He was serious. She wanted to believe him. She wanted it to be like it was in those days she had with him. But she refused to be hurt by him again.
It was all she thought about on their walk home. She had to consider he went all out. He took her to an expensive restaurant and let her have anything she wanted. He danced with her as long as she wanted.
They stopped as the neared a bridge. They were holding hands and looked like a beautiful couple. Aisha could hardly keep a smile off her face. Gene made her laugh, he made her smile, he made her feel special. She wondered if he really did love her.
Then again she felt the pain of hurt and stung of betrayal. She tried to see through him, but there was no ulterior motive he seemed to have. He just seemed content to have time with her. She could only wondered and hope he wouldn't hurt her and make her run away. To space and Harry.
" * Oh no.*" She thought to herself.
Harry.
She forgot about Harry.
She still loved him right? She was still in love with him, right? She wasn't falling for Gene again was she? She couldn't be falling for his charms and good looks again right?
She hated to think she would hurt Harry like that. He cared about her a lot. Sure he yelled some times and once he raised his hand to her. But after a quick knee to the groin it never happened again.
He had a bad temper. So did she. But he had good qualities. Sure he was possessive at times. In one argument he told her he'd kill her if she left him. She'd dared him too and slapped him hard across the face, but that was just once.
Gene must have sensed her grief and put his arm around her.
" What's wrong?" He asked.
" I can't do this. I want to spend time with you…" She trailed.
" But?" He pressed.
" I can't hurt Harry like this." She said.
He groaned loudly.
" I'm sorry!" She said.
" He doesn't love you Aisha!" He said.
" What?! How dare you say that!" She said.
" Well, it's true! Notice how he didn't take interest in you until you were vulnerable? How much he hates me? The guys unstable!" He said.
" Stop it Gene! You're being jealous and I won't stand by and let you talk about him like that!" She said.
She turned to walk away.
" You walk away from me and you'll regret it!" He said after her.
" Don't you threaten me Gene Starwind!" She yelled.
" I'm not threatening you! I'm threatening myself!" He said.
" What?!" She said turning.
Gene was standing on the rail of the bridge. He was a good 100ft. from the ground. The fall would kill him.
" What are you supposed to be doing?!! Get down from there before you fall!!" She said.
" That's the general idea! I'm not coming down until you admit you love me." He said.
" What?!" She cried.
" You heard me. I'll lose my balance or my legs will get tired if you take too long." He said.
" You're impossible! I can't believe you're pulling a stunt like this!!" She said.
" Yeah, yeah." He said.
Aisha was between anger and shock and fear. He was actually doing this.
" You're crazy!" She shouted.
" Only for you babe." He said.
She growled in frustration and anger.
" You're not serious!!" She said.
" My life is in your hands." He said.
Aisha couldn't believe this.
" I'm waiting." Gene said.
" Ouuuuu!!! Go ahead and jump!!" She yelled.
Gene looked surprised for a minute, and then had this stubborn look on his face.
" Hmp. Fine then. I hope you enjoy your life with psycho pretty boy." He said turning around.
Aisha continued to think he was bluffing. Until he actually stepped off. She gasped and screamed for him.
" GENE!!!!!"
She jumped over the side and grabbed his wrist. Gene looked up at her relieved.
" Whoo! Thanks Aisha. I didn't think you were going to save me for a minute." He said.
After she pulled him back up, she started to cry.
" I'm sorry Aisha, I just couldn't take it anymore. You knew you loved me, I knew you loved me. I just had to get you to say it." He said.
Aisha whipped around with anger flashing in her eyes.
" GENE STARWIND DON'T YOU DARE EVER PULL A STUNT LIKE THAT AGAIN OR I WILL KILL YOU MYSELF YOU HEAR ME?!!!!!!" She yelled.
Gene smiled sheepishly.
" Gomen nasai." He said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That's how Aisha had ended up back in her bedroom with Gene lying next to her asleep. He was so handsome when he slept. She ran her hand across the two scars on his face. He pulled her body closer to his. The feeling of his skin against hers made her high. She missed it. She had to admit it.
She loved Gene.
" I love you Gene Starwind." She whispered.
" I love you too." He said back, even though he was half asleep.
She settled back against his body to go back to sleep. But she heard a car outside. She shot up like a dart.
" Gene? You have to go. Harry's here." She said.
He whined and reluctantly got up and got dressed. Aisha stood in her white sheet while he sat in the windowsill. He was about to leave.
" I'll be back later." He said.
" Gene-"
" I'm not leaving you here." He said.
Aisha sighed.
" Fine. Just give me a chance to straighten this out with Harry." She said.
" Deal. See ya." He said.
After a quick kiss, he was gone. Aisha watched the redheaded outlaw run down the street. He turned and waved, then disappeared into the alleys.
" Hey Aisha-chan!!"
Aisha groaned inwardly. She knew she was in trouble.
" Oy. Gene just left. Harry just got here. I'm in love with two men. A fine cargo hold of fish." She said holding her head.