Author's Note: Hi all! Thanks again for all your comments – I'll zip ahead and answer them directly!
Drina: Hi there! Yes, it does seem a bit strange why Shizuka suddenly "jumped" Rui like that doesn't it? I was hoping that the story was building up to this climax because since the "cruise incident" Shizuka was under the impression that Rui was physically attracted to her and this would have taken place then if Tsukasa didn't interrupt them; Also Shizuka and Rui had a fight rather recently, so I thought that she was probably regretting her "unreasonableness" for hitting Rui and was probably feeling really bad and wishing she could apologise to him. Then in a way, I thought she was probably also touched by what she thought was Rui's feelings for her – the fact that others e.g. Tsukushi were pleading for her to stay for his sake. So when he turned up at her door, she was so moved by all the events, feeling apologetic etc (not mentioning the fact that Rui is meant to be very attractive *er hm*) and so everything exploded. I tried to incorporate a little of this in the story this time round to explain what happened in the previous chapter. Oh dear! I hope that this isn't too contrived and thanks so much for pointing it out to me!!
angel310: Thank you thank you thank you! I realise that you echoed Drina's point about Shizuka as well. Do you think the explanation I provided is reasonable enough? I know it does seem quite abrupt – I should have talked more about how Shizuka felt in her conversations to the rest of the F4 other than Rui to explain it better :) I'm so glad that you found my explanation about Rui's reaction convincing. Along with my storyline, I thought that it would be more that his pride would be hurt by Tsukushi begging Shizuka on his behalf, especially after their argument, because it made him seem "desperate" which (i) he wasn't and (ii) injured his ego. I felt that being so intelligent, he would realise that he was only taking out his anger on Tsukushi and how much she was "sacrificing" for him, so he was extremely frustrated because he was simultaneously angry at her presumptuousness and yet ashamed that he had treated her so badly ;) Will Rui really fall for her this time? I have to admit he's rather touched by her, but he's not in love with her at this moment. Tsukushi? Will, he's still her hero as in the manga ;) Will she and Tsukasa have their time together? They will, but because this story is from Rui's POV so they would not feature in this story directly, just through Rui's comments and thoughts.
Angel72: Hi! It's been a while! I actually thought you were Angel310 – apologies for the confusion! Thanks so much for your kind comments – I'm glad you like the way this story is going. I must say that I may not follow the HYD plot towards the end although I will be following the actions of the characters rather strictly for bulk of it. I say actions because I guess you can tell straight away that I'm changing the storyline a little by providing certain "behind the scenes information".
Lian: Hi hi! Sorry I haven't watched MG2 so I'm not too sure what was written in the sequel. Thanks, I'm glad you like Rui's character in my story! Between, I've read your story and left my comments :)
Piglet: Thanks for your kind comments! I'm really glad that you feel it "fits" with the original MG plot. Have to admit that there were times when I had to struggle a little and certain things are pretty contrived ;) Hopefully you'll like the new twist in the plot!
Kousagi-chan: Thanks so much for your enthusiasm! I hope this chapter is coming up quickly enough for you :)
kensingtonkid: Hi hi! Is this fast enough? Thanks so much for your lovely review! Actually, I hated that scene as well – I felt that Rui was extremely mean to Tsukushi and so I thought I'd soften it a little here. Unfortunately, that is quite an important scene in the manga ne? Shizuka and Rui? Poor Rui, this evil writer will never let him enjoy his peace and happiness for long … … ;)
*Yan*: Hi! Wondering about what is happening next? I'm glad you find the last chapter thought provoking ;)
Toinks: Hello! Actually, you could be right! I'm not too sure if the last chapter was shorter because lengthwise it was normal – however, I realise that there was quite a bit of conversation in that chapter which could have affected the spacing ;)! No no, you're not demanding at all! I'm only too glad that you're not sick of reading and thinking, "geez man, when is Sheen ever gonna end this boring ole chapter?"! Your comment made me realise something – Tsukushi is never really her violent and very noisy self when she is with Rui, is she? That happens when she's quarrelling with Tsukasa but somehow she quietens down when she's around Rui. Hmm … … I really need to think more about that and see if it will have any potential impact on my plot. Thanks so much for pointing it out!
Blackcat: Thanks so much for your wonderful support! Motivates me to write more each time! Hey I'm really glad you liked that part when Rui was having his "lapse" coz I really liked writing that too! (Is it strange for me to confess that I really enjoyed certain parts?) So more of Shizuka and Rui coming up! I hope you're ready for the next serving ;)
Rui: I do not have mental lapses. What did you mean by writing that in the last chapter?
Sheen: Urm … … *slowly* okay … … Well, but don't you give in to Shizuka sometimes?
Rui: That is none of your business.
Sheen: Would you say that Shizuka is always correct when you agree with her?
Rui: *keeps quiet and glares*
Sheen: Yay! Point for me finally!
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Chapter 20 – A New Twist
The soft beeping of my watch woke me from my sleep. Stretching, I rubbed my eyes blearily as they tried to focus on the hands of my watch – it was almost 3pm. A small right light was blinking insistently. Suddenly wide awake, I jumped out of bed and ran out of the apartment into the corridor, making sure that the door was not locked behind me – I did not want to be spend the next hour out in the cold waiting for Shizuka. With a swift look around, I ascertained that I was alone in the garden before pressing the message button. I swiftly decoded the message from the agent, scanning through his instructions regarding the time and venue for our meeting. I quickly sent back a reply in affirmative before returning to the apartment. All these extra precautions seemed a bit superfluous but well it was part of the drill … …
The atmosphere at dinner felt a little strained, at least to me. Although the past misunderstandings and sexual tension between us had been eliminated by our activities in the afternoon, I could not help but feel a little uneasy and uncertain about their potential impact on our relationship. However, I knew it had been inevitable and told myself firmly that there would be no regrets. I just hoped that Shizuka felt the same way and was not regretting her impulsiveness. I was relieved that she, at least, was behaving normally.
"What are your plans in France, Rui?" The candlelight danced on Shizuka's face, enveloping her in an aura of mystery.
"Merci," I said to the waiter who was pouring wine into the crystal glasses. "I haven't thought about any yet."
"I will be attending university at least four days out of the week." She informed me.
"Ok."
"You'll be alone."
"I have my violin."
"You could enroll in one of the music courses."
"We'll see." She dropped the subject knowing that I would do whatever I wanted, and that she had played her part by telling me of the available options. The conversation turned to more pleasant areas. After a while, I had to admit that I was enjoying myself. The food was fantastic and I was in the company of a lovely, intelligent woman who I was starting to fall for, what more could I ask? We strolled home hand-in-hand, enjoying the fresh air in companionable silence. Shizuka threw some money to a street performer who quickly serenaded her qualities with his banjo. He had a good voice and it created a rather romantic atmosphere, but I could not resist shooting Shizuka a glance that communicated eloquently my opinion of his mediocre musical abilities. I saw her mouth twitch although she managed to retain her composure.
"Fine, it's your turn now Mr I'm-so-Much-Better-than-Anyone-Else!" She teased mockingly the moment we were in the apartment. "Time to demonstrate your superior talents!" With a slight smile, I retrieved my violin from my room. I touched my instrument lovingly and closing my eyes, began to play. The high notes rang out clearly and sweetly, one following another swiftly as I poured out my soul. Whenever I touched my violin, it became part of me - my voice. The beautiful sounds rose and fell as they conveyed my emotions, speaking of the confusion of the past weeks, my acceptance of what fate had thrown to me, the happiness of my "reunion" with Shizuka, and my hopes and dreams. Finally, the violin fell silent, its speech completed.
"Rui," Shizuka finally spoke. "That was beautiful … …" My eyes met hers.
"That was for you."
I could see her eyes widen for a moment, then she tiptoed and kissed me on the forehead, "thank you, Rui." I gave her an enigmatic smile. We sat in companionable silence as she read what appeared to be some law textbook whilst I watched the television. After a while, I started to fell drowsy – still worn out from my long trip. I stood up and stretched.
"I think I'll turn in. Good night, Shizuka." I thought I detected a faint sigh when I shut the door leading to my bedroom, but it could be my ears playing tricks on me. Too exhausted to work out the intricacies of my relationship with Shizuka, I collapsed on the warm, soft bed and was instantly fast asleep.
"Merci," I told the cab driver as I paid him. Stepped out onto the pavement, the large pristine white sign hanging above the entrance to the imposing building caught my eye. It translated into something like "Hospital of Mercy". Although I had not expected that organization to have an office situated in a hospital (or beneath a hospital to be strictly accurate), I was not really surprised at the extent of their influence. Hell, espionage and spying have always been most critical to the continual survival and success of most, if not, all countries. I walked briskly into the building, mentally recalling all the instructions I had been given and acted accordingly. After walking through a maze of corridors, changing several different elevators and even passing through a kitchen, I found myself in the basement facing a dead end. I felt for the hidden panel and pulled the iron handle that was revealed when the panel slid back. There was a slight rumbling sound and the wall sunk into the floor, revealing an elevator shaft. I walked into the lift and it moved down into the bowels of the earth. When the doors opened, I was facing a second set of doors with the usual security system. I submitted myself to the usual retina and hand scans and keyed in my code. The metal doors opened to allow me entry.
Déjà vu! I thought as I found myself in a familiar corridor. This reminded me so much of my first meeting with Prof Jacob Schwartz. Perhaps all their "labouratories" had the same design because they are meant to provide the maximum security, nothing but the best for the government. Then I heard footsteps and turned to see a familiar face and a deep voice said in French, "you must be Stein."
"Prof!" I gasped.
Familiar light blue eyes looked at me with slight amusement and a little sarcasm, "another of Jacob's prodigies!"
My eyes narrowed, "how are you related to Prof Schwartz?" On closer observation, I saw that this man was slightly shorted and bulkier than my tall, thin mentor. In addition, although he resembled Prof, his features were sharper.
"Hmm … … they really did send me a bright one," my eyebrows drew together in a slight frown at his condescending comments. "You are looking at him. I'm Prof Schwartz as well, Prof Jean Schwartz. Jacob is my cousin. Genius, as you know, runs in the family. They call me Professeur." He ended with a mocking bow. I returned the favour.
"How's my cousin by the way?" He said as he led me into a lab. My eyes quickly assessed the equipment and noted that I was familiar with most of them.
"Haven't seen him for a few years."
"Ah, and you his pet student?" He raised an eyebrow sardonically. "My what a grateful boy you must be." He was starting to get on my nerves but I kept a tight reign on my emotions. This was only a job and I had to remain professional.
"So what did you need help with, Professeur?"
"Take a seat," he said suddenly serious. I obeyed instantly and he started briefing me. When he finished, I looked at the massive document that he had laid out on the table.
"Please remind me of the deadline again?" I cursed J fluently in several languages in my head when he repeated the timeline I thought I had heard. "Are we expected to sleep or eat at all?" I asked dryly. His lips twitched before he threw his head back and laughed.
"That's the spirit! I like your attitude, boy. Thank goodness, I thought they had sent me a nambly pambly boy still wet behind the ears."
"You know I can't stay here."
"Naturally, there is the question of your cover."
"So?" I looked at him questioningly.
"You could work on bits at your place. I can scan you sections at a time but not the entire document." I nodded my head. It was obvious that was for security reasons.
"How do I contact you?" That set him off on another long explanation on the different channels of communication that we could use. I nodded at the end of his speech, having committed every word to memory.
"Okay, I'll start now," I sat myself down at one of the computer terminals and started looking through one small section of the document. I worked with my usual efficiency, stopping only when the small lines of text started to blur and waver beneath my eyes. Shaking my head, I stood up and stretched. My motion caught Professeur's eye.
"Done?" He asked. I silently handed over the printout of the parts that I had decoded. His eyes scanned the document and then lifted to mine. I saw surprise and reluctant approval in them, "J's right. You're good."
"Thanks," I said flatly having grown rather immune to praise although I was glad to have obtained his approval. It would be easier to establish a good working relationship which we would need since we were going to be working closely together. At five, I left the place with a new chip installed in my watch knowing that it was going to be a long night.
Soon, my new life fell into a regular pattern. Although nothing was made official about our status, I naturally saw Shizuka as my girlfriend. Shizuka would leave for university in the morning and I would either work at home on my laptop, decoding furiously, or leave for one of the safe places that Professeur had informed me about. Whenever I had completed my work, I would either personally deliver the "goods" or use one of the communication channels. At night, we would either eat out, buy take-away or take turns cooking – yes Shizuka could actually cook and I realized that I had a lot to learn when she insisted that I take my turn in the kitchen. After a few mishaps, I actually mastered the basics of preparing a simple meal. We would spend the rest of the night watching television or playing our musical instruments. During Shizuka's "off" days, we would go off together visiting some places of interest or simply having fun and relaxing. All-in-all we had an enjoyable time except that I had to find time to make up for these little escapades – the main reason behind the darkening circles under my eyes. Of course the other reason was the occasional romp in bed that Shizuka and I enjoyed. She always came to me in my room and would leave just as silently afterwards, never staying the night.
"Stay," I once whispered to her when I held her in my arms.
She refused, "I'm a very light sleeper, I can't sleep with someone sharing my bed." Although her explanation was extremely logical, I had to admit that her rejection hurt. Strangely enough after she left me alone again, I suddenly found myself thinking that Tsukushi would have never have said no to such a request – the silly girl would probably prefer to stay awake the entire night rather than to hurt someone she cared about. Then I shook my head hurriedly to get rid of the disloyal thought. It was absolutely ridiculous to even imagine Tsukushi being in bed with any male at all! What on earth could I be thinking of?
To keep up pretenses, I had been taking some music lessons from a famous violinist. I had to admit that my technique improved under his guidance and that he took great pains with me because of my so-called "talent". One day just as I started playing, a messenger interrupted our session and informed him that there was an emergency at home and he was needed immediately. I decided to go home early and take my turn at preparing dinner. However, the weather was simply lovely and I felt a sudden urge to visit the rooftop with my violin. Obeying my whim, I climbed the twenty-odd flight of stairs instead of taking the lift. Finally, I thought as I opened the door and breathed in the fresh cold air.
"… … safe up here?" I heard a male voice ask in fluent French.
"Yes, we're alone and we can see anyone coming up, just keep an eye on the lift." To my greatest surprise I heard Shizuka's voice replying the guy. Wasn't she meant to be having lessons at the university? What was she doing up here?
"And your friend?" There was a mocking tone in the deep voice that made my hackles rise.
"Safe, he's having music lessons." My heart started pounding very fast. It was obvious that Shizuka was talking about me. What secret was she keeping from me? Was she having another lover behind my back? Did I walk into their secret rendezvous? Although I knew they were standing on the other side of the rooftop facing the lift doors and could not see me, I slowly drew the door shut leaving just a small gap. I pressed my ear against the slit, shamelessly eavesdropping for the first time in my life.
"Does he suspect?"
"Not at all."
"So he's really taking a break from the agency?" My heartbeat tripled as a sense of foreboding filled me. I hoped against hope that the terrible suspicions that were crossing my mind at the moment were unfounded.
"As far as I can see."
There was a deep chuckle, "I have to hand it over to you. You've got all the guys whipped – even the most intelligent ones." My heart sank as she said nothing to deny his statement. "So do you think he'll crossover?"
"I'm not sure. We have never discussed about where his loyalties lie. I have a feeling that he joined the agency because he was bored and it provided him with a challenge … …"
"We can definitely provide him with such a challenge too, my fair Shizuka. Try your best to convert him. We want him on our side and not the opposition."
"There's nothing much I can do at the moment, it will arouse his suspicions."
"Definitely, just keep up the good work. He's still falling hard for you isn't he? He isn't suspecting anything right?"