Chapters come and chapters go, but not so ownership of characters. Not now,
not ever...they don't belong to me. Neither does the song.that one belongs
to Michelle Branch.
A.N.: In case you're wondering, I'll tell you now that Lita has a fake I.D. Just so there's no confusion about how she got into the club, got the liquor, etc. Also, she'll also be called Belle in here as well, meaning Lita and Belle are technically the same person.you'll see.
Somebody send me a mallet so I can whack myself.I'm starting a 3rd story (to be posted later).and I'm already behind on the other one. sweatdrops This can't be healthy.oh well.I never was a health nut. ^_^
Enjoy!
The ride to Outer Space had been silent, and now that they were at the club, they still weren't doing much talking. Once inside the club, they made their way to a table big enough for the 6 of them. They seated themselves, all except Lita. "Since you're going to busy, I'll just go elsewhere." She turned and vanished from sight.
"What's eating her?" Duo asked.
Heero shrugged. "Doesn't matter anyway. We have work to do."
"Work, work.I came to party," Duo said grinning as he left to go find a dance partner.
Wufei scowled. "Maxwell is irresponsible. If we all die, I'm blaming him."
"We aren't going to die," Heero said bluntly. "None of us.."
Quatre, sensing the tension building among the remaining members at the table, quickly spoke up. "Trowa and I will go see if we can't find out anything Heero. I'm sure we can find some people willing to talk who'll let a few things slip."
Heero nodded his approval.
Quatre stood and led Trowa off into the crowd. That left just Wufei and Heero at the table.
"What now Yuy?"
"I'll stay here. You keep on eye on Duo. You know how wasted he can get when we come here.and I don't want him doing the talking. You know what to look for."
Wufei nodded and he too stood, heading up a flight of stairs that led to an overlooking balcony-like area that went all the way around the club. Finding a good viewing area, he leaned against the railing and looked down into the crowd. From here he could see the whole dance floor and most of the rest of the club. It was the perfect observation spot.
Meanwhile, Lita was now sitting at the bar, after a quick trip to the ladies room, consuming her third shot of tequila. Thinks he can tell me what to do.she frowned into her empty shot glass. I'll show him...I'll be the best spy they've ever had. Grinning to herself, she quickly downed another two shots.
From his vantage point, Wufei noticed her rapid intake of alcohol. Usually by now Duo had already hit the bar, but tonight he hadn't been near it once so far. Frowning, Wufei looked around for a way to get Heero's attention. He finally spied a flier lying on the ground. Spotting a pay-phone on the wall in the corner, he used the attached pen to scribble a message on the back of the flier. He folded it up into a good old paper airplane; and with the aim only a gundam pilot could have, he threw it down from the balcony in such a way that it crashed right into Heero's head.
Heero grabbed the plane as it fell toward the table, looking in the direction from which it had come. He unfolded the plane, recognizing the handwriting inside. Heero quickly scanned the message and shot a quick glance over to Lita, frowning. He didn't like its contents at all. "Be advised.the onna is one shot short of a sieve.guessing 5, 6." he read under his breath. "What is she doing?"
Back at the bar, Lita had decided to stop at five for the time being. If she was going to be weaseling information out of people she needed to have her head somewhat clear. Idly tracing the rim of the glass with a silver polished nail, she failed to notice the young man sit down beside her.
His appearance though, didn't go undetected by one Heero Yuy.
"Excuse me miss, but I couldn't help noticing you all alone over here."
Lita turned to the origin of the voice and found a young man, about 20 or so sitting on the stool next to her. He had hair so blonde it was almost white and ocean blue eyes. He appeared to be the well built, sun lover.attested too by his tanned skin. Raising an eyebrow after her initial scan, she looked back to the bottom of her glass.
He leaned over a little closer to her. "Say.you know a pretty girl like you shouldn't be alone in a place like this."
I think I'm going to be sick, she thought, listening to his cheesy pick up lines. But this is my chance to prove myself. "You think you can cure my problem stranger?" she said, smirking slightly.
"I'd like to try if you give me a chance."
"The job's yours then. My name's.Belle Greely." Now that was a stupid name, Lita thought to herself. But I couldn't give him my real one..
"It suits you quite well Miss Greely, or may I call you Belle?"
"You can call me whatever you want," Lita said giggling.
"My name's Zach Ryan. Pleasure to meet you."
"Guess we aren't strangers anymore.."
Zach smiled. "Guess not."
During this whole exchange, Heero had found himself seeing green. He didn't really want to admit to himself that he was jealous, but in fact he was. Deciding that whatever she was doing needed to end now, he stood up and made his way over to the bar. He stopped right behind Lita, tapping her on the shoulder. "Excuse me, but what the hell are you doing?"
"I'm having a private conversation," she said, turning around.
Heero was momentarily startled. The eyes that looked back at him weren't green.they were violet. The roses that should have been there weren't and neither was the rose around her neck. Instead, there was a pair of silver hoop earrings and a thin silver chain with a silver moon shaped charm hanging from it.
"Lita.?"
She frowned. "I'm sorry. You must have me confused with someone else. My name is Belle."
He stared for a minute, puzzled. Then it dawned on him.she was playing out her spy game after all. "Pardon me," Heero said icily, but not before he glared at her. Leaving the two to themselves, he headed toward the flight of stairs to talk to Wufei.
"I'm sorry about the interruption," Belle said.
"No problem," Zach said, smiling. "And to show the proof of my words, let me buy you a drink."
Oh god, Lita said to herself. Not more.I only had the five shots to fit in.you don't sit at a bar and not drink. "Oh that'd be nice," she forced herself to say; and before she could bat an eyelash, there was a bottle of tequila set down in front of her.
"My treat so drink up," Zach said, raising his glass full of beer.
I really am going to be sick, Lita thought to herself. Forcing another smile, she poured and downed her sixth shot.
The next couple of hours passed slowly amidst small talk and alcohol. Zach kept downing the beer and Lita, no longer wanting or willing to drink, was stealthily pouring the tequila out on the floor. She hoped that now he'd had a few rounds he'd loosen up and talk.but things didn't quite end going that way.
"You look like the soldier type," Lita finally said, after the slow hours had passed. "I mean, with looks like that you must be a real killer in a uniform." She was gradually steering the conversation in the direction she wanted it.
Zach laughed a little too loudly, being now a bit impaired. "Yeah.I am a soldier in fact. I'd tell you were I'm stationed, but.it's top secret."
"Oh I wouldn't want you giving away military secrets now."
"I wouldn't mind giving anything to you.but you understand being in public and all. But I could show you." Smirking, he stood up. "How about a tour my beautiful Belle?"
"Now?" Lita did not like where this was going at all. Seeing the base would be great, but somehow she suspected the base wouldn't be the tour she'd be getting.
"Why not? Nothing going on here."
"Some other time maybe.I have to be at work early in the morning."
"Just a few minutes.?" he pleaded, stepping closer and brushing his fingers down the back of her neck.
"No.not just a few minutes. And if you don't take your hands off me I'll make sure you regret it."
"Oh.a sassy one aren't you Belle?"
"I'll damn well be whatever I want."
He laughed. "Jesus Belle, you swear like a soldier. You been with one before?"
"Just what are you implying you bastard?"
"Oh don't be shy sweetheart.a girl like you must have been with a hundred guys."
"Well for your information I haven't been with a soldier. I am one." With that, she took her right arm and buried her elbow in his stomach, causing him to topple over and bring a few stools down on top of him.
Still sitting on her stool, Lita was startled to feel a hand on her elbow. She tried to turn around but the hand tightened. "You and me outside. Now," the voice hissed quietly.
Not daring to defy the authority in the voice, Lita stood and the hand clutching her elbow steered her out of the club into an alley next door. Oh dear god Lita said to herself. I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die..
Abruptly, her guide came to a halt and the hand was removed, only to reappear on her shoulder. The firm grip the hand allowed its owner to turn Lita around. "You idiot."
She blinked. "Heero.I.I was only trying to help."
"Do you have any idea what could have happened to you tonight?"
"I do now."
He sighed in frustration. "You planned this all along didn't you?"
"Well yeah. A person can only sleep so much, and well.you said you guys go to find out information so I decided to do investigating of my own. I knew I couldn't take a whole change of clothes, but I figured a few minor changes would protect me enough. So I went out and bought a pair of colored contacts and some cheap jewelry and made the changes in the bathroom after we got here."
"Get rid of it now."
"Yes sir." Heero's tone didn't invite argument, so Lita hurriedly popped out the contacts and put them away, switching her jewelry back to normal.
"How did you smuggle that junk in here?"
"Kept the necklace tucked in my hand, the earrings were stuffed up the back of my top and the contact case was stuffed in the waistband of my skirt.on the backside."
He shook his head. "You put yourself in a very dangerous position tonight. You aren't trained for this kind of work."
"Well.damn it Heero! I know that I'm not 'one of you', but I live in that house too. I have a right to know what's going on, but I don't know one god damn thing! You're keeping me in the dark. I did this as much for you as I did for me. If I could get something of use for you, maybe you'd respect me and then I'd have even an inkling about what was going on. Instead, all I got was a jackass looking to put the moves on me."
Heero said nothing at this outburst, just stared for a minute in silence. "He was slime, no denying that. But you can't blame him for wanting to do that."
"WHAT?" she cried. "WHY NOT?"
"Because the same thing happens to me whenever we're together."
Blushing, she looked down to the ground, shuffling her feet in embarrassment. "I don't understand you.so cut and dry soldier most of the time, and then you go do something like this.."
"And your point is?"
"You are the most confusing person I've ever met. Every time I think I've figured you out, you go and do something that just doesn't fit and then I have to piece the picture together all over again."
"Am I such a mystery to you?"
Lita looked back at him for a moment. At that moment, the sky opened up and a light, misty rain began to fall. A stereo seemed to take its cue from the rain, because the sounds of a radio station could be heard quite plainly. Shaking the water from her hair, Lita walked out of the alley, into the light of the streetlamp on the corner.
Heero followed along behind her. "Avoiding the question. Must not have an answer.either that or you don't think I'll like the one you have to give."
She shook her head. "Maybe until a minute ago. But I realized just now that I do know.I know exactly what you are. You're a lot of things to a lot of people.but.." She was interrupted by the sudden blaring of a song from the radio station on the stereo. Recognizing the soft guitar chords at the beginning, she leaned back against the light pole, swaying to the music, and began to sing along, to sing the words she couldn't say.
Turn it inside out so I can see
The part of you that's drifting over me
And when I wake you're never there
But when I sleep you're everywhere
You're everywhere
Just tell me how I got this far
Just tell me why you're here and who you are
'Cause every time I look
you're never there
And every time I sleep
you're always there
She looked down at him, gently resting her hand against his cheek, as the rain splashed off his hair.
'Cause you're everywhere to me
And when I close my eyes it's you I see
You're everything I know
that makes me believe
I'm not alone
I'm not alone
There came a slight pause in voice as a bridge played, and as the singer's voice started again it wasn't Lita who sang the duet this time. The voice belonged to the young man who now had a hand resting on her cheek.
I recognize the way you make me feel
It's hard to think that
you might not be real
I sense it now, the water's getting deep
I try to wash the pain away from me
Away from me
'Cause you're everywhere to me
And when I close my eyes it's you I see
You're everything I know
that makes me believe
I'm not alone
I'm not alone
I am not alone
Whoa, oh, oooh, oh
Lita hadn't expected him to know the words to this song, much less sing. But she duly picked up the words where he left off, letting her hand drop from his face.
And when I touch your hand
Likewise, Heero let his hand drop, instead picking up one of hers and continuing with the next line.and so it continued through the verse, the alternate voices.
It's then I understand
The beauty that's within
It's now that we begin
You always light my way
I hope there never comes a day
No matter where I go
I always feel you so
As the fingers on their joined hands twined together, an inseparable bond, so did their words, coming together to form a union of emotions.
You're everywhere to me
And when I close my eyes it's you I see
You're everything I know
that makes me believe
I'm not alone
'Cause you're everywhere to me
And when I catch my breath
it's you I breathe
You're everything I know
that makes me believe
I'm not alone
You're in everyone I see
So tell me
Do you see me?
Blinking the rainwater from her eyes, she nodded in mute response to the song's question.
Looking down at their hands, he nodded as well. "I see that we are not alone." He looked up at her, and for the first time, he smiled at her through the veil of rain.
A.N.: In case you're wondering, I'll tell you now that Lita has a fake I.D. Just so there's no confusion about how she got into the club, got the liquor, etc. Also, she'll also be called Belle in here as well, meaning Lita and Belle are technically the same person.you'll see.
Somebody send me a mallet so I can whack myself.I'm starting a 3rd story (to be posted later).and I'm already behind on the other one. sweatdrops This can't be healthy.oh well.I never was a health nut. ^_^
Enjoy!
The ride to Outer Space had been silent, and now that they were at the club, they still weren't doing much talking. Once inside the club, they made their way to a table big enough for the 6 of them. They seated themselves, all except Lita. "Since you're going to busy, I'll just go elsewhere." She turned and vanished from sight.
"What's eating her?" Duo asked.
Heero shrugged. "Doesn't matter anyway. We have work to do."
"Work, work.I came to party," Duo said grinning as he left to go find a dance partner.
Wufei scowled. "Maxwell is irresponsible. If we all die, I'm blaming him."
"We aren't going to die," Heero said bluntly. "None of us.."
Quatre, sensing the tension building among the remaining members at the table, quickly spoke up. "Trowa and I will go see if we can't find out anything Heero. I'm sure we can find some people willing to talk who'll let a few things slip."
Heero nodded his approval.
Quatre stood and led Trowa off into the crowd. That left just Wufei and Heero at the table.
"What now Yuy?"
"I'll stay here. You keep on eye on Duo. You know how wasted he can get when we come here.and I don't want him doing the talking. You know what to look for."
Wufei nodded and he too stood, heading up a flight of stairs that led to an overlooking balcony-like area that went all the way around the club. Finding a good viewing area, he leaned against the railing and looked down into the crowd. From here he could see the whole dance floor and most of the rest of the club. It was the perfect observation spot.
Meanwhile, Lita was now sitting at the bar, after a quick trip to the ladies room, consuming her third shot of tequila. Thinks he can tell me what to do.she frowned into her empty shot glass. I'll show him...I'll be the best spy they've ever had. Grinning to herself, she quickly downed another two shots.
From his vantage point, Wufei noticed her rapid intake of alcohol. Usually by now Duo had already hit the bar, but tonight he hadn't been near it once so far. Frowning, Wufei looked around for a way to get Heero's attention. He finally spied a flier lying on the ground. Spotting a pay-phone on the wall in the corner, he used the attached pen to scribble a message on the back of the flier. He folded it up into a good old paper airplane; and with the aim only a gundam pilot could have, he threw it down from the balcony in such a way that it crashed right into Heero's head.
Heero grabbed the plane as it fell toward the table, looking in the direction from which it had come. He unfolded the plane, recognizing the handwriting inside. Heero quickly scanned the message and shot a quick glance over to Lita, frowning. He didn't like its contents at all. "Be advised.the onna is one shot short of a sieve.guessing 5, 6." he read under his breath. "What is she doing?"
Back at the bar, Lita had decided to stop at five for the time being. If she was going to be weaseling information out of people she needed to have her head somewhat clear. Idly tracing the rim of the glass with a silver polished nail, she failed to notice the young man sit down beside her.
His appearance though, didn't go undetected by one Heero Yuy.
"Excuse me miss, but I couldn't help noticing you all alone over here."
Lita turned to the origin of the voice and found a young man, about 20 or so sitting on the stool next to her. He had hair so blonde it was almost white and ocean blue eyes. He appeared to be the well built, sun lover.attested too by his tanned skin. Raising an eyebrow after her initial scan, she looked back to the bottom of her glass.
He leaned over a little closer to her. "Say.you know a pretty girl like you shouldn't be alone in a place like this."
I think I'm going to be sick, she thought, listening to his cheesy pick up lines. But this is my chance to prove myself. "You think you can cure my problem stranger?" she said, smirking slightly.
"I'd like to try if you give me a chance."
"The job's yours then. My name's.Belle Greely." Now that was a stupid name, Lita thought to herself. But I couldn't give him my real one..
"It suits you quite well Miss Greely, or may I call you Belle?"
"You can call me whatever you want," Lita said giggling.
"My name's Zach Ryan. Pleasure to meet you."
"Guess we aren't strangers anymore.."
Zach smiled. "Guess not."
During this whole exchange, Heero had found himself seeing green. He didn't really want to admit to himself that he was jealous, but in fact he was. Deciding that whatever she was doing needed to end now, he stood up and made his way over to the bar. He stopped right behind Lita, tapping her on the shoulder. "Excuse me, but what the hell are you doing?"
"I'm having a private conversation," she said, turning around.
Heero was momentarily startled. The eyes that looked back at him weren't green.they were violet. The roses that should have been there weren't and neither was the rose around her neck. Instead, there was a pair of silver hoop earrings and a thin silver chain with a silver moon shaped charm hanging from it.
"Lita.?"
She frowned. "I'm sorry. You must have me confused with someone else. My name is Belle."
He stared for a minute, puzzled. Then it dawned on him.she was playing out her spy game after all. "Pardon me," Heero said icily, but not before he glared at her. Leaving the two to themselves, he headed toward the flight of stairs to talk to Wufei.
"I'm sorry about the interruption," Belle said.
"No problem," Zach said, smiling. "And to show the proof of my words, let me buy you a drink."
Oh god, Lita said to herself. Not more.I only had the five shots to fit in.you don't sit at a bar and not drink. "Oh that'd be nice," she forced herself to say; and before she could bat an eyelash, there was a bottle of tequila set down in front of her.
"My treat so drink up," Zach said, raising his glass full of beer.
I really am going to be sick, Lita thought to herself. Forcing another smile, she poured and downed her sixth shot.
The next couple of hours passed slowly amidst small talk and alcohol. Zach kept downing the beer and Lita, no longer wanting or willing to drink, was stealthily pouring the tequila out on the floor. She hoped that now he'd had a few rounds he'd loosen up and talk.but things didn't quite end going that way.
"You look like the soldier type," Lita finally said, after the slow hours had passed. "I mean, with looks like that you must be a real killer in a uniform." She was gradually steering the conversation in the direction she wanted it.
Zach laughed a little too loudly, being now a bit impaired. "Yeah.I am a soldier in fact. I'd tell you were I'm stationed, but.it's top secret."
"Oh I wouldn't want you giving away military secrets now."
"I wouldn't mind giving anything to you.but you understand being in public and all. But I could show you." Smirking, he stood up. "How about a tour my beautiful Belle?"
"Now?" Lita did not like where this was going at all. Seeing the base would be great, but somehow she suspected the base wouldn't be the tour she'd be getting.
"Why not? Nothing going on here."
"Some other time maybe.I have to be at work early in the morning."
"Just a few minutes.?" he pleaded, stepping closer and brushing his fingers down the back of her neck.
"No.not just a few minutes. And if you don't take your hands off me I'll make sure you regret it."
"Oh.a sassy one aren't you Belle?"
"I'll damn well be whatever I want."
He laughed. "Jesus Belle, you swear like a soldier. You been with one before?"
"Just what are you implying you bastard?"
"Oh don't be shy sweetheart.a girl like you must have been with a hundred guys."
"Well for your information I haven't been with a soldier. I am one." With that, she took her right arm and buried her elbow in his stomach, causing him to topple over and bring a few stools down on top of him.
Still sitting on her stool, Lita was startled to feel a hand on her elbow. She tried to turn around but the hand tightened. "You and me outside. Now," the voice hissed quietly.
Not daring to defy the authority in the voice, Lita stood and the hand clutching her elbow steered her out of the club into an alley next door. Oh dear god Lita said to herself. I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die..
Abruptly, her guide came to a halt and the hand was removed, only to reappear on her shoulder. The firm grip the hand allowed its owner to turn Lita around. "You idiot."
She blinked. "Heero.I.I was only trying to help."
"Do you have any idea what could have happened to you tonight?"
"I do now."
He sighed in frustration. "You planned this all along didn't you?"
"Well yeah. A person can only sleep so much, and well.you said you guys go to find out information so I decided to do investigating of my own. I knew I couldn't take a whole change of clothes, but I figured a few minor changes would protect me enough. So I went out and bought a pair of colored contacts and some cheap jewelry and made the changes in the bathroom after we got here."
"Get rid of it now."
"Yes sir." Heero's tone didn't invite argument, so Lita hurriedly popped out the contacts and put them away, switching her jewelry back to normal.
"How did you smuggle that junk in here?"
"Kept the necklace tucked in my hand, the earrings were stuffed up the back of my top and the contact case was stuffed in the waistband of my skirt.on the backside."
He shook his head. "You put yourself in a very dangerous position tonight. You aren't trained for this kind of work."
"Well.damn it Heero! I know that I'm not 'one of you', but I live in that house too. I have a right to know what's going on, but I don't know one god damn thing! You're keeping me in the dark. I did this as much for you as I did for me. If I could get something of use for you, maybe you'd respect me and then I'd have even an inkling about what was going on. Instead, all I got was a jackass looking to put the moves on me."
Heero said nothing at this outburst, just stared for a minute in silence. "He was slime, no denying that. But you can't blame him for wanting to do that."
"WHAT?" she cried. "WHY NOT?"
"Because the same thing happens to me whenever we're together."
Blushing, she looked down to the ground, shuffling her feet in embarrassment. "I don't understand you.so cut and dry soldier most of the time, and then you go do something like this.."
"And your point is?"
"You are the most confusing person I've ever met. Every time I think I've figured you out, you go and do something that just doesn't fit and then I have to piece the picture together all over again."
"Am I such a mystery to you?"
Lita looked back at him for a moment. At that moment, the sky opened up and a light, misty rain began to fall. A stereo seemed to take its cue from the rain, because the sounds of a radio station could be heard quite plainly. Shaking the water from her hair, Lita walked out of the alley, into the light of the streetlamp on the corner.
Heero followed along behind her. "Avoiding the question. Must not have an answer.either that or you don't think I'll like the one you have to give."
She shook her head. "Maybe until a minute ago. But I realized just now that I do know.I know exactly what you are. You're a lot of things to a lot of people.but.." She was interrupted by the sudden blaring of a song from the radio station on the stereo. Recognizing the soft guitar chords at the beginning, she leaned back against the light pole, swaying to the music, and began to sing along, to sing the words she couldn't say.
Turn it inside out so I can see
The part of you that's drifting over me
And when I wake you're never there
But when I sleep you're everywhere
You're everywhere
Just tell me how I got this far
Just tell me why you're here and who you are
'Cause every time I look
you're never there
And every time I sleep
you're always there
She looked down at him, gently resting her hand against his cheek, as the rain splashed off his hair.
'Cause you're everywhere to me
And when I close my eyes it's you I see
You're everything I know
that makes me believe
I'm not alone
I'm not alone
There came a slight pause in voice as a bridge played, and as the singer's voice started again it wasn't Lita who sang the duet this time. The voice belonged to the young man who now had a hand resting on her cheek.
I recognize the way you make me feel
It's hard to think that
you might not be real
I sense it now, the water's getting deep
I try to wash the pain away from me
Away from me
'Cause you're everywhere to me
And when I close my eyes it's you I see
You're everything I know
that makes me believe
I'm not alone
I'm not alone
I am not alone
Whoa, oh, oooh, oh
Lita hadn't expected him to know the words to this song, much less sing. But she duly picked up the words where he left off, letting her hand drop from his face.
And when I touch your hand
Likewise, Heero let his hand drop, instead picking up one of hers and continuing with the next line.and so it continued through the verse, the alternate voices.
It's then I understand
The beauty that's within
It's now that we begin
You always light my way
I hope there never comes a day
No matter where I go
I always feel you so
As the fingers on their joined hands twined together, an inseparable bond, so did their words, coming together to form a union of emotions.
You're everywhere to me
And when I close my eyes it's you I see
You're everything I know
that makes me believe
I'm not alone
'Cause you're everywhere to me
And when I catch my breath
it's you I breathe
You're everything I know
that makes me believe
I'm not alone
You're in everyone I see
So tell me
Do you see me?
Blinking the rainwater from her eyes, she nodded in mute response to the song's question.
Looking down at their hands, he nodded as well. "I see that we are not alone." He looked up at her, and for the first time, he smiled at her through the veil of rain.