Femme Fatale C13
By. Raq
1.29.02
I wasn't going to post this till later but when I saw the review hitting the 100 mark I thought I would thank you all by posting again. Thanks everyone, you've all kept me going! Special thanks to my SM family (you know who you all are) Ssista-chan and WolfMistress for editing! huggles reallll hard
~
Andrew and the new roommate walked into a cold, bleak home, returning from their day at the grocery. "Darien..." he called out and heard no answer. Worried at his friend's somber state, his eyes scanned the house.
"Maybe he's not home?" asked the girl beside him, also looking around for something different or wrong.
"Darien?" he called out again, carrying the groceries with him to the kitchen. The girl followed suit, lugging her own bags of groceries. Andrew's eyes scanned the living room and family room as he passed by, placing the groceries down on the kitchen counter. "I'm going to check his room." quickly he disappeared. Nodding, the woman placed the grocery bags on top of the counter. Her eyes traveled towards the large massive window that overlooked the lake. Sensing something or someone was there she moved closer. Out the window, her eyes scanned the area and immediately she found who they had been looking for. Staring off towards the waters in his thin sweater and jeans was Darien. "He's not here" the woman turned to find Andrew frantic, making his way towards the phone.
"I found him" Andrew gave her a look as she motioned towards the lake. In a few quick strides he was next to her and in an instant his eyes found him, his own emotions turning into knots as he watched his friend, haggard and depressed.
"We better get him in, he's going to get sick." The loud crackle of thunder vibrated through the home and in a flash, rain came pouring down. Still he stood, lifeless and uncaring to the wetness falling from above. Another crackle and they watched as he cowered, falling down on his knees, and even from their angle they knew he was crying.
~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~
Nine months have passed since Serena has disappeared and the mood was no better. Andrew stood from the doorway to Darien's room, his features worried and sympathetic. Darien, now dry and warm, sat motionless in his comfortable chair. Facing the wall-to-wall windows, his mind was clearly clouded by memory. "Darien, can I get you something?" silence answered him. Andrew was not used to this usually composed and brilliant scientist being so down. Though he had good reason, the mood was not good for his health. Over the course of three months, his friend rarely slept, ate, went out or even worked. What he used to live by was not as important anymore. Step by step, Andrew approached and stood next to him, his own eyes looking at the spectacular view. "You have to stop doing this to yourself, Darien... it's not good for you..." a glance down and all Andrew noted was the blank expression on his face. "Darien... you have to start moving on... there are people looking for her...they are doing what they can."
"Bullshit." His voice was gruff and tarty. Andrew was at least pleased that he spoke.
"Darien... the FBI are doing what they can to..."
"You don't see it...do you, Andrew?" Darien looked up to meet his friends' eyes. Deep dark circles curved around Darien's eyes, his cheekbone definitive, and the rest of his body, gaunt and lifeless.
"Don't get what?" asked Andrew.
"There is more to this than just a kidnapping."
"What do you mean?"
"The government is hiding something and..."
"Darien..." Andrew sighed, his friend was thinking up every excuse. "The government isn't hiding anything. They are here to help, help find Serena... and you can't keep doing this to yourself..." he almost yelled. Outside along the hallway, stood a woman of 5'8, blond hair and blue eyes listened in on the conversation.
"No.... THEY know something, Andrew. Those women that came from the department of defense..." Darien stood abruptly. "They came looking for her."
"So? That's your proof?"
"No, DAMNIT... when I gave the FBI the card, they took one look of it and they had this look. A look that meant they knew something... then when I asked that the business card be returned, it disappeared."
"Darien...."
"No, Andrew... they know something... I'm not blind. I call them and all they do is pacify me with 'we're doing what we can, Dr. Chiba'... Well GOD DAMN, IT ISNT ENOUGH!" Darien had picked up a very expensive vase given to him by his mother and threw it across the room, shattering upon impact.
"DARIEN!" Andrew yelled. "STOP BLAMING YOURSELF!"
Darien stopped, and indeed, all the months that had passed, Darien had kept the blame on himself. Dropping back down to his chair, his hands covering his face, again he cried.
"There are... so... so... many... things in my... mind that I thought.... 'If I only kept her at work... If I only went home with her... If..."
"You can't live the rest of your life with 'Ifs,' Darien. It only makes things a lot harder to let go."
Andrew placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. He hadn't known how to tell his friend, but it was time to let go. As much as he too wanted Serena back in their lives, this was tearing Darien apart. He had to let go.
"But... I can't, Andrew... I need her... I... I... I WANT HER BACK. I NEED HER... I just can't let her go..." he whispered. A creaking sound was heard and Andrew faced the door. There stood a woman with mid length blond hair and blue eyes. Faith must have been against Darien. For the Unix Company had sent a good twin of Serena to be their roommate.
"I just wanted to tell you that dinner is ready," she voiced in her softest tone, looking from Darien to Andrew.
"Thanks, Mina...we'll be there in a bit."
In the hallway, light footsteps could be heard as the eavesdropping widow walked away, entering her room, needing to make a phone call.
~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~
~ Two months later
"Hi, Dr. Chiba," the staff and other employees greeted their boss. Walking in the halls of his stomp and ground facility, Darien walked quietly through the halls. Still with gaunt features, he was trying his best to live normally. Keeping himself busy, he chose to live his days filled with many problematic situations. Not that it was intentional, but it had seemed that things he had neglected for so long were now catching up with him. Silently he greeted each individual, and as always his mind would drift through scenes in which he would see Serena walking through the halls. Everywhere was a haunting memory. He would never rest till Serena was returned to him alive and even if she wasn't... he wanted proof.
"Hey, Darien!" Darien's mind interrupted him from his grim memory as Michael approached him.
"What's up, Mike?" he greeted his friend with a faint smile.
"Want to go to lunch?"
"Sure... just let me get this to..."
"Dr. Chiba," called the feminine voice. Darien turned to find his new secretary approaching him.
"Miss Mizuno, I was just going to see you. Can you please review these, see if you can make any sense of it?" handing the plans to her.
"Just a reminder that you have a meeting with Dr. Turlington at 4 this afternoon."
"Thanks, Miss Mizuno, I'll be at lunch. Just take messages while I'm gone." Michael studied the blue haired figure as she spoke to Darien. She was studious and smart; she had this keen beauty in her that had caused one of their friends to pay many visits to Dr. Chiba. "Lets go, Mike."
"Have a nice lunch!" she waved as she made her way back to their office.
"Studious, eh?" Michael added and watched his friend nod in agreement then a grim look flashing across his face. "But no one can replace Serena." Michael patted his friend's shoulder as they walked out the building. Not far was a dark blue Tahoe, the driver watching their movement. The driver's hair, tight in a ponytail, was in contrast with her black ensemble. "Coming your way, Priestess," a voice called out from a small radio transmitter. "10-4, Blue Ice, I've spotted him." Slowly she weaved her way to the traffic, following their every move.
~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~
~ Four months later
It was Darien's birthday and the group had gotten together at his home. Though he still had remembrances of Serena and his thoughts were still constantly on her, life was moving on. He has not seen or heard from her in over 15 months. The calls to the FBI, though he still called, became less frequent.
"Open ours, Dr. Chiba!" his secretary had agreed to come, escorted by an admirer, Zen.
"Ami, call me Darien when we're not at the office," Darien smiled as he took the blue wrapping paper and opened it. "Thanks, Ami." He took out the deep blue sweater from its box and placed it upon his chest for fitting.
"Does it fit?" she asked shyly.
"Yes, it does," he smiled. "Thanks..."
"Now it's our turn," his friend Jayson handed him a gift. "This is from me and Rei," Darien turned to the raven-haired beauty beside Jayson. Darien took the package and unwrapped it.
"You dingbat... you shouldn't of!" he laughed; it was a fishing hat with many lures on top. Darien placed it upon his head and smiled for the photo that Rei took.
"NOW, it's our turn!" smiled Andrew as Mina handed him a small present. He eyed the two and nodded his head.
"You know, I still can't believe you two are together," Darien joked and remembered the time where he had caught the two passing a kiss before they both left for their jobs.
"Why not? You and Se...*opppfff*" Zen had elbowed Nathan beside him. Darien's smile turned down and his eyes gave everyone a silent thank you. The others berated Nathan with displeasing looks while Darien opened the present- it was pen.
"Its one of those DNA pens, Darien," smiled Andrew. "Mina thought it would be a good idea, you know, since you have so many things that need your approval."
"Thanks, everyone..." Darien smiled and stood to give each and every one a hug.
"Oh, wait, there's a few more for you." Returning to his chair, Darien accepted the brown package, smiling as he saw the beautiful writing.
"Who's it from?" asked Rei
"My mother," his eyes smiled as he opened the package. Only Andrew would know what it had meant. It was a vase; almost identical to the one he had thrown across the room during one of his fits. Darien had apologized to his mother, admitting to what he did.
"WOW! That looks expensive."
"That's because it is," laughed Michael, who knew Darien's mom had exquisite taste. Andrew handed Darien a small package with international postage.
"I don't know whom that's from..." said Andrew as he watched Darien look at the small shoebox size package. Not finding anything, he slowly unwrapped the present and lifted the white wrapping tissue paper. There was a note that he picked up and slowly read. 'Alive but Not for Long.' Darien furrowed his brow, reading the note once more.
"What is it, Darien?" asked Andrew
"I don't know..." Looking down inside the box, he moved aside more paper and his hand stilled. "OH MY GOD." Darien's voice was low. Andrew and Michael had seen the frightened features and neared him. Rei, Mina and Ami had taken quick glances to one another. Picking up the note, Andrew read and faced Darien. "What's in the box?" Darien couldn't breathe, he couldn't move. Michael picked up the box and looked in. His eyes were surprisingly large. "WHAT?" asked Andrew, agitated.
Michael lifted some blond hair tied together in a rubber band and with the next item, a picture of a woman in a pair of dirty pants and shirt, his own heart ached. Bound together were her hands, her eyes covered and mouth gagged. He passed the picture to Andrew and he steadied himself, leaning against the chair that Darien sat at.
"Call the FBI," was all Andrew could say as he turned to his now lifeless friend whispering the name of his lover, "Serena..."
Stay Tune for chapter 14...
Fin 2.02
By. Raq
1.29.02
I wasn't going to post this till later but when I saw the review hitting the 100 mark I thought I would thank you all by posting again. Thanks everyone, you've all kept me going! Special thanks to my SM family (you know who you all are) Ssista-chan and WolfMistress for editing! huggles reallll hard
~
Andrew and the new roommate walked into a cold, bleak home, returning from their day at the grocery. "Darien..." he called out and heard no answer. Worried at his friend's somber state, his eyes scanned the house.
"Maybe he's not home?" asked the girl beside him, also looking around for something different or wrong.
"Darien?" he called out again, carrying the groceries with him to the kitchen. The girl followed suit, lugging her own bags of groceries. Andrew's eyes scanned the living room and family room as he passed by, placing the groceries down on the kitchen counter. "I'm going to check his room." quickly he disappeared. Nodding, the woman placed the grocery bags on top of the counter. Her eyes traveled towards the large massive window that overlooked the lake. Sensing something or someone was there she moved closer. Out the window, her eyes scanned the area and immediately she found who they had been looking for. Staring off towards the waters in his thin sweater and jeans was Darien. "He's not here" the woman turned to find Andrew frantic, making his way towards the phone.
"I found him" Andrew gave her a look as she motioned towards the lake. In a few quick strides he was next to her and in an instant his eyes found him, his own emotions turning into knots as he watched his friend, haggard and depressed.
"We better get him in, he's going to get sick." The loud crackle of thunder vibrated through the home and in a flash, rain came pouring down. Still he stood, lifeless and uncaring to the wetness falling from above. Another crackle and they watched as he cowered, falling down on his knees, and even from their angle they knew he was crying.
~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~
Nine months have passed since Serena has disappeared and the mood was no better. Andrew stood from the doorway to Darien's room, his features worried and sympathetic. Darien, now dry and warm, sat motionless in his comfortable chair. Facing the wall-to-wall windows, his mind was clearly clouded by memory. "Darien, can I get you something?" silence answered him. Andrew was not used to this usually composed and brilliant scientist being so down. Though he had good reason, the mood was not good for his health. Over the course of three months, his friend rarely slept, ate, went out or even worked. What he used to live by was not as important anymore. Step by step, Andrew approached and stood next to him, his own eyes looking at the spectacular view. "You have to stop doing this to yourself, Darien... it's not good for you..." a glance down and all Andrew noted was the blank expression on his face. "Darien... you have to start moving on... there are people looking for her...they are doing what they can."
"Bullshit." His voice was gruff and tarty. Andrew was at least pleased that he spoke.
"Darien... the FBI are doing what they can to..."
"You don't see it...do you, Andrew?" Darien looked up to meet his friends' eyes. Deep dark circles curved around Darien's eyes, his cheekbone definitive, and the rest of his body, gaunt and lifeless.
"Don't get what?" asked Andrew.
"There is more to this than just a kidnapping."
"What do you mean?"
"The government is hiding something and..."
"Darien..." Andrew sighed, his friend was thinking up every excuse. "The government isn't hiding anything. They are here to help, help find Serena... and you can't keep doing this to yourself..." he almost yelled. Outside along the hallway, stood a woman of 5'8, blond hair and blue eyes listened in on the conversation.
"No.... THEY know something, Andrew. Those women that came from the department of defense..." Darien stood abruptly. "They came looking for her."
"So? That's your proof?"
"No, DAMNIT... when I gave the FBI the card, they took one look of it and they had this look. A look that meant they knew something... then when I asked that the business card be returned, it disappeared."
"Darien...."
"No, Andrew... they know something... I'm not blind. I call them and all they do is pacify me with 'we're doing what we can, Dr. Chiba'... Well GOD DAMN, IT ISNT ENOUGH!" Darien had picked up a very expensive vase given to him by his mother and threw it across the room, shattering upon impact.
"DARIEN!" Andrew yelled. "STOP BLAMING YOURSELF!"
Darien stopped, and indeed, all the months that had passed, Darien had kept the blame on himself. Dropping back down to his chair, his hands covering his face, again he cried.
"There are... so... so... many... things in my... mind that I thought.... 'If I only kept her at work... If I only went home with her... If..."
"You can't live the rest of your life with 'Ifs,' Darien. It only makes things a lot harder to let go."
Andrew placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. He hadn't known how to tell his friend, but it was time to let go. As much as he too wanted Serena back in their lives, this was tearing Darien apart. He had to let go.
"But... I can't, Andrew... I need her... I... I... I WANT HER BACK. I NEED HER... I just can't let her go..." he whispered. A creaking sound was heard and Andrew faced the door. There stood a woman with mid length blond hair and blue eyes. Faith must have been against Darien. For the Unix Company had sent a good twin of Serena to be their roommate.
"I just wanted to tell you that dinner is ready," she voiced in her softest tone, looking from Darien to Andrew.
"Thanks, Mina...we'll be there in a bit."
In the hallway, light footsteps could be heard as the eavesdropping widow walked away, entering her room, needing to make a phone call.
~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~
~ Two months later
"Hi, Dr. Chiba," the staff and other employees greeted their boss. Walking in the halls of his stomp and ground facility, Darien walked quietly through the halls. Still with gaunt features, he was trying his best to live normally. Keeping himself busy, he chose to live his days filled with many problematic situations. Not that it was intentional, but it had seemed that things he had neglected for so long were now catching up with him. Silently he greeted each individual, and as always his mind would drift through scenes in which he would see Serena walking through the halls. Everywhere was a haunting memory. He would never rest till Serena was returned to him alive and even if she wasn't... he wanted proof.
"Hey, Darien!" Darien's mind interrupted him from his grim memory as Michael approached him.
"What's up, Mike?" he greeted his friend with a faint smile.
"Want to go to lunch?"
"Sure... just let me get this to..."
"Dr. Chiba," called the feminine voice. Darien turned to find his new secretary approaching him.
"Miss Mizuno, I was just going to see you. Can you please review these, see if you can make any sense of it?" handing the plans to her.
"Just a reminder that you have a meeting with Dr. Turlington at 4 this afternoon."
"Thanks, Miss Mizuno, I'll be at lunch. Just take messages while I'm gone." Michael studied the blue haired figure as she spoke to Darien. She was studious and smart; she had this keen beauty in her that had caused one of their friends to pay many visits to Dr. Chiba. "Lets go, Mike."
"Have a nice lunch!" she waved as she made her way back to their office.
"Studious, eh?" Michael added and watched his friend nod in agreement then a grim look flashing across his face. "But no one can replace Serena." Michael patted his friend's shoulder as they walked out the building. Not far was a dark blue Tahoe, the driver watching their movement. The driver's hair, tight in a ponytail, was in contrast with her black ensemble. "Coming your way, Priestess," a voice called out from a small radio transmitter. "10-4, Blue Ice, I've spotted him." Slowly she weaved her way to the traffic, following their every move.
~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~~*~ @ ~*~
~ Four months later
It was Darien's birthday and the group had gotten together at his home. Though he still had remembrances of Serena and his thoughts were still constantly on her, life was moving on. He has not seen or heard from her in over 15 months. The calls to the FBI, though he still called, became less frequent.
"Open ours, Dr. Chiba!" his secretary had agreed to come, escorted by an admirer, Zen.
"Ami, call me Darien when we're not at the office," Darien smiled as he took the blue wrapping paper and opened it. "Thanks, Ami." He took out the deep blue sweater from its box and placed it upon his chest for fitting.
"Does it fit?" she asked shyly.
"Yes, it does," he smiled. "Thanks..."
"Now it's our turn," his friend Jayson handed him a gift. "This is from me and Rei," Darien turned to the raven-haired beauty beside Jayson. Darien took the package and unwrapped it.
"You dingbat... you shouldn't of!" he laughed; it was a fishing hat with many lures on top. Darien placed it upon his head and smiled for the photo that Rei took.
"NOW, it's our turn!" smiled Andrew as Mina handed him a small present. He eyed the two and nodded his head.
"You know, I still can't believe you two are together," Darien joked and remembered the time where he had caught the two passing a kiss before they both left for their jobs.
"Why not? You and Se...*opppfff*" Zen had elbowed Nathan beside him. Darien's smile turned down and his eyes gave everyone a silent thank you. The others berated Nathan with displeasing looks while Darien opened the present- it was pen.
"Its one of those DNA pens, Darien," smiled Andrew. "Mina thought it would be a good idea, you know, since you have so many things that need your approval."
"Thanks, everyone..." Darien smiled and stood to give each and every one a hug.
"Oh, wait, there's a few more for you." Returning to his chair, Darien accepted the brown package, smiling as he saw the beautiful writing.
"Who's it from?" asked Rei
"My mother," his eyes smiled as he opened the package. Only Andrew would know what it had meant. It was a vase; almost identical to the one he had thrown across the room during one of his fits. Darien had apologized to his mother, admitting to what he did.
"WOW! That looks expensive."
"That's because it is," laughed Michael, who knew Darien's mom had exquisite taste. Andrew handed Darien a small package with international postage.
"I don't know whom that's from..." said Andrew as he watched Darien look at the small shoebox size package. Not finding anything, he slowly unwrapped the present and lifted the white wrapping tissue paper. There was a note that he picked up and slowly read. 'Alive but Not for Long.' Darien furrowed his brow, reading the note once more.
"What is it, Darien?" asked Andrew
"I don't know..." Looking down inside the box, he moved aside more paper and his hand stilled. "OH MY GOD." Darien's voice was low. Andrew and Michael had seen the frightened features and neared him. Rei, Mina and Ami had taken quick glances to one another. Picking up the note, Andrew read and faced Darien. "What's in the box?" Darien couldn't breathe, he couldn't move. Michael picked up the box and looked in. His eyes were surprisingly large. "WHAT?" asked Andrew, agitated.
Michael lifted some blond hair tied together in a rubber band and with the next item, a picture of a woman in a pair of dirty pants and shirt, his own heart ached. Bound together were her hands, her eyes covered and mouth gagged. He passed the picture to Andrew and he steadied himself, leaning against the chair that Darien sat at.
"Call the FBI," was all Andrew could say as he turned to his now lifeless friend whispering the name of his lover, "Serena..."
Stay Tune for chapter 14...
Fin 2.02