Author's notes: This is it folks. The last chapter to this fic. I can't believe this was my first fic, and I started with one that I knew would be several chapters. It has been a long process and I have learned a lot by writing it and of course the other fics that I have written.
Disclaimer: I do not own GI Joe or the characters. Hasbro/Sunbow/Marvel/Devil's Due comics created GI Joe. I make no money from this fic. The medic, named Stitch, is my creation.
Special thanks to Scarlett Phoenix and Medic Me for putting up with me while I lamented and stressed over these last two chapters. Also huge thank you to everyone who has reviewed this either here, other archives, or through email/IM. Thanks to Tiff, who read this final draft for me.
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Title: An Old FlameAuthor: Scarlett Storm O
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Doc takes care of his infirmary and many patients. Scarlett and Snake Eyes make amends.
Feedback: Always appreciated.
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Chapter 8 – Recovering
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Scarlett had successfully shaken the lingering aftereffects of the sleeping pills administered to her by Storm Shadow. Doc checked over the prior injury to her shoulder and the few bruises across her chest from the vicious landing of the car when it was backed out of the Cobra transport. "Well, Red. You are no worse for the wear. You'll feel sore tomorrow from those seatbelt bruises, but you'll be fine," Doc said. Glancing at the clock, he chuckled. "I should say later today since it is after midnight. You feel okay otherwise?"
"Yes, I do, Doc. I'm a little stiff but can't complain because you never listen to me anyhow," Scarlett joked before asking, "How is Cover Girl? Duke said she got a little banged up."
"She'll be fine. I'm keeping her overnight, which has highly irritated her, but she'll get over it. I don't want to take a chance on that head injury, so she gets to stay here with me," Doc joked.
Scarlett chuckled as Duke knocked on the door and peeked his head in. Smiling a warm greeting, Scarlett told Doc, "Thank you for all you have done for me, Doc. I really appreciate it." She turned her attention to Duke. "Where is Snake Eyes? Have you seen him?"
Duke answered, "He is back in his quarters. Since he joined us in this rescue, Doc decided to release him."
Doc laughed heartily and countered, "I did not. He decided for me. Shana, take it easy. You are released."
"Thanks," Scarlett said again as Doc retreated. Duke offered his hand and helped her off the table. Kissing her lightly, he embraced her. She melted as his arms encircled her.
"Ready to go home?" Duke asked, leading her out of the room.
"Yeah, but I want to check on Courtney first," Scarlett answered. "Doc said she is not a happy camper. I want to thank her before I leave."
Duke nodded, knowing that the two women were trying to put their past differences behind them. "Well, she is grumbling and giving Stitch fits. Although, I think he likes it."
Shaking her head, Scarlett smirked at Duke's comment as she knocked on Cover Girl's door. "Court?" She whispered, looking into the dimly lit room.
Cover Girl turned her head towards the door and smiled. "Hey, Shana. Glad to see you up and moving around. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I guess I need to thank you for my added bruises," Scarlett teased as she walked over to Cover Girl's bedside and gently sat down on the edge.
Sticking her tongue out, Cover Girl chuckled. "That probably wasn't one of my smarter moves, but it accomplished the mission. I guess if anyone was going to get hurt as I toyed with gravity, I'm glad it was me."
"Nonsense, Court. You saved my life or whatever Tommy had planned for me. The rest of us are thankful for your ingenuity," Scarlett reminded her.
"Well, you'll have to give some credit to everyone not just me. I only did what I do best...drive," the tank jockey grinned brightly. "But, I don't think I will attempt that feat again." She grimaced as she moved to get comfortable. Her head had a small bandage that covered half a dozen stitches from when she hit the steering wheel. She had badly bruised her shoulder when she had hastily exited her Wolverine, and then the incredible tension from the locking seatbelt had dug into her shoulder, chest, and ribs, causing additional bruising.
"I hope you don't either, but you now know what to expect. Seeing it in the movies just isn't the same, is it?" Scarlett chuckled. "Although, I was unconscious, so I have no idea what it felt like."
Cover Girl scowled, stating flatly, "It hurt like hell. What a jolt! Just ask the two guys that were up front with me. I think the one next to me stepped on my right foot after I shifted into drive. It was either his subtle hint to get the hell out of dodge, or a reflexive action from his knee kissing the dashboard. I'm just glad the car kept running, and we didn't blow any tires."
Scarlett smiled. "I heard those two guys have been asked to join the team, and it sounds like they said yes. I guess you didn't scare them away."
The tank jockey's frown faded as she shook her head. "Damn. I tried," she smirked. "Seriously, they seem nice, and if Cobra and my driving didn't scare them, then I guess they have what it takes."
"I think they do. Besides, your driving scares everyone around base. It is worse than Conrad's and Lance's put together."
"Thanks a lot," Cover Girl said sarcastically. "Remind me next time we go shopping, I'll let you drive me all over town."
"Only if I get to drive your hotrod," Scarlett countered.
"No one touches the Boss but me," Cover Girl quickly retorted.
Laughing, Scarlett stood up. "I better go. You need your rest. Thanks again."
"Anytime, Red, anytime," Cover Girl replied sleepily.
Scarlett nodded and left the room. She approached Duke, who was talking to Rock 'N Roll and Dusty. "How's your friend?" she asked Dusty.
"Bruised kneecap is all," Dusty replied. "I'm waiting on him to be released, and then we are going to go back to our base and see about that transfer here."
Rock 'N Roll laughed. "I tried to warn them of the insanity, but they both seem nuts."
Duke chortled and shook Dusty's hand. "Thank you for all your help earlier."
"It was no problem. How are you feeling?" the desert trooper asked Scarlett.
"I'm fine. Glad to be going home...again. It could have ended much differently. You do realize that Cobra is a very serious threat, and we, as in the GI Joe team, do what we can to keep them at bay?" Scarlett casually warned Dusty.
Dusty nodded. "I know. This was the first time I've dealt with them but would love to get the chance to get back at them for whatever they were trying to do. How is your friend?" he asked, pointing towards Cover Girl's room.
"She'll be fine. She's not happy about staying here, but she'll get over it," Scarlett replied.
"Right. I seem to remember another certain redhead moaning and groaning the other day when Doc threatened to keep her overnight," Duke refuted playfully.
"Well...you can't blame us. Who wants to spend the night here?" she asked innocently.
"I resent that comment," Doc interrupted, walking towards them with Footloose, limping slowly by his side. "You are free to go, Son," Doc told Footloose. "Just take it easy for a few days. Use the cane if you need it."
"Alright, Man," Footloose remarked.
Doc looked at the group of people standing in his infirmary and grinned evilly. "Okay, everyone out of here so my patients can get some sleep, or else I'll admit you all. Besides, I have three Cobra guests to take a look at," the good-natured doctor quipped, rolling his eyes.
The Joes looked at one another before they all mumbled a goodbye and quickly left the lobby of the medical building. Steeler met them outside with a jeep for Dusty and Footloose to borrow so they could return to their base. "You two are more than welcome to stay on base tonight," Duke offered, looking at Dusty and Footloose.
"No thanks, Top. We are okay. We were suppose to be on night ops anyways, so we are not tired," Dusty explained.
"Thanks anyway, Man," Footloose interjected, shuffling carefully to the waiting jeep.
Duke nodded and told everyone goodnight as he walked Scarlett to her room. Rock 'N Roll and Steeler watched the two desert ops boys leave base before they each headed to their quarters.
"Do you think that Tommy is over his vendetta?" Duke finally asked Scarlett as they walked across base.
Scarlett shrugged her shoulders. "We can only hope," she remarked wistfully. "I think maybe he knows who he is dealing with now. Maybe he'll lay off."
Duke nodded. "I hope so too." He unlocked Scarlett's door and opened it. "After you, Madam," he politely offered.
Scarlett chuckled and walked in, looking around. "He was here watching me, wasn't he?"
Duke wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him. "I'm afraid he was. He switched your pain pills with some sleeping pills and then waited for you to fall asleep before he abducted you."
Scarlett looked up into Duke's eyes. She leaned forward as Duke bent his head closer until their lips met. After a passionate kiss, Duke softly whispered, "Welcome home, Shana."
"It's good to be home and in your arms." She laid her head against his chest as he embraced her tightly, afraid to let her go.
Snake Eyes paced the floor in his room. He was angry but relieved that no one was seriously hurt. Looking up at the full moon, he thought, 'One day, Brother Tommy, we will meet again. I'll be waiting.' He rolled his shoulders, his mind still weighing heavily on him as he blamed himself for Scarlett's kidnapping. He left his room and seemed to disappear into the night.
Moments later, Stitch glanced up and saw the silent man, standing in the doorway of the infirmary. "Evening, Snakes. Are you okay? Any pain?"
Snake Eyes shook his head and signed, 'How is everyone?'
The medic replied, "Courtney is asleep. Doc is keeping her for overnight observation. The others were all released." He paused, watching Snake Eyes cross his arms before he continued, "That means Shana too. She's fine. All of her tests came back negative. It was just a common sleeping sedative."
Snake Eyes smiled behind his mask, relieved at Stitch's briefing. 'Thank you, Stitch,' he signed. He turned around and walked out of the infirmary.
He made his trek across the silent base, heading for Scarlett's room. He didn't want to intrude, but he needed to talk to her. Stopping outside her door, he knocked.
Inside, Scarlett glanced at Duke as they heard the knock. Duke grabbed his pistol and motioned her to open the door slowly. His blue eyes watched the door inch open, but he was relieved, if not a bit jealous, to see Snake Eyes on the other side.
"John?" Scarlett questioned. "Are you okay? Please come in."
Snake Eyes nodded and answered, 'Yes.' He saw Duke holster his pistol. 'Evening Top,' he signed.
"Evening, Snakes," Duke replied. "Shana, I'm going to head back to my place. I think you two should talk. If you need anything..."
"I will," she answered. "Thank you, Conrad. Night."
"Night you two," the First Sergeant stated, leaving the room and heading for his place.
'Night,' Snake Eyes signed. He moved away from the door as Scarlett closed it. When she turned around to look at him, he began, 'Shana, I'm sorry about what happened. I never wanted you to get involved between Tommy and me. I never..."
Scarlett quickly interrupted, "Stop. Don't apologize. I knew what I was doing. I knew what the consequences might be." She stepped over to him and reached for his mask. She hesitated, waiting to see if he would balk at her gesture. She continued to lift the mask, until his scarred face was revealed. "All I have to do is remember the sacrifices that you made that day. Tommy is wrong. I know that. Right now, he is on the wrong side of the fence, but maybe...one day...he will see the error of his ways."
Snake Eyes nodded. 'I hope so. I don't want to take him down, but I will if it comes to that.'
"And I will be beside you, John. There are several things between us that we share. I may love another, but I still care for you."
'Thank you, Shana. Your happiness and trust is all that matters to me. I'll let you get some sleep. You must be exhausted.'
Scarlett nodded. "I am. Will you promise me something, John?"
'Anything,' Snake Eyes answered.
"Take care of yourself. Don't run off after him. Not this time. We are a team. The Joes are one big family. We support each other. You never know what may happen the next time we meet up with Tommy. He just may surprise us."
'You sound mighty hopeful, Little One.'
Scarlett shrugged. "Maybe or maybe I just know how happy you would be to have your brother back." She stepped closer and hugged the silent soldier.
Snake Eyes wrapped his arms around her. When he pulled back, he signed, 'That would be nice. Thank you for understanding. Should I tell Conrad any more secrets between us?' He was smiling from ear to ear, not caring about his scars. His gray eyes were mischievously dancing.
"Don't you dare, John. I'd rather tell Conrad on my own terms and on a need to know basis. Get out of here," she joked, pushing him towards the door.
Snake Eyes laughed, a raspy whistle coming from his irreparable voice box. 'As you wish, O'Hara.' He bowed deeply and then walked out the door.
Scarlett chuckled. "Night. See ya in the morning. After all, tomorrow is another day." (1)
Snake Eyes shook his head and rolled his eyes before he pulled the mask back across his face. 'Frankly, my dear,' he paused as he watched her face furrow into a frown, 'you better get some sleep. Night.'
She laughed at his humor. It had been a long time since she had seen Snake Eyes laugh and joke. Closing the door, she made sure the deadbolt clicked before she headed to her bed.
Snake Eyes entered his quarters and scanned the room quickly for signs of an intruder. He changed and crawled into his bed, thankful that he had confided to Scarlett. He realized that Scarlett had moved on, but he also understood that this team stood together as a whole unit. Technically, this whole battle was between him and Storm Shadow, but the entire team banded together to prove, once and for all, that this special team of elite soldiers would fight to the end. Tomorrow was a new day. He knew the next time he faced Storm Shadow he would not be alone. He'd never be alone unless he chose to be.
Hundreds of miles away, a ninja, dressed in white, sat in his room. "Someday, Brother, some..." Storm Shadow didn't finish his statement. Would someday come or was his vow for vengeance outdated? Was he only seeing what he wanted to see? Only remembering what he wanted to remember?
Maybe...…………….
The End
(1) Credit to the movie, Gone With the Wind. I couldn't help it, plus that exact quote is number 31 in the top 100 Movie Quotes from the American Film Institute for 2005.
Ending notes: Thanks for reading. Feel free to leave a review and let me know how you liked the wrap-up of An Old Flame.