Hello everybody, finally back with a new fic.
Before all, this might look like DemonQueen's fic, but it's because we shared ideas and wrote them at the same time. I thank her or him for kindly lending me two operatives we'll see later, not to mention the support and reviews.
I love you.
Mouth opened, Chase Devineaux was staring at Carmen Sandiego, who just confessed this. She came all the way here to the airport, when he was about to leave. She caught his wrist, took time to catch her breath before begging him to stay. Chase asked why. Why should he stay, given how it had been going between them since some time. The very reason he wanted to quit. And she just dropped this. Now her cheeks were red, like real red. But …
" Je vois." he threw.
His face darkened, he diverted eyes. Carmen bit her lip, sadness all over her face. Of course he would react like that.
" I won't take it back, Chase. I won't repel you this time. I know it's been kinda of awkward between us lately, and that's entirely my fault. That's why I'm here, to make it up to you and explain why I behaved like that." continued Carmen.
She hadn't let go of his hand, even holding it in both of hers. Chase didn't move, didn't reply, his face impavid. He was waiting for the next. Indeed, he wanted to know why each time they seemed to get closer Carmen acted distant right away, avoiding looking at him. Devineaux remembered for example, during a caper when he followed her, he approached while she was browsing files of a computer. He leaned above her shoulder. Carmen stiffened, her hands shook before she startled, asking him with a reproaching tone what he was doing. As if he touched her inappropriately. He was just looking he said, to what she asked to keep away from her. She practically scolded him when he did nothing wrong. Chase joined her team on Chief's order, something he found very strange, with the explanation that she finally decided to collaborate with ACME to take VILE down. Alright then.
It didn't happen day overnight of course. Ever since Chase discovered the truth in Venice, he did all he could to approach the team, trying to help. They didn't let him at first, unaware of his real intentions. Until he managed to intervene during a fight and helped the siblings. Both were wary of him, it was only natural, after all he was here to arrest their leader until now. Devineaux explained them what he knew now. Carmen told them she entrusted the masks to him, but that was all. He let Zack and Ivy go to their surprise. After they told Carmen what happened, she went to find him next. Chase repeated what he said, admitting he'd been wrong about her, asking how he could be useful. Miss Sandiego estimated she didn't really need him. Well, she was about to learn how stubborn the inspector was. He keep tracking her, not to arrest her, but to lend a hand. He mingled in her capers in every way he could. With various results.
So much and so well that Carmen decided to accept his aid. She remembered his enlightened face when she announced her decision. It surprised her. His eyes glowed, joy punctuating each feature of his face. Had he a tail he would have wagging it vividly. But it was a pleasant sight, she had only knew him with an angry expression. Carmen liked it. Little by little, she informed him about ongoing missions, he went to find her, did his part and brought back the loots himself. Chief was even more lost with this new technic. Chase explained it, she was sceptic, she already gave it a try and it busted. To what he replied sharply that she didn't trust agent Argent enough, that of course Carmen Sandiego wouldn't chitchat in plain view, especially since she was in a hurry. Chief sighed. She made a mistake that day, that lead to almost kill the young woman.
Her new collaboration with agent Devineaux appearing to work better, it incited her to reflect more about it. Finally, she agreed. After some time, Carmen went to find her at her usual café place. This time, requesting to have him permanently. She didn't put it frankly, simply pointing that an agent in her team would be more practical. Fraser wondered if she had a name in mind. Sandiego neutrally replied her choice concerning Chase, since he was cooperating since some time. It all began like that. Being one of hers implied continuing to interact on a private level, as it seemed to be since a while. She dreaded how he would react with Shadowsan. Both choose to ignore each other in the beginning. With the siblings … well those two were welcoming, especially Zack who was thrilled to have a secret agent in his relations. Ivy was more reserved, but warmed up to him rapidly, after noticing that the man was willing to keep an eye on her brother, and out of trouble, and refrain him. Then, he already got closer to Carmen after they ended up in the same room because of sleepless nights. They had started to comfort each other.
That's why Chase couldn't comprehend why she was pushing and pulling him nonstop. But it took its toll on him, feeling more like a pillow than a teammate. Especially since he could feel special emotions growing inside of him. He started to like her more and more, and it simply add oil to the fire. Until he had enough. Until he decided to leave. But Carmen ran after him. She wanted him to stay. She was even responding to his feelings.
" Can I really believe in your feelings Carmen ?" he wondered, closing the distance between them.
Carmen blushed.
" Yes you can ! That's why I'm here. You know … to my defense truthfully I didn't know how to react. I was even in denial at first. The whole crew noticed how I acted differently with you, they mentioned it and suspected a crush. I only realized it when we had this masked party in Milan."
Oh yes, that. Since they were wearing a mask they acted as if they were different persons, only to get caught in their own game. They danced together after the heist, it was clearly a dance of seduction. Once they stopped, one against the other, each drowning in the other's eyes, before they shared a gentle smile and a nuzzle. If Player hadn't interrupted them they would have kissed.
" There's not a single day when I'm not thinking about this moment. When I wonder what it could've been like." continued Carmen.
How it would have tasted. This was the trigger for her behaviour : Sandiego tried to resist, while wanting to return to his arms like this evening, dreading this cascade of emotions and sensations she couldn't control, being distracted, scared that VILE noticed that and hurt him again.
" I won't stand it a second time Chase. But you ignoring me, not speaking to me, repelling me when I need you, and above all the fact that you could leave me, abandon me is worse than anything." she resumed.
Being fed up with not knowing what to do with the Lady in Red, Devineaux decided to take his distance with her. It ached, as he too wanted things to be back to normal : to comfort her and being consoled too, he missed her smiles. Deciding to return to ACME had been hard. A voice announced that his flight was ready. He leaned eyes to her, saw the worry on her face.
" Don't go. Please. Don't leave me I need you. I'll do everything you want, just … stay with me." she begged.
Whoah, he thought. Never imagined he'd see the day when Carmen Sandiego would be begging him to remain with her. It warmed his heart though : someone wanted him, was requiring his love. Someone was willing to love him. This wonderful and amazing woman said so. Chase couldn't help but blush and bit his lip.
" You really love me ?" he shyly asked.
A mischievous smile formed on her face.
" Do you want a proof ? Come over here then."
Her hand went on his nape, bringing his face to hers … and sealing a kiss. They both smiled.
" Not bad, miss Sandiego. But I'll need more proof." he commented after a while.
" As much as you want." she whispered, nuzzling him again.
She dragged him with her, toward the exit.
" Think she'll convince him to stay ?" wondered Zack.
" Well, looks like she did." smiled Ivy, sat on the car hood.
Zack turned his head, to see Carmen holding Chase by the hand. Ivy got down, opened the door before sitting at the front of the car. Carmen curled against her boyfriend. His arm surrounded her shoulders, while his head leaned to hers. Back in HQ, Shadowsan sighed softly when seeing her arriving hand in hand with the man. Oh well, got to deal with it. Player was happy for her friend : he informed her about Chase booking a flight, encouraging her to run after him. She thanked him warmly for his advice. Carmen was still a bit worry about Chase's safety. They'll have to be discreet about this on the outside. Life continued. Carmen appeared more appeased than ever. Happier, too. When she wanted a date with Chase, they arrived separately at a place.
They tried to not show that they were a couple during capers, in case their enemy were surveying. And … surveying her they were. Dr Bellum was the first to notice the additional member.
" Well well, look who's here. She really is allied with ACME."
" Tell me something I don't know." sighed Brunt.
" Alright then : how about we use him as a bait for her ?" suggested Saira.
" Hmph ! Already done that with the other two. But … I approve of your plan. Catch him, and then rewire him to have feelings for me." smiled Brunt, positioning her hand on her chest.
Bellum displayed an interesting palette of emotions : surprise, if not disbelief, pity for the man, something that could be labelled as yuck, then resignation. Brunt left the room, letting her planning this operation. It would be the Cleaners job of course. Those two accepted with a nod.
Chase was on his way to an ACME hideout to make his report to Chief. He got to capture some operatives since he joined the thief. To think he was dating her since a month now … what a turn of event. Oh Julia would fell backward if she learned that. Julia … his face darkened. He didn't have the opportunity of apologizing to her yet. This had been weighing him since this masks case in Italy. Since he too, finally understood the truth. He had to test what it feel when nobody listen, when you know the truth but everyone around is blind and deaf. How lonely one could feel. How frustrating, how infuriating when you got the impression of being the only one with a brain. Devineaux parked.
He entered the place. Well, at least Chief got convinced too, and was collaborating for real this time. He knew how it ended the first time, and couldn't help but shiver now when thinking about it. He'd never be with Carmen now. Speaking of her, he was already feeling the need to be back near her. She could almost make him botch his work. Almost. Anyway, he learned to be more concise so he could finish faster. Fraser was listening to him doing his report : he was speaking in a fluid way, but without interruption other than breathing. She was perceiving a change about this. Usually he would rather take his time, question a thing a two. Like he was in a hurry. Weird. But since his work was impeccable she found nothing to say. Fraser thanked him, and dismissed the French. He smiled once she disappeared. He grabbed his phone while exiting.
" Hi there mon trésor ! I just finished my report and was wondering if you'd like to eat somewhere."
" I'd love to honey, got any idea ?" replied Carmen.
" Well, spotted an Indian restaurant, how's that ?"
" Hum, I didn't know you like Indian food." made Carmen, surprised.
Chase explained that a colleague brought some a few days ago, so he could taste. Carmen agreed. He gave her the address. They would meet there, as usual. Chase hung up. He hummed happily again. A few cars behind, the Cleaners were following. The inspector arrived first at the restaurant. He chose a table far from any windows, so no one could spot them from the outside. Carmen arrived fifteen minutes later.
" You're so beautiful, my little fox." welcomed Chase, his chin on his hands.
Sandiego blushed while smiling, before returning the compliment. She leaned to kiss him, and finally sat in front of him.
They spent a lovely moment. Carmen left first, he would join her at home.
" Welcome back Carm. How was your date ?" asked Zack, seeing her arriving.
" Neat of course. Wish we could do this in plain view, without fearing any retaliation from VILE." she said, letting herself fall on the sofa.
" One day you'll be able to." smiled Ivy, taping her on the back.
Carmen smiled too. She'll have to change clothes … later, her eyes searched for her boyfriend.
" Chase isn't here yet ?" she asked.
" No." replied Zack.
" Didn't see him." added Ivy.
" Weird … he should already be here."
Carmen tried to reassure herself. Maybe he stumbled upon a traffic jam. No need to immediately thought about the worse. Right ? Carmen waited for ten more minutes.
" But maybe I should text him, just to be sure."
She quickly sent a message. Ivy attempted to reassure her. Her phone vibrated on the table. Carmen literally dove to it.
" Where are you ?!" she asked.
" He … is in good hands." answered a familiar voice.
One she didn't want to hear.
" Dr Bellum." she huffed.
Zack and Ivy straightened, while Shadowsan lowered his book.
" I hope you don't mind me responding to your teammate's phone, but I wanted to inform you. I have him in my custody. Surrender and he'll be fine." added the woman with a snigger.
Carmen's hand tightened the phone. She made a sign so someone call Player to triangulate the call.
" What have you done to him ?" questioned Sandiego.
" Nothing yet. Plus, it'd be a shame to hurt this sweet fa- YEOUCH !"
Carmen looked at her phone. This kinda ruined her hearing.
" How dare you bite me ?!" resumed Bellum, now shaking her hand.
" I'm gonna bite your throat if you don't release me this instant !" shouted Chase.
This made Carmen smile. So far he seemed okay.
" Listen, if you attempt something like that again I'll - OOOOW ! Getimof !"
Saira was speaking in a funny tone, as if her nose were … oh no he didn't ! Sandiego heard another sound of pain, coming from Vlad apparently. Bellum was cussing, whining about her nose. Carmen felt proud he was inflicting them pain, that was her inspector, but also worried because they would retaliate.
" Does he take us for cheese, or is it common for French people to bite ?!" commented the scientist.
(Note from the author : EH. We love food after all. But I question Chase's tastes here.) A silence followed.
" ANYWAY ! You better come alone or else I'll swear his brain will end under MY teeth !" exclaimed Bellum.
" And where pray tell ?" retorted Carmen.
Bellum gave a location, then hung up. Carmen stood up in a jump.
" GWAH ! I can't believe this ! At the minute I decide to date him this happens !" she exclaimed.
" But it's already been a month, not just a minute." commented Zack.
Ivy nudged him in the ribs, occasioning a whine.
" It's not the real reason, he's one of ours so it could happen anytime. Plus, she didn't mentioned him as your boyfriend." pointed Ivy.
" So it is safe to assume this data is still unknown to VILE. Which is crucial." intervened Shadowsan.
" Location confirmed Red. I have a map of the place. It's a former foundry, bought by a private society, in other words by VILE since I found this society name several times in their hard drive." announced Player.
" Fine. I'll go fetch him and teach them what it means to lay fingers on him." she said.
" Then you'll be given you two away. Don't overreact Carmen. Or it could be worse." advised Shadowsan.
Carmen knew he was right, but would just love to punch Bellum's face to a puzzle. Shadowsan was accompanying her, fearing that she could overdo it. Her feelings for him was stronger than for anyone else of the team, which was natural, so her reaction could be unusual and uncontrollable. The Japanese could already feel an aggressive aura emanating from her. During his days as a Yakuza he learnt to notice this kind of tension in the air. Meanwhile …
Chase sighed for the bazillion's time. His abductor was one more time cackling to a cat. Not that he disliked those animals, on the contrary they were his favourites being independent, proud, graceful and not caring much about the world, but her voice … those noises she was producing were being infuriating. The cat in question seemed a stray, which was a shame because he was beautiful. And huge. Chase recognized a Maine Coon, with brown fur and green eyes.
" Do you like cats ?" she suddenly asked.
Chase looked confused. Since he was biting, she gagged him. He frowned in response, as if why are you asking. She walked to him.
" I'll ungag you, but don't you dare bite again." she warned.
" Why are you asking me that ?" wondered Chase.
" The way you're looking at it. I can see you're interested."
" Hmph ! So what if I like cats." he mumbled, turning his head.
" Hm ! You're the first man in ages that I met who like cats just like me. What a shame you're in the opposite camp." she commented.
And that Brunt targeted him. She would crush her head if she were to steal her man. Chase gulped. Oh great.
" What's your favourite race ?" resumed Bellum.
Should he replied ? What would be the gain of it ? Soothing her so she could avoid hurting him too much ? Hmm, would it even work ? On the other hand, angering her wasn't an option.
" Well, it's right under your eyes." he answered.
" Oooh. You have good taste. I also fancy Siamese, and Bengal Cats."
Cool. So should they continue this talk over a coffee while petting cats ? Chase wondered if he could keep her busy talking in order for her to not check on Carmen's arrival, as she was doing before the cat arrives.
" Siamese are pretty too. I also like Bombay cats."
" The one looking like a mini black panther ? Very good choice. I love them too. Maybe I'll get one someday." replied Bellum with a smile.
Chase spotted an image from a camera from the table he was tied on.
" And that one ? Does he have a name ?" he resumed.
" I was wondering about that. He had no tattoo, no chip so he must be abandoned. I'm thinking about keeping him. What should I call him ?"
Carmen was here. Chase hid a smile. Good. That VILE woman here had tied him on a table and placed a helmet on his head. This reminded him when they already kidnapped and interrogated him. What was she planning to do with him ? For now, she was enumerating several names for the Maine Coon. That one was peacefully grooming, on the ground. Chase forced himself to not glance where Carmen was. Bellum still didn't notice anything. Perfect. The thief had now entered accompanied by Shadowsan. They were busy neutralizing guards. She'll be here soon. Thank god, because he didn't want to serve as a rat lab. The duo finally barged in the room he was.
Chase wasn't relieved yet, as he was witnessing his girlfriend, now the most important person to him fighting. Risking being hurt and him still tied to that damn table, unable to help or protect her. He struggled to get free. Shadowsan approached, in the hope of freeing him. He had to fight a guard in the meantime. Pirouetting and dodging all he could, the Asian managed to free his feet. Great, however his hands first would've been better. That being said, it allowed him to help Carmen as he could send a kick in a guard's shoulder. She smiled to him, turned to free him when he warned her about Bellum's attack. Carmen hold her wrist, preventing to be hit with a metallic bar. The cat, scared when all this people began to fight, took refuge under a helmet right near Chase. Carmen pushed the scientist to the control pad. Bellum pulled a lever with her arm.
It activated the whole thing. Chase screamed under the shock. Right near him, the cat meowed loudly too. Carmen watched all this unfolding in horror. Bellum stared at it for a moment, before repelling Carmen. That one rushed to Chase. The Cleaners and the scientist ran away, defeated.
Shadowsan helped his former student to free the inspector and laid him down.
" Chase ! Open your eyes say something to me ! Chase !" she exclaimed while cupping his face.
" He's still alive, probably unconscious from that shock." diagnosed Shadowsan.
Meanwhile, said Chase opened his eyes.
" Nnnnh ! Oh la vache ! Y s'est passé quoi ? Puis pourquoi il fait tout noir ?"
He straightened, to hit something with his head. The light went back all of a sudden. Apparently he was under something. Carmen's desperate voice reached him.
" Wait. Why am I seeing … my own body ?!"
Did he just died ?! But then, why were Carmen and Shadowsan so big ? Even himself was bigger than usual. Chase blinked. What the hell, the heck and fuck was happening ? He called his girlfriend. Only to hear … a mew.
HUH ?!
The humans down here didn't pay attention to him. Chase was stunned. Why … he tried again, heard another mew. Shadowsan was now charging him on his back, complaining about his weight.
" But I'm here !"
Devineaux wanted to get up. Something even weirder, if that was possible, was that only half of his body followed. Chase turned his head, wondering what was happening again. His eyes widened when he spotted a long tail, brown fur and paws.
" !"
He lowered his eyes, to discovered two other paws. He lifted one, displaying pads. The truth was spreading in his brain, but got stuck. No. No it couldn't be. But then the mews, why he could see his body … he …
I AM A CAT ?!
Bu-bu-but … HOW ?! It surfaced his memories. The shock. The pain. Chase Devineaux had shifted his body with one of a cat. He felt like fainting. But cats don't faint, so he simply laid on the flank, his heart beating fast. Under the shock, he didn't notice Carmen and Shadowsan leaving. Chase panted, the awful reality spinning in his head. Five minutes later, he realized how silent was the place. Looking around, he noticed that he was all alone. They left without him. Well, they left a part of him behind.
" I have to catch up with them, they have to know I'm a cat now !" he thought straightening.
Just like before, he only stood up on two paws. Devineaux looked at his rear, then lifted his muzzle. Right. First lesson of the day : how to walk on four paws rather than two. His bottom rolled on the right place. Good. Carefully, he lifted it. Perfect. Now, let's move a first forepaw. Done.
" Now how's that supposed to work ? What paw should come next ?"
A front leg or a back leg ? The left or the right one ? Chase had to think. He would certainly be stuck in this body for some time, he'll need to walk properly. He visualized a cat walking. Then, he pushed on his back legs. Too strong, as he pirouetted and fell on the back with a surprised sound.
Damn, it seems so easy when we see them.
He managed to stand up. How could this work ? Hmmmmmm …. Oh right, the babies. They too walked on four. Except that it was ages ago for him. So Chase tried to imagine that he still have his human body, and couldn't walk normally. Cautiously, he moved a front paw, then a back one, and the other. He made some steps to his relief. It didn't last, as another problem raised. He was on a table.
Oh boy.
It was higher that it appeared when he was still human. He had to proceed as carefully. Looking around, he spotted a chair. He walked to it. Then, sent his front legs. Chase tended a back paw, then the other. Until now, everything was alright. He got down. Now, hurry ! Chase tempted to run, thinking he was enough mastering the walk. It was too soon of course. His paws got tangled, he tripped and rolled like a dice.
" Gwah !"
The cat shook his head. Okay. Let's try this again, but slowly. Chase walked first, on some inches. He exited the room. After some time, he decided to walk faster. He trotted on a hall for a while, before deciding to race again. He zigzagged, spreading his paws so they wouldn't tangle again. It was a very curious sight : the cat seemed drunk, going to left then right, bumping into walls. Somehow, he managed to reach the exit. But where were they ? How and when could he join his team ? He trotted. Zack's car was here a moment ago. An awful scent jumped at his nose. This was the smell of a car, and he could also spot Carmen's one.
" Logically, they should have headed to the closest hospital." he guessed.
Meaning he had to get to town. Chase breathed, then resumed his way. In all likelihood, he needed transport. No one would pick up a cat, or if anyone were it would be for bringing it to impoundment. So he had to embark clandestinely. Trotting, Chase arrived near a bridge. That was the place. Several cars were passing down there. His move needed to be planned carefully. He observed every vehicle incoming. His would have to be big so one would notice his presence. Like a bus for example.
" There ! There is one !"
Jumping from here would be way more dangerous and higher than doing it from a table. However, he had little choice on the matter. Chase took another breath. He had to do it fast, because he wouldn't have a second chance. The bus approached. Chase tensed his body, waited … and jumped. It gave him the fear of his life. For a second he believed he missed. He landed on the bus, bounced three times and almost fell. He instinctively hooked to the vehicle thanks to his claws. Pushing with his paws, he managed to climb.
" Okay. Okay I did it. Let's hope that I'll be able to find my body."
For now, he remained on the belly, too afraid to move.
Translation :
Je vois = I see
Mon trésor = word of love, literraly meaning my treasure
Oh la vache ! Y s'est passé quoi ? Puis pourquoi il fait tout noir ? = Holy cow ! What just happened ? And why is it so dark ?
