Our dear Carmen is about to realize something ...

Merry Christmas and happy new year ^^

USA, Florida, two weeks later.

" So why are we in this bar, Chase ?" asked Ivy, while sitting.

The Red Team was in Florida for their new mission. According to Player, VILE agents were here to sell a new type of drug.

" Because I asked for some help this time. Interpol is pretty interested by this case, thinking it could lead to arrest drug barons."

A waitress came for their order. Juts when she left, someone laid on the back on their table.

" Oh hi Snipes." greeted Devineaux.

"Yo." said the blonde.

She took a piece of paper from her longshoreman, then give it to Chase. Carmen looked at her breast, then hers.

" That's the place where the reunion will be hold. We got your guy, and I must say he's disgusting. Never saw someone so viscous."

" That's Neal the eel." said Carmen.

" Oh hello there little Strawberry." greeted Snipes, raising two fingers.

" My name is Carmen Sandiego. And you better be careful with Neal, he gifted to escape." reminded that one.

" Providing that he can move." replied Snipes with a carnivorous smile.

" How did you caught him ?" asked Devineaux.

" With a good tazer. No matter how flexible he is, he's still human. However, he didn't say where the junk is."

" He's surely not alone. Alright thanks, I suppose I'll see you guys as soon as we find something."

"Yep. Hmmm ? Hey, looks like you gained some mass." smiled Snipes.

Her fingers pulled up the sleeve of Chase's shirt.

" Not bad at all. You changed. You used to be a jerk, but now you're better." she said softly.

He smiled, flattered. Carmen tightened her fists. Snipes straightened then leave.

" What manners." commented Shadowsan.

" That's the last thing she cares about. No matter, we got a good data here. Would be perfect if could find the drug before the reunion." replied Chase, his eyes on the paper his colleague gave.

" Player found some facilities, we should have a look." announced Carmen.

Everyone agreed. They split up to explore each option. At an agreed time, they contacted each other to a report. All sites were well guarded, as expected. Player wanted to hack their computers to obtain maximum informations. Carmen took charge of that part. That way, they should be able to easily enter and steal those samples before the reunion.

" And you'll do this alone ?" asked Devineaux.

" Yes, one of us is enough. No need to put the whole team in danger." she replied.

He didn't really like this, but now he knew she was skilled enough for that. So the man just nodded. He'll inform the other team about what they found. Carmen studied the place she'll have to steal, in open air. A movement attracted her look. Snipes was back. Chase went immediately to her, and they left. The Argentina watched them getting away, nudging each other and laughing according to what she could see. Carmen went back on her study. However, she had trouble to focus. The image of Chase and Snipes occupied her thoughts for her while. Ivy went to offer her some water. Sandiego didn't listened, still thinking about Devineaux and that woman.

" Car-men."

"Yes what ?!" she exclaimed.

" Wow calm down pal. I just wanted to know if you'd like some water." said Ivy.

" Oh … sorry. Yes please."

She took the bottle Ivy was holding. Sandiego stopped her study then stretched. She went inside the hotel. Zack informed her that Chase and Shadowsan were training. Carmen arrived at the fitness room. Some exercise should do her good as well.

" What the hell are you doing ? You're not here to dance." made Shadowsan.

" Like hell I'm going to let you hit me." retorted Devineaux.

" Hmmm, I got to admit you're dodging quite well. Very well, let's develop that technique."

Shadowsan attacked again. Chase was doing his best to avoid every hit, following his teacher's advices. Later, it was time for some bodybuilding. Carmen finished her own exercise, before taking a drink. Mirrors in the place allowed her to watch the whole room, but her eyes focused on one point : where her partner was. The Argentina remained sat, her head turned to the mirror. Chase stood up and took off his shirt.

" Oh my."

" Are you daydreaming ? Not your style." commented Shadowsan.

" No no ! I'm just taking a break." answered Carmen, blushing in embarrassment.

She stood up and walked away.

" For fifteen minutes ?" insisted the former teacher.

" Is that really a matter ?" retorted Carmen.

He didn't answer.

The young woman rode a bike.

" Did I really stared at Devineaux for fifteen minutes ?" she asked herself.

Shadowsan was right, not her style. Sandiego couldn't prevent her eyes to be back on the man. She shook her head : what was wrong with her ? Carmen went out after an hour, preoccupied. During her whole training she has been unable to focus. She kept glancing at Chase. Even now, he was only thing she could think about. That was infuriating her. The thief went back to her room for a shower. After what she went to join her teammates for dinner.

" Hey Carm, are you okay ?" asked Ivy discreetly.

" Yes, why ?"

" You seem elsewhere. Did something happened between you and Chase ?"

" W-what's making you think there is ?"

Ivy stared at her leader.

" Are you blushing ?"

" No I'm not ! And if you have nothing else to say then just leave me alone. I must focus for the mission." exclaimed Carmen.

The dinner ended, and she quickly disappear.

" Hey Chase !" called the ginger.

" Hm ?"

" Did you quarrel with Carmen ?" asked the youngster.

" Not at all, we didn't even talk today. Why, is there a problem ?" replied the concerned one.

" I don't know, she seems to be in a weird mood."

The reason why Ivy interrogated herself was because she noticed that Carmen ignored Devineaux for the whole meal. She didn't even looked at him when he asked for the bread. And why did she blush ? Really weird. The Bostonian felt she should investigate.

" Ivy, can I get in touch with Player ? I'd like him to inform me about how Carmen's mission is going. If there's any trouble we must react fast." demanded Chase.

" Alright, I'll call him."

Player reassured Devineaux, Carmen already done this several times.

" We can never be too sure. So please."

" Okay oaky. You're not wrong after all."

Player indicated him where she was. Devineaux called his friend Snipes, and they went there in case. They waited hidden in a car.

" It's okay Devineaux, she's connected me to one of their computers." informed Player.

" Good."

" Looks like she's gifted." commented Snipes.

" You have no idea."

Five more minutes passed.

" That's it, she's leaving. With all those datas I can create papers for you guys to infiltrate. I'll be able to localize the drug and the carriers as well." announced Player.

" There she is. Fine, let's get back." concluded Devineaux.

" Woooh a glider ? That's amazing !" commented Snipes, seeing Sandiego in the air.

Carmen arrived at the hotel. She changed herself. The team was in a living-room, around a table. Snipes approached the sofa where Chase was, and let herself fall close to him. Carmen narrowed her eyes, her face went dark.

" Well well ! Would you look at that." thought Ivy, catching her expression.

" Zag, Razar and the Japanese are on their way." announced Snipes to Devineaux, leaning to him.

" Perfect. Then we should go as well."

" Raaah I lost again !" exclaimed Zack.

Carmen discovered a plastic goblet, surrounded with peanuts.

" I warned you : defying Snipes at a shooting contest is a bad idea." reminded Devineaux.

" Alright, I won. Come on Chase." concluded Snipes, getting up.

" Hummm … is someone interested about my mission ?" questioned Carmen.

" Well it went fine. Let's go as well Zack, time to sleep. Good job as always, Carm." replied Ivy.

" Huh ? But …" resumed Carmen.

They went past her. The Argentina looked at them, then where Chase went with Snipes. Where the hell were they going ? Before her brain could find an answer, her body moved. Alas, they were already gone before she found them. And where was Shadowsan ? She sighed. Well, nothing but going to sleep now. The next day, she was the third up. Zack and Ivy were finishing breakfast.

" Morning Carm !" they said.

" Morning you two. Is everyone else up ?" smiled Carmen.

" Hmmm nope. We saw no one yet."

She sat at their table, after choosing her breakfast. Later, Snipes arrived … with Devineaux. Carmen stopped chewing. An awful thought crossed her mind. No, it couldn't be this.

" Good morning, everyone." greeted the French.

Zack and Ivy happily responded.

" Where were you yesterday evening ?" asked Carmen.

" Hello to you too, senorita." responded Chase.

" Hmm. So ?"

He raised an eyebrow. That was pretty cold.

" We just went to continue the mission of course. Player gave us very useful informations we brought to Interpol. They should be able to arrest anyone at the reunion, and …"

" Player did that ?" asked Carmen, quite surprised.

" He did. Now, we just have to steal the drug and that will be over." continued Chase.

Carmen was displeased : why would Player do this without telling her ? The brown-haired girl didn't listened what was next, and when she did the topic has changed. Zack and Ivy were agreeing on something, Snipes and Devineaux ended their breakfast then left together again.

" What the heck is going on here ?" said Carmen.

Zack and Ivy, pulling their chair stopped and exchanged look.

" Huh, what do you mean ?" asked Zack.

" I mean it's like I'm being pushed on the side-lines. Did you at least wondered if I succeeded yesterday ?" she said.

The brother and sister looked at each other again.

" What the hell are you talking about, Carmen ?" said Ivy.

" Just getting the feeling that this mission is going out of my control. Ever since the others arrived and mingled in …"

Ivy told her brother to leave her with Carmen. Then she sat in front of her friend with a huge smile.

" What ?"

" Are you suuure it's the mission who slips between your fingers … or someone ?" made Ivy, putting her face on her hands.

" I don't get it."

" You're in a weird mood lately. We didn't ask you about your mission because we already knew. Chase asked me to get him in touch with Player, because he wanted to be sure you were okay. He even went there with that Snipes woman, should anything happen to you. Since they got back before you, we discussed the next course of actions, which by the way was repeated to you ten minutes ago. Didn't you listened ?" exposed Ivy.

" He … he was worried about me ?" repeated Carmen, with a note of contentment, and a smile forming.

Ivy smiled even broadly, which intrigued her interlocutor.

" Woooooh Caaaarmeeeeen !" she rhapsodized.

" W-what ?"

" It appears you took some interest in someoooone !"

" How about you're clear this time ?" asked Carmen.

" You asked for it. I think you have a crush on Chase."

Carmen became as red as her hat. Ivy just laughed.

" W-w-what nonsense is that ?!" exclaimed Sandiego.

Ivy just giggled.

" The truth maybe ? I saw your expression when you're looking at him and Snipes. You don't like to see them together. I also noticed the way you were behaving with him lately : your face lightens, you always smile to him, you twiddle your hair, put a bang behind an ear …" summarized Ivy.

" N-no … you're wrong I don't … no, we're just partners." spluttered Carmen.

" And you're in denial." added Ivy.

" Listen : I don't have a crush on anyone. I don't have time for this. Chase and I are just partners and that's all." insisted Sandiego.

" Yeah right. Then if you don't want him, I'll take him. As I said, he became quite handsome lately." concluded Ivy.

She didn't let Carmen add anything else, and left humming. Carmen looked at her rounded eyes. A crush. Pfff. Come on. Later, the whole group gathered. Zag and Zack were in charge of replacing the carriers who were captured yesterday evening. Once inside, Razar and Snipes would take care of the guards by diffusing a mixture that would send everyone to sleep. Carmen, Ivy, Shadowsan and Chase would collect the drug, load it in a truck while Razar and Snipes would put bombs to destroy the facility. Once each one agreed on what to do, they left. The mission went nearly as planned, except that a guard merely alerted the enemy. Interpol received the drug, and arrested each participant at the reunion.

" Ooooh Chaaaaase thanks for protecting me, you're my new hero !" exclaimed Ivy, grabbing him by the arm.

" That's natural Ivy, just try to be more careful next time okay ?" smiled Chase.

" As long as you're here, I'll be fine."

Carmen raised an eyebrow. What the heck again.

" Soooo, how was she looking ?" whispered Ivy to Zack.

" Surprised. You're sure about this sis ?"

" That's a way to confirm this, and maybe open her eyes." smiled Ivy.

In order to make Carmen realize her feelings, Ivy decided to involve Devineaux : without telling him the whole case, she just asked to help render someone jealous. Sceptical, the latter agreed without knowing who it was supposed to be. Zack was aware too, and had trouble to believe it as well. But he would observe just like his sister advised him to do. The team went back in the HQ town. ACME certainly left as well since two weeks.

" Chaaaase ?" purred Ivy the next day.

She went straight to the fitness room.

" Hmm, did I miss an episode ?" asked Player, in conference with Carmen and Shadowsan.

" My thoughts exactly." added the Japanese.

" I … don't know." replied Carmen.

Ivy went back, bounding, humming and seeming very joyful.

" I'm requisitioning the second bathroom." she announced.

" And why ?" asked Shadowsan.

" For my date of course. I need to be perfect for tonight." said Ivy naturally.

" Your date ?!" exclaimed Player and Shadowsan.

" You heard well. Now if you'll excuse me."

Player and Shadowsan exchanged looked. Carmen leaned her eyes. She couldn't be serious, couldn't she ? She bit her lips. Joking about that wasn't her style. And … she did say she was interested in Chase.

" Carmen ? Are you with us ?" called Player.

" Yes ! Yes of course I am." she said.

Twenty minutes later, Ivy was back. She happily took Chase by the arm and they went out, under the astonished glance of Shadowsan and the worried one of Carmen.

" Zack, are you aware that your sister is dating Chase ?" asked the old man.

Sandiego was glad he asked this.

" Of course I am." replied Zack casually.

" And aren't you annoyed with it ?"

" No. My sister can date whoever she wants. Plus, Chase is a good guy he'll take good care of her, I know it. They make a nice couple don't you think ?"

Zack was perfectly following his sister's instructions : supporting that decision, to add in it, pretend to be happy. Carmen gulped. What was this feeling she was having now ? Fear ? But why ? She left the living-room and went in her room. There she paced.

" It can't be … now come on, seriously. Why all of a sudden huh ? She could have done this before."

But maybe she didn't dare until now, said a voice in her head. Because she noticed your interest and didn't want to hurt you.

I'm not interested in Chase !

Then where's the problem ? You said you didn't have any crush, and repeated it now. So everything is fine right ?

Yes, I am fine.

Then again … her heart was aching a bit. She couldn't help but imagine them during this date. Their hands crossed, Ivy in his arms, him surrounding her, then … then them leaning to each other and … Sandiego shook her head. Her eyes caught her reflection in the mirror. She looked preoccupied. But that was dumb, she needn't to be preoccupied. All of this wasn't her business. As long as it didn't interfere in their work, there should be no problem. However, time passed and they weren't coming back. Her former teacher wished her good night and retired. Carmen waited a bit, then rushed to a window.

" Ugh, what am I even doing ?!" she lectured herself.

Suddenly, after half an hour she saw a car arriving. Ivy and Chase got out. They were laughing. Carmen discreetly watched them. On her side, Ivy took her phone. A message from her brother. She smiled.

" Okay partner. Now lean your face to me." announced Ivy on the doorstep.

" Alriiiight." he replied, unsure.

" A bit more … now don't move and just …"

Ivy put her arms around his neck. Carmen opened her mouth then pressed against the wall. She felt a retch. No … not that … it couldn't be. Her heart was racing, her throat tightened.

" How long are we going to stay that way ?" asked Chase, low voice.

" Just enough to be credible." replied Ivy.

They waited a bit longer before she released him. Then they entered. It was pitch-black until Carmen switched on the lights.

" Oh, hey senorita. Still up ?" said Chase.

" Wah wah wah. How dare you call me that way now ? You're back late."

" Well yes, we went to cinema and it lasted a bit. But why, is there a problem ?" replied Ivy.

" …"

Seeing that no answer was coming they just resumed their way. But Carmen caught Ivy by the forearm. Chase turned, and Ivy made a sign she got this.

" What are you playing at ?" she asked.

" Me ?" made Ivy, innocent.

" Yes you."

" And what about you huh ? How about you state clearly what the problem is ?" retorted the ginger-haired freeing herself.

" I have no problem !" exclaimed Carmen.

" Then why asking ?"

Carmen just gritted her teeth.

" Listen Carm. If you admit you have a crush on Devineaux I'll stop right now." sighed Ivy.

The latter just leaned eyes. Was it the real reason ? Was she jealous and if so, was it because she finally fell in love ? Ivy let her with her thoughts. After a while, Carmen went to bed, still having trouble with her feelings. Once in her bed though, she kept reflecting on what happened.

" So … I'm in love with Chase ?"

Well, her body's reaction when she saw them kissing … that pinch on her heart. And when she learnt Ivy was dating Chase. She was indeed afraid that their relation deepened at this point. Until now, she was the centre of his attention. She didn't really care until he started to lay eyes on another girl. Carmen sighed. Time to sleep now. She was the last up the next morning. Everyone greeted her. Later, it was time for some cleaning. Zack switched on the radio. Notes of music resonated in the whole place.

" Oh my, that song …" thought Carmen, opening the window of her room.

I love it when you call me senorita, I wish I could pretend that I didn't need ya …

It was so like them. Carmen did like him to call her senorita. She never thought she'd really appreciate to have him by her side. She has been fine doing most of the job practically on her own so far, but now she couldn't imagine a caper without him. He was reassuring, funny, supporting, kind, caring …Her eyes fell on Chase, outside.

I wish it wasn't so damn hard to leave ya … Oh I should be running, oh you keeping me coming for ya.

He made a sign with a smile, to what she responded smiling as well. Their eyes stayed hooked. Carmen felt her heat beating, her breathed shortened, unable to leave her eyes off him … only the voice of Ivy calling her could make her return to reality. She replied and left. Sandiego arrived to help with the cleaning. She took care of the dust while her friends swept the floor.

" Damn, who put that shelf so high ?" she said.

" Want some help, senorita ?"

Oh god. Carmen froze. He was just behind her, she could felt his presence intensively.

" Hello ?"

" Uhm … yes please ?" she replied, without turning.

Chase took the feather duster she was holding and cleaned the shelf.

" Here you go."

" Thanks." replied the girl without looking at him.

Ivy looked at her leader with an ironic smile, leaned on her broom. Carmen sighed, then approached her.

" Alright I get it. It's possible I might have a crush on him." she confessed low voice.

" Possible ? Might ?" repeated Ivy.

" Come on, it's not so easy." moaned Carmen.

" I know. But I'm really glad for you, pal."

" Thank you. Except I don't know what to do now." replied Carmen with a little smile.

" That's simple : all we have to do is know if he likes you as well. Continue working on your possible feelings." responded Ivy with a tap on her shoulder.

Carmen just sighed. Work on her feelings … love, the one between a man and a woman was something foreign to her. She never thought about it, never thought it could happen even, and certainly not so soon. But it did happen. Let's just see what will happen then. One hour later, Chase went to find Carmen.

" Senorita ?" he called.

" Yes ?" replied Carmen.

He went to her, and she put a bang of hair behind her ear. Oh damn, Ivy was right : she did this only with him. Even her voice tone was different.

" I have a little thing for our HQ." he said, tending a package to her.

Carmen blinked.

" Is that … for me ?"

" Yes, well for everyone actually. But I'd like you to open it first. You'll understand once you do it."

"Alright. Then if it is for everyone, I'll open it with the crew."

Sandiego called for everybody, and even Player who appeared behind his screen. Once the Red Team present, Carmen opened Chase's gift.

" Oh !"

It was a matryoshka at her effigy. Carmen opened it, to find a Player doll.

" Whoah !" smiled that one.

Then, an Ivy, a Zack one, a Shadowsan to end with a tiny Chase one.

" Do you like them ?" asked the man.

" I love them ! That's a great idea !" exclaimed Carmen.

" Yeah, best gift ever. All with Carmen, supporting her and forming a family." added Ivy.

" Exactly, and each one of you is giving me strength." made Carmen, piling the dolls.

She got up and went to put them on the shelf next to the others matryoshkas. Turning, her gaze crossed Chase's one. Carmen smiled and blushed, while her heart beat.

" Oh gosh. It's doing it again. Is … is this love ?" she wondered.

No one here could explain it to her. To top it off, the most experienced one was probably Chase himself. So asking him about her symptoms was just out of the question. Only Ivy seemed to understand, despite being surely as experimented as Carmen.