p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Where is he?" Claw bellowed the moment he crossed through the great doors. A fearsome fire was crackling in the fireplace, MAD cat passed out, the whole castle still and silent-up till the manor's master burst in./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Within seconds, Talon had emerged from somewhere in the shadows and was signalling his uncle to follow him. In tense silence but for quick and steady footfalls, they passed into a chamber even more miserable and dull looking than before. On a bed lay the agent, with a doctor sitting over him. The doctor scrambled out of her seat when Claw entered, mumbling terrified apologies and excuses, and gave him wide berth as he inspected the body./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""What happened?" he snarled./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""I-I don't really know, Dr. Claw," she muttered, hands wringing. "I-I-I tried everything, he just wouldn't respond. H-he came in half dead already on his feet!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw turned around to fully face her; to throw his superior size and mass in her face, really. She shrunk even further just as he knew she would. "How?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""It was some kind of poison," she said. She was creeping towards the door, so Claw took a deliberate step closer to her, and in the way of the door, just to keep her mind focused. "One I've never seen before! One minute he looks sick, very sick, but standing, and then he suddenly can't breathe! I gave him a tracheotomy, look, there! It did nothing!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""He wouldn't have survived without the anti-dote anyway," Claw said, more to himself than to her./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""You...you know what caused this?" she asked timidly, but with obvious interest./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw snapped a vicious gaze to her, holding it. His upper lip curled slightly. "I do," he said. "And soon, so shall you." He made a gesture to Talon, who automatically walked over to the doctor and grabbed her arm. She paled, while he avoided her eyes, looked mostly at the floor with a deep set frown. "Take her to the lab," Claw ordered, and the other two visibly relaxed a trace. "Get her settled in and come back up here." He stormed out of the chamber before receiving an answer./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw headed for one of his private chambers, each one fitted with at least one monitor, playing the same subject matter 24/7. He had a program that searched through security camera feeds all over the city for Gadget's likeness, copied the footage, and played it on the monitors. He had the ability to hack into specific cameras for live footage, provided he could figure out Gadget's exact location. And when he put his mind to it, he rarely failed at that task. It helped of course that Gadget's movements were rather predictable, especially within Metro City./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"He told himself that he just wanted to make sure Gadget hadn't picked up any more of his trail, but he was hardly focusing on that. He was several layers deep into scheming this time when he watched the cyborg leave the station. He noticed with a harsh feeling that he wasn't alone, but was accompanied by a woman, dressed in snug dark slacks, a simple button up shirt, and a light blazer, with a tight ponytail. This was the same woman he'd noticed accompanying him some time ago, though she was dressed in something far less comfortable looking than this. Some absurd all blue skin tight affair, he recalled./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"He watched with a tightening fist the way they talked to each other as they walked for what felt like hours. They seldom touched but Claw could not ignore their closeness. He assumed she was his partner, as in on the job. He didn't like the idea of Gadget having any allies at all, anyone that could possibly help him or even advise him. He still wasn't sure exactly how the man stayed so sharp after all these years, how he managed to escape traps that had worked on other targets with deadly precision./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"He watched her with narrowed eyes, unwavering even as MAD cat snuggled against him./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"***************************/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"After a few hours of fitful, dream-plagued sleep, Dr. Claw crawled from his bed and willed himself to move despite such exhaustion down to the lab, where he checked in on the doctor's progress. She had been charged with duplicating the poison found in his agent. He couldn't help his amusement at the fact that his man did indeed obey his orders; he brought back the stuff, alright. The mystery of why it was inside him wasn't too relevant to Claw's plans. He could have been murdered; he could have done it himself. Claw didn't have the time to brood on this./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"She was far from finished. He gave her some encouraging threats and a promise of food later if she made any significant progress. Then he left her to her prison and went to one of his monitoring rooms./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""What's the poison for, Uncle Claw?" asked the young man leaning against one of the large desks, his head haloed by the monitor's glow. His tone was casual, bored, but his gaze unrelenting./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw narrowed his eyes at him. "You, if you keep inviting yourself into my personal spaces," he growled, shoving Talon off the desk./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""What if the doc can't replicate it?" Talon pressed, though he kept a healthy distance./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Then we find another," Claw said. MAD cat leaped onto his lap and received an automatic petting. As if sensing another question about to manifest, he added, "You'll know exactly what you need to know when I decide it's time. No sooner. Agreed?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Talon's glare rivalled that of his uncle for a moment, but then it dropped, like a snuffed out flame. He shrugged coldly, "Fine."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Good. You'll check on Dr. Martenne every hour. Give her whatever she needs, within reason, and make sure she's working hard. I can't go back to my original source for more of the compound; it's all hanging on her success or failure. Which I'm making into your success or failure."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""And what exactly are you gonna be doing all day?" Talon grumbled petulantly, but the dread and worry in his voice could not be so easily hidden./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw just stared into the monitor, seeming to look at Talon until the younger Claw realized he was staring at the video. Talon stepped out of the way and took the intense, silent glare as his answer, both of them watching the overpowered Interpol agent and his absurdly strong new partner. Watching, and scheming./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"*******************************/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"He'd feared that the woman would be with him the entire day, and thus delay his plans even further; he dared not approach Gadget with her around. He was not afraid of her, but neither did he want her brand of trouble; he knew his intellect was superior to all, but would not want to pit himself against her physically in case she saw through his lies./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Fortunately, their stroll was temporary; with a quick kiss they departed. He was able to continue following Gadget via monitor in his car as he sped his way into the city. His dread increased exponentially as he realized Gadget was heading towards the abandoned warehouse from which his agent had taken the poison. Claw kept himself as far removed from the actual deeds of his agents as possible, so even he didn't know exactly how the meeting went down. It was possible that Gadget could search all day and find nothing that would in any way tie back to MAD or to himself, but he couldn't afford to take any chances./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"At last Claw arrived at the warehouse, knowing Gadget was already inside, though unable to see him since there were no cameras in there. He got out of his car and all but charged in there, before realizing how incredibly suspicious that would seem. He had to think of an excuse, and quick…/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Damien?" a very excited voice called from inside./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw froze, eyes wider than they've been in a decade, and he frantically looked around for the source. How in all of Hell can he see me, he thought, until he noticed the broken glass and holes punched into the sides of the metal siding. It was still uncanny, and he was half sure the inspector was starting to figure out the truth./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"When he saw his face, though, all such doubts melted out of him. He smiled easily as they approached each other. "Good morning, Gus," he said, content to stand some distance from him, hands in pockets (he had remembered to switch bracelets and to put on gloves, at least), but Gadget immediately pulled him in for a hug, his strength startling considering his smaller mass and stature. Claw took in a good whiff of his cologne greedily as he pulled away. "Good to see you," he said hastily, under his breath./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Fortunately that brought a more relaxed smile to Gadget's face as he maintained an almost uncomfortably close proximity between them. He chuckled, but in a clipped, not so confident way. "What are you doing here?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw let his eyebrows raise and a rueful look pass over his face. "Forgive me," he said. "I saw your car on the street as I was driving, so I followed."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Oh, you did…?" Gadget laughed./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw was in a daring mood. "I also saw you earlier, but walking. You were with someone. A friend?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Gadget had been listening to this with an expression mixed with amusement and the mildest suspicion. With anyone else, he thought, he might feel creeped out, but he supposed he should expect to seen around town, as busy as he was. And anyway a part of him was flattered to be so remembered and thought of. His voice was a little guarded, though, as he answered, "Yes, she's my friend, a very dear one. She's also technically an ex."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Technically?" Claw teased, clearly relaxed at hearing this./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Gadget smiled. "Well I still love her, we're just not dating anymore. We're...how did she say it... Ah yes, 'seeing other people.'" His grin faded. "I'm sorry I didn't mention it…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Nonsense!" Claw said with a genuine laugh. "Every man should have his secrets."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Gadget made a face. "Well…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw put his arm around Gadget's shoulder and started leading him on a casual walk of the grounds, the sky a fitting steely gray. He squeezed Gadget's shoulder as the other leaned against him, relaxing. In fact within moments, the inspector had snaked his arm around Dr. Claw's waist. All the way around; sunlight glinted off metal./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""I know it didn't last long, but I very much enjoyed our time together last night," said Claw./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""So did I," Gadget returned with a sigh./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""But?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Gadget stopped them, and pulled away just enough to look at him. They were holding each other around the waists, and for a moment Claw was nearly distracted by the intoxicating feeling. He'd already suspected a genuine attraction would be inevitable. He didn't bother too much trying to lie to his own self about his feelings. But whatever relief to his loneliness he might find from this man content in his arms paled in comparison to the triumph he would feel at finally putting him down. Love, companionship: such things could be purchased, and he knew the vendors. Getting it from Gadget might be nice, but he came with a cost Claw just wasn't prepared to pay: giving up his entire life's work and mission. Was this softly smiling man worth that?/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""I have so little time to give you," Gadget said with an aching sadness to his voice that struck Claw right through the heart. "Even now I should be back in there, investigating."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Have you found anything?" Claw asked harshly, but Gadget seemed not to mind the tone./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""No. I'd hate to go back to empty handed again. I don't really care how I look, it's just…" Gadget trailed off, looked down, bit his lip./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw gently turned his face by the chin. With the same hand he stroked the side of his face, then rested it at his shoulder. "What is it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"The inspector's soft smile still on his face, his eyes were visibly misty, and he looked intensely tired for a moment. "Every lost minute for me is a victory for them."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Them?" Claw asked, already knowing the answer./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""MAD," Gadget whispered fiercely, a tear escaping down his face, brows knitted tightly./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Though it stirred him in a strangely unpleasant way to see such distress in his mortal enemy's face, it was all he could do to suppress a grin at the way he said that. He took it as a well deserved, well needed ego boost and the desire to kiss him was suddenly overpowering./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"So he did. Softly, carefully, at first, his hands just barely holding onto Gadget's shoulders. But within seconds they both went harder, following each other's lead. Free with teeth and tongue, it became a competition, which at first Claw allowed the other to take the lead. Claw slid his hands tightly down Gadget's sides, around his back, pulling and anchoring him by the small of his back, as he gradually overtook Gadget's kissing prowess. As if realizing he could not win, the inspector stopped trying to overtake him and surrendered to Claw's lips. Tears flowed, though he was silent but for the heightened breath./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw was the first to pull away, and they both had to catch their breath. "If anyone can bring them down," Claw said huskily, scratching his fingertips across the back of Gadget's neck. "It's you, Gus."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Oh, Damien…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw wiped the tears from his face and pulled him close. Gadget hugged him, his face against his shoulder. "I don't care how short our encounters must be," Claw said. "I will treasure them. There will be more?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Gadget looked up at him with a smile. "Of course there will, especially after I crack this thing. I might even take a day off." He laughed, and Claw joined him./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw kissed the corner of his mouth. "It's a date."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""What, this doesn't count?" Gadget teased./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"That evoked a genuine laugh from Claw, genuine feelings that both inebriated and deeply worried him. Attraction was fine, lust understandable. Safe. This was something...more. Or perhaps, Claw tried to reason, he was just reacting to the feeling of another body in his arms, like a starving man might to the sight of a steak. This was desperate human weakness, nothing more, he rationalized. And it would pass, not before delivering wounds, like it always did. At the very least, he could act convincingly enough to lull his prey into a false sense of security. At least the possibility of pillow talk and its fatal secrets was a real one./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""I assume you have your car here," Claw said softly, leading Gadget back with his arm around his waist. "Otherwise I'd offer you a ride back to the city. If you're done here, that is."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""No, I'm going to search a little more," he replied with more strength to his voice now. "I owe it to myself at least, even if this is a dead end."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""I understand, my dear," Claw said. He noticed Gadget's blush and his silent acceptance of being called that. "Though...must I spend the night alone again, though? You are allowed to sleep…?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Damien," Gadget mock-scolded. "What are you asking?" Judging from Gadget's face, it seemed like he was up for any answer./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Spend the night with me," Claw blurted. "We'll sleep in separate beds if you like. I just want yours to be the first face I see in the morning. I can't bear to face the rest of the night alone, can you?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Gadget didn't answer with words at first. A creeping blush and fierce grin he tried to hide behind his hand told Claw much. However, he still sensed something holding him back, so he added, "You have a partner, don't you? They can handle taking over for your for one night, can't they? Unless they're incompetent..."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Certainly not," Gadget retorted heatedly, and laughed to soften that harsh reply. "I couldn't ask for a more competent, capable partner."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Well, don't you trust them to take over for you?" Claw pressed, fighting to hold back a grin. This was almost too easy./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Yes…" Gadget said timidly, then he frowned and held himself a little taller. "Of course." He looked at Claw with the softest eyes. "There's just something about you," he said wistfully, reaching up to stroke through Claw's hair. Claw felt his heart hammer at first and nearly grabbed Gadget's arm, the feeling was so intense. He leaned into Gadget's hand instead, fixing a piercing gaze on him. "I can't place it…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw took his hand and kissed the back of it through the glove. "Then don't. I'm not questioning this-" he gave him a quick but devouring kiss on the lips. "And neither should you. Now, you'll be driving back in your car, yes?" Gadget nodded. "Good. Follow my car, then."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Well, I need to make some calls first…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Do that," he commanded. "When you're ready, flash your lights, and I'll start driving." He slipped away, noticing a flash of shiny gray beneath the inspector's coat sleeve as his arms shrank back to regular length. Another kiss, this time on the forehead, and Gadget left him./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw watched him walk for a bit before turning./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Within seconds, Talon had emerged from somewhere in the shadows and was signalling his uncle to follow him. In tense silence but for quick and steady footfalls, they passed into a chamber even more miserable and dull looking than before. On a bed lay the agent, with a doctor sitting over him. The doctor scrambled out of her seat when Claw entered, mumbling terrified apologies and excuses, and gave him wide berth as he inspected the body./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""What happened?" he snarled./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""I-I don't really know, Dr. Claw," she muttered, hands wringing. "I-I-I tried everything, he just wouldn't respond. H-he came in half dead already on his feet!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw turned around to fully face her; to throw his superior size and mass in her face, really. She shrunk even further just as he knew she would. "How?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""It was some kind of poison," she said. She was creeping towards the door, so Claw took a deliberate step closer to her, and in the way of the door, just to keep her mind focused. "One I've never seen before! One minute he looks sick, very sick, but standing, and then he suddenly can't breathe! I gave him a tracheotomy, look, there! It did nothing!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""He wouldn't have survived without the anti-dote anyway," Claw said, more to himself than to her./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""You...you know what caused this?" she asked timidly, but with obvious interest./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw snapped a vicious gaze to her, holding it. His upper lip curled slightly. "I do," he said. "And soon, so shall you." He made a gesture to Talon, who automatically walked over to the doctor and grabbed her arm. She paled, while he avoided her eyes, looked mostly at the floor with a deep set frown. "Take her to the lab," Claw ordered, and the other two visibly relaxed a trace. "Get her settled in and come back up here." He stormed out of the chamber before receiving an answer./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw headed for one of his private chambers, each one fitted with at least one monitor, playing the same subject matter 24/7. He had a program that searched through security camera feeds all over the city for Gadget's likeness, copied the footage, and played it on the monitors. He had the ability to hack into specific cameras for live footage, provided he could figure out Gadget's exact location. And when he put his mind to it, he rarely failed at that task. It helped of course that Gadget's movements were rather predictable, especially within Metro City./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"He told himself that he just wanted to make sure Gadget hadn't picked up any more of his trail, but he was hardly focusing on that. He was several layers deep into scheming this time when he watched the cyborg leave the station. He noticed with a harsh feeling that he wasn't alone, but was accompanied by a woman, dressed in snug dark slacks, a simple button up shirt, and a light blazer, with a tight ponytail. This was the same woman he'd noticed accompanying him some time ago, though she was dressed in something far less comfortable looking than this. Some absurd all blue skin tight affair, he recalled./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"He watched with a tightening fist the way they talked to each other as they walked for what felt like hours. They seldom touched but Claw could not ignore their closeness. He assumed she was his partner, as in on the job. He didn't like the idea of Gadget having any allies at all, anyone that could possibly help him or even advise him. He still wasn't sure exactly how the man stayed so sharp after all these years, how he managed to escape traps that had worked on other targets with deadly precision./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"He watched her with narrowed eyes, unwavering even as MAD cat snuggled against him./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"***************************/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"After a few hours of fitful, dream-plagued sleep, Dr. Claw crawled from his bed and willed himself to move despite such exhaustion down to the lab, where he checked in on the doctor's progress. She had been charged with duplicating the poison found in his agent. He couldn't help his amusement at the fact that his man did indeed obey his orders; he brought back the stuff, alright. The mystery of why it was inside him wasn't too relevant to Claw's plans. He could have been murdered; he could have done it himself. Claw didn't have the time to brood on this./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"She was far from finished. He gave her some encouraging threats and a promise of food later if she made any significant progress. Then he left her to her prison and went to one of his monitoring rooms./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""What's the poison for, Uncle Claw?" asked the young man leaning against one of the large desks, his head haloed by the monitor's glow. His tone was casual, bored, but his gaze unrelenting./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw narrowed his eyes at him. "You, if you keep inviting yourself into my personal spaces," he growled, shoving Talon off the desk./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""What if the doc can't replicate it?" Talon pressed, though he kept a healthy distance./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Then we find another," Claw said. MAD cat leaped onto his lap and received an automatic petting. As if sensing another question about to manifest, he added, "You'll know exactly what you need to know when I decide it's time. No sooner. Agreed?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Talon's glare rivalled that of his uncle for a moment, but then it dropped, like a snuffed out flame. He shrugged coldly, "Fine."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Good. You'll check on Dr. Martenne every hour. Give her whatever she needs, within reason, and make sure she's working hard. I can't go back to my original source for more of the compound; it's all hanging on her success or failure. Which I'm making into your success or failure."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""And what exactly are you gonna be doing all day?" Talon grumbled petulantly, but the dread and worry in his voice could not be so easily hidden./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw just stared into the monitor, seeming to look at Talon until the younger Claw realized he was staring at the video. Talon stepped out of the way and took the intense, silent glare as his answer, both of them watching the overpowered Interpol agent and his absurdly strong new partner. Watching, and scheming./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"*******************************/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"He'd feared that the woman would be with him the entire day, and thus delay his plans even further; he dared not approach Gadget with her around. He was not afraid of her, but neither did he want her brand of trouble; he knew his intellect was superior to all, but would not want to pit himself against her physically in case she saw through his lies./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Fortunately, their stroll was temporary; with a quick kiss they departed. He was able to continue following Gadget via monitor in his car as he sped his way into the city. His dread increased exponentially as he realized Gadget was heading towards the abandoned warehouse from which his agent had taken the poison. Claw kept himself as far removed from the actual deeds of his agents as possible, so even he didn't know exactly how the meeting went down. It was possible that Gadget could search all day and find nothing that would in any way tie back to MAD or to himself, but he couldn't afford to take any chances./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"At last Claw arrived at the warehouse, knowing Gadget was already inside, though unable to see him since there were no cameras in there. He got out of his car and all but charged in there, before realizing how incredibly suspicious that would seem. He had to think of an excuse, and quick…/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Damien?" a very excited voice called from inside./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw froze, eyes wider than they've been in a decade, and he frantically looked around for the source. How in all of Hell can he see me, he thought, until he noticed the broken glass and holes punched into the sides of the metal siding. It was still uncanny, and he was half sure the inspector was starting to figure out the truth./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"When he saw his face, though, all such doubts melted out of him. He smiled easily as they approached each other. "Good morning, Gus," he said, content to stand some distance from him, hands in pockets (he had remembered to switch bracelets and to put on gloves, at least), but Gadget immediately pulled him in for a hug, his strength startling considering his smaller mass and stature. Claw took in a good whiff of his cologne greedily as he pulled away. "Good to see you," he said hastily, under his breath./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Fortunately that brought a more relaxed smile to Gadget's face as he maintained an almost uncomfortably close proximity between them. He chuckled, but in a clipped, not so confident way. "What are you doing here?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw let his eyebrows raise and a rueful look pass over his face. "Forgive me," he said. "I saw your car on the street as I was driving, so I followed."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Oh, you did…?" Gadget laughed./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw was in a daring mood. "I also saw you earlier, but walking. You were with someone. A friend?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Gadget had been listening to this with an expression mixed with amusement and the mildest suspicion. With anyone else, he thought, he might feel creeped out, but he supposed he should expect to seen around town, as busy as he was. And anyway a part of him was flattered to be so remembered and thought of. His voice was a little guarded, though, as he answered, "Yes, she's my friend, a very dear one. She's also technically an ex."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Technically?" Claw teased, clearly relaxed at hearing this./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Gadget smiled. "Well I still love her, we're just not dating anymore. We're...how did she say it... Ah yes, 'seeing other people.'" His grin faded. "I'm sorry I didn't mention it…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Nonsense!" Claw said with a genuine laugh. "Every man should have his secrets."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Gadget made a face. "Well…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw put his arm around Gadget's shoulder and started leading him on a casual walk of the grounds, the sky a fitting steely gray. He squeezed Gadget's shoulder as the other leaned against him, relaxing. In fact within moments, the inspector had snaked his arm around Dr. Claw's waist. All the way around; sunlight glinted off metal./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""I know it didn't last long, but I very much enjoyed our time together last night," said Claw./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""So did I," Gadget returned with a sigh./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""But?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Gadget stopped them, and pulled away just enough to look at him. They were holding each other around the waists, and for a moment Claw was nearly distracted by the intoxicating feeling. He'd already suspected a genuine attraction would be inevitable. He didn't bother too much trying to lie to his own self about his feelings. But whatever relief to his loneliness he might find from this man content in his arms paled in comparison to the triumph he would feel at finally putting him down. Love, companionship: such things could be purchased, and he knew the vendors. Getting it from Gadget might be nice, but he came with a cost Claw just wasn't prepared to pay: giving up his entire life's work and mission. Was this softly smiling man worth that?/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""I have so little time to give you," Gadget said with an aching sadness to his voice that struck Claw right through the heart. "Even now I should be back in there, investigating."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Have you found anything?" Claw asked harshly, but Gadget seemed not to mind the tone./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""No. I'd hate to go back to empty handed again. I don't really care how I look, it's just…" Gadget trailed off, looked down, bit his lip./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw gently turned his face by the chin. With the same hand he stroked the side of his face, then rested it at his shoulder. "What is it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"The inspector's soft smile still on his face, his eyes were visibly misty, and he looked intensely tired for a moment. "Every lost minute for me is a victory for them."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Them?" Claw asked, already knowing the answer./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""MAD," Gadget whispered fiercely, a tear escaping down his face, brows knitted tightly./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Though it stirred him in a strangely unpleasant way to see such distress in his mortal enemy's face, it was all he could do to suppress a grin at the way he said that. He took it as a well deserved, well needed ego boost and the desire to kiss him was suddenly overpowering./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"So he did. Softly, carefully, at first, his hands just barely holding onto Gadget's shoulders. But within seconds they both went harder, following each other's lead. Free with teeth and tongue, it became a competition, which at first Claw allowed the other to take the lead. Claw slid his hands tightly down Gadget's sides, around his back, pulling and anchoring him by the small of his back, as he gradually overtook Gadget's kissing prowess. As if realizing he could not win, the inspector stopped trying to overtake him and surrendered to Claw's lips. Tears flowed, though he was silent but for the heightened breath./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw was the first to pull away, and they both had to catch their breath. "If anyone can bring them down," Claw said huskily, scratching his fingertips across the back of Gadget's neck. "It's you, Gus."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Oh, Damien…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw wiped the tears from his face and pulled him close. Gadget hugged him, his face against his shoulder. "I don't care how short our encounters must be," Claw said. "I will treasure them. There will be more?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Gadget looked up at him with a smile. "Of course there will, especially after I crack this thing. I might even take a day off." He laughed, and Claw joined him./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw kissed the corner of his mouth. "It's a date."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""What, this doesn't count?" Gadget teased./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"That evoked a genuine laugh from Claw, genuine feelings that both inebriated and deeply worried him. Attraction was fine, lust understandable. Safe. This was something...more. Or perhaps, Claw tried to reason, he was just reacting to the feeling of another body in his arms, like a starving man might to the sight of a steak. This was desperate human weakness, nothing more, he rationalized. And it would pass, not before delivering wounds, like it always did. At the very least, he could act convincingly enough to lull his prey into a false sense of security. At least the possibility of pillow talk and its fatal secrets was a real one./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""I assume you have your car here," Claw said softly, leading Gadget back with his arm around his waist. "Otherwise I'd offer you a ride back to the city. If you're done here, that is."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""No, I'm going to search a little more," he replied with more strength to his voice now. "I owe it to myself at least, even if this is a dead end."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""I understand, my dear," Claw said. He noticed Gadget's blush and his silent acceptance of being called that. "Though...must I spend the night alone again, though? You are allowed to sleep…?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Damien," Gadget mock-scolded. "What are you asking?" Judging from Gadget's face, it seemed like he was up for any answer./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Spend the night with me," Claw blurted. "We'll sleep in separate beds if you like. I just want yours to be the first face I see in the morning. I can't bear to face the rest of the night alone, can you?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Gadget didn't answer with words at first. A creeping blush and fierce grin he tried to hide behind his hand told Claw much. However, he still sensed something holding him back, so he added, "You have a partner, don't you? They can handle taking over for your for one night, can't they? Unless they're incompetent..."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Certainly not," Gadget retorted heatedly, and laughed to soften that harsh reply. "I couldn't ask for a more competent, capable partner."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Well, don't you trust them to take over for you?" Claw pressed, fighting to hold back a grin. This was almost too easy./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Yes…" Gadget said timidly, then he frowned and held himself a little taller. "Of course." He looked at Claw with the softest eyes. "There's just something about you," he said wistfully, reaching up to stroke through Claw's hair. Claw felt his heart hammer at first and nearly grabbed Gadget's arm, the feeling was so intense. He leaned into Gadget's hand instead, fixing a piercing gaze on him. "I can't place it…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw took his hand and kissed the back of it through the glove. "Then don't. I'm not questioning this-" he gave him a quick but devouring kiss on the lips. "And neither should you. Now, you'll be driving back in your car, yes?" Gadget nodded. "Good. Follow my car, then."/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Well, I need to make some calls first…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;""Do that," he commanded. "When you're ready, flash your lights, and I'll start driving." He slipped away, noticing a flash of shiny gray beneath the inspector's coat sleeve as his arms shrank back to regular length. Another kiss, this time on the forehead, and Gadget left him./p
p style="font-family: 'Nimbus Roman No9 L', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"Claw watched him walk for a bit before turning./p