Chapter Three: Thomas is Driving?!

Thomas and Shana went up to the room they had gotten, lugging the bags into the doorway. Shana tossed her backpack on the bed, looking over at Thomas expectedly.

"Well?"

Thomas set the suitcases off to the side, dusting his hands off and walking over to the window to peer out the blinds at the city below.

"Well what?"

Shana raised an eyebrow, walking over to look out the window with him.

"What on earth did you say to those two? Something nasty, I'm sure...."

Thomas gave her a playfully hurt look, resting his head against the glass.

"Who? Me? Never..."

Shana poked him, smiling brightly.

"Moron. You always do something to make me laugh...I can never keep a straight face around you."

Thomas laughed, slipping his backpack off of his shoulder and tossing it on another bed.

"Naturally. I told them that you did not speak Japanese."

Shana shook her head, still gazing out the window at the bright, neon lit city of Tokyo below.

"You're crazy, Thomas....absolutely crazy."

She went over to one of the beds, picking up her suitcase as she went.

"When will Ian be back? I wonder where he went."

Thomas was busy putting the clothes away in one of the dresser drawers, folding them neatly.

"Do not know. He will be here sooner or later, though."

Almost as if on cue, there was a knock at the door and a muffled

"Let me in!"

from outside. Thomas grinned, walking to the door.

"See, I told you so."

He peered through the peep hole, calling back,

"What if I made you sleep out there all night?"

There was another muffled groan and then,

"You had better not, Tomasu! Let me in!"

Shana laughed, shoving at Thomas' shoulder.

"Let him in, Thomas, or I won't let you have supper!"

Thomas spun around to glare at her, and then complied.

"You know my weakness..."

He unlocked the door, and Ian came trudging in, backpack slung over one shoulder and a bottle of pills in the other hand.

Shana cocked her head as she took his backpack from him, laying it on a third bed.

"What's that? Where did you go?"

Ian rolled his shoulder once, cringing as he fingered a small knot.

"Goodgrief that pack his heavy...oh, what? Yeah. I got some pills for you, it'll keep your stomach steady if you're feeling sick-ish."

Shana took the bottle, reading the label.

"Thanks. I could do with these, anyway...I've got a headache."

Ian smiled, unzipping his backpack.

"No prob. Yo, Thomas, catch,"

He tossed his brother some car keys, and the Asian man caught them perfectly.

"What are these for?"

Shana spun around, staring.

"Ian, you didn't...."

Thomas suddenly looked down at the keys as well, almost grinning.

"Uh, yeah, is this a joke?"

The blond only smiled, turning back around to busy himself with taking a few things out of his backpack. Shana gaped at him.

"You. Seriously. Are. Not...Ian....IN TOKYO?!"

Thomas almost giggled, but immediately put on a serious face when Shana spun around to glare at him, looking up nonchalantly at the ceiling.

"Ian, you've gone mad..."

Ian smiled, not looking up at her.

"I've had people tell me that many a time..."

"But—but...."

She looked at a trying-to-control-himself Thomas, and then to the smiling Ian.

"....you just gave him car keys! Do you even have a clue how dangerous he can be behind the wheel of a car?!"

Ian finally looked up at her, leaning against the wall.

"Yes, I have a clue. I also know that he's the best driver in Tokyo, and I further know that I hate packed streets, while Thomas here can drive well in them. I further more know that you are definitely NOT driving, because you don't know your way around. Yes, Shana...I have a clue."

She pouted at him a minute, and then looked over at Thomas, who flashed a handsome smile and walked over casually, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"Do not worry...I will not kill you..."

Shana raised an eyebrow incredulously.

"Yeah, that's what you said when we went on that mission last time and you nearly killed us in that jeep..."

Thomas shrugged innocently, winking.

"Hey, that was a jeep, not a newly rented Toyota Tundra."

Shana sighed, looking at no one in particular.

"I'm gonna die..."

Thomas stuffed the keys in his pocket, grinning.

"That is what you said when you got here, cupcake."

Shana mock-kicked at his knee, acting dramatically indignant.

"Cupcake? Huh, I oughta start just calling you 'Storm-Hunnie'..."

Thomas glared.

"...not funny...."

Ian laughed, slapping his brother on the back as he walked by him.

"Poor Thomas...we'll never let you live that one down."

Shana smiled, sitting down on the bed and pulling off her boots.

"Nope, we won't, so just get used to it..."

Thomas sighed, running a hand through his hair, effectively causing it to fall over one eye.

"You guys are just sooo nice....now I suppose you will not let me get any supper?"

Ian smiled, handing him about twenty dollars.

"Go get something to bring back here, but make sure it's not too rich..."

He meaningfully nodded towards the redhead, who was once again gazing out the window, and Thomas took the point.

"Sure. How about just some white rice or something? That should settle with her...we have that all the time at the base."

Ian nodded, laying a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"Oh, and do be careful with the truck...I paid good money to rent it."

Thomas laughed, walking towards the door.

"Got it. I will not be long, see you guys in a little while."

As the door clicked shut, Shana turned around, a little startled to see the ninja master standing right behind her, also looking out the window.

"How do you like it?"

She smiled, turning back towards the spectacular view.

"It's wonderful. I've really never seen anything even close to it."

Ian laughed, looking down at Tokyo City.

"I really do love it here. It brings back a lot of memories."

Shana laughed as well, tracing the shape of a skyscraper close by.

"I'm sure it does....I think that Thomas is excited about seeing his sister, too."

The blond rested his head against hers, smelling her hair.

"He is. He's been waiting to do this for a long time. I believe that tomorrow we will go to see her, Thomas was going to call her tonight."

Shana tried to stifle a yawn, but failed at the attempt.

"Yikes...the time change here is so weird."

Ian laughed, kissing her cheek and then turning to finish with his backpack.

"I know what you mean...I'm worn out, too. Why don't you stretch out on the couch there until Thomas gets back, and I'll finish with this stuff."

Shana turned, glancing from the comfortable looking couch to Ian.

"...you sure?"

Ian shrugged, smiling.

"Absolutely. Won't hurt you non. I'll do this, don't worry about it."

The beautiful redhead was more than willing, smiling at her friend.

"You're so sweet."

Ian laughed, pulling some books out from his bag and laying them on the small table.

"I try to be. Get some rest, I'm sure you'll know when Thomas comes back."

Shana laid out on the couch, tucking one of the pillows under her head and closing her eyes. It was quiet now, save for the few muted noises of the ninja master putting away some things. She tried not to smile when it became totally silent, and then felt a coat gently laid over her. She immediately knew it was Ian's, as the smell of the cologne he always wore was definitely on the warm coat. She buried her face in the warmness of it, breathing deeply. She was having a wonderful time, and being there with her two best friends, made it even better...

* * * *

End chapter 3. Alright, if anyone can guess where the 'Storm-Hunnie' thing came from, if the reader wants, I'll do a chapter on that nickname and poor ol' Thomas. *grin * and if you have any ideas for that chapter....I'm happy to hear 'em!