DISCLAIMER:(apparently I need one here…oops) I do not own anything, except my cat…well, she owns me.
England
SEVERAL YEARS AGO
Chie tightened her arms around the beautiful woman underneath her, as she deeply kissed the woman. She could feel her heart soar with love. Chie was in love for the first time in her life. She felt as if her life was touched by an angel; the angel she held in her arms.
"I love you Aoi," Chie whispered after she broke the kiss.
"I love you too Chie darling," Aoi replied.
"I wish we could stay like this forever," Chie said wistfully as she looked down into Aoi's eyes.
"Naked in bed?" Aoi teased, looked deep into Chie's eyes, and ran her fingers through Chie's short dark hair.
"Hmmm…that would be nice too, but I mean together…alone…like this," Chie said as she leaned down and kissed Aoi's cheek.
Aoi Senoh remained silent. Chie searched her lover's face for a hint of why Aoi was suddenly quiet. After a short while, Chie got her answer as tears began to well in Aoi's eyes.
"I'm sorry sweetheart. I'm sorry," Chie desperately apologized.
"Darling, I'm the one who's sorry. I REALLY wish things were different," Aoi said sadly.
"Sweetheart, please don't cry. I understand," Chie wrapped her arms around Aoi.
The two women silently clung to each other in Chie's bed and eventually fell into a restless sleep.
The morning sun cheerfully woke Chie by shining directly in her face through the bedroom window. Chie instinctively reached beside her. When her hand felt the cold sheets, she slowly opened her eyes and sat up. As she stared at the empty space next to her, she felt the deep pain in her chest she always felt the morning after with Aoi. Chie closed her eyes and clenched her jaw, trying to make the pain go away and hold back her tears. A flash of anger helped bring Chie back. She shook her head to clear it and reluctantly got out of bed.
Chie slipped on her long-tailed dress shirt from the night before and headed for the kitchen. On the kitchen counter was the usual 'Morning After' note from her lover. Chie ignored it and made herself a cup of tea. With her tea cup in hand, she walked out of the kitchen and grabbed the note on her way out. She walked out on to the living room balcony and sat in the chair. She took a sip of her tea and placed the cup on the small table next to her. After a deep sigh, she began to read the note:
My Darling Chie,
I wish I were there waking up with you this morning, but we both know what an impossible dream it is. I miss you already. Thank you for the wonderful dinner last night.
I will see you later today,
Aoi
Chie crumpled up the note in her fist. She clenched her fist so tight, her knuckles turned white. She picked up her tea cup, took a sip, and went back inside her apartment to get ready for work.
Chie walked into MI-6 headquarters, through all the security, and headed directly to her office. Once inside her office, she placed her briefcase on her desk and headed down the hall to get a cup of tea. As she passed her superior's office, she saw Lillian embracing her wife. Chie felt the familiar pain in her chest and she quickened her pace. With her tea in hand, she made the return trip back to her office. As she passed Lillian's office again, she heard her name.
"Operative Hallard, come in here," Lillian called.
"Yes?" Chie entered the office and stood in front of Lillian's desk.
"Please, take a seat," Lillian said and motioned to the empty seat in front of her desk.
As Chie sat down, she smiled weakly at Lillian's wife, who was seated in another chair, in front of the desk.
"You have been offered a terrific opportunity in Switzerland," Lillian began.
Chie's eyes widened and she felt the blood drain from her body.
"Covert Operations – Deployment and Espionage, C.O.D.E., has requested you join their team, but they need an answer immediately. It appears they lost their best explosives agent recently and have chosen you to replace her," Lillian said as she closed Chie's file.
Lillian sat back in her chair and looked the operative right in the eyes, attempting to gauge Chie's answer. Chie's eyes revealed nothing, a skill Chie honed to perfection.
"You are MI-6's top explosives operative and we would hate to lose you, but this is a rare opportunity. As you know, C.O.D.E.'s agents consist of only the top elite experts in their respective fields," Lillian finished and took a sip of her tea.
Chie was lost deep in her thoughts when a familiar voice saved her from being forever lost in them.
"How soon does Operative Hallard need to respond?" Aoi asked.
"They want an answer by the end of the day, Operative Senoh," Lillian answered.
Chie looked at Aoi and quickly searched her eyes for an answer she already knew would not be there.
"Here, let them and I know your answer by the end of today," Lillian said, as she handed Chie C.O.D.E.'s letter.
Chie could only nod her head before she left Lillian's office. As she left, Chie heard Lillian say something that cinched Chie's decision to join C.O.D.E.
"Dear, I'm thrilled about the news! We'll start renovating the home office into a nursery immediately."
PRESENT
A gentle hand on Chie's arm brings her violently out of her reverie.
"Miss? We're about to land. Please fasten your seatbelt," the stewardess says.
As usual, Heathrow Airport is a zoo, but Chie is spared from the madness, as she enters C.O.D.E.'s private car from their private plane. Chie let her bags hit the floor of C.O.D.E.'s private apartment and heads for the bathroom to get ready for her day.
First, she checks in with her C.O.D.E. contact in England. Second, she goes over to MI-6 headquarters. She wants to see if they have any leads. After Chie clears security, she heads to the one person she knows will know anything about The Red Spider's whereabouts. Speaking to Sarah, Chie's best friend in Information proves fruitful. While Sarah didn't have an exact location, Chie does have a much more promising lead than her C.O.D.E. contact in England gave her. While Chie wanders the familiar halls of MI-6, she tries to remain incognito. Standing in front of the door to Research and Development, she takes a deep breath. She enters and quickly heads to speak to Dwight Trinitrotoluene, her mentor and head of Explosives.
"Hallard! You old dog! What brings you back to this neck of the woods?" Dwight yells happily.
"What else…work," Chie answers.
"What can I do you for?" Dwight asks cheerfully.
"Anything new and exciting?" Chie asks.
Chie's mentor's face lights up like a Christmas tree. She proudly shows Chie the newest breakthroughs. Chie leaves with the promise to share ale with Dwight before leaving England. Just as Chie opens the lab door to leave, a familiar voice stops her in her tracks.
"Chie Hallard?" Aoi asks.
'Bollocks!' Chie says to herself.
"Aoi Senoh," Chie says as she turns to face the woman.
"It's been a LONG time," Aoi says sadly.
"Yes, it has," Chie responds flatly, unable to fully meet Aoi's eyes.
"What brings you back to MI-6?" Aoi asks.
"An assignment," Chie offers.
"Oh," Aoi says and adds, "Does this mean you'll be in England for awhile?"
"Yes it does," Chie says.
"Then, would you like to join me for dinner tonight?" Aoi asks and when she sees Chie's hesitation adds, "Your favorite restaurant."
"I don't think it would be a good idea," Chie responds.
"Racine at 7PM, I'll meet you there," Aoi says and walks away.
Chie stood dumbfounded. She wanted to catch Aoi and cancel, but something was keeping her planted in place.
Chie enters the restaurant and immediately scans the place for Aoi, but does not see her. She asks the host if he has a reservation for "Senoh." The host looks down at his list and smiles. He leads Chie towards the back of the restaurant, to a private dining room, and opens the door to reveal Aoi sitting at a candlelit table. Aoi smiles brightly at Chie. Chie's eyes grow wide as she stares at Aoi, who is stunning in her short green, form-fitting dress. The host pulls out the chair for Chie and a dazed Chie somehow manages to sit in it. Aoi blushes from Chie's attention and her own growing lust at seeing Chie dressed in a dark suit with a midnight blue dress shirt. As always, Chie has a blue rose in her lapel. The host hands Chie a menu and leaves.
"I'm glad you decided to come," Aoi says and smiles.
"I wasn't, but I changed my mind at the last minute," Chie responds without looking up from her menu.
"Chie, look at me. I know you have the menu memorized," Aoi teases.
"Huh?" Chie feigns ignorance.
"I've missed you these past fifteen years," Aoi says and places her hand on Chie's.
"Has it been that long?" Chie lies, puts down her menu, and pulls her hand out from under Aoi's.
"Yes Chie, it has. I've thought about you the entire time," Aoi says with deep pain evident in her tone.
"What about your wife and child?" Chie says with her own pain and anger tingeing her tone.
Before Aoi has a chance to respond, the private dining room door opens and the waiter enters. He takes their orders and leaves.
"How is life with C.O.D.E.?" Aoi asks.
"Interesting," Chie offers.
"I've heard rumors through the grapevine you're making quite a name for yourself…Blue Rose," Aoi says proudly.
"Wha? How?" Chie sputters.
"I'm not stupid Chie. I put two and two together and figured it out," Aoi answers.
"I see you're still MI-6's top Toxins operative, no, expert. You were in the lab," Chie says, hoping to change the subject.
"Yes. I was pulled from field work after the pregnancy," Aoi answers.
"What did you have?" Chie asks.
Before Aoi has a chance to respond, the private dining room door opens and the waiter enters with their dinner. They eat in relative silence, except for a few comments on the food. They share a bottle of wine, which breaks down both women's defenses. At the end of dinner, both women are holding hands on the table and smiling into each other's eyes.
Against her better judgment, Chie brings Aoi back to the apartment. They make love throughout the night. It is possessive and rough, not loving and tender like fifteen years ago.
The next morning, Chie instinctively reaches beside her. When her hand feels the cold sheets, she slowly opens her eyes and stares at the empty space next to her. The old familiar deep pain in her chest returns with a vengeance. Chie closes her eyes and clenches her jaw, trying to make the pain go away and hold back her tears. A flash of anger helps bring her back. She shakes her head to clear it and reluctantly gets out of bed.
Chie slips on her long-tailed dress shirt from the night before and heads for the kitchen and Aoi's usual "Morning After" note. Chie glances at the kitchen counter for the note, but is surprised to find Aoi, in Chie's rarely used bathrobe, sitting at the kitchen table sipping tea.
"Wha?" Chie sputters.
"Good morning Chie," Aoi smiles.
"Why are you still here?" Chie asks and winces when she realizes how cruel it sounds.
"You were expecting a note?" Aoi teases.
"Actually, yes," Chie responds, ignoring Aoi's tease.
"We didn't have much of a chance to talk last night," Aoi says seriously.
"Well..." Chie blushes.
"Come, sit," Aoi says and motions to the chair next to her.
Chie pours herself a cup of tea from the tea pot Aoi already had brewed and sits next to Aoi.
"Isn't your wife going to be worried?" Chie says sarcastically, knowing she is being foul.
"Last night you asked me what I had," Aoi says changing the subject.
"Yes, but the waiter interrupted and you never answered," Chie responds.
"It was a girl," Aoi says as tears begin to well in her eyes.
"Why are you crying? Did you want a boy?" Chie asks.
"No Chie. I lost the baby," Aoi weeps.
Chie wraps her arms around Aoi and holds her tight. She whispers comforting words to Aoi as she gently rocks her back and forth. After a long while of crying, Aoi finally speaks and Chie releases her.
"We desperately tried getting on with our lives, but she just couldn't do it. She left about a year after," Aoi says through her sobs.
"That bitch! I never would have left you…," Chie starts and abruptly stops when she realizes just what she is saying.
"I'm SO sorry Aoi," Chie says.
"I tried desperately to find you, but C.O.D.E. refused to give me any information. Even after I told them I was MI-6," Aoi replies.
"How long?" Chie asks.
"I've been alone for thirteen years Chie," Aoi answers through sniffles.
"Surely there must have been other women?" Chie asks.
"No. I was…am in love with only one woman," Aoi answers and looks deep into Chie's eyes.
Chie feels like someone hit her directly in the chest with a wrecking ball and the look on her face reflects it.
"Chie darling?" Aoi calls.
Chie stares at Aoi with eyes wide.
"Chie?" Aoi says and cups Chie's cheek with her hand.
Chie stares at Aoi, as tears begin rolling down her cheeks.
"Chie darling!" Aoi exclaims.
Chie finally blinks a few times and takes Aoi in her arms. Chie lovingly kisses Aoi, which quickly turns passionate. Chie scoops Aoi into her arms and carries her back to the bedroom.
The lovers are locked in a deep passionate kiss as Chie gently lays Aoi down on the bed and carefully lies on top of Aoi, never breaking their kiss. Chie places her right hand gently around the back of Aoi's neck to support it. She uses her left to support the majority of her weight against the mattress, so she doesn't crush Aoi. Chie moves her lips from Aoi's lips to the side of her sensitive neck. Aoi moans with pleasure. Chie opens her mouth and lightly sucks on the soft skin. Aoi moans deeper and digs her fingers into Chie's shoulders. Chie moves down and places quick kisses along Aoi's collarbone to her throat. Chie runs her tongue from Aoi's throat down between her breasts. Aoi can only manage moans of pleasure at this point. Chie nuzzles open the loose-fitting robe with her nose to find Aoi's erect nipple and lightly runs her tongue around it, making it harder. When Chie lightly brushes her tongue over it, Aoi arches her back and lets out a loud deep growl. Chie wraps her mouth around the erect nipple and gently sucks on it. Aoi's moans grow deeper and louder.
Several hours later, Aoi wakes to find Chie's left arm draped across her, securing her to the bed. She turns to her left and sees her sleeping lover with her face buried in her pillow. Aoi notices Chie's blue rose tattoo on her left shoulder cap. As she is admiring the tattoo and wondering about its origins, Chie stirs awake. Chie uses her left arm to pull Aoi into a spooning position and kisses the back of Aoi's neck.
"So…this is what waking up with you is like," Chie purrs into Aoi's neck.
"Chie darling, when did you get the tattoo?" Aoi asks.
"A few years ago, after an agent was killed and they were unable to identify the body," Chie replies sadly.
"Darling, I know this is fast, but I was wondering where do we go from here?" Aoi asks with trepidation in her voice.
"Sweetheart, I think fifteen years of waiting is not fast, don't you?" Chie jokes.
"Darling, you know what I mean," Aoi teases.
"Sweetheart, I do NOT want to lose you ever again. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Would you leave MI-6 and come live with me?" Chie says.
"Darling, what about my work?" Aoi asks.
"Hmmm…I didn't think about that. I can't ask you to give up your life's passion," Chie states.
"But darling, I do NOT want to lose you again either," Aoi says sadly.
"Hmmm…let me work on it, okay?" Chie says brightly.
"Okay darling, I'll leave it in your capable hands," Aoi says confidently.
Chie and Aoi cuddle in bed until Aoi's mobile telephone rings. Aoi follows the ringing and finds it buried in her clothing strewn on the bedroom floor. She checks the display and flips it open.
"Yes? No. I'm sorry. I'll be there shortly," Aoi states into her mobile telephone and hangs up.
"Who was that?" Chie asks.
"Headquarters. They want to see me immediately," Aoi says puzzled.
"Well, we'd better get you on your way then," Chie says and extends her hand to Aoi.
Aoi takes Chie's hand and Chie leads them to the bathroom. They shower together and Chie accompanies Aoi back to MI-6's headquarters.
Chie leans against the side of her sports car waiting for Aoi's return. A few hours later, Aoi immerges from MI-6's headquarters with a box in her hands. As soon as Chie sees Aoi, she rushes to help her girlfriend.
"What's with the box?" Chie asks as she places the box in the backseat and then opens the passenger door for Aoi.
"It's my belongings," Aoi replies stunned as she sits in the passenger seat.
"WHAT?" Chie yells and runs around the car to take her seat.
"My belongings," Aoi repeats still stunned.
"Did they dismiss you for not being in the lab today?" Chie asks concerned and ready to fight with MI-6.
"No. I've been offered a new position with C.O.D.E. in their Research and Development department," Aoi replies still in shock.
"Wha?" Chie asks now equally stunned.
"Yes, I start immediately in C.O.D.E.'s Research and Development department as the new head of their Toxins Division," Aoi says excitedly as her words finally sink in.
"Sweetheart, that's wonderful! Congratulations!" Chie says, leans over, and hugs Aoi tightly.
"Darling, they left explicit instructions for you to escort me to C.O.D.E. headquarters immediately," Aoi states.
"What about my current assignment?" Chie asks.
"I don't know," Aoi answers.
Upon their arrival back at Chie's, Chie pulls out her special communicator and slides it open.
"What did they say?" Aoi asks.
"I'll pack my stuff and then I'll take you back to your place to pack a bag," Chie answers.
Chie escorts Aoi to C.O.D.E. headquarters after a detour to Chie's home to drop off their bags.
"Toki, please tell 'L' we're here," Chie says to Mai.
"Huh?" Mai says, shocked that Chie didn't just barge right in like she always does.
"Please tell 'L' we are here," Chie repeats.
"Oh, go right in. They're expecting you both," Mai says and motions to the door.
"Thank you Toki," Chie says, leaving a confused Mai wondering who that person was and what they did with the real Chie.
When Chie and Aoi enter Yukino's office, they see Natsuki, Shizuru, and Mikoto already seated in front of Yukino's desk with Haruka in her usual place next to Yukino.
"Ahhh…The Blue Rose and Ms. Senoh," Yukino stands and smiles.
Chie leads Aoi to a vacant seat, pulls it out for her, and Aoi sits. Chie takes the vacant chair next to Aoi.
"You both probably have a lot of questions for me, but first let me introduce Ms. Senoh to our other guests," Yukino begins.
"This is The Ice Wolf," Yukino extends her hand towards Natsuki.
"Pleased to meet you Ms. Senoh," Natsuki stands, takes Aoi's hand, and kisses it.
Both Shizuru and Chie glare at Natsuki as she sits back down. Natsuki ignores them.
"This is The Beguiling Stranger," Yukino extends her hand towards Shizuru.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Senoh," Shizuru stands and shakes Aoi's hand.
"This scruffy person is Koto, the head of Research and Development," Yukino extends her hand towards Mikoto.
"I'm looking forward to seeing your Toxins research Ms. Senoh," Mikoto stands and practically flattens Aoi as she aggressively heads for Aoi with her hand extended.
"Ms. Senoh is the new head of our Toxins Division.
"Ms. Senoh, before this meeting gets underway, I want you to know we NEVER use an agent's real name in the presence of other agents. It is a security measure. I and my immediate staff are the only ones who know an agent's real identity. Address me as 'L,' my secretary as 'Toki,' and my bodyguard as 'Ruka," Yukino states.
"'L,' why have we been summoned back to headquarters?" Chie asks.
"Well, I knew it was be nearly impossible to get you out of England without Ms. Senoh and I needed all my agents back here," Yukino states and causes Chie to blush.
"So there has been a development with The Red Spider we didn't know about?" Natsuki asks.
"Koto, please take Ms. Senoh to orientation," Yukino asks.
Aoi and Chie stand. Chie smiles and kisses Aoi on the cheek before she leaves with Mikoto. Chie watches Aoi until she's out the door.
"Okay, let's get down to business," Yukino says.
When the meeting is over, Chie starts to make her way to Research and Development, but is intercepted by Shizuru and Natsuki.
"So Blue Rose, she is the one woman who was able to win your heart?" Shizuru asks.
"Yes," Chie blushes.
"She's lovely," Natsuki says, but when she sees Shizuru's upset face, she adds, "But not as lovely as my dear wife."
"My beloved," Shizuru purrs and slips her arm in Natsuki's.
"Well, I hate to break up this lovefest, but I should be going," Chie says.
"Hey, take it from an old married woman, it's easier if you two use 'pet names' when you're alone, so you don't slip in public," Natsuki says as she leads Shizuru away.
Chie took Aoi to her favorite fancy restaurant for dinner to celebrate her new position.
"Congratulations sweetheart," Chie says as she holds up her glass of wine.
"Thank you Chie darling," Aoi says.
"Sweetheart, The Ice Wolf suggested we use 'pet names' for each other all the time, so we don't slip in public," Chie says.
"Okay…darling," Aoi replies and smiles.
"Have you decided what you are going to do about your living arrangements?" Chie asks.
"No," Aoi answers.
"I would be thrilled if you lived with me…but only if you wanted," Chie stammers.
"I would like that very much, but with one condition," Aoi says.
"What is that sweetheart?" Chie asks.
"If at anytime, either of us finds they are no longer comfortable living together, I will move into a place of my own," Aoi states.
"Agreed," Chie agrees happily.
Chie had only this night to settle Aoi in to her home. She flew out to Japan with Shizuru the next morning.