Chapter 2

It Could Happen

Three months had passed and Holland hadn't plucked up the courage to talk to Talho about how he felt. He had learnt a lot about her just from Ray who had mentioned her in conversations. Ray, who also was in the intelligence department, had befriended Talho. One day Talho had joined Holland, Charles and Ray for a drink at the bar on the base. Ray and Talho couldn't stop talking about things that were going around the department that they had forgotten they had male company until Charles put his arm around Ray.

"Charles someone will see you," Ray whispered so as not to draw any attention. Talho who knew all about Ray and Charles' relationship looked at them admiringly. She wished that Dewey would take her out to events just to show her off to the world. Even though she knew that any relationships in the military would mean instant demotion to both people, she would have liked to have that. She then turned her attention to Holland who was also looking at Ray and Charles. He looks so cute. I wonder if he and Diane used to be like that. Maybe someday if something happens between us we could have that. Charles, who had removed his hand from Ray and was now holding her hand under the table where no one could see, complained "Jeez, do all you women do is talk or gossip?"

"Oh Charles, this isn't about just anything. It's about the rumours that are going around about there being a search being conducted through all of the rooms. More and more people are getting demoted by the day. What happens if they happen to search your room and find the two of us together?" Ray whispered loud enough for just the four of them to hear.

"I wouldn't worry about that. Besides you are one of the greatest illusionists that I know," Charles said in a convincing voice.

"I'd better get going," Holland said suddenly. "I got an early mission briefing with Dewey in the morning."

"Yeah, so do I. See you guys around," Talho said.

"Bye," Chorused Ray and Charles.

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Once outside, Holland plucked up the courage to say something to Talho.

"I could walk you to your apartment if you like," he said. Please let her say yes. Then I can talk to her and get to know her.

"Um… thanks," Talho replied. Omigosh. Yes like hell would I like you to walk me home. Maybe God's being kind to me.

"Er... which block is it?" Holland asked. What I mean is should we start walking to your apartment in block C, apartment 51 on the eleventh floor.

"Block C," Talho replied.

They walked in silence for a couple of minutes. Then Holland spoke, "So do you also find my brother difficult, demanding and a perfectionist?"

"I guess you could say that. He is really demanding when it comes to handing reports in before time. So I guess you could say that. Though he isn't that bad," Talho replied.

"I think that he's a pain in the neck. But then again I've thought that since the day I was born," Holland commented. Talho giggled as they walked on. Who knows maybe she likes guys who are funny? Then I would need Charles to help me out there. I hope she likes me. Her smile is so incredible. Diane never smiled like that. Talho's eyes have in look in them that I know I've seen before but where and what does it mean? As they reached block C Talho saw Holland gazing at her through the corner of her eyes. She was so sure that she saw a look in his eyes that she had never seen before.

"Would you like to come upstairs for a beer or tea or coffee or something?" Talho asked. Please say yes. Please say you'd like to come up for a cup of me. Please pretty please say yes.

"Sure. That sounds nice," Holland replied. Hopefully I can go upstairs just for you. They climbed into the elevator and Talho pressed the button for the eleventh floor. She looked at him through the mirrors on the doors. Three months ago when she had first checked out his file she found out only what the military knew. She had learnt a lot from Ray over that time about Holland and his life. She had also learnt a fair amount from Diane while she used the facilities in the intelligence department while Talho was still in first year training. As the two of them walked towards her room door Talho got her keys out and started to push it into the lock when she dropped them. As she bent down to pick them up Holland retrieved her keys and handed it to her. They stared into each other's eyes for a second before Talho opened the door to her apartment. As Holland entered Talho's apartment he saw that her hallway walls were filled with photographs of her and five guys. All six of them had raven black hair; three of them had hazel eyes while the other three had grey eyes; they all had similar features so it was safe for Holland to assume that the guys in the pictures were her siblings. Talho led him past three doors before they came to the lounge.

"What can I get you," she asked.

"A beer will be fine," Holland replied. You would be fine to.

Talho disappeared through one of the doors that they had passed earlier and re-emerged a moment later carrying two beers. "Hope it's cold enough," she said as she handed him the beer.

"It's fine. Thanks," he replied. The two of them sat there drinking their beers until Holland said, "I'd better be going."

"Ok," was all Talho could say. How pathetic of me. Ok. Is that all I can say. How damn pathetic? It's a wonder I've even gotten so far with Dewey. But then again all he does is use me for the-

"Are these your brothers?" He asked.

"Yeah, all five of them," she replied. "We all look alike, but are almost nothing alike."

"Is that Alexander Motomishi?" Holland asked.

"Yeah. He and my brothers went by my mother's maiden surname."

"Oh," he said. I won't pry for answers. You'll tell me if you want to. Then he carried on walking to the door.

"Evening Miss Yuki."

"You know you don't have to call me that outside of work."

"Yeah. Force of habit I guess."

"Well goodnight then."

"Goodnight." Holland said as he left her apartment. On his way home all he could think about was the way that Talho had looked at him before she closed the door. He was so sure he had seen a hint of regret in her eyes. He was also sure that she had a look of longing in them as well.