I've had this chapter ready for a while now. :P Thanks to everyone who's reviewing, it makes me all giddy inside. :D Its gonna pick up soon after this, so no worries, more Matt in the next chapter. ^o^-
It was a few moments before it registered to Matt whom he was looking at. Audrey's gray eyes were wide, darting all over him. Her dark reddish-brown hair was still as wavy as he remembered; it was just longer now, reaching slightly past her chest. She licked her lips nervously, drawing his attention to the lovely curves of her mouth, to the slight rosy color… Matt shook his head, straightening to turn his attention to Watari. "Hello, Mail." Watari addressed him formally. "Let's stick with 'Matt', eh, old man?" Watari raised a single eyebrow at the abrasive young man that was walking toward them with his hands in the pockets of his jacket. Matt stopped in front of Audrey. She bit her lip, looking up at him for no more than a second before dropping her eyes, only to let them return to his face to repeat the process again. He laughed quietly, dryly. "Thanks again for the cancer stick, Audrey." The last thing he saw before he breezed past them was her dark eyes widening.
"It appears his memory is better than his manners." Watari mumbled, moving forward, clearly disregarding what Matt had actually said. Audrey followed him up to the front desk, slightly in shock of what had just happened – still in disbelief that Matt actually was standing right in front of her just a moment ago, peeling her apart with those intense eyes of his… "I suspect he'll be back, Ms. Linder." Watari spoke to the blond woman behind the counter. She nodded, straightening some papers and standing. Drawn to her full height, she was almost as tall as Watari, which meant she would tower over Audrey with a model-esque grace. Audrey rubbed at her arm as the woman spoke. "Yes, I suspect he will. But no matter how many times he comes around, giving him what he wants would be impossible… not to mention completely brainless." Watari made a face of agreement, and it became apparent to Audrey that they knew something she did not. Watari said goodbye to Ms. Linder and guided Audrey to the elevator. "Our floors are the three at the top. Your room will be in the middle floor. Near's only request is that you do not go into the third floor, but other than that, you are free to come and go as you please." Watari smiled down at her before continuing, pressing a button on the wall of the elevator. "Near is expecting you. However, I feel I must tell you, he's not one for talking much. Near is… very busy." Audrey nodded in understanding. "He never was one for talking. I suppose it'll just be nice to see an old friend. I have to thank him for all of this."
The elevator dinged, announcing its arrival. The doors slid open to reveal a sleek, open space. Long windows covered one of the walls completely. The room was sparsely furnished with luxurious chairs, surrounding a coffee table in front of a large fireplace to her right. Off to her left, her eyes landed on none other than Near, sitting with one knee tucked up in a wooden chair. His dark eyes lifted to meet Audrey's, a small smile threatening to tug at his pale lips.
Audrey couldn't stop herself from smiling widely. "Hello, Near!" she bubbled through a laugh. Near twirled his ivory hair around his agile fingers, losing the fight with his smile. "Audrey." He spoke her name softly, as if reminding his tongue that he knew the word. "Welcome." As she began to walk toward him, a man pulled up a chair beside Near. She sat down, folding one leg underneath of herself. Near smiled slightly. "You've not changed a bit." His voice was as soft as she'd remembered it. "Still wearing those white pajamas, I see?" Audrey said through a laugh. Near looked down almost sheepishly at her friendly remark, nodding. "They're most comfortable." He responded. There was a moment of silence, the two friends taking in he others presence. Audrey decided she needed to know something.
"How was it that you… found me? And knew about my apartment?" Audrey tilted her head as she spoke the questions, Near noticed. Always a tick of hers, since they were children. "Watari always keeps tabs on the children of Whammy's. He listed himself as an immediate contact in all of your records, so when you were checked into the hospital, he was notified and on his way immediately. From there, he was told everything by a nurse that was all too eager to gossip." Audrey nodded her head when Near had fallen silent. "Keeps tabs on everyone?" she puzzled. Near nodded his head. "All of the… important ones, at least."
Audrey pressed her lips together. Meaning he wouldn't know of Matt's intentions… she found herself thinking. Near continued tugging at his hair. "It's very nice to have you here, Audrey. No thanks are required – I must be getting back to headquarters. Watari, may you show Audrey to her room?" Near and Watari stood at the same time. Watari moved forward, motioning for Audrey to follow him. She looked from the old man to Near. She and Near were still about the same height, she noticed with a smile. She fought the urge to hug the small young man. Near nodded his goodbye with a small smile at Audrey, who watched him walk away before turning to Watari. He had already grabbed up her only bag and was waiting patiently for her to follow suit.
With a final look around, Audrey followed Watari back to the elevator. They moved up a floor in a matter of seconds. Watari handed Audrey her bag with a smile. "Its there, on the left." He pointed down the brightly lit hallway. Audrey looked up at Watari. "Thank you." He smiled, the laugh lines on his face crinkling. "You'll find your room has already been stocked." The elevator doors began to close. Audrey turned on her heel to face the door Watari had indicated to.
She opened the door with her free hand, stepping inside and feeling the wall for a switch. Audrey took in her surroundings when light flooded the room. A decent sized bed was on the wall to her right, made up with fresh linens and topped with pillows. A desk was pushed against the wall straight ahead of her; the wall itself was a huge window, overlooking the city. Audrey laughed softly, shutting the door. "Near always comes through for me." She dropped her bag to the floor and made her way to the bed, falling into it with a happy sigh. Certainly more comfortable than the old futon.
Audrey noticed that under the desk on the far wall was a miniature refrigerator. Beside it, a shelf, stocked to the brim with graham crackers. On the side table by her bed, she saw, was an envelope. Audrey sat up, looking quizzically at the packet. Her name was written in a lovely cursive across the front. She reached for it, opening it with interest. She turned it upside down, letting the contents fall onto the bed. A neat stash of money, held together with a clip, and a handwritten letter landed in the clean blanket. She gasped lightly, quite shocked at the large sum of money in front of her, and picked up the letter.
Audrey, my home is open to you for as long as you desire. I hope the room is to your liking. If you require anything further, feel free to call Watari, via the phone on your desk. You're welcome to come and go as you please, so long as you stay clear of the top floor. It's truly nice to have you here, and I look forward to your presence in my home.
Signed, Near. Audrey smiled, folding the paper and returning it to the envelope. With a sigh, she looked out the large window. Night had fallen over the city. Somehow, Audrey was tried. She could go shopping tomorrow and try to rebuild her wardrobe. The day's events had been nothing short of… out of the ordinary, to say the least. Audrey sprawled out on the bed, too tired to reach for a cigarette or climb under the covers.