Makoto got out Nephrite's bed quietly and sat near the balcony. She sighed and watched the sun begin to rise. The sky was abstract with vibrant colors. The reds, oranges, yellows and shades of blue etched the sky. She smiled at the small miracle she took advantage of everyday. Nephrite squinted at the rays of light and looked at Makoto. He smiled and grabbed his sketch book off the dresser. For a few moments he drew Makoto pose by the window. He got up and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck. Makoto turned around and kissed his cheek.
"Look at this."
Nephrite handed Makoto his sketchbook. She looked at it and then kissed him again.
"I love it. You never cease to amaze me."
Nephrite grinned and squeezed her waist tighter.
"That's why you agreed to marry me."
Makoto laughed.
"Yeah, you're right. Well I don't know about you, but I'm hungry."
Nephrite groaned.
"You're always hungry. Is it just me or your appetite has grown? Come down stairs with me and I'll make you something."
He took her hand and led her down to the kitchen.
...
Mina lay on the floor motionless. Her body mangled from the torture she had just endured. Blood stained her hair, face, and clothes. One eye began turning a deep purple. Her breath was shallow. She winced from moving around. At least four ribs were broken. Mina choked back a sob. Pain wasn't even in her vocabulary.
"As God as my witness, I'm going to kill Nephrite."
...
Andrew crossed his arms in the bed not bothering to listen to what Dr. Matthews was saying. He wanted to see Makoto. Her life was in danger. Why didn't anyone believe him?
"Detective Rivera, I'm sorry, but you can't leave the hospital yet. It's been three months since your accident. You'll have to go through physical therapy to regain strength in your legs-"
"I don't give a fuck! I want to see Makoto….NOW!"
Dr. Matthews jumped slightly and moved closer to the door.
"I'll see what I can do."
She backed out the room slowly and ran to her office. Dr. Matthews sighed and slumped down into her chair. (Why is everything going out of control?) A knock came at the door and she mumbled a short reply. Her assistant Hotaru Glasser walked in with a look of concern.
"Amy, remember that detective who came in here a couple of weeks ago?"
Dr. Matthews sighed.
"You mean Makoto Brooks?"
Hotaru nodded.
"Yes, here is the blood work from last month when she got her physical."
Amy took the folder and opened it carefully.
"As if things couldn't get any worse around here."
...
Makoto grabbed her jeans and started to put them on, though for some reason they seemed small. Nephrite grabbed her waist and removed her hands.
"What is the point to you getting dressed? You're not leaving my sight today."
Makoto raised her eyebrow and chuckled.
"Nephrite, please not again. We have the rest of our lives to do that in a couple days. But for now I really have to get back to work."
Nephrite gave her a puppy dog look.
"Please Makoto, I really need it."
Makoto snorted and buttoned up her jeans with some effort.
"No, what you really need is a cold shower. I love you and I will see you later on tonight for the dinner."
"Fine. I love you too," he groaned and began to dress.
She reached the station in thirty minutes and went straight to the chief's office.
"Morning," she smiled.
Darien looked up and frowned.
"Why the hell are you smiling?"
Makoto shrugged.
"Can I be in a good mood?"
He rolled his eyes and got out his seat, "Yeah whatever. Anyway, the BIG day is in two weeks right?"
Makoto nodded.
"Yeah, it really is here. I still haven't grasped the concept of me getting married yet, but I'm happy."
Darien nodded.
"Keep smiling because I have some great news."
"What?"
"Andrew woke up last night and has been asking for you."
Tears began to fall from Makoto's eyes. She choked back a sob.
"Oh my goodness!"
Darien handed her a tissue.
"If you want to go visit him, go ahead."
Makoto smiled and hugged Darien tightly.
"Thanks Helix."
Darien rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, stop being sappy. Oh wait something else."
"Hmm?"
"Andrew may say some things to you a little out of character, but the doctor said its normal so just ignore it."
Makoto raised her eyebrow.
"Was it anything about the accident?"
"No."
"Oh okay."
She ran out the station and jumped into her car.
...
Nephrite sipped a cup of coffee as he sat at the counter of the diner. Maggie smiled at him as she placed a slice of apple pie in front of him.
"On the house dear."
Nephrite smiled.
"Thank you Maggie, but what is the occasion?"
She laughed.
"To you and that detective getting married."
He chuckled.
"Well that is a good reason. Thank you. How are you holding up by the way?"
"Death is a part of life. Marvin is in a better place and I know he wouldn't have wanted me to be sad. I'm looking at things in a different light. Enjoy Mr. Silverton."
Nephrite finished the pie, tipped Maggie and walked out the diner. He decided to walk back to the gallery and took a cigarette out and lit the end. After a long inhale, he walked leisurely down the street. He reached the gallery and took out the key, but paused as he saw the broken glass from a window.
"What the hell?"
He reached into his pocket and took out his cell phone. Nephrite opened the door and walked into the gallery. He looked around cautiously. After a few rings someone answered.
"Las Vegas Police Department, may I help you?"
"Yes, hi my name is Nephrite Silverton and I think someone broke into my gallery."
"Okay, Mr. Silverton I'll send a unit over shortly where is your location?"
He turned around and looked out the window.
"It's an art gallery on-"
The sound of a struggle could be heard in the background.
"Hello? Sir? SIR?"
Nephrite laid on the floor unconscious the phone slid across the floor. A shadow picked him up by his arms and slid him into the back room.
...
Makoto knocked on the door lightly and the door opened. Dr. Matthews smiled.
"Hello Detective Brooks, Andrew has been asking about you."
"Thank you Amy."
Dr. Matthews patted her on the back.
"Oh, and come by my office before you leave."
Makoto grinned.
"Sure."
Dr. Matthews walked away and Makoto walked into the room. Andrew was watching TV and eating something that resembled food. She smiled.
"Hey."
Andrew looked up and almost choked.
"Brooks."
She ran to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Andrew, you scared me. I thought you weren't gonna make it."
Andrew stroked her hair and kissed her cheek.
"I'm happy you're okay."
Makoto dried her eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"Helix told me about you and Nephrite. Congratulations."
Makoto felt a twinge of guilt."
I'm sorry-"
Andrew put up his hand.
"Don't worry about that. I guess good guys do finish last. Anyway, when is the wedding?"
"Next week. I'm having my landlord walk me down the aisle."
Andrew took a sip of water.
"That makes sense."
Makoto scratched her head and looked at him.
"Andrew, are you okay?"
Andrew chuckled.
"Why wouldn't I be? I mean my partner is getting married, I just woke up from a coma, and everyone thinks I'm delirious."
"Delirious?"
Andrew laughed out loud.
"Apparently, I'm going crazy because I had a dream that you were murdered by Nephrite."
Makoto forced a laugh.
"That's ridiculous Rivera. Nephrite would never hurt me. He loves me."
Andrew chuckled and took a sip of water again.
"I loved you Makoto."
Makoto looked at her watch.
"Look, I have to go Rivera."
Andrew scoffed.
"Whatever. I bet they told you not to believe me, but you know what? Go ahead. See if I care."
Makoto clenched her jaw angrily.
"Look Andrew...I really don't know what to say."
"Then don't say anything. Maybe things would have been different a few months ago, but I guess I'm a fool for dreaming," he crossed his arms and grunted.
Makoto got out her chair and gave him a tearful smile.
"Andrew, you're right. Things would have been different three months ago, but I'm sorry if you feel this way. Really, I do, but I can't turn back the time. If I could, I would do it in a second, but I will always love you no matter what."
She leaned in and kissed his lips softly. Andrew eagerly grabbed the back of her head and pulled her closer. His tongue pleaded entrance to dance with hers. He moved his hand down to her waist and pulled her on top of the bed. Makoto moaned into his mouth and grind her hips in his lap. Andrew let out a groan and begged for more.
"Excuse me Detective Rivera, but- Oh my," Hotaru covered her eyes.
Makoto gasped and jumped out of the bed.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. This shouldn't have happened."
She scurried out of the room without a word to Andrew. He blushed and scratched his head.
"Sorry Hotaru."
She shrugged her shoulders.
"I didn't see anything, but you are in trouble. You kissed your partner, you engaged partner at that. Tsk tsk. Just for that I'm poking you twice in the arm."
Andrew stuck his tongue out at her and looked out the window. (I really do love her, but I need to stop the wedding)
...
Cold water splashed on Nephrite's face and he jerked his head and opened his eyes. He was bound and gagged to a chair. He looked around and realized he was in the basement of his gallery. He tried not to panic (I'm in deep shit).
"Aw, look at Nephrite. It's different when you're the one in the chair being tortured."
Nephrite struggled against the ropes holding him in place. A figure limped forward to him holding a baseball bat. She knelt in front of him and took the cloth from his mouth.
"You bitch," he spat, "You fucking bitch, I'm gonna kill you. You hear me!"
Mina rolled her eyes.
"Save it please. Nephrite for an intelligent being, you really are a jackass. Seriously, I would have made sure the person you left for dead is dead."
Nephrite looked around.
"Where is Michelle?"
Mina laughed, then grabbed her side and coughed.
"She won't be talking anymore."
She kicked something towards him. Nephrite began to scream. It was Michelle's head.
"You're fucking crazy! Psycho bitch! You pull this stunt to get Makoto!"
Mina took a knife off the counter and tapped it to her chin.
"Not really. I'm actually doing her a favor by killing you."
Nephrite struggled.
"Stay away from me."
Mina sighed innocently.
"But that would be wrong sweetie. I'm only returning the love."
She stabbed him in side. Nephrite let out a heart wrenching yell and clenched his jaw. He squirmed in the chair like a worm and began to breathe hard.
"...If...it's...the...last...thing...I-I-I...do...I'm...g-g-g-gonna...kil-l-l-l...y-y-y-ou."
Mina giggled and flipped the knife between her fingers, "I highly doubt it Silverton. I really do."
...
Makoto walked quickly to her car and took a deep breath. She stared into space. Kissing Andrew had left her confused.
"I can't believe I just kissed him. What the hell is wrong with me? Oh my god! I'm getting married. Damn it!"
She hit her head against the steering wheel and curses flew out. Makoto jumped up as the vibration of her cell phone came to life. She flipped it opened quickly.
"Brooks."
"It's Helix."
"What's up?"
"Makoto, I may have some trouble telling you this."
Makoto began to panic.
"Helix, are you okay? Why is your voice low? Darien!"
"Something has happened to Nephrite. He called 911 a few minutes ago and then the line went dead. Makoto? MAKOTO-" Helix yelled.
-WooWoo316 :D