A/N Ok, here's chapter 8. I know, I know it took WAY longer to publish than it should have. I'm sorry. I seem to be drawing blanks at this part of the story. I have certain parts already written out but it's hard to bridge them. I think I will start a different 'story' which will be a series of these 'oneshots' and I will add them here as they become relevant to the time line. And please, let me know how I'm doing. If anything is confusing or if I should do anything different, please offer your advise.
Chapter 8
I'm not good at naming chapters
Russel opened his eyes. He panicked for a moment before remembering where he was, the mansion in L.A.. The bed he was lying in was too soft. It felt like it was trying to swallow him. He stuck a hand down his boxers and gave him self a good scratch before rolling into a sitting position on the side of the bed. Fuck that, it's too much like work!
Quit whining, ya big baby. Del teased him from somewhere in inside his head.
"Big talk, comin' from somebody who ain't had legs in fifteen years or so." The big man chuckled lighting a cigarette from the bed stand.
I got legs! Sortta… was the reply.
Russel chuckled again. He stretched and hefted himself to his feet. He was still tired. Murdoc had thrown a "house warming" party the night before. The big man couldn't believe how many people had shown up. They had to have broken several fire codes. He had to admit though, Murdoc had been right about networking. There had been enough celebrities there to film a Mel Brookes movie. He'd even gotten a few leads for possible directors. He doubted Muds had gotten that far, being his usual self the satanic bassist had been busy hitting on women, drinking and bragging. Usually all at the same time.
He shuffled into the bathroom and glanced in the large mirror as he relieved himself, cigarette clenched in his teeth. His eyes were still puffy and he needed a shave but he wanted to get down to the kitchen and, hopefully, catch Lihn before the whole household was up. He'd been hoping to get some more alone time with her but hadn't managed it yet. She'd spent the first couple days walking around the house looking for shadows. It was a little crazy, but after the things he'd seen at Kong, and the fact that he had a spirit living in his own head… well, maybe it wasn't that crazy after all. He took a last puff and tossed the cigarette in the toilet before flushing.
He thought the party would be a good opportunity to chat with her but there'd been so many people, he barely caught a glimpse of her. And when he did she was the center of a group of tanned, young men and she'd been laughing. He felt a twang of jealousy at the thought. Quickly he finished his morning routine and pulled on some clothes.
He stepped into the kitchen to see Lihn standing at the large stove shaking spice into a skillet while the girl that was being paid to cook for them looked on attentively. Russel sniffed the air appreciatively. He didn't know how she did it. The petite woman was always the first one up. She managed to look as though she'd just stepped out of a fashion magazine, she cooked like Martha Stewart, and from what he'd seen so far, she was sweet as hell. He stood in the doorway for a moment taking in her silky braids and the khaki shorts that just managed to be descent. The mustard yellow shirt was the exact same shade as her strappy high heeled shoes.
"Come in and sit down, Russel." She called over her shoulder. How'd she known he was there? He sat at the high counter that was to the left of the stove. "Mornin', up early as usual, I see."
She smile at him, "I want to make sure my Darling gets a good breakfast. And Noodle, too!" she winked at him.
Damn! That girls got it for you.
Shut up, Del!
"That's awful nice of ya, but I AM a pretty descent cook myself." he told her.
"Oh?"
"Mmhhmm. You don't think I got this," he patted his large belly, "by not a knowing thing or too around the kitchen?"
Lihn and the girl beside her gave small laughs. Lihn handed the girl her spatula and gave her a few more instructions before turning toward the counter. She put her elbows on it and leaned toward Russel with a smile. "Perhaps I shall let you cook for me sometime."
"Perhaps you shall." He smiled at her. He wondered if she was leaning that way purposefully to frame her breasts. He was having trouble not staring at them. "So, what're you up to today?"
She stood up straight and put her hand on top of her head, "Oh, about five six with these heels on." she laughed and Russel did too.
Dude, she's totally flirting with you!
"Seriously, though, I'm giving Noodle an English lesson after breakfast, but after that I have no plans." She shrugged. "What of you?"
"I dunno know yet." he said seriously. "Think I'm gonna try to catch Murdoc and see if we can't get some work done today."
You idiot! She wants to hang out!
Shut up, man, I got dis.
Lihn cocked her head to the side and raised her eyebrow, shaking her head slightly. She walked around the counter and came to stand behind him. She put her hands on his shoulders, giving a them a squeeze and said, "I think Mr. Niccals may be right. You work too much."
"Miss Lihn?" she looked past him to the girl that had been cooking, "Your breakfast." She set a plate in front of Russel and one to his left.
"Origato, Missy." she gave Rus' shoulder a pat and pulled herself up onto the stool next to him.
"Yea, thanks." The big man, at a loss for words, took a bite of his omelet. "Damn!" he said appreciatively before devouring another forkful.
Lihn swallowed a more conservative bite and smiled at him. They spent the rest of the meal discussing they're favorite omelet ingredients. Noodle wandered in at some point and joined them, then 2-D. They sat talking even after their plates were empty. When the younger girl pushed her plate away declaring she was full, Lihn stood.
"Time for English lessons." she spoke in Japanese to Noodle. She made to walk away but paused just by Russel. "I have decided that I shall spend the afternoon by the pool." she trailed a hand across his shoulders as she passed behind him and looked at him over her shoulder with a sly grin. "And I shall wear my new bathing suit. The one bought the other day."
2-D coughed hard and dropped his fork. Lihn's grin grew and she left the room followed by her niece.
BRO!
I know, I know.
But, Bro…
Damn, Del, It's not like I'm hard up for girls. Shit! I am kinda famous you know?
I know dat. I seen girls throw themselves at you tons o times, but you hardly ever take 'em up. You GOTTA hit this one up!
I plan on it. But she ain't just some fan. This isn't a 'hit it and quit it' situation. Besides, there's something bout her I ain't quite got my finger on, yet…
Russel spent the rest of the morning looking forward to the afternoon. He'd gotten online and checked the Gorillaz website, which had cameras allowing viewers to see almost all of Kong. After deciding things at home were ok, he'd gone through some e-mails. He ran into Murdoc later in the morning and half-heartedly brow beat him about getting some work done. He'd had some lunch, flipped through some magazines, and found nothing on television. Bored, he threw on some swimming trunks and a muscle shirt and went down to the pool. He would just be there when she showed up.
He took a few laps around the pool and sat on a lawn chair under the warm California sun. It wasn't long before he fell asleep. The moment he was out, an eerie mist-like substance extracted itself from his body. It coalesced into a semi solid person who stretched as though he'd been cooped up.
"Finally! Fresh air!" which was really just a figure of speech, since being dead, he didn't need any air, fresh or otherwise.
Del looked around. He was standing on a concrete patio beside a large in ground pool behind the mansion. For such a large house, the yard didn't seem very big. Of course, he was used to the grounds surrounding Kong, but still, the fenced yard seemed small. A walk way led from the this patio beyond the pool to a gazebo surrounded by a small garden. The walk continued through the garden to another patioed area containing a bar, a stone built grill and a couple sets of tables and chairs. It was a great yard for entertaining, as long as you didn't have too many friends. He glanced down at the snoring Russel and wondered if the lawn chair would hold for long. He walked to the edge of the pool and looked down into it.
The water reflected a young man's face with white, pupil-less eyes. No matter how much time passed, it never changed. His dread locks would never get longer, the slight stubble of a mustache would never be anything more. He looked back at his host's face. There were the beginnings of age lines around his eyes and mouth, he still hadn't shaved. How many years had it been since the drive by? If he'd been able to draw breath he would have sighed loudly.
He turned back to the pool and sat with his legs in the water. It didn't matter that he was wearing jeans and his kicks since the water couldn't really touch him. It moved gently from the filter pumps and seemed to be passing around his legs as if he were really there. It felt weird. It was like the sound bees make, only as a feeling rather than a sound.
The ghost didn't turn at the sound of the glass doors opening and closing, he had a sense for people and could easily recognize those that he was around often. "What's up, Noods?" There was no answer and no more sound of movement. "Noodle, ya'll right?" He looked over his shoulder and his jaw dropped.
It wasn't Noodle who'd come outside. Lihn stood staring at him curiously. Her hair was braided and wrapped around her head like a crown. Her yellow bathing suit was straining to keep her breasts bound and her matching shades reflected the sun back at him. She smiled and continued toward the pool, pausing by a lawn chair and dropped her towel onto it. She turned toward the snoozing Russel then back toward the blue skinned entity, "You must be Del." she said slipping her shoes off.
"And you ain't Noodle." he replied coming out of his stupor.
"No, not the last time I checked." She raised an eyebrow, and came to sit next to him. She swung her legs in the water a bit, enjoying the coolness. She was looking at him curiously.
Del's senses were telling him he was sitting next to Noodle, but his eyes were telling him otherwise. He knew they were related but that didn't explain this. All souls resonated with a different vibe. "Somethin's not right."
Lihn's eye brows came together, "What?"
"How are you related to Noodle?" Del asked suspiciously.
"I am her mother's sister." Lihn replied easily.
The ghost shook his head, "No you're not! I don't know what you are, but you're lyin." Del had been on the other side for quite some time and he had a sense for the un-natural. And there was something very un-natural about this woman.
"Why would you say that?" she asked innocently, but there was something in her eyes that he didn't trust.
"For one, you ain't even a little freaked out by me." he pointed out.
Lihn shrugged, "I saw you the first night I arrived at Kong. And Russel and the others have spoken of you. Also, I am a scientist. I never discovered anything by being squeamish." she grinned, "So, there is no reason to be 'freaked out', is there?"
"There could be if you ain't straight with me." he said menacingly curling his hand into a fist.
Lihn laughed, "Do you really think I'm some kind of threat? Little me?" she spread her arms wide.
"Looks can be deceiving." he said, taking a good look.
The slight woman stood, "I am sorry you feel that way. I suppose you shall just have to get to know me before you trust me." She turned her back to the pool, raised her arms way above her head and fell backwards, making a splash. She twisted her body under the water and shot off across the pool, emerging on the other side. She smiled and winked at Del before diving back under and heading for the deeper end of the pool. It was eerie how agile she was in the water, she almost looked fake.
He watched her as she swam. She may be a mystery, but she was hot too. He knew if he was still alive he'd have been sporting a hard on. He gave the ghostly equivalent of a sigh and shook his head, Damn, what good is hangin around when I can't really LIVE? If he'd been alive, with a body of his own, he'd have hit that by now. Russel would've been mad, but first come, first served, and Russ was always slow, except when it came to food.
"Hello, Del!" He'd been so wrapped up in thought that he hadn't noticed Noodle and 2-D coming up behind him.
"Hey, Noods." he nodded in greeting. He couldn't help but smile at her fashion sense. She was wearing a purple one-piece suit with a pair of red and yellow boys trunks over it. Her hair was in a ponytail high on her head. She tossed her large red sunglasses on top of her towel and came to stand by Del. "What is up, Brutha?" she asked in English holding out her fist.
The ghost rapper 'pounded' her fist and replied, "Nothin much, Little Sista." He wondered briefly what she felt when they touched. To him it was nothing more than pressure like when you try to force magnets of the same polarity together. He imagined being hit with 'the force' felt like that.
Noodle smiled broadly, turned her back to the pool and let herself fall backwards. She and Lihn swam together, splashing each other and laughing. It was uncanny how alike they were. They even moved the same, though Noodle wasn't quite as graceful as her older counterpart.
Del watched them for a moment before he noticed it. It was subtle. Their 'vibes' weren't exactly the same, but they were the same. It was like the difference between freshly squeezed orange juice and a carton of store bought OJ. They are technically the same thing. They look the same, smell the same, taste the same. They may even have come from the same source, but one has been pasteurized, the pulp has been strained, a little food coloring has been added to make it more appealing. In the immortal words of Mr. Miagi, they were "the same, but different."
The spirit man looked at Lihn and back at Noodle. Obviously, two different people. There was Noodle with her tom-boy fashion and childish antics, and Lihn was definitely all woman, but if he closed his eyes, he couldn't tell one from the other. The vibes twisted and intermingled until he couldn't tell the difference. In fact they seemed to turn into one. He'd never come across anything like it before. It was disconcerting, if he'd had living flesh it would have given him goose bumps.
He was suddenly jerked out of thought by a slap on the shoulder, "Nice view, eh?" it was 2-D. He was unabashedly ogling Lihn as she swam.
"Jeezus 'D, ya almost scared me to life." he said putting a hand to his chest.
2-D laughed. "Relax, Blood. No boogie-men round here."
"Don't count on it, Man." Del replied but 2-D was already cannon balling into the pool.
The sun was getting lower in the sky. He'd enjoyed watching the others at play, they'd spent the day laughing and chatting but 2-D and Noodle had gone inside over an hour ago to find something to eat. Now Del was just sitting at the side of the pool, watching her.
Lihn was floating on a blow up raft, her skin had darkened as the day wore on but never picked up the redness of a sun burn. The raft drifted lazily in the small current made by the filter. Her eyes were closed and Del thought she'd fallen asleep. He was considering going back to his spirit form. It was tiring holding a physical form for so many hours and he hadn't really discovered anything about the mysterious woman except that she could swim, was remarkably good at 'marco polo', had a nice laugh, and seemed completely oblivious to 2-D's obvious crush on her. He supposed she didn't really seem that sinister, but she was definitely lying about who she was.
He was just beginning to let go of himself when her voice stopped him. "I really was hoping to spend some time with Russel today." she opened her eyes and looked at the ghostly young man.
He stood and put a hand to the back of his head, "Uh, yea, sorry bout dat." he let his arm drop to his side. "Course, he'll probably be up most o' da night now. I gotta get some rest m'self."
"That sounds like a good idea." Her raft had drifted close to the near side of the pool and she reached toward him, "Give me a hand?"
He looked at her warily then shrugged and reached out to pull her up. Her hand was warm, he could feel her skin against his hand. He lifted her with no effort and she stepped onto the patio. His features twisted in confusion, "What are you?" he asked holding onto her hand.
Lihn looked into his glowing eyes and turned her head to the side as if she were considering. He looked at their hands as she covered his with her free one. "I understand that it is difficult for you." She said slowly. "Your life was stolen from you. I imagine things were not easy for you before that." He looked back at her face which was full of compassion. "I know you must be in constant fear that the Collector will find you." her face grew serious and her voice dropped to a whisper. "And he will. No soul can hide forever." Fear stirred within Del at her words but her face softened and her voice returned to normal. "All that aside, let us consider that I may not be whom I claim. What if I had a reason to lie that did not concern you? Or what if I AM who I say I am and something else as well?"
"Yea? Then, what?" he was still marveling at that he could feel her.
The woman exhaled loudly and turned to walk toward the lounge chairs, "I am saying, my dear, that not all mysteries need solving."
"Well, 'course you're gonna say that. You the one that don' want found out!" He watched her spread her towel on the chair then settle down.
She put her sunglasses on her face and lay back getting comfortable, "You are hopeless, Delayne! Now go on, I want Russel to 'catch me' sunbathing." she lifted her glasses and winked at her adversary.
He scoffed thinking how slow his friend was to catch the obvious, "Why dontchoo just get naked and sit in his lap? Might catch his attention quicker."
She pulled her glasses off and sat forward with a straight face, "You don't think that would be too forward?"
Del busted out with a great loud laugh, "Maybe you ain't so bad." he conceded as he faded into a mist and disappeared into Russel. He settled comfortably in his corner of Russel"s head and cleared his consciousness.
Russel opened his eyes and immediately shut them again. The sun hung in the sky at the perfect angle to blind him. He put a hand up to block it out and swung his legs to the side of the lounge chair. He could feel the pattern of the chair weave embedded in his skin. "Damn, how long was I out?"
"Quite a while." came the reply.
His eyes focused on the speaker. Lihn's chair was reclined all the way and she was lying on her side facing him, her head propped in her hand. His eyes widened at the sight of her cleavage trying to escape it's yellow prison. She rolled to her back and stretched, reaching her arms way above her head and arching her back. She gave out that satisfied moan that always comes with a good stretch. Russel was trying hard to keep his jaw off the ground as his eyes followed the curves of her body. "I was just about to go in and find a something to eat. Care to join me, Sleeping Beauty?"
As if on queue his stomach grumbled and Lihn smiled. "Yea, that don' sound like a bad idea." he chuckled, "I just can't believe I slept that long."
Lihn got up from her chair, slipped into her shoes and picked up her towel. "There were extenuating circumstances. I got to meet your friend." she crossed the small space between chairs and pulling off her sunglasses bent to look into Russel's eyes as if she could see Del behind them, "I wonder where he goes. He said he needed to rest."
She was uncomfortably close. He couldn't stop thinking about the other night, when they kissed. He cleared his throat and shifted his eyes looking for a distraction, they snapped back to hers after accidentally looking down her top. "I dunno, sometimes he's right here with me, like I'm totally conscious of him. But other times it's like he's just at the back of my mind. Like being in the room with someone who's sleeping. They're there, but it's still like bein alone." he explained.
"So are you alone now?" Her eyes seemed to focus on his rather than trying to look through them. She placed her hands on his knees to steady herself.
"Yup, it's just me." he said leaning toward her.
"Good." she said just before their lips touched. He held on to her wrists, running a thumb across her smooth skin as they kissed. After a moment Lihn pulled back, "It is as I thought."
"What?" Russel was suddenly worried that he'd done something wrong.
Lihn stood and smiled. "I was worried that the other night the marijuana had affected my senses." she reached out a hand and Rus took it getting to his feet. "But you really are a good kisser." she looked up into his face.
He chuckled feeling relieved. "Sure you don't wanna make sure?" he asked playfully pulling her closer.
"Perhaps I should, just to be safe." She grinned crinkling her nose and kissed him again, deeper this time. She slid one hand up and held on to the back of his neck and his hands rested on her waist. Russel was beginning to think it could lead to a bit more when Murdoc's voice ruined the moment.
"Oi, get a room, you're gonna make our guests ill!" He'd come through the patio doors with five people the native New Yorker had never seen before. They all had drinks in they're hands and were laughing with their host.
"Yo, better watch it, Muds!" Russel began, but Lihn put a hand on his arm.
"Let us just go, I'm still hungry anyhow." she was talking to Russel but staring at Murdoc and his guests with an angry look as they walked toward the patio.
"Yea, all right." Russel replied.
Murdoc grunted as Russel punched his arm when they passed each other. The dark haired man shot Lihn a look as she stifled a chuckle. She just shook her head as she Russel continued in to the house.