Disclaimers:
Summary:
Warnings:
Notes:
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by
MUSIC FOR THE HEART: The Dance
Claire resisted the urge to slap the side of the computer as she read what it showed her on it's glowing screen. She stomped her foot on the carpeted floor and muttered a string of curses. The door to the office opened and Alexandra Monroe stepped in. "Whoa... Haven't heard language like that since I was aboard that Navy ship... Problems with the computer?"
Claire sighed and accepted the mug of steaming coffee that Alex offered. "I keep trying to run these quicksilver simulations to see if any of them show promise, but it's the same bloody thing every time; patient dies. Maybe the problem isn't my slow computer... maybe it's my slow brain." She sighed and sipped the hot coffee.
Alex chuckled. "I've been here two days and I can already tell you, your brain is NOT the problem."
Claire smiled, then absent-mindedly checked her watch. "Oh, my God... How did it get this late?!" She began gathering her stuff. "I'm sorry if I kept you... I had no idea what time it was..."
"Don't worry about it. I enjoyed the company. In fact... I get the feeling you don't get many girlfriends hanging around a bunch of Agency goons."
Claire rolled her eyes. "You're right on that... God, it seems half the time the only people I see are men. Even my dog is a male."
Alex chuckled. "What you need is a girl's night out. What do you say we go grab a drink and get to know each other?"
"Now? It's after midnight!"
"Ah, the perfect time to go a-hunting and a-haunting. I know this great little bar and it's just around the corner."
"All right... one drink."
---
The dark, smoke-filled bar wasn't what Claire would call 'great', but it certainly was little. A large dance floor filled the center of the room and it was surrounded by curtained booths. A thick cloud of smoke hung in the air, the smell of whiskey and urine almost causing Claire to turn and run. It was only the tug on her sleeve from Alex that kept her moving forward.
They sat at the bar and a thin man approached, smiling at Alex. He took her hand and lightly kissed the back of it. "The lovely Alexandra and her lovelier friend... what can I get for you this evening?"
"Scotch, neat," Alex said, turning to look at the dance floor.
Claire fidgeted a minute, then said, "I'll just have a water, please..."
Alex laughed. "You don't come to a bar to drink water. Water you can get at home. Holland, get the lady a whiskey."
"Alex... I'm not really a drinker..."
Alex winked. "Everyone's a drinker for one night of their lives. This is your night. Enjoy it." She had completely turned to face the dance floor now, resting her elbows on the bar. "We have GOT to steal a dance before we head out. Agreed?"
Claire smiled. "I may not be a drinker... but I am quite the dancer."
Their drinks arrived and Claire looked at the whiskey, scrunching her nose. "I don't know, Alex..."
Alex downed her Scotch in a single swallow, dropping the empty glass on the bar. "Another!" She saw Claire had yet to take a single sip and said, "Come on, Claire. Down the hatch! It's all on me, go crazy."
Claire smirked. "Well, if it's all on you..." She downed the whiskey, grimacing at the burning that it caused all the way down. "Oh, God...!"
Alex laughed, patting Claire on the back. "Don't worry, it gets better. Holland! Two more here!"
The bartender returned with two more glasses and smiled at the pair. "You two aren't going to get drunk and stupid, now... are you?"
Alex reached across the bar and rubbed the man's balding head. "What's the fun in drinking if you don't get drunk and stupid?" She picked up her glass and drank it a little slower this time. She wiped her mouth and sighed. "That. Is. The stuff..."
Claire drank her whiskey slower, too. The burning was gone, but she was beginning to feel a buzz. She finished the glass and turned to Alex, her vision becoming fuzzy. "A'ex? I, uh... thin' I shoul' head home..."
Alex shook her head, "But you promised me a dance, young lady. Come on." She took Claire's hand and dragged the hazy woman to the center of the dance floor. An old Garth Brooks song was playing on the jukebox.
~Looking back on the memory of The dance we shared 'neath the stars above For a moment, all the world was right How could I have known you'd ever say good-bye?~
Alex put her hands on Claire's waist and began to slowly sway to the music. Ready to let Alex lead the dance, she stretched her arms out and rested them on Alex's shoulders. She laid her head on the other woman's shoulder and muttered, "I'm so tired."
Alex smiled, holding the Keeper close. "Want to go home?"
"After this song," Claire murmured. "I love this song."
~And now I'm glad I didn't know The way it all would end the way it all would go Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain But I'd of had to miss the dance~
As they swayed across the dance floor, Alex inhaled the scent of Claire's hair. "Can I..." she softly began. She stopped, biting on her lower lip.
"Can you what," Claire asked, dreamily.
"Can I tell you something personal?"
"Of course. We're supposed to be friends, right?"
Alex pulled back so she could look into Claire's beautiful eyes. "It's been a long time since I've felt this way about someone; since I've felt this kind of instant attraction."
"Attraction?"
Alex leaned forward, pressing her lips softly against Claire's. Their dancing stopped for a moment as they focused all of their energy on the joining of their lips. Alex broke the soft contact, slowly opening her eyes and looking for a sign to continue. "Claire?"
Claire bit her lip. "Alex, I've never... been with... I mean, I've never considered being with a woman. But... it may be the whiskey talking... I... Oh, bloody hell," she bridged the distance between herself and Alex again, their lips meeting with the fire and energy Claire hadn't felt in a long time. She felt Alex's tongue probing against her lips, begging entrance, but she resisted... for the moment.
~Holding you I held everything For a moment wasn't I a king But if I'd only known how the king would fall Hey who's to say you know I might have chanced it all ~
The song ended and the two women stood on the dance floor, swaying to the music in their own heads. Realization suddenly hit Claire. "Oh, God... people must be staring..."
Alex smiled. "Why would they st... I didn't tell you what kind of bar this was. Oh, God, I brought you here and you thought... Claire, you must have assumed I meant girlfriends like GIRL-friends. I meant girlfriends as in... lovers."
"This is a... You're a..."
"Yes on both accounts. Are you surprised?"
Claire let her fingers trace the lines of Alex's shoulders. "I suppose not... I mean, you did turn down both Bobby AND Darien... not many women can do that..."
Alex laughed, then kissed Claire again. They swayed slowly on the floor as the next song started. Claire held Alex close, staring into her eyes. "Alexandra... I do want to... experience this."
"Yes?"
"But it's a little sudden. Can you give me time?"
"You don't go all the way on the first date. I understand, Claire."
Claire smiled. "Thank you."
"I do have a question, though..."
"Anything."
"What's your last name?"
Claire smiled and leaned forward, her lips mere centimeters from Alex's ear. As she spoke her surname, her warm breath washed over the other woman's lobe, sending shivers down her spine. Alex held Claire tightly and kissed her just below her jawline. They danced like that for another hour before Alex dropped Claire off at home.
As they sat outside the townhouse, Claire took Alex's face in her hands, gently stroking her jawline. "I promise... I want to do this with you."
"Just not now. I understand, Claire. Really, I do."
The two women kissed again. It was a kiss full of passion and promise. Claire broke the kiss, reluctantly climbing out of the jeep. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Alex winked from behind the steering wheel. "I'll make an excuse if you happen to be a little late. Hangovers can be nasty things." She blew a kiss to Claire before pulling away from the curb.
Claire stood alone in the darkness, not wanting to go in just yet. Finally, she looked up at the sky, taking a good, long look at the stars. She sighed, her warm breath mixing with the cold night air in whispy clouds. "What the hell happened tonight?"
She hugged herself tightly and headed up the stairs to her front door, already dreading the hangover that was in store for her the next morning... and the questions she would have for herself...
~Yes my life is better left to chance I could have missed the pain but I'd of had to miss the dance.~
*****
MUSIC FOR THE HEART: Deep Inside of You
Note: This story takes place before, during and after the events chronicled in "The Importance of Being Eberts."
Darien frowned as the needle pierced his flesh to administer another shot of counteragent. "Hey, Keepy? You feelin' okay?"
"Just fine. Why, did I hurt you?"
"Nah, I'm fine, it's just... well, the needle."
"What about it," she asked, looking at the now-empty syringe.
"It's regular-sized. You usually use the big honkers."
Claire smiled. "Well I was feeling generous this morning. You're spared the giant syringe," she winked. "Until next time, of course."
Darien rolled his sleeve down and swung his legs over the side of the chair. "There's something different about you, too... I can't quite put my finger on it..."
She grinned. "Well, I assure you, I'm no larger or smaller than usual."
Darien shook his head. "No. You're smiling more, you're nicer than usual... you... You MET someone!"
"What? That's ridiculous. Met someone. Please."
"No, I have a sort of sixth sense about this sort of thing. You're smiling, you're cheery, you have a special kind of glow about you. You met someone. So? Who is he?"
Claire shook her head. "Even if I DID meet someone, why would I tell you?"
"Come on, Claire. Come on, Keepy. Come on... in an Agency where our boss won't play straight with his frickin' name, we have to have SOMETHING to gossip about."
"Ooh, Darien Fawkes, the resident gossip."
Darien opened his mouth to make a snappy comeback, but was interrupted by the door to the Keep sliding open. Bobby Hobbes entered, his nose buried in a book. Darien smirked at the Keeper and said, "Saved by the paranoid agent." He jumped off of the chair. "What ya readin' there, Hobbesy? Shakespeare? Stephen King?"
Hobbes held his place with a finger and held the cover up for Darien to read. "Who Is Out To Get You And Why: The Horrifying True Story of the United States of America."
Darien rolled his eyes. "I shouldn't have asked."
Hobbes tapped the book. "Knowledge is power."
"I thought ignorance was bliss."
Hobbes chewed his lip and said, "Yes, but... power... power can over... overpower the bliss and if you have POWER the bliss, the bliss is... shut up, Fawkes."
Claire sighed. "To what do we owe this pleasure, Bobby?"
"The Official has a job for us. Wants us to check somethin' or other. You get your shot?"
"Yeah, I'm good."
Darien hopped off the chair and waved good-bye to Claire as he left. Once the doors to the Keep slid shut, she allowed herself to exhale. She thought she had been hiding her emotions so well. But if Darien had noticed something... She sighed. She'd just have to be more careful. "No more thinking of Alex," she muttered.
The doors slid open and the woman in question entered. "Hi, Mrs. Keeper. How are we today?"
"Just fine, Agent Monroe. And yourself?"
The doors to the lab shut and the two women embraced, kissing softly. Claire moaned against Alex's mouth. Four days ago, she wouldn't have CONSIDERED anything like this. She had never been attracted to another woman in her life. But here she was, locking lips with the Agency's newest agent. They broke the kiss and Claire let out a breath. "Whoo. That was..."
"Something else," Alex finished. She brushed a strand of Claire's hair out of her face. "You look nice today," she commented, letting her hand trail down the pink material of Claire's shirt.
The Keeper smiled. "You're not so bad yourself." She leaned in for another kiss, then saw Alex's expression. "Is something wrong?"
"I, uh... I have to go out of town for a few days. My ex found some of my things in her apartment and I have to go pick them up."
Claire pouted and said, "How will I survive without you?"
Alex smirked, sliding her hands down to cup Claire's ass. "Maybe there's an invisible man or two who could keep you busy while I'm gone."
Claire smiled. "Come to my house when you get back. The SECOND you get back, okay?"
Alex kissed Claire softly, then whispered, "Count on it."
Alex started to pull away, but Claire pulled her back. "I think I'm ready," she whispered.
"Are... Claire, I don't want to rush you."
"You aren't... I want this. I want YOU." She kissed Alex and ran her hands down the other woman's back. They pressed against each other as their hands roamed, exploring each others curves. Finally, Alex broke the kiss. "I think I should go now... while I'm still able."
Claire smiled. "I'll miss you."
Alex placed a final kiss on Claire's lips and left the Keep.
---
Claire sat on the sofa, absent-mindedly reading "False Memory" by Dean Koontz. Her legs were curled up on the couch and Pavlov lay across her bare feet, keeping them warm. Claire reached down occassionally to ruffle the dog's hair. The fireplace was the only source of light, casting flickering shadows on the walls of the living room. The radio was playing softly, one of Claire's favorite CDs...
~When we met, light was shed Thoughts free-flow, you said You've got something deep inside of you...~
As she turned a page, a pair of headlights shone through the window and swept across the wall as a car pulled into Claire's driveway. She closed the book, not bothering to mark her place and shooed Pavlov. The small dog scurried away into the kitchen. Claire smoothed her white tanktop, tucking it into her blue pajama pants. She glanced in the mirror and adjusted her hair. Her hands were shaking as she opened the door.
Alex smiled, her finger poised over the doorbell. "Hi, Claire."
Claire smiled broadly. "Hi, Alex."
The two women came together, kissing like they hadn't seen each other in years. Alex slipped her tongue effortlessly into Claire's mouth and found the other woman responding eagerly. Claire worked her hands around to Alex's face and cupped behind her head, pulling her closer.
Suddenly, Alex broke the kiss and took a step back, taking ahold of Claire's hands. "I love this song," she whispered. She sang along with the music playing in the living room.
~Windchime voice sounds... sway your hips 'round Rings true... It goes deep inside of you These secret garden beams Changed my life so it seems~
Claire leaned forward, hoping for another kiss, but Alex placed a finger on her lips. "Not yet." She led Claire into the living room and sat her on the couch. Placing a kiss on Claire's forehead, Alex smiled. "I want to see you, Claire. All of you."
Claire brushed Alex's cheek gently and said, "I want you to see me."
~Fall breeze blows outside, I don't break stride Thoughts are warm and they go Deep inside of you~
Alex knelt before the couch, taking the hem of Claire's tank top, she slowly pulled the material up. Alex's eyes glimmered with each inch of skin exposed. Once Claire's stomach was bare, she looked up into her lover's eyes. Claire raised her arms above her head and with a slight nod, she expressed consent. Alex raised the tank top the rest of the way and Claire was topless.
Alex gasped. "Claire... you're beautiful... perfect."
Claire blushed in the darkness. "Thank you."
~And I've never felt alone, til I met you Friends say I've changed I don't listen, cause I live to be Deep inside of you...~
Alex slid her hands across the expanse of Claire's stomach, feeling the warmth of her skin. She moved her hands up, her thin fingers massaging the flesh as it crept up. Claire was slowly lowering herself against the back of the sofa, her breathing becoming ragged and rushed. Alex softly cupped one breast and gave it a tender squeeze, brushing her thumb over the erect pink nipple. Claire gasped at the touch. Alex smiled and pulled herself up, kissing the flesh just above the curve of Claire's breast. Her lips traced an achingly slow path down, towards the center.
Claire gripped her blanket, closing her eyes. "Please, Alexandra... please..."
Alex shivered at the use of her full name, then closed her warm lips around the nipple. She sucked gently, flicking her tongue as she reached up to stroke the other, neglected breast. Claire groaned low in her throat and brought one of her own hands up to cup the back of Alex's head. She was muttering Alex's name over and over as her tongue did wonders on her chest.
~Slide off her dress, shouts in darkness I'm so alive... I'm deep inside of you~
Unfortunately, Alex's lips moved on to kiss a path down Claire's pink stomach, fluttering her tongue in Claire's navel before continuing. When she hit the elastic of Claire's pajama pants, she backed up and said, "May I remove these, love?"
Claire arched her back and raised her hips off of the couch. "Yes... now..."
Alex hooked her fingers in the waistband and slowly slid the blue material down Claire's long, beautiful legs. Alex exhaled slowly and said, "Every time... I see you wearing a dress... I fantasize about these legs. You have... extraordinary legs, Claire."
Claire would have thanked Alex for the compliment, but her breath was coming in gasps now. She could barely get any oxygen to her brain; couldn't think of anything but Alex's tongue, lips, fingers... Alex...
Alex spread Claire's legs slowly, positioning herself between them and gently placing a kiss on the inside of each knee. Her eyes were closed to prevent her from seeing the prize awaiting in the center of her thighs. Her tongue flicked across the skin of Claire's trembling thigh, moving her way closer and closer...
Claire whimpered, wrapping her leg around Alex's shoulder and pulling her in. She needed to feel Alex's tongue...
Alex raised her head and looked into Claire's eyes. "Claire, are you su--"
"God, yes, KISS ME!"
Alex was more than happy to oblige as she lowered her head and kissed the wetness between Claire's legs. Her tongue traced the slit, moving up to roll across the clitoris. Claire's hands were grasping at Alex's head now, grabbing handfuls of red hair and trying to pull her closer... as if that were possible.
Claire glanced down in time to catch Alex look up, their eyes locking as Alex's tongue entered her. She gasped at the penetration, throwing her head back onto the couch. "Yes, Alex, Alex, yes, yes... Oh, Alex, yes..."
Alex's tongue worked magic, thrusting deep and curling and folding inside of her. Claire's breaths were coming in ragged gasps now, her skin covered in a pale sheen of sweat. She extended her tongue to wet her lower lip, then bit it softly. Her legs rested on Alex's shoulders and began to tense, pulling the agent closer. Claire muttered, "I'm close, Alex... so c-close..."
Alex murmured against Claire, "I want to taste you..."
Claire groaned and climaxed, reaching down to hold her lover's head in place. Alex's eyes fluttered closed as her face was covered with Claire's juices. Her tongue began to work double-time to gather it all up.
Claire threw her head back as she continued with one of the fiercest orgasms of her life. She began to chant Alex's name as she passed out...
---
She woke to feel a warm body snuggled against her, stroking her face lovingly. She opened her eyes to find Alex spread next to her on the sofa, smiling down at her. The two women were covered by the blue comforter that Claire had been using earlier in the night. Alex whispered, "Hi, sleepy head."
Claire smiled sleepily, glancing around the living room. The fire had died down considerably and light was beginning to seep in through the closed curtains. Claire groaned and snuggled against Alex. "Don't tell me it's morning already. Don't tell me I fell asleep."
Alex chuckled. "Passed out cold is more like it. You were dead to the world, sweetheart." She brushed aside a stray strand of blond hair, clearing Claire's forehead. "It's okay, though. I love watching you sleep."
Snuggling against Alex's warmth, Claire lamented, "But... you didn't... I mean, I didn't return the favor."
"There will be plenty of time for that. The important thing is we were together." She kissed Claire's lips softly. "There will be plenty of time later."
Claire returned the kiss, deepening it. "I hate having to work... maybe I can call in sick."
"I read you file," Alex said, shaking her head. "You NEVER call in sick."
"Maybe this once I can be persuaded," she muttered, reaching beneath the comforter to run her hands over Alex's nude body. "I've never even seen you naked!"
Alex threw the blanket aside. "Look all you want."
Claire jumped onto Alex, kissing her passionately. "The damned Agency can wait," she said between kisses. The Keeper pulled Alex's face to her own, kissing her deeply. Alex laughed against Claire's lips and pulled the comforter up around the two of them as they continued their first night together.
~I'm alright on my own and then I met you And I'd know what to do if I just knew what's coming.~
The Agency could wait.... at least for a couple more hours.
*****
MUSIC FOR THE HEART: She Drives Me Crazy
The door to the Official's office opened and Eberts stepped out, surveying the agents scurrying through the hallways. As the black-suited agents streamed past the hacker, he attempted to get their attention to no avail. Finally, he grabbed one by the jacket and stopped him. "Agent Daggett, what is the emergency?"
Daggett was out of breath. "We've been infiltrated, sir. Apparently, Chrysalis has been able to plant a spy within the Agency. Every department has been instructed to destroy all files immediately and cease any and all assignments in progress." Daggett frowned. "I thought you would have known about this, sir."
Eberts raised an eyebrow, then said, "Of course I knew. I was simply... making sure you were aware of the severity of our situation." He released the agent and turned, heading back into the Official's office. He closed the door. "Sir... were you aware of the danger?"
The Official nodded. "Of course I knew, Eberts. I know when agents don't wash their hands after going to the bathroom."
Eberts was self-consciously looking at his hands when the door flew open and Darien Fawkes burst in. "This is total BS, fat man. Total BS!"
"To what are you referring, Fawkes?"
"The order was to cease and desist all - ALL - assignments. Does that include the production of counteragent?"
"All, Agent Fawkes, means all. Including counteragent."
Eberts said, "You received a shot this morning. The Agency should be closed no more than three days, giving you an excellent window of safety before you need another shot."
The Official nodded. "Granted you lay off the quicksilver. And since all assignments have been put on hold... and you're only to use quicksilver for official assignments... I see no problem."
Darien shook his head. "I can't believe you would play Russian roulette with my sanity here, fat man."
"There's nothing dangerous about it. Lay off the invisibility, you'll be fine. Now, please... do as I ask for once and go home. You're not needed here at the moment."
Darien walked out of the office, muttering under his breath.
---
Alex entered the Keep, reading a report as she walked. Claire looked up and smiled. "No one's here."
Alex dropped the file, wrapping her arms around Claire's neck and kissing her deeply. When the kiss finally broke, Alex sighed. "Yesterday was... outstanding. I can't wait until we can be together again."
"Wait no longer. The Agency has been temporarily shut down."
Alex frowned. "Are you serious? Why?"
"The Official believes a spy from Chrysalis has infiltrated us. All activity has been put on hold until we can find out who it is." She wrapped her arms around Alex. "Which means... long nights in bed... sleeping in... staying up all night." The two kissed again, then pulled apart.
"We, uh... we should probably lay off this kind of thing at work. We might get a little too... carried away."
Claire traced her finger down Alex's cheek, brushing aside a stray strand of hair. "It's hard not to get carried away... with you."
They moved to kiss again, but the sound of the door sliding open caused them to separate like a bomb had gone off between them. Darien and Hobbes entered the Keep, both muttering about something.
Claire smiled. "Hi, boys. What's up?"
Hobbes quirked an eyebrow. "What's up? A Chrysalis mole, my friend. Someone has infiltrated Bobby Hobbes' domain and he is not happy."
Darien hopped onto the chair. "Geez, you take everything so personal. How should I feel? I'm the one cut off from the counteragent."
Claire sighed. "Relax, Darien. You're more than fine. The counteragent won't even be a problem."
Alex smiled and said, "Well, guys... I better get going. I'll see you all later."
Hobbes nodded. "Gotta go delete some files outta that big computer you got up there?"
Alex scoffed. "My computer is hacker-proof. Any information on there STAYS on there." She passed behind Hobbes and blew a quick kiss to Claire before leaving the Lab.
---
Eberts left the Official's office, making sure to lock the door as he exited. He walked down the hall, humming under his breath. He was the last one in the building and was left with the task of locking everything up. He checked the door to the Keep, the door to the padded room and then headed for the main entrance. He left the building, double-locking the main door behind him.
Just outside the door to the Keep, Darien unquicksilvered. He had a long night ahead of him. He swiped his keycard through the scanner and the lab door slid open. He ducked inside and closed the door behind him.
---
Claire woke that night to a ringing phone. She rolled over, reaching for Alex. To her surprise, she found she was alone in bed. She sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Alex?" She climbed out of bed, trudging to the bedroom phone. "Hello?"
"Claire... it's me."
"Alex? Where'd you..."
"Come to the Agency. The padded room. And dress... well, dress like a Keeper."
"Why? What's this all..."
"Just get over here." The line disconnected. Claire frowned and hung up, going to the closet to pick out a nice scientist outfit.
---
~I can't stop The way I feel Things you do Don't seem real.~
Claire hummed along with the Fine Young Cannibals as she parked her jeep in front of the Agency. She turned off the car and got out, singing some more of the song as she found the key on her keyring and unlocked the door. She continued to sing the song...
~She drives me crazy... oh, oh... Like no one else... She drives me crazy And I can't help myself...~
Once inside, she locked the door behind her and headed for the padded room as Alex had ordered. Around the corner, she heard the door to the Keep sliding open. "Alex?" she asked. "Is that you?" She turned the corner and went into her lab, surprised to find it empty. "Alex? Are you here, honey?"
When she got no answer, she turned and headed for the padded room.
---
Darien flaked. Why was Claire calling Alex honey? He looked back at the lab, where he had planned to steal the formula for the counteragent. Thinking over it for a moment, he decided that some mysteries would be easier - and more fun - to solve. He quicksilvered and followed Claire out of the Keep.
---
Claire turned to see the door to the lab open again. It stayed in place for a moment, then closed again. She frowned. Maybe there was something wrong with the mechanics. She made a mental note to take that up with the Official once the Agency reopened.
She continued down the hall and unlocked the door to the padded room. Stepping inside, she frowned at the scene that greeted her. Realization dawned and she smiled broadly. "Well. What have we here?"
---
Darien watched Claire enter the padded room and thought his adventure might have to end prematurely. Then, he spotted the door to the observation room. He ran to it, going inside and flaking. He walked to the one-way window and sat on the edge. He was trying to make sense of what he was looking at.
Alex was sitting in the corner, wearing a straightjacket and a pair of black slacks. Her hair was mussed up and she was barefoot. Claire stood by the door, her hands in the pockets of her lab jacket. Darien had a sudden flashback to his first meeting with her. She had drugged him and taken him to the padded room to slowly go mad... and it had forced him to trust her.
Now, it looked like Alex was the one going quicksilver mad. She smiled at Claire.
"Alex? What's going on?" Darien was surprised he could hear what they were saying. A short investigation revealed that the intercom was on. He moved from the window and sat on the edge of the table. Crossing his arms across his chest, he became engrossed in the show beyond the glass.
"Haven't you always had this fantasy, Claire? You're the Keeper. What would it be like to... show one of your Kepts who the boss really was?"
"I show them who the boss is right away," Claire said, a sly smile tugging on the corners of her lips. "No one messes with me. I kick ass."
Alex stood. "You don't scare me, Keeper," she snarled. Darien was surprised to find that she sounded a bit... off. Apparently her file had been right concerning her acting skills. Alex began to pace along the far side of the wall. "How long do you think you can keep me here? How long do you think it will be before I break out of your prison and escape into the night?"
Claire smiled. "As long as we have your counteragent, you'll stay right where you are."
Alex laughed and said, "Counteragent. You mean the stuff that makes me normal? I got a secret for you, Keep. I don't WANT to go normal. I like this new, no-holds-barred side of me."
Claire walked towards Alex, bringing her hands out of her pockets. "Maybe I can make you stay."
Alex ran her eyes over Claire's body. "What do you have that would make me stay?"
Claire grabbed Alex's face, pulling her into a passionate kiss. Alex moaned into the kiss, then finally broke it to take a breath. "Wow... I love your kisses."
Claire pushed Alex against the wall and said, "Stay in character." She planted another kiss on Alex's lips, then began to trail down the other woman's throat.
Meanwhile, in the observation room, Darien had unvoluntarily gone invisible. His heart was pounding and his gland was out of control.
Claire groped Alex through the straightjacket, pushing her down onto the chair. Alex snarled and said, "Mmm, maybe you DO have something to keep me stay..." Claire had reached Alex's stomach and she pushed the jacket out of the way to undo the belt, working at the fly at the same time.
As her slacks were pulled down, Alex said, "Claire, honey... aren't you going to let me out of this jacket?"
Claire smiled devilishly. "This was your idea, love. Besides... the jacket kind of turns me on."
Alex groaned low in her throat, resting her head on the padded wall as Claire kissed a slow trail up the inside of her thigh. Her tongue teased the sensitive flesh just below her navel and threatened to move lower before it left all together. Alex's eyes fluttered open. "Whe... What?"
Claire hooked her thumbs on the elastic of Alex's panties, viciously yanking them away. The material tore in the process. "Now. Are you going to stay at the Agency?"
"I... I don't...."
"I can leave right now."
"Yes. Yes, I'll stay. Just please, finish..."
Darien shook his head. "And I caved for counteragent?"
Claire smiled and lowered her head. Alex's jaw dropped at the first touch of Claire's tongue to her sensitive flesh. Her arms jerked inside the constraints of the straightjacket. She wanted so badly to run her fingers through Claire's hair, to hold her face against her body. But, confined as she was, all she could do was thrash her head and moan. She lifted her legs, wrapping them tightly around Claire's neck. The motion drew Claire closer and forced her tongue deeper.
"Claiiiiirrreeeeee....."
The Keeper smiled at the half-moan, half-plea in Alex's voice. Claire broke the hold of Alex's legs and looked up, smiling mischievously. "What? Did you want me to stop?"
Alex looked at Claire with lust-filled eyes. "Stop and I swear I will hunt you down and kill you."
Claire laughed and kissed Alex's clitoris, rolling her tongue across the sensitive nub. Alex called out and climaxed, Claire gasped, opening her mouth and covering Alex's lips, drinking every drop she had to offer. When she finally finished, Claire backed up and wiped her mouth, then sucked the remains off of her fingers. She winked at Alex. "Very good."
Alex was breathing heavily, sweating uncontrollably. "If you want... me to return... the favor... you'll have to let me out of this damn jacket."
Claire reached out and undid one buckle. The small release was enough for Alex; the red-headed agent ripped herself free of the confinement and threw it aside, revealing she had been topless beneath it. She launched herself at Claire, knocking them both to the padded floor. They kissed like a pair of hormone-crazed teenagers as Alex worked at the buttons of Claire's blouse.
Suddenly, it dawned on Darien that he was watching the scene unfold in black and white. 'Crap,' he thought. 'How long have I been invisible?' He looked at his tattoo. Five segments filled. "Aw, crap." How would he explain this one to Claire?
He froze at a new train of thought. The Agency was shut down, including counteragent production. If they didn't find the plant within... um... five segments filled, they take how long to fill up? If they didn't... He couldn't figure out the math, but knew that if he had to wait more than a day to get a shot, he was in serious trouble. With a final, longing glance at the scene of two women making love in the padded room, Darien slipped out of the observation room.
---
Darien entered the lab, ready to finish his original task of finding and stealing the formula for the counteragent. He decided that he could find a scientist smart enough to make sense of the thing, or at the very least take it back to Casey. That is, if she were willing to see him.
As he entered the Keep, he saw a man dressed in black hunched over Claire's computer, typing furiously. He looked up as Fawkes entered. "What're you doing here?" The man asked.
Darien recognized the man instantly. "Solomon?" The man had been hired a few weeks earlier and was officially a guard. He had no access to this area... and yet here he was. "You're the mole from Chrysalis, aren't you?"
Solomon didn't answer, just rolled the Keeper's desk chair across the floor hoping to trip Darien up. Darien jumped the chair easily and intercepted the man as he attempted to return to the air vent he had used to enter. Solomon threw a punch, knocking Darien into the wall. Solomon grabbed Fawkes and slammed him against the table, sending a computer monitor crashing to the floor. He kneed Darien in the stomach, then turned and ran.
He tore down the corridor, heading for the exit. He glanced back, to make sure Darien wasn't following him... and slammed into Claire as she exited the padded room.
The women had been alerted by the computer being knocked to the floor. Claire gasped, pulling her lab jacket tighter around her nude body. "Oh, my God! Agent Solomon?"
Darien stumbled out of the Keep, holding his stomach. He looked up to see a partially nude Claire standing in the door of the padded room, standing over the unconscious mole. Alex exited, pulling Claire's blouse on. "Claire? What's going... Aw, crap."
The three agents stood motionless, trying to assess the situation. Darien exhaled, falling against the wall. "Well. Looks like we need to get our stories straight, huh?"
---
The Official, it turned out, was even grumpier if pulled out of bed at five in the morning. He and Eberts stood in the corridor of the Agency just outside of the padded room. He was wearing a jogging suit and did NOT look happy.
"Okay, I want a single explanation... from you," he growled, pointing at Hobbes.
Hobbes shrugged and said, "I wouldn't know, sir. Having been at home. Asleep. All night. Of course, had my PARTNER had the CONSIDERATION to call me, I would have a briefing prepared and on your desk right about now. Sir."
Darien sighed. "Claire didn't think her computers had been tampered with, so we assumed the mole would try to access her files sometime in the near future. She asked me to hang out in the lab last night, so I agreed."
"Just like that," Eberts asked.
"Yeah. Just like that. She, uh... offered me one shot of counteragent, no questions asked, to redeem whenever I needed it. I figured it was win-win. So, I set up camp in the Keep and Claire set up an ambush point here in the padded room. I flushed the mole out of the lab and Claire knocked him cold in the corridor. Bing, bang boom.... you got your mole."
The Official smirked. "Good thinking, Fawkes. But next time I want a briefing on all covert activities that take place in this building. Got it?"
"Got it."
He turned his attention on Claire. "And I want no more of this... deal-making. Understood?"
"Completely."
He then looked at Alex. "I still don't know your part in this."
"I, uh... had fallen asleep upstairs in my office. I heard the commotion and came down."
The Official nodded. "Good work, all of you. The Agency is officially open for business and Fawkes can get his shot."
---
Claire poked the needle into his skin. She looked up at him and sighed. "I suppose one of us should breach the subject."
Darien glanced at Alex, who was leaning against the far wall, chewing nervously on a nail. He sighed. "You guys don't have to worry. I won't say a word."
Alex frowned. "Why? I mean... forgive me if I'm skeptical, but you don't seem like the kind who will just... help someone for no good reason."
Darien threw his legs over the side of the chair, rolling his sleeve down. "I've seen how the Keeper has been acting lately. If you make her that happy, then... I guess I have no right to ruin it. You make each other happy. I'm all for happiness." He smiled at Alex and walked out of the lab.
Alex shook her head. "He... is an odd one."
"Yes," Claire agreed. "But he's also a great one."
---
Bobby Hobbes stood in the center of the padded room, examining everything. Finally, he knelt and peered under the cot. "Exibit A," he murmured, reaching for the cloth he had just found. Pulling it into the light, he frowned. He turned it over in his hands, then rubbed the material with his hand. What was a pair of ripped panties doing in the padded room?
'...Claire set up... in the padded room...'
A light bulb practically lit up Bobby's mind. But Darien would have HAD to be in the Keep to catch the mole in action. So, if he was down the hall, who was in the room with...
'I, uh... had fallen asleep upstairs in my office.'
Bobby looked down at the torn underwear. "Aw, crap..."
*****
MUSIC FOR THE HEART: Yesterday
Bobby Hobbes pulled his beat-up brown van away from the curb in front of the Agency and immediately accelerated. He glanced in the side mirror and spotted Darien exiting the building, watching him go.
Hobbes normally would have stopped and picked his partner up. He would normally enjoy the company. This wasn't a normal day.
Claire, the woman he had been in lo-- harbored feelings for--- for so long had always been just a little out of his league. Not much, but... just enough to make it interesting. But now... now he had no chance at all. He grumbled and turned on the radio, turning the dial until he found a station that was actually playing music.
~...ubles seemed so far away Now it looks as though they're here to stay Oh, I believe in yesterday...~
"Great," he muttered, turning a corner far too fast. The van wasn't supposed to take this much abuse, but he had put it through worse. He leaned his arm on the window, resting his weary head on it. Not enough to be pulled out of bed in the middle of the night to chase some hacker through the Agency hallways. Nooo... he also had to have his hopes dashed by investigating the damn padded room.
~There's a shadow hanging over me Oh yesterday came suddenly Why she had to go I don't know, she wouldn't say I said something wrong Now I long for yesterday...~
"Yesterday would be nice," Bobby muttered. Yesterday when the Keeper was heterosexual and Alex didn't 'fish off the company pier,' as the saying went. Yesterday when Darien didn't hang around the Agency all night looking for something, whether or not he was actually looking for the hacker or had just gotten lucky.
Hang around the Agency all night...
Had he been there all night? Had he seen... or had he... maybe the Keep was...
Hobbes spun the wheel, illegally U-turning and heading back to the Agency.
---
When he pulled to a sudden stop in front of the Agency, he found that most of the Official's goons had backed off. The place was practically deserted. If it weren't for Claire's jeep out front, he would have assumed everyone was gone.
He stormed into the Keep, surprised Claire, Alex and Darien. All three jumped as if they had been caught with their hands in the cookie jar.
Hobbes stood firmly where he was, next to Claire's pirhana tank. He crossed his arms over his chest and frowned. "All right. What really happened here tonight?"
Darien raised his eyebrows. "Really happened? I'm sorry, you... you lost me. What're you talking about?"
"Claire was in the padded room, you were in the Keep and Alex was coincidentally in her office upstairs? It don't work, my friend."
Darien slipped off the counter and pushed Bobby into the hall. He turned and looked at the two women. "You'll have to excuse him, Miss Monroe. He hasn't taken his pills in a few hours."
Once outside, Bobby ripped his arm out of Darien's grasp. "Let go of me, Fawkes! I'm sick of you always jokin' about my meds. Now tell me what really happened tonight or, so help me, I'm goin' to the Official."
Darien smirked. "Yeah, right."
Hobbes sighed. "I found the underwear, Fawkes."
"Darn... I was going to save those for your birthday."
"This isn't a joke. The Official frowns on fraternization. Especially of this sort."
"The Official frowns at everything. Has he ever cracked a smile?"
Hobbes grabbed Darien by the coat and slammed him against the wall. "This is NOT the time for jokes, Fawkes. Now tell the truth. Are you and the Keeper involved?"
Darien opened his mouth to speak, then stopped. Finally, he asked, "What did you mean when you said fraternization 'of this sort'? What did that mean?"
"Never mind, Fawkes. Did you and Claire have a little meetin' in the padded room tonight?"
Darien glanced at the door to the Keep, then said, "Yeah. It was just this one time and... and we never even did anything, all right? We started to... but then she told me to get some protection and I went into the Keep and... things got interrupted."
Hobbes backed off, chewing his lip as he thought. He finally sighed. It sounded oddly like a sigh of relief. "You, uh... you promise me you'll cut it out?"
"After we caught the mole, we decided it was a bad idea."
"Strictly professional?"
"Strictly," Darien promised.
Hobbes sighed, running his hand over his face as he glanced once more back at the Keep. "All right. Uh... does Alex know anything about this?"
"No. She came downstairs right before the Official's men showed up."
Hobbes nodded. "Probably better to keep her out of this, right?"
"Right."
Hobbes smiled, then slapped his partner on the arm. "See you tomorrow, okay?"
"You got it," Darien smiled.
As Hobbes left, Darien returned to the lab and smiled at the two women staring nervously at him. "He thought it was me and the Keep. I told him nothing happened and wouldn't happen... and he decided to let it go."
Claire smiled and hugged Alex.
Alex sighed, stroking Claire's back. "Thank God this is over! I guess we'll just have to be more careful, huh?"
Claire smiled, but said nothing. Her heart was pounding in her chest. 'You almost got caught,' she told herself. 'Your job, you LIFE would have been over... do you really love Alex enough to risk all of that?'
Alex pulled away from the hug and looked into Claire's eyes. "No?" Alex repeated softly, smiling at her lover. "No to what, honey?"
Claire just smiled sadly.
~Oh, I believe in yesterday...~
*****
MUSIC FOR THE HEART: You're Gone (Smile)
Alex looked across the table at Claire, who was still playing absently with her food. Frowning slightly, she said, "You know, hon... some people actually think that it tastes good while it's still hot."
Claire looked up, shocked out of some reverie. She smiled. "Yes... yes, it was a close one, wasn't it?"
Alex dropped her fork and leaned back in her chair. "Claire, are you upset about us almost being caught at the Agency?"
"Wha... why would you say that?"
Alex leaned forward, lowering her voice and taking Claire's hands in her own. "We haven't... been together... since that night. Every time I try to come over, you say you have an early morning. You faked sick last week. It's almost been a month, Claire. And you still keep telling me how close it was."
Claire looked sadly down at the spaghetti.
"Tell me the truth. Are you ashamed of me? Of what we've been doing?"
"No!" she said sharply, her head snapping up. "No, of course not, Alex. I think there's a possibility I could... could fall in love with you."
Alex nodded and quietly said, "But you can't."
"The Agency... forbids this sort of relationship, Alex. If they ever found out, we'd be done. Would you really be happy in a relationship where you could NEVER hold hands in public? Where you always had to eat in shadowy booths or sneak kisses at work? Could you live like that?"
"Love isn't about kissing in front of other people or holding hands at work. I love you, Claire... and if I had to hide it until my dying day, I would." Tears were flowing down Alex's cheeks.
Claire sniffed, trying to hide her own tears as she searched her purse. "Um... this should cover dinner. I'm so, so, sorry, Alex."
"Is... it over," she asked meekly.
Claire finally allowed her tears to flow. "I'm sorry, Alex." She bent down, kissing her lover on the cheek before leaving the restaurant.
---
Alex sat in the living room of her apartment, hugging her knees and sobbing quietly. Her relationship with Claire had been so sudden, she hadn't even had a chance to unpack. A month at the Agency and all of her stuff was either in boxes or over at Claire's. She stood, then knelt next to the one item she had unpacked and ready to use. The CD player. She chose a country disk and hit play. The band, Lonestar, had been one of her favorites. She began to dance with herself as the music began to flow.
~I still remember the night we met You said you loved my smile But your love for me was like a summer breeze Oh, it lasted for a while I could hold on a little tighter I know But when you love someone, you gotta let 'em go...~
Alex was sobbing as she hugged herself, swaying to the music. She lip-synched the chorus of the sad song, thinking to her short time with Claire.
~I'm gonna smile Cause I wanna make you happy Laugh So you can't see me cry I'm gonna let you in style Even if it kills me I'm gonna smile...~
Alex collapsed in the middle of the floor, her body wracked with sobs. She put her hands to her face as if she were trying to stop the tears... but nothing could hold them back.
It was over.
---
Claire looked over her CD collection, not surprised to find a few unfamiliar titles among the stack. She ran her fingers over the cases she hadn't bought. They were Alex's... She picked one and looked at the cover. A bunch of farmers driving a... giant watermelon? The name of the band was "Diamon Rio."
She opened the case and placed the disk in the player. Reading over the song titles, she found one that seemed to apply and cued it to that song. Slow, soft music began to fill the room and then a slow, sad voice began to sing.
~I said hello, "I think I'm broken" And though I was only jokin' It caught me by surprise when you agreed~
Claire dropped onto the couch, pulling a pillow to her chest and cradling it. Tears began to form once again in her eyes.
~I was trying to be clever For the life of me I never Could've guessed how far the simple truth could lead You knew all my lines You knew all my tricks You knew how to heal the pain No medicine could fix.~
Pavlov jumped onto the couch, nuzzling her arm. He whimpered and Claire pulled him onto her lap, scratching the top of his head. "I'll be okay, baby... I'll be okay..."
Would she? The singer continued...
~And I bless the day I met you And I thank God that he let you Lay beside me for a moment that lives on And the good news is I'm better For the time we spent together And the bad news is... You're gone...~
Claire's cheeks were wet with tears by the time he finished the first chorus. She held Pavlov tightly and whispered, "What have I done, baby?"
---
Alex lay on the floor in the center of her apartment. The same song was playing once more; she had hit repeat after it ended the first time.
~Kiss me once for the good times baby Kiss me twice for good-bye You can't help how you don't feel And it doesn't matter why Give me a chance to bow out gracefully Cause that's how I want you to remember me...~
She sat up, wiping her already dry eyes. She had run out of tears long ago. She couldn't cry any more.
Claire said it was over. When one person says it's over... it's over. That's how relationships worked. Alex turned off the player and stood, heading for the bedroom. Maybe sleep would make it better. She doubted it, but... there was a chance.
As she passed the door, she heard a soft knock. Her heart leapt as she opened the door. Claire stood on the porch, drenched from the rain. She looked sadly at Alex and said, "Hello... I think I'm broken."
They flew into each other's arms, kissing like they had never kissed before. Claire began pulling at Alex's t-shirt, her hands occasionally pausing to cup or squeeze. Finally, the shirt was off and Alex was topless. Claire's unsteady fingers worked at the buttons of her own rain-soaked blouse. Once it was open, Alex's hands began roaming the exposed skin. Claire moaned, leaning forward to bite down on Alex's shoulder.
Alex slid the wet material off of Claire's shoulders and the two women embraced, holding each other as tightly as possible. Claire closed her eyes, revelling in the feeling of Alex's nude breasts pressing against hers. Softly, she whispered, "I love you, Alexandra Monroe."
Alex sobbed into Claire's blonde locks and placed a kiss on her lover's temple. "And I love you... Claire Monroe."
Claire pulled her head back, looking into Alex's eyes. "My last name isn't..."
"It could be," Alex whispered, stroking Claire's face. "Marry me."
"Alex... I don't... the Agency..."
Alex smiled. "Marry me."
Tears mixed with the rain on Claire's cheeks. "Yes. I'll marry you."
They kissed, not just as lovers, but as betrothed. When they finally came up for air, Alex scooped Claire into her arms and carried her into the bedroom.
They didn't come out until late the next morning.
*****
MUSIC FOR THE HEART: I Could Not Ask For More
Claire woke the next morning to find herself still entangled with Alex. The rain was still beating against the window pane. She stroked the other woman's red hair out of her face, then leaned forward and placed a small kiss on each closed eyelid. Alex woke, looking up at Claire. They kissed quickly. Alex smiled and whispered, "Good morning, fiancee."
The radio played softly...
~Lying here with you, listening to the rain Smiling just to see the smile upon your face These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive These are the moments I'll remember all my life I found all I've waited for and I could not ask for more.~
"Good morning to you, fiancee," they kissed again, taking longer to separate this time.
Alex let her fingers drop to trace a line down the curve of Claire's breast. "So... what made you come back last night?"
"I couldn't live without you. I've never loved anyone like I love you."
A tear rolled down Alex's cheek. "I'll never love another the way I love you."
Claire glanced at the clock. "We have an hour before we have to be at the Agency. Want to spend it... productively?"
Alex smiled. "I thought you'd never ask."
The song continued as Alex rolled over on top of Claire, eager to continue the events of the previous night.
~Looking in your eyes, seeing all I need Everything you are is everything in me These are the moments I know heaven must exist These are the moments I know all I need is this I found all I've waited for and I could not ask for more.~
---
Hobbes took a bite out of the pizza his partner had actually sprung for and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. "So? What'd you wanna talk about?"
Darien said, "Can I ask you a question about Claire?"
"Sure. You guys still, uh..."
"No. No, we're not. Actually, this is sort of... relating to that. What would you say if Claire found a soulmate who made her happier than she had ever been? Someone she loved more than life itself?"
Hobbes shrugged. "Claire's a great person. She deserves someone who makes her happy."
"Even if it were against the rules?"
"Rules, what rules? We're talking love here, Fawkesie. There are no rules that can stop the heart." He took another bite of the pizza.
"What if, in this case, there WERE rules that said she couldn't love this wonderful person?"
"Then I say the hell with the rules."
Darien nodded. "Okay, same situation, only it's Alex."
"Same answer. I haven't known her very long, but if she's in love, why should anyone try to stand in the way of that?"
Darien smiled. "Glad to hear you say that, Hobbes. Because it's true."
"What's true? The Keeper found someone or Alex did?"
Darien smiled and proceeded to tell Hobbes the truth.
TWO WEEKS LATER
Claire climbed out of her jeep, adjusting the flowing gown so that it didn't touch the asphault as she climbed out. Her hair was pulled up and pinned, with small white flowers threaded through the blonde strands. She wore a long pearl necklace and a strapless white gown that reached just past the high heels she wore. She bundled the dress in her hand and made her way down the walk to the gazebo in the center of the park.
The gazebo looked over a sparkling lake which was now vacant, save for a couple of swans floating lazily on the surface. Claire walked onto the elevated stage of the gazebo to the approval of the three already waiting for her. Darien smiled. "You look gorgeous, Claire." He was wearing a fitted tux with a black button at the neck instead of a tie.
Hobbes was also wearing a tux, but his smile was a little more irritated than Darien's. He was holding a large bouqet of roses and tulips, sprinkled with baby's breath. He lightly kissed Claire on each cheek and said, "Radiant, Claire. Absolutely radiant."
The minister also smiled, shaking Claire's hand. He was a friend of Darien's who just happened to be ordained. Claire's heart was beating a mile a minute, threatening to explode through her chest. She took the bouqet from Hobbes and turned.
The door to the van slid open and Alex slipped out. She was also wearing a white dress, but this one was cut slightly higher than Claire's and had a strap which wrapped around Alex's right shoulder. Alex made her way up the walk and stepped onto the gazebo, wrapping her arm around Claire's. Alex's hair was bundled much in the same manner as Claire's, but lacked the flowers. They took their place between Darien and Hobbes and faced the minister.
The minister looked at the two men, frowning. "Pardon me, ma'am... which is the best man?"
Darien raised his hand.
"Oh. And... the maid-of-honor."
Darien pointed at Hobbes.
Hobbes rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, can we continue, please?"
Claire giggled and brushed her lips across Hobbes' cheek. "Thank you for being my maid-of-honor, Bobby."
The minister smiled. "We are gathered here today, in the presence of these witnesses, to celebrate the love these two lovely women have for each other and to mark that love for now and forever by bonding them together in marriage."
The speech went on, but neither Alex nor Claire heard any of it. They were lost in each other's eyes, their hearts pounding in rhythm with each other. Suddenly, Darien extended his hand. The ring. Alex took the ring from her 'best man.'
"Alexandra, repeat after me, please. I, Alexandra Monroe, take this woman to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, as long as we both shall live."
He then did the same with Claire and she repeated it without pause, as Alex had. When she finished, the minister said, "Then by the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you..." He glanced at Darien.
Darien shrugged and offered, "Married?"
"...married. You may kiss the bride."
Claire and Alex kissed softly at first, but then pressed their bodies closer and began to deepen the kiss. Darien put a hand on Alex's shoulder, pulling her softly away from Claire. "Now, now... none of that. Not in front of the minister."
The minister shrugged. "I don't mind."
Alex smiled and pecked Claire's lips once more. "I think we'll save it for the honeymoon."
Hobbes pulled a bag of confetti from his pocket and tossed it into the air, showering over the newlyweds.
They made their way down the gazebo stairs and walked quickly towards Claire's jeep. Darien leaned against one of the wooden posts holding up the roof of the gazebo. "God... did you ever think you'd see Claire that happy?"
Hobbes sat on the steps. "I never really thought about it... but I'm glad she found someone."
Darien sighed. "I just wish this could've been a big production. Church, family, flowers..."
"Without the Official findin' out about it? Think, Fawkes."
Darien sighed. "Yeah, I know. It sucks working for the government." He ran a hand through his hair and said, "Come on, we'll grab some lunch and head back to work."
Hobbes followed Darien down the walkway. "You got it, partner. You buying?"
"I bought yesterday!"
"But you invited. The invitee is the one who pays. Says in the rules."
"Rules? What rules?"
"The rules of lunch."
Darien patted Hobbes' stomach. "Who am I to argue with a master?"
"Ha, ha, very funny."
Across the park, a large man wearing a baseball cap fed the pigeons that had gathered around his feet. Sitting next to him was a smaller man, pretending to read the paper. The smaller man folded the paper and said, "You were right, sir."
The Official looked up from the birds. "So it would seem, Eberts."
Eberts reached into his jacket pocket. "Should I report this finding to Health and Human Services?"
The Official smiled. "Are you blind, Eberts?"
Eberts frowned. "No... sir..."
"Let them be." He stood, gathering his things.
Eberts followed suit. "But, sir... this sort of relationship is not tolerated. They are to be reported and separated immediately."
The Official turned. "Eberts... let it go. I just wanted to see for myself if it was true. Besides," he turned and looked across the lake at the gazebo. "I may be a bastard... but I would never mess with something that perfect. Come on, Eberts, I'll buy you a coffee."
They left, leaving the park to the swans who had seen each other and started swimming side by side.
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