Woke Up One Morning... Part 22
No doubt Heero and Trowa are watching the estate closely from the hotel room. To confirm the theory I've come up to why Krutza did not park inside his garage or close the main gates, my husband's voice informs, "He's not parking in the garage or turning the security system back on. He must be making a quick stop for something and his car is empty."
Exactly what I had thought. Kicking off my shoes and throwing them into my duffle bag, I run sock-footed around the garage for the parked convertible. Tightly hugging my pack in front of me, I craw onto my back to get beneath the vehicle and prepare myself to grip onto the gears a few inches above me.
The door to the house opens and closes again and those footsteps are back to round the car. Laying perfectly still, I hold my breath that I finally release when Krutza is back inside of his car. As the engine roars back on, I reach up to lift myself off the gravel road with every inch my limbs can hang onto.
I tighten my grasp as I am pulled away along with the car out of the driveway and past the gates that are shutting behind us. My head is bent forward as far as possible to keep it off the ground while I watch the passing beams of light from the spread out street lamps to time the breaks of darkness between them.
The car is nearly at the bottom of the hill when I drop at the first sign of pitch. It's an easy fall, considering how close I was to the ground and I automatically roll on my side until I am back on the grass in complete darkness.
Panting heavily, I crouch my body up to watch Krutza drive off. Once he is completely out of sight, I move to a nearby grouping of trees and wait a moment to catch my breath. Still running on pure adrenaline, I run for the hotel without looking back.
By the time I slow in reaching the emergency exit, I hear someone running up and stopping just behind me with a couple of stunned gasps. I smile and turn back to see Wufei and Bryant staring at me in disbelief, jaws and eyes wide as they fight for air after their jog. So my lift from Krutza helped me beat them back here.
"Hey, guys," I smirk. "What the hell took you so long?"
Wufei's shock wears off in an instant. Still panting, his eyes narrow in a frustrated glare as he manages a breathless, "How... in the hell...?"
Before he strains himself, I raise a hand and the smirk on my face grows. "We'll talk about it inside," I reply while turning to open the door for the emergency exit stairwell. It takes a moment before I hear 'Fei and Bryant follow me up to the third floor.
Checking that no one else is in the hallway, he hurry for the 'gathering room' as we have come to call it.
When we rush inside and close the door behind us, we find Heero and Trowa at the 'living room' table working feverishly at their computers to get the cameras and recorders uploaded into our network. Hearing us enter, they stop instantly and look up.
Trowa laughs at the sight of me and shakes his head, "Jesus, Maxwell. It's good to see you're still the risk-taker from the war days, but could you at least try to not give us a heart attack like that again?"
I shrug, "Where would the fun in that be?" 'Tro just snickers and shakes his head again, returning to his work. It's times like this, remembering the hard times we would give each other in jest during the wars that remind me how much I've missed working with all of my fellow ex-Gundam pilots.
Wufei sighs with a roll of his eyes as he removes his black ski cap. Moving over to the couch along the wall, he collapses and drops his empty duffle bag. Bryant moves to take up the other end of the couch to relax a bit as well.
After my close call, I'm still too amped up for sitting right now. My mind is still too preoccupied with watching Heero as he meets my gaze and gives me a small smile. I'm too busy forcing myself to stay here in the middle of the room instead of closing the distance between us to have his arms around me and his mouth on mine.
Those thoughts are pushed back when I feel my face beginning to flush and I force my head to turn away from that smile.
"So, are you going to tell us exactly how the hell you managed to beat me and Bryant back here after you stayed behind at the house against every sense of logic?" 'Fei asks from the couch. His glare has faded and his voice is less harsh, obviously appreciating the fact that my actions still meant that we accomplished our task.
Focusing on him and a still-dumbfounded Bryant, I answer simply, "Krutza wasn't staying at his place for long, so I just hitched a ride back from him." That simplified response, along with my socked feet that they both notice briefly, are enough to fill in the details of my much more complicated ordeal.
Bryant chuckles and nods in approval, "Nice." It actually means a lot to have a former military man to acknowledge my efforts that much. They're not that impressed normally to make any kind of compliment. He gets a grin of appreciation from me.
At that moment, there is a brief knock on the door before Tyson cracks it open to peer inside. Seeing us all gathered in the main room, he sighs in relief as he enters and closes the door behind him. "How did it all go?" he asks, since he did not have a tie into all of the dialogue between the rest of us when the shit hit the fan.
The innocent question is enough to break the last bit of tension in the room as the rest of us break out into a laughing fit. Blinking in confusion, Tyson just tilts his head.
* * * * * *
Heero sighs quietly as he stops his endless typing to sit back in his chair as he announces, "Finished." I jump off the couch, finally back in more comfortable clothes of a T-shirt and sweatpants, to peer over his shoulder to view the screen. Wufei and the others are all huddling as close as they can for a good look.
Paging through the images pulled from the cameras, we can see a full screen recording of every room in Krutza's home. From the basement to the rafters of the high dens, we have access to everything.
"The audio is coming in fine from every recorder as well. I can hear the breeze outside from each room," Heero states as he continues to page through the rooms. "So, we will be able to follow Krutza through the whole estate and tap into his conversations."
So, we were successful with the first part of our mission. All we have to do now is sit back and wait for the proof we need of his involvement with the production of the Glycaminum. When that happens, no untold wealth will be able to protect him.
Folding his arms behind his head, Trowa informs, "I have uploaded all of your laptops with the same observation database so that changing lookout shifts will be easier." His green eyes scan our group as he asks, "Anyone want to volunteer for taking the first go at this for the night?"
Tyson raises his hand and replies, "I can be on watch tonight." Looking to the clock on the wall, he comments, "It's coming up on one o'clock, so Krutza should be returning any time in the next couple of hours."
"Okay," Trowa nods. "I'll head with you back to your room to your laptop so that I can show everyone at the same time how to pull the system up." Instantly, Wufei and Bryant prepare to follow the two of them out.
Stretching I yawn widely. "Heero can show me how to open the program on my computer here when it's my shift," I shrug, rubbing the back of my head. "I'm just going to head right to bed after all of that excitement, if that's all right with the rest of you?" The others nod their heads and mutter their 'good nights.'
I make a point to move for the bedroom as the group begins filing out so that they see I am leaving my partner alone at the table.
Closing the bedroom door, I shed my shirt and groan at the slight discomfort from the road rash on my back that had been left after dropping off a moving vehicle. It's a small price for what I was able to help accomplish tonight.
While my leaving Heero behind was for show, I actually am exhausted after the long day and pretty eventful night. I have a tendency to crash pretty hard when an adrenaline rush dies off. The only thing that kept me up this whole time was wanting to see that everything panned out for bugging Krutza's home.
Stripping down to my boxers, I turn out the light and lay down on my bed closest to the window with my back to the door. It's not long after I hear the living room door close before I hear the bedroom one open.
A small smile tugs my lips and I feel the a certain weight come down on the edge of the bed behind me. Careful to avoid the bruising on my back, Heero bends over from his sitting position as he places a kiss on my temple with a quiet, "Good work tonight, baby."
The endearment comes out so naturally it's as if he's used it for me forever as opposed to this actually being the first time. My smile only grows at that and my chest warms.
I turn onto my other side so that I can face him. Peering up at him in the light coming in from the moon, I reply in kind, "Thanks. Sorry if I had you scared for a bit there."
Snorting, 'Ro shakes his head, "It took quite a bit of restraint to stay here on my part, but I finally reminded myself to trust that you knew what you were doing."
He gets an appreciative grin from me for that. A smirk curls the side of his mouth as he adds, "Of course, if I had been you, I would have had that floor covered before Krutza was anywhere near returning home."
My eyes roll and I retort, "Yea. But if you hadn't, you wouldn't have chanced staying behind to finish the job, either, husband-mine."
With a deep chuckle, Heero admits, "Very true. That's one of the many reasons we always worked so well together- I'm more of the careful 'by the book' kind of person while you're the risky improviser." Looking off to the window, he comments, "Somehow, that's always worked out for us... being each other's polar opposites in some ways."
Gently running a finger over his hand the bed, I smile, "And it works in more ways than just our working together on these missions. You've helped calm me a lot, really taught me how to take things in and think before I act."
His eyes locking on me again, my husband returns the smile and says, "And I leaned how to really feel things and live thanks to you." That hand turns to clasp mine in a firm squeeze. Leaning in, he gives me a nice, long kiss before pulling back enough that our lips brush with every word as he whispers, "Get some sleep, Duo."
Just as he begins to pull away to rise to his feet, I tighten my hold on his hand and ask, "Can you stay here with me for a little while? It's been... weird... sleeping without you in the same bed these last few nights. I miss it."
I really hate how pathetic I sounded just now, outright begging.
Freezing, my partner's eyes widen and he blinks at me. That initial surprise quickly fades into that loving smile that's only meant for my eyes. Removing his clothes until he is down to his own boxers, he curls up to me without hesitating, our eyes never pulling away the whole time and our grins never failing.
The instant Heero is within reach, I hold onto him as tightly but comfortably as I can. Wrapping his own arms around me and moving my head to rest on his shoulder, he gently runs his fingers along the side of my face. I sigh and lean into the touch, placing a quick kiss on the inside of his palm before settling down again.
While it's a little tight for the both of us in this twin bed, it's perfectly fine for me since we can make it work. If we had to sleep on the floor to be able to be like this, I would have been perfectly content with that. The is really how it should be for us... our being this close.
Fighting to stay awake despite the soothing sound of Heero's heartbeat in my ear, I stay alert long enough feel his nose burrow in my hair and to hear him breathe, "I missed this, too." That's more than enough to send me off from the world for a while.
In the morning, I know that I'll wake up alone again. But I really couldn't care less at this moment. Fading away, I know I'll at least have pleasant dreams tonight.
* * * * * *
When I come to, I'm alone not only in my bed but the room as well. Rubbing my eyes, I groan and get out of bed a little more carefully than normal on account of my sore back. I decide pretty quickly here that maybe a nice, warm shower will help with some of the aches and take up a clean pair of boxers as well as a change in clothes.
Stepping out into the living room, I'm surprised to see Wufei, Trowa and Bryant gathered around the table with Heero. My partner has his laptop open before him and has his arms folded in a casual ease. Looking up, he nods firmly in acknowledgment as the others turn to face me as well.
"He finally emerges," 'Fei snickers. Still adjusting to the bright light coming into the room from outside, I squint while glancing at the clock. Much to my surprise, I see that it's nearly noon already.
Damn. I must have needed that sleep more than I realized. Having Heero there when I drifted off really made a difference.
I smile sheepishly and rub the back of my head, shrugging, "Sorry, you guys. I didn't mean to sleep in this late. You could have come in to wake me up."
Waving a hand, Trowa reassures with a smirk, "Don't worry. You're not missing anything. Krutza hasn't moved from his bed since he got back home around sunrise, when Tyson switched his shift over to get some sleep."
"Good," I sigh. A certain pair of cobalt eyes raking over me brings my state of undress to my attention. To cover up my husband's inability to hide his stare, I laugh, "Uh, let me clean up quick and we can plan out what we're going to do for breakfast."
As I rush for the bathroom with my clothes in hand, I can feel those same eyes on me until I close the door behind me. Leaning against the door, I chuckle quietly in amusement and shake my head.
Heero can be so cute sometimes. And I'm really enjoying the fact that I can tease he hell out of him. I mean, fair is fair since he does the same to me without even trying.
Besides, why should I be the only sexually frustrated one between the two of us during this investigation?
* * * * * *
To my pleasure, I am not only rested but clean after my shower as I head through town along with Wufei to pick up some brunch foods for our crew. On such a beautiful afternoon like this, I was more than happy to volunteer as one of the 'errand boys' for the chance to get out for some fresh, crisp air.
Walking the busy streets like this without being recognized as former Gundam pilots is possible thanks to Lady Une's efficiency at securing our identities from the public. No one besides those Preventers and Assembly members that are sworn to secrecy have any idea who we are. For everyone else, we're no more than normal people as opposed to reformed terrorists.
And I wouldn't have it any other way. I never agreed to fly Deathscythe because I had hoped to become famous. Since the wars ended, it's been nice to have some sense of everyday normalcy for a change.
Inhaling a deep breath of the Lake Lugano's air, I readjust the shades on my nose and sigh, "Gorgeous day, don't you think, Xio?" Not only do I make it a point to use his given name for the sake of the ears around, but I also use it because Chang hates it.
His teeth gritting for a moment, Wufei looks over with his own shielded eyes and forces a smiled, "Yes, it is, Jeffrey." I chuckle under my breath and focus ahead of me to avoid bumping into the tourists and locals moving about.
We reach the opened, outdoor marketplace after a couple of turns. At the start, each of us takes up a basket and a plan of attack is set. "I'll take care of the produce and milk," 'Fei suggests. "You get the non-perishables."
Saluting, I reply, "Yes, sir." Even with his sunglasses on, I can see his eyes roll as he turns and walks off. I head in the other direction, shaking my head and snickering in pure amusement at still being able to get under the guy's skin.
My head begins to run down the mental list of necessities and requested items as I move from cart to cart. Taking my time to enjoy the weather, I slowly begin to fill my basket in a half daze of just recalling what I had been sent after.
I make friendly conversations with several merchants during my visit to their carts in their own languages, much to their surprise. And before long, I realize I am nearing the end of my quest, my basket nearly flooded over.
The last item I need I'm not about to leave without. I promised Heero I would pick up some fresh rice, one of his favorite things to eat.
Quickly finding the cart where rice and beans are being offered, I round the last corner behind it to run into another shopper I never saw coming from the other direction. My footing stumbles only for a second as I steady myself while reaching out to assist the unsteady form just ahead of me.
"Sorry about that," I rush out, wincing in embarrassment. Chuckling, I shrug, "I never even saw-" I freeze when I look on the stunned face of the man who's arm I am still holding onto. Our eyes locking, a chill runs up my back.
Looking back at me is none other than Jesse Krutza.
TBC...
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