The park was quite nice in the early afternoon. Spring green grass spread in a soft carpet over the smooth ground, dotted with perfectly trimmed hedges, small, well-tended groves of trees, and color-coordinated flower beds. Tasteful paths of inlaid paving stones wound through the area, intersecting at hubs decorated with cement fountains and green-painted wood benches. Birds sang cheerfully, dipping and swooping, some no more than flashes of shimmering feathers in the warm sunlight. A gray squirrel ran across the nearest fountain circle, pausing to stare around it before vanishing with a twitch of its fluffy tail. The air was clean – well, as clean as city air could be – and filled with the scent of growing things. It should have been calm, relaxing. It seemed more like a trap. Mirelle shifted her bag on her shoulder for the fifth time as she walked, irritation simmering sullenly beneath the good mood usually granted her by the fresh air and sunshine warmth. She felt uncomfortably exposed, more vulnerable then she had been in a long time. The normally solid, comfortable presence of her partner, just behind and to one side, had morphed into an empty hole that ached like a fresh bruise. Every passing businessman out on a stroll, every dog-walker or happily smiling group of friends set her nerves on edge and wound her muscles wire-tight. It was like she was damned-well naked. Her upper lip curled in exasperation and disgust. Somehow, it hadn't been this bad when she was away on the Sanders' job. Why was it getting so much worse? Her throat tightened briefly as sapphire eyes fell on a pair of young women sitting on a blanket under a nearby tree, no older than herself, apparently enjoying a day together in the wonderful weather. The smaller one had dark hair and tanned features, reminding Mirelle instantly of Kirika, though she didn't look Asian and her large eyes were a dusty, normal brown. She was giggling softly at something, snuggling back into the arms of her friend, which were draped around her shoulders protectively. The other girl was taller, almost willowy, with long blonde waves of hair falling down her back and gray-green eyes. Pale skin had a dash of freckles across her nose and bare arms, the mouth next to her friend's ear shaded a soft pink with some light lipstick. She was laughing quietly, too, talking in a low, intimate voice that was nothing more than a murmur even to the Corsican's keen hearing. The dark-haired girl brought her arms up, hands clasping to her friend's where they rested against her breastbone, body obviously relaxed and content. Mirelle watched without meaning to, heart catching in her chest. The scene was so sweet, it made her smile, but there was also something dark twisting inside her, a painful mix of longing and hidden jealousy spearing through her gut. Kirika would never be that happy. She's so serious – I don't think I've ever heard her giggle like that. Her thoughts were almost wistful. I wish she would sometime. She'd be so pretty. Then the tall blonde touched her lips to the other young woman's cheek, the movement soft and affectionately gentle, and Mirelle's entire body froze. Her brain stalled, shocked into a single thought. They were – With an answering smile, the smaller of the two turned slightly, mouth meeting her friend's – her lover's – in a slow, pleased kiss. Mirelle blinked, breath tight and slightly harsh. The sight brought every sensation of her dream roaring back, with an all-new rush of added fantasy. Kirika was cradled in her arms as they lay together in bed, sheets pulled casually around them and that thick, unruly mop of silken locks tucked perfectly under her chin. Their breath came and went in perfect rhythm, an invisible cloud of warm contentment almost touchable in the air. "Mireyu." Kirika's voice was soft, languid. It wasn't a question, just a happy sigh. "Hmmm." Mirelle answered anyway with a quiet humming of her own, eyes lidded and calm. She had never been so relaxed in her life. One arm was wrapped gently around Kirika's slender waist, the other curled around her partner's shoulders, completely at ease with the smaller girl's body leaning back against hers. They were both still in their pajamas, but it didn't matter – this wasn't about sex. It was possession, connection, a reveling in the simple pleasure of being close and the warmth of belonging utterly . . . Mirelle shook herself, quickly burying a flaring mix of anger and some strange longing she didn't understand. To her surprise, she found she'd stopped still in the center of the path for a few moments, watching like an intruder as the pair of lovers made out a few dozen yards away. Lips pressed together, she sprang into motion again, steps more hurried than before. Where the hell was Breffort? She finally spotted him seated on one of the benches, bad leg stretched out, cane held negligently in one hand. Just another businessman enjoying a moment in the sunshine. Riiiight, Mirelle thought sourly. And she was the queen of Sheba. Still, the tense, furious knot in her stomach loosened just a bit. The blonde may not trust her contact, but at least she knew what brand of danger to expect from him. It was a welcome distraction from the uncertainty of the last few days. Seeing her approach, the Soldats High Councilman stood smoothly, a pleased smile on his lips as he nodded in her direction. He knew better than to offer a hand to shake. "Hello, Miss Bouquet. It's wonderful to see you again." An answering smirk twitched across Mirelle's face, eyes glinting. She nodded back, one of her own hands tucked casually into the pocket of her jacket. To a normal onlooker, it was a perfectly common gesture, but both she and Breffort knew that her Walter was also settled beneath her fingers, ready to draw at a moments' notice. Not that she would want to shoot through this coat – she and Kirika had picked it out together, and she'd rather not ruin it. Gunpowder, like blood, was next-to-impossible to get out of leather, even if she patched the hole it would leave. "I would say the same, Mr. Breffort, but I dislike lying when I can avoid it." Breffort laughed. "And of course, this is one of the things I enjoy most about you." He gestured toward the bench. "Would you like to sit, or shall we walk for a little while? I have someone that should arrive soon, but she can find us either way." "Let's walk." Mirelle realized the words came out faster than she meant them to, soundlessly cursing herself. The two girls were still too close for comfort, cuddled together only a few dozen yards away and patently oblivious to anything but each other. The sight of that dark hair and the long blonde waves mingling bothered her much more than she was willing to admit. "If your leg can handle it, anyway." The High Councilman nodded, smiling, completely ignoring the slight taunt – although Mirelle was almost sure she caught the barest understanding flick of his shrewd eyes toward the lovers. "After you, my dear." Mirelle's lips twitched, and she fell in step beside the Soldat, more of a leisurely saunter than a true walk. Breffort was very careful to keep from stepping behind her as well as in front, something she vaguely appreciated. "You said you had information." Breffort nodded, full silver hair glinting in the sunlight as his face became serious. "I've been working with a few of my contacts to get a better picture of the current situation. Most of them only confirmed what I told you earlier – like myself, the rest of the Council is prepared to leave the two of you be, provided that you are willing to do the same." "Most?" Mirelle echoed, raising an eyebrow. The older man's faint smile was something almost cynical. "Perceptive, my dear. At the moment, there is at least one other high-ranking Councilman who considers Noir a tool for Soldats' use." "And of course, his own." The Corsican snorted. Breffort nodded. "Of course. Although we aren't exactly sure who it is, we know they've been rearranging the movements of the lower foot-soldiers. It's nothing overt, but they're more than triple the numbers they should be here in Paris." He sighed, shifting the cane's head beneath his palm. "More worrying, though, is the fact that they seem to have plans for the two of you as well. From the intel, it's clear they've got some sort of strategy in the works, but we've only got the barest details." "Joy." Mirelle muttered under her breath, though she knew the Soldat High Councilman could hear her just fine. A small child ran across the path, dirt and grass staining the knees of her sensible blue jeans and her purple T-shirt. No more than six or seven, her cheeks were rosy in the fresh air, long ponytail of mahogany curls whipping behind her like a glimmering flag and blue eyes bright with glee. Watching the little girl, Mirelle smiled softly, a bare curving of her lips echoing the flash of gentleness in her own sapphire eyes before she turned back to Breffort. He was watching the child too, a similar, affectionate smile on his face. The blonde Corsican's gaze turned wry. "Don't tell me she belongs to you too?" Breffort glanced back at her, shaking his head slightly, and his smile widened. "No, dear, although I do have nieces and nephews around that age." His gaze turned a shade more intent, almost thoughtful, as if he didn't know whether what he wanted to say would be believed but had to say it anyway. "I find the happiness and . . . innocence of children to be a beautiful thing, worthy of admiration." Mirelle nearly swallowed her tongue. Half-choking on a combination of indignant fury and righteous disbelief, she coughed and stared at the silver-haired Soldat, not sure whether to glare or laugh as wry resignation touched his elegant features. Before she could manage a reply, movement pulled her gaze to the side. It took only a heartbeat to recognize the tall, slender girl striding toward them, straight blonde hair tumbling down her shoulders and gray eyes glinting with intelligence. "You don't have to believe it, miss Bouquet." Lisa's voice was sharp as she approached. Obviously she'd heard the comment, and the Corsican's less-than-complimentary response. "But contrary to popular belief, my Uncle rarely lies when he isn't forced to." Her Uncle? Well, that certainly explained the odd looks in the vet's office. Mirelle growled sourly. "So you have people watching us everywhere, huh?" "Get over yourself." Lisa retorted before Breffort could do more than open his mouth. To Mirelle's not-so-faint surprise, the girl was glaring right back at her, apparently unfazed by the bad mood that usually sent sensible people running for cover. "Not everything has to do with you. I work at the pet store because I like animals, and Dr. Lucas is one of the best vets I've ever known, not to mention a nice person." Oh. For a moment, Mirelle wasn't sure whether to believe her or not – but thinking hard, she realized she remembered seeing the other blond girl a few times, back before Kirika had even arrived. Breffort was watching her carefully, a touch of caution in his steel-blue eyes. "This is my niece, Lisa Breffort. She recently returned from studying in England and America. Lisa – this is Mirelle Bouquet." The inanity of the introductions made Mirelle smile just a bit, and glancing back at Lisa, she saw the other girl's lips were twitching too. Their eyes met, and both of their smiles widened wryly. "We've met." Lisa grinned, nodding to Mirelle. The Corsican nodded back, unable to help herself. It was kind of funny. Her voice still came out a bit stiff when she managed to speak again, but it was fairly close to normal again. "How are they?" The worry on Breffort's face faded slightly, replaced with a flash of carefully hidden confusion. Lisa, on the other hand, laughed shortly. "They're just fine." She assured the Corsican. "I told Dr. Lucas I'd be seeing you today, or she'd have called you this morning. The flea treatment went fine – turned out they didn't actually have worms, somehow – and the infection in Blue-Eyes' ear is mostly cleared up. Dr. Lucas said they could be ready to go home as early as tomorrow." Mirelle felt an edge of her worry slipping away, like a shallow breath she hadn't realized she was holding. The kittens were important, and knowing they were safe made her feel better. Of course, thinking of the two little fluff-balls brought her thoughts back to Kirika – – the attack on Kirika – "Kirika was attacked last night." She spoke suddenly, gaze hardening as she looked back up at Breffort. The older man looked startled, and Lisa openly gaped, her shock obvious enough that it really didn't look fake. In the back of her mind, Mirelle realized their surprise made her feel better; her subconscious hadn't wanted to believe Breffort was involved, even if it made logical sense. She didn't even want to consider why that might be. Shoving the thought aside, she continued, "Ten thugs, all of them in Soldats' favorite suit-uniform. They had weapons, but they didn't draw them." "Didn't get the chance?" Lisa asked, raising an eyebrow, a ghost of a grin hovering on her lips. Obviously, she knew about Kirika's deadly prowess. "Not the first few, but even the ones that had a chance didn't try." She'd gone over the attack with Kirika at least twice, detail by detail as only a trained assassin could, until she knew the events backwards and forwards. It still didn't make any sense. "It was almost like they were – " She paused. "Sacrificial lambs?" Breffort picked up the thread wryly, his voice laced with faint hints of a soft sadness. Mirelle knew what he was thinking. She and Kirika had been the last 'lambs' in the trials of Noir, but there were so many others. Chloe, Uncle Claude and the rest of Mirelle's family, Kirika's unknown family, the hundreds of targets and nameless, faceless enemies they had taken out over their lifetimes – all led or brought to the slaughter. Shaking away the many dark memories, Mirelle nodded, and Lisa looked concerned. Breffort, too, seemed definitely grim. "It isn't unheard of to have foot-soldiers used as decoys and disposable targets, although most of us choose not to do so." So the sheep volunteer to be eaten? The retort rose instinctively to Mirelle's mind, though she found she really didn't feel like antagonizing the two of them any more than usual. They were being helpful, in their own way. Obviously they had their own reasons, but she realized she could live with that. Instead, she moved on. "So you think someone was testing Kirika?" Breffort nodded slowly. He could see Mirelle's eyes flash with raging anger at the thought, and he knew it ate at her that someone might threaten her partner with something she couldn't defend against. The Corsican was strangely predictable, in her own very inscrutable way. She would never voluntarily admit how deeply she cared for the smaller Japanese assassin, but to anyone who had watched them as long and as closely as he had, it was almost painfully obvious. Still, he wouldn't mention it outright, at least not right now – there were more important things to worry about. "I would assume it was part of the plans they've laid out. Our people are still working on getting the details." "Slowpokes." Mirelle snorted, the word leaving her mouth without thinking about it, and Lisa choked on a light laugh. "It's harder to do than it sounds." She pointed out calmly. "We have to make sure there isn't any way to trace it back to us, either. Uncle's personal views aside, it's very bad for one Councilman to be caught giving information on another." Not bad giving the information, just to be caught. The Corsican's lips twitched with a smirk, and Lisa's eyes were knowing. Breffort sighed tolerantly, continuing. "Now that we know about the attack, it might be easier to find some information – " A ringing in the breast pocket of his suit interrupted him, and the Soldats' Councilman fished out a rather ordinary-looking cell phone, giving Mirelle an apologetic glance before flipping it open and holding it to his ear. "Yes?" Listening for a moment, he sighed. "Alright, I'll be there as soon as I can." Mirelle knew that look, and judging from the expression on Lisa's face, so did she. Snapping the phone closed, Breffort shook his head. "I'm afraid we have to leave, my dear. There's been a problem at the office." His eyes flashed, a glint somewhere between curiosity and a faint, teasing amusement. "You'll give our regards to Miss Yuumura when she gets home?" "Of course." Mirelle tried her best to keep her trademark smirk and ignore the comment, even though it seemed to stab at her heart like small needles. Unbidden, her eyes flicked across the grass, somehow finding the pair of lovers beneath the tree. They were still there, although they'd finally stopped kissing, simply curled happily in each others' arms with a soft flush on both girls' cheeks. The sight made her feel oddly better and worse at the same time. "You know how to reach me." Lisa nodded seriously, and Breffort inclined his head with a slow, noble-looking motion. "Be – safe, my dear. Bon heur." Good luck. Mirelle watched them walk away, wondering what Breffort had meant by that and almost afraid she knew. Taking a deep breath, she let it out in a sigh, turning back the way she came. Maybe Kirika was home by now. "Here we are." Kirika took a deep breath as Alexander's moped slid expertly into a parking space just in front of the apartment, the throbbing roar of the engine trailing off into a low, dull growl. Carefully, she loosened her arms from around Alex's waist and stood on the sidewalk, lifting her borrowed helmet from her head in a smooth motion. She was surprised to see her hands were trembling slightly, muscles shaking all over her body. Was she really that scared? "Don't be scared." Alexander murmured softly, giving the kickstand a practiced whack with the heel of his boot before swinging his leg over the 'bike' to stand beside her. Kirika raised an eyebrow in surprise. The brown-haired young man pulled off his helmet and glanced over to her, lips quirking in a crooked sort of grin while he answered the unspoken question in her eyes. "You're not obvious. Anybody in your position would be scared. Hell, I'm terrified." He dropped the helmet on the leather seat. "Is she there?" "Yes." Kirika could answer that without ever looking; she'd felt the presence of the blonde the moment they pulled up, and even if she hadn't noticed the curtains twitching lightly in her periphery vision, she'd have recognized the weight of Mirelle's sapphire eyes focused on her. It wasn't usually an uncomfortable heaviness – but considering what she and Alex were about to do, it was more than a little worrying. "So you're ready." The words were more statement than question, Alexander's eyes focused intently on Kirika as she set Lisa's helmet back on its rightful hook. She managed to swallow hard, nodding ever so slightly. Her throat was painfully tight, chest so squeezed it felt like she was caught in a vise. If this worked, she'd be able to confess her feelings for Mirelle, and Mirelle would confess her own feelings. If it didn't work . . . She wouldn't think of that. Alex's smile was soft, understanding. He took her hand, carefully tugging her almost flush with his body. "It's okay, Kirika." His whisper made her shiver from head to toe. Her heart was beating triple-time; she was sure she'd never felt this frightened in her life. Before she could lose her nerve, the young woman surged forward, pressing her lips to her friend's. Ohhh. Kirika would have squeaked if her body hadn't been otherwise occupied. Alexander's arm moved carefully around her waist, the smooth motion cradling her softly. It wasn't that the kiss itself was particularly spectacular. A fluttering in her chest, a slow tingle against her mouth, nothing much more than that. But her heart was still pounding, slamming so hard she could feel it through every part of her body. This had to work, it just had to. Alex pulled back a few seconds later, breathing just slightly faster. "I think the first part of it all definitely worked." He whispered. "I can feel her eyes burning holes in the back of my head. When you get this all sorted out, make sure to tell her I was only helping, okay?" Kirika giggled softly, surprising herself. Okay, it was kind of funny, a little. Nervous giggles, she supposed. Glancing up at Alexander, she smiled faintly. "I promise." The Japanese assassin agreed. On impulse, she hugged her friend quickly. "Think it looked real?" "As a heart attack." Alex grinned back down at her. "The hug was a nice touch." Scooping up his helmet again, he swung his leg back over the bike and settled in his seat as Kirika glowed with pride. "See you later, Kirika. Good luck." With a nod, Kirika watched him buckle his helmet, kick the kickstand back up and rev the engine. He roared away, and she turned toward the apartment door, carefully not looking up at the windows. She was trembling all over again. Time to face the lion. Meanwhile: Mirelle glanced up from her glowing computer monitor for the millionth time in the last hour, sapphire eyes automatically tracking to the windows before she sighed and dropped her gaze. Damnit, this was so stupid – it wasn't like watching would make Kirika appear any faster, for cripes' sake. Still, where was her partner? It wasn't anywhere like Kirika to have been gone this long, especially not without calling or even leaving a better note. Mirelle had returned from her meeting with Breffort, put in a call to Dr. Lucas to make sure the kittens were alright, made the bed, cleaned up what little mess was in the apartment, grabbed something to eat and been surfing the 'Net for at least an hour. Pushing to her feet, the Corsican trotted listlessly into the kitchen, taking a glass from the cabinet and filling it at the sink. The orchids on the windowsill looked like they could use a bit more water, and it was something to do that didn't involve sitting on her butt, at least. Flipping off the tap, she moved back into the afternoon sun spilling into the apartment proper. If Kirika didn't get home soon, she'd have to start the dinner preparations by herself. It wasn't an appealing thought. Awwww, is the big bad assassin missing her bankie? Again, that inner voice piped up, smirking and sarcastic. On second thought, Kirika's probably a lot warmer than a blanket – and so much more fun to play with – Mirelle's upper lip curled, and she took a deep breath before she touched either the orchids or the water glass again. She'd never forgive herself for hurting Kirika's plants in a moment of anger, even if it was partly the younger woman's fault. They didn't deserve her fury. The roar of a souped-up moped below distracted her from her dark, brooding thoughts, and the Corsican glanced down in surprise as the bike pulled up in front of the building. She recognized the smaller figure instantly – she'd helped Kirika pick them out, after all. But what was Kirika doing with some guy on a moped? It must be Alexander. The simple thought made Mirelle's fists clench, jaw tight with a flaring of rage. Kirika had sworn she wouldn't look for him or hang out with him again. She swore! Swallowing hard, she watched the two of them get off and stand talking for a few seconds, her mind humming with the chaos of raw emotion and thought. How could Kirika have made a promise and then broken it? Why would she have broken it? Mirelle couldn't believe it. Maybe she had run into him by accident, that made sense – but then why would he be bringing her home? Was this boy who she'd been out with the whole time? It didn't make sense, if she'd just happened to run into him, she should have called! And why were they still standing there talking, anyway? Didn't Kirika realize her partner was watching? Didn't she even care? This was all so stupid. She should just leave the window and let Kirika get up here – they could talk calmly and rationally about this whole idiotic thing – Then she saw that familiar head dart forward, meeting Alexander's lips with a soft and gentle kiss, and Mirelle's brain came to a screeching halt in a blanket of pure, red-hazed fury. How dare he! The blood roared through her ears like thunder, a voice tearing from the deepest part of her mind in a primal scream. He touched her, he's touching her, he's holding her how dare he! SHE'S MINE! MINE! Mineminemineminemine! Her teeth were gritted so hard her jaw hurt. I'll kill him. He doesn't deserve to live, that sonofabitch – her thoughts degenerated into a swirling storm of curses in several different tongues. She would kill him, she would rip the bastard's tongue out, she'd tear his treacherous hands off and feed them to him. He had touched her beautiful Kirika, he deserved to die. Yeah, but she started it. The sarcastic voice smirked. You saw it. She kissed him first. They look so very cozy together, too. Riding double on the bike, a cute little kiss goodbye – SHUT UP! Mirelle screamed the word in her own head, slamming her fist into the sill hard enough to make the potted plants shiver. Her rage was growing in leaps and bounds, a fire burning out of control in her chest and lungs so tight it hurt to draw breath. Below, the two of them had pulled apart, and Mirelle glared furiously as they spoke again. Kirika giggled, the sound like a razor slashing at her heart; the boy got back on his bike, and Kirika hugged him, sending the blonde's blood to a boil of jealousy and rage. HE made Kirika giggle? He, not her? It – it wasn't fair! The bike roared away again, and Kirika turned toward the building. Upstairs, Mirelle snarled, slamming the window shut again. Her hands shook so badly she didn't dare pick up the glass to bring it back to the kitchen – not that she wanted to. Kirika had to have known Mirelle was standing there, had to have known when Alexander brought her home what the result would be. This was going to be a showdown. Bring it on. (snicker) Yeaaaaah, showdown sounds about right. Poor things, I put them through so much shit. xD Please excuse the choppiness of Mirelle's little hissy fit - somehow I don't imagine her being too coherent at that point, even with herself. And yes Kirika is OOC at the very end, there is a very good reason for that which will be explained in the next few chapters. So no flamers telling me Kiri-tan doesn't giggle or hug, please. As a sidenote, my webcomics will officially be up soon, linked as my homepage. For those wondering, there will be two manga - one a doujinshi (fan-sequel) to Noir called Le Deux Retour. No romance in that one - sorry to the Mirelle / Kirika loving crowd - but there will be Chloe, and new characters, and my own take on all the mysteries Bee Train insisted on leaving unsolved. The other will be my own graphic novel, aNoir-similar action drama calledWhisper Blade. There'll also be raw sketches, layouts, character bios, and possibly even swag! (for Whisper Blade, not Noir, obviously) Feel free to come visit! Oh, and PLEASE R&R! Pretty please?
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