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Something To Live For Chapter 7 - The Plan by Fair Drea Weary to the bone for reasons he didn't understand, Throttle rubbed his hands over his face. He was sitting in one of the lazy boys that furnished the living room of the Scoreboard, his elbows propped on his knees and his face buried in his hands. The others were sitting around him, Modo to his left in the other recliner, Rachel, Jaiden and Charlie on the couch across from the TV and Vinnie stretched out across the couch kitty corner from them. Releasing a sigh that was half groan, Throttle dropped his hands and looked up at Jaiden. "You're serious about this, aren't you?" The chestnut-haired woman stopped scratching her puppy, Bandit behind the ear and sat up. Her expression was dubious at best, paired by bleary violet eyes. "Its not what I want, Throttle. Far from it, actually. The last thing I want to see is another battlefield filled with nothing but bodies. But it was the only thing I could think of. Mr. Foxworthy gave the offer and I'm just saying that the help he could offer along with the weapons you could get us�it might give us a fighting chance." "Jaiden�with the war goin' on up there and the fact that I'm not a part of it, the chances of Mars providing us weapons is kinda iffy here." "Well isn't it worth a shot?" she asked. The others remained silent, watching the two with wary expressions. Most of them didn't like the turn this had made, they didn't like the risks it entailed, but Jaiden had come up with a pretty good idea when none of them could. The problem was making it work in their favor. "They don't even have to be the best Throttle. They could be cast offs for all I care. The point here is that our weapons won't be enough. You've fought them before, here and on Mars. Whatever weapons they have up there are far more advanced then anything we could legally get our hands on here. I wouldn't even be asking this if I didn't know you were pulling rank in whatever military you have working on Mars. You've got the power and the ability to at least get them to consider offering us some support so we can get rid of the Plutarkian threat here on Earth." Throttle remained silent and Jaiden doubled her efforts. "Please Throttle. Just try. If it doesn't work we'll find another way, I promise." The tan-furred mouse sighed again. He didn't like this one bit but even he had to admit Jaiden's idea, if they could pull it off, was a good one. But, waging war on Limburger Tower? "How's this gonna be any different from what your father did, Jai?" Pain flashed briefly in her eyes but was quickly replaced by the look of hard determination she had been wearing since arriving back at the Scoreboard. "Easy. If we get Mars to cooperate, we'll have the weapons my father never did and Limber will never know we're coming. My father didn't exactly make a big secret of what he was going to do. Hell, he practically advertised it. Limburger knew he was coming. "When we do this, we do it four days before my two weeks is up. He would be expecting something the day before and possibly the day my house becomes his too." "You know, with the way we usually react to Cheese head's stunts, he's probably surprised we haven't tried something by now," Modo pointed out. "Which is why I'm hoping his guard will be down." "Her idea's pretty solid bro," Vinnie spoke up, addressing Throttle. "And it's not like any of us were coming up with anything better. Make the call and see if it works." They were all points, valid points that Throttle couldn't ignore. "Alright. I'll contact home and see what they can do for us," he said, standing up. He led the way to his room, which was a plain space, decorated only by motorcycle posters, a small dresser, a worn chair with a book open and laying face down on the faded tan cushion, and a large bed, neatly made up, the navy, creaseless covers laying over the mattress. The communication equipment had been set up on a long steel desk beside the bed. Throttle went to it, took a seat in the desk chair, and cued up the machine. It was already set to the correct frequency that would allow them to make contact with Mars so all he had to do was send out a signal and wait for a response. It wasn't a long wait. After a minute or two a smooth, female voice laced with barley concealed rancor sounded over the small speakers. "Two and a half weeks and he finally decides that he's good enough to talk to me." Throttle squeezed his eyes shut and bit back an oath. He'd half expected something like this to happen, but was really hoping to avoid it. "Hey Carbine," he finally responded. "What took you so long? Too busy taking care of your little Earther friend to even bother making one lousy call to your own woman?!" Standing just inside the doorway, Jaiden shot a quick look at Charlie. The auburn-haired woman had her arms crossed over her chest and was leaning against the wall a few feet away. She appeared calm enough but upon closer inspection, Jaiden could see how tightly clenched her jaw was and see the banked fire in her jade green eyes. "Listen Carbine, now's really not the time. Can you find Stoker for me? I've got a favor to ask him," Throttle said, his voice controlled. "Let me guess, you guys need more time so you can have your fun with that sleazy mechanic instead of coming back? Does she even care that you're already taken or does she just think that you're free game as long as you're on another planet?" Enraged more on Charlie's behalf then his own, Throttle clenched his fist and forced himself to remain calm. "Knock it off Carbine. This isn't about Charlie-" "Don't you mean you're precious Charlie-girl," the voice on the other line sneered. "I said knock it off!" Throttle was quickly loosing his temper. "Vinnie's gal is in a bit of trouble and we're gonna help her out of it. Now would you please�just get Stoker for me? We'll talk about all this later." "Vinnie's gal? All of those women and oh, wait�let me guess, he managed to get one knocked up? We don't offer protection for half-breeds." "Jeez Carbine, would you lose the attitude and stop passing judgment on people you don't even know?" "I'm not passing judgment Throttle. I don't need to know the girl to know what she's like. Vinnie's type has always been the same. Doe eyed and far too willing for her own good. The only woman he's ever had that was decent was Harley and he couldn't even keep that one going." Vinnie stood beside Jaiden with his mouth hanging open in shock. Never once had he been on the receiving end of one of Carbine's verbal lash outs and he was starting to wonder how Throttle dealt with it as well as he did, because he sure wasn't holding up against her harsh words very well. She'd never spoken a cruel word to him, not once. To hear her doing so now staggered him. "She's probably a desperate, loose Earther just like that woman who's trying to get her claws into you." An enraged gasp broke the tense silence of the room, cutting off what Throttle was about to say, and Jaiden lunged forward, as if to attack the radio. "Why you rotten little-" "Whoa there Gorgeous," Vinnie said, keeping his voice low as he reached out and snagged Jaiden, covering her mouth with his hand and muffling the rest of what she was about to say. She struggled wildly against him, her eyes blazing with anger and hurt. A low chuckle came from the speakers. It was obvious that Carbine had heard Jaiden's short-lived attempt to cuss her out. "Oh, she's actually there? I must have hit a little too close to home on that one. Don't get too attached hun, because I guarantee you that if Harley shows up, it's her arms Vincent will be turning to. He never could resist a pretty face but he knows better than to turn on his own kind." With a shriek of pure rage, Jaiden ripped herself free of Vinnie's hold and stormed out of the room. The young Martian, torn between his own fury and the concern for his woman, started to follow after her but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. "I'll go after her bro. Someone needs to explain to her why Carbine is the way she is and�well, who better then her own man?" Throttle said kindly. Vinnie stared silently at him and then nodded, some of the tension leaving his body as he backed away from the door. "Just keep her on the line. I'll be right back." With Throttle gone, no one was sure of what they should do next. The communicator stood silent, the red light blinking on the consol the only thing telling them that they were still connected to Mars. Finally Rachel broke the silence, lifting her voice only enough to be heard by those in the room with her. "I think I'm going to go get a glass of water." "I'll go with ya," Modo immediately offered. Secretly he wanted nothing more than to spend some time alone with Rachel, but he also wanted to get as far from that room as possible. Carbine's anger was a ticking time bomb that was about to take out anyone within earshot of her loose tongue and he wanted to be nowhere near when she went off. Already things were getting too intense and they had yet to accomplish the thing they had set out to do in the first place. The two left the room and Charlie and Vinnie remained where they were, silent, both of their hostile gazes fixed on the radio, their minds toying with comebacks they couldn't seem to speak. "Oh, this is just ridiculous," Charlie exclaimed. She walked over to the desk, resting her hands on the edge and leaning over the mic with a look that would have frozen any being, man or alien, in his tracks. "Carbine?" "What do you want?" the other woman asked in a voice laced with aversion. "I'll tell you what I want. I want you to pull your head out of your ass for one second and realize that Throttle's world does not revolve around you. I want you to have respect for a man who, in my opinion, has done more than enough to prove himself to you. I want you to quit being such a vindictive person before it really hurts you and�I want you to know that you don't deserve him." Charlie's voice dropped dangerously. "He's done so much for you, he's remained nothing but faithful to you and how do you repay him? By questioning his loyalty. Jesus Carbine, why don't you just drag his honor through the mud while you're at it! With an attitude like yours, you will lose him if you're not careful and if he does end up with me�good! At least I'll treat him the way he deserves to be treated." As the female Martian sputtered on the other line, Charlie whirled around and started walking towards the door. "I'm going home. Let me know if you guys work anything out," she snapped as she passed Vinnie. "Oh sure! Leave me with the pissed off woman!" he shouted at her retreating back, attempting to go after her to avoid the angry ranting coming from the speakers of the communicator. The only response he got was the metallic slam of the door as she left. "Man, this is no good," Vinnie muttered, turning to go back into the room. Fortunately, Throttle chose that moment to return, appearing from the opposite doorway that lead out to the top row of bleachers surrounding Quigley Field. He looked tired; his large shoulders slumped in defeat, which was not a good sign. Throttle never bent under pressure. The fact that he was doing so now made it hard for any of them to be hopeful that they would come out of this whole ordeal with their sanity intact. "Is she okay?" Vinnie asked hesitantly. The tan furred Martian shook his head. "Nah. She said no amount of excuses would change the fact that Carbine was a bitter person and they wouldn't change the fact that she'd attacked Jaiden or Charlie for no reason." "Well�no offense, but she's right bro. Maybe," he placed a hand on Throttle's shoulder, giving him a searching look, "maybe you need to quit defending Carbine so much and figure out what the rest of us did a long time ago." "Just go help your woman, Vincent, and let me take care of mine." The younger mouse stared at his oldest bro for a moment longer, saddened by the lack of fight he saw despite the field shades, then he patted him once on the shoulder and left, going out the same way Throttle had come in. Left with nothing else to do but face the one woman he didn't want to deal with at the moment, Throttle drug in a ragged breath, pushed his shoulders back and marched into his room. He was determined to get his way for once, damn the consequences. The red light was still blinking and a distinct, enraged muttering was coming over the speakers, punctuated every so often by the sound of something banging in the background. Walking straight to the radio, he leaned over it much the same way Charlie did, his thick bangs falling over his shade covered eyes. "Put Stoker on," he demanded in a firm voice. He wasn't loosing another fight. Not to her. "Throttle-" "NOW CARBINE!" Leaning against the counter and idly sipping at a glass of tepid water, Rachel winced when she heard the shouted command come from Throttle's bedroom. "Well, this is an interesting turn," she remarked dryly. Modo released a humorless laugh and shook his head. "You're tellin' me." He was leaning on the counter across from her, his gaze fixed somewhere between her face and the floor. The kitchen was dark, save for the weak light from the oven range, and aside from the occasional raised voice, the only sound was the soft hum of the refrigerator. "I�hope I wasn't too straight forward this morning," Rachel said softly, breaking the somewhat tense silence. "I've never really done anything like that before so I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable." Modo lifted his gaze to Rachel's face, surprised to see the calm, bold woman he'd met earlier that morning looking like a shy, uncertain teenager at her first coed dance. Her eyes were on her feet, her arms were crossed protectively over her chest, her left hand still clutching the glass of water and her shoulders, which were usually pushed back, were now hunched forward. Seeing her in such a state eased his own nervousness and suddenly, finding the words and speaking them wasn't so hard. "Not at all ma'am. I'd like to know why though, if you wouldn't mind explaining," he prompted in his low, gentle voice. She looked up at him then, some of the trepidation vanishing. "I�well I assumed from what Vinnie was saying that you were�well�oh lord." She dropped her head again, shaking it and causing the pale blond strands of hair to dance. "This is embarrassing." Releasing a sigh she met his gaze. "I assumed that you were interested so I gave you my number because I'm�well, interested." Modo forced himself not to smile, which was incredibly difficult to do. Rachel's face had turned a deep shade of red and she looked somewhat sick, as if she were terrified not only of what she had just admitted, but of his reaction to her words as well. It was downright adorable. "Well," he said slowly, "you assumed right. I am pretty interested. Got any ideas on what we should do about that?" Like a floodgate, the anxiety dropped away and relief filled her eyes. She gave him a radiant smile that had his heart tripping. "How about a picnic. Somewhere out of town away from all of this mess�current situation permitting of course. Pick me up around 12:30 and I'll take care of the food." "Sounds good to me. What kinda food?" Her smile turned teasing. "You'll have to wait and see." She finished off her water, set the glass in the sink and moved close to him. "I'm gonna spoil you rotten honey," she purred, lightly flicking the tip of his nose. Surprising himself, Modo snatched her hand before she could take it away and drew her close. Her blue eyes went wide but she didn't pull away and as the fingers on the hand he held curled around his, her other hand alighted upon his chest. "No cheese," he murmured. She smiled. "No cheese." They stood like that for a moment longer, caught up in a half embrace, learning how to let go of their usual uneasiness and be comfortable with one another in a way they'd never been with anyone else. "We should get back and see what's going on," Modo said after a while, relinquishing his hold on Rachel's hand only to offer her his arm. Pleased by the gesture and realizing that she had quite the gentleman on her hands, Rachel hooked her arm through his. "I like how tall you are," she said, resting her head on his shoulder. Modo chuckled and led her out of the kitchen. Outside, Vinnie could only hope his luck would run as good as Modo's had. Approaching Jaiden on the narrow walkway that ran the outside of the stadium behind the last row of industrial plastic blue chairs, he could see how tense she was even in the darkness and her trembling shoulders gave away the fact that she was either crying or trying very hard not to. Guilt ate at the young Martian. He should have said something, should have stopped Carbine from talking, or at least tried to get Jaiden out of the room before any real damage could be done. But he'd been too stunned by Carbine's outburst to react quickly. He briefly thought about Throttle, going in to face the enraged female without knowing about the little "talk" Charlie had given her before leaving. Wonder if Carbine will say anything to him about it, he wondered, then quickly pushed those thoughts aside. He had his own female to deal with at the moment. "Jaiden?" he said softly, stopping behind her and laying a hand on her shoulder. "So that's Charlie's competition, huh?" The young woman released an unladylike snort of distain. "Guess who I'm putting my money on?" "Same person I am." Jaiden was silent then, her shoulder still trembling with what Vinnie assumed was anger. She was fighting to remain calm and he wished she wouldn't. He wanted her to scream, or yell, or do something that didn't involve keeping her mouth shut. "Jaiden, I'm sorry you had to listen to that and I'm sorry I didn't-" Suddenly, the young brunette whipped around and threw herself into his arms, burring her face against the curve of his neck. "Whoa�hey, what's-" "She can't have you," she whispered tearfully, her voice muffled against his fur. "I'm sure she was a great woman and�and I'm sorry about what happened to her but if, by some miracle, she shows up�I won't let her take you from me." Confused, Vinnie wrapped his arms around Jaiden's waist. Who is she talking about, he wondered, replaying what Carbine had said in his mind. He recalled every hurtful word until finally he had it. Harley. Jaiden wasn't upset about what Carbine had said about Harley, she wasn't angry about the names at all. She was terrified of losing him and, as humbling as that was, it still made him incredibly angry. Carbine had managed to instill fear in Jaiden and after her episode with Limburger, Vinnie knew that fear was one of the emotions the young Earther didn't handle well. There was also no point in feeling that way. He was never going to leave her. "Jaiden, you're getting all worked up over nothing sweetheart." He pulled away and cupped her face in one hand, pressing gently up on her chin with his thumb so that he could see her eyes. Bright lilac pools glazed over with tears stared up at him through a fringe of dark lashes and he felt a knot of emotion lodge itself in his throat. "I'm not leavin' you." "But Carbine said-" "Carbine says a lot of things�doesn't always mean they're true. Now, I told you about Harley and I'm pretty sure I didn't leave out anything so you should know the feelings I had for her were nothing compared to the feelings I have for you. I love you Jaiden and if you're still having doubts about how serious this thing between us is, then consider this," he grinned and brushed a glimmering tear from her cheek with his thumb, "you're the only woman I've ever said those words to and meant them." Finally she smiled. "The only one, huh?" "You bet, Gorgeous." Jaiden sniffled once, then leaned heavily against him, her face pressed against his chest. "I'd just like to go to bed, sleep for a good fifteen hours and wake up a much more emotionally stable person." "But I like ya this way. Gives me a chance to play the hero," Vinnie joked, rubbing her back slowly. "Mmm, yes," Jaiden murmured, pulling away and giving him a wry smirk. "That's exactly what I need to be doing�inflating your already oversized ego." "It could use it after all that crap Carbine said." Leaning up, she placed a kiss on his cheek and echoed his previous words. "Carbine says a lot of things�doesn't mean any of it's true." She started move away when Vinnie suddenly grabbed her hand and tightened his arm around her waist, drawing her body up against his. "It was all true though," he stated somewhat harshly. Jaiden studied him thoughtfully, searching his deep red eyes as she wondered how they had so quickly switched places. He'd been smiling just a minute ago. What had changed? Then she saw something flash in his eyes, something he tried to hide and she forced herself to not show any signs of pity. The last thing a person wanted after they had just been hurt far more deeply than they cared to admit was someone's pity. "Was true, Vinnie...was," she said in a soft voice. That did nothing to calm him though. Rolling her eyes, Jaiden leaned back in his embrace, tugged her arm free and crossed both over her chest as best she could in the limited amount of space between them. "Alright Vincent, what do you want to do? Sit out here wallowing in our self pity and cutting ourselves down all night?" He continued to scowl and she decided to try a different, possibly more effective approach. "Smile or I'll hit ya and tell everybody you got your tail whipped by a girl." She saw him struggle to keep the smile off his face and made it harder by giving him the cockiest grin she could manage. Finally he lost it, laughing as he shook his head back and forth. "Love ya Gorgeous," he said, kissing the tip of her nose. "Love you too. So�do you really think my plan was a good one?" "Well�lemme think." His tight hold on her waist slackened, unintentionally moving her into a more comfortable position. "Weapons�massive danger�possible death�It is, quite possibly, the best damn plan I've heard of in a while." Jaiden laughed. She loved the way he stared death in the face with a smirk. Of course he would stand by her in this wildly hatched idea that had formed in her head. It had all the makings of, what he would consider, a very agreeable situation. "But�will it work?" "That's iffy sweetheart. Guess we'd have to see if we get clearance from Mars to borrow a little firepower first." Jaiden made a small sound uncertainty. "With the way things are going right now, it doesn't look very promising." "Don't worry babe. Stoker's our buddy. He'll pull as many strings as he can to help us out. Always has." "If you say so." "I do say so. Now," he paused and gave her a slow, suggestive grin, "how about you give me that kiss I've been waitin' for?" With and indulgent smile, Jaiden went up on her tip toes, uncrossed her arms to wrap them around Vinnie's neck and pressed her lips softly against his. It was supposed to be a simple kiss, something short and controlled but Vinnie, of course, had other plans. The minute he felt Jaiden relax, he quickly deepened the kiss, taking her by surprise. She stiffened slightly, her lips parted and he took full advantage, swallowing her soft gasp as he pulled her closer. He put everything he had, everything he was, into that kiss, hoping that he could express to her everything he was unable to put into words. Jaiden trembled in his arms. She could feel so much; his love, his need, his pain, even a hint of the fear he tried so hard to hide from everyone. It was overwhelming. Forcing herself not to give into the sudden, unexpected urge to cry, she returned the favor, pouring every emotion she had into the kiss until they were both clinging to each other, half terrified to let go. Before either of them realized what was happening, things got out of control. Jaiden suddenly found her back pressed against the cold steel door that lead inside. Her legs were wrapped tightly around Vinnie's waist and he held her up with one strong arm circled low around her middle while the hand of the other slowly traveled up her thigh. He tore his mouth from hers and moved to her neck, barely giving her time to catch her breath before starting another pleasurable assault. "Tell me to stop," he whispered raggedly. Jaiden shook her head. "I can't. I don't want you to stop." His teeth grazed a particularly sensitive area of flesh at the base of her neck at the same time as his hand slipped under her shirt, his fingertips brushing over her ribs and Jaiden dropped her head back, crying out softly. That small noise, as plaintive as it was, had the power to bring Vinnie to his senses. Regretfully, he pulled his hand out from under her shirt and wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her tight as he rested his head on her shoulder, breathing heavily. He'd never lost control with a woman before, never. And it had been a rush, such a rush that he'd hardly been able to stop himself from pushing things as far as he could. But he knew now was not a good time for this. His bros were probably waiting on their return and aside from that, there was the fact that he and Jaiden were both acting on a dangerous mixture of hormones and emotions. Sure, this may have been the kind of thing he usually got a real kick out of, but Jaiden deserved better than a quick, rough tumble between the sheets or�up against a door. She deserved time and romance and he was more than willing to give that to her. Sighing, the brunette dropped her head to his shoulder and regarded him through heavy lidded, violet eyes. "Wonder how that happened," she breathed softly. Vinnie smiled. "Not a clue sweetheart." A warm, muggy breeze picked up, heat lightning flashed in the distance and they both turned their heads to look at it. There wouldn't be another storm, just the lightning, warring across the sky in brilliant shades of electric blue, every once and a while accompanied by a low roll of thunder. Shifting Jaiden onto his hip as if she were a small child, Vinnie grinned at her. "Man, you're just a tiny thing, aren't ya?" "Thanks for pointing that out Mr. Obvious," she shot back. He laughed softly, pulled the door open and carried her back inside. They ran into Modo and Rachel on their way back to Throttle's room and exchange knowing looks upon seeing the two arm in arm. "Stoker on the line?" Vinnie asked. "Not sure. We were waitin' for the yellin' to stop," Modo replied. "Sounds pretty quite though." With caution, the four walked into the room and were relieved to see Throttle sitting in front of the communicator; feet propped up on the desk and crossed at his booted ankles. He looked tired, but also slightly victorious, a sight of which boosted the others spirits considerably. "Hey bro. Anything yet?" Modo asked. Throttle shook his head. "Waitin' for Stoker to get on." Vinnie set Jaiden down and went to join the golden-furred mouse, leaning against the desk and crossing his arms over his chest. "Why don't you go join them," Rachel said softly to Modo as she slid her arm free from his. "I'll hang back here with Jaiden." The gray furred mouse gave her a grateful look and then went to join his bros, lightheartedly shoving Throttle's feet off the desk to make room for himself. Not even a second later there was a short crackle of static from the radio followed by a low, masculine voice. "Hey there mudpuppies! You survivin' down there without me?" "Was there ever any doubt that we would?" Vinnie replied arrogantly. "I always doubt anything you're involved in, motor mouth." A look of irritation flashed across Vinnie's face and he opened his mouth to respond with a shot of his own, but Throttle's hand came up, silencing him. "We're actually looking for a little help Coach," he said in a smooth, controlled voice. There was silence on the other end, then, "Tell me all about it Rookie and I'll see what I can do to help." Throttle gave the whole story, every once and a while glancing back at Jaiden for a nod of affirmation, telling him he was getting his facts straight. When he was finished he leaned back in his chair, waiting for Stoker response. "So�you're tellin' me," the older mouse said slowly, "that this Jaiden Sterling�turned Vincent into a one woman mouse?!" He chuckled softly and the three Earthbound Martians could picture him shaking his head in disbelief. "Man, talk about making the impossible possible." "Don't try to make me look too good now. It's not like she's in the room or anything," Vinnie muttered sarcastically, a sour expression fixed on his face. "She's there? Well, bring her on over! Let me say hi to the girl!" The three mice turned to look at Jaiden expectantly and the brunette stared back, violet eyes wide. She walked forward hesitantly, stopping between Vinnie and Throttle and staring dubiously at the mic for a moment before saying, "Um�hello?" "So�you're Jaiden Sterling?" "Yes sir," she murmured respectfully. She knew Stoker was considerably older than her friends and she also knew he was an idol of sorts from listening to Vinnie talk about him. Either than that though, she really knew nothing of him or what to expect from him, so she was a little unsure of how to treat him. He quickly set her straight though. "Hey now, no formalities darlin'. You can call me Stoker just like everyone else does." Jaiden smiled. "Okay," she said, her voice stronger. "Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. I know you guys are busy up there and I know my plan's a little far fetched but I thought it was worth a shot." "Don't mention it. This deal sounds like its right up my guys' alley. I'll tell ya what darlin'�I'll do everything I can to help you out on one condition�you promise me you'll keep that loud mouth Vinnie from killin' himself. Kid's got too much guts for his own good." Jaiden glanced up at the white furred mouse who'd abandoned his look of irritation for one of grudging amusement. "Don't worry Stoker. I'll take very good care of him. You have my word on that." "Glad to hear it ma'am. Well�I'll be getting back to you kids if everything works out here. Hopefully I'll have good news for you�say this time tomorrow?" "Thanks Coach. We sure do appreciate it," Modo said as he pushed away from the desk. "Yes, thank you," Jaiden added quickly. "And it was nice meeting you Stoker." "Same goes Darlin'," the mouse on the other end of the speakers responded in a deep, kind voice. "You take care of yourselves." "Hang on a sec Stoke," Throttle said, then turned to the others. "I'll be out in a bit. There's somethin' I've got to take care of." They all easily figured out what he was talking about. Even Rachel, who'd only known them for a little less than a day, had a good idea of what Throttle was going to do. After a hasty introduction of the leggy lawyer, they all said their goodbyes and left Throttle, silently wishing him luck. "So�what do you need Rookie?" the aged Biker mouse asked once the door was closed. Throttle took a deep breath, holding it for several seconds. He knew his timing was rotten, but he couldn't put it off any longer. He was putting a woman he loved more than anything through a lot of pain and she didn't deserve it. He exhaled slowly. It's now or never Throttle. "Can you put Carbine back on for me Stoke?" "Think this is the end of the road for those two?" Modo asked, reclining in a chair and pulling the remote from the cushions. "Man, I hope so," Vinnie muttered. He sat down next to Jaiden on the couch she and Rachel occupied. "Not to sound mean or anything, but they aren't doing too good and that ain't all our bros fault either. If he'd quit thinkin' he could fix somethin' that's been broken too long, he'd be a lot happier." "So would Charlie," Jaiden said quietly. Rachel gave her a questioning look. "Why would Charlie be happy?" The younger woman smiled, a tired quirk of her full lips. "Think about it for a second." "You mean Charlie and Throttle-" "Are totally crazy about each other and they're the only two who haven't figured it out yet," Vinnie finished for her. "Oh, they know. They just haven't done anything about it." Jaiden leaned against her Martian boyfriend, shooting the closed door to Throttle's room a furtive glance. "Hopefully that will all change though." "Well," Rachel stretched her arms above her head and yawned, "as crazy as this day has been, I should get going. I need to get to the office early and get a few things done before twelve-thirty." "What's at twelve-thirty?" Jaiden asked casually, watching the older woman as she stood. "Oh�well�I have a date." Two pairs of eyes filled with piqued interest zeroed in on Modo and, blushing, he cleared his throat and stood. "I'll walk you to the door ma'am." Rachel smiled apologetically, picking up her purse and taking the arm he offered her. "I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't have said that," she murmured once they were out of earshot. Modo shrugged off his initial embarrassment and looked down at the woman on his arm, mesmerized by the pale blond hair and the way it complimented her flawless, rosy peach skin. His hands itched to touch that skin, to find out if it felt half as soft as it looked. Those thoughts brought the deep red blush back to his furry cheeks and he nervously cleared his throat again. "It's no problem, Rachel ma'am. If Vinnie has anything to say about it, I'll just give him a friendly little reminder of how long it took him to snag Jaiden. That should shut him up pretty quick." Rachel chuckled softly, the sound reminding Modo of a sweet scented summer breeze. She turned her head and watched him with those fascinating storm cloud eyes, her brows furrowing slightly as she studied his profile. Yet she didn't say another word until they came to a stop at the front door and faced each other. "I suppose you'll need my address." Modo smiled slowly. "That would probably help." Returning his smile, Rachel reached in her purse, withdrew a pen and what appeared to be an old dry cleaning bill, then leaned close to him, leaning over only far enough to rest the paper on the wall behind him and quickly scrawl her address on it. When she was done, she turned her head to look at him and leaned back, keeping a small amount of space between them as her gray/blue eyes captured and held his. Modo swallowed hard. He was painfully aware of how close she was, of how exotic her scent was, furling up to his nose and filling his head. He could feel his nerves start to build up again, as if they were coming back from a quick ten-second breather. And, judging by the sweet curve of her lips, he could tell that Rachel knew what she was doing to him. She daringly slipped the piece of paper into his back pocket where he still had her number from earlier, then leaned up and place a gentle, lingering kiss on his cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow sugar," she whispered, accenting the word "sugar" so that it sounded more like "shugah." He couldn't manage the words to reply. They were stuck in his throat, a thick heavy knot that he couldn't work free. He could only watch her go, unable to keep his eye from wandering to the gentle sway of her shapely hips. When the door closed, he leaned back against the wall, rubbed his hands over his face and groaned a hushed, "whoa mama." On numb legs, he walked slowly back to the living room. Jaiden and Vinnie watched him as he sank into a recliner, amusement written clearly on their faces and even if he could see it, he still wouldn't have cared. An image of Rachel, smiling up at him with those warm, sparkling eyes, filled his mind, blinding him to everything else around him. It was only by an act of God that Jaiden's voice managed to reach him. "Modo�Modo�Earth to Modo!" He looked up, his one good eye focusing on the smiling woman wrapped in his bros arms. Both hers and Vinnie's shoulders trembled with suppressed laughter and Jaiden was biting her lip. "So�I'm just taking a wild guess here�you're the one she's going on a date with tomorrow, aren't you?" He nodded once, slowly. "Dates�aren't you supposed to�I dunno, get kinda dressed up for those?" he asked hesitantly. Vinnie snickered, but Jaiden took pity on the gentle giant and smiled, reaching over to pat his leg. "Don't worry Modo. I've got you covered. I'll head over to the mall early tomorrow and find you something nice but practical to wear. Sound good." The gray furred mouse breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks Jaiden ma'am. That'd be a big help." "Any time big guy." With nothing more to talk about, the three agreed to watch a late night movie and let their minds rest for the night. The worries were placed aside, thoughts of Jaiden's idea were put on the back burner and they left all thoughts of Throttle lie until he was free to question. It was towards the end of the movie that the golden-furred mouse finally emerged from his room, heaving a tired sigh. He pulled his shades off, brushed his fingers through the thick bangs that hung in his eyes, replaced the shades and then regarded his friends with a weary smile. "You guys are still up?" "Waitin' on you bro," Vinnie replied on a yawn. "So�you done?" "No�not yet. There's one more thing I've got to do." He headed for the door, his boots thudding against the floor. "Don't wait up for me guys." Jaiden pushed herself up from her position against Vinnie's chest and waved. "Go get her Throttle!" Still walking, he turned to give her a thumbs up then was out the door and into the muggy, summer night. The drive to the Last Chance seemed to take forever and although part of him was incredibly impatient to get there, the other was glad for the time to throw thought together, form words and phrases that would sound perfect. Of course, they were all things he'd thought of at least a million times, things he had said in his dreams to Charlie that had always made her vibrant green eyes shimmer with happy tears. Saying them now, in reality, was going to be a massive change from some whimsical dream. He had no idea if she would accept what he said, or him for that matter. He had nothing to offer her except his heart. Hopefully it would be enough. After what seemed like hours, he was finally there. He pulled up to the garage, parking his bike in the alley because the doors weren't open and making his own entrance probably wouldn't be a good thing to do at such a crucial time. Then, tucking his helmet under his arm, he gathered his courage and went in. Charlie was standing at her kitchen sink, her gloved hands submerged in soapy water and scrubbing furiously at a plate that no longer needed scrubbing. She'd pulled her hair away from her face and into a high ponytail. Wispy strands had escaped the elastic band. They now lay plastered to her damp forehead and cheeks, held there by a mixture of sweat and salty tears. She was angry�so angry, and she had no idea how to handle it. Never, in her life, had she seen so much red before. This day had started so nicely and then turned into a vicious nightmare and it was all because of her; some woman who had the nerve to say things about people she hardly even knew. She could only hope Jaiden was faring better than she was at the moment. If she wasn't, the guys would be getting a major remodeling of their so-called bachelor pad. This was the one thing that Charlie found amusing about her current mood. Fury turned her into a clean freak. The second she had stepped foot in her one bedroom hide away above the garage, the mechanic had switched into a pair of dove gray drawstring pants and a light purple tank top and then the cleaning had started. Her living room was now spotless, every glass surface had been wiped down with glass cleaner, every carpeted floor was vacuumed and a faint, pleasant aroma of sandalwood filled the apartment, emitted by the candles she had lit. Light flickered and bounced from the candles in the living room, casting a romantic glow over the floors and furniture. The same light spilled softly from her bedroom where she'd lit one three wicked candle that sat on her dresser. The windows were open to let in what minimal breeze there was. It belled the thin curtains, played with the tiny flames, yet provided no comfort against the heat. As she did the dishes, the last thing she would be working on for the night, Charlie thought about how nice it was going to be to lay in her bed with the air conditioner she had mounted in her bedroom window running on high. A rebellious part of her mine, the very part that had been forcing her to clean, thought about how much nicer it would feel to be enjoying that cool blast of air with a certain, rugged Biker Mouse. "Well you can stop thinking that, because it's never going to happen," she whispered harshly, scrubbing even harder at the plate. A sob rose in her throat but she fought it. She refused to bawl like a baby just because she couldn't have what she wanted. Even if he's something you want more than anything you've ever wanted in your entire life, the voice in the back of her mind taunted. "Just shut up!" Charlie murmured, her voice breaking. Her numb hands dropped the plate and she watched it sink through the murky water, coasting from side to side. Her vision blurred, the colors of the plate blended with the discolored water and Charlie leaned forward, gripping the edge of the counter hard. Don't cry, she told herself firmly. Do not cry! "Charlie-girl�you okay?" She jumped at the sound of the low, smooth as honey voice and whipped around. Throttle stood in the archway of the kitchen, his hand holding his helmet in front of him and his brows drawn together in concern. She quickly forced a smile to her face. "Jeez Throttle, twice in two nights. You planning on coming by and scaring the wits out of me tomorrow?" she joked with not a trace of humor in her voice. Throttle also attempted a smile, but failed miserably. "Sorry Charlie, would have called first but I was kind of in a hurry." "Oh�I see." She turned back to her dishes. "Come to apologize for her behavior again?" She could sense him moving behind her, hear him setting his helmet on the table, feel the snap of tension as he came to stand behind her. She forced herself to continue scrubbing, dropping the plate she was finished with into other basin filled with rinse water and grabbing a bowl from the small stack beside the sink. When his hand came down on her shoulder she stiffened, but did not turn around. "Charlene�please look at me." Her hands stilled, her eyes closed and she knew�she knew without a doubt that she was losing. When he used her name like that, lowering his voice to a gentle murmur, she could deny him nothing. Slowly, she turned to face him, gripping the counter with both hands and keeping her eyes fixed on his chest. It probably wasn't the safest place to look at the moment but staring at his muscles was much more safe than staring into those fathomless garnet eyes. "You don't have to do this Throttle. You didn't have any control over what she said. And I can handle it�I can-." Her words died in her throat as his fingers gripped her chin and forced her to meet his gaze. "I know you can," he said softly, a sad smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You can handle all kinds of things Charlie�you're the strongest, bravest, most willful female I've ever met. But you shouldn't have to handle this." "Throttle, I-" "Just listen for a sec, okay?" he murmured, cutting her off. "After you left and after we talked with Stoker�I talked with Carbine again and�well," he released a grim laugh, "we had words. It took a while before she finally calmed down enough to hear me out and I'm pretty sure she's still not too pleased�but I had to be honest with her. I had to tell her the truth because it was startin' to eat at me. I had to tell her�that my heart belonged to someone else." Charlie's eyes went wide. Her breath hitched, paused, and her heart tripped crazily. Watching her carefully, Throttle ran a hand slowly down her arm, gripped her hand, lifted it away from the counter and pulled off the glove. Then, twining his fingers through hers, he held their clasped hands between them. "I called it quits with Carbine because I couldn't keep lying to her, and myself�and you. A long time ago, before we even came to Earth, I started to realize that things just weren't workin' between Carbine and me. But it wasn't until I met you that I realized how right I was. I�don't have much to offer, God knows I'm not the kind of man a woman from earth would want to settle down with. All I can really do is offer you my love Charlene�if you'll have it." The mechanic could only stare at the mouse before her in complete shock, doubting she had heard his words right. Then the full impact of what he had said hit her. He loved her. Charlie sagged back against the counter, pressing her gloved hand to her mouth as tears collected in her eyes and spilled over, forming tiny gleaming rivers down her cheeks. The deep fury had left her, replaced by a feeling of such joy that it caused her entire body to tremble. He loved her! "Charlie?" The auburn haired woman lifted her gaze to his. He was watching her anxiously, his muscled tensed, trepidation etched in his features. He was waiting for an answer. Lowering her hand and resting it in the center of her chest, above the swell of her breast, Charlie swallowed. "Say it," she whispered. A smile stole over his face, transforming it. He looked so handsome right then that Charlie wished she could stop this moment and replay it for the rest of her life. But she knew she would never forget it. It would be the story she would tell her children, the story she would tell their children. "I love you Charlene." She bit down hard on her lip to keep from sobbing her joy, then closed her eyes and drew a steadying breath before looking up at him once more. A tremulous smile curved her full lips. "I love you Throttle," she whispered. She impatiently tugged her hand free, yanked off the other glove and threw herself into his arms with a blissful cry. Chuckling softly, Throttle held her close, feeling content and joyful for the first time in a very, very long time. He was whole. She had made him whole and it felt great. Setting her back on her feet, he cradled her face in his large, capable hands and lost himself in her emerald green eyes. "I've wanted to do this for so long sweetheart," he said in a husky murmur before lowering his head and capturing her lips in a long overdue kiss. Charlie could have sworn everything around her had fallen away and that she was now floating weightlessly in space, the only thing holding her down being Throttle's strong arms. His lips toyed with hers, teasing them, coaxing them open and then he took her with the hunger of a starved man, his hold on her tightening as he wreaked chaos on her senses with the soft, caress of his tongue. It was heaven. It was more than she had ever imagined it being. In fact, this kiss put her dreams about such things to shame. Never had she felt so possessed, so captivated, so feminine. When they finally came up for air, Throttle rested his forehead against hers and smiled tenderly. "You're the sweetest thing I've ever tasted." Charlie smiled back, pleasure clouding her eyes, making them a misty sea green. "Same goes honey." "So, would you mind if I crashed here tonight. The thought of being away from you right now doesn't sit too well with me," he said, picking her up and cradling her in his arms. "It doesn't sit to well with me either. Besides, I was dreaming about curling up with you in front of the air conditioner and just cuddling the night away. Sound good?" Throttle was already heading to the bedroom. "I wouldn't object to that at all, Charlie-girl." [ Previous | Next Chapter ] |