Sensory Pleasure part 3 (10/12/2007)
I do so enjoy days off from work. ^_^
Title: Sensory Pleasure (part 3/?)
Author: That'd be me. *grins* Andrew, Obsidian, call me what you want. But only if it's nice. ;)
Rating: I'm not sure, yet. It'll probably end up not going above PG-13, though.
Comments: Okay, now that my other 'D.E.B.S.' story is updated, back to this one! ^_^ Oh, and anyone who's seen the pilot episode of the show 'Chuck' may recognize a certain scene here. ;)
Legal Disclaimer: I do not own 'D.E.B.S.', Angela Robinson does. Though if I had my way, there would have been a sequel or two by now. ;)
"Tonight, could I be lost forever?
To drown my soul in sensory pleasure."
~Natalie Imbruglia, Beauty on the Fire (album - White Lilies Island (2001))
Amy had changed into a Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt, rather then her usual button-up shirt and tie, as well as ditching the knee-high socks and flats in favor of regular socks and a more practical pair of running shoes (just in case), suspecting that showing up in uniform to a meeting with the DEBS nemesis might not be the best of ideas.
She kept the skirt, though. A plaid skirt by itself was commonplace enough, after all. And maybe a part of her was hoping that Lucy would catch on, so that she wouldn't have to be the one that ended things. And she knew who Lucy was, so wasn't it only fair that Lucy knew who she was?
As a spy, that was absolutely stupid, even dangerous thinking. But if she lied to Lucy about it, and Lucy found out... Well, that would be even worse.
She managed to arrive at the Starbucks first, and after buying a bottle of juice - she barely looked at the label, but it did taste sort of mango-y to her - she chose a table in what seemed to be a fairly unobserved corner and sat down to wait. She briefly considered getting a muffin or something, but knew she was far too nervous to eat anything.
Lucy arrived not long after, dressed a bit more conservatively this time - though after last night's outfit, she would have had to walk into the coffee shop wearing only her bra and panties to be less conservatively dressed, and dammit, why had she let her mind conjure up that image? - in a simple pair of jeans and a black t-shirt advertising some band Amy had never heard of. Of course, Amy didn't care about the fact that Lucy's jeans hugged her hips pretty damned tightly. She knew this because she told herself that very firmly.
Lucy spotted her a minute later, her face lighting up, which made Amy cringe internally. Signaling she'd just be a minute, Lucy joined the line at the counter.
Once she'd secured her coffee, she headed over to Amy's table and sat down across from her. "Well, hello again."
Amy smiled weakly. "Hey."
"You know, if I didn't know any better, I might think that you stole my jacket on purpose, just so that you'd have an excuse to see me again so soon," Lucy teased. Something seemed a bit off about Amy, and she'd also sounded curiously tense on the phone. Experience told her to be wary.
Everything else told her that she should try and make Amy smile for real.
Amy blushed. She had no idea why, as she hadn't done anything of the sort, but somehow just the suggestion... "You got a call before I managed to get a hold of you," she said simply, her expression unreadable. "From Vinny."
Oh, hell. "Really? What did he want?" Wordlessly, Amy passed her a piece of paper. "Oh." He would have to call about the AK-47s now, of all possible times. But then, he had always had the worst timing. "For the usual price?" she asked, wondering if she should even bother. Sure, she could use them - or rather, she knew people who could use them - but Vinny's goods weren't exactly cheap. Granted, that was because of their high quality, but still...
"Actually, I talked him down to half," Amy replied, that same unreadable expression on her face.
Lucy blinked in surprise. "Wow. How the hell did you do that?" Vinny generally gave her a good deal, true, but never that good.
"Fairly easily, actually. But only if you order soon, as he does have other buyers."
Ah, so that was it. He had excess merchandise that he didn't much care if he sold, but he wanted to make it seem like he was doing her a favor. Still, it was a damned good deal, and Vinny always kept his word. "I'll do that." She paused, looking contemplatively at Amy. She wished the blonde would show some kind of emotion, so she'd know how she was taking all this. On the other hand, she didn't seem to be freaking out, instead calmly detailing her interaction with someone who she had to know was a criminal. "You know, I could use someone like you in my organization."
That, finally, managed to provoke a reaction. Amy's eyes widened in shock. "Oh, God... Tell me you didn't just offer me a job!"
"Why wouldn't I? You're obviously intelligent, you've already shown that you can handle people like Vinny with ease, which ranks you ahead of a lot of my employees... and I know I'd certainly like having you around all the time, Miss...?"
That last part seemed to distract Amy from whatever she'd been thinking, but only momentarily. "Bradshaw. Amy Bradshaw. And are you nuts? I can't work for Lucy Diamond."
So she did know who Lucy was. Somehow, it wasn't a surprise. "Why not?" She paused. The name Amy Bradshaw sounded oddly familiar, for some reason. Well, at least now she knew how Amy must have felt. "Have we worked together before on a smuggling op?"
"No." Amy sighed, then stood and backed a few paces away from the table. Lucy was afraid she was going to leave, but all she did was twirl in place. "And because of this." Confused, Lucy nonetheless took advantage of the opportunity to stare at her legs.
Amy noticed. "Not that. Try looking a bit higher then my legs, hmm?" Lucy obligingly leered at her chest. Amy rolled her eyes, but couldn't stop a smile. "That's not what I'm talking about either, you perv." She tapped her thigh. "I kind of thought the skirt was something of a giveaway, myself."
Lucy frowned. Why would a plaid skirt...
Oh.
Oh, shit.
Amy Bradshaw. Blonde hair. Plaid skirt.
She's a Deb? And not just any Deb, but the famous 'Perfect Score' herself.
The chances of something like this happening boggled the mind.
Lucy ran through a long string of curses in her head as Amy sat back down. Judging by the sad look that flashed across Amy's face, she'd clearly seen Lucy make the realization. "You see the problem, then?"
Lucy surprised both of them by replying, "Not really."
Amy gaped. "Huh? How can you not-"
"So you're a Deb," Lucy said, cutting her off. "So what? You'd hardly be the first government agent to cross over to the other side."
"Except that I don't want to do that!" Amy hissed. "I like my job."
"Why?"
"Excuse me?"
"It was a fairly simple question. Why?"
Amy opened her mouth to answer, shut it again, then shook her head, braced her elbows on the table, and buried her face in her hands. "I can't believe I'm having this conversation."
"And yet, we are," Lucy replied, smiling faintly. She knew she probably shouldn't be, but she couldn't help it. Amy was just so damned adorable! "So why not work with me?"
"With you or for you?" Wait. That wasn't what she'd wanted to ask.
What, that was the problem? "Well, I've never really had a partner before... I mean, Scud's great, but I'm usually by myself on the more dangerous jobs."
"Why do them, then?"
"What do you mean?"
"Hey, you asked me why I do my job. It's only fair you have to answer, too. I have a job that I like, that I get to help people with, maybe make the world a little better place."
"But you don't really know how much fun it is to be bad, do you?"
"That's it?" If so, she'd be so disappointed.
"Well... What I do, it's also kind of all I have left of my family," Lucy admitted quietly.
Amy winced. Ouch, she thought. Not much she could say to that. Not yet, anyway. "Oh," she said suddenly, making Lucy start. "I almost forgot." She handed over Lucy's coat.
Lucy took a quick inventory of her pockets. "Are there a few missing?" she asked of her diamonds.
Oops. "I think a few might have ended up under my bed when I dropped them," she admitted, embarrassed. "I can-"
"Forget it," Lucy said, waving her concerns off. "Keep 'em. Consider them a souvenir of your first foray to the edge of the dark side," she added wryly.
"...thanks."
Well... This was awkward. "Do the DEBS really paint me as being so evil?" she asked randomly.
"You tried to sink Australia," Amy said, her expression clearly implying that was kind of a silly question.
"No, I plotted to sink it. Never really had a chance to try."
"But you would have."
"Maybe."
"I..." Amy shook her head in confusion. "This is so weird. Why aren't you killing me?"
"Why aren't you arresting me?" Lucy countered.
"You think I'd actually be able to pull that off?"
"I imagine there isn't much you couldn't do if you set your mind to it."
Amy lowered her eyes demurely, a hint of a smile on her face. "Thank you."
Taking a chance, Lucy rose and moved around the table to sit down next to Amy, who looked startled by this action. "Come out with me tonight."
"...what?"
"Well, I do owe you a proper date, don't I?"
Amy stared at her in incredulity. "Are you kidding me? Lucy Diamond is asking the DEBS poster girl out on a date?"
"I'm thinking dinner, then maybe a club? I know this great place, not too big, and usually has a live band."
"Am I seriously the only one who sees how inherently wrong this is?"
Lucy continued on as if she hadn't spoken. "So, should I pick you up, or do you want to meet me there?"
"Lucy!" Amy managed to keep the exclamation quiet enough to avoid drawing attention, but it was close. "I'm breaking, like, eight federal statutes just sitting here with you!"
"Then you don't really have anything to lose, do you?"
"I could get kicked out of the DEBS for this!"
Lucy smiled innocently. "For what?"
"You... you..."
"Do you really want me to go?" Lucy asked, dropping her playful manner. "If you do, just say so, and I'll go."
"I. I... want... I want... I... want... you..." Amy sighed in resignation. "I want you."
Lucy waited for her to continue, but it soon became clear that was all Amy had intended on saying. She grinned. "Glad to hear it," she said softly. "Because I can assure you, the feeling is most definitely mutual." She leaned in closer, and, meeting with no resistance, kissed Amy.
Amy moaned quietly in the back of her throat. It really wasn't fair what this woman could do to her with a simple kiss. Lucy must have heard her, because she all but purred in response and intensified the kiss.
The DEBS had drilled into her to always mind her surroundings, but now everything else had vanished, replaced by Lucy and Lucy alone. Her objections to seeing Lucy again melted away in the heat their kiss was generating. Lucy sucked gently on her tongue and she moaned again, hands instinctively reaching up, one resting on Lucy's head, her fingers running through the silky strands, the other on Lucy's back, pulling her closer.
Dimly, it occurred to Amy that they must be putting on one hell of a show for the other customers, but it was just a stray thought, no importance to it at all.
Lucy was hardly unaffected, either. Even her ex had never done anything like this to her, gotten to her so quickly and so completely. It was a good thing Amy was too busy to say anything, because she knew she would probably have agreed to anything just then, even willingly surrendering herself to the DEBS, if Amy had asked it.
Eventually, the kiss did have to end, if only because they both ran out of air. As Lucy gasped for breath, she managed to ask, "Meet me at The Courtyard at eight?" That would give them plenty of time to eat before heading to see the band.
Amy nodded wordlessly, not trusting herself to speak, quite yet.
Lucy eyed her speculatively. "So... when did you say your next class was?"
Amy gulped, but couldn't help but smile. "A couple hours, actually. Why, you have a suggestion for how I might kill time until then?"
Lucy gave her a wicked grin.
**********************************************
"She's a Deb?!" Scud asked, shocked, as he stood outside Lucy's room while she got dressed. She could just imagine the look on his face as he said that, and was glad he couldn't see her sudden grin.
"Yeah, she is," she said as she secured the strap that held her throwing knives around her left ankle. "Amy Bradshaw."
"The girl from the smuggling op? She was a Deb?"
She chuckled. "No. Amy Bradshaw."
She had to fight not to start laughing outright as she pictured how he must have reacted to that. "Are you... The Perfect Score?! You're going on a date with the pride and joy of the DEBS? Have you completely snapped?"
"I should point out that she did say yes," Lucy said as she carefully dipped a couple of metal hair pins (they reminded her of knitting needles, though if knitting was actually that deadly, she might have developed any kind of interest in it) in poison. They might not kill anyone - especially if they were pulled out quickly - but they would be taken out of the fight.
She wasn't expecting any trouble from Amy, but given that Amy had pretty much admitted that just about everyone knew she was in town... Well, she intended on being prepared.
So she felt perfectly justified in putting body armor on underneath her clothing.
"And this doesn't scream trap to you?" Scud asked dryly.
"If she wanted to do that, she would have done it this afternoon, when I had no idea who she really was," Lucy pointed out.
"Okay, maybe, but still-"
"And did I mention that she managed to argue Vinny down to half price on the AK-47s?"
"Half?"
"Exactly. She facilitated an arms deal. Last I checked, that was still a felony." She studied herself in the mirror as she slid the hair pins through her hair. She didn't wear it up often, but she had to admit, it didn't look half-bad that way. "Don't worry, I'll be careful. But I don't think I'm in any danger from her." She smirked. "Except possibly of death by exhaustion."
"I'm not sure I even wanna know what that means."
"Oh, sure you do. I'm just not going to tell you."
"Did anyone ever tell you you're evil?"
"I'm a supervillain, Scud," she said, smoothing out her Chinese print shirt. The pins went so perfectly with it that even Amy wouldn't question them. "It's part of the job description." Black pants and matching boots completed the outfit. The heels on the boots would give her a little extra height, which was sure to come in handy with Amy. They came up to about halfway to her knees, so her knives were completely hidden.
It was going to be an interesting night.
**********************************************
"Wow."
Amy knew she should have said something else as a greeting. "Hi," might have worked. Or perhaps "hello, again". "You look great," would also have worked. Or she could have gone with what her job demanded she say, "You're under arrest." But all she could say when she caught sight of Lucy approaching her outside the restaurant was "Wow."
Lucy didn't quite seem to mind. "You look pretty 'wow' there yourself, Miss Bradshaw," she said with a smile, finally succeeding in giving Amy a chaste kiss by placing it on her cheek. Amy had gone with black shirt, red skirt, and black boots combo. Simple, perhaps, but it worked on her. "So, ever eaten here before?" she asked as they headed inside.
Amy shook her head. "Actually, no, I haven't. Not really sure why, since I love Spanish food."
"Well, then, you're in for a treat." The serving staff was as pleasant and efficient as ever, and they were seated at a table before too long.
After they placed their drink orders - Lucy stuck with a beer, while Amy just ordered a Sprite, as being around Lucy made her feel intoxicated enough as it was, and actual alcohol might make her do something stupid; neither felt any particular urge to order something fancier to show the other how experienced and worldly she was - Amy smiled. "I guess today's just my day for doing all manner of new things."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah." Her cheeks darkened a bit. "I can't say I've ever done that in a car before."
Lucy grinned. "What, not even with the ex? Or did you just mean with another woman?"
"Well... both, I suppose. Even in high school, I always managed to end up in bed, rather then... well, anywhere else."
"Well, stick with me, and you'll be able to say that about a lot more places then my car," Lucy told her as the waitress arrived to take their orders.
Blushing furiously, Amy gladly busied herself with looking at the menu. She ended up ordering the Catalan Pinxto Platter, while Lucy got the Beef Empanadas. "So, tell me about yourself," Amy requested once the waitress was gone again.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, tell me about yourself. I know who Lucy Diamond is - with my job, it'd be hard not to... though that didn't stop Janet - but I don't know a damn thing about Lucy Reynolds."
"Ah." Well, she supposed that would be all right. Idly, she wondered who the hell 'Janet' was, then set the question aside for the moment.
She told Amy about growing up in Spain - which Amy interrupted with a number of questions, though she eventually remembered herself and shut up, embarrassed; Lucy hardly minded, though - and visiting a lot of foreign places (like America) as her family did business. She didn't really feel like talking about their feud with the Shaeffers, but she did tell Amy about her family. How her father had been one of the most respected men in the criminal underworld. How her mother's kindness and beauty had been unparalleled, and how she'd spent hours in the kitchen with her learning how to cook. How she'd used to play with various cousins, or neighbors.
Wanting to be fair, Amy told Lucy about her own home life. It wasn't anywhere near as exciting as Lucy's, she felt, but Lucy seemed to be utterly charmed by her childhood tales. She was an only child, with two loving parents (who, hopefully, wouldn't even care that their little girl was gay now... and damned if that sentence didn't sound odd, even in her head). She'd been a girl scout, and no, she told Lucy, she couldn't get her any discounts on their cookies. She even shyly brought up her art. Their food had arrived in the middle of their conversation, and she took advantage of that by taking a bite of food to give herself more time to react when Lucy all but begged to see some of it.
"Come on," Lucy entreated. "I'm sure you're really good..."
"I'm okay," she countered. 'Really good' might be pushing it. Just 'good'... Well, maybe.
"It sounds like you love it."
"I do." And it was nice to be able to admit that to someone who wouldn't object to any time it took away from her career.
"I'm surprised you didn't end up going to art school or something, then."
Amy hesitated. "Well, actually... there is this art school in Barcelona..."
Lucy smiled. "I think I know the one you mean, and it's gorgeous. You'd love it."
Amy smiled back, but there was an edge of sadness to it. "Maybe someday."
Lucy sensed that pushing her on that right then would have been a very bad idea. "Fair enough. I hope you saved room for dessert."
"Why's that?"
"Their Chocolate Mousse is fantastic."
"I was afraid you were going to say that."
"Don't worry, we can walk it off. I parked in front of the club."
"Planning ahead, hmm?"
"It's why I've never been caught." She paused and flashed Amy a smile. "Though, if you wanted to try "catching" me, well..." She winked.
"Don't your hormones ever shut off?" Amy teased.
"Maybe... If I'm worn out enough..."
Amy smirked.
**********************************************
"They're pretty good," Amy said in reference to the band. "I'm surprised they're playing somewhere this small."
They were seated together on a couch, watching the band through a throng of dancing people. Privately, she was glad it wasn't the same kind of music that had been playing when she'd first met Lucy - God, had that really only been yesterday? - as she didn't think she could handle Lucy grinding against her in her current state. As it was, she was coming perilously close to just ignoring the stage and making her own music with Lucy right there on the couch. Or maybe they could sneak away to the bathroom?
"I think they usually do," Lucy replied, having to raise her voice a little just to be heard. "But a lot of bands often end up performing here."
"I'll have to keep an eye on this place, then."
"We can always come here again sometime."
Amy didn't know how to tell her that thinking of them in those terms was still making her feel a little uncomfortable. She was fine right then, but planning things out in the future made her start thinking, and if she started to think, she'd end up thinking about how illegal what she was doing was, how much trouble she - well, both of them, really - could get in... That sort of thing.
Lucy, however, didn't seem to need to be told. "You know, if you worked with me, you wouldn't have to worry about any of that."
"Are you still on about that?" Amy asked, incredulously.
Lucy shrugged. "Hey, when I see something I want, I go after it. And you strike me as being more precious then anything else I've ever wanted," she said with a soft smile.
That wasn't fair, Amy decided. She was being far too cute, and sweet, and sexy. "Well, drop it for now, please? My job does mean something to me, you know."
"Okay, okay, consider it dropped." For now.
I’ve got the new style, uh oh
And I’m walking right down your street
I’m on your speed dial, you know
The one everyone wants to meet
I always tell you how great you dress
It’s cause I’m fashionably socialized
You’re smarter, better, no, the best
Just look at me
I’m a leader, I’m a winner, And I’m cleaner
Cause I’m awesome
I don’t need you cause I’m neato and I beat you
Cause I’m awesome
That’s right
Motion near the stairs that lead down from the street caught her attention, and she looked over to see a couple of men wearing suits enter the club.
Jesus, they weren't even trying to hide. Government, probably, with that kind of arrogance. And there was at least one, maybe two more heading in their general direction from the other side of the dance floor. Great. Just great. Not missing a beat, she grabbed Amy's hand and tugged her up to her feet. "Come on, dance with me."
Amy blinked as she was dragged onto the dance floor. "Um, okay..." Lucy was hiding it well, but something seemed to have spooked her.
Their dance was, by necessity, distinctly more ordinary then their last one, but that hardly meant it wasn't provocative. Watching Lucy sinuously move her body while shooting her seductive looks, Amy almost missed the way Lucy was scanning their surroundings.
Almost.
Lucy wound her way behind Amy, using her dancing as cover while she drew one of her knives. Once she had a clear shot she threw it at one of the suits, pinning his jacket - and part of his arm, judging by his grimace - to the bulletin board near him.
They say I’m gifted, uh huh
Well I’m a certified prodigy
I’m gonna own you, uh huh
I’m gonna bring you to your knees
I always tell you how smart you are
It’s cause my brain is really supersized
You’re an academic superstar
Just look at me
I’m a leader, I’m a winner, And I’m cleaner
Cause I’m awesome
I don’t need you cause I’m neato and I beat you
Cause I’m awesome
That’s right
Unfortunately, more of them were coming. They'd obviously recognized her, though how they'd known to look for her here, she had no idea. Maybe she went there too often.
It didn't really matter. She kept giving Amy that heated look that so distracted her, trailing her hands up her own sides until she reached her head, and removed her hair pins, allowing her long brown locks to cascade free. Amy seemed mesmerized, not really appearing to even notice what she did with the pins.
Which, as it happened, was throw them both, so that they ended up in a leg of each of two more of the suits.
That wouldn't cut it for the next one, though, so she spun around behind Amy and grabbed her ass, thus making her definitely unaware of anything else, including the fact that, while crouched behind Amy, she drew another knife, stabbed the suit in the gut, and kicked him to the ground before sliding herself through Amy's legs and letting Amy swing her up.
Got a career plan, uh huh
Gonna make lots of money
And bought a self tan, uh huh
Don’t I look healthy?
I always tell you how great you smell
It’s cause I’m naturally deodorized
You’re stronger, faster and can spell
Just look at me
I’m a leader, I’m a winner, And I’m cleaner
Cause I’m awesome
I don’t need you cause I’m neato and I beat you
Cause I’m awesome
That’s right
Rah rah rah rah rah rah rah!
Rah rah rah rah rah rah rah!
Rah rah rah rah rah rah rah!
I don’t need you
Cause I’m Awesome
Uh huh
She didn't see anymore of them right then, but it was obvious that they had to leave, now. "Wanna get out of here?" she asked, leaning in close so she wouldn't have to shout.
"I think that sounds like a fantastic idea," Amy replied, the slightly husky tone of her voice proof that Lucy's dancing had definitely had its intended effect. She scratched the back of her head, underneath her hair, then wrapped her arm back around Lucy. She made a slight movement with her shoulder that took Lucy a second to place as a tossing motion, and turned in time to see a shuriken bury itself in another suit's ankle, sending him crashing to the ground.
Well. It appeared Amy hadn't been quite as oblivious as she'd seemed. And she had also come prepared. Lucy's respect - and desire - for her jumped up several notches.
Which would mean nothing if they didn't get moving. "Okay, we're gone," she announced, holding Amy's hand as they hustled outside, Amy pausing just long enough to kick the suit she'd downed in the face, knocking him out, and take back her shuriken. Leaving anything with her prints on it, she knew, would be a bad idea.
"That's not your car," Amy said as she looked at the dark blue compact, sounding somewhere between confused and disappointed. She'd liked Lucy's car, after all.
"Thought I'd try something a little more inconspicuous tonight," Lucy said as she unlocked it and they both piled in. "Guess that didn't work out as well as I'd hoped."
A black SUV screeched around the corner ahead of them and hurtled their way. "Guess not," Amy agreed as Lucy started up the car and threw it into reverse. Horns blared around them as drivers swerved out of their way, some almost hitting the SUV, which didn't seem to slow them down at all. "Do I need to point out that you're not even looking where you're going?" she asked anxiously.
"Please don't," Lucy replied, just before the SUV rammed them. It cause any damage, since they were both going in the same direction, but it did jostle both of them around. There were several more bumps before they got close enough to an intersection for Lucy to snap, "Tell me when to turn!"
Fighting down several different kinds of fear, Amy turned around in her seat as best she could and examined the street behind them. "Left in five seconds!" she announced.
"Is that my left or your left?"
"Wha-"
"Too late!" She chose her left, which, as it turned out, had not been the one Amy had meant. She ended up backing the car down a flight of stairs. It did, at least, have the welcome effect of giving them some breathing room, as the SUV did not attempt to follow them down, since it wouldn't fit.
Once at the bottom of the stairs, Lucy spun the car around and screeched to a halt in the middle of an empty stretch of road. They were silent for a moment as they processed what had just happened. After a while, Amy quietly said, "My left."
"Oh. Sorry."
Several more seconds of silence, then Amy finally asked the big question. "Who were they?"
"What?"
"Damn it, Lucy, who the hell were we just fighting?" she asked again, anger seeping into her tone.
"I'm not sure." Which was true. Just because she'd guessed 'government' didn't tell her who they were. They could have been FBI, NSA, DOD, maybe even CIA, given how many crimes she had committed abroad. Something down the road caught her attention. "But I don't think they're done, yet."
"Why?" Amy asked before she followed Lucy's eyes to see the black SUV bearing down on them again.
The impact was quite literally stunning, activating both airbags and sending the car spinning again, pieces of it flying off.
Amy groaned, fighting down a wave of dizziness. The SUV would be coming back to finish them off shortly, so they had to get moving. "Lucy?"
"Yeah, I'm... Ow."
"Tell me about it." She heard tires screeching again. "Come on, we've gotta go."
"Right." Lucy was moving a little slowly as she climbed out of the car, prompting Amy to come around to her side and help her along. Sure enough, by then the SUV was heading their way again, so they started to run.
They didn't get far, as Lucy had gotten her bells rung pretty good, and was unable to avoid the piece of wreckage from the car in front of her. She went down hard, losing her grip on Amy's hand. Amy stopped, but Lucy yelled, "Keep moving!" as she got back to her feet and stumbled into a run after her.
Amy did as she was told, but she only fleetingly looked ahead of her, keeping most of her attention on Lucy. So she immediately saw that the SUV didn't seem to have any intention of stopping.
They're going to run her over! she thought, feeling a surge of panic. Lucy was just about to run in front of a security booth, though, and Amy didn't even stop once to think. She reached up and withdrew another shuriken from the sheath that she had carefully braided into her hair and threw it at the "Emergency Blockage" button. It hit, and sent up the barrier - several thick concrete posts - in time to smash the car into a crumpled wreck.
Lucy stared at her, several different thoughts running through her mind. One was that Amy likely would not be happy that she'd just assaulted a government team. Another being that she hoped said team wouldn't be able to recognize Amy. She also wondered why Amy had brought weapons if she hadn't been expecting anyone to crash their date. And she still wanted to know how the government had found out about her date so quickly. She hadn't told anyone, and suspected that Amy hadn't, either.
Most of all, though, her reaction was God, that was hot.
Well, this is buzzing right along, isn't it? I love when that happens. :) The lyrics are from "Because I'm Awesome" by The Dollyrots.
The Courtyard Restaurant is indeed a real place, and the dishes that Amy and Lucy ordered were taken from their online menu.
Catalan Pinxto Platter
Grilled baguette rubbed with garlic & tomatoes with shaved
Manchego cheese, Jamon Serrano and Spanish sausage.....$9.00
Beef Empanadas
Empanada shells filled with marinated ground beef, herbs and spices.....$13.00
Chocolate Mousse.....$6
with crumbled walnuts and a dollop of whip cream
Damn it... now I'm hungry.
Title: Sensory Pleasure (part 3/?)
Author: That'd be me. *grins* Andrew, Obsidian, call me what you want. But only if it's nice. ;)
Rating: I'm not sure, yet. It'll probably end up not going above PG-13, though.
Comments: Okay, now that my other 'D.E.B.S.' story is updated, back to this one! ^_^ Oh, and anyone who's seen the pilot episode of the show 'Chuck' may recognize a certain scene here. ;)
Legal Disclaimer: I do not own 'D.E.B.S.', Angela Robinson does. Though if I had my way, there would have been a sequel or two by now. ;)
"Tonight, could I be lost forever?
To drown my soul in sensory pleasure."
~Natalie Imbruglia, Beauty on the Fire (album - White Lilies Island (2001))
Amy had changed into a Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt, rather then her usual button-up shirt and tie, as well as ditching the knee-high socks and flats in favor of regular socks and a more practical pair of running shoes (just in case), suspecting that showing up in uniform to a meeting with the DEBS nemesis might not be the best of ideas.
She kept the skirt, though. A plaid skirt by itself was commonplace enough, after all. And maybe a part of her was hoping that Lucy would catch on, so that she wouldn't have to be the one that ended things. And she knew who Lucy was, so wasn't it only fair that Lucy knew who she was?
As a spy, that was absolutely stupid, even dangerous thinking. But if she lied to Lucy about it, and Lucy found out... Well, that would be even worse.
She managed to arrive at the Starbucks first, and after buying a bottle of juice - she barely looked at the label, but it did taste sort of mango-y to her - she chose a table in what seemed to be a fairly unobserved corner and sat down to wait. She briefly considered getting a muffin or something, but knew she was far too nervous to eat anything.
Lucy arrived not long after, dressed a bit more conservatively this time - though after last night's outfit, she would have had to walk into the coffee shop wearing only her bra and panties to be less conservatively dressed, and dammit, why had she let her mind conjure up that image? - in a simple pair of jeans and a black t-shirt advertising some band Amy had never heard of. Of course, Amy didn't care about the fact that Lucy's jeans hugged her hips pretty damned tightly. She knew this because she told herself that very firmly.
Lucy spotted her a minute later, her face lighting up, which made Amy cringe internally. Signaling she'd just be a minute, Lucy joined the line at the counter.
Once she'd secured her coffee, she headed over to Amy's table and sat down across from her. "Well, hello again."
Amy smiled weakly. "Hey."
"You know, if I didn't know any better, I might think that you stole my jacket on purpose, just so that you'd have an excuse to see me again so soon," Lucy teased. Something seemed a bit off about Amy, and she'd also sounded curiously tense on the phone. Experience told her to be wary.
Everything else told her that she should try and make Amy smile for real.
Amy blushed. She had no idea why, as she hadn't done anything of the sort, but somehow just the suggestion... "You got a call before I managed to get a hold of you," she said simply, her expression unreadable. "From Vinny."
Oh, hell. "Really? What did he want?" Wordlessly, Amy passed her a piece of paper. "Oh." He would have to call about the AK-47s now, of all possible times. But then, he had always had the worst timing. "For the usual price?" she asked, wondering if she should even bother. Sure, she could use them - or rather, she knew people who could use them - but Vinny's goods weren't exactly cheap. Granted, that was because of their high quality, but still...
"Actually, I talked him down to half," Amy replied, that same unreadable expression on her face.
Lucy blinked in surprise. "Wow. How the hell did you do that?" Vinny generally gave her a good deal, true, but never that good.
"Fairly easily, actually. But only if you order soon, as he does have other buyers."
Ah, so that was it. He had excess merchandise that he didn't much care if he sold, but he wanted to make it seem like he was doing her a favor. Still, it was a damned good deal, and Vinny always kept his word. "I'll do that." She paused, looking contemplatively at Amy. She wished the blonde would show some kind of emotion, so she'd know how she was taking all this. On the other hand, she didn't seem to be freaking out, instead calmly detailing her interaction with someone who she had to know was a criminal. "You know, I could use someone like you in my organization."
That, finally, managed to provoke a reaction. Amy's eyes widened in shock. "Oh, God... Tell me you didn't just offer me a job!"
"Why wouldn't I? You're obviously intelligent, you've already shown that you can handle people like Vinny with ease, which ranks you ahead of a lot of my employees... and I know I'd certainly like having you around all the time, Miss...?"
That last part seemed to distract Amy from whatever she'd been thinking, but only momentarily. "Bradshaw. Amy Bradshaw. And are you nuts? I can't work for Lucy Diamond."
So she did know who Lucy was. Somehow, it wasn't a surprise. "Why not?" She paused. The name Amy Bradshaw sounded oddly familiar, for some reason. Well, at least now she knew how Amy must have felt. "Have we worked together before on a smuggling op?"
"No." Amy sighed, then stood and backed a few paces away from the table. Lucy was afraid she was going to leave, but all she did was twirl in place. "And because of this." Confused, Lucy nonetheless took advantage of the opportunity to stare at her legs.
Amy noticed. "Not that. Try looking a bit higher then my legs, hmm?" Lucy obligingly leered at her chest. Amy rolled her eyes, but couldn't stop a smile. "That's not what I'm talking about either, you perv." She tapped her thigh. "I kind of thought the skirt was something of a giveaway, myself."
Lucy frowned. Why would a plaid skirt...
Oh.
Oh, shit.
Amy Bradshaw. Blonde hair. Plaid skirt.
She's a Deb? And not just any Deb, but the famous 'Perfect Score' herself.
The chances of something like this happening boggled the mind.
Lucy ran through a long string of curses in her head as Amy sat back down. Judging by the sad look that flashed across Amy's face, she'd clearly seen Lucy make the realization. "You see the problem, then?"
Lucy surprised both of them by replying, "Not really."
Amy gaped. "Huh? How can you not-"
"So you're a Deb," Lucy said, cutting her off. "So what? You'd hardly be the first government agent to cross over to the other side."
"Except that I don't want to do that!" Amy hissed. "I like my job."
"Why?"
"Excuse me?"
"It was a fairly simple question. Why?"
Amy opened her mouth to answer, shut it again, then shook her head, braced her elbows on the table, and buried her face in her hands. "I can't believe I'm having this conversation."
"And yet, we are," Lucy replied, smiling faintly. She knew she probably shouldn't be, but she couldn't help it. Amy was just so damned adorable! "So why not work with me?"
"With you or for you?" Wait. That wasn't what she'd wanted to ask.
What, that was the problem? "Well, I've never really had a partner before... I mean, Scud's great, but I'm usually by myself on the more dangerous jobs."
"Why do them, then?"
"What do you mean?"
"Hey, you asked me why I do my job. It's only fair you have to answer, too. I have a job that I like, that I get to help people with, maybe make the world a little better place."
"But you don't really know how much fun it is to be bad, do you?"
"That's it?" If so, she'd be so disappointed.
"Well... What I do, it's also kind of all I have left of my family," Lucy admitted quietly.
Amy winced. Ouch, she thought. Not much she could say to that. Not yet, anyway. "Oh," she said suddenly, making Lucy start. "I almost forgot." She handed over Lucy's coat.
Lucy took a quick inventory of her pockets. "Are there a few missing?" she asked of her diamonds.
Oops. "I think a few might have ended up under my bed when I dropped them," she admitted, embarrassed. "I can-"
"Forget it," Lucy said, waving her concerns off. "Keep 'em. Consider them a souvenir of your first foray to the edge of the dark side," she added wryly.
"...thanks."
Well... This was awkward. "Do the DEBS really paint me as being so evil?" she asked randomly.
"You tried to sink Australia," Amy said, her expression clearly implying that was kind of a silly question.
"No, I plotted to sink it. Never really had a chance to try."
"But you would have."
"Maybe."
"I..." Amy shook her head in confusion. "This is so weird. Why aren't you killing me?"
"Why aren't you arresting me?" Lucy countered.
"You think I'd actually be able to pull that off?"
"I imagine there isn't much you couldn't do if you set your mind to it."
Amy lowered her eyes demurely, a hint of a smile on her face. "Thank you."
Taking a chance, Lucy rose and moved around the table to sit down next to Amy, who looked startled by this action. "Come out with me tonight."
"...what?"
"Well, I do owe you a proper date, don't I?"
Amy stared at her in incredulity. "Are you kidding me? Lucy Diamond is asking the DEBS poster girl out on a date?"
"I'm thinking dinner, then maybe a club? I know this great place, not too big, and usually has a live band."
"Am I seriously the only one who sees how inherently wrong this is?"
Lucy continued on as if she hadn't spoken. "So, should I pick you up, or do you want to meet me there?"
"Lucy!" Amy managed to keep the exclamation quiet enough to avoid drawing attention, but it was close. "I'm breaking, like, eight federal statutes just sitting here with you!"
"Then you don't really have anything to lose, do you?"
"I could get kicked out of the DEBS for this!"
Lucy smiled innocently. "For what?"
"You... you..."
"Do you really want me to go?" Lucy asked, dropping her playful manner. "If you do, just say so, and I'll go."
"I. I... want... I want... I... want... you..." Amy sighed in resignation. "I want you."
Lucy waited for her to continue, but it soon became clear that was all Amy had intended on saying. She grinned. "Glad to hear it," she said softly. "Because I can assure you, the feeling is most definitely mutual." She leaned in closer, and, meeting with no resistance, kissed Amy.
Amy moaned quietly in the back of her throat. It really wasn't fair what this woman could do to her with a simple kiss. Lucy must have heard her, because she all but purred in response and intensified the kiss.
The DEBS had drilled into her to always mind her surroundings, but now everything else had vanished, replaced by Lucy and Lucy alone. Her objections to seeing Lucy again melted away in the heat their kiss was generating. Lucy sucked gently on her tongue and she moaned again, hands instinctively reaching up, one resting on Lucy's head, her fingers running through the silky strands, the other on Lucy's back, pulling her closer.
Dimly, it occurred to Amy that they must be putting on one hell of a show for the other customers, but it was just a stray thought, no importance to it at all.
Lucy was hardly unaffected, either. Even her ex had never done anything like this to her, gotten to her so quickly and so completely. It was a good thing Amy was too busy to say anything, because she knew she would probably have agreed to anything just then, even willingly surrendering herself to the DEBS, if Amy had asked it.
Eventually, the kiss did have to end, if only because they both ran out of air. As Lucy gasped for breath, she managed to ask, "Meet me at The Courtyard at eight?" That would give them plenty of time to eat before heading to see the band.
Amy nodded wordlessly, not trusting herself to speak, quite yet.
Lucy eyed her speculatively. "So... when did you say your next class was?"
Amy gulped, but couldn't help but smile. "A couple hours, actually. Why, you have a suggestion for how I might kill time until then?"
Lucy gave her a wicked grin.
**********************************************
"She's a Deb?!" Scud asked, shocked, as he stood outside Lucy's room while she got dressed. She could just imagine the look on his face as he said that, and was glad he couldn't see her sudden grin.
"Yeah, she is," she said as she secured the strap that held her throwing knives around her left ankle. "Amy Bradshaw."
"The girl from the smuggling op? She was a Deb?"
She chuckled. "No. Amy Bradshaw."
She had to fight not to start laughing outright as she pictured how he must have reacted to that. "Are you... The Perfect Score?! You're going on a date with the pride and joy of the DEBS? Have you completely snapped?"
"I should point out that she did say yes," Lucy said as she carefully dipped a couple of metal hair pins (they reminded her of knitting needles, though if knitting was actually that deadly, she might have developed any kind of interest in it) in poison. They might not kill anyone - especially if they were pulled out quickly - but they would be taken out of the fight.
She wasn't expecting any trouble from Amy, but given that Amy had pretty much admitted that just about everyone knew she was in town... Well, she intended on being prepared.
So she felt perfectly justified in putting body armor on underneath her clothing.
"And this doesn't scream trap to you?" Scud asked dryly.
"If she wanted to do that, she would have done it this afternoon, when I had no idea who she really was," Lucy pointed out.
"Okay, maybe, but still-"
"And did I mention that she managed to argue Vinny down to half price on the AK-47s?"
"Half?"
"Exactly. She facilitated an arms deal. Last I checked, that was still a felony." She studied herself in the mirror as she slid the hair pins through her hair. She didn't wear it up often, but she had to admit, it didn't look half-bad that way. "Don't worry, I'll be careful. But I don't think I'm in any danger from her." She smirked. "Except possibly of death by exhaustion."
"I'm not sure I even wanna know what that means."
"Oh, sure you do. I'm just not going to tell you."
"Did anyone ever tell you you're evil?"
"I'm a supervillain, Scud," she said, smoothing out her Chinese print shirt. The pins went so perfectly with it that even Amy wouldn't question them. "It's part of the job description." Black pants and matching boots completed the outfit. The heels on the boots would give her a little extra height, which was sure to come in handy with Amy. They came up to about halfway to her knees, so her knives were completely hidden.
It was going to be an interesting night.
**********************************************
"Wow."
Amy knew she should have said something else as a greeting. "Hi," might have worked. Or perhaps "hello, again". "You look great," would also have worked. Or she could have gone with what her job demanded she say, "You're under arrest." But all she could say when she caught sight of Lucy approaching her outside the restaurant was "Wow."
Lucy didn't quite seem to mind. "You look pretty 'wow' there yourself, Miss Bradshaw," she said with a smile, finally succeeding in giving Amy a chaste kiss by placing it on her cheek. Amy had gone with black shirt, red skirt, and black boots combo. Simple, perhaps, but it worked on her. "So, ever eaten here before?" she asked as they headed inside.
Amy shook her head. "Actually, no, I haven't. Not really sure why, since I love Spanish food."
"Well, then, you're in for a treat." The serving staff was as pleasant and efficient as ever, and they were seated at a table before too long.
After they placed their drink orders - Lucy stuck with a beer, while Amy just ordered a Sprite, as being around Lucy made her feel intoxicated enough as it was, and actual alcohol might make her do something stupid; neither felt any particular urge to order something fancier to show the other how experienced and worldly she was - Amy smiled. "I guess today's just my day for doing all manner of new things."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah." Her cheeks darkened a bit. "I can't say I've ever done that in a car before."
Lucy grinned. "What, not even with the ex? Or did you just mean with another woman?"
"Well... both, I suppose. Even in high school, I always managed to end up in bed, rather then... well, anywhere else."
"Well, stick with me, and you'll be able to say that about a lot more places then my car," Lucy told her as the waitress arrived to take their orders.
Blushing furiously, Amy gladly busied herself with looking at the menu. She ended up ordering the Catalan Pinxto Platter, while Lucy got the Beef Empanadas. "So, tell me about yourself," Amy requested once the waitress was gone again.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, tell me about yourself. I know who Lucy Diamond is - with my job, it'd be hard not to... though that didn't stop Janet - but I don't know a damn thing about Lucy Reynolds."
"Ah." Well, she supposed that would be all right. Idly, she wondered who the hell 'Janet' was, then set the question aside for the moment.
She told Amy about growing up in Spain - which Amy interrupted with a number of questions, though she eventually remembered herself and shut up, embarrassed; Lucy hardly minded, though - and visiting a lot of foreign places (like America) as her family did business. She didn't really feel like talking about their feud with the Shaeffers, but she did tell Amy about her family. How her father had been one of the most respected men in the criminal underworld. How her mother's kindness and beauty had been unparalleled, and how she'd spent hours in the kitchen with her learning how to cook. How she'd used to play with various cousins, or neighbors.
Wanting to be fair, Amy told Lucy about her own home life. It wasn't anywhere near as exciting as Lucy's, she felt, but Lucy seemed to be utterly charmed by her childhood tales. She was an only child, with two loving parents (who, hopefully, wouldn't even care that their little girl was gay now... and damned if that sentence didn't sound odd, even in her head). She'd been a girl scout, and no, she told Lucy, she couldn't get her any discounts on their cookies. She even shyly brought up her art. Their food had arrived in the middle of their conversation, and she took advantage of that by taking a bite of food to give herself more time to react when Lucy all but begged to see some of it.
"Come on," Lucy entreated. "I'm sure you're really good..."
"I'm okay," she countered. 'Really good' might be pushing it. Just 'good'... Well, maybe.
"It sounds like you love it."
"I do." And it was nice to be able to admit that to someone who wouldn't object to any time it took away from her career.
"I'm surprised you didn't end up going to art school or something, then."
Amy hesitated. "Well, actually... there is this art school in Barcelona..."
Lucy smiled. "I think I know the one you mean, and it's gorgeous. You'd love it."
Amy smiled back, but there was an edge of sadness to it. "Maybe someday."
Lucy sensed that pushing her on that right then would have been a very bad idea. "Fair enough. I hope you saved room for dessert."
"Why's that?"
"Their Chocolate Mousse is fantastic."
"I was afraid you were going to say that."
"Don't worry, we can walk it off. I parked in front of the club."
"Planning ahead, hmm?"
"It's why I've never been caught." She paused and flashed Amy a smile. "Though, if you wanted to try "catching" me, well..." She winked.
"Don't your hormones ever shut off?" Amy teased.
"Maybe... If I'm worn out enough..."
Amy smirked.
**********************************************
"They're pretty good," Amy said in reference to the band. "I'm surprised they're playing somewhere this small."
They were seated together on a couch, watching the band through a throng of dancing people. Privately, she was glad it wasn't the same kind of music that had been playing when she'd first met Lucy - God, had that really only been yesterday? - as she didn't think she could handle Lucy grinding against her in her current state. As it was, she was coming perilously close to just ignoring the stage and making her own music with Lucy right there on the couch. Or maybe they could sneak away to the bathroom?
"I think they usually do," Lucy replied, having to raise her voice a little just to be heard. "But a lot of bands often end up performing here."
"I'll have to keep an eye on this place, then."
"We can always come here again sometime."
Amy didn't know how to tell her that thinking of them in those terms was still making her feel a little uncomfortable. She was fine right then, but planning things out in the future made her start thinking, and if she started to think, she'd end up thinking about how illegal what she was doing was, how much trouble she - well, both of them, really - could get in... That sort of thing.
Lucy, however, didn't seem to need to be told. "You know, if you worked with me, you wouldn't have to worry about any of that."
"Are you still on about that?" Amy asked, incredulously.
Lucy shrugged. "Hey, when I see something I want, I go after it. And you strike me as being more precious then anything else I've ever wanted," she said with a soft smile.
That wasn't fair, Amy decided. She was being far too cute, and sweet, and sexy. "Well, drop it for now, please? My job does mean something to me, you know."
"Okay, okay, consider it dropped." For now.
I’ve got the new style, uh oh
And I’m walking right down your street
I’m on your speed dial, you know
The one everyone wants to meet
I always tell you how great you dress
It’s cause I’m fashionably socialized
You’re smarter, better, no, the best
Just look at me
I’m a leader, I’m a winner, And I’m cleaner
Cause I’m awesome
I don’t need you cause I’m neato and I beat you
Cause I’m awesome
That’s right
Motion near the stairs that lead down from the street caught her attention, and she looked over to see a couple of men wearing suits enter the club.
Jesus, they weren't even trying to hide. Government, probably, with that kind of arrogance. And there was at least one, maybe two more heading in their general direction from the other side of the dance floor. Great. Just great. Not missing a beat, she grabbed Amy's hand and tugged her up to her feet. "Come on, dance with me."
Amy blinked as she was dragged onto the dance floor. "Um, okay..." Lucy was hiding it well, but something seemed to have spooked her.
Their dance was, by necessity, distinctly more ordinary then their last one, but that hardly meant it wasn't provocative. Watching Lucy sinuously move her body while shooting her seductive looks, Amy almost missed the way Lucy was scanning their surroundings.
Almost.
Lucy wound her way behind Amy, using her dancing as cover while she drew one of her knives. Once she had a clear shot she threw it at one of the suits, pinning his jacket - and part of his arm, judging by his grimace - to the bulletin board near him.
They say I’m gifted, uh huh
Well I’m a certified prodigy
I’m gonna own you, uh huh
I’m gonna bring you to your knees
I always tell you how smart you are
It’s cause my brain is really supersized
You’re an academic superstar
Just look at me
I’m a leader, I’m a winner, And I’m cleaner
Cause I’m awesome
I don’t need you cause I’m neato and I beat you
Cause I’m awesome
That’s right
Unfortunately, more of them were coming. They'd obviously recognized her, though how they'd known to look for her here, she had no idea. Maybe she went there too often.
It didn't really matter. She kept giving Amy that heated look that so distracted her, trailing her hands up her own sides until she reached her head, and removed her hair pins, allowing her long brown locks to cascade free. Amy seemed mesmerized, not really appearing to even notice what she did with the pins.
Which, as it happened, was throw them both, so that they ended up in a leg of each of two more of the suits.
That wouldn't cut it for the next one, though, so she spun around behind Amy and grabbed her ass, thus making her definitely unaware of anything else, including the fact that, while crouched behind Amy, she drew another knife, stabbed the suit in the gut, and kicked him to the ground before sliding herself through Amy's legs and letting Amy swing her up.
Got a career plan, uh huh
Gonna make lots of money
And bought a self tan, uh huh
Don’t I look healthy?
I always tell you how great you smell
It’s cause I’m naturally deodorized
You’re stronger, faster and can spell
Just look at me
I’m a leader, I’m a winner, And I’m cleaner
Cause I’m awesome
I don’t need you cause I’m neato and I beat you
Cause I’m awesome
That’s right
Rah rah rah rah rah rah rah!
Rah rah rah rah rah rah rah!
Rah rah rah rah rah rah rah!
I don’t need you
Cause I’m Awesome
Uh huh
She didn't see anymore of them right then, but it was obvious that they had to leave, now. "Wanna get out of here?" she asked, leaning in close so she wouldn't have to shout.
"I think that sounds like a fantastic idea," Amy replied, the slightly husky tone of her voice proof that Lucy's dancing had definitely had its intended effect. She scratched the back of her head, underneath her hair, then wrapped her arm back around Lucy. She made a slight movement with her shoulder that took Lucy a second to place as a tossing motion, and turned in time to see a shuriken bury itself in another suit's ankle, sending him crashing to the ground.
Well. It appeared Amy hadn't been quite as oblivious as she'd seemed. And she had also come prepared. Lucy's respect - and desire - for her jumped up several notches.
Which would mean nothing if they didn't get moving. "Okay, we're gone," she announced, holding Amy's hand as they hustled outside, Amy pausing just long enough to kick the suit she'd downed in the face, knocking him out, and take back her shuriken. Leaving anything with her prints on it, she knew, would be a bad idea.
"That's not your car," Amy said as she looked at the dark blue compact, sounding somewhere between confused and disappointed. She'd liked Lucy's car, after all.
"Thought I'd try something a little more inconspicuous tonight," Lucy said as she unlocked it and they both piled in. "Guess that didn't work out as well as I'd hoped."
A black SUV screeched around the corner ahead of them and hurtled their way. "Guess not," Amy agreed as Lucy started up the car and threw it into reverse. Horns blared around them as drivers swerved out of their way, some almost hitting the SUV, which didn't seem to slow them down at all. "Do I need to point out that you're not even looking where you're going?" she asked anxiously.
"Please don't," Lucy replied, just before the SUV rammed them. It cause any damage, since they were both going in the same direction, but it did jostle both of them around. There were several more bumps before they got close enough to an intersection for Lucy to snap, "Tell me when to turn!"
Fighting down several different kinds of fear, Amy turned around in her seat as best she could and examined the street behind them. "Left in five seconds!" she announced.
"Is that my left or your left?"
"Wha-"
"Too late!" She chose her left, which, as it turned out, had not been the one Amy had meant. She ended up backing the car down a flight of stairs. It did, at least, have the welcome effect of giving them some breathing room, as the SUV did not attempt to follow them down, since it wouldn't fit.
Once at the bottom of the stairs, Lucy spun the car around and screeched to a halt in the middle of an empty stretch of road. They were silent for a moment as they processed what had just happened. After a while, Amy quietly said, "My left."
"Oh. Sorry."
Several more seconds of silence, then Amy finally asked the big question. "Who were they?"
"What?"
"Damn it, Lucy, who the hell were we just fighting?" she asked again, anger seeping into her tone.
"I'm not sure." Which was true. Just because she'd guessed 'government' didn't tell her who they were. They could have been FBI, NSA, DOD, maybe even CIA, given how many crimes she had committed abroad. Something down the road caught her attention. "But I don't think they're done, yet."
"Why?" Amy asked before she followed Lucy's eyes to see the black SUV bearing down on them again.
The impact was quite literally stunning, activating both airbags and sending the car spinning again, pieces of it flying off.
Amy groaned, fighting down a wave of dizziness. The SUV would be coming back to finish them off shortly, so they had to get moving. "Lucy?"
"Yeah, I'm... Ow."
"Tell me about it." She heard tires screeching again. "Come on, we've gotta go."
"Right." Lucy was moving a little slowly as she climbed out of the car, prompting Amy to come around to her side and help her along. Sure enough, by then the SUV was heading their way again, so they started to run.
They didn't get far, as Lucy had gotten her bells rung pretty good, and was unable to avoid the piece of wreckage from the car in front of her. She went down hard, losing her grip on Amy's hand. Amy stopped, but Lucy yelled, "Keep moving!" as she got back to her feet and stumbled into a run after her.
Amy did as she was told, but she only fleetingly looked ahead of her, keeping most of her attention on Lucy. So she immediately saw that the SUV didn't seem to have any intention of stopping.
They're going to run her over! she thought, feeling a surge of panic. Lucy was just about to run in front of a security booth, though, and Amy didn't even stop once to think. She reached up and withdrew another shuriken from the sheath that she had carefully braided into her hair and threw it at the "Emergency Blockage" button. It hit, and sent up the barrier - several thick concrete posts - in time to smash the car into a crumpled wreck.
Lucy stared at her, several different thoughts running through her mind. One was that Amy likely would not be happy that she'd just assaulted a government team. Another being that she hoped said team wouldn't be able to recognize Amy. She also wondered why Amy had brought weapons if she hadn't been expecting anyone to crash their date. And she still wanted to know how the government had found out about her date so quickly. She hadn't told anyone, and suspected that Amy hadn't, either.
Most of all, though, her reaction was God, that was hot.
Well, this is buzzing right along, isn't it? I love when that happens. :) The lyrics are from "Because I'm Awesome" by The Dollyrots.
The Courtyard Restaurant is indeed a real place, and the dishes that Amy and Lucy ordered were taken from their online menu.
Catalan Pinxto Platter
Grilled baguette rubbed with garlic & tomatoes with shaved
Manchego cheese, Jamon Serrano and Spanish sausage.....$9.00
Beef Empanadas
Empanada shells filled with marinated ground beef, herbs and spices.....$13.00
Chocolate Mousse.....$6
with crumbled walnuts and a dollop of whip cream
Damn it... now I'm hungry.