Crossover Fan Fiction / Bleach Fan Fiction / Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Aint Nothing But Magick (reverse) ❯ 11 ( Chapter 11 )

Title: Ain't Nothing But Magick (Reverse)

Author: J'dee, Mabelle, & Tobias

Rating: PG-13 some smoking and drinking refs…

Genre: Drama / Humor/ Action / Adventure / Romance

Author's Note: The original ANBM was a fic where 25 authors + were pulled in to the DBZ/GT world, the reverse is just that… a reverse where a select number of anime characters are yanked in to the real world, with not a true reason why, and no idea how to get back to their home…

 

 

Chapter 11

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle sighed as she prepared for work, looking out the balcony for moment as she finished packing her bag. Grimmjow hadn't killed her, he had spared her life and he didn't have to do that. She sighed as she opened the pantry and pulled out a left over six-pack from the get together. She quickly prepared a tuna fish sandwich and wrapped it in plastic wrap. She grabbed a bag of chips and quickly placed them out on her balcony before there was a knock at the door.

With a sigh Belle went to the door and there were Hugue and Abel. Abel was in another vest and trouser set, looking like the cute teacher again. Hugue was in a black polo shirt with black sweat pants. Belle looked at them both.

“Why the two of you?” she asked and Abel laughed nervously.

“Havel suggested that we have more than one person in the building with you, Abel was placed there so that we could learn who was in the surrounding room,” Hugue stated and Belle stared.

“Did you kill Coach Jackson?” she asked recognizing Hugue's outfit as similar to a gym teacher's.

“No, he's just taking an extended leave while Hugue takes his place,” Abel said and Belle stared at them. Hugue was incredibly handsome with his hair pulled back and Abel was adorable in his teaching outfit. Belle hung her head as she closed the apartment behind her.

“Not again,” she moaned as she walked down the hall.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee sat on her bed chewing on the end of her nail looking at her laptop, her digital camera attached to the USB port and she looked at the photo of Seventh Heaven.

The figure inside standing by the window looking out as if he could see them and she swallowed before zooming the photo in. She blinked the wild blonde spikes the blue eyes looking out at her. The navy blue turtle neck slightly unzipped the single shoulder pad, the straps wrapping round obviously holding up his weaponry of choice.

J'dee's hand moved to the Hei Matua and she looked down at the AC style wolf ring she wore, a gift from her little brother, before looking back to the image on her screen. It was an unchanging expression unreadable but she felt it was looking out at her as if he knew she had been standing there all that time… waiting for her.

`Cloud…'

She heard the sound of her cellphone go off and she reached over flipping it open.

“Hey.” She greeted knowing it was Zack.

“Roy has moved from the complex… down the road. I'm giving you a heads up in case you want to go out.” Zack spoke on the other end.

J'dee looked at the image of Cloud. “Thanks. Hey Zack can you… receive pictures on your phone?”

“Yeah sure… why?” He asked.

“I'm going to send you something. I got a photo of I want you to tell me if you see him too or if I'm going crazy.” J'dee whispered.

“Sure. Okay. I could just come down and have a look though.”

“What do you think is easier?” She asked.

She was greeted by the sound of boots landing on her balcony and she heard her sliding door open and looked up at Zack still on the phone.

“That answer your question?” Zack smiled.

J'dee flipped her cellphone closed.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Coffee was man's greatest invention, just narrowly beating out books, in Tobias's opinion.

 

Drinking from his third cup that morning, Tobias sat at his desk in the study. He'd made subtle inquiries to some online friends of his shortly before bed. They were Evangelion fans like he was, and they tended to pose what if questions to each other. He posed his actual situation as what if, carefully omitting anything not related directly Misato and Shinji. This morning he was checking the forum and his e-mail for the responses.

 

Some were useless nonsense (it was the internet after all) but some of the more serious people, and people Tobias called online friends, actually had good advice. Training Shinji in defending himself was a common theme, as was helping the boy work past his family issues. Tobias winced as he thought about confronting that. He was no therapist, and the kid had some damn serious issues. Scratching his chin, Tobias leaned back in his chair to think. He could take care of the physical training. He used to box in high school and college and still kept up the training on a semi-serious basis, hitting the bag two to three times a week. To get Shinji up to speed, they'd have to do it at least once a day, maybe even twice a day after Shinji began to get used to it. Maybe he could get Washu to help him with the family issues…

 

Nodding to himself, Tobias got up to wake Shinji for his first day of training.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle had been extremely self conscious walking into the school because the tween girls had been in frenzy as they saw her walk in with the two luscious fair-haired men. The worse was that Abel was carrying a box of equipment and Hugue had insisted on carrying Belle's bag in and Belle had noticed how jealous the girls had looked. Belle wished she could reveal the big joke that the hot new teachers were celibate priests. Maybe when they left Belle would reveal that they had gone to join the priesthood and she smiled brightly, unaware she was smiling in Hugue's direction as he opened the door for her.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Zack closed his phone and walked up to her. He couldn't explain the need to make sure she was alright twenty-four seven.

“What is it?”

She motioned at the screen of her computer.

Zack looked at the screen, he stopped dead. “I don't understand why are you showing me a picture of Cloud?”

“This is that photo the one I took in this world of Seventh Heaven.”

“There was no one inside… But you got a glimpse in to my world.” Zack remarked. “I wonder if Cloud saw a glimpse of yours for a moment.”

J'dee looked up at him and Zack saw the worried look. “I can not meet Cloud ever! I don't want to put him through that grief all over again, he was finally getting over it. I know what it's like to see a ghost's features on a living person. I didn't take it very well.”

Zack's hand moved through her hair. `You lost someone.' He thought sadly. He knew that feeling all to well himself. `Angeal…'

“She's someone I plan on staying alive for… I promised.” She whispered.

“I wonder…” Zack mused looking at the photo. “Do you want to check out Seventh Heaven again sometime?” He asked.

J'dee blinked and he saw her nod slowly.

Zack smiled. “It's a date then… After Toby's Barbeque on Saturday we'll go check it out.”

Zack heard J'dee's cellphone go off and he watched her flip it out looking at the message he caught the smirk as she shook her head.

“Who's that?” He asked.

She blushed closing the phone. “No one.” She stated. “A guy I met.”

Zack nodded, he understood she wanted normality so if texting guys were normal he let her. Just meeting them she would have another thing coming or trailing her. Namely him.

“The same guy whose been texting you late at night?” Zack teased leaning over her.

She blushed and pushed him back. “None of your business Mr. Noisy.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Shinji was sleeping a surprisingly deep sleep. He had not been woken when Tobias and Misato had moved him to his bed last night, and despite what he had learned yesterday, he had felt content falling asleep in Misato's arms. So it was very understandable that he didn't sense his approaching doom.

 

Shinji awoke with a shout and a sputter as bucket of cold water drenched him. Wiping the water from his eyes, his gaze focused on Tobias, who stood over him with a bucket and towel, grinning evilly.

 

“Good morning sunshine! How are we feeling today?” Tobias asked, mock sincerity in his voice.

 

“Tobias wha-?” Shinji began before Tobias's towel was thrown in his face.

 

“Not talk, pal. Dry off, change into sweats, a light t-shirt, and those athletic sneakers Misato bought you during her shopping spree. You have 10 minutes to meet me in the kitchen for breakfast or you get another bucket.”

 

Shinji made it to the kitchen in five minutes.

 

~*~*~*~

 

The morning classes went fine and Belle sent Abel to get them lunch again. While Abel was off Hugue entered the classroom. They stared at each other for a moment, that awkward silence of two strangers forced to interact.

“Who would have been the easier death, Tres or you?” Belle asked shocked at what had come out when she meant to ask how his day was going. Hugue approached with the silent grace of a predator and Belle's heart began pounding so hard she could feel it in her chest. He was getting too close but Belle refused to show the fear of him that she suddenly felt. She stood tall and proud as he approached, he was inches away from her when he stopped. Belle didn't have time to blink as his knuckles pressed against the bottom of the throat. Hugue's hand was curled as if he were holding a cylinder shaped object and Belle knew, Hugue would have been a quick death.

“Gunslinger goes for the heart, you would have felt and known your death with him,” Hugue stated and Belle got the message.

“Miss B!” a student called and Belle pushed Hugue back to see her four favorite students standing in the door with awe on their faces. Belle knew she was blushing deeply while Hugue was looking at them with his expressionless face.

“Ladies,” Belle said as she approached them. “Can I help you?”

Kristie was outright staring at Hugue, the girl loved romance novels and Belle could see the over imaginative mind at work creating some twisted romance in her head.

“You seem to be busy,” Sarah said with a little smart ass smirk on her face.

“We can come back,” Andrea stated and Belle could see the tall girl was embarrassed.

“Oh Hu…Mr. De Watteau, what are you doing?” Abel said as he held Belle's lunch and his behind the girls. Lauren's eyes bugged out as she looked from Abel to Hugue and Belle wanted to groan.

“I was asking Belle if I could join you both for lunch,” Hugue stated and Belle watched as the girls exchanged a look.

“Ladies, what can I help you with?” she asked and the girls looked at each other again.

“We'll ask you later,” Sarah said as she headed out, the other three following her. As the door closed Belle could hear squeals of girls who were up to no good.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Havoc looked over at Roy. “Sir… I don't think I can-”

“You hid that you ran into the target Lieutenant.” Roy stated. “If we had known this it could have been used to draw her out and end this.” He looked at Havoc. “So you can and you will. Did you not say you would follow me forever?”

Havoc pulled out a cigarette lighting it up. “What do you want me to do sir?”

“Have a drink with her. Give her a good night out, something worthy of someone who has to die.” Roy stated.

Havoc blinked. “I'm not sure I know what would qualify as a good night out in this world.”

Roy smirked and Havoc caught a look and he blinked. “Sir you mean you want me to-”

“If I was going to die I know I'd want that before I went.” Roy stated. “Her file states she has a weakness when it comes to getting caught in those situations, the list of men she's left behind is more than any woman I've ever dated.”

`How about putting her list and yours together for comparison?' Havoc thought bitterly. He did have to admit there was something he couldn't put his finger on that drew him to feel some kind of sympathy for the female red head.

 

~*~*~*~

 

The morning had gone fairly well, for Tobias that is.

 

Shinji had made it to the kitchen, and was ready to start breakfast when Tobias handed him a large glass. He had one for himself as well and Shinji saw the blender had been used. The glass was filled with a thick grey shake.

 

“Down the hatch.” Tobias said, and drank his own. Shinji frowned but followed suit. He grimaced at the bland taste but drank it all. After they were done, they left their glasses in the sink and Tobias led him to the basement door. He opened it and motioned Shinji follow him. Curious, because he'd yet to go in the basement, he went, closing the door behind them as Tobias told him to.

 

The basement was large, running over the entire area of the living room and kitchen/dining room area. Besides the initial walls of the basement, there were no interior walls. It was mostly divided by equipment. One area had a large wood furnace for heating in the winter months with an area for wood. The wood area was lined with wooden pallets on the concrete floor to protect it from the wood. Next to the wood stack was a set of stairs leading up to the outside and an outside access door. But that was on the other end of the basement, away from the interior stairs. Near the interior stairs, was Tobias's training equipment. He had a treadmill for rainy days, a heavy bag for punching, a speed bag set up not too far from the heavy bag, and even a very old and used slam man. The slam man had a new red circle painted in the middle of its chest. There was also a weight bench nearby.

 

“This is my weight room.” Tobias began to explain to the confused Eva pilot. “When I was in school I played sports. Boxing was the one sport I truly enjoyed so I focused on it. After college I didn't pursue a career because I enjoyed designing more, but I still train to keep healthy.” Tobias gestured to equipment.

 

“Now you're going to learn it.” Tobias stated. Shinji's eyes got extremely wide.

 

“Why now?” Shinji asked. Tobias fixed him with a look.

 

“After your conversation with Misato on the porch yesterday night, I woke up. She told me what you talked about. She'll do what she can to help you, and so will I.” Tobias and gestured to his training equipment. “This is part of it.”

 

“But how can learning how to box do that?” Shinji asked. Tobias walked over to the slam man, and Shinji followed him.

 

“My old boxing coach in college told me boxing was made of four things.” Tobias said. “Power, speed, endurance, and most importantly, precision.” Tobias took up position in front of the dummy in a boxer's stance. After a moment, Tobias threw his right fist out, and hit the painted red circle dead center. The dummy's middle red light lit up.

 

“Whoa.” Shinji said. Tobias looked at the younger man and grinned.

 

“Even if you're here the whole six months, that's not nearly enough time to bulk you up for strength, and to be honest, you don't have the body for a power hitter. But in an Eva your own strength doesn't help much besides working the controls. So we will work on your strength, but we won't focus on it. What we will focus on will be your endurance, speed, and most importantly, precision.”

 

“Why precision?” Shinji asked, and Tobias gestured to the dummy.

 

“What does the red circle represent on this dummy? I just painted it this morning.” Tobias asked. Shinji started at the dummy, thinking, before it clicked.

 

“An angel's S2 organ.” Shinji said. Tobias nodded.

 

“An angel's S2 organ.” He confirmed. “The source of its power. So its weak point is obvious and we'll train you to find it. I already spoke to Washu. The other project she was working on can be finished with her systems on auto. She's designing a simulation plug and simulations for you, based off the angels as depicted in the anime. These physical exercises will help you hit the angel precisely, help you last longer, and move quicker. I'm going to put you through hell Shinji. The first week is going to be especially rough as you get used to it. But we'll do this only if you give me your all. Can you do that?”

 

“I can.” Shinji said. `I won't run away!'

 

“Then let's begin. I'll show you how to stretch out. Then I'll show you how to punch. Today will be a lot about watching how to do it and trying it. Tomorrow and from then on, if you don't do it right, well…” Tobias grinned evilly. “You'll find out why my trainer always said trainers are to trainees, what devils are to angels.”

 

Shinji gulped.

 

~*~*~*~

 

The end of the day couldn't come soon enough and Belle was quick to sneak out of the classroom to run to the bathroom and as soon as she stepped out the four horsewomen of the Apocalypse greeted her.

“Hi Miss B,” Lauren, Andrea, Sarah, and Kristie called in that evil falsetto that young adult females have when in the possession of knowledge someone doesn't want known.

“Ladies,” Belle stated as she looked at her students. They only smiled and Belle didn't have time, the last thing she wanted was for Abel or Hugue to come looking for her and to see this lynch mob. “How can I help you?”

“Are you dating anybody?” Kristie asked like a rabid dog lunging for a three-legged cat. Belle sighed as she crossed her arms before squeezing the bridge of her nose.

“Ladies, my personal life is none of your business and I've mentioned that before,” Belle sighed as she shook her head.

“But Taylor saw you kissing Mr. Nightroad yesterday!” Kristie cried and Belle wondered what healthy teenage organs were going for on the black market.

“Mr. Nightroad and I are friends,” Belle sighed.

“So you are dating Mr. De Watteau!” Sarah cried in victory and Belle stared at her before Sarah gave Belle an innocent look.

“I'm not dating either of them ladies,” Belle sighed as she turned to leave only to bump right into Hugue's chest.

“You were taking so long, Abel and I were worried about you,” Hugue stated as Belle stared up into his green eyes. She pushed back and fought the blush on her cheeks.

“I was just held up by these ladies here,” she stated as she looked back at the girls and suddenly realized what was going on in those evil, little minds. Belle knew this look because whenever her students spoke about the Twilight series they got that same look when arguing over the Bella/Edward relationship versus the Bella/Jacob relationship. “You get those thoughts right out of your heads or so help me I'm going to give you homework every night of the rest of the school year!”

“Yes Miss B,” the girls cooed before giggling and running off.

“Dear God, I'm now the subject of their romantic debates,” Belle moaned as Hugue led her back to her room.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee lay in bed, the novel series she was reading was something Sephy had suggested she read, so she was. Gojyo stood guard outside her balcony probably smoking his tenth cigarette of the hour.

Turning the page she let out a breath the book was good and she very rarely read but this was just one of those novels she found that she couldn't put down. Though this afternoon she felt something different she couldn't focus she couldn't concentrate, it was like she was under house arrest when she wasn't working, and for someone like her she just needed to escape for a few hours.

 

So when her cellphone rang she jumped at the chance. Secretly she'd been receiving sending texts and sms's to the cute blonde she met in the mini mart.

Answering she heard his voice on the other end.

“Hey… are you busy?” He asked.

She smiled she could hear the click of a lighter as a cigarette was lit on the other end.

“Just reading in bed.” She replied.

“I'm going out for a few drinks on Friday. Did you want to join me?”

J'dee looked up at Gojyo leaning on the railing and she saw him walk away for a moment and she caught a glimpse of the brown military style man's shirt and knew Zack and Gojyo were having a few words.

“You know what… I'd love to…”

“Meet me at the station at nine-thirty I found this place it's nice and quiet.”

“I'll be there just gotta sneak past my guards.” She remarked.

He chuckled. “And how old are you again?”

“Same age as you smart ass.” She teased.

“And you have to sneak out why?”

J'dee laughed. “Over protective best friend. So I'll… see you then.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

“That's it Shinji, five more! You can do it!” Tobias encouraged. Shinji whimpered and felt the sweat stinging his eyes.

 

“I can't!” He cried, the pain lancing through his legs down to the small of his back.

 

“Yes you can! This is your final stretch out. You stretch before and after work out. Now, lift those feet!” Tobias thundered. Shinji whimpered, but raised his heels from the exercise mat six inches and held them there, his back, arms, neck and head lying perfectly flat on the mat. His legs quivered in the air.

 

“10 more seconds…annnnnnd…down!” Tobias ordered. Shinji's feet plopped back to the mat. “Again!”

 

“You boys having fun?” Misato asked, coming down the stairs. She had a look of amusement on her face. Shinji just whimpered.

 

“You could call it that.” Tobias said, raising his own feet as Shinji raised his again. They held them for a count of thirty before lowering them, Tobias a bit slower than Shinji, however, who just let his legs drop.

 

“A late lunch is ready when you're done.” Misato said. Tobias nodded to her and she watched as they finished their leg lifts.

 

“Good job today, Shinji.” Tobias said as he helped the younger man up. “Take a hot shower, change into clean clothes and eat. You'll feel loads better.”

 

“Thanks, Tobias.” The weary boy said. He trudged up the stairs.

 

“Those stairs have to be murder on his legs after all that.” Misato said, watching her charge head up and to his room.

 

“I know.” Tobias said, smugly. Misato turned to face Tobias and she stopped short. Tobias had taken off his shirt and was toweling his head dry of sweat. He may not have been some huge body builder but he sure had Kaji beat. Tobias looked up and blinked as he saw Misato staring at him.

 

“What?” He asked, frowning. Misato blinked and tuned to go up the stairs.

 

“You're pretty hairy! Like a bear!” She called behind her, covering up with some teasing.

 

“Hey!”

 

~*~*~*~

 

“I'll see you two later,” Belle sighed as she stepped out of the elevator and headed down the hallway to see Sanzo smoking in the hallway again. “Could you at least do that in your apartment where I don't have to risk getting cancer too?” Sanzo continued to stand there and Belle knew better than to walk around him today. They had a little stare down and Belle studied the purple eyes in front of her.

There was a strange déjà vu feeling as she looked at the purple hue surrounded by black eyelashes. The image of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes screaming filled her mind and she could see the same purple eyes looking up from the angry, wet baby. There was a voice in her head, crying and in pain and she couldn't stop her reaction.

“What the hell do you think you're doing?” Sanzo snapped and Belle opened her eyes realizing she was hugging Sanzo. She was nose to nose with him, her arms around his shoulders as she stared at him.

“The voice was in pain,” was all she could say before she grabbed her bag and bolted to her apartment, she was slow to get her key in the door and Sanzo was quick to pin her against the door. She didn't fight him she was too horrified by the fact that she had hugged him because of some voice in her head. His chest was pressed against her back and his breath was hot against her cheek.

“What did you say?” he growled and Belle turned around, her chest pressing into his and she stared at him.

“I heard a voice, it was a child's voice, it sounded in pain, I didn't even know what I was doing,” she said as she stared at Sanzo. His eyes were flashing with so many emotions that Belle could almost feel them. He was shocked, he was concerned, he was suspicious, and he was in disbelief. Belle touched his cheek and his eyes widened as he flew back from her. They stood on opposite sides of the hallway and Belle stared before her eyes widened as she realized why Sanzo was so upset.

“His soul….” Sanzo snarled as he practically raced into his apartment and Belle stood there.

“Oh…that's why he's been so bitchy.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee stood looking in her wardrobe, her door open so she could make out Zack and Gojyo's conversation. She looked over her shoulder at the two as they joked about something. She frowned what would Zack and Gojyo have in common to laugh about and why did it unnerve her? She shook her head looking back in to the wardrobe. She had a date on Friday night with a cute blonde smoker she had to have something nice to wear. Something casual, yet nice and feminine at the same time that wasn't pink like the Aerith dress he had seen her in last time.

“Shit… we got movement below.” She heard Zack move and she turned round seeing him jump on the railing before leaping off, the glint of metal the last thing she saw before he vanished over the edge.

“Zack!” J'dee raced out on to the balcony and grabbed on to the rails. She looked down seeing Zack race towards the shadows and she clutched at railing.

 

Gojyo's hand touched her back and she stopped and looked at him.

“He'll be fine, beautiful.” Gojyo smiled. “You worry about him… Or is it Aerith who does?” He asked.

“I… don't know.” J'dee stopped for a moment. “I wish I was stronger so I could fight my own battle. It's unfair to you guys. I don't want to see any of you hurt.” She looked at Gojyo.

His hand moved to lightly brush the hair away from her face and she swallowed as he lent over her.

“Beautiful… I don't mind fighting for the sake of a pretty girl.”

Gojyo's hand moved down her arms his mouth moving close. “So long as I get a reward at the end of it.” He purred seeing her blush. `Oh yeah she wants me…'

“Ahem! Gojyo…”

J'dee pulled back blushing and looked over behind to see Hakkai standing on their balcony.

“Damnit Hakkai.” Gojyo growled.

The green eyed healer just chuckled. “I was wondering if you could check on Goku for me, I just want to know if he's staying the night at Miss Belle's or here.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

“He'll be okay, right?” Misato asked concerned. It was dinner and the Outlaw Star crew was there as well. Her question was directed to Tobias but her gaze was on Shinji, who was nodding off above his plate of pasta and veal.

 

“He'll be okay. The first day is the hardest, and the first week is the hardest week. He'll get used to it, and adjust. After a month, he'll function normally throughout the day as if he never had a training session. And if he forgets to train one day he'll feel bundled up the entire day with extra energy.” Tobias said, before twirling a bunch of pasta onto his fork. He had to admit, he felt great. Maybe he should look into opening a gym of his own?

 

“Maybe Jim should join you guys. He needs to get some muscle on him.” Gene teased. Jim shot him a look.

 

“Always room for more. I could use a sparing partner Gene, so why don't you join us?” Tobias said. Gene paled as the others laughed.

 

As they ate and talked, Tobias fell quiet and watched the others interact. This felt right somehow, we wasn't sure why. Everyone gathered around this table talking about their days, teasing and laughing with each other. He missed his family being with these people, but it felt right somehow. He smiled softly.

 

Maybe, in some way, this was a new family for him to be a part of and watch over.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle did the dishes and watched as Edward and Goku were playing her PS2 while Alphonse rooted for Ed, they were playing one of the Dragonball Z games and it was cute to watch. She sighed as she sat down at the table and began to grade some of the work her students had turned in. As she worked Gojyo and J'dee entered the room to harass the teens playing. The noise was nice and Belle could get used to listening to a full house while working. There was a knock and Belle watched as Gojyo was the one to get up and go to the door.

“I thought Belle would like some help,” Abel's voice spoke and Belle looked up to see Abel enter in his normal clothing.

“You look more like yourself now,” Belle teased and Abel smiled as he looked at her pile of work.

“Oh you've started,” he stated lamely and Belle wondered what Abel wanted.

“Could we talk?” Belle asked and then noted the attention directed at them from Ed, Al, Goku, Gojyo, and J'dee.

“Of course,” Abel said with a grin and Belle grabbed his sleeve and brought him to her room, closing the door and then walking away from the wall.

“What's wrong, Abel?” Belle asked and he blinked at her innocently. “You gave me a weird look when you walked in and I've had enough of weird looks.”

“I'm concerned about Noelle's soul,” Abel stated and Belle nodded.

“I am too,” she said and they stared at each other.

“Do you think her soul is gone?” Abel asked and Belle shrugged.

“I can't tell you that, I'm just hoping that we're not all destined to be some blob of souls. I was kind of hoping for Heaven and angels and all that,” Belle confessed, she looked out the window to see six empty beer cans on her balcony as well as an empty chip bag and the plastic wrap.

“I hope so too, I'm just…I keep thinking I'm talking to Noelle in a second incarnation,” Abel confessed and Belle looked at him before sighing.

“Well you are, in a way,” Belle sighed as she looked at him. “Did you want to say something to her?” Abel dropped to his knees in front of Belle, making her blush as he grabbed her hands and held them to his cheeks.

“I'm sorry Noelle, I'm sorry I couldn't love you,” Abel whispered and Belle's throat closed up in sorrow. She could imagine the sting of one sided love and she felt tears roll down her cheeks at the thought of Abel begging for forgiveness. Wetness touched the backs of her hands and she pulled Abel's face up to look her in the eyes. Abel was crying and Belle fell to her knees in front of him and looked him straight in the eye.

“I forgive you Abel,” Belle said and Abel's eyes watered more as he hugged her and sobbed. Belle stroked Abel's back as he hugged her around her shoulders and she wondered if she could take away any of his pain. Hot moisture collected on Belle's neck where Abel's face was buried and Belle cried herself. With so many guilty over death and her, a living reminder, how could she ever bring peace?

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee looked at the door where Belle and Able had vanished.

“Is she going to screw a priest? If so I should send her to Sanzo that monk needs to get laid.” Gojyo remarked.

J'dee slapped him over the back of the head. “Gojyo not in front of young ears!” She scolded.

Gojyo rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah yeah okay…”

J'dee looked at Goku. “Goku are you staying here to sleep or going back to Sanzo?”

Goku looked at the game then at the kitchen, then to his stomach. Obviously processing what was closer to get to for when he got hungry.

“You know you want to annoy the monk… monkey go on.” Gojyo grinned.

J'dee shot him a look. Gojyo was definitely planning on sending Goku to go annoy Sanzo for the night. She blinked looking at Goku seeing what he would pick.

“Sanzo!” Goku announced.

Ed raised a brow. “What scared I'm going to win?”

Goku turned and looked at Ed with the controller. “Ha not likely!”

“Here we go…” J'dee rolled her eyes heading in to the kitchen to make a hot drink.

Gojyo chuckled as he moved in to the kitchen up behind her listening to Ed and Goku arguing as they continued playing Budokai.

“You I swear.” J'dee mumbled as she put a couple of chamomile tea bags in to a mug before flipping the jug on.

Gojyo chuckled arms slipping round her waist his chin resting on her shoulder holding her.

J'dee felt the blush on her face, she looked down at arms wrapped around her waist. She let her eyes close, she couldn't get attached to these people. It would hurt them and her too much when they went home, but she couldn't gain the courage to tell Gojyo to let go either. Her hand moved over his arm slowly and she turned her head to look at him.

“You're impossible you know that?”

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Time for bed, Shin-man.” Tobias said, picking up the exhausted boy who had fallen asleep during the 11 o'clock news. Taking the sleeping boy to his room, Misato following them, he placed him on the bed. Misato tucked the boy in and they left.

 

“Very paternal, you two.” Tobias frowned as Washu spoke up behind them.

 

“Don't you have an experiment to run or something?” He said. Washu grinned at them, seeing the blush on Misato's face as she stood behind Tobias.

 

“Or something.” Washu said, before heading for her room.

 

“Scientists.” Tobias muttered, turning to face Misato. She just grinned sheepishly at him before heading off to her own room.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle placed another six-pack and sandwich on the balcony before she went to bed. As she was falling asleep she thought she saw a flash of white and blue on the balcony as she fell asleep.

 

~*~*~*~

 

The shadowed figure sat crouched on a rooftop watching the shinigmai and Zack fighting over several minions.

The corner of a mouth tilted up in a grin as the group lost the shadow minions in the playground as they merged with the actual shadows.

 

Zack turned round and he stopped seeing a figure on the roof top and his eyes narrowed as the figure seemed to phase out of sight.

Hisagi stepped up next to him. “Was that what hurt J'dee yesterday?”

Zack looked to the Shinigami and he nodded. “Yeah. They were similar.”

“They're managing to get closer and closer.” Kira frowned.

Zack let out a sigh. “We're going to have to double the watch around the building.”

Renji rolled his eyes. “Why don't any of the others do this? Why us?”

“We're faster.” Zack replied. “I wonder we should have grabbed Misato and Gene's numbers if they have any to call up and check. It can't just be Belle and J'dee they're annoying.”

“It would make sense though two targets under one roof.” Kira pointed out.

Zack frowned. “Definitely double the watch.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle was ready for work and had cleaned up the evidence that Grimmjow had been there. She was setting out a couple more beers another bag of chips and a sandwich.

“Why do you keep doing that?” A voice asked and Belle whipped around to see Grimmjow standing on the balcony. The confusion on his face said he really didn't understand and he wanted to. Belle fought a smile as she thought about curiosity and cats.

“You didn't kill me,” she replied and Grimmjow looked frustrated and Belle stared at him patiently. “I thought you might be hungry and like something to eat and drink. I just wanted to offer you some food and shelter.” He blinked in surprise before he dropped to the balcony.

“Shelter?” he asked and Belle nodded.

“Just a place to rest and be comfortable, I'm gone most of the day and J'dee won't go in my room so you could rest and sleep even,” Belle offered and Grimmjow looking through the window at Belle's bed.

“Whatever,” Grimmjow grunted as he grabbed the sandwich. Belle fought a gasp as Grimmjow seemed to vanish from before her and she sighed before she grabbed her things and went to meet Hugue and Abel.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Again Shinji, but this time hit with the center of your fist.” Tobias instructed. Shinji was panting and dripping with sweat as he stood in front of the slam man.

 

“How do I do that?” Shinji gasped. Tobias held up his right fisted and point at the middle finger with his left index finger.

 

“This is the center of your fist. Everything you have pours into that one spot. So when that hits, all your energy goes from there into the target. Now do it again.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Zack lent against the doorway of the store entrance of her work watching as J'dee moved about the store, she shot him a look and he just smiled in return.

Goku came running in to the store up to the game interactive display unit and motioned. “Hey what game is this?”

“Leggo Batman.” J'dee remarked ruffling up Goku's hair before moving to the doorway and she looked at Zack. “Do you mind? You're blocking the path of customers.”

Zack smiled. “Is that an invitation to come in the store?”

J'dee blushed. “No it's an I'm a big girl I can take care of myself speech.”

“BUNNNNNNY!”

J'dee felt her eye twitch and she looked at the R.A as he motioned out the window. She looked and her eyes went flat watching two women walk part, attractive women in cut off denim shorts and short skirts and big puffy winter jackets.

“Are they insane dressed in skirts?” J'dee whispered. “It's freezing.”

J'dee was well aware as Zack glanced down at her skirt to the SOLDIER like boots on her feet.

“Zack what are you doing?” She whispered.

“You're in a skirt.”

“Did I say skirt I'm sorry I should correct myself and say belts. Because I've seen belts with more length than those skirts.” J'dee grumbled turning round heading back in to the store and Zack followed.

“I've got to do a bank run.” The R.A remarked and she watched him grab a bag from each of the tills the bank book before he ran out the door following the direction of the women.

“Yuck and I thought Gojyo was bad.” Goku remarked as he flicked characters from Leggo Batman to Leggo Robin and began running round the area to find the bad guys to attack.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Work was worse and even Abel was avoiding questions about love triangles. The oh-so discreet students were asking questions about friends of theirs and then continuing on to describe handsome and athletic against cute and academic. Belle was rather sick of it and made the students complete a pop quiz, a move that would make her horribly unpopular but she didn't particularly care.

The worse was lunch when Belle discovered a crowd of girls arguing over how unfair it was for a woman to have two perfect men. Belle chased the girls away in time for Abel and Hugue to show up with lunch and Belle prayed that none of the faculty were talking like the students. She couldn't bear to show her face in the faculty room to find that the young female teachers were saying the same things.

“Belle, you've been awfully quiet,” Abel commented and Belle shook her head.

“Oh, just thinking about how you all have ruined my reputation,” she sighed as she ate her sandwich, maybe she could get Grimmjow to sign up as the newest Vice Principal and he could devour the evil students. Belle laughed at her own imagination and Abel and Hugue simply looked at her.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“At least he stayed away longer this time.” Misato said, as Shinji snoozed after lunch. Tobias chuckled.

 

“Like I said, it'll get better after awhile. But Shinji's a good kid. He'll be fine.” Tobias said, as he finished washing the dishes. Misato stood by the porch door, a can of beer in one hand.

 

“I know he will, but I don't feel we're doing much. All this training and it still rides on him.” Misato said. Tobias frowned and came up to her. He laid a hand on her shoulder.

 

“When you go back, then you can do your part, Misato. With the stuff Washu is gathering, the magi will be at your beck and call. Seele, Gendo, no one can stop you.” Tobias encouraged. Misato sighed.

 

“I hope so.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Lighting a cigarette J'dee walked out of the store having changed to jeans and a turtle neck, she pulled her leather jacket round herself tighter.

Zack walked beside her and she glanced at him before looking down as Goku ran ahead motioning ahead.

“Can we stop for some food?” He asked excitedly.

J'dee looked at him and smiled. “Just a snack… I'm not too hungry and I can't afford much right now.”

Zack tilted his head to the side looking at her. “You look pale are you okay?”

“Change in energy of the area… It's making me feel sick.” J'dee mumbled.

“Does that happen a lot?” Goku frowned.

“I'll be okay after something small to snack on.” She walked up to the nearest KFC. “Addiction here I come.”

She heard Zack chuckle as he walked behind her.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle was getting her mail while Abel and Hugue waited for the elevator. She saw gold out of the corner of her eye.

“Edward if you want something just come out and ask it,” Belle sighed and Ed blushed as he stepped out from around the corner.

“I'm supposed to follow you today,” Ed stated obviously not pleased with that fact.

“Don't worry about it,” Belle said. “Want me to cook you something to eat?” Ed's eyes got big.

“You bet, Mom!” Ed grinned and Belle's heart fluttered, Edward probably didn't notice he'd called her mom. Deep in her heart, she liked it and she wanted to live up to the title.

“How does grilled cheese with tomato soup sound, it's a little chilly but that should fill you up,” Belle said.

“Excellent,” Abel said and Belle saw Hugue and Abel were hanging around as well.

“Oh well, the more the merrier,” Belle sighed.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Sitting inside the KFC J'dee watched as Goku inhaled the food rather than eat it. She looked out the window and she watched a shadow move across the roof tops she blinked as its head turned and looked at her.

She let out a gasp of surprise there was something familiar about the figure before it leapt off the rooftop vanishing in to the shadows of an alleyway.

Zack walked up to the booth sitting down opposite her.

“Are you alright?” He asked.

“They're following me…” She turned to look at Zack.

He nodded. “I know. We're doubling the watch on you both soon.” He picked up a fry slipping it in to his mouth turning to look out the window.

“Don't worry we'll protect you!” Goku announced a bit too loudly.

J'dee smiled at Goku. “Thank you Goku.”

Goku flashed a grin at her in reply before going back to inhale his food at an inhuman pace.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle was about to cook when she saw that the pantry was horribly bare.

“Damn,” she sighed as she looked at the three men. “Looks like you have to work for your dinner.”

“Oh my,” Abel said and there was a knock at the door. Abel answered and Tres was there.

“Havel wants your report, Hugue is to remain with the target,” Tres stated and practically dragged Abel off.

“Well I still have you two,” Belle stated as she quickly went to her room to change. Her neatly made bed was a mess and she smiled as she saw the empty beer cans on the balcony. “I always did like collecting stray cats.” She quickly changed so she could go to the store.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Havoc lent on the balcony watching as J'dee returned back with Zack beside her and the demon boy on the other side. He took a drag of his cigarette, he looked over his shoulder seeing Roy in the apartment even though he lived a block away due to Hawke-eye he was constantly under supervision and dragged back.

 

Roy had mentioned one of their contractors supposedly working under the Fürher had paid him a visit a couple of times. Since then Hawke-eye was by his side or close by.

Havoc turned back looking down at them, he saw Zack look up at him and the SOLDIER just grinned and winked at him.

`You won't be so happy when you know what I have to do tonight…' Havoc thought to himself watching the three as they vanished in to the main entrance below.

 

Roy glanced to Havoc on the balcony, the lieutenant had kept his distance since he'd been given the orders to sleep with the target then let them kill her on her walk home.

He watched the smoke waft from the blonde's mouth and he frowned. He knew hesitation when he saw it, and he knew from experience what happened when one hesitated.

Slipping out on to the balcony he moved up next to Havoc leaning on the railing.

“No matter what remember she used alchemy to take lives, we're here to make sure she doesn't take any more.” Roy looked at him.

Havoc blinked and returned the look. “Sir…”

“Don't hesitate… I don't want to loose any one else on my team.” Roy turned his gaze to the view he could feel Havoc looking at him.

“Understood sir.” Havoc replied. “I won't hesitate.”

“Good…”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle was walking down the aisle with Hugue to her right, Edward had wandered off but Belle didn't mind as she looked at soup prices. Hugue was doing the good job of being a body guard. Belle sighed as she crouched down to grab a larger can of tomato soup, it should be enough for four people. As she stood up her hair fell in to her face, but it didn't bother her. She turned to talk to Hugue only to find him far too close. A deep pink blush covered her cheeks as she looked into deep green eyes. A single, callused finger touched her cheek, moving along the cheekbone, slowly pushing the hair back. As the finger brushed her ear the rest grazed down her neck before brushing her jaw as Hugue moved back.

“Wow,” a voice said and Belle turned to see Kristie and Lauren standing at the front of her cart staring at the two of them like it was the best show in the world. The blush on her cheeks invaded the rest of her face as she realized what her students were concluding.

“Hey Mom, can we get this?” Ed's voice called from behind her and Belle's eyes widened in horror.

“Edward,” she managed to creak out as Ed approached carrying a box of something.

“Mom!” the girls cried and Belle knew her image was forever stained as the girls stared at Edward and then back at Belle. Belle was one of the few teachers who did her best to remain mysterious and kept most of her private live to herself. The girls stared at Edward and back at Belle, their eyes widening and Belle knew that Edward's resemblance to her was enough and then horror increased as they looked at Hugue to Ed and Belle knew that if she were in an anime the background behind her would be shattering and falling apart to a black field.

“Time to go,” Belle groaned as she grabbed Edward and Hugue and managed to push the cart away. “My life cannot get worse!”

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee rolled her sleeves of her puma jacket up as she moved on to the balcony and lit up a cigarette, she heard Goku cheering next door about dinner being served. Obviously Hakkai had cooked the youth a decent sized meal.

J'dee looked at Gojyo as he moved out on to the balcony and she blinked as he looked at her. He smiled at her and she looked away blushing remembering his arms around her from last night.

`Stop it… don't… you look like one of his dead bedroom conquests… It'll just hurt him.' She mentally told herself off. `Do I ever need a night out away from these guys… I'm going stir crazy.'

She heard the door open and looked over seeing Belle enter with Ed and Hughe. Zack looked up and waved at them from where he was sitting on the couch playing her PSP.

She looked on at the image blushing his expression unreadable for the moment as she heard the anguished cry on the PSP of Angeal's transformation.

She stubbed the hardly smoked cigarette out before slipping inside. She moved up behind Zack as he watched the cut scene and she covered his eyes.

“Don't torture yourself with that.” She whispered.

 

Zack lifted her hand up looking up at her. “J'dee…”

“Here.” She took the PSP off him and loaded a different part of the game before handing it back to him. “Go do some squats.”

He laughed and looked on after her as she smiled at him moving to sit down.

“So why the `I can't believe that just happened' face eh Belle?” She asked sitting at the kitchen table crossing her legs watching as her friend was in the kitchen making up a quick meal.

Zack looked down at the game and smiled to himself. Aerith hated to see him hurt as well, even the littlest things that hurt him, seemed to make her sad.

`I know you're in there… no matter what I'm going to make sure you live.'

 

~*~*~*~

 

“It was horrible,” Belle explained to J'dee as she served the soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Zack was sitting next to Ed while Hugue was on the other side.

“Well you are my mom's twin,” Ed said, blushing horribly.

“Ed, I'd be glad to be your mother, however, I'd have had to have been in my early teens to have had you as I am now,” Belle sighed and Ed blinked.

“Oh,” he blushed more.

“Worse because both you and Hugue are blond they probably think that Hugue is your father,” Belle moaned as J'dee turned red trying not to laugh. “You're sympathy towards my plight is breath taking by the way.”

“Sorry,” she managed, giggling only slightly.

“I'm hiring Goku to knock over every rack in the store the next time he guards you at work,” Belle grumbled as J'dee gave in to the battle to laugh. “Today is one of the days I'm seriously thinking about poisoning you.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee laughed. “Ooooh baby… is it rat poison?”

Belle gave her a flat eyed look. “Do you have to be so morbid?”

“No morbid would be telling you to lace my smokes with toxic fluids or horse hairs.” J'dee pointed out nodding her head.

Ed even gave her a look. “There's something wrong with you.”

“Oh don't tempt me.” Belle warned.

Zack let out a breath. “She shatters the hope I have that Aerith will wake up every time she says something like that. I'm just glad Cloud can't hear her talk like that.”

J'dee looked at Zack pointing “Don't bring Cloud into this.” Her cellphone rang and she looked at the number and smiled. “Saved by the bell Zack.” She flipped it out heading on to the balcony. “Jean hey.”

 

Zack stopped hearing the name and he looked on after J'dee as she lent on the railing talking for a moment.

`Jean…' He thought watching her. `Roy what are you planning?' His eyes narrowed. He would have to watch J'dee carefully tonight he could feel it suddenly.

 

It was a quick call before she came back inside smiling.

“So what's this Jean look like?” Zack asked.

J'dee looked at him. “Don't be so noisy.” She flopped on to the couch picking up her PSP and loading one of her Crisis Core levels. “Man I so shoulda bought Shin Budokai for this puppy.”

“How many games are this Goku and his friends in?” Ed asked.

“A heap…” J'dee remarked.

Zack looked over her shoulder at the level, he watched her go up against Sephiroth. “Oh yeah I'm a level fifty I'm so kicking you ass you pompus momma's boy.” She remarked.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“It's quiet.” Tobias commented. He was standing on the porch by the pool, watching the woods with a frown. Misato and Shinji we nearby helping him set up chairs for the party.

 

“What do you mean?” Shinji asked.

 

“The woods, they're usually alive with sounds. Crickets, squirrels, owls, whatever. But now, nothing.” Tobias said. “That only happens when a predator, like a coyote or dog, come through.”

 

“Should we go inside?” Misato asked. Tobias frowned and thought about it.

 

“Yeah, just incase. We can finish setting up in the morning.” He said, turning around. He saw Shinji's wide smile, and smirked evilly. “But after training.”

 

“Aw.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

As Belle cleared the table she sighed.

“I'm glad tomorrow we go to Toby's for his picnic thing,” Belle sighed as she heard a knock before the door opened and Ikkaku and Yumichika entered.

“What's up?” J'dee asked from the couch where she was playing her Crisis Core.

“We want you girls to lock your doors,” Ikkaku said and Belle started doing the dishes.

“We always lock the apartment door,” Belle said.

“No, all the doors, windows, bedroom doors, even,” Yumichika said. “We also want to station at least one guard in the living room.” Belle paused.

“What's going on?” Zack asked and Ikkaku grunted.

“We've been seeing shadows, not much more, but they're following the girls, we're worried they may try alternate routes to get to them,” Yumichika explained.

“That's not good,” Ed said, his eyes moving to Belle with obvious concern.

“I'll be fine Ed,” Belle said.

“Just be careful,” Ikkaku ordered.

“We will,” Belle stated.

 

~*~*~*~

Later that night…

 

Zack moved across the balcony of the apartment building his eyes narrowed as he crouched down on the ledge outside the room that he was sure this was Roy's new apartment.

`What the hell is she doing?' He thought looking in the window he was expecting Roy to be inside but stopped dead seeing Havoc leaning up against the bench talking to J'dee they were talking over a couple of drinks and he blinked.

“Havoc… Well that's not what I was expecting.”

 

Havoc looked to the window and he saw Zack crouched outside and his eyes narrowed, Roy was right about the SOLDIER's over protective nature to follow her, if it wasn't Zack to expect the long red headed guy with red eyes, one of the two she was never without them, like they were attached to her hip.

Pushing himself from the bench where he lent he put the mug on the sink and moved up to where J'dee sat.

She blinked looking up at him as his hand moved to the side of her face pushing the hair from her skin. He pulled the mug from her hand lightly before setting it on table and helping her up and she looked baffled for a moment as he quietly led her to the bedroom.

 

Havoc closed the door, the curtains were drawn wide open so if Zack were to play the peeping Tom he would be spotted.

“You're cute… know that?” Havoc looked at her as she lent against the door, it was like she was ready to bolt but she didn't.

J'dee let out a breath. “I hear that all the time, cute, angelic, pretty beautiful you name it I've heard it.”

Havoc looked at her. “You don't believe them?”

“I had a jerkwad of a father okay? He not once said anything encouraging or nice.” She crossed her arms.

Havoc's hand moved to the door resting beside her head, he lent down looking at her and she blinked.

“Well believe me when I say it's true.” His mouth moved over hers and she was rigid for a moment, then he felt the hand move up his arm to the back of his head pulling him down more.

“If I say I do. Does that mean I get laid?” She murmured against his lips.

Havoc almost coughed and looked at her. “I can't figure you out, you know that.”

She grinned. “Good. I don't want to be figured out.” Her hand moved to his shirt playing with the top button. “I always did have a thing for blue eyed blondes… I couldn't figure out why they were so drawn to me.”

Havoc's mouth moved to her neck as her fingers undid the top button slowly. “Figured it out yet?” He whispered as his free hand slipped under her top pulling it up.

“Yeah.” She breathed. “It's another lifetime ago… I'm not that girl anymore though.”

 

Zack sat on the ledge his head leaning back against the bricks listening to the sounds of clothes coming off hitting the ground. Every inch of him wanted to burst in there and stop them, but he just couldn't do it, her words `I'm not that girl anymore' seemed to ring through his ears, every time she had her hair up and looked at him with that confused naïve look he felt even deeper that she was that girl… she was Aerith.

His hand moved to his forehead as he heard the bed squeak. `She always attracted blue eyed blondes…' he thought. `Aerith… if we both had lived who would you have chosen?' He thought to himself.

It was that awkward triangle that J'dee had showed him several fan fics based round till he doubted himself.

J'dee had turned round and just smiled and stupidly saying. `Don't worry I'd always pick you over Cloud.'

She had her moments where she was still as naïve and innocent constantly blaming her country upbringing and over protective parents for that.

“If you wake up inside her Aerith what happens then?” Zack looked up at the midnight sky, one leg pulled up on the ledge the other dangling over the edge.

 

~*~*~*~

 

As Belle put out another sandwich and a couple beers she didn't remember to lock the door as she went to sleep. It was an honest mistake, but one that would prove to be monumental.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Tobias lay on his back in bed, staring up at the ceiling as he thought. Something didn't feel right. He felt watched, like someone was following his every move. Washu scanned the house regularly for bugs but so far nothing.

 

But why did he feel like some one was following every move he made carefully?

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee's hand moved to her face as she lay on her back, the blanket pulled up to cover her body, she listened to Jean arguing with a familiar but muffled voice and she pulled the blanket around her slipping up to the door she opened it a bit peaking through the crack and stopped dead seeing Zack standing in the lounge arguing with Jean.

“What the hell?” She whispered.

`Did Zack follow me? Oh god if he did he is so dead… again…' J'dee thought angrily. She knew she had been followed it had been Zack all along and she was ready to barge out there to tell the former SOLDIER off but he spoke and it made her stop.

 

“Havoc… stop following orders for once and follow what you feel, you know this isn't right… Don't do this. Help us help her.” Zack seemed to plead.

“I'm not going to disobey Roy. I said I'd follow him and I will, no matter what he asks of me I owe the Colonel that much.” Jean stated.

 

J'dee pulled back for a moment. “Oh God… I slept with Havoc.” She whispered and shut the door leaning against it she held the sheet around her body sliding down the door she looked to her small silver bag then her clothes in a pile on the floor.

She knew her legs weren't going to be much use to her at the current moment to fight an escape. She was dead exhausted clutching at the sheet she looked to the window then at the door.

“Beats the walk of shame.” She whispered moving to her clothes and grabbing them and dressing hurriedly.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“I'm taking her home.” Zack walked towards the bedroom and Havoc stepped in the way.

“I can't let you do that.” He shook his head.

Zack growled. “I'm not watching her die again!” He pushed past the door swung open with a bang.

Zack stopped seeing the window wide open her clothes and bag gone.

Havoc looked round him. “Roy is going to burn me alive.”

Zack raced up to the window and he looked out it. He blinked seeing J'dee down the fire escape and she landed on the ground in a crouch, her hand moving over her stomach for a moment.

“Damnit. What is she running from?”

Havoc flopped against a wall lighting a cigarette calmly. “You didn't read the file Ed stole properly then did you. Always read the fine print. The Colonel said she would try to slip out she never stays the night at a guys place, she leaves.”

Zack turned round. “He's going to attack her on the way home?! Over my dead body!” He climbed out the window and leapt from the ledge landing on a nearby rooftop in a crouch.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee found the alleyway with the stairs and she stopped, she could feel the pain in her stomach rise up and her hand moved over it.

“Close to home…” She began to jog up the stairs and she was aware of a figure descending the stairs only like normal people he didn't move to the side he stopped right in her path and he was huge.

She looked up seeing a muscle bound oaf she froze her mind flashing as she acknowledged who he really was.

`Armstrong… oh fuck.' She thought looking up at the blonde moustache and the small tuff of blonde hair.

She stepped back grabbing on to the railing.

In true Armstrong fashion he ripped his shirt off before flexing his muscles, she was sure there were even sparkles.

“Welcome traitor to the end of rampage for I Alexand-”

“Fuck this!” J'dee snapped and took a move out of Ed's books using her height or lack there of to dive under the low railing and run up the stairs on the other side of the alleyway.

J'dee made it to the top of the stairs looking back at him and she saw Armstrong's fist hit the ground and the stairs began to form into spikes and shoot out of the ground.

 

J'dee let out a cry diving round the corner and she hit something solid as arms wrapped around her catching her.

“Terribly sorry… that was a bit extreme of him.” The smooth voice remarked. “We don't want to damage your world.”

J'dee pulled back falling over and looked up. Standing over her an attractive raven haired man. She blinked. This was what Roy Mustang looked like in the flesh she swallowed.

“Fuck.” She breathed. “Roy.”

“I believe that was Havoc you did.” He remarked. “A parting gift from myself I hope you enjoyed it.” He stated coolly slipping on one white glove.

J'dee blushed and looked behind herself seeing Armstrong come up the stairs and the female blonde who she assumed to be Hawke-eye across the road a gun drawn and pointed in her direction.

Roy pulled out a second white glove from his pocket calmly. “Hawke-eye thought it might rain so she made me take these off.” He pulled the second glove on calm and cool. “Since we were summoned and I only have one spare I have to be very careful you see.”

“What did I do?” J'dee demanded.

“You read the file Zack gave you what do you think you did?”

“I never sided with KIMBLY! I haven't even met him!” J'dee snapped. “I haven't killed thousands of people! I'm not a murderer I don't sacrifice goats or eats babies or bathe in the blood of virgins. That was a load of bollocks who do you think I am Elizabeth Bathory?”

Roy held his hand up. “Regardless of what you did or didn't do. Your death returns us home and there is nowhere else we would rather be. I think your world will vouch for that in six months time.”

J'dee froze. “Would you do that to Ed and Al?! Make them suffer her loss again!” She challenged.

Roy froze for the moment. “What do you mean?”

“You kill me those assigned to kill me go home, where do you think Ed and Al are right now?” J'dee asked. “She looks like her. Could you live with yourself ripping them away from a part of their mother's soul?”

“Sir!” Hawke-eye shouted. “Don't listen to her!”

The sound of a bullet reverberated in the area.

 

J'dee saw the flash of steel and she looked up at Zack standing in front of her his sword drawn. The bullet clattered against the ground.

“Zack…”

He looked over his shoulder at her. “Time for you to go home don't you think?”

She nodded and stood up.

“Let me handle Zack Colonel.” Armstrong stepped in front.

Zack looked at him and he smirked. “After you big guy.”

J'dee ran and she heard the snap of fingers and she could feel the heat of flames coming up from behind and she dove round a lamp post she stopped as she felt another rush of flames come up from behind her in the other direction blocking the first set of flames.

She stopped and looked behind and blinked seeing the white tunic and pants emerge from amongst the flames.

“Kougaiji…” She breathed.

He looked at her as he walked past. “You owe me witch. Reverse the curse and it's even.”

J'dee's mouth moved before she nodded her head. “Okay. I'll do what I can.”

 

Roy raised a brow looking at the red haired male walking towards him slowly. Zack jumped back spinning his sword round blocking Armstrong's attacks.

Roy snapped his fingers burning the ricochets before they reached him. He looked at the target in the distance standing behind the lamp post looking on at them.

“You look like the type to protect what you care for.” The red head remarked.

“Maybe I am.” Roy looked at the tanned man the flame like mark on the left side of the man's face.

“You won't kill her.” He held up his own gloved hand.

Roy heard the chant begin and he saw the target's eyes widen.

“Kougaiji! NO! Don't!!” She raced up behind him throwing her arms round him, pinning his arms to his side. “No Kougaiji I won't find the spell if you do this.”

Roy looked at the target as she looked at him. He understood she knew he had to kill her, yet she was willing to protect him from a power he had yet to witness. Her words rang through his ears, it was a low blow, and it was a cheap and dirty trick to pull Ed and Al in to this. She wanted to buy her time to live, he understood that. But to protect him and his team at the same time.

“Zack… was right about you.” Roy spoke.

She looked at him blinking. “He was.”

“A gentle woman who wouldn't hurt anyone.” Roy looked up at the rooftop seeing the shadow like figure looking down at him. “Major… Stop.” He ordered.

Armstrong stopped mid punch and Zack flipped back several feet landing in a crouch his hand on his blade looking at them.

“They win. I'd never hear the end of it from Full Metal if we took him away from what he's been missing all these years.” Roy remarked. “Even if I won't be able to see him behind the paper work his voice is annoying enough to let me know he's there.”

 

Roy saw the target smile. “You mean…” She asked.

“You win… besides I always steal Havoc's women… it would be no fun if you were to die now.”

Her mouth moved for a moment stunned. “Wait just a minute just because I slept with him does not make me his woman!”

“Even easier then.” Roy smiled.

“Hey who are you calling easy!” She shouted angrily.

 

Zack's arms went round her and she let out a startled cry as he held her close, he looked at Roy. “Tomorrow I believe you know where Toby's is.”

“We have his file.” Roy stated. “We know.”

Zack nodded. “We'll fill you in on what you missed on the meeting.” He looked to Kougaiji. “That invite includes you friend.”

Kougaiji looked over his shoulder at Zack. “If the monk's there, then I won't be.”

Zack raised a brow. “There's a lot of priests… so that's a no?”

Kougaiji huffed. “You'll see me when I want you to.”

Zack watched as he phased out and he looked at J'dee. “Is he always that… anti-social?”

J'dee just nodded. “Yeah.” Her hand moved to cover her face. “You'll get used to it.”

Zack shook his head. “Lets get you home to rest.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle woke up strangely warm and sighed, doing her best to ignore the light shining in through the balcony window. She curled up closer to the source of the warmth unit she slowly realized what her nervous system was telling her. She was pressed against something warm when by all logic she should be the warmest thing in her bed. She was also feeling warm skin under her hands and she wasn't touching herself. She could also smell a scent that was both masculine and the gamey smell of a large predator combined.

Slowly Belle opened her eyes to see the base of a neck, just inches from her face. She managed to keep from making a sound. Her hands were pressed against both pectoral muscles on the chest in front of her. She slowly looked up the neck at the face. The sharp bone teeth slightly hid the corner of the smirk on Grimmjow's face.

“Grimmjow,” Belle managed as the blood drained from her face.

“I was invited,” he stated and Belle realized that she had never specified that he could only use her bed when she wasn't in it.

“I didn't mean crawl into bed with me,” she stated, still keeping her voice somewhat steady. Grimmjow shrugged as he smirked more.

“So, you gonna keep feeling me up, because I don't mind returning the favor,” he grinned and Belle rolled out of bed so fast she fell with a thump.

“Why me?” she moaned as she looked up to see Grimmjow grinning at her from the edge of her bed, obviously enjoying the warm spot of her body heat.

 

 

 

To be continued…..