Lupin III Fan Fiction ❯ Love Potion Fujiko Mine ❯ The Way Back ( Chapter 29 )

Love Potion Fujiko Mine

By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki

(Lupin isn't mine. Jigen talks to Andrea, Fujiko talks to Goemon and Lupin hits on Samara all while Zenigata follows them back to Gozo.)

Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Way Back

Jigen was back at the wheel of the ship, smoking a cigarette and dressed again. Someone opened the control room door so he glanced over his shoulder, finding it was Andrea, " What do you want? " He muttered, looking ahead again.

" Jigen? "

" Yes. What is it? " Jigen muttered.

" I wanted to apologize, " Andrea said as she lingered in the doorway. " I really behaved like an ass earlier. "

" Is that why you stayed on this ship? Was it to ask me to forgive you? " Jigen didn't bother to look at Andrea. He was spitting mad at Andrea over the way she had treated him on deck.

" I know you probably won't but I wanted to ask anyway, " Andrea said

" You can kiss my ass, " Jigen growled. " No woman treats me like that. I don't care what idea you had in your head that was just downright wrong. I did everything I could to treat you like that lady I thought you were before that damn newspaper came out. "

" Please listen to me, " Andrea pleaded, her quiet voice trembling as if she were reaching deep inside for the strength to speak. " You don't understand what we've been through… what I've been through. "

" I really don't want to know what happened to you now. It's no reason to take it out on me. I mean, if you wanted to talk to me about it back at the cottage, I would have listened but it's too late now. "

Andrea sighed, " I'm sorry about not believing you but there were things that happened to me before I was rescued. I wasn't just another girl kidnapped to be a slave for those men and their plan. "

" Please enlighten me on why you were so different, " Jigen stubbed out his cigarette on the heel of his shoe and flicked it in the trash.

" I was kidnapped so our father would give that map to Fabian. I had gone to see an old friend and the two of us were kidnapped at the same time, " Andrea moved into the control room and shut the door behind her. She took a seat on one of the benches.

" An old friend? " Jigen arched an eyebrow. " What was her name? "

" Annalisa Namura, " Andrea said. " We went to school with her and had a lot of the same classes. Mr. Capistrano, I mean Fabian, was our chemistry teacher when she was fourteen and Samara and I were eighteen. Annalisa was really smart so she was ahead of everyone else her age. "

" What the fuck? " Jigen nearly shouted. He stopped looking ahead and turned to look at Andrea. " What did you just say? "

" I said that Fabian was our chemistry teacher, " Andrea looked confused. " We met in his class. Annalisa was a teacher's pet because she was so smart but she talked to us a lot. "

" Chemistry? " Jigen muttered. " Tell me some more. This just got ten times more interesting. "

" What is there to tell? " Andrea looked at Jigen. " Annalisa spent all of her time before and after school with Fabian. They were studying something big but it wasn't until recently that we found out what. "

" This makes things look a lot different, " Jigen reached into his jacket and got out a cigarette. He lit it and took the first drag as he thought about what Andrea had told him. " What kind of relationship did Fabian have with Annalisa? " He asked.

" It seemed a little indecent to Samara and I but Annalisa said nothing was going on. They just got along really well but it was a little too well if you ask me. He always seemed to look at her in a way that gave Samara and I the creeps. It was like he was undressing her with his eyes and thinking about screwing her all the time. "

" So are you saying there was something like a teacher student romance going on? " Jigen said as his mind continued to process the information Andrea was giving him.

" Yeah. Samara said Annalisa had wanted get married to him when she was older. She mentioned that she was certain he would be rich some day but never gave details, " Andrea looked around. " Do you mind if I drink? "

" I have a bottle of scotch in here but we'll have to share a glass. You want some? " Jigen offered. " Do you mind? "

" Oh. I don't mind, " Andrea said.

Jigen got the scotch and poured a glass, offering Andrea the glass first. As she took a drink, a question came to mind. " Say, how did you get kidnapped? The two of you are guerillas, right? You should have had a gun on you somewhere. "

Andrea drank half the glass and handed it to Jigen, " We always have our guns on the islands but we usually don't carry them if we have to go to Gozo for any reason. It makes the police a little uncomfortable, " Andrea chuckled. " It makes them really uncomfortable. "

" Ah, " Jigen nodded and took a drink. " That does make sense and everything you told me makes sense too. I'm still a little foggy on how Fabian fits in to all of this though. Did he want the treasure because he found out about it or is there something more to it than that? "

Andrea looked at floor and bit her lip as she thought it over. " Well, his ancestors were sank off the coast of the main island but they made it to Gozo. For a long time, they were shunned and looked upon with distain because everyone thought they were going to turn up with leprosy and the nightmare would start all over again. "

" So by the time his ancestors came along, all of the lepers were exiled to those islands? " Jigen asked.

Andrea nodded, " His family finally gained some credibility once none of them turned up with the disease but it was said the ostracizing made them a little off in the head. Andrea's the real expert on that bastard. I've told you all that I know now. "

" It really shouldn't matter now anyway, " Jigen leaned back on the bench. " I mean, if he got blown up earlier, that should be the end of it. "

" Actually, " Andrea sighed. " I'm afraid that ruined our chances. We've always been non-violent but daddy snapped when he heard about all of the things that happened to me and what Fabian did to me. "

" Yeah. I noticed the marks on your stomach and chest. I was a little busy to ask about then and really thought it was none of my business, " Jigen gave Andrea a sheepish grin. " They looked like bug bites to me. "

" They are marks from a cattle prod, " Andrea whispered.

" That was my other guess, " Jigen muttered.

" He also forced a lot of truth serum through me to tell him everything. Luckily, I have a high resistance to drugs so I was barely able to lie about what kind of weapons we had on hands, " Andrea gave a tiny smile. " He sure got a nasty surprise, huh? "

" I'd say so, " Jigen reached into his jacket and got out a cigarette. He offered it to Andrea, " Smoke? "

Andrea took the cigarette, " Thanks. "

Jigen lit the cigarette and then took another swig of scotch. " I'm sure the government will understand, " He said after he swallowed the drink. " I mean, after everything Fabian did, they should understand. "

" I hope they do, " Andrea said solemnly.

" Could you tell me what the government has to do with this? " Jigen tilted his fedora back on his head so Andrea could see his eyes. " I keep hearing all of this stuff about it and this vote that's supposed to happen but I don't know what's going on with that. "

" The government is voting in five days on whether to name the islands a historical site or not. If they do, the treasure and the islands will be protected, " Andrea sighed. " It will make our dream of our ancestors being remembered come true. "

Jigen took another drink when he realized something. He swallowed the scotch quickly and looked at Andrea. " Hold on a second. If they do that, no one will get the treasure. "

Andrea shook her head, " Not exactly. If we grant the permission, historical societies can come in and bring treasure up for museum exhibits. "

" Yeah but not just anyone can dive for it if that happens, " Jigen said.

" Exactly. "

Jigen pulled his fedora back down over his eyes and got out another cigarette. He lit it and took a long drag from it before standing up. " I'm going for a walk. "

Andrea blinked in surprise, " What's wrong? "

" Lady Luck has just turned her back on us again, " Jigen muttered before opening the door and walking out of the control room.

**

Goemon sat on the couch, a bottle of sake on the table in front of him and a glass of the wine in his hand. He swirled it around but he hadn't really drank much of it. He was thinking about how Fujiko had stayed with Lupin after they had returned and how she stuck with him after the incident with the Kilbrid Twins on the deck.

He had been thinking about it since he had gotten dressed and the thoughts hadn't left his mind at all. He shut his eyes and took a drink, ~what is this strange feeling I have for her? She is obviously through with me so why can't I convince myself I'm through with her? ~

He reached for Zantetsuken when he heard someone come into the room but froze when a slender feminine hand lightly touched his shoulder. " Care to share? " Fujiko asked, her sultry voice sending a jolt of electricity through him. He felt another jolt as she walked around the couch to stand in front of him.

His mouth went dry as he couldn't help but look over the sight before him. Fujiko wore a fairly short red baby doll nightgown and little red slippers that matched. Thin satin spaghetti straps held the little gown on her body, the silk it was made from flowing like red wine over her curves. He looked away when he realized just how much of her cleavage was showing.

" There's plenty of sake so I see nothing wrong with it, " He replied as he tried to stay emotionless as possible. He looked at her again when she nimbly plucked his glass out of his hand and finished what was left in it. " I prefer you use a glass of your own. "

Fujiko picked up the bottle and refilled the glass. " I don't see what's wrong with yours. "

" It is mine, " Goemon said then crossed his arms over his chest. " Or at least it was mine. Damn it woman, were you wearing that earlier? "

" Yes I was. Here, " Fujiko sat down on the couch and offered the glass back, " I just wanted a little. Take it back if it's that important. "

Goemon took the glass back and closely inspected it before turning it so he wasn't drinking from the same side of the glass Fujiko had drank from. " Why are you here? " He muttered before taking a drink.

" If I remember correctly, we have some unfinished business to take care of. I hate leaving unfinished business alone for too long, " Fujiko sighed. She reached for the glass again but Goemon pulled it out of her reach. Fujiko arched an eyebrow, " Do you prefer I drink from the bottle? "

Goemon thought it over for a moment then offered her the glass, " Please don't. I would not be very lady like of you to do so. "

Fujiko took the glass and drank. She handed it back when she was finished, " I hope you are ready to hear what I have to say to you. "

" What need is there to say anything, Fujiko? " Goemon took a drink. " It is obvious that you have chose Lupin. "

Fujiko shut her eyes, " Goemon. Look. "

" You do not need to explain. I am simply another notch on your lipstick case, correct? " Goemon said then drank the rest of the sake in his glass.

" I never said that, " Fujiko opened her eyes. " You're more to me than that. "

" I was being honest to you in the hotel so you could at least be honest to me now, " Goemon reached for the sake bottle but it wasn't on the table. He frowned when he found Fujiko was still holding it.

" I honestly can't remember what you said to me then, " Fujiko whispered. " I was such a mess. "

Goemon growled, " I knew it was a waste of breath. "

" Can you say it to me again? " Fujiko reached for his arm but he pulled away.

" It is not worth repeating, " Goemon said sharply.

" It was worth saying in the first place so it is worth repeating, " Fujiko snatched the glass from Goemon and refilled it. She drained it then filled it again, " But you'd rather be hard-headed. "

" I'm not being hard-headed, " Goemon countered. He looked at Fujiko then looked away. " Damn it woman. Why didn't you put on some clothes before you came in here? "

" I didn't want to wake Lupin, " Fujiko said.

" I see, " Goemon nodded once. " You came from him to speak to me. "

" It's not what you think. I haven't done anything with him, " Fujiko stopped. " I mean, I don't think he wants to do anything with me until we've decided what's going on between us. "

" You can talk all you want because you've got my undivided attention, " Goemon said. " I'm going to tell you now that I don't want to hear any promises or any lies. Please just tell me what you feel for me. "

" We'll probably look back and laugh about this later, " Fujiko said.

" I doubt it, " Goemon shook his head.

" Please tell me what you said to me back at the hotel again, " Fujiko grabbed one of his hands up in both of hers. " I promise to listen to every word this time. I swear I will. "

Goemon took a deep breath as he tried to still his nerves. " I told you that there's something inside of you that only Lupin can see. Jigen and I can't see it but he can. "

" Is that it? " Fujiko arched an eyebrow.

" I also said that I don't hate you, just the things you do. Do you recall the things you said to me? " Goemon's gaze was fixed straight ahead.

" I remember a little, " Fujiko whispered. " I meant what I said about thinking about you getting me through. "

" I wish that were not the truth, " Goemon shut his eyes.

" But it is, " Fujiko said. " Goemon, I do have feelings for you and I guess I love you but it isn't the way I love Lupin. "

" You guess you love me? " Goemon opened his eyes and looked at her. " You said that you did love me at the mansion. "

" I was just saying it then to get you to screw me again, " Fujiko took her left hand off Goemon's hand and put it on his cheek. " I'm sorry for that. "

Goemon put his right hand on the hand she had on his face. He moved to pull it away but she wouldn't let him. " So now you say you guess you love me, " Goemon said. " How does Lupin feel about this or does he know? "

" He's the one who told me to talk to you, " Fujiko looked into Goemon's eyes.

" He did? " Goemon arched an eyebrow.

Fujiko nodded, " Yes. How do you feel about me, Goemon? "

" I don't know how I feel about you because the only times we've been together have either been hostile or… " Goemon blushed slightly.

" I understand, " Fujiko stroked his cheek. " Do you need time to figure it out? "

" Perhaps. I do not want to lose you as a friend though, " Goemon said.

" You're so sweet, " Fujiko whispered as she leaned and kissed him. She stopped when she felt he wasn't returning the kiss. She opened her eyes and found he was just staring at her. " What's wrong? "

" I wish that you would not do that, " Goemon said quietly. " It confuses me about what we should do. "

" You need to think about it and so should I. We have to answer that question before it tears us all apart, " Fujiko sighed as she moved back. Goemon visibly relaxed as the distance between them increased, even if it was only a little bit.

Goemon cut his eyes towards her, " I feel like I want to be more open to you because of what happened between us. Knowing your nature, I'm afraid to be unguarded though. This confuses me so much. "

" I feel the same way, " Fujiko said. " I felt like we connected on a whole different level. "

" We connected, yes. I see you in a different light. I feel more tolerant of you, " Goemon said the words evenly and his tone was straight forward. " I feel I can work with you with out so much strife between us now. "

Fujiko giggled, " Jigen's going to have puppies when he finds out. "

Goemon nodded, " But you're forgetting what I told you about him. "

" I remember it. You said he sees me as a wayward little sister and he just wants me to behave, " Fujiko smirked. " I don't I can behave though. "

Goemon arched an eyebrow, " Really? "

" It's too much fun pissing him off, " Fujiko said.

Goemon thought it over and smirked. " Yes. He is rather amusing when he's mad. "

" I can't push him too far or he might break his policy of not shooting women, " Fujiko chuckled but stopped when she noticed Goemon's grave look. " I forgot. But it was self-defense, right? "

" That's what he says and I don't know how much to believe, " Goemon shut his eyes. " Perhaps more of the story will come to light. "

" You were looking for her, right? " Fujiko knew she didn't have to say Annalisa's name.

" Indeed I was. I am still in the dark about to tell her father. He might set that psychopathic goat loose on us, " Goemon sounded serious. Fujiko laughed out loud but Goemon failed to see the humor. " What's so funny?

" You're afraid of a goat, " Fujiko said through her laughing.

" You don't understand. This goat can break through glass with her head and Annalisa's father had to install bulletproof glass to put a stop to it, " Goemon was serious but the statement just made Fujiko laugh more. " Feh. Why I do I bother? "

" I'm sorry but it's just too cute, " Fujiko's laughing died down. " Are you afraid she'll eat Zantetsuken? "

" I believe the alcohol has affected you now, " Goemon muttered. " I am cutting you off. "

" Oh don't be so uptight, " Fujiko giggled. She reached into his gi and started to tickle him.

" Woman! " He growled then broke into laughing. " Not right there! I'm ticklish right there! "

" I knew it! Come on! Laugh! " Fujiko squealed as she tickled him more.

Goemon reached over and tickled Fujiko's side, " Two can play this game! "

**

Jigen walked aimlessly through the boat. As he neared the lounge, he heard both Fujiko and Goemon. They were giggling like they were having a lot of fun. He knew that Goemon had been drinking in the lounge but didn't know Fujiko was with him.

~Ah crap. I think I'll just go up on deck… ~ Jigen turned on his heel and walked toward the stairs that led up. ~She doesn't know when to give up. ~

Jigen turned a corner and nearly slammed into Lupin. He looked at his friend and frowned. " I thought you were sleeping. "

" Nah. I was listening to your conversation with Andrea, " Lupin reach over and plucked a piece of lint off of Jigen's shoulder. " I'd say this new design is a success. "

" You heard everything? " Jigen asked as he narrowed his eyes to get a better look at the wire.

Lupin nodded, " Yeah. It was all rather interesting. While I listened, I did some more research on Fabian. "

" There was more to learn about that guy? " Jigen reached into his jacket for a cigarette.

" Sure. Once I knew his last name, a lot of shit turned up. That guy was a genius when it came to chemistry. He was working on a lot of stuff, publicly and privately. Want to hear about it? " Lupin offered Jigen a light.

Jigen let Lupin light his cigarette. He took a drag then exhaled, " Enlighten me. "

" I want to tell Fujiko and Goemon as well, " Lupin stopped when Fujiko laughed particularly loud. " Do I even want to know? "

" I don't think so, " Jigen shook his head. " Goemon and her seem to be having a lot of fun in the lounge. "

" Ah. I guess we should leave them alone then. I guess I'll tell them when they are sober, " Lupin muttered.

" Goemon was really slamming back the sake before I went back to the control room, " Jigen looked towards the lounge. " You might want to wait until their hangovers wear off in the morning. "

" They better wear off quick. A helicopter is following us and I have a feeling that it is Pops, " Lupin sighed.

" Doesn't he ever give up? " Jigen shook his head. " We've been a bunch of friggin' boy scouts this time around so he should at least respect that. "

" I've already taken care of it, " Lupin smirked. " I told our chivalrous tale to one of the local newspapers and they have agreed to print it in the morning. "

Jigen smiled, " You think of everything. "

" I can't help it. It's a habit " Lupin grinned. His expression took on a mischievous look. " So, are you going to forgive the girl? "

Jigen narrowed his eyes, " I'm considering it. "

" Why don't you? " Lupin put his arm around Jigen. " If what you said about her is true… "

" Lay off, " Jigen pushed Lupin's arm away. " If it comes to that it will be my business. "

" I was just going to suggest that it's a lovely night outside and there's some extra blankets. Maybe you two could spend tonight under the stars. "

Jigen chuckled, " Lupin. "

" Come on, " Lupin pointed to the window. " Look at all the stars and the full moon. "

" If you want to play some dirty trick on Pops, do it yourself. I'm not sleeping with my girl out in the open, " Jigen said.

Lupin acted insulted, " I wasn't suggesting that at all! You have such a dirty mind! "

Jigen pushed Lupin to the wall, " Yeah and you're the Pope. I got to get back to the control room. "

Lupin smirked, " Have fun. "

Jigen gave Lupin a wicked grin, " I will. "