By: Thursday's Child

Disclaimer: The characters in this story belong to Broderbund software and DIC corp. I am not making any profit from this piece of fiction.

This story is the sequel to my story ‘Isn’t there a rule?’. It might help if you read that story before this, although you don’t have to. Also, keep an eye out for the next story in this sequence, ‘She said I was a what?!”

Summary: It’s been nearly six months since Carmen regained her memory. In this time, things have been the same as always. It’s as if nothing happened between Gwenivere/Carmen and Ivy. No one ever found out Ivy helped Carmen. Carmen has decided it’s time to clear the air between Ivy and herself. This results in a short but sweet resolution to their relationship.

Warning!!! This story contains loving, romantic relationship between two females. If this kind of story bothers you, don’t read it!

The sun was setting over San Francisco. What a beautiful sight! It held all sorts of romantic possibilities. However, Ivy Parker wasn’t watching it for an euphoric feeling. She was melancholy and despondent. She knew that wasn’t fair to those who cared for her, but she couldn’t stop her feelings.

Chasing Carmen Sandiego was no longer fun for Ivy. The elusive thief still provided a challenge, but that wasn’t what Ivy longed for now. She wanted someone to talk to her like Gwenivere had. An intelligent person who cared for her and wasn’t afraid to show emotions.

The past six months had been the most difficult for Ivy. Carmen’s taunts never gave her the slightest bit of hope. Instead, the fact that she had reverted to her old ways crushed any feeling of optimism Ivy had for the future of their relationship.

Despite her growing feelings for Carmen, Ivy still had a job to do. That job was to put Carmen Sandiego, the world’s greatest thief, in prison. But, that job description left out all the things Ivy knew of her. Beauty! Vulnerability! Love! Humanity! Some of mankind’s most wonderful qualities manifested themselves in Carmen.

Christmas was quickly approaching, a time for sharing and love. This year, for the first time ever, all Ivy felt was the cold. The cold outside, and the cold in her heart. She wished she could steal the warmth that fairly radiated from the woman she cared deeply for, Carmen Sandiego.

That would never be. Ivy was sure of that fact. Even if she could overcome the deeply rooted fear of intimacy she faced, she feared the relationship couldn’t work. The reason was, Carmen showed no emotions whatsoever that she wanted Ivy for anything more than a toy. *

Carmen prowled the hall of the museum, each step filled with power and skill. She had discarded her red coat, baring a blue neoprene suit instead that hugged every inch of her body. Around her hips, hanging low was a red belt.

Ivy was entranced-mesmerised-with the dangerous, predatory smile that played across Carmen’s face. She felt cornered, even though she was supposedly the hunter.

Carmen closed in on Ivy, taking the detective’s delicate arm in her hand. “Hello, Detective.” She purred, running her thumb over the sensitive skin on the inside of Ivy’s wrist.

Ivy shivered, looking up at the face of her adversary. Her red fedora was gone, on purpose. Instead, dark curls tumbled over Carmen’s shoulders and forehead, covering her left eye. The other eye retained the stunning ability to pin Ivy to the wall. “Let go.” Ivy demanded, tugging to pull away. She was surprised when Carmen didn’t relent.

“No.” Carmen replied, broadening her smile.

“Please.” Ivy breathed weakly, backing against the wall.

“There’s an issue we need to deal with, Detective.” Carmen whispered. “I’m not the only one hiding from something.”

“What do you mean.” Ivy asked as Carmen invaded her space. She continued to struggle, only to feel the grip tighten, although not painfully.

“Why Ivy, are you coy on purpose?”

The detective looked indignant. “No, I’m just confused!” She protested. She lifted her left hand to push Carmen away and found it pinned to the wall above her head before she could register what was happening.

Carmen made a soft tisking noise. “You’re hiding right now. You’re so worried of what might happen between us you go deep inside yourself and only a frightened little girl is left.” She leaned in close, her breath tickling Ivy’s ear and neck. “Why are you hiding?”

Ivy let out a soft whimper and Carmen abruptly released her, placing the palms of her hands on either side of Ivy’s body. Her body pressed against Ivy’s and her leg slid between the younger girl’s. She leaned in so their noses were brushing. “Until next crime, Detective.” She said seductively, taking off down the hall.

The young redhead was left clutching the wall for support. Her breath came in short gasps as she watched the retreating thief. Zack suddenly tore around the corner and spotted Ivy, running to her side. “Carmen gave you quite a workout, eh?” He asked, referring to her breathless condition.

Turning to look at him blankly, Ivy grabbed him in a hug. “You okay, sis?” He queried, taking her in his arms.

“I don’t know.” She confessed, tightening her grip on her brother. She began to sob gently as Zack led her out of the building and into the C-5 car.

It was obvious to Zack that Ivy didn’t wish to divulge what was bothering her. So, he let it rest and didn’t bring the issue up the entire ride home. He saw her to her room before heading to his own. Ivy dropped a short kiss on her baby brother’s forehead and said, “I love you, Zack.”

“Love you too, sis.” He replied, heading to his own room. Never did he imagine what might be troubling his sister. *

Carmen stormed into her home with a look that could melt ice. Lars and James cowered out of sight while Sara looked on with a curious expression. Carmen ignored them all. She headed strait for her room to avoid unwanted attention. Inside the lavish bedchamber Carmen dropped to the bed and began to cry. She felt drained in every way.

She had been stupid! She did not know what had possessed her that evening, but whatever it was certainly scared Ivy away. “Damnit.” She sobbed, soaking her bedspread. “Go away.” She murmured when she heard the door open.

“Mademoiselle Sandiego?” The soft French voice of Dameian, her maid, asked. “You are sad.”

“Yes.” Carmen replied briskly, hoping it would make the young woman leave. “Now, leave.”

“No," She said, rather harshly, causing Carmen to turn and face her, "What is the matter?"

“It's nothing for you to be concerned with." Carmen replied, rather angerly.

Dameian sat next to her boss and patted her shoulder delicatly. “It's Ivy, isn't it?" Carmen glared increduously at the woman when she guessed correctly. She nodded cautiously, not knowing what to expect. “If you are worried about gaining her affection, I'd say you don't have very far to go."

Then Dameian left Carmen to wonder about the words they had shared. Perhaps Ivy did love her after all. But, if that were the case, she must not realise her feelings, else she would have acted upon them. Carmen’s next move was to make Ivy confront her emotions. Hopefully, that would be a simple task. *

Decked halls glittered with elegant white lights, a string of coloured dropped here and there. Tinsel littered the floor and flew through the air when someone passed by.

Ivy viewed the scene unimpressed. Her brother, however, ran up and down the halls, kicking the silver shreds in the air. “This is great, Sis!” He exclaimed.

“Hey, Detectives!” The Chief greeted as they entered their office. “Are you ready for this evening’s party?” He asked, his head bobbing up and down. Zack nodded, enthused. Ivy simply shrugged.

“I was thinking about skipping it. I’m not really up to a party. Carmen gave me quite a time last night.”

“Skipping it?” Both men yelled at the same time, their jaws dropping open. Another day, Ivy might have laughed at that. Today, she couldn’t even find it in her to smile the least bit.

Before she could reply the door was tossed open by Valerie, their secretary. “I come baring gifts!” She exclaimed cheerfully, handing Zack a large pile of brightly wrapped boxes, keeping one to herself. “These are all addressed to you, Zachary.” She informed him. “To be opened tomorrow morning.” She added sternly. “This one, however, is for Miss Ivy. It’s to be opened before the party.” Val handed a large rectangle box to the detective, then left.

“Now, what about that doesn’t seem fair?” Zack demanded sullenly. “Open it already.” He ordered his sister, eager to see what was in the box. Ivy complied.

Inside the box was a large amount of tissue paper. On the top rested a green velvet jewellery container. It held a thin gold necklace with a delicate emerald hanging from it and a matching pair of earrings. After removing the box, Ivy spread the tissue paper apart, revealing a dark, rich green dress.

The dress had one shoulder leaving the other bare, and most of the back and one side was cut out, with a split at the hip then a straight fall to an uneven, edgy hem.

Zack whistled, “Wait till ACME gets a load of you, sis.”

Ivy blushed furiously at her brother’s comment and continued to study the dress, it was gorgeous. Perhaps she would go to the party that night. She left the room to go ready her for the evening. *

When Ivy arrived at the party, it was already in full swing. A hand-painted banner hung above the door and read ‘Welcome All Detectives, Old and New.’ Somehow, she had the feeling if Carmen showed up, that invitation might not mean much.

Suhura was one of the ‘old’ guests and had made his way to Ivy’s side. “Hello, Ivy. It’s been a while since we’ve spoken. How is the detective’s life working for you?”

“Rather well. Carmen hasn’t been as active since she came back from her sabbatical.” Ivy replied.

“So I have heard. She called me right after she returned and wouldn’t give me any specifics, but I believe she went through a very emotionally trying time.” He paused and Ivy could see the sorrow in his face. “I tried to help her, but I don’t think she needs me. There’s someone else.”

Ivy tried not to appear shocked by his words. “Really? I wonder who that might be.”

Suhura gave her a slightly chastising look. “I believe we both know who she needs, Ivy.” At his words, she began to blush. “I won’t tell anyone, you know that. Perhaps you should talk to her.”

She nodded, then walked away. She was too uncomfortable to continue the conversation. She noticed a large group of agents laughing loudly and gathered around someone and she headed that way. When she got closer, she saw what held their attention.

Carmen stood in the centre of the group, wearing the same dress as Ivy except in the colour red. Her cuts were the same, but on the opposite side. She looked rather delectable with her dark curls pulled back in a tight twist, showcasing her entire face and elegant neck. Both intelligent blue eyes sparkling in the half-light. It was evident that no one realised who she was, because no one was trying to detain her. She looked up and immediately saw Ivy.

“Hello, Detective.” Carmen purred, sliding through the crowd while every eye stayed on her. “I was hoping you’d show. I see you liked your gift.”

Ivy nodded. Her throat was too dry to squeeze anything out. There was a wonderful, tight feeling in her stomach that had just begun. “Good. Shall we dance?” Carmen asked, taking the shorter girl’s hand. Again, Ivy could only manage a nod.

The song began and Ivy found herself flush against Carmen. She enjoyed the areas where their bare skin was pressed together, causing warmth to fuse throughout her body. “I was hoping you’d show.” Ivy confessed.

“It’s good to know I’m welcome.”

“Are you here because of what happened in the museum the other day?” Ivy asked, “If you are, you don’t have to worry. I’m not angry with you.”

Carmen shook her head. “That’s not the exact reason, no. Though it does have to do with the problem.”

“Problem?” Ivy asked, her brows furrowing.

“Yes, we have a problem Ivy.” Carmen informed her. “If we want this relationship to work out, we’re going to have to be completely honest with one another.”

“Re-relationship.” Ivy stuttered, her throat constricting. “What relationship would that be, Carmen?”

In a low and potentially dangerous tone, Carmen replied, “Quite dancing around the subject. We are no longer children.”

“And I have the distinct feeling we aren’t playing anymore.” Ivy gulped.

“Good guess.” Carmen told her with a dazzling smile. There was a long silence, and then she asked, “What do you want to do Ivy?”

She thought carefully about her reply, “I want to be with you.” Carmen raised a brow, but didn’t react any further. Instead, she stopped dancing and began to lead her off the floor. That was when Ivy realised everyone in the room was staring at them. Including Zack.

“Ivy, what in the hell is going on?” Zack demanded in a soft tone. Ivy couldn’t respond. She looked up to Carmen for an answer. “And what are you doing here?” He added.

“Well, Zachary, the sign reads ‘Welcome all ACME detectives, old and new’. I believe I fit in there somewhere.” Carmen told her, keeping her hold on Ivy’s hand.

Zack fumed, “Fine, let go of my sister and I won’t try to catch you.”

Carmen smiled at his comment, never actually considering it, but then she answered, “No thank you, Zachary. I’m not hurting her. She’s with me willingly.”

He turned his eyes to Ivy, who was looking rather uncomfortable. “Do you want to be with her?” He asked.

When she looked hesitant, Carmen spoke for her. “Go on, Ivy, tell him. Tell him all you’ve done for me. Tell him you were the redhead on the roof of the museum. Tell him you’re going home with me tonight.”

“Carmen!” Zack shouted, “Stop it! Ivy?”

Reluctantly, she nodded. “It’s true, Zack. Don’t be angry with me, I’m not trying to hurt you.”

There was disbelief in Zack’s eyes as he searched the faces of both women. The glowing pink of the chief’s screen came into view as he pushed through the crowd. “What’s going on here…” He began, but died off, leaving his mouth gaping open when he saw Carmen with a firm grip on Ivy.

Ivy let out a sound of frustration that was a cross between a growl and a snort. She turned her gaze from the chief, to Zack and back to the chief. “Ivy?” The chief asked with an over-exaggerated frown of confusion.

Around them, several agents stood guard, ready to stop Carmen, should she run. “This is getting old.” Carmen growled, her tone a slight warning. “Ivy? Are you coming or not?”

The detective realised Carmen wasn’t being sharp with her on purpose. Carmen, world famous thief, capable of stealing anything, not even afraid of death, was afraid that Ivy might leave her.

Ivy nodded slightly, and whispered, “Yes.” With that single word, Carmen took off, the detective keeping up with her as she sped through the corridors and outside. It seemed the entire ACME agency was after them, but Carmen was in her hovercraft before the others even reached the doors.

Ivy watched as the ground grew further and further away, then turned to her companion. “Where are we going, Carmen?”

“Home.” The thief said simply. “Rest, it’s a ways away.” Ivy didn’t thinks she could sleep, but before she knew it, her eyes had drifted closed and she was out cold.

When they arrived, the first thing Ivy noticed was the warmth and humidity. She had no doubt that they were somewhere in the Tropics. Carmen hopped from the vehicle, offering Ivy her hand. In the distance, the detective could hear the hum of insects and the crash of the ocean. “Where are we?”

Carmen smiled at the question, always the detective. “A small island, off the coast of Miami. My humble abode.”

“At least one of them. I didn’t know you had a home here.”

Again Carmen grinned at Ivy, “I can’t let ACME know where all my homes are, I don’t want you bursting through the doors in the middle of the night, now do I?” She took Ivy’s hand, leading her to the large mansion in the distance, the path lined with glowing candles. “Come on, I want to show you around.”

Inside, the house was massive, with vaulted ceilings, large fireplaces (as if one would ever need them in this climate) and wide, open rooms. Each room was done in a different them from Oriental to Native American to Victorian Era. And, in the large living room, a fourteen foot tree towered, decorated in bright, blinking lights and happy ornaments. Under the tree was a pile of gifts, some with Ivy’s name, some with Zack’s and others with names of Carmen’s henchpeople. She was a good employer, at least.

After allowing Ivy to be dumb with awe over the tree for a few minutes, Carmen pulled her on, towards the conservatory. It was expansive, stretching further than any Ivy had ever seen and the plants were from all regions, creating a diverse conglomeration of fruits and flowers.

Carmen crossed to the deck, folding her arms over the railing and gazing off into the night. Ivy took her chance to have a look at the thief, unguarded and beautiful. Her dress flutter in the wind, and loose tendrils of dark hair framed her face. The moonlight softened her features, leaving her to look younger than usual and a little carefree.

Ivy caught herself staring at Carmen a little too late. The thief was already aware of the scrutiny, yet she didn’t say a word. Instead, she took the younger girl’s arm and began to lead her through the conservatory.

Blossoms of all colours and sizes gave off mingled fragrances that floated in the breeze as a heady perfume. A small stream trickled by, and if one looked closely, goldfish could be seen swimming inside. In the distance chimes were singing softly in the wind.

“This is really atmospheric, Carmen.” She accused in a playful, singsong taunt.

“I believe that is your singular conclusion, Detective.” She retorted. “When I was having it constructed, I was not planning on using it for seduction.”

Ivy’s heart caught in her throat at the purr in Carmen’s voice. “Oh?” She asked, softly, “Why would you mention seduction Carmen? I didn’t mean that sort of atmosphere.”

Carmen gave her a wry smile. Ivy’s lips twitched slightly as she forced herself to not laugh at the expression on her companion's face. “You, my dear Ivy, are a wicked girl.” Before Ivy could celebrate her victory in the battle of words, Carmen caught Ivy by the waist, pulling her against her body. “But, I’m pure evil.” She said with a roguish smile. Then, she lowered her lips to Ivy’s.

Ivy was about to let out a sound of protest before she felt Carmen’s warm lips cover her own. When they met, she only let out a soft sigh. Her arms pinned between their bodies slid up and around Carmen’s neck, pulling her closer. She felt shivers of delight run through her. Never in her life had she been kissed like this. Carmen broke the contact, but kept a secure hold on the detective she felt oddly connected to.

Ivy was lost. She was lost in the most warm, safe and loving embrace she’d ever felt. She brought her fingers to Carmen’s face, running them over her smooth forehead, brushing the hair from her eye. She dropped them over the long lashes, elegant nose and high cheekbones before coming to rest at the full lips that had just kissed her. She tugged the bottom lip down with her thumb, somewhere in her mind realising Carmen had turned over complete control of the situation to her. Then, Ivy used the hand still at Carmen’s neck to pull her down into another kiss.

When the kiss had ended, Ivy pulled away, heading to a bench near-by. “I need to know, Carmen, what’s going to happen here?”

Carmen nodded thoughtfully, sinking down next to the detective. “I thought we covered that.” She said carefully. Her body was screaming to touch the one so close to her, but her mind was warning her against it. Too much, too soon.

“I don’t mean just tonight.” Ivy explained, suddenly very tired. And afraid. There was too much distance between Carmen and herself. She inched closer, bit by bit, till their bare legs touched.

The bittersweet smile on Carmen’s face did little to settle her fears. But the thief slid her arm around Ivy’s shoulder and tugged her into a half hug. “You mean, the whole situation where I just happen to be a world famous thief and you’re the only detective who’s actually caught me.”

Ivy couldn’t help but smile. “That’s the one.” She turned to look at the other woman, reaching up and releasing the clip that held her dark hair in place. Carmen’s eyes slid shut as Ivy ran her fingers through the silky strands, loosening them and letting them spill all around her. Ivy was entranced by the peaceful expression on the older woman’s face. It had been months since she’d seen anything so beautiful.

Suddenly, it didn’t matter to Ivy whether Carmen stole anymore. For all she cared, Carmen could make off with the sun, and she’d stand by her. Hell, she might even join her. Whatever she did, she couldn’t stop loving her. It just wasn’t possible, no matter what her hobbies where.

She was about to voice that thought when Carmen spoke. “I’m turning in my fedora.” She whispered, eyes fluttering open to settle on Ivy. “I’ll do anything you want, just so long as you stay with me.” There were tears streaming down her cheeks and that was when Ivy realised she was crying as well.

They fell into each other’s arms, hanging on for dear life and whispering words of love and devotion. “Carmen.” Ivy said at last, wiping the tears from her face. “I promise that no matter what, I will never, ever leave you. But you have to promise the same. That’s all I ask.” She breathed deeply. “You left me once and I thought I’d lost you for good and just when I thought I had you back, you left again. I need you to be with me.”

“I promise.” Carmen said, nothing more, and as silly as it may have seemed to the thief, she sealed it with a lingering kiss.

“Now all we have to do is convince Zack.” Ivy whispered and the two women burst into giggles, lying back on the bench. They remained silent, holding hands and gazing up at the star-filled sky.

Moments later, Carmen stood, extending her hand to Ivy. “Are you ready?” Ivy looked scared and suddenly unsure of herself but Carmen smiled, putting her fears to rest. “Don’t worry, I’ve never…” Carmen Sandiego was blushing, dear God, where did Ivy put her camera. She cleared her throat, “What I meant to say was that I have never been with…”

Ivy took Carmen’s hand and silenced her halting admission with a kiss. “I’m ready.”

And, for the rest of the night, old fears were put to rest and new dreams were made. It didn’t matter if the rest of the world approved. They had each other, and truly, that’s all they ever needed.