Artifical Rose

Artifical Rose
Written By: Nicholas R.J. Santiago
Chapter 1 ~Recreation~

“They say that once you find your true love, your never far apart... not even the ill’s of man and our mortality could break the bond we share... for we are together forever...in loving memory.”
Epitah written for Victoria Maeda

It had been months since the accident... that had changed his life, from happiness to sadness in the span of twenty minutes. Watching the world that he had built fall to pieces and through the support of others he was able to survive those first few months of almost unending depression and tonight would be like the rest... a day inwhich he would question his very existance... yet something within would drive him forward to finish this night... wether it was his soul or her voice... he liked to think that it was her.

Marcus Akigami walked through the threshold of his San Francisco amentment, the lightning cast an eccentric dance of his shadowed form as he moved through the hallway, the sound of thunder echoed throughout his apartment complex as he placed his rain drenched coat on a nearby rack, the water slowly dripping to the polished oak floor. Marcus passed through his living room, his steps muffled by the very persian carpet that lay before him. As he stopped infront of the intricately designed marble fireplace, its craftsmanship beyond compare... but it wasn’t what drove him to that very spot... it was the picture of a woman, a simple glance would make the casual observer think that she resembled any other woman but to Marcus, this woman was special. No other woman could even come close to what she ment to him... and he had lost her in the end.

A miniscule tear came to his eye as he smiled at the picture, remembering events long gone and how he wished he could caress her angelic face one more time,alas though he couldn’t and no one else could. Marcus wiped away the tear as he walked to his bedroom the smile fading from his face to be replaced with melancholy that was the norm. He walked over to his dresser drawer as he pulled out a black undershirt and a pair of black boxers. Marcus stood there as he looked as his reflection and his posture in the mirror, he was almost back to his normal self. The six month rehab had been a grueling affair, he couldn’t remember what drove him forward. Sometimes though the blinding pain that would follow that accursed double bar he could hear her voice encouraging him to do his best... though sometimes... he even doubted that... six long months... to relearn what only twenty minutes of hell took away and he would have taken another six if it had saved who it mattered most. He walked over to the bathroom as he grabbed an azule towel out off anearby cabinet, he placed his clothes on the black swirl marble counter that lined the modest bathroom. Marcus began to take off his shirt revealing a slight muscular tanned build, Marcus turned around as he looked in the bathroom mirror. The reflection of his back showing a large scar running down the length of it. Marcus touched the base of his back feeling up the length of the scar, it’s rough edges had been surgically removed yet the foreign feel of raised skin felt alien in touch. Even though the pain itself had passed from his body, but the weight of being spared from the fate that should have been rightfully his had been fulfilled by another.

Marcus stopped as he unbuckled his belt as he placed it on a chair,Marcus kicked off his boots as he pulled off his pants and boxers in a single move, dropping them to the floor as he stepped into the shower. Marcus turned the knob as the water spilled of the shower head in shards of icy daggers that would soon warm his body with a slight manipulation of the knob, Marcus put his head infront of the water letting his black hair soak in the water. Marcus put both of his hands against the ivory tile wall letting the water cascade down his body. Lines of water flowed down his face as he gazed at the drain... the water twirling into the darkness and he reflected that in that moment that he and the water suffered the same fate. Marcus started to shampoo his hair as the suds bego flo flow down his sculpted body. Marcus aimed the shower head at him as he washed the shampoo out, he quickly grabbed the soap as he lathered up his body and continued with the rest of the ritual. Marcus turned the knob off as he started to wipe the water that still remained on his body with his hands. Marcus stepped out of the enclosure as he grabbed the towel on the hook and began to dry his damp hair, his hands quickly moving. Marcus stepped out of the bathroom turning the light off while holding the towel in one hand and placed his clothes on the bed.Marcus threw the towel into the hamper as he put on the black boxers with ease, Marcus turned his head as he heard a scratching at his balcony door, he walked cautiously over to the door as he moved the crimson curtains to the side as he looked for the cause. He could only see the rain impacting upon his outside table and the lights of the golden city in which all life continued and in this room, life itself would stop... to mimic his very own.

Marcus closed the curtains as he turned around, he went to his bed as he put on his black undershirt before he headed to the kitchen, he stood infront of the dish drain as he pulled out a glass to fill it half way with water as he began to drink, his throat moving with each gulp. Marcus placed the glass down as he turned off the kitchen and hallway lights. Marcus turned into the living room as he again stopped infront of the fireplace, Marcus took the picture in his hand as he looked at the woman, her features perfect in Marcus’s mind, her smile and her eyes... Marcus kissed the picture as he placed it back upon the mantel. Marcus went to his bedroom and slipped into his bed pulling the covers up. Marcus turned over the emptiness next to him was almost unbearable, but he would close his eyes soon to fall asleep, the crimson curtains blowing gently on the wind of that rainy night.

Marcus rubbed his eyes as he opened them to see a petite woman lying next to him, her face covered by her long black and brown h Eve Even in this murky state of awakeness Marcus could only lie there as he tried to understand the situation. The woman pushed her hair aside as she looked at Marcus with her amber colored eyes, a smile forming on her face as she spoke in a soothing voice that should have been lost long ago. To Marcus he only saw her lips move, but her voice finally broke through the black denial that clouded his mind.

“Hello Marcus”

Marcus rolled out of his bed as he heard the woman’s voice echo throughout his mind. He would push with his legs until his back was flush against the wall... he remembered what had happened in the past and he truly wondered if he had finally lost it, though he began to speak to the entity which was hopefully in his mind.

“What are you doing here?...your supposed to be...Your family and I buried you...this has to be a dream...this isn’t happening you aren’t Victoria...you can’t be because your... I saw you in the flames...”

Marcus looked at the woman his hands in his hair pulling it back as he slowly stood up from his postion only to back away further from her. His senses bombarded by what stood infront of him and the cold logic that had firmly planted its seed of depression within his soul... The woman got out of bed wearing a matching pair of bra and boxers, she walked over to Marcus as she placed her hand against his face caressing it softly,Marcus lifted his hand as he held and kissed the palm of her gentle hand.

“It is you Victoria...what happened, why did you take so long to come back...six months...I...I don’t... I...you, people told me to move on but I couldn’t...why? why now?”.

Tears began to gather around his eyes as Victoria looked at him with her amber eyes, her hand wiping away the beginning of his tears. Victoria looked at Marcus as she kissed him on the lips, she held her lips there as she pulled away slowly.

“Marcus...I am so sorry that I didn’t come back earlier...I’ve been away...”
She diverted her gaze to a distant point that only she could see, her hair hiding half of her face as she spoke, before she looked into his somber face. “that’s all that I can tell you but forget it,we’re here together right now.”

Marcus looked at Victoria, her body was still lithe and athletic from what he could see, her long hair ending at the small of her back. “Why can’t you tell me? how you lived...I lived that day over and over in my mind, wishing that I could have done something to save you from that fire in our apartment”.

Victoria looked at Marcus as she wiped away a tear in her eye, that moment forever etched into her mind... along with others. “I can’t tell you...I truly deeply wish that I could tell you everything but I can’t and I won’t... for now.”

To deny Marcus what he had a right to know, brought a sting of pain to her heart, but she knew it would be better that way. “I have my reasons, I’m sorry that you suffered for the past six months, I never wanted to hurt you but don’t worry nothing happened to me in the fire. I was only there...for awhile... and now I’m here.”

Marcus sat on the bed as he looked at Victoria, the recent developments of her unexpected yet gracious arrival sent a small chill down his spine. He saw what happened... and yet she...Victoria stood before him as if nothing had ever happened. She went behind him as she kneeled, Victoria started to massage his shoulders,her soft hands slowly moving along Marcus’s back as Victoria started to take off the black undershirt that hugged his sculpted frame. She noticed the scar that ran along the length of his back as she fully removed the black undershirt.

“Where diu geu get this?” Worry filled her once passive voice, though she knew that she couldn’t have stopped what had happened, she was sorry that she couldn’t have been there in his time of need as he had been to hers on countless occassions. Though she was always with him in another form, now and forever...

Marcus turned around and there eyes locked. He wanted to look away at anything for the feelings within were still questioning his very soul... yet at that moment he was captivated by her as he always was. “You remember when you got trapped in our bedroom during the fire?”

Victoria nodded with a solemn expression upon her face. “Well I tried to knock down the door to get to you, even when the fire was getting unbearable I still kept trying.... heard the ceiling crack above me, as the burning timbers and debris collapsed on me. Lacerating and burning my back...”

There was a slight pause and Marcus took a breath, the memories of what he had tried to forfor for such a long time flooded back... of the fire and of her “I remember getting up and trying to remove the rubble as the firemen came in, I tried to tell them that you were still in the room... They told me that nobody could survive that as they dragged me out, I tried to get free but I couldn’t, they brought me out of the apartment to the street below...I can still remember that day clearly, I can hear the flames roaring and the smell of the smoke as it filled the air and burned my nostrals... the burst of flames that erupted from our bedroom windows...the room that you were in...the rain of shattered glass and...”

Marcus paused again, the feelings that he had suppressed for his own survival finally came in full force... the memories of that day came back as if it happened only hours before. As if he were in the I.C.U all over again. “ The feelings of helplessness and the burning pain that would always remind me of what I couldn’t do...I wish that I could have done more” Marcus leaned forward as he averted his gaze from Victoria, not having the will power to look into the amber eyes that he though he had lost so long ago...

Victoria wrapped her arms around Marcus locking her hands around his chest, as she rested her head on his firm shoulders.”Its all right Marcus, I’m fine don’t worry...please don’t worry..if I had known...” Victoria paused as she wished that there past together could have been different... though living then could do nothing for them now. “ Be happy that we’re together”

Marcus sighed as Victoria kissed the back of Marcus’s head,she gently touched his back massaging his shoulders. Marcus turned around as he kissed Victoria on the lips, savorying every moment as if it were his last... then again he lost her once and now as if fate smiled upon him, she had returned. He began to kiss slowly down her neck to her chest, his hands slowly moving forward to unstrap her bra,Victoria moved her hands to caress Marcus’s back. Both of them enjoying the moment as if they were newly embraced by the emotion called ‘lust’... though they themselves had acted upon these feelings in the past... As Marcus removed Victoria’s bra to reveal her breasts, his cellphone rang. “God damned sonavabitch... sorry I have to take this...”

Marcus got up mumbling to himself, clearly annoyed that this moment was ruined by his job. Victoria laid there as she laughed her chest heaving up and down. “Whats the matter don’t worry I’m not going anywhere fast...” Marcus looked back at Victoria a smile forming on his face, the phone still ringing in the background. Marcus went to the phone and answered it. “This better be good or I swear to everything that is holy...not again...uh huh are you totally sure...your absolutely positive on this one...o.k I’ll be there I have to get dressed...till then”.

Marcus sighed as he gazed longingly at the half naked Victoria, Victoria looked straight at him a slightly worried expression spreading upon her face. “Whats the matter Marcus?” Marcus lay besides Victoria, his head leaning against his hand as his eyes wondered along Victoria’s body, following every curve and. groove upon her tanned skin. “Have you kept up on recent events in the city?”

Victoria looked at Marcus, as she wondered were this was going. “Yes I have for the most part” Marcus took a deep breath “Well there’s this copycat killer out there who thinks he or she is a...how would you say?...ah yeah vampire, quite weird when you think about it. Well my partner just called and told me they found another one... it appears to be the same M.O mutilations,lacerations and...drained. I swear these people are getting sick...”

Marcus shook his head at the recent developments, if he could only enjoy these first waking moments with the love that he should have lost so long ago. “So what do you think?”

Victoria raised an eyebrow “I don’t think you should be sharing that with me...confidentiality and all”

Marcus looked at Victoria slightly confused, Marcus smiled as he began to laugh. “true...oh well its not like your going to tell anyone... and I don’t know, I just feel as if I can trust you...”

Marcus sat up putting on a clean undershirt. “Don’t be surprised Marcus people do change over time” Marcus looked at Victoria the humor no longer on his face, “What are you talking about” Victoria laid in the bed looking straight at Marcus, a slight almost unnoticable coldness etched her very words.

“People do change over time Marcus, nobody stays the same we either adapt or die. It is how the world works.Thats all that I’m saying” Marcus opened the dresser drawer as he pulled out a pair of blue jeans, a pair of boxers and a button up black shirt. Marcus began to change taking off his boxers and putting on the new pair. “I see something’s haven’t changed”

Marcus looked at Victoria as he changed his shirt “Oh your so funny aren’t you” Marcus put on the jeans. Marcus walked over to the bathroom as he grabbed his belt as he put it on and laced his boots. Ms was walked over to Victoria and kissed her on the lips, caressing the side of her face. Marcus pulled away as he still gazed at the half naked Victoria as she smiled back. “Can I go with you I’d like to see what you do, don’t forget I haven’t been here for six months and the last I knew you were still a cadet. I won’t take long I just have to change and comb my hair”

Marcus shook his head in cle clear amusement of it all “O.k you can come, but don’t take your time you don’t need make-up o.k your already beautiful,don’t mess it up with that stuff, you can comb your hair in the car” Victoria looked at Marcus as she put her bra back on “Oh thats so sweet, but no I’m going to put the make-up on and I’m going to comb air air here, you can wait.”

Marcus looked at Victoria before he left the room “Something’s never change, oh well guess that’s good. Don’t tthatthat long” Marcus walked out of the room, he headed towards the kitchen. Marcus opened the refrigerator as he looked inside, Marcus rummaged around until he took out a bowl filled with grapes. “Victoria do you want something to eat? I don’t have much as of right now.” Marcus closed the refrigerator door, “No I’m fine I’m not really hungry, I’m almost done”.

Marcus began to eat the grapes as he walked around the apartment, it was as if everything had fallen into place and he was living a normal life again... a smile appeared as Marcus placed the car keys in his pocket. Marcus felt a hand on his shoulder as he turned around, Victoria was dressed in a white blouse and black dress pants her hair falling straight down her back. “I hope you don’t mind that I borrowed your suit pants”

Marcus looked her over “Oh I don’t mind you’ll just have to pay me back somehow...” Marcus smiled slightly as he headed towards the door, he placed the bowl on a nearby table as he opened the door. “Ladies first” Marcus gestured towards Victoria. “Well then Marcus why aren’t you the first one out of the door” Marcus laughed as he went through the door.

“Oh I missed your humor” Marcus continued to laugh until Victoria left the apartment, Marcus closed the door as it locked behind him. “Well I’m glad I brought you happiness”

They both walked down the stairway to the underground garage, Marcus pulled out his keys as he pushed a button a beep heard in the distance.”well lets see what you drive” Victoria held onto Marcus’s arm as he lead her to his Jeep. “You wanted me to comb my hair in this” Victoria looked at the open topped Jeep. “Sorry the wind will straighten out your hair though” Marcus looked at Victoria a small grin forming on his face. Marcus opened the door as he let Victoria sit down in the passenger seat, Marcus closed the door as he went around to the driver side to sit.. “You had to get a black Jeep didn’t you?”

Marcus put the key in the ignition starting the Jeep, “You know that black is my favorite color” as he looked at Victoria, “Don’t forget to put on your seat belt or I’ll have to take you in” Victoria put the seat belt on “I might like that...” Victoria smiled as she looked at Marcus, Marcus drove out of the underground garage as he entered the morning traffic. Marcus stopped at a stoplight as he watched the other cars pass.

“How did you get into the apartment Victoria?” Victoria flicked her hair to the side as she looked at Marcus “I asked the manager to let me in,that’s all” Marcus pushed the gas as the light turned green, the jeep moving forward the wind flowing through Victoria’s hair.”The old woman didn’t yell at you?” Victoria smiled “Are you trying to trick me or something, the manager is a young man and he kindly let me in... are you trying to think again?” Victoria chuckled as the Jeep stopped at another stoplight, “I knew that I was just checking...”

A few things in Marcus’s mind were beginning to gather, his inquisitive detective side was trying to put the illogical into place... though he would spend little time on it now, for he was with Victoria again. “...were almost there”

The light turned green as Marcus turned the Jeep into a littered allyway that lay between the typical ‘Mom and Pop’ store and a coffee house,Marcus slowed down to a stop as he saw the yellow police line, a casually dressed man walked over to the Jeep.

“How’s everything Marcus we got another one, that vampire wanna-be is really starting to piss me off. What is this...the eighth victim?” Marcus got out of the Jeep closing the door “Everything’s pretty much the same...except for Victoria, Luke say hello to Victoria. Victoria this is Luke my partner in crime” Luke looked over to Victoria as he held out his hand, “Hello Victoria, whatcha are doing with someone like Marcus”

Victoria shook Luke’s hand, she pulled her hand away as she got out of Jeep shutting the door. “I felt sorry for him...and he’s my personal fuck puppet” Luke laughed as Marcus punched him in the shoulder. “Victoria don’t talk to the animals, could you please wait here, I’ll be back” Luke rubbed his arm “You hit likwomawoman” Victoria quickly punched Luke on his other arm. “This is how a woman punches”

Luke started to rub his other arm.”Hey Marcus she punches harder than you...damn you must be her puppet.”. Victoria looked at Marcus as she opened the door and sat down, “Don’t take to long we still have alot to catch up on”

Marcus smiled at Victoria as he pushed Luke towards the police line. To get the grisly task at hand over with... “I won’t take long”. Marcus and Luke lifted up the police line as the entered the crime scene. Luke gestured over to Marcus so that he would come next to him,Marcus went over and looked at the mutilated body of the nude woman, her teen body slumped against the dirty brick wall. Her throat ripped open on the left side, and covered in numerous lacerations.

“Luke do we have any identification or is it another Jane Doe...also who found the body?” One of the scene investigators came over and handed Luke a small plastic bag containing a few fibers. “No we don’t have any identification but theres a tattoo on her side that might help... it’s a tribal tattoo of some sort... it’s unique so finding the name of the owner shouldn’t be that hard...” Luke turned away for awhile as he held the plastic bag up, the rays of the sun helped to pick out the very fibers within. “We are going to have to analysis this, hopefully it’ll be the same person from before and not some pathetic copycat looking for instant fame, You know how that works... pathetic bastards... anyway, we received a unanimous phone call it was to short for us to trace...Hey Marcus we pretty much got everything in control. I’ll call you when we get the lab results back...go have fun with your lady friend” Marcus glanced at Victoria, as she combed her hair. Marcus then looked at Luke, “That’s what I’m afraid of, oh whatever you got it, I have a date, wish me luck.” Marcus turned around ashe walked towards the car. “The best of luck buddy...don’t screw this one up...you little fuck puppet you”

Marcus turned around as he waved his middle finger at Luke, Luke in return laughed at Marcus, as he waved his hand motioning Marcus to leave. Marcus went to the Jeep and he sat in the drivers seat. “What was that all about” Marcus stretched out his body as he yawned “Nothing just the usual with Luke. Now that were free for about an hour or two what would you like to do.” Victoria laughed “WHO would I like to do, I don’t know why don’t we just go back to your place and let fate decide what should happen after that.” Marcus started the Jeep as he backed out of the alleyway, He slowly merged the Jeep into the traffic, The sun high in the sky. “Well I like that plan,whatever happens.”

Marcus continued down the road as he stopped at a stoplight. Marcus headed down the street as the light turned green. Marcus slowed the Jeep down as he turned to the left, entering the underground garage. While Victoria watched the changing city landscape as if she hadn’t seen such buildings in her entire life. As Marcus passed the numerous parked cars, he slowed to a stop as he entered a clear parking space. Marcus turned off the ignition, he quickly jumped out of the Jeep as he went to Victoria’s side opening the door. Victoria stepped out and walked behind Marcus. “Still the gentleman after all these years, I’m impressed”

Victoria held onto Marcus’s arm as he pushed the button the beep coming from the car. They both walked up the stairs to the elevator. Marcus pushed the button waiting for the doors to open, “I really can’t believe that your here with me...I’m waiting for the dream to end, I hope it won’t if it is” Victoria kissed him on the cheek “It isn’t a dream I’m really here” Victoria slipped her hand over Marcus’s as she squeezed, the door opened as the both entered. Marcus pushed the button marked “second floor” as the elevator rises, Victoria still held onto Marcus’s hand as the doors opened revealing a hallway. Marcus lead Victoria to his apartment as he opened the door. Letting Victoria enter first, Marcus closed the door behind him. “Are you sure you don’t want anything to eat? it’s almost 12 o’clock”

Victoria turned around as she leaned against the wall “No I’m fine I’m not really hungry, I’ll eat something later on...” Victoria pulled Marcus closer as she kissed him on the lips,her tongue slipping into his mouth.Victoria started to pull his shirt over his head as she flung the shirt to one side,she held onto Marcus’s arm pulling him towards the bedroom. Once Victoria reached the bed she pushed Marcus onto the bed as she slowly started to unbutton her blouse revealing the black bra underneathe. Victoria crawled on top of Marcus as she kissed up his chest,her long hair hiding her face. Marcus moved his arms to her shoulders as he took off her blouse,letting it fall to the ground. He moved his hands down to her pants as he unbuttoned them,Victoria moved her hips as the pants loosened and came off of her legs. Marcus’s and Victoria’s lips touched as Marcus wrapped his arms around her back, caressing her back slowly. Marcus kissed down Victoria’s neck as she slightly moaned. Victoria’s hands moved down Marcus’s chest as she began to unbuckle the belt. She then began to unbutton his pants as she slipped down Marcus’s chest, pulling his pants down as she went further down his body. Victoria pulled his pants off as she kissed up his thigh, her hands slowly moved up to Marcus’s chest as she felt his chest move with each breath, her fingers following his sculpted body. Victoria kissed up his chest as she began to remove Marcus’s boxers taking them off. Marcus moved his hands to Victoria’s back as he unstrapped her bra, Victoria moved her arms as Marcus removed the bra, her warm breasts against his chest. Marcuved ved his arms hands down as he started to remove her panties,Victoria began to breathe deeply as Marcus’s hands went down her body. Her panties came off as she kicked them to one side. Victoria kissed Marcus as she moaned slightly as she felt Marcus move his fingers inside of her, his lips kissing her neck. Victoria began to move her hips rhythmically, her hands on Marcus’s shoulders. Marcus placed a hand on her waist as he tried to lessen her movement, wanting his fingers to explore her depths. Victoria’s rhythm increased as she started to forcefully push her waist against Marcus as he wrapped his arms around Victoria to reposition her to lay on her back. Marcus began to rhythmically move his fingers inside of Victoria, as she dug her fingers into Marcus’s back her entire body consumed by euphoria. Marcus caressed her entire body as she visibly shook, there bodies emeshed as they continued there desires. Marcus moved on top of Victoria as there lips ment, his hand moving over her breasts, feeling the malleable flesh beneath and squeezed forming it with his hand. Victoria moaned with excitement as Marcus entered her, pushing himself as deep as he could. Marcus kept on rhythmically moving his hips as Victoria dug deeper into his back. Marcus’s thrusts became harder as he felt the eurphoric feeling that he and Victoria had shared before so many times before. There bodies wet from the presperation and tired, yet they continued as they were fully enveloped by there lust for one another. Marcus slowed as he repositioned Victoria so that she would lie on top of him as he was still in her. Victoria placed her hands on his chest as she began to thrust her pelvic in a rhythmic motion, he would hold her up with his hands against her chest before moving them down to her waist. Marcus’s firm hands held her in place, before he started to add to her thrusts. Victoria’s body shook as she moaned loudly from the orgasm that over took her body, she collapsed onto of Marcus her hot breath felt upon his chest. Yet Marcus wasn’t finished as he kept on moving her hips up and down as she lay on top of him. Victoria moaned and winced as Marcus continued until he himself could feel that he would reach his point and come inside of her. Victoria laid her head against Marcus chest, there bodies tired and fully covered in persperation, her silky hair flowing over his body as she closed her eyes. Marcus wrapped his arms around Victoria as he felt her warmth against his body.

Marcus woke up,Victoria lying sound asleep on top of him. Marcus gently placed her on the bed covering her with the blanket that lay chaotically around them, Marcus kissed Victoria on the forehead as he stepped away from the serene scene, Marcus picked up the clothes as he neatly folded them on a nearby dresser before he pulled out a white shirt and a pair of sweats. Marcus put them on quickly as he quietly left the room, Marcus took one look at Victoria before he gently closed the door. Marcus went to the kitchen as he took his cellphone out of the charging tower, he dialed a number and waited as the phone rang three times before being picked up. “Hello Luke anything new with our culprit”

Luke coughed before he spoke, a slight agitation upon his voice, but that was normal for him “No sorry nothing new, we did identify the woman. She was Naomi Ashwar, she was putthe the ing ing persons list two weeks ago, apparently she was an eighteen year old run away. Well we found her... The fiber recovered from the scene was the same as the others... a polymar mostly used in new trucks”

Marcus leaned against the kitchen counter, “There doesn’t seem to be any patterns, the victims were from all ages ranging from seventeen to forty eight years old and there are an equal number of male to le vle victims, this person doesn’t even stick to one race... well was this one raped like the rest”

Luke sighed before he replied “Yeah...she was, sick bastard anyways we gotta must solve this case I don’t want it to disappear into the cold oblivion,we’ve been lucky that the local news vultures haven’t ripped us to shreds yet, If I can get anything more I’ll call you asap. Til then partner”

Marcus hung up the cellphone as he placed it on the counter. He looked up to see Victoria standing in front of him dressed in a long grey shirt that went past her waist and a pair of boxers. A smile forming on her face “I borrowed your clothes again” Marcus laughed “What’s mine is yours, just let me wear it or you....once in awhile...” Marcus took out a glass from the dish drain as he filled it with water, he began to gulp it down. Water coming down his mouth, dripping onto his shirt. “I don’t want you to drown, take it easy” Marcus washed the glass as he put it back in the dish drain, “I was thirsty, what? you don’t want anything to happen to your fuck puppet?” Marcus said with a sarcastic smirk. Victoria looked at the dish drain. The glasses,plates or utensils either stained or bits of food still stuck to them.

“Oh god Marcus I can’t believe you eat off of those, when was the last time you cleaned them...well?” Marcus looked at the dish drain as he squinted his eyes. “ I washed them four days ago, I swear there clean see you can eat off of it” Victoria rolled her eyes as she shook her head in dismay “Yeah you can eat the remains of last weeks dinner if you so wish too, why don’t you clean them. I’m going to take a shower” Marcus raised one of his eye brows as he smiled at Victoria “Maybe I should join you eh?” Victoria walked around the corner as she waved her hand at Marcus as it disappeared“I don’t think so, you better clean those dishes. I mean it... or no more fun time and believe me I can go without it...”

Marcus turned around as he looked at the dishes “ Uh huh hollow threats...you’d come crawling back to me” Victoria laughed as she shut the door, her laughter somewhat muffled now. Marcus turned around as he looked at the dish drain, scratching his head “I swear they were clean,but then again...” Marcus walked over to the kitchen sink as he turned the faucet on, Marcus cleaned each and everything in the dish drain, and if she saw another ‘thing’ in there she would have to clean it herself...he’d used them all before ahey hey still looked good to him. Marcus turned the faucet off as he dried his hands, before he went to the living room to sit down at the oak desk,he opened the top drawer pulling out a dark blue notebook as he began to flip through a couple of pages. His finger tracing down stopping at a number. Marcus reached over as he picked up the phone across from him as he dialed a number hearing the phone ring as someone picked up the phone.

“GenoCorp, how may we serve you” Marcus cleared his throat before he spoke “Hello can I please speak to Nathaniel Loren, could you tell him it’s Marcus” The voice on the other end seemed a bit to ‘cheery’ for Marcus, but he kept that to himself “Sure let me get him, I think his meeting just ended...please hold” Marcus began to tap his fingers as he heard the music play, it was a soothing instrumental involving a piano and violin... a few minutes passed before the phone clicked as someone picked up the phone. “Howdy Marcus whats up?” Marcus sat up straight in the chair as he smiled “Not much besides that little case of mine” Nathaniel sighed “Yeah I know what your talking about...”

Marcus grapped a pen as he began to tap it against the notebook “You wouldn’t be able to help me with alittle problem would you?” Nathaniel sighed again, not always a good sign “What kind of problem...don’t forget it’s my ass if I get caught” Marcus laughed “That’s the point” Nathaniel mumbled something unitelligable “Oh I’m glad you care about my job...I’m an associate now I can’t get my hands dirty” Marcus coughed the words ‘bullshit’ before he continued “I know but I need your technicans to check this blood sample that we have. Our machines can’t match anything with it...the DNA is mixed up to much for our forensic specialist... So I figured that GenoCorp could do it”

Nathaniel whistled slightly “Well I could do that...but it’ll be hard to get it past security and I’ll have to pull a few strings in the R&D apartment, so that the guy’s don’t squeal...Marcus you know you owe me” Marcus laughed “I know, I know...I’ll make it up, how about a dinner date?... hey who knows...you might get lucky” Nathaniel laughed “So your asking me out on a date now?...I’m fine I date people with a higher class...give me the sample tomorrow at the usual place” Marcus smiled as he placed the pen down “Thanks...see ya then”. Marcus put the phone back as he put the notebook back, Marcus looked o seo see Victoria dressed in a dark red blouse with black pants. “So your going on a dinner date with out me eh?”

Marcus laughed as he smiled at Victoria “Oh yes...I am, were going to have a lovely candle lit dinner and then have a wild night... No I’m not he’s a good friend” Victoria sat down on a nearby leather seat as she crossed her legs. “O.k if you want to play that way...anyway what else is new.” Marcus got up as he pushed the chair back to the wall.” Well nothing really, just the average problems with my current assignment. So that were here together what would you like to do, my brains kind of awe struck that your here. I’ve always wanted to do something that I planned out if I got the chance to see you again...if it were at all possible, but now that your here I can’t think of anything...”

Marcus laughed, happy that everything was beginning to make sense, even if he didn’t have a plan it was good to have her back. Victoria smiled as she got up. Wrapping her arms around Marcus holding her head against his chest, “I don’t know either,just hold me... I finally feel... alive” Marcus held Victoria as he looked down at her no words could express what he felt as he held Victoria, his arms wrapped around her. Victoria looked up at Marcus’s face as she kissed him. Victoria pulled away as she sat down on a nearby couch her head burie her her hands, Marcus stood there as he watched Victoria, silent tears coming down her face. “What’s wrong Victoria? ” Victoria looked up at Marcus as she tried to wipe away the tears. “Nothing... I’m just happy to be here... with you”

Victoria buried her face into her hands, Marcus sat besides her his hand on her shoulder. “Ah then don’t be sad... whatever it is, just tell me and we’ll get through this together.” Victoria buried her face into Marcus’s chest, Marcus wrapped his arms around her as he rubbed her back. “It’ll be all right...just tell me I’ll try to help” Victoria held onto Marcus, her tears being absorbed by his shirt. “I...I want to tell you...but I’m afraid...of what will happen...to...to...” Marcus held her tight as she sobbed “What will happen, tell me...whoever it is I’ll make sure they stop” Victoria looked up at Marcus, tears still rolling down her face. “I..can’t tell...you” Victoria pushed her face into Marcus’s chest “ Just tell me...please...whatever it is, we can get through it together...I left you once...and I’ll never leave you again...I promise” Victoria pulled away as sheed hed her tears away with her sleeves. “They...know everything”

Marcus looked at her as she tried to compose herself, tears running down her face as she dried them with her sleeve. “What are you saying...that theres something...or some one that knows everything?...I don’t understand...” Victoria looked at Marcus “I’m supposed to be dead...but I’m here don’t you find that some what strange” Marcus looked at Victoria as he scratched his head “But your not dead...and what do you mean your supposed to be dead” Victoria gazed at the ground her arms in between her legs “ I died in that fire, I remember the smoke that burned my throat...the fire that scorched my body...I mostly remember your yelling from the otherside of the door as my body collapsed my vision fading away...They brought me back for there own purposes” Marcus looked at Victoria as he slowly understood what she was saying, though there was always doubt for it seemed so far fetched...even insane. “So this group brought you back so they could use you...how is that possible “ Victoria wiped away the remaining tears as she fully composed herself “ They didn’t stop there...they also did other things to my body...”

Marcus got up as he went over to Victoria gently lifting her face as he kissed her on her forehead “It’s all right...they won’t get to you, I’m guessing they don’t know where you are... then again that would explain why your here, your safe here I can get you a new identity from this friend of mine” Victoria hugged Marcus pulling him close to her “Thank you Marcus...I don’t know what I’d do without you...they are going to look for me, if they aren’t already” Marcus got up as he lifted Victoria to her feet. “I’d never leave you, not now or ever...I love you Victoria and I’ll protect you.” as he tried to say it in the cheesy hero voice. Victoria lightly kissed him on the lips as she pulled away lieing on the couch, as she closed her eyes “I’m so tired, I’m glad that I told you...hopefully I won’t regret it” Marcus looked at Victoria as he slowly pieced together what he just learned,Victoria up looked at Marcus as she laid on the couch“I know it sounds crazy but please believe me...I’m telling the truth” Marcus smiled at Victoria “I know you are telling the truth, just don’t worry ok” Victoria smiled as she closed her eyes, slowly falling asleep. Marcus gazed at Victoria as he went to the kitchen, Marcus picked up the cell phone on the counter as he dialed a number Marcus tapped the counter as he heard the rings, after three rings a person picked up the phone.

“Vincent can you do me a favor?” Vincent muffled the phone as he spoke to another person, thrds rds hardly understandable “What kind of favor it might cost you something if you know what I mean?” Marcus opened a nearby drawer as he pulled out a pad of paper, he started to scribble down a few notes.

“I know but you owe me, I just turned a blind eye to what you were doing...just because your family doesn’t mean I won’t bring you in next time” Vincent nervously laughed “Hey cool down man I was just kidding...what can’t cousins make friendly chit-chat...what would you like?” Marcus looked back at Victoria as he saw her sleeping peacefully on the couch “ I need a new I.D card for a friend of mine, I need the works...new I.D, birth certificate and a basic college diploma...can you do that, I know you can don’t lie”

Vincent chuckled “Damn...that’ll take me awhile to do...I need the picture, the basic finger prints and of course the name” Marcus looked down at the pad of paper “O.k I can do that I just have to get a name from the person and I want her birthdate to be December 10 1979, she has dark brown eyes and black hair, she’s 5’5 and weighs 110. I’ll give you the rest later o.k” Vincent wrote them dowforefore he replied“O.k you know where to drop it off right?” Marcus “Yeah the usual drop off..thanks” Vincent laughed “No prob...just don’t bust me with this one o.k” Marcus quietly laughed “Yeah no problem...well later” Marcus hung up the phone as he went to his bedroom, Marcus opened the drawer near his bed as he pulled out a black metallic box. Marcus sat down as he opened it revealing a Beretta in it’s gun holster as Marcus thought to himself.

”Thought I’d never use you again...” Marcus pulled the gun out of the holster as he removed the clip putting besides him, he took out a wire brush as he cleaned the barrel, Marcus slotted in a few rounds into the clip as he replaced it into the Beretta. Marcus looked up as holstered the weapon on his side, Marcus went to the closet as he pulled out his leather jacket which concealed the holster perfectly. Marcus went to the kitchen as he put the cell phone in his jacket pocket, Marcus bent over Victoria as he touched her on the shoulder. “Wake up Victoria” Victoria slowly opened her eyes as she looked at Marcus “I was having such a nice dream... why did you wake me up?” Victoria sat up as she rubbed her eyes, she then stretched out.”Your going to get your new life, you have to come with me so I can get the rest of it”

Victoria stood up as she swept a few strands of hair behind her ear “You wouldn’t have an extra jacket, the weather outside doesn’t look that gooictoictoria pointed to the window, the sky covered in dark grey clouds.”It looks like it’ll rain soon, you should get the trench coat on my coat rack near the door, it should fit you” Victoria walked out of the living room as she got the jacket, she eyed it as she slipped it on. “Marcus...” Victoria shook her head as she walked back to Marcus, the bottom of the coat dragging on the floor. “How am I supposed to walk around when the coat reaches the floor and the coat sleaves are draped over my hands?” Victoria lifted up her right arm showing the sleave over her hand. Marcus laughed as he looked at Victoria, “I’m sorry...it’s just...” Marcus laughed as he looked at Victoria’s expression

“Stop that or you don’t get any...” Marcus stopped laughing “Oh come on...I was only just having fun, just take off the jacket I’ll trade you.” Marcus took off the jacket his holster revealed,Victoria looked at the gun holster as she took off the trench coat handing it to Marcus as she took the leather jacket that Marcus held out to her. “What’s the gun for?” Marcus put the trench coat on as Victoria put the leather jacket on, “Safety purposes...that jacket looks good on you. Come on we gotta go” Marcus walked to the front door opening it, Victoria stepped out as Marcus closed the door behind him. Marcus and Victoria walked to the elevator as an elderly couple entered with them. Marcus pushed the button marked ‘garage floor’. The elderly woman smiled at Marcus and then at Victoria “What a nice couple you two make . Are you engaged?”

Victoria blushed as she looked at the ground. “Were not really engaged at the moment...” The elderly woman slightly smiled “Not now but later you will...well this is my floor, come dear” The elevator doors opened as the elderly couple left, the older woman ahead of her husband the doors closed as it continued its move towards the garage. “So Marcus do you believe that we would make a nice couple?” Victoria looked up arcuarcus waiting to hear his answer. Marcus looked at her knowing that his answer would effect her, Marcus reflected upon everything that he had shared with Victoria, all the experiences, how much she ment to him.“...Yeah” Marcus slapped his head as he looked at Victoria

“I was supposed to say more but my brain went blank... and you know how prone I am to that...” Victoria looked up at Marcus as she kissed him on the lips hugging him tightly, the elevator doors opening, as they both stepped out.“I know what you were trying to say, sometimes just one word can make the difference” Marcus and Victoria walked over to the Jeep as Marcus pushed the button on his keys the Jeep making the beeping noise. “I think it’s raining Marcus, do you have a top?”

Marcus opened the door letting Victoria sit down, “It’s in the back, it shouldn’t take that long” Marcus shut the door as he went to the back of the Jeep, he pulled out the covering for the top and sides. “Victoria could you please roll up the windows” Victoria moved over as she closed the driver side window and then the passenger side window. Marcus lept off the back of the Jeep as the last strap was fastened tight. Marcus sat in the drivers seat as he put the key into the ignition, starting the car. Marcus drove out of the underground garage as he waited to entered traffic, rain drops impacting on the Jeep creating a soothing beat. Marcus turned on the window wipers as they swooshed back and forth, as the cars passed infront of them a opening appeared as Marcus into the lane.

The Jeep moving with the traffic, every once in awhile it would stop at a stop sign or stoplight only waiting for awhile before it would continue on it’s way. “Victoria this might sound weird but when I get your new identity what do you want your name to be”. The Jeep slowed down as it stopped at the stoplight, Victoria watched the cars pass infront of them,” I don’t know what I’d want my name to be...can I still keep Victoria for my first name...” The Jeep went forward as the light turned green. “ I don’t see the problem in that but don’t you want to talk to your family and tell them that your alive?...I know that’s kinda off the the subject but I’d believe that they would be relieved to know that you are alive”

Victoria looked at the floor of the Jeep“ I’d like to but they probably have there house under serveilence and I don’t want to raise there hopes up...they’ve had six months...to forget about me and even know it might become perminant” The Jeep turned as it stopped underneath an over pass, Marcus turned the engine off. “Don’t think like that Victoria...I know they haven’t gotten over you” Victoria looked straight at Marcus “I can’t, I don’t want them to get involved” Marcus looked at Victoria’s face“Then why did you contact me?” Victoria caressed the side of Marcus’s face “Because I missed you more than anything, that’s why... is that a crime?” Victoria sighed as she looked around “Why are we stopped here”

A dark dressed figure appeared infront of the Jeep,walking over to Marcus’s side as it knocked on his window.”This is why” Marcus rolled down the window as he looked at the man, the hood hiding his face. “I have everything we just need to have the picture taken” The hooded man nodded as he handed Marcus a large folder. “You know how to do the rest,you have any problems just contact Vincent.” The hooded man walked towards the sidewalk as he intermingled with the crowd disappearing from view. Marcus started the ignition as he drove the Jeep forward entering traffic. His cellphone rang as he turned the corner, taking a quick glance at the caller I.D “Marcus speaking...whats up Luke” Luke spoke with urgency on his voice

“Yeah we need you down here quick.Somebody just said they know who and where the killer is... and is describing a few things that only that person would know...” Marcus flipped a switch, the siren sounding. “I’ll be right there...I’m a couple a miles away from the station, talk to you later”Marcus hung up the phone he took a sharp turn “Hey Marcus I don’t think it’s necessary to have the siren on...”

Marcus sped through a traffic light as he took another sharp turn. “You don’t understand Victoria, this might be the only real break in the case...We’ve had many people come in and say that they did the murders...then again they were all psychologically inept” Victoria raised an eyebrow as she watched Marcus speed through the raid drenched streets “ Then whats so different about this one then?” Marcus pulled into the police station as he switched off his siren “Because Luke told me that he would only call me if the person had some sort of imformation that the general public didn’t know about and this is the first call, that is why it is necessary” Marcus quickly turned into a parking space as he turned the Jeep off he jumped out of the Jeep quickly shutting the door behind him. Marcus began to run as he quickly stopped, slowly turning around. Victoria stepped out of the Jeep the key’s dangling in her hand as she walked up to Marcus. “You forget something?” Marcus looked at Victoria a sheepish expression forming on his face. “I’m so stupid I forgot to get the keys...” Victoria glared at Marcus “What did you say?!”

Marcus stepped back alittle bit “I ment to say...I forgot you? I’m sorry for not opening the door for you and being a gentleman to the perfect girlfriend...” Victoria began to walk towards the police station, she threw the keys up in the air as Marcus caught them. “Uh huh...yeah better luck next time...flattery will get you know where this time...” Marcus ran after Victoria as he opened the door infront of her letting her in “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to...forgive me” Marcus entered the police station right behind Victoria, Luke turned the corner as he ran up the them “Hey were the hell where you? That guy has been telling us things that you wouldn’t believe...hurry it up” Luke ran away as he disappeared behind the corner, Marcus looked at Victoria “I’m sorry but I need to do this...I don’t know how long this will take” Victoria looked at Marcus a smile forming on her face “It’s all right I was only messing with you... damn you still keep on falling into my traps...I’ll go look at your office and then wander around for awhile, you have an office right?”

Marcus laughed at Victoria’s last comment “Yeah I do I’ll take you there o.k, if you get hungry just go to the cafeteria I’ll show you where that is also.” Marcus and Victoria walked through a door way as it revealed a large room containing desks to the left and the offices to the right, the room filled with street dressed officers a few of them would walk past Marcus and say a few words to him and Marcus would reply back, Marcus stopped as he opened a door that has his name on the window. “Detective Marcus Akigame” Victoria walked into the office as she looked at the piles of papers and folders that had accumulated on his desk. “You know you don’t have to call me detective” Victoria looked at Marcus as she sat down behind his desk “Yes master...” Victoria picked up a portrait that pictured her and Marcus together infront of a lake. “I can’t believe you still have this picture, what is it at least a year old?” Marcus went over to Victoria as he looked at the picture in her hands “That was the last picture that we took together before...”

Marcus’s voice trailed off “but that’s old, we have to get a new picture of us together” Victoria put the picture back onto the desk as she looked up at Marcus, “Yeah, I would like that.” Victoria stood up “So where’s that cafeteria” Marcus opened the door as he followed Victoria out shutting the door behind him. Marcus lead Victoria to the cafeteria as he went to the through another doorway leading into the cafeteria, three lines of tables to one side a few officers sitting as they either ate there food or talked to another, one side covered in vending machines and opposite to that there was the cafeteria line. “Welcome to the cafeteria...” A slight sense of sarcasm with his words “I know it isn’t much but I’ve spent many a lonely night eating here, the foods somewhat decent...” Victoria poked Marcus on his side,Marcus jerked as he felt her finger push into him “Well I can tell...and you won’t be spending any nights lonely again”

Marcus looked down at his watch “Oh damn, I’m sorry Victoria I got to go and see Luke he’s probably pissed off at me... he’s gonna have another bitch fest if I don’t get there soon.” Marcus kissed Victoria as he hugged her “I’ll see you soon” Victoria smiled “Til then” Marcus let go as he walked away taking a glance at Victoria before running off disappearing as he turned the corner. Victoria stood there as she looked at the clock over the doorway. “What am I going to do...” Victoria went over to a vending machine as she fished a few coins out of her pocket and placed a few coins inside,she pressed a few buttons as a bag of chips fell she got them out of the machine. Victoria walked through the doorway as she headed back to Marcus’s office, casually observing the police station as she made her way back. She opened the door as she entered, closing it behind her. “ I can’t believe he works in this...he’ll never change will he”

Victoria looked at the wall as she studied the frames that hanged on the wall, some of them were of Victoria. A small smile forming on her face as she sat down putting the bag of chips on the desk, Victoria moved the portrait of her and Marcus so that she could see it clearly. Victoria pulled out a large red vial from her purse, filled with some sort of viscious liquid, she took off the top as she began to drink it. Letting the alklaine taste flow down her throatctorctoria replaced the top as she put the vial back into her purse, Victoria leaned back as she closed her eyes. Marcus walked into the monitoring room as he saw Luke . “W. “Where the hell were you, your lucky were recording this or you wouldn’t know dick” Marcus sat down besides Luke as he looked at the man talking to the interrogation officer.

“I’m sorry, I was showing Victoria around. I came here as fast as I could” Marcus watched the man as he signed a paper that the officer gave to him. “This man has told us a few things that you wouldn’t even believe... he’s given us some pretty incriminating evidence against him... though it seems that he was the accomplice. Though he’s making it sound like some crack induced dream...” Marcus looked at the well dressed man as he chattered away telling all his secrets to the interrogation officer as Luke continued with his tirade. “From what I’ve heard he seems to be right on. He’s told us a few things like the positions of the bodies where the deep lacerations on the bodies even the victim that had her head decapitated, we didn’t even release that...You know this might be the killer... though if you say that there he might be the accomplice then we should continue the search... for that will probably person continue the homicides.” Marcus and Luke looked at each other “I know he might but when you weren’t here he told us that he lived with the killer, a woman. She would come in sometimes and start to paint these pictures, that matched the scenes to the last detail. He even heard her talk to him in detail, she told him that she was going to write a novel or something...after that the man doesn’t really remember anything, he read the newspapers and after awhile he decided to come in... his conscience eating at him or something... then again he did a few of them or something, still not really clear as he kinda talks in a third person point of view... really strange. His roommate left aparapartment awhile back, she didn’t leave anything behind.” Marcus turned as the door opened,the interrogation officer entered the room as he handed Luke a paper. “Well we have the search warrent, we were even lucky enough to find a judge to sign it on a friday. Do you think you can call a team to gather evidence from the apartment?”

The interrogation officer scratched the back of her head “Yeah I think I can get one...they aren’t going to like it though” Marcus continued to look at the man as he leaned back, looking at the ceiling. Urgency upon his voice“Well tell them, that its an emergency and that is what they are getting paid for, I don’t care if its some religious holiday or birthday...we need this evidence and we can’t wait any longer. As we speak the chances of us finding refutable evidence grows slimmer with each passing minute.” The interrogation officer looked at Marcus as she walked out of the room, as Luke returned his attention back to Marcus.

“Damn...Marcus you could have been alittle bit nicer” Marcus turned, the swivel chair squeaking. “I know...but sometimes a direct combative order gets to people...and you know my people skills suck” Luke smiled as he looked the man in the interrogation room. “Yeah I know...I still can’t believe you...I mean you of all people have someone that looks like that woman...what the hell did you do?...pay her” Marcus laughed as he scratched his brow. “ Well you better believe it, she actually loves me...” Luke shook his head “Women these days...they’ll fall for anything...even an idiot like you” Marcus got up as he stretched “Oh shut up...I don’t see you with anyone” Luke laughed as he slapped Marcus on the back “ Oh I love you too...” Marcus looked at Luke as he openned the door “ahhh....oh god just stop that, that’s so gross”

Luke laughed as he follow Marcus out of the room. The interrogation officer walked over to Marcus “We have the team, they just left for the apartment” Marcus turned around “O.k Luke, can you do me another favor?” Luke rolled his eyes as he looked at Marcus “Yes master whatever you wish...” Marcus “ Well I need you to accompany the team and take any thing that looks unnatural, I can’t leave Victoria right now” Luke sarcastically saluted Marcus as he turned around as he walked towards the elevator “Yes sir!”

Marcus walked back to his office, as he opened the door he saw Victoria with her eyes closed. Victoria opened her eyes as she heard the door squeak open.”So what took so long?” Marcus walked over to Victoria as he kissed her. “Well just had to watch the interrogation and gather a few facts here and there...nothing much. You get anything to eat or drink?” Victoria stood up from the chair as she picked up the bag oips ips “I was about to eat these but I kinda fell asleep...” Marcus laughed “You still plan to eat those?” Victoria gave the chips to Marcus “No you can have them...can we go somewhere to eat?” Marcus opened the drawer as he put the chips in,shutting the drawer quickly. “What do you feel like?” Victoria opened the door” How about some steak” Marcus smiled “Sounds like a plan, I know this perfect place...you’ll like it” Victoria held onto Marcus’s arm as they walked out of the officercusrcus closing the door behind him.

Minutes later they stood in the parking lot of the police station, they made there way to the jeep. As Marcus was about to open the door for Victorian,his hand was slapped out of the way by her. “I think I can do it myself Marcus... what do you think I’m so weak and girly?” Marcus grinned as he let her open the door and seat herself. “Do you really want me to answer?” Victoria raised her right eyebrow before she delivered a quick but right to the point punch to his chest. “Shut up... or I’ll kick your ass” Marcus went over to the drivers seat as he started up the engine, letting it warm up for a bit. “hmm kinky...” Marcus drove into the busy intersection which connected to main street. Even in the late afternoon, the streets themselves were still packed. Then again in a melting pot of a microchasm that was this city, it was only natural. Marcus still dn’tdn’t believe that Victoria was with him,though they had been together for a day the emptiness that he had endured for the past six months just faded away... they were together again. They had loved, laughed and experiance emotional pain... it was as if that fire never existed and that it had been a bad dream.

The silence was broken as Victoria spoke, Marcus snapped back to this reality which really seemed to be a dream. “Where’s this place that were eating at?” A slight grin appeared upon Marcus’s face as he continued to drive towards the resturant. “Ah its a great new place called Della’ Rosa,real suave-ish I think...but it has some great food” Victoria smiled as she watched the scenery pass. “Sounds like fun, you go there alot?” a somewhat inquisitive tone upon her voice “Yeah, when my friends drag me with them after work...” Marcus said with a slight smile. The moments themselves passed in relatialmnalmness, Marcus didn’t want to ruin mom moment for to be close to her again was more then he ever wanted and for some reason he had this nagging feeling that this whole day was just some dream... and that he would wake up in his apartment alone.

Marcus parellel parked across from the Della’ Rosa as they both left the car. The night itself would be filled with chit chat as Marcus and Victoria would catch up on past events, her story explained to him as best she could. Though even that sounded str, he, he would learn that there were others like her... though she was one of the “Perfected Models” as marked by one of the scientist. Victoria knew very little as to why they choose her or what they did to her body... though they did say that there would be a “maintance check for primary and secondary function”whatever that ment... she didn’t nor wanted to know. Victoria just wanted to live a normal life, with the person that she loved...

Outside in the rain, there were others that had a different set plans for her... for the project had to go on.