"The weekend night the other Boys are still working trying to find out even a grain of info on BELLE.
HEAD speaks to AUGER
"Hey did AEGIS tell you exactly where they were headed"
AUGER
"No need, I placed a tracker in his car"
HEAD
"you did well...where are they right now?"
AUGER
"On the beach..."
ALLURE exhaling in defeat
"I wish I was at the beach...okay not with her ...but only the beach could cure this dead end disease!. How can someone only have good things on her its like she wrote everything by herself in all the files of all the places she worked....I really hope AEGIS makes headway"
ALLURE pauses and tilts his head
"But why are we working this hard...why not just quit"
HEAD
"Were you not listening the day AEGIS played the recording?...AEGIS stated she insisted we see it through and if we do not find anything on her she will detonate the "mine"..."
ALLURE gasp
"I don't recall that...but why?"
AUGER
"When she stared working here, what did JOHN tell us?...CROW! I now wish I headed that warning... she is angry because we started digging into her...she is no going to rest until she punishes us..."
ALLURE
"I don't think the punishment is that bad"
AUGER
"For you maybe...but for the rest of us...and can you imagine it happening on the same day as she threatened?"
ALLURE
"Yeah, that sounds bad...the burden will fall on me..." He crosses his fingers
"I hope we are wrong about AEGIS" and continues to read through he files on his table.
Meanwhile the receptionist at the beach hotel hands the key cards to AEGIS and escorts them to the lifts. They get to their floor where AEGIS hands her one of the key cards
BELLE in a suspicious tone
"Why did you hand me this one? I want the other room..."
AEGIS scoffs
"And what could I possibly have done inside a private hotel before we got here?"
BELLE
"You and I know that all is possible..."
AEGIS hands her the other key to avoid further fights.
BELLE
"Why are you handing this to me so easily? was this part of your plan from the beginning?"
AEGIS lets out a frustrated sigh...BELLE proceeds to take the key card that was initially offered and enters the room leaving AEGIS in the hallway hands up in defeat. He sighs and enters his room as well.
BELLE mesmerized at the beautiful room
'Hmmm…his taste isn't that bad'
She then proceeds to take a shower and change into pencil pants, boots, a tight top tucked inside the pants and a Jacket.
An hour later AEGIS knocks on her door He looks at her surprised hiding a smile..
BELLE
"I like your attire... lead the way my exceptional dancer...." she ushers him with intense exaggeration as they walk towards the lifts.
AEGIS confident
"I know you are being sarcastic but I will burn the dance floor today"
BELLE
"Isn't the expression burn the house down?"
AEGIS
"Good ...you know what I mean"
Just as they get to the lifts BELLE holds onto the fire extinguisher amused
"Should I bring this?...just in case"
AEGIS smiles
"No just stand away from the dance floor you don't want the embers burning you"
He presses the lift button.
BELLE
"if that is your excuse, pfft.. I will be standing close...no I will be with you on the dance floor...I will scrutinize every move...today my eyes will work intensely even the James Webb Telescope can't compete with my eyes today..."
AEGIS shakes his head as they enter the lifts and head down.
Outside the hotel BELLE spreads her arms and deeply inhales the night breeze
BELLE
"This is beautiful...lets hurry... am so excited!" she drags him to walk faster
They get to the club which is packed and full of a delighted lively crowd. Suddenly AEGIS pulls her close to him, she shoots him a warning look.
AEGIS
"I brought you here...I will be responsible for you tonight...Plus I have just surveilled the room and seen several guys eye you at the same time...so tonight I will act like a jealous boyfriend and keep you close to me at all times... I will be your man for tonight..."He smiles pleased by his statement.
BELLE rolls her eyes
AEGIS scoffs
"A normal woman would have just blushed at that statement"
BELLE
"if mediocre lines like that are what make women's hearts race out here...then its justified that am single..."
AEGIS scoffs .
They find a seat close to the dance floor AEGIS gets them drinks...
BELLE shouts into his ear
"Just so you remember I can hold my liquor very well so if your plan is to get me drunk...I hope you carried a black card...."
AEGIS with a determined look on his face
"No I plan to win that file justly no excuses"
BELLE is surprised and amused at the same time...Sips her drink as she looks at the dancers on the floor .
BELLE
"Is there a special song you are waiting for?...you should be on the dance floor by now"
AEGIS
"What's the rush, that will be the climax of the night...in the mean time enjoy yourself"
BELLE
"I will interpret that to...am waiting for you to get drunk..."
AEGIS shakes his head and continues to sip onto his drink. Suddenly Matt cooper's Ain't Met us yet starts to play
Suddenly BELLE grabs and drags AEGIS to the dance floor surprising him
BELLE
"Dance..."
The chorus echoes
Like when Jack told Rose that she's the one –she mimics the famous titanic scene arms spread out pulling him closer to her to grab her waist...he is surprised but obliges.
Like when Cinderella fell for that prince at the ball –she feigns a fainting scene, AEGIS is slightly amused as he looks around at the crowd that is cheering them on
Like when Johnny asked Baby for one more dance –she curtsy's and requests for a dance
And Noah asked Allie to take his hand - she holds out her hand for him to take
Like when Beast saw Belle the very first time –she points two V-sign fingers to mimic the "I'm watching you" look...he smiles genuinely amused
Girl, we're next on the list with your hand next to mine - she grabs his arm and places it under hers... and walks him back to their seats leaving the crowd behind applauding them...
She seats back on her chair exhilarated
"Now am waiting for your dance...in a moment wait first..."
She rises up to leave AEGIS holds her back
AEGIS
"where are you going…?"
BELLE
"I need to use the restroom"
AEGIS escorts her all the way to the restroom entrance...
BELLE
"you know I am in charge of your training right? I don't need your protection to walk a few meters"
AEGIS
"in that case you will escort me as well when I need to use the gents..."
he smiles at her as she shakes her head and walks in.
As soon as she leaves the rest room ,he holds her hand and makes way for her like a bodyguard would using his body as a shield to prevent anybody from bumping into her... She shakes her head slightly amused.
BELLE as she finally takes her seat
"When do you intend to let go of my hand? or am I unsafe even here on the chair"
AEGIS still not letting go and squeezing her hands even tighter in a playful voice
"Am holding it for my own safety...I have seen a very scary man..."
She tries to pull her hand out again
AEGIS
"As I said am your man today...I have seen you eyeing a guy on the left side of the club...not a chance..."
She scoffs and tries to pull away again
AEGIS now clearly amused
"You know the more you try to pull away it just looks like we are playing...from an observer's point its quite cute...."
She pouts
AEGIS
"Now you are cute..."
She shoots him a warning look
AEGIS
"Even cuter"
BELLE in a threatening voice
"AEGIS I carried weapons"
AEGIS
"So did I... you are my trainer remember...and your motto is...(trying to mimic her voice)"always carry your weapon no matter how small, no matter where...even when going to the toilet!"...speaking of which ..today you are not wearing one of your famous hairpins"
BELLE leans closer and whispers
"AEGIS hold my waist..."
He jumps away from her...
BELLE stands and abruptly takes his hands and places them on her belt she unbuckles it and he covers her with his hand embarrassed on her behalf...
AEGIS
"What are you doing... some..o..ne.."
AEGIS stops mid statement and gasps
BELLE leans uncomfortably closer and whispers in his ears
"Its called defensive belt buckles...I will get you one on your birthday"
AEGIS
"So you stay true to your teachings ,you always wear a weapon no matter where you go... "
She lifts her boot proudly
AEGIS takes a closer look...a Tiny dagger tucked in each boot
BELLE excitedly as she seats back onto her chair
"Your turn"
AEGIS shrugs
BELLE disappointed,
"what if a fight breaks out in here..."
AEGIS smiles and unexpectedly drags her chair close to him
"Why would I worry... I have you to protect me..."
BELLE scoffs and tries to drag her chair back to its original spot
AEGIS
"You doing that is making it look like we are playing..."
BELLE stops resisting
"So this was your plan?"
AEGIS
"What?"
BELLE
"cheesy moves thinking I will be moved. Have you ever dated an actual woman before? when was the last time you dated high school?...If you want to capture the heart of a sophisticated woman like me, you will need to pull something unusual"
He pulls her chair even closer slightly surprising her and whispers
"How unusual?"
BELLE whispers in his ears
"I know you are buying time...when we get back home you have to start practicing for the food fests, its clear you cant dance...it seems you were hoping I would get drunk...plan better next time..."
AEGIS stares at her face longingly....BELLE catches him
BELLE
"Turn it off?"
AEGIS
"Turn what off"
BELLE
"Its the alcohol...lets head back..."
AEGIS
"Are you scared of me..."
BELLE
"Pfft...are you sure a weaponless tipsy man should be making such a statement...?"
AEGIS
"You know that's not what I mean"
BELLE
"Either way...she pauses...I have just realized completing that statement would make it sound like am speaking about your secrets..."
AEGIs
"Really?...thanks for the clarification.."
BELLE
"No...I wasn't talking about your secrets...and why are you so sensitive about it anyway...I didn't see it okay...?"
AEGIS
"How can I tell...you are just saying that.."
BELLE grabs both jackets and starts to leave, he quickly follows her
BELLE
"You are diverting from the real issue... You cant dance...
AEGIS
"But I danced with you"
BELLE
"That doesn't count"
By now they are outside the club she hands him his jacket as she puts on hers
BELLE starts to walk toward the hotel he follows her and they quietly walk to the hotel along the beach as he steals glances at her and smiles.
BELLE shaking her head stops abruptly
AEGIS
"What!"
suddenly She pulls him to her side arms intertwined as they continue walking...
BELLE
"AEGIS...please don't fall for me...this will be awkward if you do...I know danger is your Achilles heel and from your standpoint I might look like your next adventure...I might be your last adventure..."
He looks at her, arms still tangled.... scoffs
AEGIS
"...Don't make me curious with that threat"
BELLE
"That is the alcohol speaking... hold this bravery up tomorrow when you are sober and tell me the same thing"
AEGIS
"There are things you cant time or control...so if the moment is right you say it then..."
He stops abruptly looks at the ocean …then at her.
BELLE In a warning voice
"No....you wouldn't...I have cold allergies..."
As she tries to resist, he Grabs her before she runs away
AEGIS lifts her she tries to writhe away from him .He rushes to the ocean
AEGIS
"You wouldn't have been deployed that many times...you wouldn't have survived your training either"
BELLE now carried in his arms still resisting
BELLE
"We will both catch a cold how will you explain that on Monday?!..."
AEGIS now panting
"We will tell the truth, we went swimming in the ocean at night...or you can make it sound romantic and say you rescued me while I was drowning"
On reaching the cold water he hesitates looks at her and rushes in, he regrets it immediately the water is icy cold. AEGIS tries to dump her in the water but she swiftly adjusts herself holds onto his neck while her legs strongly clutch onto his waist.
AEGIS amused
" I know a soldier should adapt and survive...but did you suddenly turn into an octopus? "
He leans down but she clings on to him leaning with him.
BELLE holding on even tighter
"Lean all you want...and yes I have adjusted not like an octopus...am a leech and this leech is not falling off till we get out of the cold water"
AEGIS clearly amused fakes a move like he is about to fall,she jumps into the cold water and screams...he laughs
AEGIS Splashes water at her...
AEGIS
Just tell me one thing,where did you learn to shoot liked that..."
BELLE
"If I told you...you wouldn't believe me...think fast!
she scoops water just as she is about to splash water back at him...he slips and falls...
She laughs hysterically
AEGIS is bemused... as he has accidentally snorted some water...she laughs as he is trying to cough the water out.They both get out of the ocean BELLE still amused
AEGIS
"You know there are easier and less pain full ways to kill a man other than drowning..."
he scolds
BELLE
"Me? like you needed help with that...I can't believe people put their lives in your hands.... let alone our country at some point...seriously...."
she shakes her head as she rests on the beach he joins her
BELLE as she removes her boots and places them next to her Soberly...
"Don't die while am with you no one will believe that I had nothing to do with it"
AEGIS Looks at her suspiciously
BELLE
"Everything was perfect but one...am hungry..."
AEGIS
"OOOH!...I have just recalled...I made a mistake earlier of showing you the hotel vending machine... leave some for the other occupants..."
She snickers picks up boots and starts to walk to the hotel he follows closely behind. Suddenly she turns to him
BELLE
"you know how you can make it up to me?"
Before AEGIS could respond she walks behind him and hops onto his back
BELLE
"carry me back to the hotel...am super exhausted"
Shocked but amused he just sighs and walks towards the hotel.
BELLE
"Could you try running...am super hungry…" she whispers into his ears
AEGIS squats down…in a scolding tone
"get off!"
BELLE
"Make me!..."
He rises back again and holds onto her tightly
AEGIS
"Okay, On the count of three I will fall on my back...one…Tw.."
she quickly jumps down and sneers at him she pouts as they walk back to the hotel. True to her word she immediately goes to the vending machine and picks a few snacks AEGIS waits for her not surprised.
Finally they get to their doors...he looks at her expectantly...
she stares at him up to down...
BELLE
"I asked you to get one room you refused...who knows...also In as much as your wet clothes sticking to your body have given me a glimpse of what I will be missing out on...(She uses one hand to point at his chest) let's not make the ride home tomorrow awkward…and the office…Your team is out there waiting for answers thinking you are making some progress .Don't answer the wrong questions..."
Intense scoff from AEGIS BELLE continues
"this was a great night let's preserve it that way."
AEGIS tries to pull his jacket over his chest like he is trying to cover up.
AEGIS
"After carrying you all the way...honestly.... where is the energy ...a man's reputation is built or broken on the first try..."
She smiles and they both go into their separate rooms.
The next day they leave the hotel and drive back to the city she plays his playlist again and sleeps most of the way. He drops her home... she gives an exhausted thanks and goes into her apartment building. AEGIS stays parked for a while a look of loneliness fills his face...eventually he exhales strongly, restarts the car and drives off.
Come Monday AEGIS decides to get to work early before the boys to avoid the expectant looks that always meets him when he has to report about BELLE ,to his surprise, he finds the other boys already waiting for him. AEGIS startled
"What are you all doing here?
AUGER
" What do you mean. We work here...did she wipe your memory or something? how did it go?"
AEGIS
"Can I at least get to my chair first?"
HEAD
"No...brief us first"
ALLURE
"Please tell me we were wrong about you and you made some headway..."
AEGIS scoffs
"Instead of first congratulating me for coming back alive..."
AUGER
"Seeing you are diverting...I knew you couldn't make any progress"
AEGIS
"I worked hard..."
HEAD
"But produced no results?"
ALLURE
"So you cant dance"
AEGIS
"I danced...so well..infac..."
The boys eye him murderously he stops
AEGIS
"She said she was not impressed...either way even if I was the best dancer in the world she still would have said she was not impressed, the plan had a loop hole from the start...she was not going to let me win easily..."
ALLURE sighs heavily
"You are right...."
AEGIS
"Any head way on your end?"
ALLURE
"Pfft...the more we dig in, the more perfect things we uncover about her...did you know she has been awarded more medals of honor than anyone in the country? she has rescued almost everyone...flies medevac part time, teaches self defense at various orphanages, volunteers during national disasters,...sigh...The list is endless..."
AUGER
"We cant even go against her without looking like assholes..."
AEGIS
"I only found out few things"
The boys lean eagerly
"She could shoot her rifle from when she was seven..."
AUGER and HEAD
What!
AEGIS
"That's all,its not helpfull also she can sing and rap? I think"
HEAD
"No its helpful...we will have to move few crumbs at a time..."
Just then BELLE walks into their office
BELLE
"I heard you guys were working extra hard over the weekend, AEGIS and I had so much fun...I am looking forward to our next date...he is such a romantic man...
Not giving AEGIS a chance to finish his scoff she continues
"However I would like to go with you ALLURE to your cooking classes ,AUGER how about pottery? HEAD you should teach me how to knit, Your skills put my grandmother to shame..."
Clear shock on the mentioned Boys' faces
BELLE tilting her head
"I should teach you how to maintain poker faces ... and ooh ,AEGIS can dance... I know you doubted him...
while you were busy working so was I...yes incase you are wondering yes it was AEGIS who told me how you spend your free time..."
HEAD
"That's a lie...at least he couldn't have known that about me..."
BELLE
"As I said I was working too...it would have been juicer if I created a rift between you guys...anyway...ALLURE should I reveal why you go cooking?"
ALLURE immediately drops and begs
AUGER
"Now am more curious about this cooking...what are you cooking meth?...why is cooking a big secret"
BELLE to AUGER
"You are the one to talk, should I name who introduced you to pottery?..."
AUGER gulps in fear
AEGIS
"Even I am.."
BELLE warning AEGIS
"Don't start...don't be curious...your list is longer...we don't have time in our schedule to finish it"
AUGER
"What can we do to bring all these to an end..."
BELLE
"I never half ass anything...and neither should any of you...since you are under me,it will be a bad look on my reputation"
Eye roll from AUGER
BELLE
"There is alot to dig from me...I need you to find it...otherwise...ooh and if any of you tries to quit...noo...let it be a surprise..."
She leaves pleased
AUGER whining
"She truly has uncovered me...am done for and I cant even quit!
AEGIS
"Here I was thinking I had the darkest secrets...now am curious, especially about you ALLURE"
HEAD
"Of course yours are the darkest...she said we didn't have time to uncover them...but seeing how ALLURE and AUGER responded and if my analogy is right...its something to do with past missions?"
The two Boys nod in unison
AEGIS surprised
AUGER
"Seriously you didn't think I did pottery?...he cringes at the word...or HEAD could knit...or ALLURE could....Actually ALLURE can cook but his reaction tells you pans and pots are not involved in this cooking.."
AEGIS
"So are you going to tell me?..."
AUGER
"Will you release your long endless list as well?..."
AEGIS walks to his machine meekly...
AUGER with a scared look on his face
"Her connections are limitless..."
The Boys sigh as each sits by their desk trying to get things done but everyone just seems lost in fearful thoughts.