Agent Gray, Red with Love

Warning: this is a manuscript of a latter from a top ACME informant, with additional narration from the ACME team. This is for YOUR EYES ONLY. Do not share this with any unauthorized personnel.

  Thank you, 

   Graham Hawkins, 

ACME Faculty Oceania and Asia

  Dear Agent Gray,

  Faculty Member Gray Hawkins walked down the colorful streets of Buenos Aries, Argentina. It was a hot summers' day, somewhat reminiscent of those in Australia. If you didn't know better, you couldn't differentiate him from any other Argentinian on the street. He was wearing a plain purple shirt with two stripes along the chest area, sandals, and khaki shorts. The only clothing item implying he was ACME was the trademark shades propped up on the top of his wavy hair. He was happy he didn't have to dawn the suit constantly anymore, he'd really had enough of it. But now that he was working directly with Chief, he could wear whatever he wanted as long as it fit the dress code.

  ACME Faculty? It had its perks. 

  Nestled in his pocket was a latter addressed to him from a certain lady in red:

  If you got this letter, it means you and alive and well enough. I pray that you made it out fine, I don't think I could ever forgive myself if you didn't. I want you to know that I didn't leave, and that I came in every day for the first week and a half of your stay. I wished I could stay longer, but Chief eventually reminded me that you wouldn't want me to waste away crying at your bedside. So I've decided to go to Argentina and meet my mother.

  He made his way to a small building with a swing set and slide built in the front porch area. The house was a little run down, but in a homey sort of way where you could tell it was filled with love.  Young children were frolicking around in the planted grass area, laughing and playing. One with short red hair, dawning a red dress was playing with a ball by the front. She turned her head and smiled at Gray from eighty feet away, with large, grey eyes. He couldn't help but chuckle as he walked closer and closer, hoping that the roses Felix just insisted he brought along didn't draw too much attention. He made it to the door, and feeling more nervous that ever before, he made three strong knocks. Then he waited.

  Her name is Carlotta Valdez. She lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a little outside of where I was born. According to ACME, she runs a small orphanage. Ironic, isn't it? I told you I ran a charity for orphaned children, and if seems my mother does too. Maybe it's a sign? I'm catching the plane to see her right after this letter has been written. 

  A few of the kids were starting to notice as he stood at the front, just tapping his toes and humming "Viva Las Vegas." A few were giggling, likely jealous of his awesome shades. From behind the door, he heard a little bit of children's shouting and some running around. A small boy, about 5 years old creaked open the door, eyes widening. 

  "Uuhhhh, Mrs. Valdez? I think it's the man from Miss Red's picture!" 

  "What?" A middle aged, but friendly women's voice practically gasped. The door was swung open by who Gray could only assume was Carlotta Valdez. Carmen was her spitting image. The had the same, wavy hair, the same smile... He grinned awkwardly, trying not to notice as Carlotta's eyes drifted to the flowers. He introduced himself, sheepishly, trying not to blush.

  Remember that proposal Chief mentioned? It's a job, Gray, and I think you should take it. Even with V.I.L.E. being gone, ACME makes you happy, and don't you deny it. I love you a lot, which is all the more reason I want you to live a fulfilling life surrounded by your friends, and Shadow, your family. As someone who didn't have that most of my life, I wouldn't ever dream of stealing that from you.

 "... But I thought you were still in Japan?" Carlotta asked, when he had finished telling the story. How he had taken the ACME faculty job, how Paper Start had escaped, how Rodger had started a new villain empire, and how he didn't want to any of it without seeing Carmen again.

  "I got better!" Gray smiled, doing jazz fingers with his free hand.

  "And the job in Asia...?" 

  "I have unlimited travel miles. Not to mention all the interconnection between ACME units."

  Carlotta beamed. She turned her head, and called up, "Carmen! You have a visitor, mija!" 

  "Oh? Who is it?" Someone very special to Gray yelled from the upstairs floor. Quick steps patted down, barely audible over the sound of the children and bustling of Buenos Aires outdoors. The children started to part as the steps slowly grew louder.

  And then there she was, right in front of him. Brighter than the largest Buenos Aires sun, more gorgeous than the clearest day in Sydney. Her hair was styled in messy bun, and her black shirt was splattered with bright red paint— likely from an upstairs art project. Her feet were bare under her faded jeans. He didn't think he'd ever seen anything more lovely.

  Carmen's eyes widened, her full lips parting into a small O. Then she smiled, the largest, most amazing smile. 

  "Gray?" She asked, as if she couldn't believe it.

  He just flashed his trademark, crooked smile with a silly shrug. "Hi." Carmen's eyes wandered to the flowers, and she smirked. 

  "Who're those for?" She asked.

  "Oh, you know. Just this beautiful, amazing, smart, kind lady who lives somewhere around here. She's about this high," he placed his hand to the top of her head for effect. Carmen chuckled. "And you know, she really likes the color red."

  "Huh, never heard of her," Carmen teased.

  "Oh, well then. I'll be going now," Gray said, turning his back in her all snarky-like. 

  "Wait— old on—"

      But you better call me. I'm not giving up on us after all that, you've chased me way to much trouble.... And let's face it, vise versa. That being said, if you ever find yourself in Argentina, stop by, okay? Here's the address: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  Carmen grabbed his shoulder, and before he could even turn to fully face her she swung her arms over his shoulders and layer a nice, soft kiss on his lips. The children cooed oooooh! as the roses dropped from his hand, and he wrapped his arms over her hips pulling her close. The world could've stopped right there and he wouldn't have noticed.

  When they finally had to pull away, Carmen asked, "But, Gray, what about ACME? The job?"

  "You know," he replied, "Almost dying multiple times puts some stuff in perspective."

  "It really does," Carmen agreed.

  "And it made me realize, there's so much of the world to save out there. So many missions, so much paper work. I intend to keep playing my part, but rewarding as that line of work is, there's only one Carmen San Diego. And if I've got her right here, right now, so I'm going to count my blessings.... If she'd have me."

  Carmen smiled, and kissed him again under the blazing Argentina sun in answer.

  Signed:

  Red, with Love.

  They had eachother now, and they were never letting go.

....

I wrote "smile" wayyy too much, lol.

  Carlotta just sitting there, like, "...'Kay."