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#Post#: 39--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR (complete)
By: 22639 Date: September 30, 2011, 5:49 pm
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[center][sub]The part of Joe Dawson is temporarily being
understudied[/sub][/center]
Joe puts the last of the dirty dishes in the bus tray to be
washed once the bar empties out and empties the sink of the old
water. As he refills the sink with hot soapy water he looks over
at the table he has been watching for the past 2 and a half
hours. He can't get over how beautiful the woman sitting at that
table is. He is so engrossed with watching her that the sink
almost over flows.
[Joe] Damn!
Joe mutters under his breath as he quickly shuts off the water.
Zoe sighs, its obvious, by the two hours late, that her
appointment wasn't going show today. She places several bills on
the table, more than enough to cover her meal, tea, and tip.
Standing, she walks toward the door.
Joe drops a few of the dirty lunch dishes into the sink and
begins to wash them.
Zoe is passing by the bar when suddenly the world grays around
her. She stumbles and grabs desperately for the edge of bar,
praying she won't completely pass out.
Joe sees the woman grab the bar as her face pales. He grabs a
towel and quickly dries his hands as he steps over to her.
Grabbing her arm across the bar, he asks, "Miss? Are you
alright?"
Joe moves around the end of the bar and grabs a chair from a
nearby table and scoots it up behind her.
[Joe] Here. Sit down.
Joe says softly and guides her into the chair.
Zoe blinks as her vision clears, coming back to normal. After a
moment, she smiles at the bar tender, and sits in the chair
offered.
[Zoe] Thank you.
Zoe says.
[Zoe] I - I'm not sure what came over me. I mean I know I'm
tired but...
Zoe trails off.
Joe reviews in his head what he had seen the young lady consume
during her lunch. Since he didn't see her drink anything other
than iced tea he knows that she can't be drunk.
[Joe] Do you happen to be hypoglycemic?
Joe asks in a soft, gentle voice.
[Joe] All you had was salad for lunch. Your blood sugar might
be low.
Joe explains his question and gets ready to go behind the bar
and retrieve a packet of sugar.
[Zoe] Oh, no, it's not.
Zoe says with a smile.
[Zoe] International travel always tires me out. I guess being
stuck for three days in an airport thanks to volcanic ash, just
made it that much worse... and where I expected to have three
days to recover from Jet lag, I got none... before this
non-existent business meeting.
[Joe] Would you like a glass of water?
Joe asks wanting to do something for her but not knowing what
to do.
[Zoe] Yes, thank you.
Zoe says smiling at the bartender.
[Zoe] I'm Zoe, by the way.
Zoe says introducing herself.
Joe walks behind the bar and pours a glass of water then
carries it back around and hands it to her.
[Joe] Nice to meet you, Zoe. I'm Joe.
Joe smiles down at the woman.
[Zoe] Thank you, Joe.
Zoe says smiling as she takes the glass of water and takes a
deep swallow.
[Joe] You're not driving are you? Can I call someone for you?
Joe asks as he watches her face closely for signs of its color
returning.
[Zoe] Yes, well, I was planning on driving back to my hotel...
though that may not be the brightest idea, now.
Zoe smiles, then jumps as her cell phone begins to ring.
[Zoe] Oh, I'm sorry. Excuse me a moment.
Zoe apologizes to Joe as she reaches for her phone, and then
flips it open.
Joe sees Mike coming out of the storeroom with a case of booze
to replenish the shelves and motions to him. When Mike comes
closer he tells him he's going to give the lady a ride home and
to go ahead and close up for the rest of the afternoon.
[Zoe] This is Zoe... No, I'm here, I have been since eleven
this morning... What do you mean something came up? I thought we
had an appointment?... 4:30?... Yeah, I can do that. At Joe's
again?... Alright, I'll see you then... Mmm... Goodbye.
Zoe finishes her phone conversation and flips it shut, and
looks back at Joe.
[Joe] You know....Joe's Bar doesn't just serve lunch, dinner
and booze. We also provide an excellent free shuttle service.
Joe says light heartedly when she hangs up.
[Zoe] It does, does it?
Zoe asks with a laugh.
[Joe] Yes. But only to our very special patrons.
Joe says with a boyish grin and a wink.
[Zoe] Oh, dear...
Zoe laughs shaking her head slightly.
[Joe] How about letting me take you home? You can come back
for your car when you're feeling better.
Joe holds out his hand to her.
[Zoe] I wouldn't want to impose. Besides, I have to be back
here by 4:30 anyways. It hardly seams worth it to go back to my
hotel and to try and take a nap now.
Zoe sighs.
Joe looks at his watch and sees that she is right about the
time.
[Joe] Well....it isn't the Ritz.....but there is a couch in my
office. It's nothing fancy but it is quiet....if you would like
to lie down for awhile.
Joe says before realizing he's saying it.
[Zoe] Oh, I...
Zoe says slowly studying Joe's face. She is really tempted to
take him up on. She needs the sleep so badly, but at the same
time, she really doesn't want to intrude.
[Joe] I promise to be a complete gentleman. You can close the
office door and I can wake you up in time for your appointment.
Joe insists. He can't seem to allow himself to let her go off
on her own. What if something were to happen to her? He would
never forgive himself.
[Zoe] I'm not worried about that.
Zoe smiles.
[Zoe] I just don't want to be in your way... or anything like
that.
Joe straightens up.
[Joe] Ok....I can see that you are an independent woman. So how
about I make it easier for you and insist. After all....a
bartender is responsible for his patrons...even after they leave
his establishment. If something were to happen to you on your
way home....I could be held responsible for letting you drive.
Joe says halfway seriously then he winks at her and gives her a
smile.
Zoe smiles brightly at Joe.
[Zoe] Well, when you put it that way, I don't see where I have
any choice in matter.
Zoe laughs.
[Joe] Exactly.
Joe says with a chuckle.
[Joe] You wouldn't want to see me get into trouble now would
you?
Joe adds more of a statement than a question. He holds out his
hand again.
[Zoe] Of course not.
Zoe says with another bright smile at Joe and puts her hand in
his and standing up.
Joe leads her into his office and over to the couch. He fluffs
up the only throw pillow and takes the rain coat he had worn in
this morning and lays it out on the couch for her to use as a
blanket.
[Joe] What time would you like your wake up call to be?
Joe asks Zoe as he unplugs the phone on his desk so it won't
bother her.
[Zoe] Well... rather than say a specific time... would it be
alright, if I just told you who I was meeting? And when, or if,
he shows, you could wake me then? If I'm not up before?
Zoe asks a little hesitantly as she sits on the couch.
[Joe] Absolutely. At Joe's Bar we are here to please.
Joe says with another grin and a wink.
Zoe laughs softly at that comment from Joe.
[Zoe] In that case. I'm meeting, Dr. Mark Bjorne, and to be
honest, other than the fact that he's in his early 70's I have
no idea what he looks like.
[Joe] Well...since the bar will be closed until 7
tonight....it shouldn't be hard to spot him. Besides...it's not
like we get a lot of elderly professional types in here.
Joe says light heartedly.
[Joe] Are you sure there isn't someone you'd like me to call?
Just to let them know where you are? A husband? Boyfriend?
Joe asks as he moves toward the office door.
[Zoe] Oh, no. I'm about as single as they come. But thank you.
Both for the offer and the couch. I appreciate it.
Zoe smiles, as she moves to lay down on the couch.
[Joe] Not a problem. Now just get some rest.
Joe says in a soft voice. He watches her for a couple minutes
from the doorway then steps out of the office and closes the
door. As he steps back behind the bar he tells Mike that the
young lady is resting in his office and is not to be disturbed
then begins to wash the dishes he started earlier.
[center] ....Six that evening.... [/center]
Joe is alone....sitting at the bar and drinking a cup of coffee
as he reads the newspaper.
Methos parks his car and exits with a sigh of relief, it had
been a long day, now all the wants to do is to have a beer and
relax. He locks the car and slowly walks to Joe's bar.
Joe checks the racing form in the paper and breaks out
chuckling.
[Joe] Oh I have GOT to place a bet on that horse.
Joe says aloud to the empty bar.
Methos steps inside the bar hearing Joe's chuckle.
[Methos] Something amusing?
Joe picks up the phone and dials a number. When it is answered
he says, "it's Dawson. Put $200 on Many Lives in the sixth."
Methos asks looking around, but the bar is empty.
Joe hangs up and looks over at Methos.
[Joe] Bar's closed so help yourself.
Joe says and takes a sip of his coffee.
[Methos] Hmm, actually, I need to check my email, I'm expecting
something from Paris. Watcher business, do you mind if I use
your computer?
Methos asks with a smirk, as far as he could tell it's the
first time he bothers to ask Joe properly.
[Joe] Sorry.
Joe says looking up from his paper.
[Joe] My office is off limits for awhile.
Joe says and his eyes twinkle mischievously.
Methos looks at Joe disbelievingly for a moment.
[Methos] That's what you get for being polite, I should have go
ahead and use it.
[Joe] I'm serious, Methos. You can't go in there. Not right now
anyway.
Joe says more seriously.
Methos stops on his tracks when he hears Joe's comment.
[Methos] Off limits?
Methos studies Joe suspiciously.
[Methos] What are you up to, Joe?
Joe nods in the middle of a sip of his coffee. When he swallows
he says, "someone is in there resting and is not to be
disturbed."
[Methos] Oh really? Who?
Methos asks as he moves behind the bar instead to get a beer.
[Joe] Well....if you must know.....it's a young lady who
nearly fainted earlier as she was about to leave.
Joe answers and pretends to go back to reading the newspaper.
[Methos] Never knew you had that effect on women.
Methos smirks as he grabs a glass and takes out a draft beer.
[Methos] Anyone I know?
[Joe] I know that you think you know every woman in the
world....but no. This is one you don't know. And if you don't
behave yourself....I just may not introduce you when she wakes
up.
Joe says halfway teasingly.
[Methos] Hmm I think you're confusing me with MacLeod, he's the
one who knows every woman in the world, and slept with most of
them.
Methos chuckles amused as he goes around bar to sit on a stool.
[Joe] And the ones he hasn't....you have. Do me a favor. As a
friend. Stay away from this one.
Joe says somewhat seriously.
[Methos] Oh, this is turning interesting.
Methos teases looking at Joe.
[Methos] So what's her name? Sleeping beauty?
[Joe] Zoe.
Joe answers simply and takes a sip of his coffee.
[Methos] Not Aurora?
Methos says before he takes a sip of beer.
[Joe] 5000 comedians out of work and I'm stuck with this joker.
Joe says looking up at the ceiling as though talking to God or
something.
[Methos] Look on the bright side, you get free jokes, the
others would charge you.
Methos smirks amused before he moves slightly on the stool.
Dr. Bjorne pulls into a parking spot before the bar with a
sigh. He wonders what the chances that Zoe is even still there.
Getting out of the car he slowly makes his way into the bar.
Joe rolls his eyes and glances at his watch...wondering where
this doctor is that Zoe is supposed to be meeting.
Dr. Bjorne is afraid he'll find the door locked, since the bar
is closed. To his relief, it is unlocked. Pulling the door open,
he enters the bar, and stand for a moment allowing his eyes to
adjust. After a moment he sighs. There are only two men in the
bar. He moves to make his way over to the bar. Maybe the
bartender would remember Zoe.
Joe looks up when the door of the bar opens and watches the
older gentleman enter the bar.
Methos turns his head when the bar door opens wondering who
could it be at this hour.
[Dr. Bjorne] Excuse me.
Dr. Bjorne says when he reaches the bar.
[Dr. Bjorne] But I was supposed to meet a young lady here about
an hour an half ago. I'm very late, but I'm wondering if maybe
you've seen her?
Joe gets up from his bar stool and steps up to the older
gentleman.
[Joe] Are you Dr. Bjorne?
Joe asks politely.
[Dr. Bjorne] Yes. Dr. Mark Bjorne.
Dr. Bjorne nods politely.
Methos drinks his beer in silence as he listens, he assumes
that's why there's a woman sleeping in Joe's office.
[Dr. Bjorne] You've seen Miss Kellogg I take it?
[Joe] Zoe's here. Have a seat while I go get her. Pierson see
if the good doctor would like something while he's
waiting....would ya?
Joe says and heads for his office.
[Methos] Fine.
Methos nods as he stands up, he has to get another beer for
himself anyway.
[Methos] Would you like something, doctor?
[Dr. Bjorne] Just a beer, thanks.
Dr. Bjorne says moving to a table.
Methos nods as he grabs another glass and proceeds in taking
two draft beers. He moves to the table to put one in front of
the doctor before he returns to his stool to sit down again.
Joe stands just inside the door and looks down at Zoe. The
color has returned to her face and she is sleeping
peacefully....a slight smile on her lips. He hates to disturb
her but he had promised so he walks quietly over to the couch,
reaches down and gently shakes her shoulder.
[Joe] Zoe? Zoe....Dr. Bjorne is here.
Joe says quietly.
Zoe comes awake, blinking her eyes in confusion for a moment.
Then smiles.
[Zoe] Is it 4:30 already? It feels like I just fell asleep.
Joe shakes his head as he straightens up and respectfully takes
a step back from the couch.
[Joe] It's actually a little after 6. He's late.
Joe answers.
[Joe] How are you feeling?
Joe asks with sincere concern.
[Zoe] Oh, I'm feeling much better. Thank you. And.. I apologize
for the take over of your office. I hope I didn't inconvenience
you to badly.
Zoe says with a smile, as she sits up.
[Joe] Not at all. I wouldn't have woke you up except your
doctor friend is here.
Joe says smiling warmly.
[Zoe] He's not a friend.... I've only spoken on the phone a
couple times with him. Just a business meeting, but thank you.
Zoe says with a warm smiles of her own as she stands up.
[Joe] If you would like I can have him come back here so you
two can talk in a more private setting than in the bar.
Joe offers.
[Zoe] Oh, no. The bar will be fine. This meeting shouldn't
take long.
Zoe smiles.
[Joe] Ok. Can I get you a refreshment? Some coffee...tea....or
a drink?
Joe asks as he holds the door of his office open for her.
[Zoe] Tea would be wonderful.
Zoe smiles brightly.
[Joe] Your wish is my command.
Joe says and bows gallantly as he waits for her to step across
the threshold.
[Zoe] Thanks.
Zoe laughs as she steps out of the office. She immediately
spots Dr. Bjorne.
Methos turns on the bar stool when Zoe passes the bar to go to
the table where the doctor is sitting. He side glances at Joe as
he comes near, after all those warnings he's going to get what
he deserves.
[Methos] Hmm, nice. Forgot to mention she was pretty, didn't
you?
Methos asks Joe as he turns on the bar stool to face Joe
again.
[Methos] I think I'll ask her out.
Joe follows Zoe out of the office, closing the door behind
him. He goes behind the bar and prepares a small pot of hot
water and places a tea basket into the pot. Setting the pot, two
cups and a sugar and creamer on a tray he motions for his
waitress and slides the tray toward her when she steps up to the
bar. "Take this to that table over there," he says pointing to
the table Zoe and the doctor have sat at.
[Joe] You're going to ask her out?
Joe questions Methos.
[Methos] Why not? She's a woman, I'm a man...
Methos shrugs, then he adds teasingly.
[Methos] Anything can happen.
[Joe] I thought you had given up that sort of thing.
Joe says as he pours himself a cup of coffee and stands across
the bar in front of Methos.
[Methos] What? Sex? No way!
Methos stares at Joe disbelievingly.
[Methos] Have you?
Joe frowns as he watches Zoe admiringly.
[Joe] She's not your type.
Joe says bluntly.
[Methos] And what is my type exactly?
Methos asks with a slight frown, like Joe would know which was
his type.
[Joe] Someone who doesn't want any sort of serious
relationship.
Joe answers simply without taking his eyes off of Zoe.
[Methos] Hey, I married 68 times. How many times did you
marry?
Joe looks at Methos and quirks an eyebrow.
Methos points out as he studies Joe looking at that woman,
this is getting interesting, he thinks to himself.
[Joe] Are you saying you're ready to try settling down again?
Joe asks dubiously.
[Methos] Hmm, no, but that doesn't mean I'm not interested in
sex.
Methos smirks as he picks up his glass.
[Joe] Do you honestly think she's the type to just want a roll
in the hay?
Joe asks seriously and looks back at Zoe.
[Joe] Because that's not what I see when I look at her.
Joe says taking a sip of his coffee.
[Methos] Well, I wasn't planning to take her to a barn, a bed
would do just fine.
Methos chuckles softly.
[Methos] Besides hay is itchy.
Joe gives Methos a sidelong glance.
[Joe] Ok....then go ahead. I guarantee that she will see
through you and turn you down. So if you're into rejection these
days...knock yourself out.
Joe lifts his coffee cup up in a toast.
[Methos] So what if she says no? The point is, Joe, that woman
is free until someone asks her out, and since you're not
interested enough...
Methos shrugs before he empties his glass.
[Joe] Did I say I wasn't interested?
Joe asks looking at Methos and quirking an eyebrow.
[Methos] So what are you waiting for? The doctor takes her out
of here?
Methos asks as he extends his glass to Joe.
[Methos] And another beer would be appreciated thanks.
[Joe] Yeah. I'm interested. But I'm also a realist. I
mean....what would a guy like me have to offer a classy lady
like that?
Joe asks as he sets his cup down and picks up Methos empty
glass. He gets a cold glass out of the fridge and fills it with
draft and sets it down in front of his Immortal friend.
[Methos] I'd say let the lady decide, the worst she can say is
no, thank you.
Methos shrugs as he side glances at the table Zoe is sitting.
He has to hide his amusement when he sees Zoe is looking when
Joe isn't looking.
[Joe] Yeah. That's what I'm afraid of.
Joe mumbles as he picks up his coffee cup and takes a sip while
watching Zoe....his admiration showing in his eyes.
[Methos] Damn it, Joe, are you going to ogle that woman all
night, or are you going to do something about it?
Joe finishes his coffee and sets the empty cup down as he looks
at Methos.
Methos asks Joe as he pulls the beer glass closer to him.
[Joe] Why does this bother you so much?
Joe asks curiously. In all the time he has known the Immortal
Methos has never seemed to be the least bit interested in Joe's
love life.
[Methos] Doesn't, I only want to know if the coast is clear.
Methos shrugs, thinking if he should tell Joe there was a
chance Zoe would say yes if he asked her out.
[Methos] If you're not asking her out, I am.
[Joe] Like I said...knock yourself out, pal.
Joe says trying to sound nonchalant.
[Dr. Bjorne] Well, I will see you at 8 am, Monday morning then.
Dr. Bjorne nods to Zoe Kellogg, as he stands up to leave.
[Zoe] Monday morning.
Zoe agrees with a nod.
Dr. Bjorne turns and walks to the door, nodding to the
bartender as he passes, then leaves the bar.
[Methos] Alright, the doctor is gone, here's your chance.
Methos urges Joe to do something.
[Methos] Just go to her table and ask her out, you've got
nothing to lose.
[Joe] Didn't you say you had some email to check or something?
Joe says shaking his head.
Zoe continues to sit at the table, sipping her tea.
[Joe] Or is it more interesting being a pain in my ass.
Joe adds as he moves toward the coffee pot and refills his cup.
[Methos] Oh no, no, no. You're not getting rid of me that
easily.
Methos shakes his head chuckling amused.
[Methos] You think I was born yesterday?
[Joe] Have you always been an ass hole?
Joe asks as he returns to his place across from Methos.
[Joe] No wonder your partners wanted to kill you. I am
beginning to understand their reasons.
Joe needles.
Methos frowns for a moment, pretending to be thinking.
[Methos] Hmm, I can't remember that far back.
Methos shrugs.
Zoe finishes her tea and sets the cup on the table. After a
moment she stands, and makes her way to the bar.
[Methos] And the reason they wanted to kill me was because I
didn't want to be an asshole anymore.
The phone rings and Mike answers it. After a couple of seconds
he holds it up and motions for Joe.
Joe walks over and takes the phone from Mike and turns his back
to the bar and places his finger in his free ear so he can hear
whoever is on the other end.
Joe hangs up and when he turns around he is grinning from ear
to ear.
[Joe] I knew the name of that horse was a sign!
Joe says triumphantly as he walks back to his place across from
Methos.
[Methos] Many Lives won?
Methos asks amused even though he knew it had to be that to
make Joe so happy.
[Joe] At 50 to 1 odds. I just became $10,000 richer, my
friend.
Joe announces proudly.
[Joe] Drinks are on the house!
Joe announces to the entire bar.
[Methos] Oh, good. Take that as a sign to ask her out.
Methos nods toward the woman walking to the bar.
[Zoe] You're that excited that I'm leaving?
Zoe asks as she reaches the bar, smiling.
[Joe] No!
Joe answers Zoe shaking his head.
[Joe] I just won on a hunch bet at the track.
Joe explains.
[Joe] Can I buy you a drink?
[Zoe] Oh, no thanks. I need to get going. Back to the hotel, to
try and sleep off some more jet lag.
Zoe smiles.
[Zoe] I just wanted to thank you, again, for letting me take
over your office this afternoon.
[Joe] The pleasure was all mine.
Joe says with a warm smile.
Methos looks at them in silence for a moment, wondering if Joe
is going to ask her out or if he has to do something.
[Zoe] I do rather doubt that. I'm sure it was a mild
inconvenience at the bare minimum. But still, thank you.
Zoe says still smiling.
The TV over the bar is set to the evening's news and the local
sportscaster has been giving an update of the days sporting
events. Just as he is about to close his segment he stops and
announces breaking news from Seacouver Downs. "The mare had just
crossed the finish line and was heading for the winner's circle
when she became spooked by someone in the crowd blowing an air
horn in celebration. Her jockey tried to get her back under
control but she somehow took a bad step and went down....her
front leg fracturing in several places. So instead of Many Lives
being honored in the winner's circle...her wreath will be placed
at her grave as the track vet had to put the mare down.. The
owner of Seacouver Downs has expressed his sorrow and has
promised to make good on all winning bets."
Joe Stares at the TV in disbelief.
[Methos] Many Lives?
Methos shakes his head.
[Methos] Wishful thinking.
[Zoe] Something wrong?
Zoe asks given the shocked look on Joe's face.
[Joe] If that isn't the perfect example of irony....I don't
know what is.
Joe says shaking his head.
[Joe] That was the horse I bet on.
Joe explains to Zoe.
[Zoe] Many Lives dying? That is both sad and Ironic.
Zoe sighs.
[Zoe] But... I've got to get going. Again, thank you.
Zoe says turning to leave.
Methos looks at Joe expecting he'd try to stop her since he
doesn't he says after her.
[Methos] Hmm, Zoe, right?
[Zoe] Yes?
[Joe] Turn that thing off.
Zoe asks turning back to the other man sitting at the bar.
Joe says to Mike and turns away from the TV set.
[Methos] I'm a friend of Joe, my name is Adam Pierson.
Methos introduces himself extending a hand to her.
[Methos] How do you do?
[Zoe] Fine, thanks. How about you?
Zoe laughs taking the hand.
[Methos] Oh, I'm always fine.
Methos smirks shaking her hand amused she's asking about his
health.
[Zoe] I'm sure you are.
Joe rolls his eyes when he hears Methos' comment.
Zoe laughs, assuming Adam is taking about his own good looks.
[Joe] Alright Casanova.
[Methos] Joe and I were talking and he mentioned you just
arrived, so I was wondering if we could have dinner one of these
days. I realize it's a bit presumptuous of me but see I never
had an inferiority complex.
Methos finishes the last part looking at Joe, daring him to
prove him wrong.
Zoe glances between Joe and Adam, given the look Adam is
giving Joe. She then gives Adam a hard look up and down, before
shaking her head regretfully.
[Zoe] Sorry, but I'll have to pass.
Zoe smiles, slightly regretfully.
[Methos] Fine. You can't blame me for trying.
Joe walks around the end of the bar and holds out his hand to
Zoe.
[Joe] May I walk you to your car?
Methos smiles at Zoe, it's not like he was expecting a
different answer, he knew women and that one wasn't interested.
Joe asks with a charming smile.
Zoe gives Joe a long hard look.
[Zoe] Alright.
Zoe says accepting Joe's arm.
Methos watches them go with a smile, so his plan worked after
all, he knew if he kept bothering Joe he'd do something about
it.
Joe leads Zoe out of the bar and to the parking lot. Once they
are far enough away from the noise of the bar he looks over at
her and smiles.
[Joe] You know.....Sunday's the 4th of July and Seacouver is
known for its celebration. It just so happens that I know of the
perfect place to watch the fireworks display.....if you would
care to join me....that is.
[Methos] No more Joe complaining about how it could have been,
and ME having to listen to him. I think I deserve a drink.
Joe says softly.
Methos murmurs to himself as he stands up and moves behind the
bar.
Zoe frowns at Joe studying him, wondering if he and Adam had
tried to set this up somehow... However, she did very much enjoy
fireworks, and to top it she did owe him, for letting her use
his office. So after a long moment of frowning hard at him she
nods.
[Zoe] Alright. Pick me up at say 7?
[Joe] 7 it is.
Joe acknowledges.
[Zoe] Alright. Park Inn Suites, across from the hospital. Tell
the concierge Zoe Kellogg is expecting you.
Zoe informs Joe.
Joe nods and, as they approach her car, he takes her hand from
his arm and grasps it in a make shift hand shake.
[Joe] I'll see you then. And Zoe? Thank you.
Joe says softly as he releases her hand.
[Zoe] Have a nice evening Joe.
Zoe says as she moves to unlock her car.
[Joe] Sleep well.
Joe says and steps out of the way of her car.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 40--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 2
By: 22639 Date: September 30, 2011, 5:57 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The parts of Duncan MacLeod and Joe Dawson are
temporarily being understudied.[/sub][/center]
[center]***One week later***[/center]
[Joe] Then Sunday we had a picnic in Bay Park and just talked.
She is so intelligent I could listen to her talk all day.
Joe says as he refills Methos' glass with fresh draft.
[Methos] I see.
Methos nods absentmindedly hoping Joe would stop talking about
that woman, he'd been going on and on on the subject for hours.
Duncan pulls his T-bird into the parking lot of Joe's bar and is
a bit surprised to see Methos' Land Rover parked next to Joe's
Range Rover. He parks next to Joe's car and gets out. Locking
his car he heads for the front door of the bar and is
immediately hit with Methos' buzz.
Methos turns around on the bar stool to look at the door when he
feels an Immortal buzz wondering who it was.
Duncan opens the door and steps across the threshold. He waits
for his eyes to adjust to the dim light then smiles broadly as
he heads to the bar.
[Methos] Well, well, well, look who we have here.
Methos says with a smile as he sees MacLeod walking inside the
bar.
Joe sees Methos' reaction and follows his gaze toward the front
door.
[Duncan] Good afternoon, gentlemen.
Duncan says as he approaches the bar and takes a seat on the
empty stool next to Methos.
[Joe] Hey stranger.
Joe says cheerfully.
[Joe] What's your pleasure?
[Duncan] That draft looks good.
Duncan says looking at Methos' glass of beer.
[Joe] One draft coming up.
Joe says and moves over to the beer tap to fill a frosted glass.
As he does he absentmindedly whistles a cheerful tune.
[Methos] So how was New York?
Methos asks side glancing at MacLeod.
Duncan watches Joe curiously for a few seconds then looks over
at Methos.
[Duncan] Profitable.
Duncan answers Methos.
[Duncan] So what's got him in such a good mood?
Duncan whispers.
[Methos] Oh profitable? What have you and Connor been up to?
Methos asks amused ignoring MacLeod's question for now.
[Methos] Smuggling antiques?
[Duncan] I haven't done any smuggling since.......
Duncan thinks for a second then shrugs.
[Duncan] ....so long ago I can't remember.
Duncan chuckles.
[Methos] Prohibition?
Methos offers with a smile, that's the last time he'd smuggled
something.
Joe brings Duncan's drink over and sets it on a napkin in front
of him. He reaches under the bar and produces a small wooden
cigar box and opens it....scooting it across the bar to Duncan,.
[Duncan] Something like that.
Duncan says with a sly grin as he chooses one of the cigars in
the box and holds it up as a thank you to Joe.
Joe hands Duncan a clipper and waits for him to use it.
Duncan clips the end of the cigar and hands the clipper back to
Joe.
Joe lights his lighter and holds it out to so that Duncan can
light his cigar.
Methos side glances at Joe for a moment amused he's giving away
cigars, he couldn't wait to see what's next.
Duncan leans over and lights the cigar...puffs a few times then
takes a drag...blowing the smoke towards the ceiling.
[Duncan] So what's new? Did I miss anything exciting?
Duncan asks as he picks up his beer and takes a long drink of
the frosty liquid.
Joe offers a cigar to Methos.
[Methos] You have no idea.
Methos shakes his head chuckling softly.
[Duncan] Really? So who beheaded who?
Duncan asks looking from Joe to Methos as he takes another drag
of his cigar and blows a smoke ring towards the ceiling.
[Methos] No thanks, Joe, maybe some other time.
Methos tells Joe before he turns back to MacLeod.
Joe closes the box and puts it back under the bar. He picks up
his cup of coffee and takes a sip.
[Methos] Nothing like that, Joe got himself a girlfriend.
[Duncan] Really. Do tell, Joseph.
Duncan says teasingly as he takes a drink of his beer.
[Methos] If you're not careful Joseph Dawson, you'll be off the
market soon.
Methos says as he turns back to Joe, he couldn't miss his
reaction.
The phone at the other end of the bar rings and Joe holds up his
hand as he says, "Excuse me." He walks down to the other end of
the bar and answers the phone...turning his back to the 2
Immortals.
[Duncan] Is it that serious?
Duncan questions Methos.
[Methos] Yes, I think so, he goes on and on about her for hours.
Methos nods taking a deep breath.
[Methos] And to think that's the reason I asked her out, so I
wouldn't hear him complaining.
[Duncan] You asked her....
Duncan starts to say as he shakes his head in confusion.
[Duncan] Wait! Back up. I think I need details.
Duncan says with a chuckle as he turns on his stool to face
Methos.
[Methos] It was really amusing, they kept looking at each other
when the other wasn't looking, but he wasn't doing anything
about it, so...
Methos shrugs picking up his beer glass.
[Methos] I did.
[Duncan] Soooo.....I take it you struck out?
Duncan says...holding back a snicker.
[Joe] Joe's Bar.
Joe says into the phone.
Methos shakes his head with a smirk.
[Methos] I'm glad I did, imagine she said yes when all I was
trying to do was getting Joe to ask her out.
[Duncan] So who is this mystery woman? Another Watcher?
Duncan asks as he takes another drink of his beer.
[Zoe] Joe, hey, it's me, Zoe.
Zoe says into the phone.
[Methos] Hmm no, she just showed up at the bar last week.
Methos shrugs again before he takes a sip.
[Methos] I've no idea where she came from.
[Joe] Well hello gorgeous. How are you?
Joe says as his cheeks blush slightly and he lowers his voice so
as not to be overheard.
[Zoe] I'm doing fine. How are you doing?
Zoe asks.
[Duncan] Is she one of us?
Duncan asks taking a drag off of his cigar and blowing the smoke
behind the bar.
[Joe] Excellent. Looking forward to the next time I'll see you.
[Methos] No, she's mortal.
Methos answers while he looks in Joe's direction wondering why
he was trying not to be heard. He smiles when he realizes who it
was.
[Methos] I bet it's her on the phone.
Joe says not bothering to hide his excitement.
[Duncan] Does she have a name?
Duncan asks setting his cigar in the ashtray in front of him to
let it go out by itself.
[Zoe] Well, about that... I have a little bit of spare time. My
afternoon meeting was moved back to this evening, a dinner
meeting. I was wondering if you minded if I stopped by the bar
briefly.. if you're going to be there that is.
Zoe says her smile obvious through the phone.
[Joe] I thought we were beyond you having to ask that?
Joe says with a chuckle.
[Methos] She's Zoe something...
[Joe] You are ALWAYS welcome. I thought you would know that by
now.
Methos frowns thinking for a minute.
[Zoe] Yeah well, I was supposed to be in meetings all day.
Mainly I wanted to make sure you were going to be there, before
I came by.
Zoe chuckles.
[Methos] Kellogg I think, like in the cereals.
Duncan looks down the bar at Joe's back and he gets a concerned
look on his face.
[Duncan] So you think he's serious about her? What about her?
Are his feelings reciprocated?
[Methos] Oh, he's serious alright, I've never seen him like this
before. I have no idea about her though, only saw her that time.
[Joe] Well....I actually will be turning the place over to Mike
when he comes in so I will be all yours after that.
Joe says excitedly.
Methos answers with a shrug playing with his glass on the
counter.
[Duncan] Hmmmmm.
Duncan says thoughtfully as he slowly lifts his glass and takes
a drink. He remembers seeing Joe "in love" twice before and both
times he got his heart broken. He hopes this time will be
different.
[Methos] He's a big boy though, he can take care of himself.
[Zoe] I'd love that, but I still do have my other meeting, I
need to discuss what all the clients want to invest in, and I
don't know when that'll finish, especially since it's been moved
back to six.
Zoe sighs.
[Duncan] Well.....I hope it works out for him. He deserves to be
happy.
[Methos] Yes, I don't need to mention he's running out of time,
do I?
Methos whispers to MacLeod.
[Joe] Well....good luck with that. And I'll see you when you get
here. I look forward to it.
Joe says softly.
[Duncan] No.
Duncan says shaking his head sadly as he glances at Joe's back
then looks back at his glass.
[Duncan] You don't.
[Zoe] All right. See you in a few.
Zoe says hanging up her end of the phone.
Joe hangs up. He turns and starts down the bar with the grin of
a school boy on his face.
Duncan sees the look on Joe's face and gently elbows
Methos...nodding towards their Mortal friend.
[Methos] Yeah, I've noticed, he's been like that since their
first date.
Methos says with a smile looking at Joe.
[Methos] Just look at that grin.
Methos shakes his head amused.
[Duncan] You look like the cat who ate the canary, Joe.
Duncan teases.
[Duncan] Was it good?
Joe comes to a stop in front of his 2 Immortal friends and looks
at Duncan...still grinning.
[Joe] It was delicious.
Joe quips and picks up his lighter and relights his own cigar.
[Duncan] So when do I get to meet this mystery lady?
Duncan asks emptying his glass and scooting towards the edge of
the bar...indicating he wants a refill.
Joe takes a drag off of his cigar and blows the smoke towards
the ceiling....savoring its taste. Then he picks up Duncan's
empty glass and puts it in the sink. he retrieves a fresh one
from the fridge and proceeds to fill it.
[Joe] As a matter of fact....she's coming here in about a half
an hour or so.
[Methos] Might as well bring me another while you're at it.
Methos tells Joe indicating his almost empty glass.
Joe grabs another glass out of the fridge and fills it. Then he
brings both down to Methos and Duncan and sets them in front of
them.
[Joe] But I'll only introduce her to you under one condition.
Joe says looking at Duncan.
Duncan quirks an eyebrow.
[Duncan] What's that?
[Joe] You have to promise to keep that MacLeod charm to
yourself.
Joe says with a smirk to show he is partly joking.
Methos drinks the rest of his beer and pushes the empty glass
in Joe's direction before pulling the new one closer.
[Methos] Yes, forgot to mention he's also getting jealous
lately.
[Duncan] Well......I don't know.
Duncan acts as though he is considering the condition.
[Joe] You owe me, Mac.
Joe says feigning seriousness.
[Duncan] I do?
Duncan asks innocently.
Joe walks over to the cash register and opens the drawer under
it....taking out a small stack of papers. He leafs through them
and removes one and brings it over. He slaps it down on the bar
and slides it in front of Duncan.
Duncan looks down at the slip of paper and sees that it is an
IOU he wrote after their last poker game in which he lost more
than he had on him.
[Duncan] Oh. Yeah. That.
Duncan says a bit sheepishly.
[Joe] Yeah. That.
Joe says with a superior smirk.
Methos side glances at the paper and shakes his head amused, he
has no idea but he's betting his beer tab is bigger.
[Joe] We'll call it even if you accept my condition.
Joe says and picks up the slip of paper.
[Duncan] Actually....
Duncan says reaching in his pants pocket and taking out his
wallet.
[Duncan] I can pay that off right now and then.....
Duncan says teasingly as he opens his wallet and starts to take
out some money.
[Joe] Then I guess I will have to call her back and tell her I
will meet her someplace else.
Joe says with a sly glare.
Duncan looks over at Methos.
[Duncan] I take it he has lost his ability to take a joke, too?
Duncan asks Methos.
[Methos] Oh, yeah, he's getting all protective when it concerns
her. I can't even call her cereal girl.
Methos nods with a smirk, remembering Joe has threatened to make
him pay his beer tab.
Duncan puts his wallet back in his pocket and holds his hands up
in surrender.
[Duncan] Ok. Take it easy, Joe.
Duncan says laughing.
[Duncan] I promise to behave myself.
Joe nods as he takes the slip of paper back to the register and
puts it back in the drawer.
[Joe] See that you do.
[Duncan] You really are serious about this lady.
Duncan observes as he takes a drink of his beer.
Joe comes back over to his place in front of his friends. He
picks up his cigar and relights it...taking another drag. He
shrugs as he blows the smoke towards the ceiling.
[Joe] Depends on what you mean by serious...I guess.
Joe says and picks up his coffee cup and takes a sip.
[Duncan] It doesn't matter what my definition is....it's how you
define it that matters.
Duncan says seriously.
Mike walks in the front door and joins Joe behind the bar.
[Joe] Excuse me, gentlemen.
Joe says to Methos and Duncan and walks up to Mike to give him
his instructions for the night. But his mind is only halfway on
bar business. The other half is considering what MacLeod has
said. Was he getting serious about Zoe? And if so...just how
serious?
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 41--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 3
By: 22639 Date: September 30, 2011, 6:09 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sup]The part of Joe Dawson is temporarily being
understudied[/sup][/center]
[center] ***30 minutes later*** [/center]
Zoe smiles as she see's Joe's just down the block. Pulling up
before the parking lot next to the bar. Opening the door and
getting out, Zoe pauses and reaches back in to pull out a large
blue gift bag, that was in the passenger seat next to her.
[Zoe] I hope he likes it.
Joe finishes putting chairs on top of tables so he can sweep
and mop the floor in preparation for the evening crowd.
Zoe says smiling to herself, as she walks to the door of the
bar.
Duncan’s cell phone rings and he groans and frowns as he takes
it out of his pocket and flips it open.
[Duncan] Macleod.
Duncan says into the phone as he picks up his glass and takes a
sip of his beer.
[Duncan] Yeah. Hang on a minute.
Duncan says and takes the phone away from his ear.
[Duncan] Excuse me.
Duncan says to Methos.
[Duncan] I need to take this outside. The reception is bad in
here.
[Methos] Fine, be my guest. I'm not planning to go anywhere.
Methos shrugs still staring at his beer glass.
Zoe takes a deep breath then pulls the door open to walk into
the bar.
Duncan gets up and places the phone to his ear as he walks
toward the door. When he reaches the hallway that leads to the
restrooms the reception clears up so instead of going all the
way outside he steps into the hallway to finish his call.
Joe finishes putting the chairs on the tables and walks behind
the bar and proceeds to fill the mop bucket with hot water.
[Methos] Aren’t you taking independence a little bit too far?
Get someone in.
Methos grumbles watching Joe's preparations.
[Joe] No one wants to work for what I would pay them.
Joe says to Methos.
[Zoe] Hey, Joe!
Zoe calls once her eyes adjust to the light and she spots Joe.
[Methos] Cheapskate.
Joe starts to roll the mop bucket with the mop in it out from
behind the bar when he hears Zoe's voice calling out to him and
he straightens up and looks at her with a wide grin.
Methos murmurs under his breath, making sure Joe can't hear
him.
[Joe] Well.....hello beautiful.
Joe leans the mop against the end of the bar and walks up to
Zoe and gives her a quick kiss on her cheek.
Zoe returns the kiss with a smile.
[Zoe] I brought you something.
Zoe says holding up the bag.
Methos side glances at them with a slight smile on his face
wondering what was in the bag.
Joe 's cheeks blush as he looks surprised.
[Joe] Ummm....did I forget an occasion?
Joe asks sheepishly.
[Zoe] No.
Zoe laughs.
[Zoe] It's just a little "Thank you"
Zoe explains smiling.
Joe takes the bag from Zoe and opens it. He peers inside and
then looks at Zoe...quirking an eyebrow.
[Joe] It's a very nice blanket.
Joe says gratefully as well as a bit confused as to its
meaning.
[Zoe] It's not just a blanket.
Zoe hints, grinning.
Duncan steps out of the hallway as he flips his cell phone
closed and returns it to his pocket.
Joe widens the opening of the bag and see that there is a
pillow that matches the soft brown wool blanket. He examines it
as he tries to figure out what to say to Zoe. He isn't sure if
the bedding has some sort of hidden meaning that he should be
aware of. If he responds the wrong way it could hurt Zoe's
feelings and that is the last thing he would want to do.
Zoe laughs softly and finally decides to take pity on Joe,
given his confused look.
Duncan walks back over to the bar and reclaims his seat on the
bar stool. He picks up his glass of beer and takes a big drink.
[Zoe] It's a "thank you" gift. It's for the couch in your
office. After all, next time it might be a sunny day and you
won't have a rain jacket to offer.
[Duncan] You know....after all these years it still amazes me
just how seriously clueless people can be.
Duncan says as he sets his now empty glass back on the bar.
[Methos] Well, Joe isn't the most clever guy concerning
women, I bet he doesn't dare to suggest they both try it.
Methos murmurs to MacLeod still watching the couple. He
noticed the blanket was very Joe, and wondered if she picked
that because she liked it or because it was for Joe.
[Duncan] Huh?
Duncan says turning to look at Methos...a completely lost and
confused look on his face.
[Methos] I was talking about Joe, apparently you weren't.
Methos smiles amused seeing MacLeod's face, it was pretty
obvious they weren't talking about the same thing.
Duncan shakes his head.
[Duncan] No. I was talking about the nincompoops at Seacouver
International Airport Customs Office.
Duncan looks around the bar.
[Duncan] Why? What's up with Joe?
Methos nods in Joe and Zoe's direction.
[Methos] Do I need to spell it out for you?
Joe inwardly breathes a sigh of relief as he closes the bag and
leans over and places a gentle kiss on Zoe's lips.
[Joe] Thank you. It's perfect. Let's go put it in the office.
Joe suggests as he turns toward the back of the bar and his
office.
[Zoe] Hmm... Well that was one of the better thank you's I've
had.
Zoe grins.
Methos shakes his head at MacLeod's question as he picks his
glass to take a sip, he had to ask?
Duncan sees Joe kiss the young lady he has been talking to and
he leans closer to Methos.
[Duncan] Is that her?
Duncan asks in a whispered voice.
[Methos] Yes, that's Zoe. You better pray he doesn't decide
to marry her or guess who's going to be the best man?
Methos whispers to MacLeod chuckling softly.
[Methos] It has your name written on it.
Joe transfers the bag to his cane hand and places his free arm
around Zoe's shoulders as he guides her towards his office.
Duncan watches the couple as they stroll towards the back of
the bar for a few seconds then rolls his eyes as he turns back
to the bar and his empty glass.
[Duncan] Me? Why me? You're more friends with him than I am.
Duncan says to Methos as he looks at his empty glass.
[Methos] Because he knows I'd say no?
Methos asks deeply amused, MacLeod would never say no if he
was afraid to hurt Joe.
Duncan gets up from his stool and walks around the bar.
Grabbing his and Methos'' glasses, he moves to the beer tap and
refills both.
[Duncan] Do you really think it's getting that serious?
Duncan asks Methos as he sets one of the refilled glasses in
front of his friend.
[Methos] Who knows? Joe is pretty serious about her; don't
know her that well though.
Methos answers with a shrug while he pulls the beer glass
closer to him.
[Methos] Maybe?
Joe Inside his office, Joe opens the bag and removes the
blanket. He drapes it across the back of the dilapidated couch
then takes the pillow out of the bag and lays it against one arm
of the couch. He steps back to take a look at it.
[Joe] There. What do you think?
Joe asks Zoe as he surveys the blanket on the couch.
Duncan glances toward Joe's office...his browed slightly
furrowed. He sits back down on his stool and takes a sip of his
beer.
[Duncan] Well....if Joe is getting serious....even if we
didn't approve of this Zoe....he wouldn't listen.
Duncan looks at his glass now sitting on the bar.
[Methos] If it was the other way around, would you?
Methos asks raising an eyebrow at MacLeod.
[Duncan] You know....Joe probably knows me better than I know
myself. But I really don't know that much about him. But what I
do know is that he doesn't take advice well.
Duncan says matter-of-factly then picks up the half smoked
cigar he had extinguished earlier and Joe's lighter which he had
left on the bar next to the ashtray. He lights the cigar and
shrugs as he blows a smoke ring towards the ceiling and watches
it dissipate.
[Duncan] Probably not.
[Methos] No, too stubborn to listen, reminds me of someone.
Methos nods with a smirk, thinking he was talking to that
someone.
Duncan 's cell phone rings again and he takes it out of his
pocket, flips it open and looks at the screen.
[Zoe] Perfect.
Zoe laughs, smiling.
Joe turns and faces Zoe. He gently takes her face in his hands
and looks at her lovingly.
[Joe] You know what's perfect?
Joe leans forward and kisses the tip of her nose.
[Joe] You are.
Joe whispers and kisses her on the lips.
[Zoe] No.
Zoe says shaking her head sadly.
[Zoe] I am far from perfect. But thank you, for thinking I
am.
[Methos] Besides I wouldn't call it serious if a couple of
comments from your friends ended the romance. Love is selfish.
Methos shrugs before he drinks some beer.
[Duncan] If that experience with Richie and Kristen taught me
anything it taught me that the more someone advises against a
relationship the more they ignore the advice and do the complete
opposite.
Duncan says thoughtfully as he blows another smoke ring towards
the ceiling.
Joe gives her another quick kiss then puts his arm around her
shoulders again and steers her toward his officer door.
[Joe] Come on. I want you to meet someone.
[Methos] Told you to give him some room, didn't I?
Joe says as he moves toward the door.
Methos reminds MacLeod.
[Zoe] Oh? And who would that be?
Zoe asks walking beside Joe.
[Methos] Knowing Richie, he'd get tired of her in no time if
you didn't say anything.
Duncan sets his cigar in the ashtray and turns to face Methos.
[Duncan] As I remember....you were the one who came to me and
wanted me to warn Richie about Kristen. If you didn't think I
should advise him to stay away....why would you want me to warn
him?
Duncan asks Methos as he quirks an eyebrow curiously.
[Methos] Hmm, no, I came to warn you, knowing Kristen the end
result would be the same whether you warned him or not.
Methos shrugs while he sighs, was it possible MacLeod didn't
know he was expecting a fight when he came?
[Methos] I knew she'd end up trying to kill him.
[Duncan] Only if he tried to leave her.
Duncan turns back to the bar and picks up his glass of beer. He
takes several sips then sets the glass back down.
[Methos] Richie? It was only a matter of time, the clock was
ticking.
Methos chuckles softly.
[Duncan] She definitely had some serious issues. I wonder what
Sean Burns would have said about her.
Duncan muses.
Joe leads Zoe out of his office.
[Methos] Hmm, yes, no one leaves me unless I say so. Just
where did I hear that?
Methos smirks thinking Kronos had the same problem.
Duncan 's cell phone rings again and he checks the screen then
turns off the ringer and puts it back in his pocket.
Joe walks up to Methos and MacLeod and clears his throat to get
their attention.
Duncan turns and looks at Joe when he hears him clear his
throat.
Methos turns his head and raises an eyebrow at Joe.
[Methos] Yes Joseph?
[Joe] Zoe....you have already met my friend Adam. This is
another very good friend, Duncan MacLeod. Mac....I'd like you to
meet Zoe Kellogg. Mac...Zoe. Zoe....Mac.
Joe says with a proud smile on his face.
[Zoe] It's a pleasure to meet you.
Zoe says with a smile and offer's her hand to Duncan.
Duncan looks at Joe and smiles charmingly. He gets up from his
stool and takes Zoe's hand. He lifts it and gallantly kisses the
back of her hand.
[Duncan] Nice to meet you.
Duncan says and flashes one of his charming boyish smiles at
her.
Joe reaches out and takes Zoe's hand out of Mac's.
[Joe] Alright. That's enough. The woman is spoken for.
Joe says to Mac warningly....a twinkle in his eyes.
[Zoe] Hey. I think I can speak for myself.
Zoe says looking at Joe with a smile, then turns to Duncan and
wags her finger at him.
[Zoe] None of that Mister.
[Methos] Hmm, it's not like you own her, if you decide to try
someone younger I'm available.
Methos manages to say with a straight face just to tease Joe.
Duncan coughs and feigns a small choke at Methos' comment. As
he turns his head away from Joe and Zoe he mutters, "younger?"
then coughs again to cover a chuckle.
[Zoe] Yeah.
Zoe says with a touch of sarcasm as she looks over at Adam.
[Zoe] I'll let you know, but I wouldn't hold my breath if I
were you.
[Duncan] So why don't you join us, Zoe?
Duncan says, turning back to face Joe and Zoe.
[Duncan] I'll buy you a drink. I know the bartender so order
whatever you want.
Duncan says teasingly with a wink.
[Zoe] I can't stay real long.
Zoe says regretfully.
[Zoe] I have a business meeting in...
Zoe pauses and glances at her watch.
[Zoe] A little over an hour.
Methos turns on his stool to take a sip; he only pretended to
be interested in this woman to upset Joe if he wasn't paying
attention he had better things to do.
[Duncan] It looks like I'm not going to be able to stay for
long either.
Duncan says as he flips his cell phone shut and lays it on the
bar.
[Duncan] But I would like to buy you a drink....if that's
alright.
Duncan says and looks at Joe...quirking an eyebrow in an
unspoken request for permission.
[Zoe] If it's a small one.
Zoe says, seriously.
[Methos] If you're buying, I'd like a big one, I'm staying.
Methos tells MacLeod with a smirk.
Joe smiles and nods his approval to Duncan. He gives Zoe's arm
a gentle squeeze and lets go of it. He walks behind the bar and
looks at each of his friends proudly then looks at Zoe.
Duncan chuckles at Joe's "hat changing" and turns to look at
Zoe.
[Duncan] Looks like the bartender is in. What's your pleasure,
mademoiselle?
Duncan says with a smile.
[Zoe] How about a Jamison and coke, thanks.
Zoe says with a smile and a rueful shake of her head.
Duncan turns to look at Joe.
[Duncan] You heard the lady, barkeep. And I'll have a single
malt.
[Joe] Jamison and coke, single malt....what about you?
Joe says turning his attention to Methos.
Methos looks at Joe pretending to think for a while.
[Methos] Hmm, let's try something different.
Methos looks at the bottles behind the bar.
[Methos] A beer for a change?
Duncan looks at Methos and feigns a concerned expression.
[Duncan] You coming down with something?
Duncan asks teasingly.
Joe chuckles as he moves halfway down the bar and prepares the
drinks his friends ordered.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 42--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 4
By: 22639 Date: September 30, 2011, 6:20 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The part of Duncan MacLeod is temporarily being
understudied.[/sub][/center]
Joe is behind the bar, clipboard in hand, checking his
inventory when the door of the bar opens, letting in a stream of
light and he looks up to see who is coming into his
establishment so early.
Duncan steps inside Joe's Bar and, while he waits for his eyes
to adjust to the change in light he brushes snowflakes off of
the shoulders of his coat and stomps his feet to knock the slush
off of his boots.
[Joe] Cold enough for you, Mac?
Joe calls out cheerfully.
Duncan smiles at his friend and heads for the bar where he
removes his overcoat and drapes it across one of the bar stools.
[Duncan] Looks like we're going to have a white Christmas
after all.
Duncan says with a chuckle and takes a seat on the stool next
to the one holding his coat.
[Duncan] Got any coffee made?
Joe smiles and nods. He grabs a mug,fills it with the freshly
brewed coffee and sets it on the bar in front of his Immortal
friend.
[Joe] What brings you out so early?
Joe asks as he refills his own cup.
[Duncan] I had some last minute Christmas shopping to do and
figured I would get it done early. I thought I was going to beat
the crowds but I guess everyone in Seacouver had the same idea.
Duncan says and picks up the mug. He takes a tentative sip of
the hot coffee.
[Joe] And that is why I do all of my shopping online.
Joe says with a chuckle.
[Duncan] I always say I'm going to get it all done
early....like around October...November at the latest but time
always seems to sneak up on me.
Duncan says and takes another sip of the coffee.
[Duncan] Be glad you're not out there. It's insane. It's like
everyone forgot how to drive in the snow and the shops are
filled with totally crazed shoppers. At one point I thought two
women were going to go to blows over a scarf that was on sale.
Duncan shakes his head.
The door of the bar opens again and a man in a brown UPS uniform
steps across the threshold.
[UPS Man] I'm looking for a Joseph Dawson.
The man says looking at the package in his hand then at the two
men at the bar.
[Joe] That would be me.
Joe speaks up.
[Joe] Coffee's fresh if you'd like to warm up a bit before
going back out there.
Joe says as the man heads over to the bar.
The man shakes his head.
[UPS Man] No thanks. I'm running behind schedule thanks to
the road conditions.
The man sets the package on the bar and turns on his electronic
clipboard. He uses his finger to scroll down the page and when
he comes to Joe's name he turns the clipboard around so that it
is facing Joe and snaps the stylus out of its holder.
[UPS Man] I need your signature right there.
The man says, pointing to the correct spot.
Joe takes the stylus and signs his name where the delivery man
has indicated then snaps the stylus back into its slot and hands
the clipboard back to the delivery man.
The man checks the display on the electronic clipboard then
turns it off and nods.
[UPS Man] That'll do 'er. Thanks and have a Merry Christmas.
The man says with a smile.
[Joe] Thanks. You, too.
Joe says picking up the package and looking at the return
address.
[Duncan] You drive careful out there.
Duncan says to the delivery man then takes another sip of his
coffee.
[UPS Man] Will do.
The man says with a nod of acknowledgment to Duncan then he
turns and hurries back out into the cold.
Joe takes a pocket knife out of his pants pocket and opens it.
He carefully cuts open the box, fishes through the packing
material and removes a long red velvet case.
[Duncan] Whatcha got there, Joe?
Duncan asks, curiously as he takes another sip of his coffee.
Joe brushes off some of the packing material and steps back in
front of MacLeod...opens the red box and turns it so Duncan can
see its contents.
[Joe] What'd ya think?
Joe asks watching MacLeod's expression.
Duncan takes the box and leans to the side so that he can hold
it directly under one of the overhead bar lights for a better
look. He nods approvingly.
[Duncan] It's nice. But emeralds go better with my eyes.
Duncan says teasingly in an effeminate voice.
Joe grabs the box back and scowls.
[Joe] Smart ass.
Joe grumbles and looks at the contents of the box.
[Joe] You've been hanging around Methos too long.
Joe adds as he closes the box.
Duncan chuckles.
[Duncan] Seriously....do I need to ask who that is for?
Duncan asks more sincerely.
Joe shakes his head.
[Joe] I saw this online and it just sort of jumped out at me.
Like it was saying, “I'm the one. Pick me,” so I did. Think
she'll like it?
[Duncan] You could probably answer that better than I could.
I've only spoken to her a couple of times and really don't know
her that well.
Duncan says with a shrug and takes the last sip of his coffee.
He sets the empty mug back down on the bar.
[Joe] Yeah but you seem to know just what to get the women in
your life so I would say you are more the expert than I am.
Joe says as he grabs the coffee pot and refills MacLeod's cup.
[Duncan] I'm hardly an expert.
Duncan says modestly.
[Joe] Well...OK..let me put it another way. You have more
experience than I do. I've only dated 4 women in my
life.....well....three because one was a repeat.....while you,
on the other hand.....
Joe says with a bit of a sly smirk as he takes a sip of his own
coffee.
Duncan chuckles.
[Duncan] It's not the number of women that denotes
experience....it's the number of successes. And in that
department I definitely fall short.
Duncan says with a laugh.
Joe looks at his Immortal friend and quirks an eyebrow.
[Joe] Yeah? I rather doubt the suave and debonair Duncan
MacLeod has been shot down. At least not according to our
records.
[Duncan] Then someone needs to keep better records.
Duncan says smiling.
[Duncan] Believe me.....I have struck out more times than I can
count. I've been laughed at....slapped....shot at....chased off
by large male family members....had hounds sent after me....and
heard “no” in just about every language. I've even had them run
away from me. I don't know anymore about women than you do, Joe.
Duncan says admittingly then takes a sip of his coffee.
Joe looks at MacLeod almost not believing the Immortal. The
Highlander had gained quite a reputation as a charmer and a
lady's man throughout the centuries.
[Joe] Well I can say that I have never been chased by hounds.
Joe says and laughs.
Duncan laughs with him.
[Duncan] And if you did you probably wouldn't be doing it in a
kilt and barefoot.
[Joe] Not unless I was really really plastered.
Joe says laughing even harder at the thought.
Duncan finishes his coffee and gets to his feet. He takes out
his wallet and starts to open it up.
Joe holds up his hand in protest.
[Joe] Come on MacLeod. You know your money isn't any good
here. It's on the house.
Duncan smiles and sticks his wallet back in his pocket.
[Duncan] One things for sure. Zoe sure has put you in a good
mood.
Duncan says with a wink.
[Duncan] Well....I need to get back to the Dojo to make sure
Richie hasn't burned it down or something.
Duncan says with a chuckle as he puts on his over coat.
[Joe] Well...you have a Merry Christmas, Mac. Stay warm, drive
careful and stay safe.
Joe says cheerfully as he clears MacLeod's coffee mug off of
the bar and throws away the UPS shipping box.
Duncan points to the red velvet box on the bar.
[Duncan] And good luck with that.
Duncan says with a wink and with that he heads for the door of
the bar and disappears into the cold afternoon.
Joe chuckles as he picks up the red box and carries into his
office for safe keeping.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 157--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 5
By: Nicole Date: November 27, 2011, 8:35 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The part of Amanda is temporarily being
understudied [/sub][/center]
Joe parks his car in the parking lot of Zoe's hotel, gets out
and heads inside. He walks through the lobby and goes straight
up to her room. Before knocking on her door he glances in his
reflection in one of the paintings on the hallway wall and fixes
his tie. Then he knocks on the door.
Zoe gets up and walks to the door at the sound of the knock. A
brief peek through the peep hole, reveals that it is Joe.
Zoe Good evening! How was your Christmas?
Zoe asks throwing the door open.
[IMG]
HTML http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo31/nicoleking16188/Highlander%20RPG/ZoeDress2.jpg[/img]
Joe Lonely.
Joe admits holding out a small bouquet of flowers.
Zoe Oh, Joe, they're lovely.
Zoe says taking the bouquet and putting them to her nose
immediately to smell them.
Zoe Just let me get them into some water, and then I'm ready to
go.
Joe You looked beautiful, by the way.
Joe says giving Zoe a kiss on her cheek.
Zoe Thank you.
Zoe grins.
Zoe You don't look half bad yourself.
Joe 's cheeks redden and he smiles.
Joe Thanks.
Joe says humbly.
Zoe More than welcome.
Zoe grins reaching for a black wool trench coat, which she had
tossed over the bed, once she had placed the flowers into a
class with some water.
Joe holds out his elbow for Zoe to take and when she does he
escorts her down the hallway to the elevator.
Joe I hope you're hungry.
Joe says as they wait for the elevator car to arrive.
Zoe[color=green] Starved. I'm surprised you can't hear my tummy
rumbling.
Zoe laughs.
Joe chuckles as they board the elevator car when it arrives. He
proceeds to escort Zoe out of the hotel and to his car...helps
her get in then gets into the drivers seat and heads out of the
parking lot. He drives to the parking lot of the Queen of Spades
Showboat and **** and parks. He walks around to the passenger
door and holds it open with one hand while holding out his other
hand to help Zoe out of the car.
Joe I think you'll like this place. A good friend of mine owns
and runs it.
Joe says as he waits for Zoe to take his hand.
Zoe It's Beautiful.
Zoe grins.
Joe escorts Zoe up the gang plank...gives his name to the man at
the top and, once his reservation is confirmed he escorts Zoe
onto the main deck of the boat.
Amanda The double glass doors that lead to the **** fly open and
Amanda steps across the threshold. She smiles broadly when she
sees Joe and his date approaching and she rushes up to
them...giving Joe a kiss on each cheek.
Amanda Joe....it's great to see you. Welcome to the Queen of
Spades.
Amanda gushes.
Joe 's cheeks blush a little and he smiles.
Joe You look fantastic, as usual, Amanda.
Joe says, kissing her cheek.
Joe Zoe Kellogg....I'd like you to meet Amanda Darieux.
Amanda....this is Zoe.
Joe says stepping back a step.
Zoe Nice to meet any friend of Joe's.
Zoe says smiling and offering her hand.
Amanda takes Zoe's hand and smiles demurely.
Amanda Hello.
Amanda says sweetly and looks Zoe up and down.
Amanda Let me guess.....real estate broker?
Amanda says guessing at Zoe's vocation based on her appearance.
Zoe No. Stock broker.
Zoe says with a grin.
Amanda elbows Joe teasingly.
Amanda Well.....I was close. I knew it had something to do with
money.
Amanda laughs with a wink.
Amanda Joseph.....your dining room is ready on the top deck so
you and Zoe go on up and enjoy your evening. I have to get back
to the tables and make sure no one's robbing me blind.
Amanda says with a giggle. She places a kiss on Joe's cheek,
turns and with a wave disappears through the double doors.
Joe shakes his head and chuckles.
Joe She grows on you.
Joe says to Zoe in explanation.
Joe Shall we?
Joe asks, extending his arm for Zoe.
Zoe Sure.
Zoe says taking Joe's arm.
Zoe How'd you meet Amanda?
Zoe asks curiously.
Joe quickly runs through his answer options as he escorts Zoe up
to the top deck.
Joe A mutual friend introduced us.
Joe finally decides to use as his answer. When they reach the
doors leading into the private dining area, he opens one and
holds it open for Zoe.
Zoe Oh, okay.
Zoe says stepping through the door Joe held open for her.
Zoe Let me guess... Duncan? He seams like the type.
Zoe chuckles, taking a guess out of the two male friends of
Joe's she's met.
Joe As a matter of fact.
Joe says with a grin.
A man in a tuxedo approaches them and escorts Joe and Zoe to a
table set up on the private observation deck. He holds out a
chair for Zoe and, when they are seated sets menus on the table
in front of them then disappears.
[center]****2 hours later****[/center]
Zoe Oh, Joe, that dinner was lovely, and the view!
Zoe sighs, smiling brightly at Joe.
As if on cue the sky over the sound lights up as Seacouver's
New Years Fireworks show begins.
Zoe Happy New Year.
Zoe says to Joe.
Joe lifts his champagne glass to hers and smiles lovingly.
Joe Happy New Year.
Zoe lifts her glass in return.
Joe says as their glasses clink. As he takes a sip of his
champagne he fishes into his coat pocket and takes out the red
velvet box. He sets it on the table and slides it over to Zoe.
Joe And a belated Merry Christmas.
Joe says with a wink.
Zoe Joe! You shouldn't have gotten me anything!
Zoe protests.
Zoe But, thank you.
Zoe says.
Joe I do a lot of things I shouldn't.
[color=green]Joe says with a mischievous wink.
Zoe picks up the box, and hesitates for a moment and then opens
it. Once she does, she gasps.
Zoe Oh, Joe...
[IMG]
HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/front_victorianaffair.jpg[/img]<br
/>
Zoe says, picking the necklace out of the box.
Zoe I love it!
Zoe says, turning it in her hands and putting it to her neck,
putting it on.
Zoe How does it look?
Joe secretly breathes a sigh of relief.
Zoe asks smiling.
Joe Like it was made for you.
Joe says looking at Zoe in the light of the fireworks.
Zoe You are such a charmer, Joe Dawson!
Zoe laughs.
The bells of St. Michael's Cathedral begin to toll declaring the
beginning of the new year and Auld Lang Syne begins to play over
the speaker system. Joe gets to his feet and walks over to Zoe.
He extends his hand.
Joe May I have this dance?
Joe asks softly.
Zoe Love too.
Zoe says putting her hand in Joe's and standing up.
Joe waltzes Zoe around the private deck as the fireworks show
comes to a close in a dramatic finale of lights and colors.
#Post#: 238--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 6
By: 22639 Date: January 15, 2012, 10:58 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Joe is sitting in his living room watching a basketball game on
TV. Good smells waft into the room from the kitchen.
Joe: Are you sure I can't help with anything?
Joe calls out.
Zoe: I'm sure!
Zoe calls back as she checks on the chicken.
Zoe: Besides, I don't get to do this often, I'm having fun!
Joe: Ok. If you're sure.
Joe calls out feeling a little guilty at being waited on. Just
then the team he is rooting for makes a play.
Joe: Yeah. That's it. Keep that up.
Joe yells at the TV screen as if they can hear him.
Zoe chuckles softly to herself, as she first hears the guilt in
Joe's voice, and then his excitment as he yells at the TV.
Joe: Go! Go! Yeah. Yeah. Alright!
Joe cheers on his team.
Zoe checks the chicken again. Seeing that it is now done, she
turns the oven off and pulls it out. She then adds the parmesan
cheese to finalize the risotto she was making.
Zoe: Dinner's ready!
Zoe calls as she finishes plating the risotto and chicken, next
to the salad, before picking the plates up to carry them out to
the table where the chilled wine was already sitting.
Joe gets to his feet. With the remote in his hand, he slowly
side steps toward the dining room while watching the TV screen.
When he gets to the archway between the living room and dining
room he reluctantly shuts the TV off and lays the remote on the
small table by the archway. Then he turns, with a smile and
walks over to the dining room table.
Joe: Where do you want me?
Joe asks as he looks over the table which is all set up.
Zoe: Doesn't matter. It's your house, and your table. Pick a
spot. Same thing at either one. Chicken and Risotto rice with a
Caesar salad and white wine.
Zoe says smiling at Joe.
Joe takes a seat across from Zoe.
Joe: Smells wonderful.
Joe says as he places his napkin on his lap.
Zoe: Thanks. But don't comment too strongly until you've tasted
it.
Zoe laughs.
Joe: Been a long time since I've had a meal that wasn't
microwavable or take out.
Joe says with a chuckle as he picks up the bottle of wine and
fills Zoe's glass then his own.
Zoe: I have to say it has been for me too, but I enjoy cooking
when I get the chance. I just don't get the chance real often.
Living out of hotel room and what not.
Zoe smiles.
Joe: Well you are welcome to use my kitchen any time you want.
Joe says with a beaming smile as he dishes up chicken onto his
plate.
Zoe: You say, that assuming you're going to like what you’re
about to eat! Maybe you'll hate it.
Joe takes a bite of the chicken.
Zoe chuckles as she takes a sip of her wine, and she holds up
her plate in a silent request for Joe to dish for her as well.
Joe: Mmmmm. Excellent.
Joe says with a nod. He holds out his hand to take her plate so
he can fill it and not have to move the heavy platter the
chicken is on.
Joe: So how's work?
Joe asks making conversation.
Zoe: Not bad. Considering the state of the economy. People are
carefully willing invest, so...
Zoe replies with a shrug taking the plate back form Joe once
the chicken risotto had been added to the Caesar salad already
on her plate.
Zoe: How about you? How's the bar going?
Zoe grins.
Joe: How's the house hunting coming? Found anything you're
interested in?
Joe asks as he takes another bite. He closes his eyes as he
revels in the flavor of the risotto.
Zoe: Not really. And you're avoiding my question.
Zoe chuckles.
Joe opens his eyes and shakes his head.
Joe: No. I'm not. The bar's the bar. Not nearly as interesting
as what you do.
Joe says with a smile.
Zoe: Oh, I don't think so! I just pay attention to trends and
the economy. You get to talk to new people every day if you
want.
Zoe protests.
Joe: Once in a while....I guess.
Joe says with a shrug.
Joe: Most of my clientele are regulars.
Joe takes a bite of his salad.
Joe: Although I did have an interesting visitor a couple of
nights ago.
Zoe: Oh?
Joe takes a sip of his wine.
Zoe asks intrigued.
Joe: An actual star stopped by to say hi.
Joe says, nodding, and then he takes a bite of his risotto.
Joe: MacLeod introduced us several years ago and she was in
town for a concert.
Zoe: Oh, who?
Zoe asks curiously.
Joe: Ever heard of Claudia Jardine? She's a concert pianist.
Joe asks then takes another bite of his food.
Zoe: Oh, yes I have! I've been to a few of her concerts. I had
no idea she was in town.
Zoe exclaims.
Joe: If I'd known you liked her I would have gotten us tickets.
She really is very good.
Joe says and takes a sip of his wine.
Zoe: Aah, oh well.
Zoe shrugs.
Zoe: I have seen her before, and obviously you're on good terms
with her, or she wouldn't have stopped by to say 'hi.'
Zoe laughs.
Joe: She said that she will be coming back this summer. I'll
get Mac to get us tickets.
Joe says excited to know he can set something up that will
interest Zoe. Until now he has just been winging it and is never
quite sure he is being successful.
Zoe: That sounds wonderful.
Zoe says softly with a smile.
Joe: You know.....the night I first met her....she actually
jammed with me at the bar. She plays a mean blues.
Joe says proudly and takes another bite of his dinner.
Zoe: Now, that would be well worth hearing.
Zoe says with a grin.
Joe: You know.....on the subject of your house hunting....I can
give you the name of the agent I used. She's got a lot of
listings.
Joe offers as he takes another bite of his food.
Zoe: I'll think about it, all right. After all, I'm not really
in any hurry.
Zoe says, with a smile savoring her chicken risotto.
Joe hides his concern over her answer. He's worried that she may
not be planning on sticking around.
Zoe: Oh, It's just that the hotel is a huge tax right off.
Zoe says with a smile at Joe.
Joe: As is your car rental....right?
Joe asks and takes a bite of his food.
Zoe: Yeah.
Zoe says with a grin.
Zoe: Business and what not.
Joe: I'm in the wrong line of work.
Joe says with a snicker.
Zoe: Oh, come on, I'm sure you have a lot of things you get to
write off! You just don't travel as much for business, so you
don't get to write all that off.
Zoe grins.
Joe: I'm lucky if my tax man will take off for gas to go see a
new blues band.
Zoe: You have the wrong tax man then!
Zoe laughs.
Joe: I guess.
Joe laughs.
Joe: So where did you learn to cook like this?
Joe asks as he takes the last bite of his risotto.
Zoe: Home growing up. My mother hated to cook, and hired one,
and well, I was always curious. It seamed like magic, so... I
was the willing student.
Zoe chuckles.
Joe: Is this your specialty?
Joe asks as he finishes his salad.
Zoe: I don't know that I could say I Have a specialty, but it
is one of my favorites, both to eat and cook.
Zoe grins.
Zoe: Enjoying it?
Joe: It was delicious. Best I have had.
Joe says pushing his empty plate aside.
Joe: What's for dessert?
Joe asks only partly kidding. He leans back in his chair and
rubs his stomach.
Zoe: Turtle Cheesecake, if you can even stomach it.
Zoe laughs.
Zoe: But that I didn't make! It's store bought!
Joe: Sounds great.
Joe says with a grin.
Zoe: Alright, let me go get it.
Zoe laughs standing up, and picking up her and Joe's now empty
plates and carrying them off to the kitchen.
Joe: Here, let me help.
Joe says, getting up and starting to pick up dishes to help
clear the table.
Zoe: Thanks.
Zoe says smiling brightly at Joe.
Joe carries dishes into the kitchen and puts them in the
sink....then returns to the table for more and carries them into
the kitchen, too.
Joe: Don't worry about the dishes. You cooked so I'll clean.
Joe says as he puts the last of the dishes into the sink.
Zoe runs some water over the plates, then turns to the
refrigerator to get the cheesecake out.
Joe: Shall we have coffee with dessert?
Joe asks and walks over to his coffee maker.
Zoe: Sure, I'd love some.
Joe proceeds to make a pot of coffee.
Zoe hums absently to herself as she serves up a piece of
cheesecake on to plates for her and Joe.
Joe When the coffee is done Joe fills 2 cups and carries
them...leading the way into the dining room.
Zoe grins and follows Joe with the Cheesecake.
Joe sets one of the cups of coffee on the table where Zoe had
been sitting during dinner then reclaims his seat.
[center]**4 Hours Later**[/center]
Zoe yawns and glances at her watch, and then starts to laugh.
Zoe: Joe, do you realize we've been sitting here talking for
FOUR hours?
Joe looks at his watch.
Joe: It is true what they say about time flying when you're
enjoying yourself.
Joe says with a smile.
Zoe: Apparently.
Zoe says with a sigh.
Zoe: I should probably head out.
Zoe says, and moves to stand up.
Joe gets to his feet and walks around the table to Zoe. He
places his hands on her cheeks and looks into her eyes.
Joe: Is there anything I can do to make you change your mind
and stay?
Joe says softly.
Zoe: Um...
Zoe says softly, blushing slightly.
Zoe: You could try asking.
Zoe murmurs softly.
Joe leans forward and kisses her gently on the lips then looks
back into her eyes.
Joe: Please stay.
Joe says his voice almost a whisper.
Zoe: I...
Zoe hesitates slightly.
Zoe: Only if you're sure.
Joe: I've never been more sure of anything in my life.
Joe says softly then kisses her again...a little longer this
time.
Zoe returns the kiss, and then breaks off.
Zoe: I really thought you'd never ask.
Joe takes Zoe's hand and as he leads her out of the dining room
he switches off the dining room light. He does the same with the
living room light as he leads Zoe down the hall to his bedroom.
He stops just outside of the bedroom door and gently pulls her
to him and kisses her passionately.
[center] To be Continued… [/center]
#Post#: 239--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 7
By: 22639 Date: January 15, 2012, 11:01 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Joe opens his eyes and becomes aware of the presence of another
body in his bed and then he remembers who it is. Before he
opens his eyes he lays quietly and listens to the rhythm of
Zoe's breathing for several minutes then he slowly opens his
eyes. The dim light of dawn streams through the slats of the
blinds over his bedroom window. He turns on his side, props
himself up on one elbow and watches Zoe sleep. She has a look
of peaceful satisfaction on her face and Joe wonders if he has
anything to do with it. He is finding it hard to believe that
she is really lying there next to him...that he isn't dreaming.
He hasn't felt this way in a very long time and it is as scary
as it is exhilarating...exciting. The light streaming through
the window blinds slowly brightens as the sun rises higher in
the morning sky. Joe turns and looks at the alarm clock on his
night stand. Figuring that Zoe will probably want to go home to
get ready for work, Joe decides to get up and make a fresh pot
of coffee before she wakes up. He carefully sits up and slides
himself to the edge of the bed. Quietly, Joe slips into his
prosthetic and gets up. Grabbing his robe from the back of the
chair it is slung over, he puts it on as he heads for the
kitchen. He rinses out last night's coffee and starts a fresh
pot then goes into the bathroom. He quietly shaves and combs
his hair and then returns to the kitchen. While waiting for the
coffee to finish brewing, Joe loads the dishwasher with last
night's dishes. By the time he has finished the coffee is ready
so he gets 2 mugs out of the cupboard and fills them with
coffee. He carries the mugs into the bedroom and sets them on
the night stand on the side of the bed that Zoe is occupying.
Seeing that she has turned onto her back he sits down on the
edge of the bed, picks up one of the coffee mugs and waves it
under Zoe's nose.
[Joe] Good morning beautiful.
Joe says when she opens her eyes.
Zoe smiles at Joe.
[Zoe] This is wonderful. Thank you.
[center]To be continued
[/center]
#Post#: 240--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 8
By: 22639 Date: January 15, 2012, 11:11 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub] The part of Duncan MacLeod is temporarily being
understudied.[/sub][/center]
[center]**One Week Later**[/center]
Duncan walks into Joe's Bar and looks around. It is virtually
empty with the exception of Mike, the bartender, who is
restocking shelves in preparation for the night. He walks up to
the bar, removes his coat and drapes it across one of the empty
barstools then sits down on the stool next to it.
Duncan: Where's Dawson?
Duncan asks Mike who informs him that Joe is due in any
minute....that he had rushed out to take care of some last
minutes bar business....(but he uses air quotation marks for bar
which usually means Watcher business instead of bar).
Duncan: Is your tap working?
Duncan asks Mike teasingly. Mike nods, says it is and fills a
frosty glass then sets it on a bar napkin in front of Duncan.
Duncan: Thanks.
Duncan says and takes a sip.
Methos stops his car in front of Joe's, exits and locks it. He
walks slowly to the door and feels an Immortal buzz as he gets
near the door. He frowns for a moment thinking who might be
before he decides to walk in anyway. He blinks when he enters
the bar trying to adjust to the darker interior. He's relieved
to see its Mac.
Duncan feels a strong Immortal buzz and glances toward the
front door even though he has a pretty good idea who it is.
Methos: Drinking so soon?
Methos asks as he moves closer, gesturing Mike to get him a
beer.
Duncan: So soon compared to what?
Duncan asks with a smarmy smirk and takes another sip of his
beer.
Methos: To your usual drinking time?
Methos says as he sits on the stool next to Duncan. Then he
smiles as an idea comes to his mind.
Duncan: Which is?
Duncan asks, quirking one eyebrow.
Methos: Not a good idea to start earlier, you'll run out beer
faster at your place.
Methos comments while he thinks it's been a while since he'd
done that, maybe he should pay him a visit soon.
Duncan: Just what do you consider to be my "usual time"?
Duncan rephrases his question.
Methos: I don't know, before dinner time? Never ever before 6
pm?
Methos shrugs as he gets the beer glass Mike has put in front
of him.
Duncan pulls out his pocket watch and looks at it.
Duncan: Well....it's just that time somewhere in the universe
I'm sure. So we're good.
Duncan says with a chuckle and takes another sip of his beer.
Methos shakes his head smiling amused.
Methos: And where did you get that line? Just invented it,
huh?
Duncan: So what have you been up to lately?
Duncan asks Methos as he takes another sip of his beer and
sets his glass back on the bar.
Methos: Nothing much.
Methos shrugs unconcerned.
Methos: Just the usual stuff I think.
Joe pulls into the parking lot, gets out of his car and
retrieves his brief case from the back seat then he heads for
the front door of his bar, setting his car alarm as he goes.
Duncan: I just got back from Portland and thought I would
stop in and catch up with Joe.
Duncan explains.
Methos: Well, his romance certainly is going full steam,
judging by the signs; he's been grinning like an idiot most of
the time.
Joe opens the front door and steps across the threshold. As
the door closes behind him, Joe sees his 2 Immortal friends
sitting at the bar. He heads for his office.
Methos murmurs to MacLeod before he takes a sip of beer.
Joe: Hi guys. Be right with you. Just have to put this away.
Joe says lifting his brief case to indicate it. As he passes
Methos and MacLeod.
Duncan: Don't hurry on our account.
Duncan says teasingly to Joe as he passes by.
Methos: Oh hi Joe.
Methos salutes him like he wasn't talking about him just now.
Joe walks determinedly to his office, opens the door and
disappears inside.
Duncan: He looks like a man on a mission.
Duncan says to Mike and Methos then picks up his beer and
takes a sip.
Joe sets his briefcase on his desk and opens it and takes out
a small black velvet ring box. He opens it and smiles at its
contents then sits behind his desk. He unlocks the bottom drawer
and opens it...placing the box inside then he closes the drawer
and locks it back up. He stands up, closes his brief case and
heads back out into the bar.
Methos: So what have you been up to in Portland?
Methos asks MacLeod as he gestures Mike for a refill. Mike
moves to the tap and serves him another beer.
Joe: Mike....you did remember that you've got the bar
tonight....right?
Joe asks as he steps behind the bar. Mike hands him a
clipboard with bills of lading for him to sign and says that he
didn't forget. Joe signs several sheets of paper then hands the
clipboard back to Mike.
Duncan: A friend of mine is showing some of his photography
in a gallery down there and the opening was yesterday.
Duncan says in answer to Methos' question.
Methos: Really? Is he any good?
Methos asks before he drinks some beer.
Duncan: Ever heard of Greg Powers? He's been featured in
several coffee table books.
Duncan says with pride.
Methos: Can't say that I have.
Methos shrugs like he's not worried about the fact.
Duncan: Yeah. He's pretty good. He captures life in a unique
and creative way. His stuff used to be very dark and violent but
then he went to Paris and spent some time with Darius and got
his head screwed on right and now his stuff is winning acclaim
all over the world.
Duncan explains with pride.
Methos: He should enjoy it while it lasts, soon he'll have to
disappear. You can't stay under the world's attention for long
in our case.
Methos comments while he plays with the glass on the counter.
Joe opens the cash register drawer and begins to count its
contents. When he has finished he writes the total on a slip of
paper which he dates and times and slips it into the cash drawer
then closes the drawer.
Duncan: Yeah. That's the problem with the talented ones.
Their gift has to take a "vacation" periodically. If they live
that long.
Duncan says thinking of Claudia Jardine who still refuses to
learn to fight. Luckily Walter is still alive and staying close
by her side to protect her but even that solution isn't going to
last forever.
Methos: Yes, and it's getting harder with all those photos
they take.
Methos makes a face thinking about it, he thinks maybe those
guys are risking too much.
As he pours himself a cup of coffee Joe absentmindedly begins
to whistle a lighthearted tune.
Duncan leans closer to Methos and gently jabs him with his
elbow.
Duncan: Has he stopped that at all or does he do that all day
long?
Duncan says quietly...his voice almost a whisper.
Methos: That or he's grinning like an idiot, or both.
Methos whispers back to MacLeod, side glancing at Joe at the
same time.
Methos: You think we act like that when we're in love?
Methos asks frowning while he studies Joe.
Duncan: We keep getting older and he is reverting....getting
younger. Looks like he's about 15 now.
Duncan says jokingly.
Duncan: God! I certainly hope not.
Duncan chuckles.
Methos shakes his head chuckling softly.
Duncan: But it's been so long for me I can't remember.
Methos: Yeah, it's really pathetic.
Duncan adds still chuckling.
Joe walks over and takes his wooden cigar box out from under
the bar and sets it on top. He opens it and offers a cigar to
Mac and Methos.
Joe: Why do I get the feeling whatever joke has you too
amused is at my expense?
Joe asks and quirks one eyebrow questioningly.
Methos: At your expense? Now Joe would we do that?
Methos asks giving him his Adam Pierson innocent look.
Duncan: I couldn't help but over hear you and Mike. You got
somewhere better to be tonight than your bar?
Duncan asks....goading Joe.
Joe: As a matter of fact I do.
Joe says proudly.
Duncan takes out a cigar and removes the cellophane wrapper.
Methos: Let me guess, you’re dating... what's her name again?
Methos says teasingly before he grabs his glass to take a sip.
Methos: Her name escapes me.
Joe hands his cigar lighter/clipper to Duncan and closes the
box...returning it to its place under the bar.
Duncan: Corn Flake....or Cheerios or something like
that....isn't it?
Duncan says with a smarmy smirk to Methos.
Methos: Yeah, it's something to do with cereals.
Methos nods with a frown, pretending to think about it.
Joe: The problem with you old guys is that you will take a
joke and beat it until it is beyond dead.
Joe says to them both and rolls his eyes.
Duncan clips the end of his cigar then lights it. He blows a
couple of perfect smoke rings toward the ceiling then hands the
lighter back to Joe.
Duncan: So where are you taking her tonight?
Methos: Oh, are we getting upset, Joseph?
Methos asks raising an eyebrow at Joe.
Duncan asks sincerely interested. It has been a long time
since he has seen his friend so happy and he is honestly glad to
see it.
Joe shakes his head as he takes the lighter from MacLeod and
lights his own cigar.
Joe: Not at all. Nothing could get me upset or tick me off
today.
Joe says after blowing smoke towards the ceiling.
Methos: Oh, is that so?
Methos smirks thinking if he should test it or not.
Joe: Nothing too special.
Joe says to Duncan.
Joe: Just a little dinner and a movie.
Joe adds very softly.....almost to himself...."and a
proposal."
Duncan: A what?!
Duncan exclaims in shock.
Joe: Did I say that out loud?
Joe asks innocently.
Duncan: Yes. You did. If I heard you correctly.
Duncan says and glances at Methos' to see his reaction.
Methos: Yes, I distinctly heard something about a proposal,
you should be careful Joseph Dawson, our hearing is very good.
Methos nods chuckling softly.
Joe: Yeah. You heard right. I picked up the ring today as a
matter of fact.
Joe boasts.
Duncan: So "bar business" now means wedding preparations?
Duncan asks then shakes his head and looks at Methos.
Duncan: They keep changing the codes on us. I can't keep
track anymore.
Duncan adds jokingly.
Methos: Maybe he's planning to marry in here, who knows?
Methos offers as an explanation.
Methos: I'd hate to think you'd lie deliberately just to get
away.
Methos informs Joe while he looks at him with a frown.
Joe: I know it's a little out of the ordinary...but I would
really like you two to both be my Best Men.
Joe says looking seriously at Methos then Mac then back again.
Methos looks at MacLeod frowning puzzled.
Methos: Did I hear him correctly?
Duncan looks at Joe. When he sees the seriousness in his
friend's eyes he becomes more serious himself.
Duncan: I would be honored, Joe.
Duncan answers.
Duncan: Congratulations.
Joe: Thanks, Mac.
Joe says with a smile.
Methos shakes his head slowly as if he can't believe it. Then
he looks at Joe with a smile on his face.
Methos: OK, now you got me, for a moment I thought you meant
it.
Joe: I never joke about matters of the heart.
Joe says with a sidelong glance at Methos.
Methos: Well, Joe, I...
Methos hesitates for a moment in what to say, he was so sure
Joe would ask MacLeod he never once considered the possibility.
He sees there's no other choice but to accept it or he'd hurt
his friend.
Methos: I'd be honored.
Methos says after a while.
Joe: Thank you. Both of you.
Joe says looking at his 2 Immortal friends gratefully.
Duncan: You sound pretty sure the lady is going to accept.
Duncan says observantly.
Joe shrugs.
Methos: Oh come on; take it from a guy who's married a couple
of times. She will.
Methos smiles encouragingly.
Joe: I'm a gambling man. I think the odds are in my favor.
Joe says with a sly grin.
At the other end of the bar the phone rings and Mike answers
it. He calls out to Joe to tell him the call is for him so Joe
picks up the receiver of the extension phone at this end of the
bar.
Joe: Joe Dawson.
Joe says in a very businesslike voice.
Zoe: Joe, it's me.
Zoe says into the phone.
Joe’s facial expression immediately softens and he turns his
back to Mac and Methos.
Joe: Well hello, beautiful. Miss me already?
Joe teases.
Duncan takes another sip of his beer and a puff off of his
cigar.
Zoe: Umm....
Zoe hesitates slightly.
Zoe: I'm not going to be able to make it tonight. Sorry.
Zoe blurts out.
Joe hears the tenseness in her voice.
Joe: Is everything alright?
Joe asks quietly.
Zoe: No, I... I'm sorry I've gotta go.
Zoe says shortly and hangs up the phone.
Duncan: So have you heard anything from Amanda recently?
Duncan asks Methos so that he isn't eavesdropping on Joe's
conversation.
Methos: Hmm, no. I hear she's still with that painter though.
Joe holds the phone away from his ear and stares at the
receiver, totally confused.
Methos shrugs as he looks down at his glass.
Duncan: I tried to call her a couple of times while I was in
Portland but I only got her voice mail. I guess her new floating
**** is keeping her busy.
Duncan says and takes another puff of his cigar.
Joe finally hangs up the phone.
Joe: Excuse me.
Methos: Probably it's going good, she knows all the tricks in
the business.
Joe says simply and heads for his office.
Methos says before he empties his glass.
Duncan: She knows a lot of tricks alright.
Duncan agrees as he watches Joe disappear into his office.
Joe walks behind his desk and sits down. He picks up the phone
and dials Zoe's number.
Methos: I bet no one is stealing from her either.
Duncan: What was that all about, I wonder?
Methos says as he orders Mike for a refill.
Duncan says after Joe closes his office door behind him.
When he doesn't get an answer, Joe hangs up and tries
again...just in case he dialed the wrong number the first time.
Methos: No idea, our hearing is not THAT good.
Methos shrugs as he picks his refill and takes a sip.
Joe finally hangs up the phone, reluctantly. He sits staring
blankly at the instrument. "What is going on?" He thinks to
himself. "That wasn't like her at all." He leans back in his
chair and stares up at the ceiling. He remembers every detail of
their night together. Then a thought comes to him and he closes
his eyes trying to ignore it.
Duncan watches the door to Joe's office...expecting Joe to
emerge. When he doesn't Duncan's brow furrows as he becomes
concerned.
Methos: Joe is a big boy, Mac. If he wants our help he knows
where to find us.
Methos comments when he notices MacLeod can't keep his eyes
away from Joe's office door.
Duncan: Yeah....unless he's too proud to ask.
Duncan says without looking away from the door.
Joe: Stop it Dawson.
Joe says aloud to himself.
Joe: She wouldn't do that.
Methos: If he's too proud to ask, it would be his problem,
now wouldn't it?
Methos shrugs and resumes drinking his beer.
Duncan Unable to wait any longer and having a nagging feeling
in his gut that something is seriously wrong with his friend,
Duncan gets up from his bar stool and heads for Joe's office.
Duncan: Joe?
Methos rolls his eyes when MacLeod moves to Joe's office. Of
course the Immortal Boy Scout wouldn’t leave it alone. He gets
up with a sigh and follows MacLeod to Joe's office.
Duncan calls out when he gets to the door. He cautiously opens
the door and looks into Joe's office.
But the voice in his head keeps insisting and he doubles up
his fists and pounds his prosthetics out of anger, self loathing
and frustration.
Duncan sees what Joe is doing and quickly steps through the
door without opening it very far.
Duncan: Joe? What's going on?
Duncan says as he walks over to the old beat up sofa next to
Joe's desk and sits on the front edge of it.
Methos enters Joe's office after MacLeod and slowly closes the
door wondering what's wrong with him.
Joe: I appreciate your concern, Mac but you can't help me
with this.
Joe says glaring down at his legs.
Duncan: Come on Joe. We've been friends too long. Talk to me.
What was that phone call about?
Duncan asks in a soft voice.
Methos: What do your legs have to do with it?
Methos asks noticing Joe's glare while he moves to the sofa.
Joe: You guys wouldn't understand. You both have all of your
parts and they all work.
Joe says still glaring at his legs.
Methos: We have to or we'd be dead.
Methos says while he sits down, reminding Joe it's not that
easy.
Methos: At least you don't have to watch your back all the
time.
Duncan glances at Methos...a worried look on his face. He has
only seen Joe like this once before and that was when he thought
his old flame was rejecting his advances because of his
disability. If Duncan hadn't have been able to talk Joe into
going to Beth and asking her why she was rejecting
him....thereby learning it had nothing to do with his lack of
legs from the knees down....he would have gone into a deep
depression that he may not have been able to come out of.
MacLeod had seen it happen before to other amputees during the
war.
Joe sighs and wipes his hand over his face then looks up at
the ceiling again.
Joe: I'm a fool. Plain and simple. A complete idiot.
Joe says more to himself than to Methos and Duncan.
Joe: What in God's green earth was I thinking? She didn't
love me. She just pitied me. Why can't I ever see the
difference?
Joe says, continuing to talk to the ceiling.
Duncan: Come on Joe. Zoe doesn't strike me as being that type
of person. I believe her feelings for you were sincere.
Duncan says in an attempt to console his friend.
Methos frowns, thinking as the pieces begin to fit together.
Methos: Oh she told you she couldn't go out with you and
you're feeling rejected. She told you she didn't love you over
the phone?
Joe: She hung up on me.
Joe answers simply. After a few seconds he unlocks his bottom
drawer and takes out the bottle of single malt he keeps there
and 2 glasses. He pours some in the glasses and scoots them over
his desk toward his Immortal friends and takes a swig of the
liquor straight from the bottle.
Duncan: She didn't say anything? Just hung up on you?
Duncan asks a bit surprised. Zoe had never struck him as the
kind of woman who would cut and run without some sort of
explanation but he had misjudged people before.
Methos: Maybe she was in a hurry, did she tell you what was
going on?
Methos suggests while he moves forward to get the glass.
Joe takes another swig of the scotch.
Joe: All she said was that she couldn't go out with me
tonight and then she hung up. But it's obvious. I was just too
blind to see it.
Joe says and takes another swig from the bottle.
Methos sigh and puts the untouched drink back in Joe's desk
before he gets to his feet and takes the bottle from Joe's hand.
Duncan picks up one of the glasses and takes a drink....biding
some time while he tries to think of something helpful to say.
Methos: There's probably an answer to that and I can assure
you it's not at the end of that bottle.
Methos says as he puts the bottle out of Joe's reach.
Joe glares at Methos. He leans forward and grabs the bottle
back.
Methos: I suggest you go there and find out before you get
too drunk to stand up.
Joe: You may be 5000 years old, Methos....but you don't know
what the hell you're talking about.
Joe snaps.
Duncan shoots a look at Methos and shakes his head as if to
say, "He doesn't mean what he's saying."
Joe reaches into the bottom drawer and removes the black ring
box. He opens it and looks at it with a mixture of disdain and
futility in his eyes.
Joe: I can't even take it back because I had it engraved.
Joe says and turns the box so it is facing Mac and Methos then
sets it on his desk.
HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/0066702300367_500X500.jpg
Duncan looks at the ring and refrains from whistling. Joe
definitely had taste....and class. Something someone who didn't
know him wouldn't think he had by looking at him. He glances up
at Methos.
Methos nods while he moves to get Joe's bottle again.
Methos: Yes, the ring is beautiful but you're not going to
propose one of us, are you? Shouldn't you be showing it to
someone else?
Duncan: Joe.....you have to at least talk to her.
Duncan says in a soft voice.
Joe: Why? I know what time it is. It's not like I haven't
been here before.
Joe grumbles and takes another swig from the bottle.
Methos: To someone who mentioned earlier he's a ****r, you
don't **** enough. You have to pay to see.
Duncan: Exactly. You have. And the last time I had to twist
your arm to convince you to talk to Beth....to give her a chance
to explain herself.
Duncan says, softly but firmly.
Methos takes the bottle from Joe again and let's it slip to
the floor.
Methos: Oops slippery fingers.
Duncan: And when you finally did....you found out that your
fears were wrong. That her reason for leaving had nothing to do
with what you were thinking.
Methos tries to look innocent when the bottle crashes on the
floor spilling liquid everywhere.
Joe looks at Duncan....his eyes beginning to get that dead
look.
Joe: See? You can't even say the words.
Joe puts his head in his hands and his elbows on his knees.
Joe: I was such an idiot.
Joe mumbles.
Methos: Not really, you're being an idiot now.
Methos picks up the glass Joe has set out for him and sits
back on the sofa.
Methos: Why do you assume the worst? You think if she minded
you had no legs she'd go out with you the first time?
Duncan: Don't give up without a fight. Just go talk to her.
If she tells you what you suspect then fine....come back and
I'll pour your drinks for you and you can get so plastered you
pass out. But....and you did say you were a gabling man...there
is a possibility that she might tell you something different.
Duncan says. He gets up and walks over to Joe. He places his
hands on Joe's shoulders.
Methos: And mortal women get sick sometimes, you don't have
to be a doctor to figure that out, now do you?
Methos adds winking at Joe, before he empties his glass in one
shot.
Duncan: Joe....if you love her.....give her a chance to
explain. I mean....isn't trust part of love?
Duncan asks softly and glances up at Methos.
Methos: Yes, you should be absolutely sure before you assume
the worse.
Methos nods in agreement.
Methos: She couldn't be dating with you for six months over
pity.
Joe looks up at Duncan then over at Methos. What they are
saying has a ring of truth to it. After several seconds he
closes the ring box and puts it back in the drawer and looks
back at his friends.
Joe: So who is going to be my designated driver since I've
been drinking?
Joe asks in a humble voice.
Duncan: I'll drive you, Joe.
Duncan volunteers. Then he looks over at Methos.
Duncan: And your other Best Man can stay behind and clean up
the mess he made before you have an office full of drunk ants.
Duncan says with a smarmy smirk.
Methos: Nah, let Mike do the trick, I'm a customer here
remember?
Methos shrugs as he gets to his feet.
Methos: Business is slow anyway, and the help should keep
busy.
Joe locks his bottom drawer back and gets to his feet.
Joe: Thanks you two.
Joe says humbly.
Duncan stays with Joe to make sure he is not too inebriated to
walk without falling over.
Methos: Better take some coffee, the lady might not
understand why you've been drinking.
Methos suggests while he walks to the door, he remembers most
women are kind of picky with that.
Methos: So come on, get moving.
Methos urges looking back at his two friends.
[center]
To be continued…[/center]
#Post#: 241--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 9
By: 22639 Date: January 15, 2012, 11:14 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The part of Duncan is temporarily being
understudied.[/sub][/center]
[center]*** 45 minutes later***[/center]
Duncan pulls up in front Zoe's hotel and stops his car.
Joe: You don't need to wait, Mac. I'll call a cab to get
home.
Joe says as he reaches for the door lever.
Duncan: You sure?
Duncan asks looking over at his friend.
Duncan: Because I don't mind.
Joe: No. Thanks. You're a good friend.
Joe says with a smile and gets out of the T-bird. He closes
the door and pats the roof to let Duncan know he can leave and
he watches as the car pulls away from the curb then he walks
into the hotel lobby and heads for the elevators.
Joe rides the elevator to Zoe's floor, gets off and walks to
her door. Feeling butterflies in his stomach, Joe knocks on
Zoe's door.
Zoe looks up hearing a knock on the door. After a moment she
slides from her bed and pulls a robe on and makes her way to the
door. Zoe pulls open the door and blinks in surprise.
Zoe: Joe! What are you doing here? I... I called you, didn't
I? To say I couldn't make it tonight?
Joe: Yes. And then you hung up on me so I thought I would
stop by to find out what's up? Did I do something wrong?
Joe asks looking Zoe over.
Zoe: What?
Zoe gasps in surprise.
Zoe: No!
Joe: Have you been working out?
Joe asks after observing her appearance.
Zoe: No. I-
Zoe cuts herself out, and closes her eyes briefly.
Zoe: Excuse me.
Zoe says turning and fleeing back into hotel room, leaving
Joe at the open door.
Joe is surprised by Zoe suddenly turning and running off. He
hesitates a second then follows her inside, closing the door
behind him.
Joe: Zoe? Are you alright?
Joe asks concerned. He takes a couple of steps away from the
door.
Zoe hears Joe but is unable to answer as she kneels next to
the toilet and empties her stomach.
Joe can't help but hear what is going on in the bathroom and
he moves a few steps closer to the bathroom.
Joe: Zoe?
Zoe: Sorry, I'll be out in a minute.
Zoe says, before throwing up again.
Joe asks as he gets to the bathroom door and sees Zoe kneeling
before the "porcelain god" and moves into the bathroom. He takes
a hand towel off of the towel rack and dampens it with cold
water then walks over. bends down and places the cold rag
against Zoe's forehead.
Zoe: Thank you.
Zoe murmurs still over the toilet.
Joe 's free hand is gently resting on Zoe's back and he
becomes aware of the heat radiating through Zoe's robe.
Joe: Have you been feeling like this since last Tuesday night?
Joe asks softly.
Zoe: No. Just this morning.
Joe: How long have you been running a fever?
Zoe says softly, reaching for the glass of water she's been
keeping on the floor next to the toilet to wash the taste away.
Joe asks, concerned.
Zoe: Just this morning.
Zoe says after swishing and spitting into the toilet.
Joe: Have you seen a doctor?
Joe asks as he puts the towel under the cold water again and
rings it out.
Zoe: Oh, yeah.
Joe places the cold towel against her forehead again.
Zoe sighs slowly getting to her feet and flushing the toilet.
Then turning she exits the bathroom, and goes only so far as the
bed, right next to the bathroom door.
Zoe: Thank you.
Zoe murmurs softly.
Joe follows Zoe to the bed and sits down next to her, taking
the damp towel from her and using it to gently wipe her face
then folding it and placing it on her forehead.
Joe: What did he say?
Joe asks softly.
Zoe: That its to be expected.
Joe frowns.
Zoe says with a sigh, knowing where this conversation is
headed. A direction she had hoped never to go with Joe.
Joe: Expected with what?
Joe asks and quirks one eyebrow.
Zoe: With my treatments.
Zoe says sighing again.
Joe looks into Zoe's eyes.
Joe: Treatments for what?
Joe asks, frowning.
Zoe sighs.
Zoe: Joe, I'm so sorry, I... I had hoped... hoped, didn't
want, this to come out but...
Zoe trails off not quite sure how to continue.
Joe takes hold of her hand and gently caresses it while he
looks into her eyes.
Joe: I want to know.
Joe says softly...his voice almost a whisper.
Zoe: Remember the doctor I met with, the day you and I met?
Zoe asks.
Joe: Yes.
Joe says nodding.
Zoe: He is the reason I came to Seacouver, or rather, his
clinical trial is.
Zoe says slowly and haltingly.
Zoe: My doctor's back east told me about the trial. It's for
terminal patients only. It's designed to improve quality of time
left.
Zoe says after a minutes hesitation.
Joe closes his eyes for a few seconds and takes in a deep
breath.
Joe: Why didn't you tell me?
Joe asks as he opens his eyes and lets out the breath.
Zoe: I didn't want your pity.
Zoe says.
Zoe: I didn't want you to think less of me. I... I love the
look in your eyes when you look at me Joe. I didn't want to lose
that.
Zoe murmurs looking down at her hands, which lay in her lap.
Joe places his fingers under her chin and lifts her face so
she is looking at him and he looks at her lovingly.
Joe: I could never think less of you, Zoe Kellogg.
Joe says softly.
Zoe: Even knowing I only have six... maybe nine months left
to live?
Zoe questions.
Joe 's heart feels as though someone has jabbed a red hot
poker into it and it is all he can do to keep from reacting to
Zoe's shocking revelation. But, having had to inform many a
Watcher's family that they had been injured or died in the "line
of duty" and therefore having gotten used to hiding his true
feelings...Joe picks up one of Zoe's hands and kisses her
fingers.
Joe: Even though.
Zoe closes her eyes.
Zoe: I don't deserve you.
Zoe whispers.
Joe: I guess this means we shouldn't waste anymore time.
Joe says looking into her eyes and smiles.
Zoe: I wouldn't exactly say we've been wasting time.
Zoe says with a smile looking at Joe.
Joe reaches into his coat pocket and removes the black velvet
ring box. He lets go of Zoe's hand and opens the box and turns
it to face her.
[img width=119
height=150]
HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/0066702300367_500X500.jpg[/img]
Joe: Will you, Zoe Kellogg, do me the honor of becoming Mrs.
Joe Dawson?
Joe asks and watches her face closely for her reaction.
Zoe: You... You...
Zoe stutters her eyes going from the ring to Joe's face and
back again, shock evident on her face.
Zoe: I... Yes!
Joe is afraid to clarify what he has heard her say for fear
that that would give her time to rethink her answer and change
it so...instead...he removes the ring from the box, separates
the wedding ring from the engagement ring and slips the
engagement ring on Zoe's left ring finger.
Joe: Zoe Kellogg....I love you.
Joe says looking into her eyes.
Zoe: I love you too, Joseph Dawson.
Zoe says smiling up at Joe.
Joe places his fingers under Zoe's chin, leans forward and
places a soft, gentle kiss on her lips.
Zoe closes her eyes and relaxes into Joe. Comforted by his
very presence.
Joe ends the kiss with two small pecks on the lips then sits
back and places his hand on her forehead to feel her
temperature.
Joe: When was the last time you ate anything?
Joe asks softly.
Zoe: Won't stay down.
Zoe says with a shrug to indicate it didn't matter.
Joe: I didn't ask you that. I asked when was the last time?
Joe says firmly but he is still smiling lovingly at her.
Zoe: This morning. Just before I went to my treatment.
Zoe shrugs.
Joe: How much of a fight am I going to get if I get you some
chicken broth...just the broth?
Joe asks with a grin.
Zoe: None. I'm willing to try but...
Zoe shrugs.
Zoe: We'll see.
Joe stands up and pulls the blanket up over her.
Joe: Then I will be right back.
Joe says and heads for the door.
Joe goes down to the restaurant in the lobby and orders some
hot broth to take back up to Zoe. He also buys some bags of
chamomile tea and peppermint tea to help settle her stomach.
[center]To be continued
[/center]
#Post#: 242--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 10
By: 22639 Date: January 15, 2012, 11:17 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***The Next Day***[/center]
Joe uses the long handle mop to push the large mop bucket filled
with scalding hot water to the center of the floor. As he tries
to steer the bucket around the leg of one of the tables one of
the bucket's wheels catches on the table leg and...in the
process of trying to free it....Joe manages to tip the bucket
over...spilling hot soapy water all over the floor.
Joe: SON OF A ****!!!!
Joe yells and takes a step closer to the bucket. He bends down
to grab the bucket's handle and feels his foot begin to slide in
the slippery soapy water.
Joe straightens up and immediatly takes a step backward out of
the water and grabs hold of the table to steady himself as he
regains his balance.
Joe: SON OF A ****ING ****!!!
Joe exclaims loudly and throws the mop practically across the
room. When that doesn't satisfy his anger he grabs one of the
chairs that have been put up on ttop of the tables and sends it
crashing and sliding across the floor. It slams against the
front of the small stage and splinters into several
piecwes....now becoming nothing more than potential firewood.
Methos parks his car in the parking lot, opens the door and
exits taking a look around. He sees Joe's car in the parking lot
and nods while he locks his car. With all of the excitement
going on yesterday he forgot to discuss some Watcher business
with Joe. He smiles when he admits to himself he's also curious
or he would have just called instead of bothering to go there in
the morning. He walks to Joe's door slowly, looking around to
see if everything looks normal.
Joe grabs another chair and actually picks it up off of the
table...holds it over his head and throws it with much more
destructive results.
Methos frowns as he approaches the door, he can hear noise like
someone is breaking things through the closed door. He opens the
door and gasps in surprise when he sees Joe and not some angered
costumer like he was expecting.
Methos: Joe?
Methos manages to say before stopping completely just staring
at him.
Joe swings his arm around and shoves another chair off of the
table and to the floor.
Joe: IT'S NOT FAIR!
Joe shouts toward the ceiling....not having heard Methos.
Joe: IT'S NOT FAIR, God.....damn.....
Joe 's voice catches in his throat and he is suddenly overcome
with the emotions he has been desperately trying to keep buried
deep down inside. As if suddenly weakened, Joe sits down in the
only chair from that table that hasn't been destroyed, places
his elbows on the table, covers his face with his hands and
begins to sob....still totally unaware that he is no longer
alone.
Methos soon recovers from the surprise and walks inside hearing
the door close behind him.
Methos: Whatever happened I doubt it's the furniture's fault,
Joe.
Methos says calmly walking to him, keeping him in sight in case
he threw a chair his way.
Methos stops looking at Joe when he breaks up crying not sure
waht to do now. He rarely, if ever, had to comfort a crying man
before, he'd know what to do to a woman but a guy was another
matter. He looks at his watch to look at the time, too early to
get him a drink, besides he had more than enough yesterday
night. He ends up walking to Joe and lightly patting his
shoulder, hoping that would be enough.
Joe is startled when he realizes that he is no longer alone in
the bar. But he quickly gets over it.
Joe: Go away.
Joe grumbles without uncovering his face.
Joe: We're closed.
Joe adds and turns away from the body standing next to him
without looking to see who it is.
Methos: The bar is closed but I didn't come here to drink.
Methos shrugs ignoring Joe's requests and moving to get a chair
from another table that escaped Joe's rage. He carries it to the
table Joe is sitting and sits there in silence atching him for a
moment.
Joe raises his head as he recognizes Methos' voice. He wipes
his face with his hands and stares at the wall across from him.
Joe: I'm not in a sociable mood.
Joe says in a weak voice.
Methos: I've noticed.
Methos nods without moving on the chair.
Joe: You usually take that as your cue to leave.
Joe says sadly.
Methos: You usually aren't crying.
Methos shrugs, then he jumps to his feet, realizing they can
have some coffee.
Methos: Coffee? I'm getting one.
Joe: None made.
Joe says simply and sits back in his chair and stares up at the
ceiling, blankly.
Methos rolls his eyes as he gets back to his seat, of course
there wasn't, it had to be when he wanted one.
Methos: So are you going to tell me or do I need to ask?
Joe lets out a sigh and struggles to his feet.
Joe: I don't suppose you're going to let go....are you.
Joe says as more of a statement of fact than a question.
Methos: No.
Methos says bluntly.
Methos: I'm not leaving until you tell me what's going on. So
let's just save time, shall we?
Joe doesn't know what exactly to say to his Immortal friend. He
knows that once he does explain himself to Methos' that it will
dredge up painful memories in his friend and he doesn't want
anyone to feel the way he does right now.
Methos: Joe? I mean it. Do you want me to question you all
day?
Methos threatens when his friend doesn't open his month.
Joe manages to upright the bucket and he rolls it over to the
table. He thinks about going to get the mop from where it landed
on the other side of the room, but he catches a glimpse of the
look in Methos' eyes and he realizes that the ancient Immortal
is serious and determined to get him to talk, so he sits back
down in his chair...reluctantly.
Joe: I don't know if I can just yet.
Joe says using his thumbnail to scrape a drop of something that
is stuck on the top of the table.
Methos: Come on, Joe, guys get dumped all the time without
taking it back on the furniture.
Methos says hoping that would get Joe to talk.
Methos: Apparently I was wrong yesterday.
Methos adds shaking his head, he still found it hard to
believe.
Joe: Wrong?
Joe asks...not following.
Methos: Yes, I thought she was in love with you.
Methos explains with a shrug.
Methos: She looked like she was.
Joe is finding it hard to sit still so he gets back up and
walks slowly toward the bar...his shoulders hunched as if he
were a man who had spent the last 20 or 30 years hauling heavy
loads on his back.
Methos: Hey, I still want to know what happened.
Methos says when Joe turns his back on him and begins to walk
to the bar, He has the feeling he's missing something here, he
always assumed Joe would take it better than he is.
Joe: Yeah.
Joe says with a heavy voice as he proceeds to make a pot of
coffee.
Joe: You were wrong.
Joe says simply and with a sad sigh. He watches the coffee
filter through the basket and drip into the clear pot.
Joe: It had nothing to do with how she feels about me.
Joe adds...his voice sounding even more unsteady and so quiet
it is almost a whisper.
Methos: I was?
Methos shakes his head disbelievingly. He was so sure he was
right he almost forced Joe to go talk to Zoe yesterday.
Methos: Well, it's painful when it happens but there are more
fish in the sea, get over it and move on.
Methos shrugs leaning back on his chair.
Joe: When what happens?
Joe asks, absentmindedly and without turning away from the
coffee maker.
Methos frowns realizing Joe had whispered something while he
was talking.
Methos: What did you just say?
Joe: You said "when it happens". When what happens?
Joe repeats his question.
Methos: No, before that.
Methos asks while he gets up and moves to one of the bar
stools. It made no sense to be talking so far away from each
other.
Joe: I said that it had nothing to do with the way Zoe feels
about me.
Joe says simply and steps to the coffee maker when the stream
of coffee being filtered through the basket stops. He gets 2
cups out of the cabinet and fills them with the freshly brewed
coffee.
Methos: So what's this about, Joe?
Methos asks with a frown, wondering why Joe is going around and
around the answer.
Joe carries the cups of coffee over to the bar and sets one on
the bar in front of Methos. He takes a few sips of his then sets
his cup down...without letting go of the handle. He stares down
at the liquid in the cup.
Methos picks up the coffee cup Joe has set up for him and takes
a sip waiting for Joe to answer.
Joe: You know all of those meetings with that doctor Zoe has
been having here at the bar?
Joe asks without looking away from his cup of coffee.
Methos: Yes, I seem to recall she met a doctor here the first
time she showed up.
Methos nods remembering he even had served him a drink while
Joe was busy.
Methos: He met her professionally?
Methos frowns, the thought had never occurred to him.
Methos: She's sick?
Methos adds as an afterthought.
Joe: She.....
Joe 's voice cracks and he picks up his cup of coffee to take a
sip but his hand is trembling so he sets it back on the bar.
Joe: Sh...sh....she....
Joe says but he can't get the words out. Unable to swallow back
the lump growing in his throat, Joe turns away from Methos. With
his back turned, Joe's shoulders slump even more than before as
he fights for control over his emotions.
Methos: It's that bad?
Methos asks when Joe can't even say the words and he sees him
fighting for control.
Joe: The same thing as Alexa.
Joe says very quietly and his chin trembles as a sob threatens
to escape his throat.
Methos: Gods, no.
Methos says with a sad sigh looking down at his cup, he knew it
meant death and also not much time left.
Joe: I can't do this right now.
Joe mutters and turns toward the end of the bar and starts for
his office.
Joe: Go ahead and let yourself out....will ya?
Joe asks over his shoulder...his voice sounding totally
exhausted.
Joe stops at the end of the bar and halfway turns back toward
Methos.
Methos: Yes, Joe, we'll talk some other time.
Methos nods still looking down at his coffee remembering Alexa.
Methos: When you had time to calm down.
Joe: Oh....and you still need a tux. You and Mac aren't off
the hook.
Joe adds even though his voice is somewhat of a monotone. Then
he turns and walks into hi office and quietly closes the door
behind him.
Methos sighs looking at Joe's closed door, wondering if he
should be happy Joe is still planning to marry Zoe or not. He
knows it's not going to be easy later on. He empties his coffee
cup and gets to his feet wondering if he'd do differently with
Alexa and knows that he wouldn't.
Methos: Because the alternative would be unthinkable.
[center]To be continued
[/center]
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