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#Post#: 243--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 11
By: 22639 Date: January 15, 2012, 11:33 pm
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[center]The part of Duncan is temporarily being
understudied[/center]
Duncan is in his loft and on the phone with one of his
"clients"...discussing an up coming antique auction.
Duncan: I have the schedule right here and the item you are
interested in will be the 10th item.
Duncan says into the phone. He gets up from his desk and carries
the phone over to the kitchen where he pours himself a cup of
coffee and carries it back to the desk and sits back down.
Methos climbs the stairs of the back entrance to MacLeod's loft,
feeling the expected buzz as he goes near the door, and knocks
loudly in case MacLeod is in the bathroom.
Duncan feels a strong Immortal buzz and gets up as he hears the
knock on his door. Carrying the phone with him, he goes to the
door and opens it up. He gestures to Methos to come on in and
goes back to sit at his desk.
Duncan: Yes....I will do that. What do you want me to do with
the item I received this morning?
Duncan says into the phone.
Methos gets inside, closes the door and walks to a chair near
MacLeod's desk. He sits down looking around, his loft hadn't
changed much since the last time he was here.
Duncan: Alright. No problem. I'll call you after the auction and
let you know.
Duncan says into the phone. He looks over at Methos and rolls
his eyes.
Duncan: Perfect......right.....O​k....you too.....chow.
Duncan says and hangs up the phone with a sigh.
Duncan: There's beer in the fridge.
Duncan says to Methos.
Duncan: Help yourself.
Methos: I take that as an invitation.
Methos smirks as he gets to his feet and moves to the fridge.
Methos: So where have you been the last couple of days?
Methos asks as he looks inside to get a beer.
Duncan: Busy trying to keep a couple so called clients happy.
Duncan answers with a chuckle.
Duncan: Which is a chore in itself.
Duncan adds shaking his head.
Duncan: Why? Have you been looking for me?
Methos takes a beer bottle out, closes the door, uncaps the
bottle and throws the beer cap behind MacLeod's fridge before
retuning to his seat.
Duncan asks as he takes a sip of his coffee and marks something
on the calender on top of his desk.
Methos: We should talk. It's about Joe.
Methos says before he takes a sip of beer.
Duncan hears the tone in Methos' voice and looks at the ancient
Immortal and quirks an eyebrow questioningly.
Duncan: Sounds a bit ominous. What's up?
Duncan asks and takes another sip of his coffee.
Methos: I've been expecting you at Joe's the last couple of
nights but since you didn't show up...
Methos sighs as he sprawls on the chair, trying to get more
comfortable.
Duncan tries to remember if he had made plans to meet his
Immortal friend at the bar but he can't remember making anything
"official" so, having determined that...he doesn't feel guilty
about not having shown up.
Methos: It's about Zoe actually, she's sick. Joe found out the
night you drove him to Zoe's hotel.
Duncan: Sick??!
Duncan says with surprise.
Duncan: Like....how sick?
Duncan asks assuming by the tone in Methos' voice that she must
be very sick.
Duncan: And sick from what?
Duncan adds to his original question.
Methos: Yeah, managed to get Joe to talk yesterday. He found her
throwing up when he got there and suspected something was wrong.
Methos sighs looking down at the bottle in his hand.
Methos: She has the same thing Alexa had.
Methos explains figuring out MacLeod would get the idea.
Duncan is about to respond to Methos' announcement when the
phone rings. After it rings several times and it is obvious that
Richie, who is downstairs running the Dojo, isn't going to pick
it up, Duncan picks up the receiver.
Duncan: MacLeod.....no.....I'm not interested.
Duncan says and hangs up. He gets up and walks over to the
elevator.
Methos: Where are you going?
Duncan: Answer the phone, Richie.
Methos asks while he turns his head to follow MacLeod without
bothering to get up.
Duncan hollers down to the Dojo and walks back over to his desk
and sits back down.
Methos: For a moment, I thought you were going to run to Joe's
bar.
Duncan: The same thing?
Methos shakes his head looking down at his bottle again.
Duncan asks...looking at Methos and frowning.
Methos: Yes, that's what Joe told me.
Methos nods while he raises to bottle to take a sip.
Duncan: Oh man! That's rough.
Duncan says shaking his head.
Duncan: How's Joe?
Methos makes a face at that question.
Methos: He's not taking it very well, can't blame him of course.
Methos looks down at his bottle again with a sigh.
Methos: It's never easy to find out the person you love is dying
soon.
Duncan finishes his cup of coffee....gets up and takes his empty
cup into the kitchen, setting it in the sink. He takes 2 glasses
out of the cupboard and walks over to his liquor cabinet. He
takes out a bottle of scotch and carries it and the glasses over
to the desk where he pours some scotch into each glass.
Duncan: So that is why she canceled their date?
Duncan asks taking a big gulp of his scotch.
Methos: Yes, she wasn't feeling well.
Methos nods while he puts the bottle on MacLeod's desk and gets
the scotch glass.
Duncan shakes his head slowly as he remembers back to what
Methos had gone through with Alexa.
Duncan: So I guess the wedding's off.
Duncan says more as a statement of assumption than a question.
Methos: No, it's still on. He's determined to marry her anyway.
Methos says before he empties the glass in one shot.
Duncan: Really?
Duncan is a bit surprised at first but then he remembers that
Alexa's illness hadn't stopped Methos from wanting to spend the
time she had had left by her side.
Duncan: I guess I can understand that.
Duncan says and takes another big gulp of his scotch and refills
his and Methos' glass.
Duncan: Although I don't know that I would have that kind of
strength.
Duncan admits taking a drink of his scotch.
Methos: Remember JRR Tolkien?
Methos asks as he picks up his glass again.
Duncan looks at Methos and nods.
Methos: They can wish none of it would happen but that's not for
them to decide, all they have to decide is what to do with the
time that was given to them.
Methos shrugs as he leans back on the chair again.
Methos: Something like that, it's been a while since I read his
work. A lot of books after that.
Duncan nods again in agreement. Just then Richie calls up
through the elevator shaft that there's a call for Mac from the
Euphoria Unlimited and they won't talk to anyone but MacLeod.
Duncan: Damn intercom is broken.
Duncan says apologetically to Methos.
Duncan: I'LL CALL THEM BACK!
Duncan hollers down to Richie.
Methos shakes his head slightly amused at those two: He takes a
sip of scotch, while he thinks this whole affair was turning out
to be a whiskey drinking thing, he had a couple of drinks with
Joe last night.
Methos: Euphoria Unlimited? What are you up to now?
Methos asks looking up at MacLeod with a frown.
Duncan shakes his head and waves off as if it isn't that
important.
Duncan: It's just about the stripper for Joe's bachelor party.
Duncan says nonchalantly.
Methos: Yeah, I know he should have one but it's such a waste of
money, look but don't touch?
Methos complains playing with the empty glass on his hand.
Methos: It would be a lot more fun the other way around.
Duncan is still somewhat in shock over hearing about Zoe's
illness and Joe wanting to go on as if nothing was wrong. He
takes a drink of his scotch and stares, blankly, at his glass.
Methos: Now people in ancient Rome knew how to throw a party.
Methos chuckles softly remembering those times.
Duncan forces himself to stop dwelling on what he has been told
and he looks over at Methos and quirks an eyebrow.
Duncan: Yeah? Like what?
Duncan asks...sincerely interested.
Methos: Trust me, you don't want to know. I don't want to shock
your young innocent ears.
Methos smirks at MacLeod amused he'd asked.
Methos: But it had nothing to do with only looking I can assure
you.
Duncan: The last bachelor party I attended was back in.....
Duncan starts to say and has to stop and make some quick mental
calculations.
Duncan: ....somewhere around the late 1700 or so.
Duncan says after a few seconds of thought.
Duncan: We played a rousing game of Whiskey Poker....although
the so called whiskey was made from a still in the guy's back
yard.
Duncan says with a chuckle.
Methos: So you only drank? No women?
Methos asks raising an eyebrow as he moves forward to get
another refill.
Duncan bursts into laughter.
Duncan: Of course there were women. The best man gathered all of
the local bar maids and they.....
Duncan thinks of a delicate way to put it.
Duncan: ....kept our laps warm.
Duncan says with a mischievous wink.
Methos: Oh that's better, for a moment I was wondering what was
the fun of some guys gathering up to take a few drinks alone.
Methos chuckles as he picks up the bottle and pours some scotch
in his glass.
Methos: We can do that every day.
Duncan continues to laugh as he empties his glass...recaps the
bottle and returns it to the liquor cabinet.
Methos: So where are we going to make that party? We can't use
the bar, Joe mentioned the wedding party is going to be there.
Duncan stands in front of the cabinet and rubs his chin
thoughtfully.
Methos asks as he leans back on his seat looking back at
MacLeod.
Duncan: Well....we could reserve a private room on board
Amanda's ****.
Duncan suggest...still thinking.
Methos: Or we could do it downstairs, lots of room.
Methos suggests with shrug.
Duncan slowly nods in agreement and walks over to his sofa and
perches on the arm.
Duncan: Yeah. That is a good idea.
Duncan says as ideas begin to form in his head.
Methos: And you can always get Richie to clean up, he's helping
at the Dojo
Methos points out with a smirk, he hopes MacLeod isn't expecting
HIS help.
Duncan laughs sarcastically.
Duncan: Yeah. Right.
Duncan shakes his head.
Duncan: Have you MET Richie?
Methos: Hmm actually we were never formally introduced. I cut
you off you were going to introduce me as Methos.
Methos reminds him raising an eyebrow at MacLeod.
Methos: Right? Couldn't wait to tell him, hey this is Methos.
Duncan shakes his head.
Duncan: No....I hesitated because, for a minute, I couldn't
remember your alias. Just as you spoke up I remembered kit. If
you recall.....
Duncan says with a grin.
Duncan: ....the whole idea of you was still new to me.
Duncan finishes his explanation.
Methos: And then that fraud had to show up.
Methos shakes his head with a sigh as he moves forward to put
the empty glass on MacLeod's desk.
Methos: If he didn't, I'd still be Adam Pierson.
Duncan: You are....to most people.
Duncan reminds his friend.
Methos: Let's try to keep it that way, shall we?
Methos says as he gets up from the chair.
Duncan nods as he watches Methos get to his feet.
Duncan: So do we have a date yet?
Methos: Not that I know of. I should get going, I wanted to tell
you about Joe before you met him and he had to explain all over
again.
Duncan gets to his feet and gently claps Methos on the shoulder.
Duncan: Thanks for the heads up.
Duncan tells his friend.
Duncan: I have to say....I do admire you and Joe's strength.
Duncan says as he follows Methos to the door.
Duncan: I don't know if I could voluntarily do what Joe is about
to do and what you did.
Methos: It shouldn't take too long due to the circumstances.
Methos says as he walks to the door.
Methos: And it's funny in a way, no one thinks he can do it
until it comes the time to do it.
Duncan nods his agreement.
Duncan: Call me if you hear anything.
Duncan says as he opens the door.
Duncan: And hey....
Methos: Will do.
Duncan says, holding the door open.
Methos nods and looks back when MacLeod calls him.
Methos: Yes?
Duncan: You're the best man too....so don't expect me to do ALL
of the work.
Duncan adds with a smarmy smirk.
Methos: I'll try to get some female friends, a guy's only party
isn't fun at all.
Duncan shakes his head.
Methos says with a smirk before he turns and goes back to the
stairs.
Duncan: Then you have been to the wrong parties, my friend.
Duncan says and plans on recruiting the youthful thinking Richie
for ideas.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 244--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 12
By: 22639 Date: January 15, 2012, 11:44 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki her truck into the parking lot of Joe's Bar, parks it,
gets out, sets the alarm and hurries to the front door.
Nikki feels a strong Immortal buzz as she reaches for the door
handle and she absentmindedly smiles as she throws open the door
and steps across the threshold.
Methos is about to take a sip of beer, when he feels an
Immortal buzz. He puts the glass back down on the table and side
glances at the door wondering who it was. He relieved to see
it's Nikki.
Nikki slips her sunglasses up on top of her head and waits for
her eyes to adjust to the change in light then she surveys the
interior of the bar.
Methos waves at Nikki, before he picks up his glass again.
Nikki waves back and hurries over to his table.
Nikki: Hey......where's Joe?
Nikki asks without sitting down right away.
Methos: Nice to see you to, really missed me huh?
Methos teases ignoring her question.
Nikki: About as much as you missed me.
Nikki quips and gives him a smarmy smirk.
Methos: Oh really?
Methos asks raising an eyebrow at Nikki.
Methos: Somehow I doubt that.
Nikki places the palms of her hands on the table and leans
forward seductively.
Nikki: You missed me a lot....huh?
Nikki asks in a sultry voice and looking directly into his
eyes.
Methos: So much that I would have sat at your table by now.
Methos points out with a smirk, hoping Nikki would take the
hint.
Joe comes out of the back room carrying a box and he sets it on
the bar. Opening it with his pocket knife he begins to remove
its contents and place the bottles on the back shelf.
Nikki straightens up and puts her hands on her hips
indignantly.
Nikki: Well....excuuuuse me for not sitting down fast enough.
Methos: Take your time, the view is better anyway.
Nikki says in an exaggerated indignant voice. She slides into
the chair next to Methos and looks at him...batting her
eyelashes at him.
Nikki: Happy?
Nikki asks and blows him a kiss...exaggeratingly sexy.
Methos: Must be my aftershave.
Methos chuckles softly, after Nikki blew him the kiss.
Methos: I get that reaction all the time.
Joe finishes restocking and cuts up the box...tossing the
cardboard toward the door of the storeroom. He glances around
and notices that Nikki has joined Methos so he fills two frosty
glasses of draft and heads for their table.
Nikki: Is that right?
Nikki says feigning disbelief.
Nikki: Amazing that you have managed to stay single for so long
with all of the women falling all over themselves to get to you.
Nikki says sarcastically and rolls her eyes.
Joe: When did you get here?
Methos: What ten years? That's not really long.
Joe says to Nikki as he sets a beer in front of her and one in
front of Methos.
Methos shrugs before he drinks the rest of the beer in his
glass.
Nikki: Gotcha beat, slick.
Nikki says to Methos.
Nikki: It's been 151 for me.
Nikki winks then looks up at Joe.
Nikki: Just a couple of minutes ago.
Nikki takes a sip of her beer.
Nikki: Thanks.
Nikki says lifting her glass to indicate what she was thanking
him for.
Methos puts down the empty glass and picks the glass Joe just
has bought, saluting him in a way of thank you.
Joe: How's things out at the ranch?
Joe asks Nikki.
Nikki shrugs.
Nikki: Don't know. I've been staying at Amanda's for the last
week.
Nikki explains.
Joe quirks an eyebrow and gets ready to ask her why.
Nikki before Joe can ask her about her living arrangements,
Nikki says quickly, "so where's the bride to be?"
Joe: Huh? Oh.
Joe says taken a bit by surprise by the quickness of change of
subject.
Joe: She's laying down in my office. She had a busy day dealing
with printers, florists and caterers and it kind of wore her
out.
Joe explains.
Nikki: Well...
Nikki folds her arms stubbornly.
Nikki: I'm not moving until she wakes up. I came specifically
to meet her.
Nikki says pretending to be serious.
Methos: Oh, not coming to meet me? How very disappointing.
Methos teases playing with the glass on the table.
Methos: And the word certainly goes around, how did you find
out?
Nikki: I ran into Richie the other day and he told me.
Nikki says with an innocent shrug.
Joe: Well.....you haven't been in very much lately or I would
have told you myself.
Joe says taking a seat in the chair across from Methos.
Nikki: Haven't had much time for play lately.
Nikki says and takes a sip of her beer.
Methos looks up briefly at Joe, before he looks down at his
glass again, wishing Joe would go away for a minute, so he could
ask Nikki if she knew about Zoe, and to tell her if she didn't.
Joe The phone starts ringing and Joe excuses himself, gets up
and goes to the bar to answer it....glad that he had turned the
ringer off in the one in his office.
Nikki: I haven't seen Joe this happy in a while.
Nikki says with a smile as she watches Joe go answer the phone.
Methos: So did Richie tell you the whole story?
Nikki looks back at Methos and quirks an eyebrow questioningly.
Methos asks side glancing at Joe, glad someone had called so he
could talk to Nikki.
Nikki: Whole story?
Methos: About Zoe.
Methos points out, since apparently she didn't understand.
Nikki examines Methos face and begins to slowly shake her head.
Nikki: From the look on your face I guess not.
Methos: How come I'm not surprised?
Methos grumbles shaking his head at the kid foolishness.
Methos: I wonder if he has any brains left above his waist.
Methos murmurs under his breath.
Nikki: Well.....since you brought it up I am going to assume
that you are going to tell me what he didn't....right?
Nikki asks taking a sip of her beer.
Methos: Zoe is sick, that's why they're rushing it up.
Nikki 's brow furrows.
Methos explains trying to go slow so he wouldn't shock her too
much.
Nikki: And by sick you mean.....
Nikki asks leaning forward and speaking in a soft voice so as
not to be over heard.
Methos nods in confirmation, with a sad sigh.
Methos: Same thing Alexa had.
Nikki stomach tightens and, instead of thinking about Joe and
his bride to be...her first thought is of how this must be
making Methos feel so she watches his face carefully.
Nikki: How......
Nikki hesitates.
Nikki: ...long?
Nikki asks....her voice almost a whisper.
Methos: Six to nine months, they think.
Methos says trying to brighten up because he feels her studying
him.
Methos: And I'm OK, no need to worry about me.
Methos tells Nikki with a smile after a while.
Nikki realizes that she must be more obvious than she intended
so she quickly changes the expression on her face to one of
nonchalance and innocence.
Nikki: Now why on earth would I be worried about you?
Nikki asks feigning innocence.
Nikki: Sheesh!
Nikki says and rolls her eyes.
Methos takes Nikki's hand and squeezes it gently for a moment.
Methos: Because the last woman I loved died the same way? I
appreciate the concern, I really do. But I'm OK.
Joe hangs up the phone, jots something down on a note pad,
stick the notepad by the cash register and heads back to Methos
and Nikki's table with a bowl of pretzels and one with peanuts.
Nikki simply responds by returning the squeeze and giving
Methos a look that says that she will be here for him if he
needs her then she looks at the approaching Joe and changes her
expression to one of happy smiles.
Joe sets the 2 bowls on the table and reclaims his seat.
Joe: So where should we send the invitation....the ranch or
Amanda's?
Joe asks looking at Nikki.
Nikki: How about just hand delivering it to me and save the
postage?
Nikki says with a grin.
Nikki: I take it you've set a date?
Nikki asks picking up a pretzel and taking a bite.
Joe: Not exactly.
Joe says with a shrug.
Joe: But we've talked about sometime in June.
Methos: And did you know he's getting two best men?
Methos asks extending his other hand to get the glass, he
didn't feel like letting go yet.
Joe picks up a peanut and peels the shell off of it, eats the
nut and tosses the shell into the bowl.
Nikki: Two?
Nikki asks quirking an eyebrow.
Methos: Yes, me and MacLeod. What more could you ask?
Methos says teasingly before he takes a sip of beer.
Nikki snickers playfully.
Nikki: A stiff drink?
Nikki teases.
Zoe yawns, stretching, slowly coming awake on the couch in
Joe's office.
Joe: It's going to be a small ceremony....nothing too fancy. In
fact....it's going to be here.
Joe says looking at Nikki but not before mentally taking note
of the hand holding going on on top of the table.
Nikki: Of course there'll be a reception...right?
Nikki asks and pops the rest of the pretzel into her mouth.
Joe: Of course. Right afterwards.
Joe says with a nod.
Nikki: So.....where are you taking her on your honeymoon?
Nikki asks gently bumping her shoulder against Joe's and
grinning mischievously.
Joe: Not sure yet.
Joe says with a little shrug. His cheeks darken with a bit of a
blush.
Zoe yawns again, and swings her legs to the side of the couch,
sitting up. Reaching onto the table infront of the couch, she
pulls her purse to her and digs though it looking for her
compact mirrow. After a moment, she finds it and checks her
reflection, and smiles. "This is the best thing about short
hair," she murmers to herself running her fingers through her
hair. "You can nap and then when you get up run your fingers
through and poof, no more bed head."
Methos: Well, if you can't think of anything else Joe, remember
there's always Bora Bora.
Methos suggests with a smirk.
Joe looks at Methos and remembers the last time the ancient
Immortal had made that suggestion and he can't help but break
into laughter.
Joe: Right. Good old Bora Bora.
Joe says still laughing.
Nikki looks first at Joe then at Methos then back to Joe again.
Nikki: Ok.....what did I miss?
Nikki asks looking at one then the other with a quirked
eyebrow.
Methos: Well for once it would be fun someone actually took
that advice.
Methos shrugs chuckling softly.
Methos: Such a good advice shouldn't go to waste.
Joe secretly wonders if anyone ever takes any of Methos' advice
but he just continues to chuckle.
Nikki, figuring she isn't going to be let in on their little
private joke, looks at Joe as she picks up another pretzel.
Nikki: Well...if you need anything, Joe....anything at
all....stamp licker....napkin folder....whatever...jus​t
let me know.
Nikki offers.
Joe smiles gratefully at Nikki.
Joe: Thanks. I'll be sure to pass that along to the boss.
Joe says with a wink.
Nikki: Ooooo.....the boss.
Nikki looks over at Methos and grins mischievously.
Nikki: Now I HAVE to meet this woman. Anyone who can train a
man like Joe that quick is a superwoman in my book.
Nikki teases.
Zoe puts a breath mint in her mouth, and then stands, leaving
her purse on the table and heads for the door.
Methos: Yeah, hard to believe, isn't it?
Methos smiles back at Nikki.
Methos: Never thought I'd hear him say that.
Nikki makes the sound of a cracking whip.
Joe: All right you two.
Joe says shaking his head. His cheeks are red from an
embarrassed blush.
Joe: Stop or I'll charge you for those drinks.
Nikki: Put it on his tab.
Nikki says and points at Methos.
Methos: Yeah, put it on my tab, Joe.
Methos nods still smiling.
Methos: You're not getting away over a few drinks, you know?
Zoe pulls the door open and looks out for Joe. She see's him
sitting at a table with Adam Pierson and a woman she didn't
know. With a smile she heads towards the table.
Joe sees Zoe heading their way and gets to his feet. He meets
her halfway and gives her a tender kiss on her cheek.
Joe: Feel better?
Joe asks softly.
Nikki leans forward and whispers to Methos, "I take it that's
her?"
Zoe: Yes. A short nap will do wonder's.
Zoe grins return the kiss.
Zoe: Who are your friends?
Zoe asks.
Joe escorts Zoe over to the table.
Joe: Adam you already know.
Joe says with a nod in Methos' direction.
Zoe: Of course. Nice to see you again.
Zoe smiles and nods at Adam.
Joe: And this is Nikki Flynn. She and my God daughter were
close friends for a number of years.
Joe gestures toward Nikki.
Joe: Nikki...this is Zoe Kellogg. Soon to be Zoe Dawson.
Joe says proudly.
Zoe: Nice to meet any friend of Joe's.
Zoe says offering her hand to Joe’s friend.
Nikki extends her hand and smiles.
Nikki: Nice to meet the woman who has put Joe on cloud 9.
Zoe: Thanks, but I'm sure it isn't entirely me.
Zoe says blushes slightly, as she shakes the other woman's
hand.
Joe leans closer to Zoe.
Joe: Well it sure as hell isn't Pierson here.
Joe says and winks playfully at Zoe.
Zoe laughs softly.
Methos rolls his eyes hearing the comment, but keep drinking
beer in silence, this commotion about Joe's girlfriend was
beginning to be old news to him.
Nikki: I was just telling Joe that if you need anything...just
ask. I'm a great stamp licker....bow tie-er....envelope
stuffer....whatever.
Nikki says to Zoe.
Zoe: Thanks.. I'll keep that in mind.
Zoe grins.
Joe pulls out a chair from the table and offers it to Zoe in a
very gentlemanly gesture.
Zoe: I'm hiring a wedding planner to take care of most of the
details, but well, there's always something that needs the
personal touch.
Joe: I have a fresh pot of coffee.....can I get you a cup?
Joe asks Zoe.
Zoe says as she smiles brightly at Joe and sits in the offered
chair.
Zoe: Coffee would be lovely.
Nikki: Adam is known to be full of hot air so he'd be great at
blowing up balloons.
Nikki says jokingly.
Joe looks at Methos and Nikki.
Joe: You two ready for a refill?
Joe asks them.
Methos: Even you, Brutus.
Nikki looks at Methos and pretends to be offended.
Methos whispers to Nikki, before he tells Joe that he is more
than ready for a refill.
Nikki: Brutus? So now I'm Brutus? Do I look like a Brutus to
you?
Nikki nods her head in Methos direction and looks at Zoe.
Nikki: I think Adam needs to have his eyes checked.
Nikki says teasingly and winks.
Nikki: And yes, Joe. I'd love another.
Nikki says and slides her empty glass toward the center of the
table.
Joe gathers up the empty glasses and heads for the bar.
Zoe just smiles.
Nikki: So have you decided on your colors yet?
Nikki asks Zoe leaning closer with interest.
Joe gets 2 fresh frosty glasses out of the fridge and fills
them then he prepares Zoe's coffee just the way she likes it and
pours one for himself. He places the drinks on a tray can
carries them to the table.
Zoe: Color's are white and blue. Like a sea blue.
Nikki: OOO....
Nikki says and grins.
Nikki: That sounds beautiful.
Zoe: Bridesmaid dresses will likely be in that blue. I haven't
picked out a final design yet.
Nikki: Have you registered anywhere yet?
Zoe smiles and then shakes head.
Nikki asks and picks up a pretzel and takes a bite.
Methos smiles amused, women would always be women, no matter
how much the world changed in other aspects.
Methos: What about you Joe, have you decided on your colors?
Zoe: No, not yet. Partly because I'm not entirely positive on
what all Joe has, so what we'd need. I need to do a complete job
of going through is place to find out.
Zoe smiles
Joe: I was thinking about pink and gold.
Methos asks as if men had much to choose from.
Joe says joining in the joke.
Nikki reaches up to the tray Joe's holding and snatches a bar
napkin out of its dispenser.
Nikki: Joe....you got a pen?
Nikki asks as she spreads the napkin out on the table.
Joe takes a pen out of his shirt pocket and hands it to Nikki
then reclaims his seat.
Nikki jots down the name of a store and their address and
slides it over to Zoe.
Methos: Pink would definitely be out of the ordinary.
Methos chuckles softly.
Nikki: You HAVE to check out this boutique. It's in the heights
and they have some really incredible things.
Nikki explains.
Zoe: Thanks. I will.
Zoe grins looking the address over.
Nikki: Of course there's the usual high end department stores
down town and over on the south west side of the city....just
outside the city limits is a mall of wholesale outlet stores
that are waaaay cheaper than the department stores on house
wares and linens and stuff.
Joe: Mike says it goes with my eyes after a long shift.
Joe says with a chuckle.
Zoe: NO, I like little boutiquie type places..
Zoe grins.
Nikki: Anytime you want to go shopping and would like some
female company....just give me a call.
Nikki adds her cell phone number to the napkin.
Joe: If there's one thing Nikki knows....it's shopping in
Seacouver.
Joe tells Zoe with a chuckle.
Zoe: And that I appreciate! I know shopping other places, but
not here so much!
Zoe laughs.
Joe: She and Amanda excel in it.
Nikki: Mand taught me everything I know.
Nikki quips to Joe.
Joe: I'm sure she did,.
Joe says rolling his eyes. He leans closer to Methos.
Joe: I wonder just how useful most of what she taught her are.
Joe says with a mischievous grin.
Nikki: So....Zoe. Do you like horses?
Nikki asks inquisitively.
Methos makes a face thinking about it.
Methos: Just the thought is disturbing.
Zoe: Yes, I do. I haven't been riding in a while, but... I do
quite like horses.
Joe: Beyond disturbing.
Joe says to Methos and smirks.
Zoe says thinking that honestly, she had an extensive stable
back home and owned several high end steeds. Steeds she still
needed to make a decision about and place in her will.
Nikki: I own a ranch about 20 miles outside of town and we have
a variety of breeds. You ought to get Joe to bring you out one
afternoon.
Nikki says and looks at Joe to confirm.
Joe: Sure. We could make a day of it. It's really very
beautiful out there.
Joe says with a nod.
Nikki: And I could fix dinner.
Nikki offers.
Zoe: That would be lovely.
Zoe smiles
Nikki: Oh.....and you can come too....if you want.
Nikki says giving Methos a sidelong glance.
Methos: I was planning to anyway.
Methos shrugs looking down at his beer glass, no seriously
since when did he need an invitation to show up?
Methos: I should check my buddy soon anyway, before he forgets
all about me.
Zoe: You're buddy?
Zoe asks.
Nikki: Adam is boarding his horse out at Tus' Nua.
Nikki explains.
Zoe: Ah. I see.
Zoe grins
Joe: Nikki's ranch is more than just about horses.
Joe says to Zoe.
Zoe: Oh?
Zoe asks curiously.
Nikki busies herself deshelling a peanut.
Joe: The ranch is home to several teenaged orphans that would
otherwise be homeless because very few get adopted.
Joe explains.
Nikki: Kinda like a Boys town but for boys and girls.
Zoe: Oh, that's wonderful!
Zoe exclaims looking over at Nikki.
Nikki adds looking a bit uncomfortable suddenly being in the
spotlight.
Zoe: Thank God for people like you! Who are willing to do
things like that.
Joe: They each get to be responsible for one of the horses and
work to train them for either horse shows or rodeos....right,
Nikki?
Nikki nods and takes a sip of her beer.
Nikki: And they have to attend school besides work on the
ranch. Gives them a feeling of purpose and achievement where
most of them haven't felt worthwhile because they were never
adopted.
Nikki adds.
Zoe: That is absolutely wonderful.
Zoe praises again.
Zoe: Do you take donations?
Nikki looks up from the peanut she is fighting with and nods
eagerly.
Nikki: That's our only means of financial support at the
moment. We are still waiting for the state to ok funding.
Nikki explains.
Nikki: Well....I do board a few horses which supplements some
of the deferred cost but it is primarily donations.
Nikki adds.
Zoe: I'll have to see if I can't arrange for something.
Zoe says with a smile, thinking that this was just the type of
charity she wanted to give Millions too, upon her death.
Nikki: That would be great.
Nikki says excitedly.
Methos frowns absentmindedly while he takes a sip of beer,
wondering if he shouldn't make a donation himself, Nikki was
boarding his horse for free after all. He knows he can perfectly
do it even though Adam Pierson wouldn’t be able to afford it.
Joe A few early patrons step through the front door and sit at
the bar.
Joe: Looks like I need to go to work. Will you good people
excuse me?
Joe says getting to his feet.
Zoe: You go work, love.
Zoe says smiling at Joe.
Joe bends down and places a tender kiss on Zoe's lips then
heads to the bar to take care of his customers.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 245--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 13
By: 22639 Date: January 15, 2012, 11:52 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki is in the barn where she is finishing up with rubbing
down Tus' Nua's newest addition.
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Joe takes his time along the two lane country road that they
have just turned onto from the highway....giving Zoe a chance to
see the country side.
Zoe: It's beautiful out here.
Zoe sighs, watching the scenery go by.
Nikki When she is finished and the newborn shakes itself to
loosen its coat from being matted down, Nikki drapes the thick
towel over the stall gate and nods to the young man who is
standing on the other side. He opens the gate and, with her arm
wrapped gently around the newborn's neck, Nikki leads the colt
out of the stall.
Joe nods in agreement.
Joe: I have traveled to a lot of beautiful places and I am
convinced that the Pacific Northwest is the most beautiful of
them all.
Joe says as the scenery along the road begins to change to a
more mountain forestry look.
Zoe: Well, at the very least it is certainly one of them.
Zoe says in agreement.
By the time Nikki and the newborn exit the back of the barn,
the colt's legs have become a little sturdier and he isn't as
wobbly as he was when they first left the stall. The colt lifts
his nose in the air...takes a sniff...and sensing his mother is
nearby...lets out a shrill little whinny that almost sounds like
a squeaky screen door and Nikki burst into laughter.
Joe: Nikki loves the mountain rain forests. That's why she
bought the old broken down ranch out here. It is surrounded on 3
sides by some of our most lush pine forests and backed by that
range of mountains.
Joe says and points out the front windshield at the snow capped
peaks rising in the distance above the green forest's canopy.
Zoe: Joe, everything here is backed by a range of mountains.
Zoe says chuckling.
Nikki is joined by Richard and two other boys as she and the
newborn step into the warm afternoon sun. As Nikki guides the
baby toward the paddock where his mother is the colt lets out
another whinny to its mother.
Nikki: There she is, little guy. We're almost there.
Nikki says softly to the newborn and she gently strokes his
neck's underside. The mare in the paddock hears her baby calling
for her and she stretches her neck over the top rung of the
fence to try and see him. When she does she lets out her own
whinny in answer.
Nikki: We're coming, mama.
Nikki calls out with a smile that is part pride and part
peaceful satisfaction....a feeling she gets every time she helps
another young equine into the world.
Joe: I hope that's not a problem.
Joe says glancing sideways at Zoe.
Joe: I mean....you're not a lover of flat deserts.....are you?
Joe asks partly joking.
Nikki One of the boys stands on the bottom rung of the fence
and takes hold of the mare's halter and Richard walks over to
the paddock gate and opens it as Nikki and the colt approach.
Zoe: Deserts do have their own beauty, same as here does. And
I'm not complaining. I'm just point out that it is a tad
redundant to say that her place is backed by a mountain range,
here, in the Pacific Northwest EVERYTHING is backed by a
mountain range.
Zoe laughs.
Joe turns his attention away from the empty country road and
looks at Zoe...trying to figure out if she is joking....or if
she is actually in a bit of a grumpy mood. The drug trial has
been rough on her at times and, even though she doesn't complain
about her discomfort....she has had a tendency to become a
little moody and Joe has found himself in trouble more than a
couple of times.
Nikki gets to the open gate and steps into the paddock. Richard
closes the gate behind her and nods at the boy holding the mare.
The young boy lets go of the horse's halter and jumps down from
the fence. Nikki carefully lets go of the newborn...making sure
he can stand on his own....then makes a clucking sound with her
tongue.
Nikki: Here ya go, mama. Here's your baby.
Nikki says to the mare. The colt sniffs the air...its eyesight
still unable to focus on things more than a couple of feet away
and he smells his mother's scent and tries to whinny but it
comes out sounding more like a squeak than a whinny.
Joe reaches over and gently takes hold of Zoe's hand.
Joe: Zoe Kellogg?
Joe says in a soft voice.
Zoe: Yes, Joseph Dawson?
Zoe replies smiling.
Joe quickly glances out of the corner of his eye to make sure
they aren't about to run off the road or crash into a farm truck
or slow moving tractor then he looks back at Zoe and smiles.
Joe: Have I told you today that I love you?
Nikki The mare walks up to Nikki and the newborn and
stops....looking at Nikki cautiously.
Nikki: Go ahead. He's all yours.
Nikki says and steps back a couple of steps. She wants to give
them their space to bond but she also wants to stay close just
in case the mare decides to reject the colt and does something
too aggressive that might result in the colt becoming injured.
Zoe: Not in the last 15 minutes.
Zoe laughs.
Zoe: I love you too, Joe.
Joe lifts her hand to his lips and kisses the back of it then
her returns his attention to his driving but still holds onto
her hand.
The mare sniffs the colt over thoroughly and then gives the
baby a gentle nudge with her nose....urging it to move. Nikki
recognizes the mare’s actions as being the start of a successful
bonding and her already broad smile broadens even more. She
takes a couple of slow steps backwards and watches as the mare
guides her baby more towards the center of the paddock, then
Nikki turns around and walks over to the paddock gate.
Joe As they round a wide sweeping curve in the road Joe, once
again, points out the front windshield.
Joe: See the white fence coming up on our left?
Zoe: Hmm.
Zoe says indicating that she does see the fence.
Richard opens the paddock gate for Nikki and as she walks out
of the paddock he says, "Good job, boss. You definitely have the
touch." Nikki looks up at him and smiles even though her cheeks
turn pink from blushing.
Nikki: Thank you.
Nikki says simply and turns back to the paddock to watch mother
and baby.
Joe: That is the beginning of Nikki's ranch's property line.
Zoe: Oh, that means we're almost there.
Zoe says with a grin, excited to see some horses again.
Joe says. As they drive past the long white fence that
surrounds the outside border of Tus' Nua and forms one of its
larger pastures a couple Friesians come playfully running into
view.
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Zoe: Beautiful, big boys.
Zoe says grinning watching the horses. Her hand squeezing a
little tighter around Joe's.
Joe nods in agreement and wishes he knew what breed they are.
Joe: Wait until you see Nikki's horse. Now he is special.
Joe says as he tries to watch the two horses and the road at
the same time.
Nikki: They are beautiful together.
Nikki says as she admires the mare and her baby.
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Nikki Richard agrees with Nikki just as the young boy joins
them at the gate.
Joe A few minutes later Joe slows his car and prepares to turn
under a large white arch with Tus' Nua scrolled at its peak.
Zoe: She's really put some work into the ranch, here, hasn't
she?
Zoe says softly.
Joe: Yes she has. At first it was like a hobby to her. Then, as
her idea began to form...it became a serious endeavor for her.
Joe says as they drive under the arch and slowly move up the
paved "driveway" toward the main house.
Joe: At one point it almost became an obsession to her.
Zoe: Well, good thing it didn't cross that line. Obsessions,
are generally unhealthy in one way or another.
Zoe replies, with another smile for Joe.
Joe: It all paid off in the long run.
Joe says as they drive past the main house.
Joe: Tus' Nua is a huge success.
Joe steers his SUV towards the big barn that can be seen in the
distance.
Zoe: And serves a wonderful purpose.
Zoe smiles.
Joe: That it does. It's kept a lot of kids from being lost in
the system and given them a feeling of belonging. I never
realized just how many older kids who aren't considered
adoptable get passed through the system and most of them end up
on the streets...on drugs...prostitution...a​nd then end
up in our prison systems.
Joe says as they follow the road to the barn.
Nikki watches the newborn as it nuzzles its mother and begins
to nurse for the first time.
Nikki: She's doing good for a first time mom.
Nikki says and both the young boy and Richard agree. The young
boy announces that he'll go clean up the mare's stall and Nikki
thanks him.
Zoe: And society as a whole ends up paying for it...
financially. And the poor kids pay for it with their lives.
Zoe sighs.
Joe stops next to a truck with the Tus' Nua logo painted on its
doors and shuts off the engine. He gets out and goes around to
the passenger door and helps Zoe out of the car. One of the
ranch hands asks if he can help them and Joe tells him they're
looking for Nikki and the ranch hand informs them that she is
out behind the barn so Joe takes Zoe's hand and heads in that
direction.
Zoe just breaths in deeply the wonderful smell of horse and
truly fresh air, as she and Joe walk around to the back of the
barn.
Joe: See that stallion in the big pasture on the hill?
Joe asks pointing to the black stallion with the flaming red
mane and tail.
Zoe: He's beautiful. Look at that color combination.
Zoe says gazing appreciatively at the stallion.
Joe: That's Nikki's horse.
Joe explains as he leads her through the large barn. When they
get to the back entrance he sees Nikki standing on the fence
watching a mare and her foal.
Joe: Nikki!
Joe calls out.
Nikki turns and sees Zoe and Joe and waves as she steps down
from the fence. She waves them over.
Nikki: Hi, guys. Come see our new arrival.
Nikki says cheerfully.
Zoe: Oh, wow. What a pair they make!
Zoe chuckles looking out at Mother and child.
Joe: Wow!
Joe exclaims seeing the contrasting pair.
Joe: You say new arrival? How new?
Joe asks Nikki as they step up to the fence.
Nikki: He's only an hour old.
Nikki says with pride.
Zoe: And as cute as a button.
Zoe says with a laugh.
Joe: You sound like a proud parent.
Joe says with a chuckle.
Nikki: I feel like one.
Nikki says turning back to watch the mare and her foal. Off in
the distance Blaze prances around near the fence of his pasture
and tosses his head.
Zoe: You didn't carry no foal around for ten months though!
Zoe laughs, "Or you look really good for someone who foaled an
hour ago!" Zoe adds teasingly.
Nikki: No. Thank God I don't have to carry them....I just help
with the delivery when needed. But....in a way....I guess you
could say I'm his godmother....sort of. His daddy is my
Andelusian.
Nikki says cheerfully.
Joe: Really? That's amazing.
Joe says with a whistle.
Joe: Congratulations.
Nikki: Thanks. We weren't sure what we were going to get. And
it was totally unplanned. One of the kids left them in the same
paddock while the mare was in season. It's Blaze's first.
Nikki explains.
Zoe: Not sure who the foal takes after more though.
Zoe chuckles.
Joe looks at the stallion prancing around in his pasture and
laughs.
Joe: He's acting like a proud papa.
Joe says then asks, "When will you put father and son
together?"
Nikki: In a few days.
Nikki answers.
Nikki: The foal needs to get a little stronger first. Then
we'll introduce him to his dad.
Nikki explains.
Zoe: What do your kids think about it?
Zoe asks curious as to what the kids had thought of the mare in
foal.
Nikki: Oh....they are excited. They all watched the delivery.
It's our first so they got quite a lesson. They're now voting to
see who gets to take care of him.
Nikki says with a chuckle.
Nikki: See...each kid takes on the responsibility of one of the
ranch's horses which means they are in charge of its feeding,
grooming and training. Some are trained for show and some for
competition in steeple chasing and rodeo.
Zoe: I take it you got to have the birds and the bees
discussion with them.. a few times?
Zoe asks laughing.
Nikki: To be honest.....most of these kids could probably
teach me a thing or two about the birds and the bees.
Nikki laughs.
Nikki: Our youngest resident is 14.
Zoe just grins.
Joe thinks to himself, "if they only knew just how old their
mentor really was."
Nikki looks at her watch then turns to her foreman and asks if
he will see that the mother and her foal are stabled before
dark. He says , "Of course" and Nikki turns to Joe and Zoe.
Nikki: So....you want to follow me up to my house?
Zoe glances over at Joe then looks back at Nikki and nods.
Zoe: I'd love too.
Joe extends his elbow to Zoe.
Nikki: Great!
Nikki says excitedly and heads for the barn.
Joe A bald eagle screeches in the sky above and Joe looks up.
Joe: Now there's something you don't get to see in the city.
Joe says to Zoe and points to the huge bird soaring overhead.
Zoe: No.
Zoe agrees with Joe, quietly watching the eagle.
Nikki leads them to the barn. She grabs an apple out of the
apple bin as they go through the barn. When the exit the barn
she walks over to a golf cart and gets in.
Nikki: Meet you at my place.
Nikki calls out.
Joe escorts Zoe back to his SUV, helps her in and then gets in
and starts the engine.
Nikki steers the golf cart around and heads for her house.
Joe follows Nikki. He glances over at Zoe.
Joe: Penny for your thoughts?
Joe asks in a soft voice.
Zoe: I'm thinking I'm going to need at least a minute alone
with Nikki before the nights over. Girl talk.
Zoe says with a chuckle looking over at Joe.
Joe 's brow furrows.
Joe: Should I be worried?
Zoe: No. Promise.
Zoe smiles.
Joe is glad to see some color has returned to Zoe's cheeks and
decides that this outing and the fresh country air has been good
for her.
Joe: Have I told you lately that you're beautiful?
Joe asks with a proud smile.
Zoe: Not for the last couple of hours.
Zoe laughs.
Joe: Wow! It's been that long? I'm slipping.
Joe says and picks up her hand and kissing it.
Joe: Well....you are beautiful. And I love you.
Joe says giving her hand a gentle squeeze before letting it go.
Zoe: I love you too.
Zoe laughs.
Nikki gets to her house before her guests. She jumps out of the
golf cart and jogs over to the pasture fence. Whistling for
Blaze she stands on the bottom rung of the fence. When the
stallion gallops up to her she gives him the apple she had taken
from the barn.
Nikki: It's not a cigar but you're too young to smoke.
Nikki says and rubs his forehead.
Nikki: Congratulations, daddy.
Nikki says and give Blaze a kiss on his soft muzzle. Then she
jumps down from the fence and jogs back to the front porch of
her house.
Joe pulls up next to Nikki's truck and parks. He gets out and
goes around to help Zoe out.
Nikki walks up the steps of her porch...stomps the mud off of
her boots then opens the front door.
Joe escorts Zoe onto the porch and to Nikki's door.
Zoe: You know, Joe. You don't ALWAYS have to be such a perfect
gentleman.
Zoe teases gently as she lets Joe help her out.
Joe: I don't know any other way to be.
Joe says with a shrug.
Nikki holds the door open for her guests.
Nikki: Come in and make yourselves at home.
Nikki says cheerfully.
Joe escorts Zoe through the door into Nikki's.
Zoe: Thanks.
Zoe says replying to both Joe and Nikki at the same time.
Nikki: Joe....why don't you fix you guys a drink while I go get
cleaned up. I smell like a horse stable. You know where
everything is.
Nikki says and quickly disappears down the hall and into her
bedroom.
Joe: Always the bartender.
Joe says rolling his eyes as he gestures to Zoe to have a seat
in Nikki's sunken living room.
Zoe laughs.
Zoe: Then maybe you shouldn't own a bar.
Zoe suggests with a playful wink.
Joe: And if not for that bar....we might never have met.
Joe says as he goes over to Nikki's liquor cabinet and opens
it.
Zoe: Which, to point out, is why I'm not serious!
Zoe laughs.
Zoe: Plus we'd have to find a different venue for the wedding a
reception too!
Nikki takes a quick shower and changes into a pair of clean
jeans and a blouse. Instead of her boots she slips on a pair of
moccasins and heads for the kitchen where she gets a tray of
hors d'oevres out of the fridge and takes them into the living
room. She sets them on the coffee table and goes back into the
kitchen.
Nikki: Speaking of which.....
Nikki calls out from the kitchen.
Nikki: Have you guys set a date yet?
Nikki asks as she starts to prepare dinner.
Methos stops his SUV in front of Nikki's house, picks up the
brown grocery bag on the passenger's side, exits his car and
manages to lock the door still carrying the bag. He walks fast
to Nikki's door, feeling the expected buzz, and knocks on the
door.
Nikki feels a strong Immortal buzz and smiles to herself as she
breads chicken pieces and puts them into the skillet.
Nikki: COME IN!
Nikki calls out loud enough that Methos will hear her.
Methos opens the door when he hears Nikki's yell, and walks
inside her house.
Zoe: We're thinking of June Fourth. It's the first Saturday in
June.
Zoe says coming into the kitchen doorway so she doesn't have to
yell.
Methos: Hello Joe.
Joe , seeing Methos walk through the door, opens the small
refrigerator in the bottom half of the liquor cabinet and takes
out a beer. He walks over to Methos and hands it to him.
Methos says when he sees him in the living room, then he looks
around.
Joe: Better late than never, Pierson.
Methos: Weren't you supposed to have some company?
Joe teases Methos.
Methos: So I've heard.
Methos shrugs without stop walking, still on the way to the
kitchen.
Nikki covers the chicken and grabs potatoes out of the potatoes
bin and begins peeling them.
Methos: And hold that for me, be right back.
Joe takes back the beer and watches Methos head for the
kitchen. He quirks an eyebrow questioningly...wondering what
Methos is up to.
Zoe: Do you need help with anything?
Zoe asks as Nikki begins peeling potatoes.
Nikki shakes her head.
Nikki: No. Thanks but I've got everything under control. For
now anyway.
Nikki says with a chuckle.
Methos: Hello Nikki, Zoe.
Nikki: Until everything gets out of control that is.
Nikki laughs.
Zoe: Hello, Adam.
Nikki: Hi.
Zoe greets the new arrival.
Methos greets as he walks in the kitchen, he puts the brown
grocery bag on the counter carefully.
Nikki says to Methos but without actually looking at him.
Nikki: What's in the bag?
Nikki asks as she notices the bag on her counter.
Methos: I've brought some wine, I'm betting the bar owner
forgot all about it.
Methos points out with a smirks as he opens the bag to show two
bottle of red wine and two bottles of white wine.
Nikki: Wow! How thoughtful.
Nikki says a bit surprised.
Methos: And since I don't know what's for dinner, I'm not
taking any chances.
Methos shrugs like he didn't do something unusual for him.
Joe: Pierson? You alright?
Joe asks stepping up next to Zoe.
Nikki: You can put them in the fridge for me if you'd be so
inclined. Thank you, Adam. That's really thoughtful.
Methos: Yeah, me paying for alcohol, how shocking.
Methos nods chuckling softly.
Zoe: How big is his tab?
Nikki says as she starts to cube the potatoes as a way to keep
from making eye contact with Methos.
Zoe asks looking over at Joe. She didn't know the amount though
was curious, as he had mentioned it was the largest tab.
Joe: Not that big.
Joe laughs.
Methos opens the fridge and begins to put the bottles inside,
smiling when he hears Joe say his tab is not that big.
Methos: We shouldn't do this to red wine, you know? But I can
live with that.
Nikki puts the cubed potatoes into a pot of boiling water then
removes the lid from the skillet to turn the pieces of
chicken...allowing the smell of fried chicken to escape into the
kitchen.
Joe: Something smells great.
Joe says getting a whiff of the fried chicken.
Nikki: Thanks, Joe.
Nikki says as she finishes turning the pieces of chicken. She
recovers them and goes to the fridge where she removes a bowl of
already snapped green beans and puts them into another pot of
boiling water.
Methos: Hmm yes, chicken.
Methos nods approvingly, it really smelt great.
Methos: Making it the southern way I assume?
Methos asks Nikki as he closes the fridge door.
Nikki wishes she had taken the time to make homemade biscuits
as she gets a roll of refrigerated biscuit dough out of the
fridge and pops it open. She places the preformed biscuits on a
baking sheet and puts them in the oven then returns to the stove
to check the potatoes and green beans.
Nikki: Is there any other way?
Nikki says in response to Methos' question.
Joe: I think the chef would do better if you weren't underfoot,
Pierson.
Joe says with a chuckle.
Joe: Why don't you join us in the living room?
Joe suggests as he watches Nikki maneuver around Methos.
Methos rolls his eyes and begins to walk to the living room.
Methos: Fine, Dawson, if you want my company that badly...
Methos gets the beer Joe had offered him before and sprawls on
the couch, taking a sip.
Joe: Zoe?
Zoe: Hmm?
Zoe says looking over at Joe.
Joe says quirking an eyebrow....to see if Zoe will join them.
Zoe shakes head.
Zoe: Girl talk.
Zoe murmurs softly to Joe.
Joe: Ahhh.
Joe nods understandingly and heads for the sofa in the sunken
living room.
Zoe: You sure you don't need any help?
Zoe offers Nikki.
Methos looks up slightly surprised when Joe gets in the living
room alone.
Methos: So where is Zoe?
Nikki takes out an old cast iron skillet and sets it on a front
burner then gets a turkey baster and suctions up some of the
juice from the skillet with the chicken in it. She puts the
juice into the cast iron skillet, adds some flour and milk and
begins to stir it slowly.
Nikki: Well.....if you want you can set the table.
Nikki says with a shrug.
Zoe: Where's your dinnerware?
Zoe asks.
Nikki: Plates are in the cupboard on this side of where you're
sitting....glasses are in the cabinet next to the sink and
silverware is in the drawer on this side of the bar you're
sitting at.
Nikki instructs as she continues to stir the gravy.
Joe: Girl talk....she says.
Joe answers Methos as he takes a sip of his drink.
Zoe gets up and starts gathering the dinnerware.
Zoe: So... I've got a question for you.
Methos: Damn, I hate when they do that.
Methos sighs before he takes another sip of beer.
Nikki shuts the heat off under the gravy and picks up the pot
of potatoes. She carries it to the sink and pours off the water
then gets her hand mixer down from its hook on the wall.
Nikki: Ok. Go for it.
Nikki says in answer to Zoe.
Zoe: Well.. you know Joe has two best men right? And that we're
going to keep the wedding party quite small right?
Zoe asks.
Nikki: Yeah.
Nikki says looking at Zoe.
Zoe: Well, I do have a friend who is going to be my maid of
honor, but in an attempt to keep the wedding party balanced I do
need a bridesmaid. I was wondering if you'd be willing to be my
bridesmaid?
Zoe asks.
Nikki blinks in surprise.
Nikki: Me? Really?
Zoe: Yes. I... I'm sure you've heard by now, that I'm dying?
Zoe asks hesitantly, feeling as though Nikki deserve more of an
explanation.
Nikki simply nods....unsure of what to say.
Zoe: Well, before I came to Seacouver I broke off most of old
friendships... except for she who is to be my maid of honor...
And since you're really the first female friend I've made
here...
Zoe shrugs.
Nikki: Zoe....I'd be honored.
Zoe: Thanks.
Nikki says smiling.
Zoe beams.
Nikki: Just promise me one thing.
Zoe: Oh?
Zoe asks.
Nikki: That I won't have to wear some gaudy big poofy bright
colored dress.
Nikki says with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
Zoe: No, the dress will be in the wedding color of blue.
Zoe grins.
Nikki: Phew!
Nikki says then laughs.
Zoe: Oh, I should warn you though... My maid-of-honor....
She... well, she's about as steriotypical dumb-blonde as you can
get.
Zoe says slowly.
Nikki turns back to her pot of potatoes and uses the hand mixer
to whip them. Then she drains the beans and pours them into a
serving bowl, puts the potatoes into a bowl and then pours the
gravy into a gravy boat.
Nikki: Really?
Nikki says laughing at Zoe's description of her friend.
Zoe: No. Really, really.
Zoe says.
Zoe: My best friend is Athinai Weston, the hotel heiress.
Nikki stops mid way through removing the biscuits from the oven
and stares at Zoe.
Nikki: You're kidding....right?
Nikki says in disbelief.
Zoe: No, I'm serious. We went to high school together.
Zoe says.
Nikki: Really? I thought she went to some hoity toity private
school. The kind that only really rich people go to.
Nikki says as she puts the biscuits on a plate.
Zoe: Yes... It's called a Boarding School. We went to the same
one.
Zoe says hesitantly.
Nikki stops and looks at Zoe.
Nikki: Soooo.....you're.....
Nikki isn't sure how to ask Zoe if she's "somebody".
Zoe sighs, then takes a deep breath.
Zoe: If I tell you something it has to be kept in the STRICTEST
of confidences, alright? Not a word to anyone that'll allow it
to get back to Joe.
Zoe says firmly.
Nikki makes the "tick a lock" sign on her lips.
Nikki: Mums the word. I promise.
Zoe sighs again and goes over and reaches up on Nikki's fridge
and takes down the box of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes. Then turns
to Nikki and raises an eyebrow wondering if she was going to
need to do anything further.
Nikki looks at the box of cereal then up at Zoe. At first she's
confused then it hits her. Zoe Kellogg. She mouthes the word,
"OH" and nods slowly.
Nikki: Really?
Nikki whispers.
Zoe: My great-great grandfather founded the company... and
invented the corn flake.
Zoe murmurs.
Nikki bows and grins.
Nikki: My thanks to your great- great grandfather.
Zoe: Thanks.
Zoe says rolling her eyes slightly.
Nikki whispers. She starts to giggle but covers her mouth and
giggles silently.
Zoe: The reason I don't want Joe to know, is quite simple.
Zoe puts in a hurried whisper.
Nikki holds her hand up to stop her.
Nikki: No need to explain. I understand.
Zoe: You do?
Zoe asks surprised.
Nikki: Sure. I'd feel the same if I were in your shoes. You've
probably fielded many a proposal based on all the wrong reasons.
Nikki whispers so the men in the other room can't hear.
Nikki: Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me.
Nikki says smiling.
Nikki: But I assure you....Joe is one of the most sincere men
I know. And he does love you. I can see it in the way he looks
at you.
Nikki winks.
Zoe: I know he does. He tells me a dozen times a day.
Zoe chuckles.
Nikki puts the chicken pieces onto a serving plate and looks
around to see if she is forgetting anything.
Nikki: Help me take all of this into the dining room?
Nikki says as she picks up the serving platter in one hand and
the bowl of potatoes in the other.
Nikki: Dinner is served boys.
Nikki announces as she carries the two dishes to the table and
sets them down.
Zoe just grins and picks up the remaining dishes and carries
them to the table behind Nikki.
Joe: Alright! Smells wonderful.
Joe says as he gets to his feet and heads for the dining room
table.
Methos: At last, almost felt tempted to sneak in and listen to
that conversation, must be one hell of a girl talk.
Methos shakes his head as he gets to his feet and moves to the
dinner room.
Nikki goes back into the kitchen and gets the bottle of white
wine out of the fridge then carries it and the plate of biscuits
to the table. She goes back and brings out a plate of butter and
a salt and pepper shaker then takes a seat.
Joe: You like to live dangerously don't you, Pierson.
Joe says as he takes a seat next to Zoe and looks at the
spread.
Joe: Nikki.....this looks incredible. Who knew you could cook
like this.
Joe says grinning broadly.
Methos: I knew you could cook but you outdone yourself this
time.
Methos comments a he sits at the dinner table, just the smell is
making his month water.
Nikki: Thank you.
#Post#: 246--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 14
By: 22639 Date: January 15, 2012, 11:54 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]*****The part of Duncan MacLeod is temporarily
being understudied*****[/sub][/center]
Duncan opens the door to Joe's Bar and steps inside. Looking
around and seeing that he is the only person in there, he walks
over to the bar, removes his coat, drapes it over an empty bar
stool and takes a seat on a stool next to it.
Joe walks behind the bar carrying a box, which he sets down on
the floor when he sees Mac.
Joe: Hey. Can I get you something to drink?
Joe asks his Immortal friend.
Duncan: Whatever you have on tap is fine.
Duncan answers.
Duncan: Got your message. What's up?
Duncan asks referring to the voice mail he received from Joe
asking him to stop by when he got a chance.
Joe pours Mac a beer and sets it down on the bar in front of
him. He gets a bowl of beer nuts and slides it over to Mac.
Joe: Zoe's picking up her maid of honor and I thought you and
Methos should meet her before the wedding.
Joe says as he takes out his pocket knife and slices open the
box on the floor.
Duncan: Ahhh. I guess that makes sense.
Duncan says and takes a sip of his beer.
Duncan: Have you met her?
Methos parks his SUV in front of Joe's, exits it and locks the
car before he walks inside, wondering what Joe wanted. He feels
an Immortal buzz and he gets closer and thinks it's probably
just MacLeod.
Joe: No. Not yet.
Joe says as he begins to remove the bottles of booze from the
box and places them on the shelf behind the bar.
Duncan feels a strong Immortal buzz and glances at the door of
the bar.
Duncan: I think we're about to have company.
Duncan says and pops a nut into his mouth.
Joe puts the last bottle on the shelf and uses his cane to
"kick" the empty box to the far end of the bar.
Joe: Probably just your co-bestman.
Joe says with a chuckle as he proceeds to fill another frosty
glass of draft beer and sets it down on the bar next to MacLeod.
Methos opens the door and walks inside. He blinks a little
trying to adjust to the darker interior as he hears the bar door
close behind him. Finally he's able to see MacLeod and Joe near
the bar and walks to them.
Duncan: So how's Zoe doing, Joe?
Methos: So what's up?
Methos asks as he walks to them.
Duncan asks as he sees Methos' silhouette in the doorway.
Joe: She's good. Really good.
Joe says cheerfully.
Joe: Already got your beer poured for you, old man.
Joe says with a chuckle to Methos.
Methos: I see it, thanks.
Methos nods before he sits on the bar stool next to MacLeod.
Duncan: Now that's what I call service. Just how is it that
you rate?
Duncan asks Methos with a laugh.
Methos: Well, always drinking the same thing has its
advantages, you know?
Methos smirks as he picks up the beer glass to take a sip.
Duncan chuckles and picks up his own glass and takes a sip.
Joe looks at his watch.
Joe: They should be here pretty soon....providing the traffic
at the airport isn't too bad.
Methos: Who should be here pretty soon?
Methos asks with a slight frown.
Joe says and pours himself a cup of coffee. He takes a box out
from under the bar and opens it, exposing several large Cuban
cigars and offers one to Methos and MacLeod.
Athinai: What is your secret!
Athinai demands of her friend in the seat next to her, as the
driver pulled away from the hotel.
Zoe: I told you, Athinia. It's no secret. I have cancer.
Zoe says to her friend for the umpteenth time.
Athinai: I have soo got to talk to my doctor about that! I
mean, you've lost weight, and your skin! Do have any idea how
hard it is to obtain that whiteness?
Athinai demands.
Duncan takes a cigar from the box and removes the paper ring.
Zoe: Yes... You need to talk to your doctor about that, hon.
Zoe says shaking her head. Only, Athinai.
Joe hands him his lighter as he takes one out of the box for
himself.
Athinai: So...where are we going again?
Athinai asks.
Zoe: Joe owns a bar. We're going to met him and his bestmen,
at the bar, so you can met them, and they you.
Zoe explains.
Duncan clips the end of the cigar and lights the other
end...blowing smoke circles toward the ceiling. He hands the
apparatus back to Joe.
Athinai: Oh. Okay.
Athinai says with a shrug, before launching into a description
of the Paris fashion show she had just been at.
Joe lights his own cigar and takes a few puffs then takes a sip
of his coffee.
Duncan: We're meeting Zoe's maid of honor.
Duncan answers Methos question.
Methos: Oh the dumb blonde? This should be amusing.
Duncan turns and looks at Methos questioningly.
Methos shakes his head with a smile wondering if she was really
that dumb.
Duncan: Dumb blond? You know something I don't?
Duncan asks as he puffs on his cigar.
Methos: Don’t you read the news, Duncan MacLeod of the clan
MacLeod?
Methos asks MacLeod slightly surprised he never heard of her.
Duncan: Sometimes. Why? What has that got to do with anything?
Duncan asks as he pops a nut into his mouth, chews it and
chases it down with a sip of beer.
Joe: Yeah. Am I missing something here?
Joe chimes in and blows several smoke rings toward the ceiling.
Methos side glances at Joe amused at his question.
Methos: You two never heard of Athinai Weston? She won't like
it a bit, she does almost anything to be on the news.
Duncan nods his head.
Duncan: Of course. Who hasn’t?
Duncan answers and takes another sip of his beer.
Joe: Yeah. She's that hotel mogul's daughter who is always
getting into some sort of trouble.
Joe says nodding.
Duncan: You're not saying what I think you're saying.....are
you?
Duncan asks a bit incredulously.
Methos: Don't you know she's going to be a maid of honor in
your own wedding?
Methos asks Joe chuckling amused.
Joe shakes his head.
Joe: Zoe told me I would have to wait until she was here.
Joe answers with a shrug.
Athinai: Oh, my god. This is the bar? Zoe, what were you DOING
in here?!
Athinai asks aghast.
Duncan: Question is....how is that you know?
Duncan asks quirking an eyebrow.
Zoe sighs as she slides out of the car, as the driver opened
the door for her.
Methos: I've got my methods.
Methos shrugs smiling mysteriously.
Zoe: I was meeting with a doctor. To get into that clinical
trial I told you about.
Athinai: Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. For the cancer.
Athinai says flapping her hand at Zoe as they head for the door
of the bar.
Zoe: Athinai, hon, remember one thing for me, will ya?
Zoe asks pleadingly, pausing with her hand on the door to the
bar.
Athinai: What?
Athinai asks.
Zoe: Appearances, are NOT everything.
Zoe states.
Athinai: Sure, uh huh.
Athinai agrees.
Zoe sighs wishing she could believe her friend, and then pulled
open the door to the bar and steps inside with Athinai on her
heels.
Joe sees the door of his bar open and looks in that direction.
Seeing Zoe's silhouette his face brightens with a broad smile.
Joe: Ahhh. The vision of an angel.
Joe says as he walks up to Zoe and kisses her.
Duncan looks toward the door when it opens.
Zoe returns Joe's kiss.
Zoe: Afternoon, handsome.
Joe: I trust the traffic at the airport wasn't too much of a
nightmare?
Athinai: Him? The Grandpa? There's two hotties here, and you
ended up with Gramps?
Athinai sputters putting things together quickly.
Joe says as he puts his arm around Zoe's shoulder and leads her
to the bar.
Methos looks in the direction of the door when it opens and
studies the scene before him with an amused smile, he didn't
want to miss this.
Joe: Gramps?
Joe whispers to Zoe.
Duncan: Ouch!
Duncan whispers to Methos as he takes a sip of his beer and
sets his cigar down in the ashtray.
Methos: Yeah, I bet that one hurt.
Methos whispers back to MacLeod, sniffing to not to burst out
laughing.
Duncan: Nice broad.
Duncan whispers and rolls his eyes.
Joe puts his arm around Zoe's shoulder and guides her toward
the bar.
Methos: And very subtle.
Joe: As instructed my two bestmen are present and accounted
for, mam.
Methos nods in agreement still smiling amused.
Joe says cheerfully to Zoe.
Zoe: Perfect! And the traffic wasn't bad.
Zoe says with smile at Joe.
Duncan Being the gentleman that he is, Duncan gets to his feet
and moves a bar stool out for Zoe.
Zoe: Guys, I'd like to introduce you to my maid-of-honor.
Athinai Weston. Athinai, This is Joe Dawson, my Fiancé.
Zoe says leaning her head lightly against Joe's shoulder. "And
these are his bestmen. Duncan MacLeod and Adam Pierson," Zoe
says pointing to each in turn.
Zoe: Thank you, Duncan.
Zoe says sliding onto the stool...
Duncan: Zoe? Good to see you again as always.
Duncan says to Zoe and kisses her cheek then he turns to her
friend and extends his hand graciously.
Duncan: Athinai? Pleasure to meet you.
Duncan says politely.
Joe: Hello.
Joe says simply....not at all impressed after hearing her
earlier comment.
Joe: Can I get you ladies something to drink?
Joe asks as he moves back behind the bar.
Methos gets to his feet and shakes both of the ladies hands
with a nod before going back to his beer.
Athinai: You really must be something special.
Athinai says to Joe.
Joe: Me? Nah. Not really.
Athinai: To have gotten Zoe interested enough in you even for
date, let alone marriage. Oh, and I'd love a martini please.
Athinai smiles briefly at Joe and then flirtatiously at Duncan
and Adam.
Joe: Just a very lucky gramps.
Joe replies as he proceeds to make Athinai a martini.
Joe: Zoe? What's your pleasure?
Joe asks without looking up.
Duncan shoots a sidelong glance at Methos and sits back down on
his bar stool.
Zoe: Ice tea, please, love.
Zoe says, hoping Joe would understand that it didn't matter to
her one whit of what Athinai said. After all, she was a sweet
girl, but could have been bald and still would have had more
hair than wits.
Joe Without a word, Joe finishes the martini and pours a glass
of iced tea. he places the drinks in front of the women and goes
about wiping up any mess that he had made.
Duncan notices the change in Joe's demeanor and tries to think
of something to say to lift his friend's spirits.
Zoe reaches out as Joe sets the Ice Tea in front of her, barely
touching his sleeve, hoping he'd look at her.
Joe does glance up at Zoe and gives her a wink before
continuing his cleanup.
Zoe smiles back at Joe.
Zoe: I love YOU.
Zoe murmurs softly.
Duncan finishes his beer and unable to think of anything clever
to say pushes his empty glass towards Joe.
Duncan: How about a refill, Joe?
Methos: So Athinai, you're staying with Zoe?
Duncan asks simply.
Methos asks deciding to give the bride and groom a break and
keep the dumb blonde busy for a while.
Joe nods and picks up MacLeod's empty glass and sets it in the
sink. He looks over at Methos and asks, "How about you, Adam?
Ready for a refill?"
Athinai: Oh, no. I've got my own suite at the downtown Weston.
Athinai says taking a sip at her martini.
Methos: Oh and did you know Athinai means Athens in Greek?
Methos asks assuming she had no idea as he extends his glass to
Joe.
Athinai: Yes, actually I did! My parents think I was conceived
in Athens, but liked the Greek pronunciation better than the
English. My sister, Angel, was conceived in Los Angeles. The
city of angels.
Athinai grins.
Joe does the same with Methos' glass as he did with MacLeod's
and fills two fresh frosty glasses with draft beer and sets them
in front of his Immortal friends.
Duncan pops a couple of beer nuts into his mouth, chews them
and chases them down with a sip of his beer.
Methos: How interesting.
Methos nods with a smirk as he wonders what they would call a
child conceived in Miami.
Joe reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket and removes a
small box which he slides across the bar to Zoe. He looks into
her eyes....aware of no one but her.....and smiles.
Joe: I love you, too.
Joe says quietly and waits for her to open the box.
Zoe: Joe.
Zoe scolds softly, but with a smile. Then slowly pulls the box
open.
Duncan wonders how someone as classy and intelligent as Zoe
managed to become best friends with someone as obviously
classless and clueless as Athinai but he says nothing.
[IMG]
HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/2739526A_101.jpg[/img]<br
/>
Athinai: My parents kept trying to conceive in Denver. Never
did. Wanted a boy.
Athinai adds.
Zoe: Oh Joe.
Zoe breaths softly.
Zoe: It's lovely.
Joe: Just like you.
Joe says softly.
Zoe: You’re wonderful, Joe.
Zoe says with a smile for Joe alone.
Duncan is unable to contain his Scottish curiosity any longer
so he looks over at Athinai.
Methos nods again, apparently they wanted a boy named Denver.
Duncan: So how did you and Zoe become friends?
Duncan asks curiously.
Joe leans across the bar and gives Zoe a kiss.
Zoe returns the kiss with passion.
Methos: Well obviously she wanted a dumb friend to serve as
contrast.
Methos whispers to MacLeod in Latin, before he takes a sip of
beer.
Duncan does his best to not react to Methos' comment.
Athinai: Oh, Zoe and I went to Boarding school together. We
were placed together a lot. Sides, she helped tutor me some.
Athinai shrugs.
Duncan: And it helped?
Duncan asks more to himself than to anyone else but still loud
enough for Athinai to hear.
Athinai: Oh yes. Zoe is quite brilliant. And Oh, my, GOD. Did
she need help with her style! I totally helped her with that.
Athinai nods.
Duncan glances at Methos with a smarmy smirk.
Duncan: Totally.
Duncan says mimicking Athinai.
Athinai: Totally!
Athinai replied with complete understanding.
Joe: Style is just a matter of perception.
Joe says without looking away from Zoe's eyes.
Zoe: Yeah. Guys, be nice.
Zoe scolds Duncan and Adam.
Methos: What? I didn't do anything.
Methos gives Zoe his Adam Pierson innocent look wondering if
she understood Latin.
Zoe pulls her gaze from Joe and just gives Methos "The look."
Duncan innocently eats a few beer nuts and takes a sip of his
beer.
Methos smiles and looks down at his beer, playing with his
glass.
Zoe: Uh huh. That's what I thought.
Zoe mutters before turning her gaze back to Joe.
Athinai: What’d you think?
Athinai asks glancing over at her friend.
Zoe: Just that it's a lovely day outside.
Zoe says absently.
Athinai: Oh, yeah. It is. Isn't it?
Athinai says turning her eyes back to Duncan.
Joe The phone at the far end of the bar rings and Joe excuses
himself to go answer it. After a few minutes he returns and
looks at Zoe apologetically.
Joe: I'm sorry, sweetness but it seems Mike is sick and can't
come in tonight so I won't be able to join you two.
Zoe: I'm gonna miss you... but I'm sure you're probably just
relieved.
Zoe says with a smile of understanding.
Joe: I'd much rather spend time with you than behind this bar.
Joe says with a smile.
Zoe: Yes, but not so much with ah...
Zoe nods her head towards Athinai.
Joe leans across the bar close Zoe's ear.
Joe: When I'm with you no one else exists.
Joe says softly. Then backs up with a wink.
Zoe: You're sweet.
Zoe replies with a grin.
#Post#: 247--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 15
By: 22639 Date: January 16, 2012, 12:12 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sup]The parts of Duncan MacLeod, Joe Dawson and Richie
Ryan are being Understudied.[/sup][/center]
Richie is blindfolded and in his hand is a rubber boob with a
pin on it. On the wall is a poster of a pin up girl and Richie
is trying to make his way toward the poster to pin the boob on
it. Dizzy from both drinking and being spun around, he staggers
forward a couple of steps.
Duncan: Come on, Richie. You know where it goes.
Duncan teases.
Joe: Maybe it's been too long and he's forgotten.
Joe chimes in...taking a drink of his beer and laughing.
Richie staggers to the side and almost looses his balance.
Duncan: Whoa, there.
Duncan says and laughs.
Richie reaches out in front of him with both hands and staggers
forward until his hand touches the wall. He feels around for the
poster. When he feels the poster he moves to where he thinks the
boob should go and pins it.
Duncan: Yay!
Duncan cheers.
Joe joins in the cheering.
Richie pulls off the blindfold and looks at the poster. Seeing
that he has pinned the boob to the girls thigh he smacks his
forehead.
Duncan: Interesting.
Duncan teases.
Joe: Someone needs some practice.
Joe says jokingly.
Duncan: Ok, Richie. You know what that means.
Duncan says walking over to the table where all of the
refreshments and booze is. He fills a pitcher with beer from the
keg and carries it over to Richie and holds it out for him.
Methos frowns at the poster when he comes out of the bathroom,
then he shakes his head.
Richie rolls his eyes and takes a deep breath as he takes the
pitcher from MacLeod. So far...in every drinking game they have
played he has lost and had to guzzle a pitcher of beer except
for one which Methos lost. He raises the pitcher to his lips and
begins to drink its contents down.
Methos: We're getting a little anatomically confused, aren't we
Richard?
Duncan roots Richie on.
Methos teases as he moves to the table to get another beer.
Joe: Drink....drink....drink.
Joe joins in the chanting.
Richie , even though 1/3 of the beer spills down the front of
his shirt, finishes the beer and holds the empty pitcher upside
down over his head victoriously.
Duncan cheers and pats Richie on the back.
Joe cheers and takes a drink of his own beer.
Richie starts to stagger over to a chair but gets a bad case of
the spins and drops to the floor where he sits with his legs
crossed as he tries to look nonchalant.
Duncan: Hooo..... You Ok?
Duncan asks, leaning down and staggering himself.
Methos chuckles softly when he sees MacLeod also stagger.
Methos: Didn't know you two were such light weights.
Methos shakes his head looking at Joe.
Methos: And they're supposed to be Immortals.
Duncan: 'scuze me?
Duncan says looking at Methos curiously.
Joe: Oh...that sounds like a challenge, Mac.
Joe chides in.
Richie: Oh boy.
Richie says quietly and shakes his head.
Duncan: Aye. It did at that.
Duncan says in his Scottish brogue.
Methos: Just accept it, MacLeod, there are thing you can't win
and over drinking is one of them. You'll never win against me so
just accept it and move on.
Methos says teasingly, he knows that's a challenge he'll have no
problem winning against MacLeod, not on beer anyway.
Duncan: No Scott can turn down a challenge like that. It's the
principle of the thing.
Duncan says and starts toward the table where the keg of beer
is.
Methos: Don't tell me I didn't warn you.
Richie attempts to get to his feet but fails.
Richie: It's really not a fair match.
Richie says as he sits back down on the floor.
Joe: Well....if you want it a bit more equal....
Methos smiles smugly as he stands up, then he walks to the keg
to join MacLeod.
Joe says as he walks over to the table with the food and booze
on it. He reaches to the back of a group of bottles and picks up
a bottle of single malt scotch. He looks around for glasses.
Joe: ....drink this instead of beer.
Joe fills 2 shot glasses with the scotch.
Joe: Shot for shot.
Joe says and hands a shot glass to Methos and one to MacLeod.
Richie: Now we're talkin',
Richie says and claps.
Duncan takes the shot glass from Joe.
Methos chuckles amused at Joe's idea as he picks one of the
glasses.
Methos: You'll get him to fall faster.
Joe proceeds to fill several more shot glasses and divides them
up equally between the 2 Immortals.
Duncan downs the shot of scotch and sets the empty shot glass
upside down on the table in front of him.
Duncan: Mmmmm....that's the good stuff.
Duncan says and picks up another shot glass.
Joe: Of course it is.
Joe laughs as Mike and the other party goers begin to chant.
Methos empties the first shot and puts the glass on the table.
Methos: Really good stuff, why didn't you give us this before?
Duncan waits for Methos to pick up another shot of scotch.
Methos asks frowning slightly at Joe, as he picks another shot
of scotch and empties it in one swing.
Methos: Two down.
Methos says as he puts the empty glass on the table.
Duncan downs his and turns the glass upside down on the table.
Then he picks up a third one. He downs the third shot and sets
it on the table upside down.
Methos picks the third glass and smiles at MacLeod.
Methos: Are you sure you want to do this? You'll sleep the rest
of the party.
Methos teases before he empties his shot again and puts the
empty glass on the table.
Duncan picks up the fourth glass of scotch and winks at Methos
as he quickly downs that one and sets it back on the table.
Methos: Your choice.
Methos shrugs before he picks and drinks the fourth shot.
Joe The chants get a little louder.
Duncan picks up the fifth glass of scotch and raises it towards
Joe.
Duncan: To Joe. May the winds of fortune sail you, May you sail
a gentle sea. May it always be the other guy who says, "this
drink's on me.
Duncan says and downs the contents of the shot glass.
Joe raises his glass of beer in acknowledgment of MacLeod's
toast and takes a drink.
Richie: Here here!
Methos: I'll drink to that.
Richie chimes in as he struggles to his feet and staggers over
to the table. He grabs a glass of beer that is sitting on the
table and takes a swig.
Methos raises his glass to Joe before he empties it and puts it
on the table.
Duncan sets his empty glass upside down on the table and picks
up number six.
Duncan: As you slide down the Bannister of Life, May the
Splinters never point the wrong way.
Duncan says lifting his glass in another toast to Joe.
Joe winces and mouths the word, "ouch!"
Richie: Eeeeee. Painful.
Methos gets another shot of scotch and looks at MacLeod with a
smirk, so this was how MacLeod behaved when he was drunk. He
shakes his head amused, before he empties his glass again.
Richie mumbles and raises his glass of beer then takes a swig.
Duncan downs the scotch and places his empty glass on the table.
Joe takes a drink of his beer in acceptance of the toast.
Duncan picks up the seventh shot glass of scotch.
Methos side glances at Richie, amused the kid is drinking again,
maybe MacLeod wouldn't be the first to pass out after all. Then
he picks another shot of scotch and takes it in one swing.
Methos: Seven down.
Methos says as he puts the empty glass on the table.
Joe fills three more shot glasses a piece then puts the bottle
back where it came from. In his experience...10 shots of scotch
usually laid a normal man out.
Duncan downs his glass and sets the empty on the table. He picks
up number 8 and grins tauntingly at Methos.
Duncan: There is no scotch in Heaven. That's why we drink it
here.
Duncan says and quickly downs his scotch.
Methos: Don't plan to go there anyway. Or hell for that matter.
Methos shrugs as he picks the eighth shot, then he empties it
and puts it back on the table.
Duncan picks up the ninth glass of scotch and as he raises it to
his lips his balance wavers and he staggers a little to regain
his balance.
Methos: Oh, the floor is starting to move under your feet,
MacLeod?
Mike calls out, "whoa" as he watches MacLeod's balance waver and
a few of the others join in.
Methos asks amused as he picks the ninth shot, and swings it
down in one move.
Methos: You're going to drink that or not?
Methos asks raising an eyebrow as he puts the empty shot on the
table.
Duncan: Don't ya be worryin' about me, laddie.
Duncan says in a thick Scottish brogue.
Duncan steadies himself and downs the scotch then sets the empty
glass on the table with the others.
A couple of Joe's Watcher friends make a little side wager on
the results of the contest.
Duncan picks up shot glass number 10 and stands up straight. He
waits to see what Methos is going to do.
One of Joe's Watcher friends calls out, "come on Pierson. You
can do it."
Richie moves to the back of the crowd where the betting is going
on and places his own bet.
Duncan: Need some help there, buddy?
Duncan taunts Methos.
Methos picks his tenth shot of scotch and empties it in one
swing.
Methos: Not from you... buddy.
Methos smirks as he puts the empty glass on the table.
Methos: You're going down, Watchers or no Watchers, they won't
remember anything in the morning anyway.
Duncan lifts his shot glass as if to say, "bottoms up", and
downs its contents then places his glass upside down on the
table.
Joe fills 5 more glasses a piece and pours himself a shot and
quickly downs it.
Richie: Don't stop now, Mac.
Richie cheers his one time teacher on.
Duncan looks at the 5 new glasses on the table and frowns....but
he disregards his common sense and picks one up and raises
toward the ceiling.
Duncan: Lachaim.
Duncan says and downs the shot.
Methos: You can still quit, just admit the fact that I won and
we don't get the sight of you drooling on the floor.
Methos teases as he picks up another shot and empties it in one
swing.
Duncan: A Scotsman never drools.
Duncan says...slurring his words as he sets his empty shot glass
upside down on the table.
Methos: Alright, that's eleven. Twelve?
Methos asks as he picks the next shot glass.
Duncan reaches for the next shot glass and staggers a little. He
quickly regains his balance...picks up the glass and downs it in
one motion.
Methos shakes his head before he empties the next shot, he's not
surprised MacLeod is too stubborn to give up, only the opposite
would really surprise him.
Duncan goes to set his empty glass on the table but when he
leans over the room begins to slowly spin and he has to
stabilize himself by placing his hand on the table.
Richie: Whoa, there, Mac.
Richie says and gets ready to catch his friend if he falters.
Joe The rest of the party goers moan and laugh as those that
placed bets against the Highlander hold out there hands thinking
they have won.
Methos: You should be thankful you're an Immortal, or you'd
really pay for this in the morning.
Methos whispers to MacLeod as he picks up the next shot glass.
Methos: Thirteen?
Joe goes over to the keg and pours himself another
beer....keeping one eye on the contestants to make sure they
don't cheat.
Methos asks MacLeod raising his voice, then downs the scotch and
puts the empty glass on the table.
Duncan shakes his head...which clears it only slightly....then
straightens up and reaches for his next shot glass.
Duncan: Always been my lucky number.
Duncan slurs then downs the shot.
Methos: What about fourteen?
Methos asks with a smirk as he gets his next shot.
The momentum of Duncan raising his glass to his lip to drink
continues after the scotch enters his mouth and slides down his
throat and causes MacLeod to stagger backward a couple of steps
before falling backward himself.
Richie: Whoa there.
Richie says as he steps behind MacLeod in time to catch his
friend and prevent him from landing hard on the floor.
Methos: Guess not.
Methos smirks before he empties another shot of scotch.
Richie 's cell phone rings and he fishes it out of his jeans
pocket and answers it. After listening for a few seconds he
flips his phone shut and motions for Mike and when he gets
Mike's attention he motions toward the back door of the Dojo and
mouths the word "stripper".
Michelle: Thanks man. Here, play this tape will you? Oh, and
which one is the groom? What's he wearing? My contact never told
me.
Michelle says as Mike lets her in the back door.
Mike points Joe out to the young woman, takes the tape she hands
him and closes the door of the back entrance....leaving her in
the hallway to get ready. He takes the tape over to Richie and
hands it to him.
Mike goes and stands by the lights and waits for the signal.
Joe: Gentlemen....we have a winner!
Joe announces and walks around the table...grabs Methos by the
wrist and raises it in the air like a victorious prize fighter.
Joe The party goers who placed bets begin to settle up amongst
themselves. Some cheer and some boo.
Methos nods in thanks, before he moves to the keg of beer to
take the taste of scotch out of his month.
Richie positions MacLeod so that he is leaning against the legs
of one of the weight benches as one of the betters walks up to
him to collect. He digs in his pocket and pulls out the money
and hands it to the guy.
Richie: You just cost me 50 bucks, Mac.
Richie says disappointedly.
Methos: You bet for him?
Methos chuckles softly amused at the kid's stupidity.
Methos: I thought you of all people would know enough to NOT bet
for him.
Richie: Yeah.
Richie says simply.
Mike signals Richie...reminding him that the stripper is here
and goes over to the boom box that has been providing the music
for the party and sticks the cassette he was handed into it.
Richie takes the tape from Mike and walks over to the boom box
and puts the tape in.
Michelle shrugs off her jacket, and tosses it over a chair by
the door, and waits for the music to start.
Mike sees Richie and nods then heads for the door under the
catwalk that leads out to the back alley behind the Dojo.
Richie begins to move chairs together...all facing one
direction.
Richie: Ok everyone.....it's time for the main event of the
evening.
Richie says....slurring his words.
Duncan shakes his head and the room seems to spin a little less
so he pulls himself up and staggers to a chair in the front row.
Methos sits on a chair next to MacLeod and looks around looking
for Joe.
Methos: What about you? Who did you bet?
Methos asks as soon as he sees him.
Richie: Joe.....you sit next to Mac.
Richie instructs and practically falls into the chair next to
Methos.
Joe sits down next to MacLeod as the rest of the partyers take
seats. He looks at Methos and shakes his head.
Joe: I was an impartial observer.
Joe says in answer to Methos' question.
Methos: I should have placed a bet. Easy money.
Methos shakes his head, he can't believe he forgot to do that.
Mike calls over his shoulder, "Are you ready?" to the girl
waiting behind the door.
Michelle: Yup.
Michelle replies with a smile.
Mike presses play then grabs a chair and sits down.
Michelle hears the music that is her cue and steps out towards
the bar, and freezes, just before entering feeling the
unmistakable feel of the immortal buzz.
Richie feels an Immortal buzz and quickly looks at MacLeod and
Methos to see if they are feeling it too or if he's just really
drunk.
Methos tenses on his chair when he feels an Immortal buzz,
wondering where it came from. Then he realizes it's the
stripper.
Methos: Couldn't have hired someone else, right?
Duncan feels the buzz of another Immortal and suddenly sobers up
a bunch as he looks at Methos and Richie.
Methos whispers to Richie, keeping his eyes on the stripper, not
she had any place to hide a sword at the moment.
Richie: She's through an agency. I didn't get to interview her
personally. They just said they would send someone.
Richie whispers back in his defense.
Michelle takes a deep breath and steps out, moving to the music
as she goes, carefully looking around the room, as she'd been
trained to do, both to spot the groom and the other immortals.
Duncan immediately recognizes Michelle and moans, "oh no."
Michelle immediately picked out Duncan, and couldn't believe it!
Her true love here! And, sitting next to him, was the man who,
obviously, is the groom. Knowing Duncan, Michelle knows her head
is safe and relaxes, throwing her all into the dance. After all,
its a chance to impressive Duncan, as well as make extra tips!
Richie looks at MacLeod curiously...wondering why he is reacting
like he is.
The partyers begin to whistle and call out to the stripper. Joe
blushes slightly knowing that he'll be the stripper's target and
he prays that Zoe won't happen to walk in since he told her
there wasn't going to be a stripper....based on what Richie had
told him.
Methos smirks side glancing at MacLeod, he'd sat straight on the
chair like the stripper would bite him or something. He thought
with all the alcohol in his system he'd relax a little.
Duncan wishes he had stayed on the floor at the back of the
group.
Michelle smiling seductively, at equally the groom-to-be and
Mac, pulls of her gloves and drops them to the floor. Then while
dancing around the room, Michelle slowly unbuttons the sheer
white blouse she has on, before running it across MacLeod and
the grooms shoulders.
Duncan: Michelle....what are you doing?
Duncan whispers to Michelle when she gets close.
One of the partyers reaches between MacLeod and Joe and stuffs a
bill in the waist band of Michelle's skirt.
Methos: Oh you've met, this is getting interesting.
Methos smirks diving his attention between the stripper and
MacLeod.
Richie realizes that the female Immortal is only interested in
stripping and not taking anyone's head so he relaxes and
whistles as he digs in his jeans pocket for a bill.
Michelle with adept skill, showing she's had lots of practice at
it, tucks the bill into her panties, and running her hands
across the groom whispers back to MacLeod, "What does it look
like?" Standing up, she resumes dancing and undoes one of the
buttons on the catholic girl skirt.
Duncan remembers the last time he saw Michelle was the day he
had handed her off to Amanda some 19 years ago. She was just an
innocent teenager...newly Immortalized....then and looked just
as innocent as she did then....except for her eyes. There he is
able to see that time had robbed her of that innocence.
Methos: She's talking her clothes off. Need to ask?
Methos whispers to MacLeod amused, taking a mental note to find
out all about this later.
Joe , distracted by the sultry movements of the young lady
dressed as a sweet and innocent Catholic school girl, is
oblivious to the fact that MacLeod recognizes her.
Michelle slowly removes the skirt as she dances around the room.
Timing it so that the skirt is removed just in time to drop it
across the groom and MacLeod's laps. This leaves her wearing
only her thong, and bra. The latter being the next item to come
off.
Duncan quickly brushes the part of Michelle's skirt that is on
his lap away.
Joe picks up the skirt and twirls it over his head...letting it
fly behind him for someone back there to catch.
Richie: Hey Joe.....ever been to Catholic school?
Richie teases as he joins in the taunting.
Joe: Yeah.
Joe says...laughing.
Joe: But the girls didn't look like this where I went.
Methos: I bet if it was like this you wouldn't miss it.
Methos teases Richie keeping his eyes on the stripper.
Methos: And not bad but I've seen better.
Methos comments with a smirk, actually he had slept with better,
but decides to skip that part.
Richie: If there had been girls like this where I went to
school....I might have stayed IN school.
Richie laughs.
Methos: You'd graduate.
Methos nods chuckling softly.
Another partyer reaches through MacLeod and Joe and stuffs a
bill in the stripper's G string.
Michelle comes around and drops her bra into Mac's lap before
making one more trip around the room.
Duncan quickly brushes it onto the floor.
One of the partyers grabs the bra off the floor and begins to
wave it around like a flag.
Methos: You know, MacLeod, I doubt that girl has the plague.
Methos tells MacLeod, amused he kept disposing of her clothes so
fast.
Methos: Really need to ask later.
Duncan shifts his weight uncomfortably in his chair.
Methos murmurs to himself, wondering what happened between
MacLeod and that girl.
Michelle continues to slowly make her way around the room,
giving every guy a good chance to stuff bills in.
Richie gets the opportunity and sticks a $20 in Michelle’s G
string...thinking it is a $1.
Michelle gets back around to the groom and MacLeod and the
before he could protest, she quickly settle's herself on
MacLeod's lap, while leaning forward teasing the groom. After
all, she was paid for the groom, can't ignore him, but she can
do everything possible to make sure Duncan knows of her
affection. Right?
Duncan grabs Michelle's upper arms and gently but firmly pushes
her off of his lap then slips out from under her and moves away
from the chair. Thinks that the only way to stop her from her
obvious advances is for him to leave so he quickly walks over to
the weight bench where his coat has been slung...picks it up and
hurries out of the Dojo mumbling "Ummmm....gotta go."
Joe looks after MacLeod curiously but then is distracted by the
stripper and returns his attention to her.
Methos frowns after MacLeod wondering what this is all about.
He's leaving because a stripper sat on his lap?
Michelle sighs, purely internal, and then as she watches MacLeod
leave out of the corner of her eye, turns her full attention,
and body, to the groom. After, if her love isn't here to watch
it, she'd get bigger tips this way.
Methos: OK, I'm missing something here.
Methos murmurs under his breath as he returns his attention to
the stripper, talking to MacLeod could wait.
Duncan gets down to his car and as he unlocks it he wonders
where he's going to go. He can't stay in his loft above the Dojo
because she would just come up there. He slips on his coat and
shoves his hands in his pockets. One hand feels something in the
pocket and he pulls it out to see what it is. It's a matchbook
with the name of the hotel and room number of Athinai, Zoe's
Maid of Honor. So on an impulse....and his brain still a bit
foggy from the alcohol he has consumed...Duncan gets into his
car and heads for Athinai's hotel.
[center]To be continued
[/center]
#Post#: 248--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 16
By: 22639 Date: January 16, 2012, 12:18 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The part of Duncan MacLeod is temporarily being
understudied.[/sub][/center]
Duncan pulls his T-bird into a parking space in the hotel
parking garage and gets out of the car. He locks it up and
hurries to the elevator. While in the elevator he quickly runs
his hand through his hair to straighten it and tucks his shirt
tail in so he doesn't look like a slob. In the lobby of the
hotel he goes into the gift shop and buys some breath mints and
a small bottle of cologne which he puts on to mask the smell of
booze. He goes over to the hotel elevators and rides it to
Athinai's floor...gets out and strolls down the hallway to her
door. He stops in front of Athinai's room and knocks gently on
the door.
Athinai looks up at the sound of a knock. "Huh, wonder who that
is. No, London, I didn't order room service. No, I told you I
was thinking about it!" Athinai says into the phone, as she
walks to the door. "No, I'm going to check!"
Athinai: Oh, my god! Oh. My. God! He came!!
Athinai says softly into the phone. "I gotta go. Call you
tomorrow. Bye!" Athinai says hanging up before her sister can
say a word and dropping it on the table next to the door. She
then opens the door with a smile. "Duncan. I didn't expect to
see you," she says with a welcoming smile.
Duncan is leaning against the door jam...using his left forearm
to brace himself...and when the door opens he holds out the rose
with his right hand and smiles one of his award winning smiles
filled with charm.
Duncan: Which is why you stuck a matchbook in my coat pocket
with your room number and hotel on it. Everyone goes to that
much effort when they don't expect it to pay off.
Duncan says a bit sarcastically but charmingly, too.
Athinai: Well, I certainly didn't expect you tonight! Not with
the bachelor party and all.
Athinai says, completely missing the sarcasm.
Duncan starts to retract the rose and feigns a hurt look.
Duncan: Well....if you'd rather I come back another time.....
Duncan says, leaving his statement open ended.
Athinai: No, no! This is a very pleasant, if unexpected,
surprise!
Athinai says taking the rose and stepping back allowing the door
to open further in an invitation.
Duncan steps across the threshold into Athinai's room and slips
his coat off. He looks around for a place to put it.
Athinai: Oh, just put it anywhere.
Athinai says absently, turning and wandering back into her
suite.
Duncan drapes it over the back of the small settee.
Duncan: I hope you have something to drink because I didn't
bring anything.
Duncan says as he takes a quick look around the room....getting
a better idea of what sort of broad Athinai is.
Duncan: Or we could just call room service and have them bring a
bottle of something up.
Duncan suggests.
Athinai: Sounds good. What do you want? Wine, Champagne?
Anything to eat?
Athinai asks, looking coyly at Duncan.
Duncan walks over to the phone on the night stand and lifts the
receiver. He dials the number for room service and when they
answer he says, "a bottle of Cristal..two glasses and an order
of chocolate dipped strawberries if you have any that are
fresh."
Duncan listens a few seconds then says, "that's for the
Penthouse Suite but I will pay for it with my American Express
when it arrives." He listens a few more seconds then says,
"That's fine. Thank you. The name's Duncan MacLeod. Right. Thank
you." He hangs up the phone and turns to look at Athinai.
Duncan: It's on its way.
Duncan announces and smiles a charmingly proud smile.
Athinai: Lovely. And you didn't have to pay.
Athinai says with a bit of a seductive smile.
Duncan walks up to her and uses the tip of his finger to gently
"tease" the edge of her robe on her shoulder.
Duncan: So...just why did you slip that matchbook into my
pocket?
Duncan asks in a soft and sexy voice. He looks directly into her
eyes...his own with a "bedroom eyes" look.
Athinai: In hopes that you'd make my... visit, a tad more
exciting.
Athinai says with a slight toss of her head.
Duncan: Just how exciting would you like it to be?
Duncan asks softly....his voice a little more than a
whisper...and his gaze travels down her neck to where his finger
is teasing the edge of her robe....visualizing what is
underneath it.
Athinai: Well...
Athinai says her voice a little husky.
Athinai: That depends on your definition of exciting. But based
on mine. As exciting as possible.
Duncan A knock comes on the door. and a voice calls from the
other side, "Room Service." Duncan puts his finger tip to
Athinai's lips and says,"shhh."
Duncan: Hold that thought.
Duncan adds with a seductive smile. He walks to the door...opens
it....and lets the bellboy push the small table into the room
then he settles up the bill before escorting the young man out
and shutting and chaining the door behind him.
Duncan: Now.....where were we?
Duncan says with a grin as he walks over to the table and picks
up the bottle of champagne and the cork screw.
Athinai: You tell me.
Athinai says arching an eyebrow at Duncan, a small smile on her
lips
Duncan The cork pops out of the bottle of champagne with an
audible pop and some of the champagne foams out of the top of
the bottle. Duncan quickly puts one of the glasses under the
spilling liquid and fills the glass 2/3 of the way full. He
hands it to Athinai and proceeds to fill the other glass in the
same way.
Duncan: I believe you were telling me how exciting you were
hoping your visit could become.
Athinai takes the glass and takes a slow sip of it, careful to
make every movement as sleek and graceful as possible.
Duncan says seductively. He picks up one of the chocolate dipped
strawberries and walks up to Athinai. He places the tip of the
strawberry barely against her lips.
Athinai: I'm hoping it'll be one of my more exciting visits with
Zoe. She can be a little boring.
Athinai says opening her mouth to take just the smallest bite of
the strawberry.
Duncan holds on to the strawberry while she takes a bite and he
watches her mouth.
Athinai gently chews the bit of strawberry she'd bit off.
Duncan puts the remainder of the berry in his own mouth and
slowly chews it up. He washes it down with a sip of the
champagne...his bedroom eyes still fixed on Athinai's lips.
Athinai finally swallows the bit of Strawberry and smiles
slightly.
Duncan leans forward...placing the tips of his fingers gently
under Athinai's chin and kisses her softly on the lips.
Athinai returns the kiss with a bit of hesitancy, sensing that
Duncan was one of the types that liked to be the one in charge,
and therefore thinking he would likely prefer just a hint of
unsureness
Duncan breaks off the kiss and takes a half of a step backwards.
He takes a sip of his champagne and sets the glass on the table.
Athinai takes a step forward keeping the distance between her
and Duncan the same, and then swallows the last of her
champagne, setting it onto the the table next to Duncan's.
Duncan: Well....let's see what we can do about that.
Duncan says in a soft and sultry voice. He reaches out and takes
the end of the tie around her waist and gently tugs it loose.
Athinai lets Duncan tug the tie lose, and her robe opens to
reveal her night wear. A white slip with black lace.
Duncan slips his hands under Athinai's robe and places them on
either side of her waist. He leans forward and as he gently
guides her backwards toward the bed his lips touch hers in a
teasingly soft kiss.
Athinai smiles letting Duncan be in charge and just pleased with
the direction the night was obviously going to end up.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 249--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 17
By: 22639 Date: January 16, 2012, 12:21 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Zoe sat staring into her glass of tea, pretending to wish it
was alcohol, carefully keeping herself from smiling, and likely
making herself look madder than she intended, but as it was
that, or ruin the game she was up too... As she'd seen Mike run
off, as soon as she'd moodily taken a table, she doubted Joe
would be long, even though she hadn't asked for him.
Joe sits in his office, his elbow propped up on his desk and
he's holding his head as it throbs with a hell of a hangover.
Mike comes back out and walks behind the bar and says, "He's in
his office. Go on in."
Zoe: Thanks Mike.
Zoe says and gets up, and heads to the office. Zoe peaks into
the office and see's Joe holding his head and takes a deep
breath, to keep from laughing, and schools her face before
walking in, and stopping just inside the doorway.
Joe raises his head up...winces...then manages a sheepish
smile.
Joe: Come on in.
Joe says obviously in pain.
Zoe: I am 'in.'
Zoe points out, her face expressionless.
Mike comes in carrying a Bloody Mary and sets it on Joe's desk.
"Guaranteed to cure your hang over, boss," Mike says then
leaves...closing the office door behind him. Joe picks up the
glass and takes a sip.
Joe: Have a seat.
Joe says then takes another sip. He looks at Zoe and really
sees her this time and frowns.
Joe: Something wrong?
Joe asks curiously.
Zoe: You lied to me.
Zoe says flatly, taking slow deep breaths, to keep from
laughing.
Joe: Excuse me?
Joe asks...confused.
Zoe: You lied. You said there wasn't going to be any stripper.
Zoe says, trying to sound a little hurt, and hoping it just
doesn't sound like she's about to laugh.
Joe winces...realizing what she's referring to.
Joe: I'm sorry, honey. I was just going by what the guys told
me. I told them you said no stripper and they said there wasn't
going to be one. Believe me....it was a complete surprise. I
wouldn't deliberately lie to you.
Joe says and gets to his feet. He walks over to her and places
his hands on either side of her waist. He looks into her eyes
and flashes one of his charmed filled smiles.
Joe: You believe me....don't you?
Joe asks innocently.
Zoe: I don't know.
Zoe says frowning, shifting slightly.
Joe: What can I do to make it up to you?
Joe asks softly.
Zoe: I don't know.
Zoe says taking a deep breath, to keep herself from smiling.
Joe leans closer and softly kisses the side of her neck.
Joe: Are you sure?
Joe whispers.
Zoe sniffs hard, desperately trying to keep from spoiling
everything by laughing, and turns her head slightly away from
Joe, she felt her lips tremble. She was losing the battle with
herself!
Joe hears Zoe sniff and thinks she is starting to cry so he
pulls her close.
Joe: I am so very sorry, my love. I would never intentionally
hurt you.
Joe says...his voice almost a whisper.
Zoe takes a deep, breath, then immediately clamps her lips shut
as a laugh starts to bubble out.
Joe hears what sounds like a sob come from Zoe and he holds her
closer...feeling extremely guilty.
Joe: Please, baby. Forgive me. I am so sorry.
Joe says pleadingly.
Zoe can't contain it anymore and bursts out laughing, extremely
hard. She can't believe how long she managed to keep in this
long.
Joe is startled by the sudden outburst of laughter and pulls
her back to look at her.
Joe: Zoe Williamina Kellogg?
Joe says and raises an eyebrow.
Zoe: I'm sorry! I just couldn't resist when I heard there was a
stripper!
Zoe chortles.
Zoe: I know I have nothing to worry, or be jealous about. And
I'm glad that you had a good time... or so I hear.
Joe lets go of Zoe and playfully smacks her on the butt.
Joe: You're bad.
Joe says as he goes over to the door and locks it.
Joe: Sooo very bad.
Zoe: I would have said, I was rather good.
Joe says...returning to Zoe and taking her in his arms. He
begins kissing her neck as he holds her tight.
Zoe laughs.
Joe steers her toward the couch...moving from her neck to her
lips.
Zoe: Mmm....
Zoe sighs into Joe's lips, returning his kiss.
Joe When Joe gets Zoe to the couch he pulls back from her and
begins to unbutton her blouse.
Zoe leans back a little ways, and let Joe work on her blouse.
Joe slips her unbuttoned blouse off and kisses her now bare
shoulders.
Zoe: Hmmm....
Zoe moans slightly, pulling at Joe's shirt.
Joe: You smell great.
Joe whispers against her bare skin.
Zoe: I'm not so sure that's a compliment.
Zoe laughs, as she gets Joe's shirt untucked from his pants,
and slides her hands beneath.
Joe slips his shirt off and gently guides Zoe onto the couch
where he makes love to her.
[center]
To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 250--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 18
By: 22639 Date: January 16, 2012, 12:23 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]***The parts of Duncan MacLeod and Richie Ryan are
temporarily being understudied***[/sub][/center]
Methos parks is SUV near MacLeod's Dojo, exits and slowly looks
around while he locks the door. Then he walks to the back alley
to get the the stairs that go directly to MacLeod's loft. He
quickly climbs the stairs and feels the expected buzz just
before he knocks on the door.
Duncan stands in his bathroom...a towel wrapped around his
waist...and wipes the steam from from the mirror over the sink.
He looks at his reflection and shakes his head.
Duncan: What the hell were you thinking, MacLeod?
Duncan says aloud to his reflection. Duncan feels a familiar
strong Immortal buzz and walks out of the bathroom.
Methos waits for a moment but since he doesn't hear anyone come
to the door, he knocks again.
Methos: Come on, I know you're in there. You can't pretend
you're not home.
Methos says to the closed door.
Duncan walks to the door and opens it.
Duncan: Sorry. I was in the shower.
Duncan absentmindedly apologizes then walks over to the bed and
picks up his robe...slipping it on over his towel.
Methos: And I thought that was your outfit for the wedding, not
very appropriate but...
Methos shrugs while he enters MacLeod's loft.
Duncan: What's up?
Duncan asks as he removes his towel and goes back into the
bathroom to hang it up.
Methos: What's up?
Methos frowns slightly puzzled, then he side glances at his
watch.
Methos: Joe's marrying in about an hour, remember?
Duncan: What? No. The wedding's not until....
Duncan goes over to his desk and opens his day planner and
fumbles through the pages looking for the date.
Duncan: I couldn't have been that drunk.
Duncan mumbles.
Duncan: Isn't today Thursday?
Duncan asks aloud...still fumbling through the pages of his day
planner.
Methos raises an eyebrow following MacLeod's steps, he'd been
right, MacLeod had no idea what day was it after last night.
Methos: You mean you don't know?
Methos asks concealing his amusement.
Duncan: I thought I did.
Duncan finds the page with Joe's bachelor party written on it
and looks back at Methos.
Duncan: Joe's party was last night.....right?
Methos frowns puzzled at MacLeod.
Methos: You're asking me? You mean you don't remember?
Duncan: Like I said.....I thought I did. If it wasn't last
night....
Duncan slumps into his desk chair.
Duncan: ....then I'm in more trouble than I thought.
Duncan moans. Duncan places his elbow on the arm of his chair
and his head in his hand.
Methos: Trouble? What kind of trouble?
Methos frowns again and for real this time, he couldn't have
found an Immortal challenging him on such short notice, could
he? He takes a deep breath, with MacLeod anything was possible.
Duncan: The worst kind.
Duncan moans...shaking his head.
Duncan: God!
Duncan says and smacks himself in the forehead a couple of
times.
Methos: Do you know this guy? I assume it's a guy since you look
worried.
Methos asks as he walks near MacLeod, he knew he underestimated
female Immortals.
Duncan: Guy? What guy?
Duncan asks looking up at Methos curiously.
Methos: The worst kind of trouble only means one thing in my
book.
Methos shrugs before he sits on a chair near MacLeod's desk.
Duncan suddenly realizes what Methos is talking about.
Duncan: No. Not that kind of trouble.
Duncan says shaking his head.
Duncan: Actually.....I wish it were just that.
Methos: Then it can't be so bad. You'll live.
Methos points out with a smirk.
Duncan: That's what I'm afraid of.
Duncan groans and stands up. He walks over to his wardrobe and
take out his tux that is covered in plastic and lays it on his
bed.
Duncan: Tell me something.
Methos frowns studying MacLeod for a moment, he knew now it
wasn't a challenge so what could it be to leave him in such a
state?
Duncan says as he begins to unzip the plastic garment bag.
Methos waits looking at him resisting the temptation to say
something.
Duncan: In all your years....have you ever done something really
stupid....like slept with the wrong woman?
Duncan asks.
Duncan: And totally regretted it?
Methos: Hmm it happened once or twice.
Methos shrugs not realizing why MacLeod was making such a fuss
about it.
Duncan: How did you handle it? What did you do?
Duncan asks...stopping what he is doing and looking at his older
Immortal friend.
Methos: Depends. If she was an Immortal I usually left town as
soon as possible.
Methos confesses chuckling softly.
Methos: A scorned woman with a sword? Pass.
Duncan looks at the clock on the wall and sees that 10 minutes
has passed since Methos had said Joe's wedding was in an hour.
He goes back to removing his tux from the garment bag.
Duncan stops what he is doing and glances over at Methos.
Duncan: Are you getting dressed at the bar?
Duncan asks...quirking an eyebrow.
Methos: No, I'll be dressing at my place...
Methos stops for a moment and then adds with a smirk.
Methos: In the day after tomorrow.
Duncan straightens up.
Duncan: Day after.....
Duncan closes his eyes as he realizes that Methos has been
pulling his leg. He looks around for something to throw at
Methos.
Duncan: Not funny, Methos.
Duncan growls.
Methos: I suspected that after last night you wouldn't know what
day you were in.
Methos slowly shakes his head trying to look unhappy.
Methos: I hate to be right.
Duncan puts his tux back in the garment bag and zips it back up.
His expression changes from one of being ticked off to one of
relief as he puts the bag back in his wardrobe and closes the
door.
Duncan: At least I only spent one night with her instead of the
three you had me thinking I had.
Duncan mumbles but loud enough for Methos to hear.
Methos: Must had been one hell of a night to make you think it
was three.
Methos chuckles amused wondering who was the woman MacLeod had
managed to find after he left Joe's party.
Duncan grabs a pair of jeans out of his dresser and goes into
the bathroom where he gets dressed.
Duncan: To be honest....I can't really remember. It's all kind
of fuzzy after the stripper came in.
Duncan calls out from the bathroom.
Methos: That should teach you not to challenge me to a drinking
contest.
Methos points out turning his head in the direction of the
bathroom.
Duncan: What I do know is that I woke up this morning and
realized I had screwed up royally.
Duncan says as he comes out of the bathroom dressed in his jeans
and shirtless.
Methos: Really? You're making me curious. Does this totally
wrong woman have a name?
Methos asks looking up at MacLeod as he comes closer.
Duncan: Athinai Weston.
Duncan answers simply and walks into his kitchen. He takes out
two bottles of beer from the fridge and hands one to Methos as
he walks over to the sofa and plops himself down.
Methos stares at MacLeod in disbelief for a moment, then he
takes the beer and takes a sip before he manages to say.
Methos: You slept with the dumb blonde?
Duncan simply nods as he opens his bottle of beer and takes a
long drink.
Methos smirks looking down at the beer bottle in his hands.
Methos: So you decided to behave like Richie.
Duncan: I was drunk. Give me a break....will ya?
Duncan groans and takes another drink of his beer.
Duncan: Believe me.....I know just how stupid I was. I don't
need to be reminded.
Duncan grumbles and shakes his head.
Duncan: Now I don't know how I should handle it since we'll be
paired off at the wedding.
Duncan adds.
Methos: Ah come on, it's not the end of the world, ignore her
for a while and she'll get another guy. Girls like her don't
believe in solitude.
Methos shrugs wondering why MacLeod was making such a big deal
out of it.
Methos: And you could introduce her to Richie, they'll get along
fine.
Methos suggests with a smirk.
Duncan looks over at Methos and lifts his bottle as if to toast
him.
Duncan: Brilliant idea.
Duncan says with a grin.
Duncan: Thanks, pal.
Methos toasts back at him and then sobers up.
Methos: Actually that's the reason I came here, to ask you about
a woman, but not Zoe's friend.
Methos looks at MacLeod studying him carefully before he asks.
Methos: What is it between you and that stripper?
Duncan rolls his eyes and takes a drink of his beer.
Duncan: That, my friend, is a long story. You sure you want to
know?
Methos: Do I have to point out we're not getting any older? I
think I have the time to hear it.
Methos says with a smirk before he takes a sip of beer.
Duncan: Her name's Michelle Webster. I was close friends with
her adoptive parents. I've known her since she was a baby. When
she became Immortal I tried to take her under my wing but she
got this crush on me and started acting out because I kept
telling her no.
Duncan takes a sip of his beer.
Duncan: So I pawned her off on Amanda. I could tell last night
that she still had that crush which is why I left early.
Duncan explains.
Methos nods intending to take a look at the Watchers' Chronicles
to see if they had something on her.
Methos: Yes, she couldn't have been more obvious.
Duncan: She's a bit spoiled and doesn't take no for an answer. I
didn't want to ruin Joe's party so I figured it would just be
better if I weren't around.
Duncan says and takes another drink of his beer.
Duncan: I couldn't just come up here so I decided to spend the
night elsewhere and somewhere between making that decision and
starting my car my drunken brain decided to go to Athinai's.
Duncan says shaking his head.
Duncan: I've done some stupid things in my time but this one
takes the cake.
Duncan says with a chuckle.
Methos: No, it could have been worse, imagine you took Michelle
to bed instead of Athinai, she's follow you around forever.
Methos chuckles softly, thinking it was really hard to shake an
Immortal woman of your back without risking a confrontation,
easiest way was to leave town.
Duncan: So what happened after I left?
Duncan asks in an attempt to change the subject.
Methos: Everybody got drunk.
Methos shrugs looking down at the beer bottle and taking a sip.
Methos: Except me.
Methos adds wondering if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
Duncan: I trust that Joe had a good time, though....right?
Duncan asks taking another sip of his beer.
Methos: Yes, he did. The stripper began paying more attention to
him after you left.
Methos mentally smacks himself for mentioning her again and adds
quickly.
Methos: So did Richie.
Duncan: Well....at least I did something right last night. I
think I'm going to steer clear of getting that drunk for a
couple of centuries.
Duncan says with a laugh.
Methos: Hmm if that's the way you behave when you're drunk I
have to agree with you.
Methos nods then he smirks when he remembers something.
Methos: You haven't been down at the Dojo yet, have you?
Duncan shakes his head.
Duncan: No. I left Athinai's hotel room and came up the back way
this morning. I figured Richie is down there cleaning up since I
felt him when I came in.
Duncan says and finishes his beer.
Duncan: I probably should go down and give him a hand.
Duncan says as he stands up and takes his empty bottle over to
the kitchen and sets it on the counter.
Methos: Oh yes, he's there but not cleaning up.
Methos nods while he smirks again.
Methos: Richie was having a great time until he passed out and
if you go downstairs I bet you'll still find him snoring on the
floor.
Duncan rolls his eyes.
Duncan: Great. Thanks for the heads up.
Methos empties the beer bottle and stands up to leave.
Duncan says as he walks toward the elevator.
Duncan: Care to join me?
Duncan asks as he lifts the gate.
Methos: Hmm no, my car is parked that way.
Methos points in the direction of the door, he knew if he went
downstairs he'd try to convince him to help him clean.
Duncan chuckles.
Duncan: Didn't think so.
Methos: I see you around, MacLeod.
Methos says as he walks to the door.
Duncan steps into the elevator and sticks his key in the control
lock.
Duncan: Watch your head. Don't want to miss Joe's wedding.
Duncan calls out as he lowers the gate and turns the key.
Methos: Same advice to you, I think you need it more than I do.
Methos shouts near the door before he closes it and walks to the
stairs.
Duncan rides the elevator down to the Dojo, opens the gate and
steps across the threshold. He looks around and grimaces at the
mess from the party the night before. He sees Richie on the
floor over by the table where the booze had been served and
walks over to him. He grabs a glass from the table and dips it
into the tub of now melted ice and fills the glass with ice
water which he dumps onto Richie's head.
Richie sputters and wakes up. Rolling onto his back he looks up
to see Duncan standing over him.
Richie: Oh. Mac. Ummmm....I guess I....
Richie says as he gets to his feet.
Duncan: Yeah. I know.
Duncan says with a chuckle. He looks around.
Duncan: We have a mess to clean up so this place can open for
business.
Duncan says and walks over to the wall where a large push broom
is leaning. He grabs it and carries it over to Richie and hands
it to him.
Richie takes the broom and looks around the Dojo.
Richie: No problem, Mac.
Richie says as he wonders where he should start.
Duncan: Hey....Rich.....I have a favor to ask of you.
Duncan says as he gets a large trash bag and starts to fill it
with discarded plastic glasses and empty booze bottles.
#Post#: 251--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 19
By: 22639 Date: January 16, 2012, 12:25 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The parts of Duncan MacLeod, and Richie Ryan are
temporarily being understudied[/sub][/center]Joe straightens his
tie in the mirror set up in his office.
Duncan walks over to Joe and stands behind him as he adjusts his
own tie.
Duncan: Nervous?
Duncan asks Joe with a smile.
Joe shakes his head.
Joe: Surprisingly...no. Is that a bad sign?
Duncan: I don't think so. I think it means you are sure that you
are doing the right thing.
Duncan says reassuringly.
Joe: Never been more sure of anything in my life.
Joe says confidently.
Methos: You're only nervous when you're not sure of what you're
doing. Take it from a man who has married... a couple of times.
Methos points out while he walks to stand next to MacLeod.
Nikki takes Zoe's veil out of the box and smoothes it out. The
ladies room of Joe's bar has been turned into the bride's
dressing room and is a bustle of activity.
Nikki: Ready?
Nikki asks Zoe as she walks up to her and gets the veil ready
for her to put on.
Duncan: Just a couple?
Duncan says to Methos, teasingly.
Methos: Hmm. maybe more than a couple.
Methos nods chuckling softly.
Methos: You know what they say, time flies.
Richie stands behind the bar with headphones on. He cues up a
tape of wedding music and waits for the signal to start it.
Joe forces a laugh.
Joe: I hope whoever "they" is are wrong about that. I don't want
it to go too fast.
Joe says seriously.
Zoe: Absolutely.
Duncan places a comforting hand on Joe's shoulder.
Methos: And I hope you put that thing I gave you to some use,
you know why I gave that to you, don't you?
Zoe says with a smile as Nikki helps to fit the veil to her
head.
Methos looks at Joe seriously this time.
Joe: Yes. And I will.
Joe says to Methos.
Methos: Not trying to spoil your mood but time really passes
quickly, save some memories while you can.
Methos says with a sigh wishing he'd thought about that before
Alexa was lying in a hospital bed.
Aldria watches the guests as they take her seat, as she stands
on the stage normally reserved for the band.
Nikki places the veil on Zoe's head and adjust it.
Nikki: How's that?
Nikki asks as she takes a step back so Zoe can see her
reflection in the bathroom mirror.
Zoe: It's Perfect.
Zoe smiles.
Nikki: You look beautiful.
Athinai: That it is! I can't believe you're getting married! And
I still can't believe your wedding gown!
Athinai crows.
Zoe: Thanks.
Zoe says to both her bridesmaids.
Nikki says with a smile. She is surprised to feel a lump growing
in her throat and she quickly clears her throat to get rid of
it.
Nikki: Joe is going to be blown away.
Nikki adds as soon as the lump disappears and the threat of
becoming emotional is gone.
Zoe stands up and moves to the full length mirror that had been
added to the ladies room for the occasion. "Wonderful."
HTML http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo31/nicoleking16188/Highlander%20RPG/Zoegown3.jpg
Zoe: You guys look great too.
Zoe says glancing at her brides maids in their dresses.
HTML http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo31/nicoleking16188/Highlander%20RPG/AlthiniaWeston.png
Joe turns away from the mirror and walks over to Methos. He digs
into his pocket and extracts a black ring box which he hands to
Methos.
Joe: Whatever you do....don't lose this.
HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/Joesring.jpg
Duncan hears the music begin to play and looks at Joe.
Duncan: Sounds like our cue. Are you ready?
Athinai: Oh, that's Lovely!
Athinai says with a smile.
Joe takes a deep breath and nods.
Aldria: Here comes the groom.
Aldria mutters to herself.
Nikki: Are we ready?
Nikki asks Zoe as she stands by the door.
Zoe: I think so.
Duncan: Ready?
Zoe says as she hands the box to Athinai.
Zoe: DO NOT Lose this.
Duncan asks Methos and opens the door of the office.
Athinai: 'Kay!
Athinai replies.
Methos: Ready.
Methos nods as he walks to the door.
Duncan walks out of the office and takes his position on Ally's
left.
Zoe: Are the guys in place?
Zoe asks Nikki.
Joe follows his two best men out of the office and takes his
position.
Richie fades out the chamber music and cues up the wedding
march. He presses play and looks toward the hallway.
Methos smiles briefly at Ally and takes his position.
Nikki: That's our cue.
Aldria returns Methos smile, and then glances back down, smiling
even brighter as the door opens and the female half of the
wedding party starts out.
Zoe: Let's go then.
Zoe grins.
Nikki says and props the door of the bathroom open with a door
stop. She walks to the end of the hallway and stops...taking a
deep breath then making her entrance and slowly making her way
up the aisle.
Athinai follows behind Nikki, careful to make sure her steps
were measured and that she was the correct spacing distance
behind the other bridesmaid.
Duncan leans closer to Methos and whispers, "your girl looks
incredible."
Zoe: Here I go.
Zoe mutters to herself, and then takes a deep breath and starts
out, and around the corner and down what is now the aisle.
Methos: Oh yeah, you better stay away from her and pay attention
to the other bridesmaid.
Methos whispers back to MacLeod, he's planning to have the first
dance with her.
Duncan shoots Methos a dirty look.
Methos: I mean it, MacLeod. First dance is on me.
Methos whispers not impressed at all by MacLeod's look.
Aldria: Here comes the bride.
Nikki smiles and winks at Methos as she takes her place on
Ally's right and turns to watch the bride make her entrance.
Aldria murmurs, just loudly enough for the groom and bestmen to
hear.
Joe sees Zoe as she makes her entrance and mouths the word
"wow". He feels a lump growing in his throat as he is overcome
with emotion.
Duncan looks at Joe and smiles at his reaction to his bride.
Zoe finds Joe as soon as she steps onto the aisle and keeps her
eyes locked on him as she makes her measured way down the aisle.
Joe locks his gaze with Zoe and steps away from the group to
meet her at the end of the aisle. He bends his elbow and extends
it for her to take when she arrives.
Zoe takes the Joe's elbow and smiles at him.
Zoe: Lets do this.
Zoe murmurs softly to Joe.
Joe smiles at his bride.
Joe: You're beautiful.
Joe whispers to Zoe as he leads her to their position in front
of Ally.
Zoe: So are you.
Zoe whispers back to Joe.
Duncan turns to face Ally.
Nikki turns to face Ally.
Richie fades out the music when the entire wedding party is in
position and removes his head phones.
Methos smiles amused a little longer, watching the bride and
groom and then turns to look at Aldria, next move was hers.
Aldria: Friends, we have been invited here today to share with
Zoe Kellogg and Joseph Dawson a very important moment in their
lives. In the time they have been together, their love and
understanding of each other has brought them together so they
have now decided to live their lives together as husband and
wife.
Aldria says opening the wedding ceremony.
Aldria: Does anyone dare present just cause as to why these two
should not be wed?
Aldria asks, then pauses waiting to see if anybody would dare.
Joe places his hand over Zoe's that is still on his arm and
gives it a gentle squeeze.
Zoe squeezes back, keeping her gaze on the judge before them.
Nikki hates this part and closes her eyes hoping nobody
responds.
Aldria seeing that indeed nobody would 'dare.' Continues.
Aldria: Before these witnesses do you, Joseph Dawson, take Zoe
Kellogg to be your wedded wife and do you vow to love her and
care for her for as long as you both shall live?
Joe turns to look at his bride.
Joe: I do.
Joe says with a smile.
Aldria: And do you, Zoe Kellogg, before these witnesses, take
Joseph Dawson to be your wedded husband and do you vow to love
him and care for him for as long as you both shall live?
Aldria asks.
Zoe: I do.
Zoe says with a bright smile to Joe.
Aldria: Joseph place the ring on her finger and repeat after me.
Aldria says, and pauses waiting on Joe.
Methos puts his hand inside the pocket where he kept the ring
box, trying not to think about the fact that they didn't have
that much time anyway.
Zoe hearing what the judge has said, passes her bouquet back to
Athinai.
HTML http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo31/nicoleking16188/Highlander%20RPG/Zoeweddingbouquet.jpg
Joe takes the ring from Methos and turns to face his bride. He
takes her left hand and slips the ring on her finger.
Athinai accepts the bouquet and then slips Joe's ring onto the
thumb of Zoe's right hand.
Aldria: I take you, with all your faults and your strengths...
Aldria pauses giving Joe a chance to say it without forgetting.
Joe: I take you with all you faults and strengths....
Joe repeats looking deep into Zoe's eyes.
Aldria: as I offer myself to you with my faults and my
strengths.
Joe: ....as I offer myself to you with my faults and my
strengths.
Aldria: I will help you when you need help, and will turn to you
when I need help.
Duncan watches the bride and groom.
Joe: I will help you when you need help, and will turn to you
when I need help.
Joe repeats.
Aldria: I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my
life.
Aldria concludes the vows for Joe.
Joe: I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life.
Joe finishes.
Aldria turns to the bride.
Aldria: Zoe place the ring on his finger and repeat after me.
Richie silently puts his headphones back on and cues up the exit
music then removes the headphones and returns his attention to
the wedding.
Zoe pulls the ring off of her right thumb, and then places it
onto Joe's left hand ring finger.
Aldria: I take you, with all your faults and your strengths...
Zoe: I take you, with all your faults and your strengths...
Zoe repeated.
Aldria: as I offer myself to you with my faults and my
strengths.
Nikki lets her attention drift as she looks beyond the bride and
groom at Methos and thinks how sexy he looks in his tux.
Zoe: as I offer myself to you with my faults and my strengths.
Aldria: I will help you when you need help, and will turn to you
when I need help.
Zoe: I will help you when you need help, and will turn to you
when I need help.
Aldria: I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my
life.
Zoe: I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life.
Zoe finishes.
Methos side glances at Nikki sensing her gaze and winks at her
with a smirk.
Aldria: By the power invested in me by the state of Washington I
hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.
Aldria says with a bright smile for the happy couple.
Joe gently lifts Zoe's veil and kisses her.
Zoe returns Joe's kiss with just enough passion, careful not to
put to much heat in, after all they still had the reception!
Nikki blushes at Methos winking at her and quickly returns her
attention to the bride and groom.
Methos: One down, one to go. You're next, Duncan MacLeod of the
clan MacLeod.
Methos whispers to MacLeod teasingly.
Aldria: Ladies and gentlemen I present Mr. and Mrs. Dawson!
Joe turns toward the guests and takes Zoe's hand.
Duncan applauds.
Athinai obliquely hands Zoe her bouquet back.
Zoe turns with Joe towards the guests as smiles as Joe takes her
hand, and easily accepts the bouquet back from Athinai.
Richie applauds and then puts his headphones back on. He presses
play and the exit music begins to play.
Nikki applauds...being careful not to knock the flowers out of
her bridesmaid's bouquet.
Joe escorts Zoe back down the aisle.
Duncan steps up to the head of the aisle and extends his elbow
for Athinai to take.
Athinai takes Duncan's elbow with a smile, as they start down
the aisle.
Methos walks to Nikki and extends his elbow for her while he
asks with a smirk.
Duncan escorts the maid of honor back down the aisle.
Methos: Shall we, Miss Flynn?
Nikki takes hold of Methos arm and smiles...nodding.
Joe escorts Zoe over to the far side of the bar where the
reception part of the ceremony is to be held. He takes up their
position for the reception line.
Joe: How're you feeling, Mrs. Dawson?
Joe asks her softly.
Zoe: Absolutely, Wonderful!
Zoe replies with a delighted smile at Joe.
Duncan escorts Athinai over to where Joe and Zoe are standing.
He releases Athinai's hand and takes his place next to the
groom.
Zoe: You?
Athinai takes her places next to the bride, as the reception
line begins to form.
Methos escorts Nikki near the others, amused Duncan is stuck
with Zoe's dumb friend.
Richie waits until the entire wedding party has made their way
down the aisle then switches the music to something more
appropriate for a party. Then he removes his headphones and
walks out from behind the bar...taking his place in line with
the other guests to greet the newlyweds.
Nikki takes her place in the reception line next to the maid of
honor.
Joe greets each of the guests with a smile, hand shake (some get
a hug) and a thank you.
Richie: Congratulations, Joe. Marriage looks good on you.
Richie says shaking Joe's hand.
Richie: Better you than me.
Richie adds with a laugh.
Joe: Thanks, Richie. And thanks for helping out.
Joe says shaking the young Immortal's hand.
Richie moves over to Zoe and gives her a quick hug.
Richie: Congratulations. You take care of him....OK? He's
important to a lot of us.
Richie whispers while he hugs her.
Zoe: I'll do my best.
Zoe says with a grin as she returns the hug.
Aldria: Congratulations, Joe.
Aldria says reaching the groom in the receiving line.
Joe shakes the judge's hand.
Joe: Thanks, Judge. And thanks for officiating at such short
notice.
Joe says with a smile.
Aldria: Not a problem it’s a nice change from what I usually do.
Aldria grins, then moves onto the bride and offers her, her
congratulations.
Joe Having already made his way through the reception line, Mike
recruits Richie and a couple others to move the chairs out of
the way, thereby opening up the entire floor for the reception
and giving way to room for dancing. He then goes behind the bar
to assume his familiar role as bartender.
Richie takes his position as DJ after he helps Mike move chairs
out of the way. He changes the lighting of the bar to provide a
more party atmosphere and turns on his portable PA system.
Richie: Ladies and gentlemen....it's time for Mr. and Mrs.
Damson’s first dance as man and wife.
Richie says and begins to play Joe and Zoe's song.
Joe leads Zoe onto the "dance floor" and takes her in his arms.
Zoe smiles happily at Joe, as they begin their first dance as
Husband and wife.
Duncan waits for Joe and Zoe to dance solo for at least half of
the song then swallows hard and takes a deep breath. He walks
over to the maid of honor and holds out his hand...inviting her
to dance.
Methos walks over to Nikki and asks her to dance, after Joe and
Zoe had danced for a while.
Richie cues up another reel on the reel to reel tape deck. This
one will provide 3 hours of continuous music so he can party
with everyone else.
Athinai accepts Duncan's hand with a smile, and allows him to
lead her out onto the dance floor.
Nikki gives Methos a quick curtsy and takes his hand...letting
him lead her onto the dance floor.
Duncan gracefully leads Athinai around the floor...making sure
to not hold her too close. When the song ends he releases her
before the next song starts and excuses himself then heads for
the man's room.
Richie sees that the maid of honor has been "abandoned" so he
walks over to her and holds out his hand.
Richie: Would you like to dance?
Athinai: I would love too!
Richie asks and flashes his most charming boyish grin.
Athinai replies with a bright smile for the handsome man.
Richie leads her onto the dance floor.
Richie: I'm Richie by the way.
Richie says with a smile.
Methos smirks watching the show before him as he leads Nikki
across the dance floor.
Methos: Oh, now that's a perfect match.
Methos murmurs under his breath while he chuckles softly.
Nikki looks around.
Nikki: Where's Duncan?
Nikki asks curiously...noticing the Highlander's sudden absence.
Methos: Hiding in the bathroom I take it.
Athinai: Athinai Weston.
Athinai replies with a grin.
Methos smirks turning his head to look at Nikki.
Joe is oblivious to everything and everyone else. All he sees is
Zoe.
Nikki: Hiding from what I wonder.
Methos: Maybe I should go there to tell him Zoe's friend already
got another dance partner.
Nikki says to Methos.
Methos frowns a little considering the idea then dismisses it,
he'd come out soon enough.
Richie sees the caterer bring out the cart with the wedding cake
on it and excuses himself then goes over and fades out the
dancing music.
Richie: Ladies and gentlemen...it is time for the newlyweds to
cut the cake.
Richie announces then walks back to Athinai and takes her
hand...leading her over to the cart with the cake.
HTML http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo31/nicoleking16188/Highlander%20RPG/Zoeweddingcake.jpg
Joe leads Zoe over to the cake and the caterer hands her the
knife.
Methos: They had to spoil all the fun. Who cares about cake when
we can dance?
Zoe takes the knife and carefully places it for the first cut.
Methos grumbles under his breath as he leads Nikki to where Zoe
and Joe were.
Duncan finishes answering the call of nature and walks out of
the man's room in time to hear Richie's announcement. As he
walks past one of the waiters he grabs a glass of champagne and
joins the rest of the wedding party at the cake.
Nikki giggles and lets Methos lead her over to join the rest of
the wedding party.
Joe places his hand over hers and presses down as they make the
first cut and flash bulbs go off as the photographer takes
pictures.
Joe: It's all yours my love.
Athinai: Oh, isn't that sweet!
Athinai says with a smile to Richie.
Zoe: Sure it is.
Zoe grins.
Joe says and lets go of Zoe's hand so she can finish cutting out
their slice of cake.
Nikki sees the chocolate swirl of the cake and her mouth begins
to water in anticipation.
Nikki: Oooo.....it looks scrumptious.
Nikki says softly to Methos.
Joe waits until Zoe has cut the first piece into two pieces then
picks up one of them and feeds it to his wife.
Methos shakes his head looking at Nikki's face.
Methos: Women and chocolate, the ones who said diamonds were the
girls best friends didn't know what the hell they were talking
about.
Methos whispers.
Zoe picks up one feeds it to Joe as she eats what he is feeding
her.
Nikki: You've got that right. I'd take chocolate over a diamond
any day.
Nikki says softly.
Joe takes a bite of the piece of cake Zoe feeds him.
Duncan: Does everyone have a glass of champagne?
Duncan asks as waiters circulate with trays of champagne for the
guests.
Aldria: I think so.
Aldria chuckles.
Richie takes two glasses of champagne off of a tray and hands
one to Athinai.
Athinai: Thanks.
Athinai grins at Richie.
Nikki takes a glass of champagne from a tray as it goes by.
Duncan: Dale Carnegie once said: "Don't ask a man what is
important to him. Watch how he spends his time." I've watched
Joe spend his time, and I can see what's important to him. It's
Zoe. She has made Joe a happy man... a man with a new focus... a
man with a new appreciation for love and life. I've known Joe
for over 17 years and, although I haven't known Zoe for as long,
I can honestly say that they are perfect for one another. They
were both fantastic people when they met. Now as a team, they
will embark on a new adventure together as man and wife. Joe and
Zoe.....
Duncan raises his glass.
Duncan: ...I toast you, and wish you both peace, health and
happiness.
Duncan takes a sip of his champagne.
Methos gets two glasses of champagne, when he turns he sees
Nikki has one so he shrugs and empties one, gets rid of the
empty glass and keeps the other.
Nikki takes a sip of her champagne.
Richie takes a sip of his champagne then sets the glass down and
walks back to the tape player and starts the music again as
guests finish toasting the newlyweds and return to dancing.
Joe: Thanks, Mac.
Joe says to Duncan.
Duncan: I meant every word of it. I wish you two the best.
Duncan says to Joe and pats him on the back.
Zoe: Yes. Thank you.
Zoe says softly.
Duncan leans over and gives Zoe a quick kiss on her cheek.
Duncan: My pleasure, Mrs. Dawson.
Duncan says with a wink.
As the guests begin to filter by the cake...getting pieces cut
and offered by the caterer...Joe leads Zoe back out onto the
dance floor for another dance.
Methos catches Joe and Zoe on the way to the dance floor.
Methos: Well, I didn't put up a speech but you know I wish you
two the best, right?
Joe stops and grins at Methos.
Zoe: Of course.
Joe: Thanks, Adam.
Joe says simply and shakes Methos' hand.
Zoe says reaching on her tip-toes and giving Adam a brief kiss
on the cheek.
Duncan sees Athinai looking around and decides it is time to
make a hasty exit now that he has lived up to his best man
obligations. He makes his way through the guests to Methos then
stands nearby as he waits for Methos to stop talking to Joe and
Zoe.
Nikki: That goes for me, too.
Nikki joins in.
Methos shakes Joe's hand in return, gives Zoe a light kiss on
the cheek and moves off to where Nikki was standing.
Methos: So want to go back to dance?
Methos asks when he gets to her.
Nikki: Absolutely.
Nikki says to Methos.
Duncan catches Methos before he heads for the dance floor.
Duncan: The rest of the best man duties are all yours.
Duncan says softly to Methos.
Methos: You're leaving again?
Duncan: I have a flight to catch.
Athinai: There you are!
Methos whispers to MacLeod disbelievingly.
Athinai says with a grin, finding Richie again.
Duncan says pulling out his pocket watch and checking the time.
Methos: Going back to Paris so soon?
Methos asks surprised, he didn't know he was planning to leave
on Joe's wedding day.
Duncan: It's time.
Duncan says with a shrug.
Duncan: The barge is probably wall to wall cob webs by now.
Methos: Yeah, you really need to redecorate again.
Methos nods in agreement, remembering what MacLeod had done with
it recently.
Duncan claps his ancient Immortal friend on the back and makes
his way back to the office where he grabs his belongings then
sneaks out of the bar.
Joe once again, is oblivious to anything and anyone else in the
world as he dances...holding Zoe close.
Richie smiles at Athinai and holds out his hand.
Richie: Care to dance?
Methos frowns puzzled at the office door for a moment, then
shrugs and leads Nikki back to the dance floor.
Nikki: Problem?
Methos: He's a big boy.
Nikki asks Methos seeing his frown.
Methos murmurs as he shrugs again.
Athinai: Absolutely! Let's go.
Athinai says grabbing Richie's hand and pulling him onto the
dance floor.
Joe: I can't wait to get you alone.
Joe whispers in Zoe's ear.
Zoe: Me either.
Zoe replies, and rests her head on Joe's shoulder as they move
around the dance floor.
#Post#: 252--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 20
By: 22639 Date: January 16, 2012, 12:34 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Joe rolls over after making love with Zoe and sighs contentedly.
Zoe smiles happily and rolls to her side and props herself up on
her elbow, watching her husband happily.
Joe looks at the clock on the night stand then rolls over and
faces Zoe. He gently moves a wisp of her hair off of her face
with his fingertips.
Joe: Are you sure you don't mind us having to change our plans?
I know how much you were looking forward to a tropical island
honeymoon.
Joe says softly.
Zoe: I'm fine with it. Spending time with you, is what really
matters to me.
Zoe replies.
Joe rolls back over and takes out a piece of paper and a pen
from the drawer of the night stand. He scribbles something on
the paper then rolls back over and hands it to Zoe.
Joe: This is the address of my bar here in Paris. I need to take
care of some business but I'd love you to meet me there in a
couple of hours. Is that Ok?
Joe asks hoping she doesn't ask for details about the business
he has to take care of.
Zoe sighs giving Joe "The Look" for a moment, before smiling.
Zoe: Yeah, that's fine. I'll take a long leasurely bath, and
then join you.
Joe takes his fingers and places them under her chin...holding
it upward....then he leans in and kisses her gently but
passionately.
Zoe returns the kiss, and slides herself forward slightly,
actually hoping to delay Joe and his business.
Joe lets the kiss linger a few more minutes then he breaks it
off....giving her three quick kisses on her cheeks.
Joe: I still say I wish I could put you in my pocket and take
you with me.
Joe whispers and kisses her nose. Then he rolls over and swings
his legs over the side of the bed.
With a Chopin cd playing, Duncan takes a rag over the set of
books on his desk, before he replaces them back onto a nearby
book shelf.
Zoe: Oh, but wouldn't you get tired of me in your pocket? If I
was there all the time?
Zoe says with a small laugh.
Joe: I promise.....I'll make this up to you.
Joe says as he puts on his prosthetics.
Joe: And I could never get tired of you being with me.
Joe adds as he stands up and heads into the bathroom to get
dressed.
Duncan whistles along to an etude as he finishes putting the
books away and begins working on another shelf. He makes a
mental note that is he needs to either get someone to clean the
barge if he's going to be away for a while or he just needs to
come back to Paris more often.
Joe comes out of the bathroom dressed in his slacks. He gets a
shirt out of the hotel room closet and puts it on.
Joe: I shouldn't be any longer than a couple of hours.
Joe says as he puts on his coat.
Zoe stands up, and stretches.
Joe: I think you'll like the place. It's a little different than
my place back home.
Joe says as he slips his hand held recorder into his coat
pocket.
Zoe: I like the other place too. I'm sure I'll like this one,
love.
Zoe smiles.
Duncan more than likely to be option b than a. So far things had
been quiet here. It was rather nice to be back. At least he has
the barge to keep him busy.
Joe walks over to Zoe and kisses her then heads for the door. He
opens it and turns back to look at his bride one more time then
he turns and le4aves the room....a bit sadly....and heads for
the Quai de la Tournelle.
Zoe sighs as Joe shuts the door, then turns and heads to the
bathroom for her bubble bath.
Duncan finishes with the books. Deciding to take a bit of a
break, he goes into the galley kitchen to grab a cup of coffee.
He climbs the stairs and heads outside to inspect the outside of
the barge as he sips his coffee.
Joe stops at the top of the stairs that lead down to the docks
along the Seine and looks down at the familiar black barge.
MacLeod's Jeep is parked alongside of where the barge is moored
so he knows that the Highlander is home. He glances at the gaudy
house boat moored behind Mac's barge looking for signs of
MacLeod's neighbor, Maurice. When he is swure that the gaudy
little boat is empty he makes his way down the stairs and walks
over to the end of the barge's gangplank.
Joe: Excuse me......
Joe calls up to MacLeod.
Joe: ....can you tell me where I might find a good cigar and a
glass of single malt?
Duncan stops his inspection of the far side of the barge when he
hears an all to familiar voice.
Joe calls up to MacLeod.
Duncan: Joe?
Duncan walks over to the gangplank and sure enough there stands
his Watcher.
Joe smiles up at his Immortal friend and touches the tips of his
fingers to the brim of his hat in a bit of a salute.
Duncan: What are you doing in Paris? I thought you'd be on your
honeymoon about now.
Joe: I am. We decided to come to the City of Lights instead of a
tropical island.
Joe says with a smirk.
Duncan: Uh huh...you could have come here when I'm here.
Duncan studies Joe for a moment.
Duncan: They couldn't find someone else could they?
Joe looks around to make sure no one is watching them then he
steps onto the gangplank.
Joe: You guessed it.
Joe says as he walks up the gangplank towards MacLeod.
Joe: Ehhh....two weeks here or two weeks on a beach
where....with my luck....we'd have to fight a hurricane or
typhoon or something. Six of one...half dozen of the other.
Joe says with a shrug.
Duncan shakes his head, feeling sorry for his friend.
Duncan: Why are you here though? Shouldn't you be with your
wife? You left her alone on your honeymoon?
Joe: Zoe is lounging in the whirlpool tub in our suite and she's
meeting me at Le Blues in a couple of hours. I just wanted to
stop by and let you know that you're being watched so mind your
Ps and Qs.
Joe says with a chuckle.
Joe: Now....about that cigar and drink?
Duncan smiles.
Duncan: Come on in.
Duncan walks to the door and holds it open for Joe.
Joe follows Duncan to the door that leads down to the living
area of the barge and steps across the threshold while MacLeod
holds the door open. Once inside he looks around at the familiar
surroundings.
Joe: Well.....it looked more lived in the last time I was here.
Joe says as he walks down the steps into the living room.
Duncan follows after Joe and closes the door. He walks over to
the liquor cabinet and grabs a glass and pours a couple of
fingers worth of brandy into the crystal goblet.
Duncan: I'm guessing this is more than just a social visit since
it's interfering with your honeymoon.
Duncan says as he passes the glass to Joe and walks over to his
desk and opens the humidor to grab a couple of cigars.
Joe: Well.....I did have one question I wanted to ask you.
Joe says taking the glass from MacLeod and sniffing the brandy
before taking a sip. The brandy is warm as it travels to his
stomach....which is nice since it has already turned chilly in
Paris.
Duncan: You could have just called me to ask one question.
Duncan cuts the ends of the cigars and grabs a lighter. He walks
over to Joe and hands him the cigar.
Joe: True. But then how would I get to drink your good brandy?
Joe says with a chuckle as he takes the cigar from MacLeod and
prepares it for lighting.
Duncan smiles.
Duncan: Yeah, my good brandy is nothing compared to leaving a
woman cold in her marital bed, Joe.
Duncan: Especially a good woman...
Duncan lights Joe's cigar for him.
Joe: Well.......at least now I know that she is understanding
when it comes to having to suddenly change our plans.....and
with no real explanation of why.
Joe says then takes a couple of short puffs on the cigar until
it is well lit then he takes a long drag and blows a smoke ring
towards the ceiling.
Joe: Soooo.....tell me, Mac......why the quick disappearing act
after my wedding? This trip seemed to come about rather
suddenly. Are you meeting someone over here?
Joe asks and takes a sip of his brandy.
Duncan lights his cigar and takes a few puffs from it. He looks
at Joe.
Duncan: You have got to be kidding.....you got out of bed to ask
me that?
Joe: You don't have to tell me but if you do then I wouldn't
have to be away from my bride as much as if I have to wait and
see.
Joe walks over to the small sofa and pulls back the sheet that
is covering it and sits down.
Duncan moves back to the liquor cabinet and pours himself some
brandy. He takes a deep swallow of the smoky liquid. The warmth
of the alcohol swells through his middle, almost fortifying him.
He turns to look back at Joe.
Duncan: No, I'm not meeting anyone here. As you can see, it's
been awhile since I've been in Paris.
Duncan gestures toward the covered up furniture and dust around
the barge.
Joe: So you just decided on the spur of the moment to come dust
cobwebs? So spontaneous that you left before the reception was
over?
Joe says a bit dubiously and takes a drag off of the cigar.
Duncan feels bile rise to the back of his throat as he remembers
what happened during the reception. He grimaces slightly as he
swallows it back down. That was not one of his most spectacular
moments.
Joe notices the look on Mac's face and he quirks an eyebrow
curiously.
Duncan: Yeah, I've been neglecting the place for too long...
Joe: No longer than usual. You, me, Methos and Amanda were all
here last November.....if memory serve.
Joe says and takes a sip of his brandy.
Duncan Damn the Watcher for being so good at his job! He
finishes off the brandy and pours himself another finger worth
of the dark liquid.
Joe: Like I said.....you don't have to tell me.....it would just
make my job a little easier and I would be able to spend more
time honeymooning than Watching.
Joe says with a bit of a smarmy smirk.
Duncan: I'm sorry I disappeared from the reception early. I was
rather inebriated and well...
Duncan winces mentally as flashes of what he can remember of
that night pop into his head.
Joe: No problem. You were there for the important stuff.
Duncan draws in a deep breath and lets it out slowly, preparing
himself to confess for a third time.
Joe says with a smile and takes a sip of his brandy. It's is
becoming obvious that MacLeod would rather not answer Joe's
question and Joe decides to respect his friend's privacy and let
it drop.
Joe: Sooo.....anyway.....
Joe says, finishing his drink and standing up.
Joe: If you aren't busy later.....Zoe and I'll be at the Le
Blues and you're welcome to join us for a drink later on.
Joe says looking at his friend.
Duncan: I'll do that, but Joe, I came to Paris because Michelle
Webster was the one to be at your bachelor party and....I slept
with the maid of honor.
Duncan says the last part quickly, like taking a band-aid off of
a hairy arm, the quicker the less it would hurt.
Joe shakes his head...confused.
Duncan: In my defense, I was so far gone that night....
Joe: Are you saying the stripper at my bachelor party was
Michelle Webster?
Joe asks looking at Duncan and frowning.
Joe: YOUR Michelle Webster?
Duncan is rather glad he picked up on the Michelle part instead
of the sleeping with the maid of honor part.
Duncan: Yes, that was her.
Joe suddenly registers the last part of Duncan's confession and
he almost chokes on the drag he just took of his cigar.
Joe: And you slept with....who?
Joe asks between coughs.
So much for wishful thinking...
Duncan: You're going to make me say it again?
Joe gets control of his coughing and holds his hands up.
Joe: Not if I heard you right the first time. And from the look
on your face....I did.
Joe says shaking his head.
Duncan: Oh, you did. I'm not proud of it...not one of my better
judgement calls
Joe: I guess.....I can kind of understand it. You were pretty
tanked after that little contest you and Methos had.
Joe says in a sympathetic voice.
Joe: If it's all the same to you.....I don't think Zoe needs to
know this piece of information. If she is to find out about
it....let her friend be the one to tell her.
Duncan: I was thinking the same thing. I'm glad you won't be
telling her about that.
Joe says and snuffs out what is left of his cigar in an ashtray
sitting on the bookshelf next to one of the portholes.
Joe: So do you think Michelle Webster came looking for you? To
challenge you?
Joe asks quirking an eyebrow.
Duncan: I have no idea, but I wasn't going to stick around to
find out. I know she wouldn't take "no" for an answer.
Joe: Want me to see what I can find out?
Joe asks, taking out his notepad and jotting down her name.
Duncan nods.
Duncan: Sure, I have no idea why she would be back in Seacouver,
but it probably isn't for anything good.
Joe: Consider it done.
Joe says noding his head. He puts the notebook back in his
pocket and looks at his watch.
Joe: Well.....I need to head out of here if I'm going to meet
Zoe on time. Like I said....you're welcome to stop by for a
drink later. A new band is debuting tonight so it should be
interesting.
Joe says and slowly starts toward the steps that lead to the
door.
Duncan follows Joe towards the door.
Duncan: I'll be there.
Joe: And Mac.....
Joe says with one foot out the door.
Joe: Thanks again for everything you did for the bachelor party
and the wedding.
Joe says and claps MacLeod on the shoulder.
Joe: Zoe loved your toast at the reception. She still gets misty
when she thinks about it.
Duncan nods.
Duncan: I'm glad I was there. Now, stop wasting your time
looking at my ugly mug and go back to your wife!
Joe: You got it. Don't work too hard.
Joe says indicating the barge. Then he turns and walks across
the barge's deck and down the gangplank. He walks across to the
stairs that lead up to the street where he had parked his rental
car.
[center]To be continued[/center]
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