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#Post#: 253--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 21
By: 22639 Date: January 16, 2012, 12:36 am
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[center][sub]***The part of Duncan MacLeod is temporarily being
understudied***[/sub][/center]
Joe is on a ladder changing one of the stage lights.
Duncan parks his car, gets out and walks into the Le Blues Bar
and looks around. He sees Joe on the ladder and Zoe sitting at a
booth so he walks over to the table.
Duncan: Pardonnez-moi, Mademoiselle ... est ce siège prises?
Duncan says smiling down at Zoe.
Zoe: Non.
Zoe replies shaking her head with a smile.
Zoe: It's good to see you Duncan.
Duncan: Et pourquoi est telle une belle dame laissé tout seul?
Duncan asks taking a seat across from Zoe.
Zoe: As you see.
Zoe says gesturing towards Joe on the ladder.
Duncan looks up at Joe and shakes his head.
Duncan: Dawson....what the hell are you doing up there? Trying
to kill yourself?
Duncan calls out as he gets up and walks over to the ladder to
see if he can help.
Joe looks down at his Immortal friend and chuckles.
Joe: I learned a long time ago....if you want something done
right....do it yourself.
Joe says as he makes one last adjustment then starts down the
ladder.
Duncan looks over at Zoe and shakes his head and rolls his eyes.
Duncan: Stubborn cuss.....ain't he?
Duncan says with a wink.
Zoe: He's not the only one.
Zoe chuckles.
Joe gets down from the ladder and starts to fold it up.
Duncan: Here. Let me.
Duncan says and takes over....folding up the ladder and carrying
it to the hallway that leads to the store room.
Joe walks over to the lighting control panel and switches on the
bank of stage lights he has just finished working on.
Joe: How does that look, Sunshine?
Joe asks Zoe over his shoulder.
Zoe: Perfect.
Zoe says grinning at Joe.
Joe turns off the lights and walks over to the table where Zoe
is sitting. He takes her hand and kisses it, gallantly.
Joe: No....YOU are perfect.
Joe says softly.
Duncan comes back over to the table and sits back down across
from Zoe.
Zoe: Such a charmer.
Zoe says with a laugh for Joe.
Joe winks at Zoe...kisses her hand again then lets go of it. He
looks over at MacLeod.
Joe: So what are you drinking tonight, Mac?
Duncan: How about whatever you have on draft for now?
Duncan answers.
Joe: And a Memosa for you, gorgeous?
Joe asks Zoe, smiling happily.
Zoe: Of course.
Joe: Une bière et un Memosa, Adele.
Joe calls out to his bartender.
Duncan: So what's the scoop on this new band of yours?
Duncan asks as he settles back...getting comfortable.
Joe takes a seat next to Zoe. A young bar maid comes over to the
table with their drinks on a tray in one hand and a coffee pot
in the other....sets the Memosa in front of Zoe, the beer in
front of MacLeod and pours fresh coffee into Joe's mug then
leaves.
Duncan takes a sip of his beer.
Joe: We were wandering around the Festival de Musique de Paris
last week and heard these 3 guys playing.
Joe says and takes a sip of his coffee. He motions to the bar
maid...with what looks like a baseball signal....and she comes
over with a wooden box of fine cigars and opens it...offering
one to Duncan.
Joe: They had no representation....were basically just starting
out....but their talent and potential was more than I could pass
up.
Zoe: They are really good.
Zoe puts in with a smile.
Duncan takes a cigar and lets the bar maid clip it. He swirls
the end of it over his tongue.
Joe The barmaid lights her lighter and holds it out to MacLeod.
Duncan leans into the flame and puffs a few times then takes a
long drag off of the cigar.
Joe takes a cigar out of the box and does the same as MacLeod
except instead of waiting for the barmaid to light his for him,
he takes out his own lighter and lights his cigar himself. The
barmaid leaves.
Duncan looks over at Zoe and smiles.
Duncan: This guy amazes me. He can spot talent where most would
move on.
Duncan blows a smoke ring towards the ceiling and follows it
with another one that goes through the center of the first.
Joe shrugs.
Joe: Ehhhh.....I just get lucky sometimes.
Joe says and takes a sip of his coffee followed by a puff of his
cigar.
Joe: Finding the talent isn't the hard part. The hard part is
dealing with them once they get a taste of the limelite.
Remember that kid who decided **** and living the life Byron was
living was better than showing up here on time?
Joe asks MacLeod and takes another puff of his cigar.
Duncan grimaces and nods.
Duncan: Yes.....I remember.
Duncan says sullenly.
Joe: Out of every 4 or 5 talents I introduce....both here and in
the States....1 will let his head get all screwed up and end up
blowing their big chance. It's really kind of sad.
Joe says shaking his head sadly.
Zoe: I wish they could realize what they're doing to themselves.
Zoe says sadly.
The tables in the bar are starting to fill up and Adele, the
bartender, looks over at Joe...getting his attention and taps
her watch. Joe nods and Adele walks to the end of the bar and
speaks to a young man sitting there. He gets up and walks over
to the control board set up in the center of the room and takes
a seat. Seconds later the lights of the bar dim and the stage is
lit in soft reds, oranges and blues. The only other illumination
is the neon tubes of light under the bar stools and the soft
glow of each of the tables.
Duncan: From what I've seen.....like the kid Joe just
mentioned.....they begin to think they are invincible.....that
they can do anything and live forever.
Duncan takes a sip of his beer.
Duncan: They usually figure it out the hard way that that's not
true.
Duncan adds taking a puff of his cigar and blowing the smoke
towards the ceiling.
Zoe: If they figure it out at all, before its too late for them.
Zoe sighs.
Joe Three young men take the stage....one sits down at the
keyboard, one picks up the bass fiddle that is leaning against
it's stand and the other young man has his guitar already slung
over his shoulder. He takes a seat on the tall stool in front of
the microphone.
Duncan looks at the three musicians then leans closer to the
table so he can be heard without speaking loudly.
Duncan: Are you sure they're old enough to be in a bar?
Duncan asks Joe, quirking an eyebrow.
Joe chuckles.
Joe: They just look young because we're getting older, my
friend.
Joe says with a wink and a grin.
Duncan: What's this we stuff? Got a mouse in your pocket,
Dawson?
Duncan says teasingly.
Joe The trio begins to play and the patrons quiet down a bit to
listen. Joe reaches out and takes hold of Zoe's hand....looking
at her admiringly.
Zoe squeezes back on Joe's hand.
Joe leans closer to Zoe and says softly, "how is it possible
that you get more beautiful by the minute?"
Zoe: You sure you're not just seeing things?
Zoe asked with a grin.
Joe: I am. Beautiful things.
Joe says and lifts her hand and kisses it.
Duncan turns his attention to the trio on stage...ignoring the
newlyweds....giving them some privacy.
[center]***1 hour later***[/center]
Joe The trio returns to the stage after a brief break and the
lead singer steps up to the mike and says, "Joe? How about
joining us for a set?"
Duncan sets down his beer and joins in the audience's applause.
Duncan: Yeah, Joe. Go for it.
Duncan encourages.
Joe looks over at Zoe and quirks an eyebrow, questioningly.
Zoe: Go, love. I know you want too.
Zoe says with a smile.
Joe: You sure you don't mind?
Joe asks his bride.
Zoe: Of course not! I love watching and listening to you play.
Zoe honestly tells Joe.
Joe looks over at MacLeod.
Joe: Any requests, Mac?
Duncan: Either the River or Slow on a Road? If they know it that
is.
Duncan suggests.
Joe gets to his feet and the applause of his patrons gets
louder. He makes his way to the stage and takes up his guitar
from its stand behind the keyboard player. The lead singer steps
away from the stool so that Joe can take a seat...which he does.
After Joe and the trio whisper back and forth....the bass fiddle
player begins an intro and they begin to play.
Duncan snuffs out his cigar, picks up his glass of beer and
leans back in his seat as he listens to Joe entertain his
patrons.
Duncan: He always looks like he's in another world when he
plays.
Duncan says to Zoe.
Zoe: Well... That's not the only time he's in another world....
or looks like it.
Zoe chuckles.
Duncan: Oh....wow! TMI...Zoe....TMI.
Duncan says laughing. He finishes his beer and sets the empty
glass on the table.
Duncan: Ready for a refill? It's on me this time.
Duncan asks Zoe.
Zoe: Sure.
Zoe grins, turning and leaning back against the wall, to watch
Joe better.
Duncan flags down the barmaid and orders another round for Zoe
and himself.
Duncan: So have you ever been to Paris before?
Duncan asks Zoe.
Zoe: Oh, just a few times.
Zoe says with a chuckle.
Duncan: Have you done much exploring? Or was it always just
business?
Duncan says as the barmaids brings them their drinks.
Zoe: Both. I was here some in both High School and College.
Zoe chuckles.
Duncan: One of these days....before you and Joe return to the
States....you should get him to bring you by the barge. It is
the best way to live in Paris. Completely mobile...more private
than an apartment....and less expensive than a chateau.
Duncan says and takes a sip of his beer.
Zoe: Yes, well, I rather enjoyed the chateau experience myself.
Zoe laughs.
Duncan: You know.....I'm not completely positive what it is
about this city that keeps me coming back every year.....but I
just can't stay away.
Duncan says thoughtfully. He takes another drink of his beer.
Zoe: Well, it's certainly not the French that do it for you.
Zoe laughs.
Joe finishes the song and...after some whispers to the
trio....begins another one.
Zoe: Like that line from movie, Vertical Limit. "Oh, don't worry
about her. She's French Canadian. Sometimes she's Canadian and
quite pleasant. Today, she's obviously French."
Zoe quotes with a laugh.
Duncan bursts into laughter.
Duncan: Yes.....the French people are like caviar....an acquired
taste.
Duncan says still laughing.
Zoe: No, I do rather enjoy them. I just quite enjoy that line.
Zoe grins.
Duncan: Some of my friends back in the States think I'm crazy
because I always come to Paris to spend the winter. They think
that because it snows in Seacouver....I should spend my winters
in warmer climate. But I think Paris is beautiful in the winter.
Duncan says and takes a drink of his beer.
Zoe: Everyone is welcome to their own opinions.
Zoe chuckles, relaxing against the wall.
Joe finishes the song and starts to get up off of the stool but
the audience encourages him to do one more so he thinks for a
minute then whispers to the trio.
Joe: I'd like to dedicate this next song to my beautiful and
more than special wife.
Joe says and looks at Zoe.
Joe: Zoe? This is for you, my love.
Joe says and the bass player begins the intro.
Zoe blushes and smiles at Joe.
Joe sings 'their song' directly to Zoe.
Duncan smiles as he takes another drink of his beer. He can't
remember when he has ever seen his friend so over the top happy
and MacLeod is grateful that Joe got lucky enough to find
someone to make him so happy.
Zoe smiles and let her eyes drift close listening to the sound
of Joe's voice.
Joe plays the song's bridge...his gaze still locked with Zoe's.
Zoe fights to keep her eyes opened and on Joe. But it becomes
too much. Letting her head fall back, she closed her eyes and
let herself drift.
Duncan looks over at Zoe. He is a bit amazed that she would doze
off like this....especially in the middle of the song Joe had
dedicated to her. Then he looks closer and sees the pallor of
her skin.
Duncan: Zoe?
Duncan reaches over and gently taps her shoulder.
Duncan: Zoe?
Duncan says a little more loudly....a frown of concern crosses
his face.
Zoe moans slightly, and her eyelids flutter in an effort open.
Joe can't really see the features of Zoe's face because of the
dimly lit room and the two colored spot lights trained on the
stage but he does notice that her head is lolling to one side
and he feels his stomach knot up.
Zoe: engh
Zoe says, making an inarticulate sound as she manages to open
her eyes.
Duncan: Hey! Zoe!
Duncan whispers a little louder and gently shakes her
shoulder....hoping for a response.
Joe cuts his song short...hands his guitar to the keyboard
player and hurries off of the little stage and over to the table
Zoe and MacLeod are sitting at.
Zoe: Wha-
Zoe says, managing to pull herself a little straighter.
Duncan looks up as Joe approaches the table and shrugs with a
concerned look on his face.
Duncan: I don't know what happened, Joe. One minute she was
awake and talking to me and the next....
Duncan simply nods in her direction.
Joe sits down and slides across the booth seat so that he is
close to Zoe. He places his hand gently on her cheek.
Joe: Zoe? Baby? Zoe?
Joe says softly....hoping his voice will bring her back to him.
Zoe tries to give Joe a smile, but can tell, that is not as
complete a smile as she hoped for.
Zoe: I... I'll be alright.
Duncan gets up and goes over to the bar and gets a glass of
water from the bartender and a cool damp cloth which he carries
back to the table. He sets the glass of water in front of Joe
and lays the cloth next to it then sits back down.
Joe: Thanks, Mac.
Joe says to MacLeod as he picks up the clothe and lays it
against Zoe's forehead. He slides the glass of water over to her
in case she wants some.
Duncan feels uncharacteristically helpless and he doesn't like
the feeling.
Zoe: Thanks.
Zoe says softly, reaching over and taking a sip of the water. To
her dismay her hand trembled slightly.
Joe: What happened, baby?
Joe asks as he moves the damp cloth to the back of her
neck...hoping the coolness will revive her.
Zoe: I passed out... didn't I?
Zoe asks glancing over at Duncan for confirmation.
Duncan: You were talking to me one minute then you were out like
a light.
Duncan says in explanation of what he saw.
Zoe: I... I figured that... when I came back to myself.
Zoe says softly with a sigh.
Joe: Did you feel light headed or feel sick at all before this
happened?
Joe asks as he watches her face intently.
Zoe: No. But to be honest.. it doesn't surprise me.
Zoe says shaking her head slightly.
Joe: It doesn't?
Joe asks, quirking an eyebrow questioningly.
Joe: I asked you before we left the hotel room how you were
feeling and you said great.
Zoe: It doesn't and I did feel great. And I'm feeling, more and
more normal, the more I sit here, but... in a way I've been
watching for this, and just hoping it wouldn't happen. And at
the same time I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner.
Zoe explains, knowing her explanation is a little disjointed.
Joe feels like he's been kicked in the gut by a mule. One
sentence keeps repeating itself in his head. "I thought we'd
have more time. I thought we'd have more time."
Duncan clenches his jaw...a technique he has long practiced to
prevent lumps from forming in his throat during particularly
intense emotional situations.
Joe takes in a slow deep breath and takes Zoe's hands in his.
Joe: So....sweetheart.....are you....saying what I think you're
saying?
Joe asks, hesitantly.
Duncan sucks in his breath, holds it and shuts his eyes. He
knows what the answer is going to be and he knows just how Joe
will feel. As many times as he has gone through this or watched
people he cared about go through it....it still doesn't get any
easier and he feels sorry for both Zoe and Joe.
Zoe: This... This'll start happening more frequently. I don't
know what that means. It could be months before it does it
again, it could be days. But its... I'm so sorry Joe, but it's
down hill from here.
Zoe whispers.
Joe "I thought we'd have more time. I thought we'd have more
time. I thought we'd have more time." The words keep repeating
themselves in Joe's head and he is unable to find the right
words to say right now so he simply squeezes Zoe's hands and
looks at her.
Duncan opens his eyes and sees that Joe is at a loss for words
so he lets out his breath and leans closer to the couple.
Duncan: How about I go bring my car around to the side door and
take you guys back to your room so Zoe can get some rest?
Duncan suggests.
Zoe watches Joe, waiting for him to decide, she was now feeling
fine, but she had the funny feeling Joe needed time and probably
rest himself.
Joe simply nods to MacLeod and his voice is but a whisper when
he says, "thanks, Mac."
Duncan slides out of the booth and gathers up their coats and
belongings and heads for the door. Once he is outside and
heading for his car he takes out his cell phone and dials
Methos' number.
Duncan: Methos....it's MacLeod. I thought you should know that
Joe and Zoe will be cutting their honeymoon short and coming
home. Zoe is relapsing and I'm guessing she hasn't much time
left. Since you're there and I'm here....well....you've been
through this more recently than I have so Joe's going to need
you, my friend. Keep an eye on him until I can get there. Call
me if you have any questions.
Duncan says...leaving his message on Methos' answering machine.
He hangs up and puts his cell phone back in his pocket as he
reaches his car. He gets into it and drives it around to the
side door of the bar and parks in the alley as close to the door
as possible.
#Post#: 276--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 22
By: 22639 Date: January 29, 2012, 8:25 pm
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Methos opens his eyes when his stomach grumbles the first time.
He rubs his eyes for a moment, wondering why he was feeling
hungry so soon, a quick glance at the watch and realizes the
reason why, it was almost noon, in a normal day he would have
had breakfast hours ago. He gets out of bed slowly, careful not
to wake up Nikki and moves to the kitchen to start the coffee
maker before anything else.
Nikki rolls onto her back and stretches, contentedly. Without
opening her eyes she reaches for Methos. When she discovers he
is not in bed next to her she opens her eyes and looks around
the room.
Methos opens to fridge to make some bacon and eggs while the
machine makes the coffee, trying to decide if he was having
breakfast or lunch, while he moves around the kitchen.
Nikki sees that the room is empty so she gets out of bed and
picks up Methos' dress shirt that he had discarded on the floor
the night before and slips it on. As she buttons the shirt she
wanders into the living room...looking for Methos.
Nikki: Methos?
Nikki calls out. Thinking that he might be in the kitchen she
starts for it but notices the red light blinking on Methos'
answering machine and she stops next to the table the answering
machine is on.
Methos:I'm in here.
Methos answers glancing over his shoulder, while he stops
cutting some bacon for a moment.
Nikki: Hey.....looks like someone called you and left a message.
Your little red light is blinking.
Nikki calls out...hoping that he is in the kitchen and that she
isn't talking to herself.
Methos: Go ahead and press it, my other women aren't supposed to
call this morning.
Methos teases with a smile, figuring the most sensitive thing
she'd hear was Watcher business and she knew about it anyway.
Nikki: Your other what?
Nikki calls out as she reaches for the play button of the
answering machine.
Nikki: There better not be any other women.
Nikki says under her breath as she presses the button. The first
message is from someone selling a subscription to the Seacouver
Times newspaper.
Nikki: So just what is a year's subscription to the newspaper
code for? Huh?
Nikki calls out after playing the first message.
Nikki: If the ball and chain isn't there....call me?
Nikki says continuing the teasing.
Methos smirks shaking his head as he resumes his work, wondering
who would fall for that thing, then stops with a frown when he
hears MacLeod's voice on the answering machine.
Duncan's Voice: Hey....it's me. I thought I should give you a
head's up that the newlyweds will be cutting their honeymoon
short and coming home. Zoe has taken a turn for the worse and I
think she's gone out of remission. Since I haven't heard the
all clear from either you or Richie I'm assuming Michelle is
still in Seacouver so I won't be joining them which means you
need to be there for Joe. You're a better choice for that
anyway, since you know exactly what he's going through and will
go through. As soon as the coast is clear I'll come home and
hopefully that won't be very long. Sorry to be bringing you bad
news, buddy. Talk to you later.
The message ends.
Methos takes a deep breath leaning against the kitchen door
frame, he was hoping Joe would get some more time with Zoe
before she got worse but apparently he wasn't that lucky.
Nikki listens to Mac's message and it tugs at her heart. She
unconsciously covers her mouth with her hand and thinks to
herself, "poor Joe." The message ends and the answering machine
resets itself. Nikki walks to the door of the kitchen and stops
on the threshold...looking at Methos.
Nikki: I know that we were supposed to be expecting this.....
Nikki says from the doorway.
Nikki: ....but I didn't think it would be this soon.
Nikki finishes sadly.
Nikki: They were so happy.
Methos nods with an unhappy sigh as he moves away from the door
to keep on making breakfast.
Methos: Yes, that's what I was thinking, I was hoping they'd get
more time.
Nikki: It isn't fair.
Nikki says softly.
Nikki: Do you think Joe is going to be able to handle it?
Nikki asks...still standing in the doorway and watching Methos.
Methos: He's not going to take it well.
Methos tries to shrug it off, but looking down at the bacon he
finds out he's not hungry anymore and puts down the knife. He
moves to get a cup of coffee instead, his experience with Alexa
replaying on his mind all over again.
Nikki is about to turn to go back into the living room to wait
for Methos to finish what he's doing in the kitchen but
something in his voice grabs her attention and she focuses on
him. She remembers Amanda telling her about what Methos had gone
through when Alexa died and she begins to feel concerned about
the roll that Mac has asked him to play when Joe comes home. Was
MacLeod so focused on his own stuff that he didn't realize what
he was asking of Methos? She shakes her head thinking that she
needs to have a serious talk with the Highlander. She sees the
look on Methos' face as he stops doing what he had been doing
and she slowly walks over to him and lays her hand on the back
of his shoulder.
Nikki: Are you Ok?
Nikki asks in a soft and soothing voice.
Methos shrugs filling a cup of coffee.
Methos: I'll live.
Nikki steps up behind Methos and leans forward...placing a
gentle kiss on his bare back without removing her hand from
where she had placed it before.
Nikki: I know that.
Nikki says....her voice almost a whisper.
Nikki: What I asked was if you are Ok. Not if you were going to
live.
Nikki says in the same tone of voice.....her breath against
Methos' bare back.
Methos takes another deep breath before he takes a sip of
coffee, thinking what he felt about it.
Methos: Actually no, if it wasn't Joe, my favorite mortal I'd be
on the next plane out of town.
Methos confesses with a sigh.
Nikki: Really? That's the only thing keeping you here? Joe?
Nikki says and slips her arms around his waist from behind him.
She lays her cheek against his bare back.
Methos rolls his eyes, when he sees how it must have sounded to
her, he wasn't planning to leave her behind.
Methos: Hmm no, but we could take some holiday and just
disappear for a while. You know holiday, right? That thing
people take once in a while?
Methos teases as he tries to turn around so he can hold her.
Nikki thinks about telling him that everyday with him is a
holiday but she decides that it is way to corny...especially at
this particular moment. Instead she looks up into his eyes, once
he has turned to face her.
Nikki: Yeah. I know what a holiday is. I also know that you will
stick around BECAUSE Joe will need you. I just hate that MacLeod
is so wrapped up in his own bull **** that he doesn't think
twice about shoving the whole thing on you.
Nikki says....her voice quiet and soothing.
Nikki: So I just want you to know one thing.....you be there for
Joe....and I'll be here for you.
Nikki says and smiles warmly.
Methos: Good to know that.
Methos nods with a sad sigh, wrapping his free arm around her
waist.
Methos: And I can't blame MacLeod, if I was in Paris and he was
here I'd do the same thing he did.
Methos adds after a moment, while he thinks no one in his right
mind would volunteer to witness it if they could avoid it. He
certainly wasn't eager to go through the same experience all
over again.
Nikki places the palm of her hand against Methos' cheek.
Nikki: Just remember.....I'm here if you need me. For whatever
you need. Oh. And that I love you.
Nikki raises up on her toes and places a soft kiss on his lips.
Methos returns the kiss, before whispering to her, "I love you
too." Then he shakes his head considering the irony, it was
almost like fate was against him.
Methos: Did you ever think that sometimes fate is mocking you?
Methos asks after a moment, almost like he was talking to
himself.
Nikki looks up at Methos.
Nikki: I don't know if I really believe in fate. I believe we
make our own fate.....create our own destinies. But more
importantly....why do you feel fate is mocking you?
Nikki asks softly and looking into his eyes lovingly.
Methos takes a deep breath, he's sorry already he mentioned
that, now he has to explain it.
Methos: Yes, I also believe we make our own destiny but
sometimes...
Methos takes another deep breath, to prepare himself and goes
on.
Nikki stands in front of Methos...in his arms....and she gently
caresses his back as she keeps her gaze locked with his.
Methos: When Alexa died I promised myself I'd never be caught in
that position again, it was... painful to see...
Methos explains before he takes a sip of coffee.
Methos: In fact I was almost sure I'd leave as soon as I heard
that someone was that sick, but Joe had to fall for someone with
that disease and I had to be here to see it.
Methos finishes shaking his head disbelievingly.
Looking into Methos' eyes and seeing his pain....even though it
is still buried deep inside....Nikki is suddenly filled with an
overwhelming love for the ancient Immortal. She has never felt
anything....especially love....as intense as what she is feeling
at this moment. She wants to climb inside of him...find the pain
he is feeling and drive it out of him. Or find the inner child
that lives inside each of us and is in charge of all of the
emotions we choose not to acknowledge...take him in her arms and
make him feel loved and safe. She continues to hold Methos and
gently caress his back.
Nikki: I'm so sorry that you are having to go through this
again, baby. I'd take the pain away if I could....and you have
no idea how much I wish I could. But I can't. All I can do is
say that you are not going to have to deal with this alone.
You'll never have to go through anything alone again. I'm here
and I love you.
Nikki says so softly her voice is almost a whisper and she
raises up on her toes and kisses his cheek then looks deep into
his eyes again.
Methos: Well, it could have been worse. Could be the woman I
loved and as much as I like Zoe, I'm not in love with her.
Methos tries to shrug it off, thinking Zoe and him are not even
that close. He'd leave her or whoever was with her to their own
devices if it's wasn't Joe they were talking about.
Methos: Foolish thing to get that close to a mortal, really. I
should know better.
Methos murmurs under his breath, thinking Joe also wouldn't have
that long even if he didn't get any serious disease. Mortals
also died from old age.
Nikki thinks about how she would feel if something happened to
Methos and she knows without a doubt that she wouldn't be able
to handle it because just thinking about it causes a lump to
form in her throat so she quickly stops thinking about it and
swallows hard to get rid of the lump.
Nikki: What happened to all of your speeches against having
armor that keeps you from letting anyone get close?
Nikki asks...still looking into his eyes.
Methos nods taking a deep breath, thinking how Alexa slipped
past his defenses and now he realizes Joe also managed to do
that somehow.
Methos: Yeah I know, sometimes you don't even see it coming
until it's too late.
Methos raises an eyebrow when he realizes the same could apply
to her.
Methos: You'd rather I didn't?
Nikki: I wouldn't be here if I did now would I?
Nikki says looking at him lovingly and smiling warmly.
Nikki: Besides....this isn't about me. It's about you. And me
loving you and wanting to help you get though this because I
know it isn't going to be easy for you.
Nikki says...still gently rubbing his back.
Methos: It's going to be easier than it was with Alexa, you
know? Joe is going to be the one to take the hard part.
Methos says absently rubbing her back in return, mirroring her
gesture.
Methos: Like I did with Alexa.
Nikki , with her free hand, takes the coffee cup out of Methos'
and and sets it on the counter behind him. Then she puts both
arms around him, cups one hand behind his neck and gently pulls
him close to her.
Nikki: I know.
Nikki simply whispers.
Methos lets her pull him to her but before their lips meet
again, he asks softly against her lips, "You know what else
makes it easier?"
Nikki: What?
Nikki whispers.
Methos: That I'm not alone anymore, I know you'll help me get
along this ordeal.
Methos whispers against her lips, lightly rubbing his lips on
hers, but not quite kissing her yet.
Nikki: No.....you're not.
Nikki whispers as if in a trance. She doesn't know if Methos is
deliberately being seductive as a distraction of the subject or
not but she is unable to hold out any longer so pulls him to her
a bit more forcibly than before and kisses him....softly at
first then more passionately.
[center]To Be Continued[/center]
#Post#: 277--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 23
By: 22639 Date: January 30, 2012, 12:31 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki sees an open parking slot in the Seacouver International
Airport parking garage and points to it.
Nikki: There's one!
Nikki announces to Methos.
Methos turns his SUV as soon as he sees it, before anyone tries
to park their car before he does.
Methos: Thanks.
Methos says as he turns off the engine with a sigh of relief.
Methos: I hate parking at the airport.
Nikki mimics Methos quietly...almost to herself...as she
unbuckles her seat belt and prepares to get out of the car.
Methos: I'd figured with those two we couldn't park too far away
and near the terminal...
Methos shakes his head as he sighs again, then he opens the door
to exit his car.
Methos: And stop doing that, if I wanted a mirror I'd carry one
myself.
Methos tells Nikki just to let her know he saw what she did.
Nikki: If I wanted a mirror I'd carry one.
Nikki says mimicking him again as she opens the car door and
gets out without waiting for Methos to play gentleman.
Methos rolls his eyes, before he slams the car door. He wasn't
exactly in the mood for games at the moment.
Nikki sees that her attempts to joke around with Methos and
lighten the mood of the day is failing so she simply shoves her
hands into the pockets of her jacket and heads for the parking
garage elevator in silence.
Methos locks the car and follows Nikki to the elevator,
wondering what to say when he saw Joe and Zoe, they all knew why
they were coming back so soon and why, so he couldn't even
mention that.
Nikki rides the elevator down to the street level in silence.
She can sense Methos anxiousness but every attempt she has made
since they got up this morning, to cheer him up has failed and
she has run out of ideas.
Methos takes a deep breath as the elevator goes down.
Methos: Just what the hell am I going to say to those two?
Methos finally voices his thoughts.
"Ladies and Gentleman, please return your seats and trays to
their upright and locked positions. Please return all belongings
removed, to the overhead compartment and turn off all electronic
devises, as we prepare to land," The main flight attendant's
voice came over the intercom of the flight.
Nikki: Well....if you are really asking me for my advice....
Nikki says leaning her back against the wall of the elevator.
Nikki: ....if it were me....I'd start with Hello.
Nikki says and looks over at Methos. The expression on her face
is serious but there's a warmth about it showing that she's not
saying it out of jest.
Methos: Thanks, hard to figure that part.
Methos murmurs, shaking his head, still deep in thought.
Methos: I mean besides that. I can't even ask them about their
honeymoon when they cut it short because Zoe is coming back to
Seacouver to die.
Methos grimaces at the thought of asking them "How was your
honeymoon?"
Nikki: Ok. Sorry for the flippancy.
Nikki says more seriously and shoves away from the elevator
wall. She reaches out and grabs Methos' upper arm and turns him
so that he's facing her then she looks up into his eyes.
Methos pulls Nikki to him and hugs her, taking a deep breath.
Methos: I'm sorry, I'm not in the best of moods today.
Nikki: I was in momentary shock that you sincerely wanted my
opinion.
Nikki explains.
Nikki: You and I both know what the situation is. And I'm sure
that Mac told Joe that he called you to let you know to pick
them up at the airport so they know that he knows and they know
that we know and THEY know why they came home early.
Nikki takes a breath....having spoken quickly to get her whole
thought out there before Methos changed his mind about wanting
her input.
Nikki: So I don't see any need to even bring up the subject.
That is unless they do.
Nikki feels the elevator start to slow as it nears the street
level.
Nikki: Just remember....this is their "party".
Nikki says making quotation marks in the air.
Nikki: Let them bring up the subject. K?
Nikki says and smiles up at him as the elevator doors slide
open.
Methos looks at Nikki slightly surprised, apparently she thought
he was asking for her opinion when basically he was talking to
himself, but he'd have to let that pass now.
Methos: Fine. Wouldn't call it a party, but yes it's their move.
Methos nods in agreement.
Nikki places her hands on either side of his face and pulls him
down to her.
Nikki: By the way....in case I haven't told you recently....I
love you.
Nikki says softly.
Methos: I love you too.
Methos whispers against her lips before he kisses her.
Someone standing outside of the elevator, waiting to get in says
something like, "how cute," and someone else mutters, "get a
room" so Nikki lets go of Methos, takes his hand and pulls him
out of the elevator...giggling a bit embarrassed.
Methos can't help to chuckle softly at the situation as he exits
the elevator with Nikki, despite the fact he's sad about what's
going on with Joe and Zoe.
Methos: Show's over.
Methos says as he passes the bystanders.
Once inside the terminal Nikki stops in view of the Information
Boards.
Nikki: What flight did they say they were coming in on?
Nikki asks Methos.
Methos: The AC9101 from Air France.
Methos answers as he also looks at the Information Boards. "From
Paris of course."
Nikki scans the board.
Nikki: Gate 34.
Nikki announces.
Nikki: And it's on time.
Nikki looks around.
Nikki: Now where is Gate 34?
Nikki asks no one in particular.
Methos: You should try flying once in a while you know?
Methos teases raising an eyebrow at Nikki.
Methos: This way.
Methos says as he turns around and starts going down one of the
corridors.
Nikki: I have but my temporary wings weren't strong enough and
they took them away from me because they said I wasn't angel
material.
Nikki says jokingly as she follows Methos through the crowded
terminal.
Methos shakes his head amused at her answer.
Methos: You know what? I'm glad you came with me.
Methos says imagining how it would be like if he came to wait
for Joe, in the mood he was in before, without Nikki to cheer
him up.
Nikki: Like you had a choice in the matter.
Nikki says as she does some fancy footwork to weave through the
crowd and keep up with Methos.
As the plane taxis down the runway Joe looks over at Zoe who is
sound asleep. When the plane comes to a stop at the boarding
area he gently nudges his wife and says, "hey, gorgeous....we're
here." Then he gets up and takes their carry on luggage out of
the overhead compartment and holds out his free hand to help Zoe
out of the seats.
Zoe smiles at Joe, and stretches slightly, then accepts his hand
as she stands up to exit the plane.
Zoe: Glad to be back?
Zoe asks softly, as they slowly shuffle their way off the plane.
Joe thinks about simply answering with an slightly untruthful
yes but decides to adhere to their vow to be completely honest
with each other during this.
Joe: Not completely. Coming back means I'll have to go back to
work and God knows what kind of mess was created while I was
away.
Joe says with a shrug as he guides Zoe down the aisle to the
exit.
Zoe: Le Blue Bar's seems to have fared just fine in your
absence. Surely Joe's will be alright.
Zoe smiles.
Joe: Different class of people running it in my absence
Joe says realizing that he had been thinking about the Watchers
and not his bar when he had answered her. He smiles at the
flight attendant who thanks them for flying Air France and
mouths the words "thanks" and "bye' before guiding Zoe out of
the plane and into the boarding tunnel.
Zoe: Uh huh.
Zoe says in disbelief.
Zoe: Isn't Mike running it?
Joe: Yeah. But you know....while the cats away?
Joe says a bit evasively.
Nikki sees the sign over the waiting area designating Gate 34.
Zoe: The mice play?
Nikki: There it is.
Zoe asks with a soft laugh.
Nikki announces pointing to the sign. She takes the
lead...pulling Methos through the crowd waiting in line to board
the plane. She walks up to the cordoned area and watches the
entrance to the boarding tunnel.
As soon as he can see the waiting area....a few feet before
actually exiting the tunnel...Joe starts looking for a familiar
face.
Nikki: There they are!
Nikki announces and starts waving.
Methos: Yes, I see them.
Methos nods, taking a deep breath to prepare himself.
Joe points to Methos and Nikki as he and Zoe exit the tunnel.
Joe: Our ride's here.
Joe says as he waves back to the energetic Nikki.
Zoe: I hope we didn't inconvenience them.
Nikki thinks to herself, "she doesn't look that bad," even
though she didn't know quite what to expect. Duncan's message
was a bit vague.
Zoe says softly, but with a smile and a wave towards Nikki and
Adam.
Joe: Nikki doesn't look a bit inconvenienced....does she? Always
have admired her energy level. Even though it makes me feel like
an ancient old man.
Joe says light heartedly as he guides them through the throng of
people to their friends.
Zoe: Oh, you're not old!!
Zoe protests.
Joe: Tell that to my reflection in the mirror.
Joe says with a chuckle.
Joe: You know the one with all of the wrinkles and gray hair?
Methos just looks while he waits for the couple to get near
them, figuring Nikki was waving enough for both of them.
Zoe: Why should I tell your reflection when I can just tell you,
hmm?
Zoe asks, smiling.
Joe lets his arm that has been around her shoulders,
protectively, drop down her back and he inconspicuously and
lovingly gently pinches Zoe's butt then puts his arm back around
her shoulders. He doesn't look at her but he is smiling
knowingly.
Zoe: Joseph!
Zoe laughs loudly.
Nikki waits until Joe and Zoe are a couple of yards away and
then, impatiently steps over the rope and walks up to greet
them. She gently hugs Zoe first them gives Joe an enthusiastic
bear hug.
Nikki: Welcome home.
Nikki says to both of them.
Zoe: Thanks, Nikki.
Zoe smiles.
Methos takes a deep breath and moves to greet them.
Methos: Hello, welcome back Joe, Zoe.
Joe is almost knocked off balance by Nikki's exuberance but he
manages to stay upright and wraps his free arm around her
waist...hugging her back.
Joe: Whoa. You'd think we'd been gone a decade.
Joe says teasingly with his usual happy chuckle.
Zoe: You don't look so happy to see us, Adam.
Zoe says softly, moving up to the other man.
Nikki lets go of Joe and steps back so Methos can greet his
friend.
Zoe: We didn't inconvenience you, or anything did?
Methos: Of course I'm happy to see you, where did you get that
idea?
Methos asks raising an eyebrow at Zoe.
Zoe: The lack of enthusiasm.
Zoe says with a nod in Nikki's direction.
Zoe: Though, I suppose you just wish you could be back having a
beer.
Zoe says with a grin at Adam.
Methos: Believe me I'd think of something else to do if it was
that much of an inconvenience.
Methos adds with a smile.
Joe chuckles as he puts his free arm back around Zoe's shoulder.
Joe: Adam isn't much on enthusiasm.
Joe explains to Zoe.
Zoe: I noticed.
Zoe says smiling back at Joe.
Joe: You know Mr. Spock in Star Trek? Well he's a distant
cousin.
Joe concludes jokingly.
Zoe: Definitely distance.
Zoe laughs.
Nikki: Can I help you carry anything?
Nikki offers making sure to make her offer to both equally.
Methos shakes his head amused.
Methos: Luckily I didn't get his pointy ears.
Nikki: Or his dorky hair cut.
Nikki joins in the teasing of Methos.
Joe: Let's see....
Joe says looking around.
Joe: Baggage claim is that way if I'm not mistaken.
Methos: Oh, Joe, no need to worry about business, Mike has
everything under control and I've been helping him with his
part-time job, so everything is in order.
Methos decides to tell Joe right away in case he's worrying
about the Watchers, the guy didn't need more things to worry
about unnecessarily.
Joe says pointing in the direction they needed to go.
Joe: That's what worries me.
Joe says glancing at Methos as he leads everyone out of the
waiting area and to the baggage claim area.
Nikki links her arm through Zoe's...letting the men take the
lead.
Nikki: So how was Paris? Cold this time of year?
Nikki asks Zoe as they follow Joe and Methos through the
terminal.
Zoe: Can't say I noticed much.
Zoe chuckles.
Nikki giggles.
Nikki: I've done my share of traveling but that is one place I
have never been. Keep meaning to but just never have. I hear it
is both beautiful and depressing at the same time.
Nikki shares with Zoe.
Zoe: Beautiful architecture Great shopping, dirty skies in the
winter.
Zoe shrugs.
Twenty minutes later...their baggage stacked on a rented baggage
cart...Joe moves in and takes over as Zoe's escort, putting his
arm back around his wife and guides her and the rest of the
little group out of the terminal...coming to a stop on the
sidewalk in front of the building.
Joe: Where are you parked, Adam?
Joe asks Methos.
Methos: Up there, we need to use the elevator.
Methos points, he can't help to smirk at the previous scene
there though.
Zoe: Elevator's are good.
Zoe smiles, thinking it's just as well, she wouldn’t have to
climb stairs.
Nikki has been pushing the baggage cart through the terminal.
Now she pushes it off of the curb and heads across the street to
the parking garage elevator making cars stop for her and her
group.
Joe follows Nikki across the street and into the elevator...a
few seconds later exiting with Zoe ahead of Methos and Nikki
then letting them take the lead.
Joe: Has the weather been this nice the whole time we've been
gone?
Joe asks as they follow Methos to his car.
Joe: This time of year there's usually some snow on the ground.
Joe explains to Zoe.
Joe: Or I should say frozen sludge because after it snows it
rains for days.
Methos: Yeah, but you don't see me complaining, now do you?
Methos asks as he looks for the keys inside his pocket.
Zoe: Hmm... If it wasn't nice, I bet you would be complaining.
Zoe guesses.
Nikki: It's been gorgeous. It rained two days after the wedding
but it's been sunny and clear ever since.
Chilly at times but no rain.
Nikki says and quickly adds, "knock on wood."
Zoe: That's good.
Zoe grins.
As they approach Methos' car, Nikki falls silent...having run
out of inconspicuous small talk. She waits for Methos to open
the back of the SUV and helps load Joe and Zoe's luggage into
the car then volunteers to return the baggage cart to the cart
rack back by the elevator.
Zoe: Thank you.
Zoe says softly, putting her hand on Nikki's arm for a moment.
Once Methos unlocks the doors, Joe assists Zoe into the back
seat of the SUV and climbs in next to her.
Methos sits on the driver's seat, puts the key in the ignition
and waits for Nikki to return before he starts the car.
Zoe leans against Joe, with a contented sigh. "I love you," she
whispers softly.
Methos: You want to go home directly, right?
Nikki comes back to the car and gets in, buckling her seat belt
She looks over at Methos and quirks an eyebrow questioningly.
Methos asks just to make sure.
Nikki: Waiting for something?
Nikki asks quietly.
Joe: Yeah. To my place, Adam.
Methos: Alright, Joe.
Joe says in answer to Methos' question. He slips his arm around
Zoe and gently pulls her closer to him so she can lean against
him.
Zoe relaxes completely, feeling safe and supported in Joe's arm,
and closes eyes, allowing herself to just drift.
Nikki watches Methos back out of the parking spot then turns to
face forward and lays her head against the headrest of her seat.
Methos nods as he drives out of the garage, side glancing at Joe
and Zoe through the mirror. She looked absolutely exhausted.
Joe takes his coat that he draped over the back of the seat and
pulls it over his bride like a blanket to keep any chill from
disturbing her. He gently kisses the top of her head then looks
out the car window at Seacouver.
Joe: Can I ask one more favor of either one of you?
Joe asks quietly so as not to wake Zoe up.
Nikki: Anything, Joe. You know that.
Nikki says turning in her seat so she can look at him.
Methos: Yes, Joe?
Methos asks looking at him to the mirror, not daring to turn
around and look back while driving.
Joe: Could you pick me up at my place tomorrow morning and take
me to my car which I left in the bar parking lot? We have a
doctor's appointment at 10 so anytime before that?
Joe asks....hating that he has to ask for another favor. "You
seem to be doing that a lot lately, Dawson," he thinks to
himself.
Methos: Sure, no problem.
Methos nods as he returns his attention to the road.
Nikki: Since you guys will be jet lagged in the morning....why
don’t' Adam and I drop you off at your house...go pick up your
car and bring it to you so it's there in the morning and you can
sleep in a little longer?
Nikki suggests...trying to be helpful.
Methos makes a face while he drives when he remembers what
happened with Alexa, that half sleeping, half passing out was
the beginning of the end and it was going to be a fast end. He
sighs, the ugly part is about to begin and he feels sorry for
both of them.
Joe considers this idea and nods approvingly. He digs into his
pants pocket and pulls out his car keys and hands them up front
for either Methos or Nikki to grab.
Joe: Not a bad idea Flynn.
Nikki takes the keys from Joe and grins mischievously.
Nikki: I have one every once in a while.
Nikki says with a wink.
Nikki: Although I think that brings me up to my quota for the
year so don't expect any more this year.
Nikki adds jokingly as she drops the keys into the center
console.
Joe: Used them all up so soon? It's only February.
Joe teases.
Nikki: What about groceries? Are you stocked up?
Nikki asks Joe looking back at him.
Joe pictures his fridge that was fairly empty the last time he
saw it which was the morning of the wedding and he grimaces.
Nikki: I'll take that as a no.
Nikki says with a snicker.
Methos: I think his face says it all.
Methos chuckles softly looking at Joe through the mirror again.
Nikki: I'll stop at a store and pick you up a few things to tide
you over until you can go shopping.
Joe: I can't ask you to go to all that trouble. We'll just call
for take out.
Joe says shaking his head.
Nikki: Bull ****!
Nikki says and quickly covers her mouth with her hand looking at
Zoe to make sure she hadn't woke up and heard her swearing like
a sailor.
Joe: I guess there's no sense in arguing with you about it.
Joe says conceding to Nikki.
Methos: Take it from me, just say yes and get it over with,
saves time.
Methos smiles amused still driving the car, but remembering that
woman didn't give up easily.
Joe: One thing....try and get healthy stuff. She's going to need
all the help she can get.
Joe says nodding towards Zoe.
Nikki: Healthy it is.
Nikki says smugly victorious.
Joe: Thanks, Nikki.
Joe says his voice hoarse with emotion.
Nikki turns back in her seat to face forward. As she does she
catches a glimpse of the tense look on Methos' face so she
reaches over...resting her arm on the back of Methos' seat and
begins to gently and lovingly massage his neck. When she feels
the muscles in his neck begin to relax she stops massaging and
moves her hand down...laying it on his thigh and she gently
makes small circles on his thigh with her thumb, comfortingly.
To herself she thinks, “I'm here my love. I'm here.”
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 280--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 24
By: 22639 Date: February 2, 2012, 5:58 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki sits in Methos' passenger seat, silently, as they drive to
Joe's Bar to pick up Joe's car. Her head is turned and she
stares out the passenger window...her elbow propped on the
window sill and her chin resting on her fist.
Methos drives in silence to Joe's bar still thinking about what
happened on the way to Joe's home. Zoe didn't look good at all.
He assumed she wasn't feeling really well because they had cut
their honeymoon short, but he had no idea her disease had
progressed so much in so little time.
Nikki finally turns and looks at Methos. She reaches out and
places her hand on his shoulder, making little circles with her
thumb.
Nikki: Whatcha thinking about?
Nikki asks lovingly.
Methos: Zoe. I had no idea she was in such a bad shape already.
I was hoping they had more time.
Methos confesses with a sigh as he stops his car by a red
traffic light, so he can side glance at Nikki.
Nikki: Maybe she does. She may just be overly tired from the
wedding and all. Maybe her doctor will be able to prescribe
something to boost her immune system and help her regain some of
her energy.
Nikki says hopefully.
Methos: Nikki, their wedding was 6 months ago, I'd assume she
would have recovered from that.
Methos points out with a sigh.
Methos: No, that tiredness is the first sign of the disease.
Nikki: I've just never seen anyone go into remission and out
again in such a short period of time.
Nikki says thoughtfully.
Methos tells her with a sigh, remembering Alexa. Then the light
changes to green and he keeps driving to Joe's bar.
Nikki: You know....that drug she was on may have only masked her
symptoms instead of actually helping them. If that's the
case....she may not have realized she was worn out until it was
too late.
Nikki says and chews on her lower lip, thoughtfully.
Nikki: You know....like a strong pain killer can mask pain
enough that an athlete won't feel it until he's done more damage
to his injury?
Methos: I think that's the idea actually, to mask the symptoms.
She can't be cured, so they're only trying to make her as
comfortable as possible.
Methos says as he needs to stop to yet another red light. "Get
one, get a lot of them." He grumbles under his breath.
Nikki: There are very few cancers that can be actually cured by
any conventional treatment.
Nikki says...remembering her nurses training when she was in the
Army.
Nikki: The idea of chemo and radiation is to buy the patient
time and hope a cure can be found in that time.
Methos: And she's running out of time, I only hope Joe realizes
that.
Methos thinks for a moment and adds.
Methos: And then again, maybe not, let the guy be happy for a
little longer?
Nikki: Do you wish you hadn't known about Alexa?
Nikki asks curiously.
Methos: Yes and no. It would have been easier if I didn't know
we were on limited time but if I didn't know, we wouldn't have
made half the things we did, so...
Methos sighs as he thinks about his time with Alexa.
Methos: But it was hard, I couldn't stop thinking about it.
Methos turns his attention back to the road, just in time to see
the light change to green and keeps driving to Joe's bar.
Nikki: I watched my Ma die slowly from....well...they called it
consumption back then but it was TB. And Peggy's death was
sudden and unexpected. I can't really say either way is easier.
At least knowing what is coming gives you time to make any peace
you need to....and to say goodbye. You get some closure that you
don't get when you don't expect it.
Nikki says hoping she doesn't sound like she rambling and is
actually making sense.
Methos nods in agreement.
Methos: Yes, it gives you time to prepare.
Nikki: Joe know what he was getting into when he proposed. It's
not like he proposed and then they found out. And Joe doesn't
strike me as the kind of guy who would get into something like
this if he didn't think he could handle it.....right?
Nikki asks. Her hand is still on his shoulder and her thumb is
still making gentle little circles.
Methos: Maybe he didn't know where he was getting himself into?
I can tell you, it's not going to be easy.
Methos points out as he takes a deep breath, remembering what
happened with Alexa.
Nikki: Come on, Babe....Joe's no dummy. Besides....he watched
what you went through. Believe me....he knew what he was getting
into.
Nikki says matter of factually
Nikki: Just like you did.
Nikki gently strokes his cheek with the back of her fingers.
Methos: He didn't exactly watch, she died in Switzerland. To
hear about it and experience it is not exactly the same thing.
Methos says as he rubs his cheek against her fingers just like a
cat, while keeping his eyes on the road.
Nikki: Well.....one thing's for sure....Joe isn't going to have
to go through it alone like you did. He has Duncan, me, you,
Amanda and Richie.
Nikki says and smiles warmly at Methos.
Methos: Yeah, didn't have anyone to get my car and buy me
groceries, that's for sure.
Methos nods with a smile playing across his lips.
Nikki: I would have.
Nikki says in a voice that's almost a whisper and she turns her
head as she fights back the tears that are threatening to spill
down her cheeks at the thought of Methos going through so much
pain alone.
Methos: I know, only I still didn't have the pleasure of meeting
you, Miss Flynn.
Methos teases smiling at Nikki.
Nikki wins her battle over her emotions and turns her head back
so she can look at Methos and she smiles.
Nikki: At least now you think meeting me was a pleasure.
Nikki says...half, teasingly and half, seriously.
[CENTER]***Flashback***[/CENTER]
Summer 2000: Seacouver, WA
Joe: I'll see your five and raise you five more.
Joe said and tossed a $5 bill into the pile in the center of the
table. Mike shook his head and laid his
cards face down on the table. "I'll fold," Mike said and sat
back in his chair.
Methos studied Joe for a while, thinking if he should raise the
bet or not. Then shrugged and threw a
$5 bill into the pile. "Call."
Joe laid his cards on the table, face up showing a pair of aces.
"Oh a pair of aces that's good, Joe." Methos nodded approvingly.
"Unfortunately." He added as he put
his game on the table, three kings and two jacks. "I think I won
this one." He said as he pulled the pile
of money.
Peggy Oaks parked her old beat up jalopy next to her Uncle
Joe's. She noticed that Adam Pierson's car
was in the parking lot and she smiled as she quickly checked her
appearance in her rear view mirror. Then she got out and headed
for the door to her uncle's bar. She opened the door and walked
in to find
the guys in the middle of a poker game.
Joe looked up when the door of the bar opened...ready to tell
whoever it was that they were closed but
he saw that it was his Goddaughter, Peggy, and he waved her
over. waved
Joe: There's my good luck charm. Look out now boys. My luck's
about to change.
Joe boasted as he gathered up the cards and began to shuffle
them.
Methos: You certainly need some.
Methos chuckled before he took a sip of beer.
Methos: Not that I'm complaining.
Peggy Oaks walked over to the table, leaned down and gave her
Godfather a kiss on his cheek
Peggy Oaks: You losing again, Uncle Joe?
Peggy Oaks teased.
Joe: Not now that you're here.
Joe said and kissed Peggy's cheek before she straightened up.
Joe: Help yourself to whatever you're thirsty for and pull up a
chair.
Joe said as he set the deck in front of Mike and Mike cut the
cards. Joe picked the deck back up and
started dealing them.
Methos: Maybe you could get me a beer, Peggy? Since you're
standing and all?
Methos asked nicely, indicating his half empty beer glass.
Peggy Oaks: You got it, Adam. Anything for you Uncle Joe? Mike?
Joe shook his head and Mike said, "I'm good," as he picked up
his cards and arranged them in his
hand. Joe did the same and looked at his hand thoughtfully.
Peggy Oaks went behind the bar and helped herself to a coke and
got a bottle of beer out of the fridge
and opened it.
Joe: So what brings you out on a school night, young lady?
Joe said teasingly as he arranged his cards in his hand.
Methos picked up his cards and took a look at them, so far so
good. It looked like his luck was holding
up.
Peggy Oaks: Thanks for the compliment, Uncle Joe. Since I
haven't had a school night in forever.
Peggy Oaks giggled as she carried her drink and Adam's beer back
to the table. She turned one of the
chairs from one of the other table around to face the poker game
and took a seat.
Joe: Don't you want to join us?
Joe asked as he set his hand down and picked up the deck.
Peggy Oaks: I'm broke.
Peggy Oaks said, shaking her head.
Peggy Oaks: You know payday isn't for a week.
Methos thanked Peggy while he arranged the cards on his hand, he
chuckled softly at Peggy's answer.
Methos: So am I, or was.
Peggy Oaks said and wrinkled up her nose.
Joe asked Mike if he wanted any cards and Mike took two out of
his hand and slid them, face down, over to Joe. Joe dealt him
two more cards then turned and looked at Methos, questioningly.
Peggy Oaks: No....I came down here because I have a friend
coming into town....moving here,
actually....and I told her to meet me here.
Methos nodded looking at Joe, as he put two cards on the table,
face down and pushed them to Joe. "I'll take two."
Peggy Oaks said and looked at her watch.
Peggy Oaks: She should be here anytime.
Peggy Oaks added and took a sip of her drink.
Joe dealt Methos two cards, gathered his discards and picked up
his hand. He removed one card and added it to the discard pile
and dealt himself one card then sat back and looked at his hand.
Joe: Bets to you, Mike.
Joe said as he arranged and rearranged the cards in his hand.
Joe: Is this friend anyone I know?
Joe asked Peggy without looking up from his hand.
Peggy Oaks: Well.....sort of.
Peggy Oaks said being evasive.
Mike threw $2 bills into the pot and took a sip of his beer as
he looked at Methos to see what he was going to do.
Joe: Sort of?
Methos threw $2 bills into the pot, then he picked up his glass
to take a sip.
Joe questioned his Goddaughter. Mike chuckled and said, "at
least she said it was a female friend....not a guy you "sort of
" know," and he made quotation marks in the air.
Joe: You've got a point, Mike.
Joe said as he took two $1 bills off of his stack of money and
tossed them onto the pot. Then he picked up another $3 and
tossed it into the pot.
Joe: See you two bucks and raise you 3 more.
Joe announced confidently. He sat back in his chair and took a
sip of his drink.
Joe: Five to you Mike. Whatcha gonna do?
Joe taunted Mike who studied his cards for several seconds the
reluctantly tossed $5 into the pot and looked over at Methos.
Methos looked at his cards for a moment, pretending to hesitate
for the sake of them, then he threw $5 into the pile and threw
another $5 to raise the bet.
Nikki pulled into the parking lot of Peggy's uncle's bar and
parked next Peggy's old beat up van. She got out of her truck
and stretched...her muscles stiff after her long drive from
Arizona. She locked her truck and set the alarm and headed for
the front of the building. As she approached the door of the bar
she felt the unmistakable buzz of another Immortal....a feeling
she hadn't experienced in a few years.
Joe was a little surprised when the bet was raised and he
studied his cards carefully as he decided what to
do....unconsciously making a face like he had just eaten
something sour as he thought.
Methos: I hope that's not an inconvenience to you, you can
always borrow from the bar.
Methos teased, then he felt an Immortal buzz and side glanced at
the door, trying not to be too obvious.
Joe saw the way Methos glanced at the door and recognized the
look on the Immortal's face. It was the look they all got when
they sensed another Immortal was near. He glanced at the door
himself without really looking up from his hand....expecting
that it was probably MacLeod
Nikki hesitated with her hand on the handle of the door. If she
were not meeting anyone in particular or meeting someone she
didn't completely trust she would have simply turned and walked
away. But she had known Peggy for 34 years and been close
friends through most of them and she trusted her Watcher with
her life so she knew that Peggy wouldn't be setting her up and
if there was an Immortal inside head hunting....Peggy would have
called her on her mobile phone and told her not to come. So she
pulled on the handle of the door, opened it and stepped inside.
Peggy Oaks: NIKKI!!!
Peggy Oaks squealed and jumped to her feet. She ran across the
room and gave Nikki a big bear hug.....almost knocking her off
her feet in the process.
Methos kept looking at the door while the two women hugged,
apparently Peggy forgot to mention she was expecting an
Immortal, unless she didn't know that yet. He only hoped the new
Immortal wouldn't give his game away with the Watchers.
Nikki hugged Peggy back as she looked over Peggy's shoulder at
the three men sitting at the table playing cards...wondering
which one was responsible for the buzz.
Joe, seeing that the person entering his bar was obviously who
Peggy was waiting for....and hearing the name Peggy had called
out, he realized that the friend his Goddaughter was meeting was
her assignment. So he returned his attention back to the cards
in his hand....his face slightly contorting with that "just ate
a lemon" look.
Methos returned his attention to the game, just in time to see
Joe make that face when he was trying to bluff. Apparently the
man didn't realize he did that all the time, the only thing that
surprised him was that Mike didn't figure out that already but
apparently he hadn't.
Peggy Oaks let go of Nikki, grabbed her hand and practically
drug her across the room to the men sitting at the table.
Peggy Oaks: Uncle Joe? I want you to meet the coolest friend
I've ever had....Nikki Flynn. Nikki this is my Uncle Joe.
Peggy Oaks said proudly.
Joe looked at Methos for a few seconds....then tossed $10 on the
pot and then counted what he had left in front of him. He
reached into his back pocket and took out his wallet...opening
it and removing the bills he had in it. He put his wallet back
in his pocket and took a $10 bill out of the cash he had gotten
out of his wallet. He tossed the $10 onto the pot and laid the
rest ion the table in front of him.
Joe: I see you ten and raise you another ten. That's twenty to
you Mike.
Joe announced confidently. Mike tossed his cards face down on
the table with a whistle. "Too rich for my blood," Mike said and
folded his arms across his chest.
Joe: Welcome to Seacouver, Nikki.
Joe finally said, acknowledging Peggy's friend. He held out his
hand behind Mike's back in greeting.
Nikki took Peggy's uncle's hand and shook it.
Nikki: Thank you. I feel as though I already know you. Peggy
talks about you all of the time.
Nikki said with a warm smile.
Joe: Yeah?
Joe said and glanced at his Goddaughter, quirking an eyebrow.
Methos: Oh now this is getting interesting, isn't it?
Nikki: Yeah. Uncle Joe this...Uncle Joe that. Although I did
expect you to have a glowing halo around your head and walking
on water.
Nikki said only partly teasing.
Methos teased with a smirk, as he threw another $10 into the
pile. Then he took a $20 bill to raise the bet wondering what
Joe was going to do.
Methos: Maybe too much for you?
Peggy Oaks: Oh....don't feed his ego, Nikki. He's got a big
enough head as it is.
Peggy Oaks teased.
Methos asked Joe with a smile on his lips.
Joe watched Methos raise the bet another $20 and looked at his
cards. He looked at Methos and studied his face for several long
minutes....trying to determine what he could possibly have...if
anything....that would make him raise the bet so high.
Joe: So Peggy says you're moving to Seacouver?
Joe asked Nikki without looking away from his cards and Methos'
face.
Nikki: Yeah. I was getting bored doing what I was doing and
seeing nothing but desert everywhere I looked so Peggy talked me
into moving up here.
Nikki explained. She shrugged and added, "so here I am."
Methos sighed as he looked down at his cards, while he thought,
"Lucky me."
Joe decided he couldn't read Methos' expression and he wasn't
confident enough that Methos was bluffing so he chose to play it
safe and called the bet by matching Methos' bet but not raising.
Joe: Call.
Joe said simply.
Methos: What's the matter, don't you have some faith?
Methos chuckled softly as he put his cards on the table face up
so Joe could see them, three aces.
Joe shook his head as he laid his cards on the table face up
showing absolutely nothing. Mike chuckled and said, "Ahhh...a
deuce high nothing. Excellent hand, boss."
Joe: Shut up.
Joe grumbled and shoved the cards over to Mike as it was his
turn to deal.
Methos shook his head, he expected him to have something at
least, even though he was sure Joe was bluffing.
Peggy Oaks: Nikki? You want anything to drink?
Peggy Oaks offered after finishing her coke.
Nikki: Sure. Beer's fine.
Nikki said, still standing behind Mike.
Joe: Care to join us, Nikki?
Joe asked as he picked up the cigar he had been smoking and that
was now out. He proceeded to light
it and blow a smoke ring towards the ceiling.
Nikki hesitated, unsure just how to answer.
Peggy Oaks: Ahhhh go ahead, Nik.
Peggy Oaks urged as she brought hers and Nikki's drinks back
from the bar.
Methos: Yeah, have a seat, Nicole. I'm Adam, Adam Pierson.
"Yeah. It'll even things out," Mike chimed in. He thought to
himself, "she looks like she might be an
easy mark....all sweet and innocent."
Methos nodded to an empty chair, he was hoping he could get her
to talk so he could find out if he
needed to worry about his head around her or not.
Peggy Oaks: Oh I'm sorry. I didn't introduce you to everyone.
Peggy Oaks apologized.
Peggy Oaks: This is Mike Barrett, Uncle Joe's bartender slash
manager.
Peggy Oaks said.
Nikki: Hi.
Nikki nodded to Mike as she pulled out the empty chair and took
a seat.
Nikki: And Nikki is short for Nicayla....not Nicole.
Nikki said to Adam, who she now knew was the source of the buzz
she had felt when she first arrived.
Methos: Well, I wouldn't have guessed that in a thousand years.
Methos smiled as he picked his beer glass to drink a little.
Nikki shrugged as she removed her jacket and hung it on the back
of her chair and removed her wallet
from the jacket's inside pocket.
Nikki: Most people don't.
Nikki looked around at everyone and asked, "what are the
limits?"
Joe: Small stakes. A buck to anti. No top limit.
Joe answered and puffed on his cigar as Mike shuffled the cards.
Nikki took out some bills from her wallet and placed a $1 bill
in the center of the table as the ante.
Mike set the shuffled deck in front of Nikki and waited for her
to cut the cards.
Nikki cut the cards and sat back, taking a sip of her beer. She
glanced over at Adam then at Peggy's
uncle....wondering if any of them knew that Adam was an
Immortal.
Mike picked up the deck of cut cards and began to deal them out.
Joe: So have you found a place to move into?
Joe asked Nikki as he picked up his cards and arranged them in
his hand.
Peggy Oaks: Nikki's gonna stay with me until she finds a place.
Methos reached for his cards with his left hand, since he was
still holding the glass with his right hand,
letting his sleeve slide up to reveal his tattoo. First thing he
wanted to know was if this Immortal knew
about the Watchers.
Peggy Oaks answered for Nikki so she could concentrate on the
game....even though Peggy had seen
her and Amanda play and knew that she knew what she was doing
and the guys were in store for a
surprise.
Nikki was about to add to Peggy's answer when, out of the corner
of her eye, something on the inside
of the other Immortal's wrist caught her attention. When the
last of her five cards were dealt she picked
them up and, as she arranged them in her hand, she held her hand
so that she could, inconspicuously,
look over the top of her cards at Adam's wrist. When she did she
was a bit taken aback to see that he
was sporting a Watcher tattoo. It was all she could do to keep
her face expressionless as her mind
reeled with possible explanations....and possibilities.
Methos smirked when while arranging the cards on his hand, he
caught her looking at his wrist again.
Yes, that woman knew alright what that tattoo meant. He frowned
a little while he wondered how she
could have found out.
Joe wondered, as he surveyed his cards, if his Goddaughter was
taking too big of a risk by letting her
assignment stay with her. The Watchers had come a long way since
he had first met MacLeod and
became his friend. A lot of changes had gone on in the
organization. But there were still those who
believed in the old ways...that Watchers and Immortals should
never fraternize. But he really couldn't
do much to deter her since the friendship hadn't started with
her but with her dad who was Nikki's
previous Watcher and who had discovered him...eventually
becoming friends. He had even introduced
her to his family...and that was when Peggy was only six years
old. She had followed in her dad's and
Godfather's footsteps...going to the Academy and becoming a
field agent and when her dad died she
stepped in as Nikki's Watcher. Since then she had broken more
rules and crossed more lines than Joe
cared to count.
Joe: You open, Nikki.
Joe said and puffed on his cigar.
Nikki: Check.
Nikki said and tapped the table.
Methos looked around at the other players for a moment, then he
said, "Check."
Joe followed suit. Mike turned to Nikki to see if she wanted any
cards.
Nikki looked at her cards and chose two from her hand and laid
them on the table, face down.
Nikki: I'll take two please.
Nikki said politely.
Mike dealt her two cards and slid her discarded ones off to the
side then turned to Adam and quirked
an eyebrow, questioningly.
Nikki looked over at Peggy and thought that she couldn't wait to
get to Peggy's place later on so they
could talk.....and maybe she might even get a peak at the
Watcher Database on Peggy's laptop.
Methos: I'll have two, Mike.
Methos said giving him two cards face down.
Mike dealt Adam two cards and slid his discards over with
Nikki's. Then he turned to Joe who lay one
card on the table face down. Mike gave him one card then said,
"dealer takes three," and dealt himself
three cards.
Nikki looked at her cards...her face completely void of
expression. She picked up a $5 bill and laid it
gently into the center of the table.
Nikki: I'll open with five.
Nikki said and then sat back in her seat and waited.
Methos managed to keep his expression as before when he looked
at his cards even though he got
exactly what he was expecting, a king and a nine.
Methos: I'll call and I'll raise five.
Methos said while he threw the money on the pile.
Joe studied his cards then laid a $10 bill on the pot and added
$3 more.
Joe: See you and raise you $3.
Joe announced.
Mike rearranged the cards in his hand and then put the required
amount of money in the pot and added
$2 more.
Nikki flicked the corner of one of the bills on the top of her
stack of money as she looked at her cards,
thoughtfully.
Nikki: Damn!
Nikki muttered under her breath and motioned to Peggy to come
over.
Peggy Oaks got out of her seat and went over to Nikki and
squatted down next to her.
Mike couldn't hear all of what was being said but what he did
hear, even though the girls were
whispering, was Nikki asking Peggy the hand ranking order and
Peggy going over it with her.
Nikki placed the required amount on the pot and added $5 to the
pot.
Nikki: $5 to you Mr. Pierson.
Nikki said smiling sweetly at the Immortal Watcher. Or was he a
Watcher slash Immortal?
Methos: See and raise $5.
Methos said as he threw the bills on the pot.
Joe looked at his cards then at the faces of the other
players....trying to get a read on them. He was
pretty sure that Mike didn't have a strong hand....and even if
he did....Mike had a reputation for playing
too cautiously...folding when he could have held out for more.
No guts. Methos played what he
had....so if he was raising he had a strong hand but how strong?
He looked at his five non-sequential
clubs.
Joe: Well.....I'm curious.
Joe said and laid the required amount on the pot.
Joe: So I'll see you and raise you $10.
Joe said confidently as he tossed $10 more on the pot.
Nikki nodded approvingly but her face was still void of
expression.
Peggy Oaks went back to her seat after refreshing Nikki's brain
on the order of winning poker hands.
She took a sip of her soda and leaned forward so she could see
better. The game was definitely getting
interesting.
Mike stared at the cards in his hand and chewed on the inside of
his cheek, thoughtfully. Finally he
said, "Ok. I'm in. I'll see the 35 and raise.....three." And he
threw $3 more into the pot.
Methos: You're playing? I'm shocked.
Methos shook his head amused, usually Mike would fold at this
time.
Joe: Yeah. Some body sneak up and finally give you some nads
there Mike?
Joe teased.
Nikki ignored the guys' banter and concentrated on the cards in
her hand. She looked into the eyes of
each player....her face still void of expression then she neatly
placed her cards face down on the table
in front of her....keeping one hand on them so everyone knew
they were still in play and she flipped the
corners of the bills in front of her to count them.
Then....without any expression at all....she pushed the
entire stack into the center of the table.
Nikki: I'm all in.
Nikki said, matter of factually
Since Mike was the dealer of that hand...he reached out and made
a quick count of the stack Nikki had
just placed into the pot and announced, "$107."
Peggy Oaks whistled and sat back in her chair...folding her arms
across her chest and trying not to
look smug.
Joe looked at Methos....wondering what he was going to do.
Nikki finished her beer and set the empty bottle on the table
behind them. Then she sat back in her
chair and waited patiently.
Methos looked at the money he had left on the table, ironically
it was the money he had started with.
He chuckled softly as he threw his cards on the table.
Methos: I guess I'm broke again.
Joe: Again?
Joe asked with a smirk.
Joe: Or still.
Joe teased
Methos: I wasn't for about half hour.
Joe: Too rich for my pocketbook.
Methos chuckled amused.
Joe said and tossed his cards face down onto the pot.
Nikki looked over at Mike, questioningly.
Mike simply shook his head and laid his cards down. "I'm out,
too," he said.
Nikki reached out and, for the first time since she joined the
game, smiled as she raked in her
winnings.
[CENTER]***Present Day***[/CENTER]
Methos: Well, trust me, taking all your money is not a great way
to cause a good impression to
someone you just met.
Methos chuckles amused as he remembers the day Nikki managed to
clean everybody with a bluff.
Methos: If I only knew you were Amanda's student...
Methos shakes his head amused.
Nikki chuckles
Nikki: If I only knew you were the oldest living Immortal.
Nikki says tauntingly.
Methos: That's why I try to stay informed on things, knowledge
is power. I can't believe I missed that
one.
Methos shakes his head disbelievingly.
Methos: Besides what would you have done if you knew?
Methos asks curiously with a slight frown.
Nikki: Taken you for more than I did.
Nikki says confidently and a smug grin appears on her face.
Methos: You couldn't have, unless you turned it to strip poker.
Methos chuckles amused at her answer.
Nikki: Ok. I'll Stop at a grocery store, drop everything off at
Joe's and meet you back at your place?
Nikki asks in an attempt of confirming the plan.
Methos: You know Adam Pierson doesn't carry much cash around.
Methos shrugs as he stops at Joe's parking lot.
Methos: You can't take what it's not there.
Nikki: Let's see.....what were you driving back then?
Nikki says teasingly.
Nikki: So who's driving Joe's car?
Nikki asks...changing the subject as Methos brings his SUV to a
stop behind Joe's.
Methos: You are, since you offered to take his car?
Methos suggests while he thinks there's no way she would make
him bet his car on a poker game.
Nikki: Ok. I'll Stop at a grocery store, drop everything off at
Joe's and meet you at Joe's?
Nikki asks in an attempt of confirming the plan.
Methos: Alright, time for a beer I think.
Methos nods as he moves his car to get it better parked in the
parking lot before he exits to go inside.
Nikki leans across the seats and gives Methos a loving kiss then
gets out of his SUV, gets into Joe's and
pulls out of the parking lot...heading for a grocery store.
Methos watches Nikki drive away then gets out of his car and
goes inside the bar. He takes a seat on
the first empty stool and orders a beer. He sips on his beer as
he lets his mind wander back to that
summer in 2000 and he unconsciously smiles as he realizes how
much both he and Nikki had grown
since that first encounter.
[CENTER]To be continued.[/CENTER]
#Post#: 288--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 25
By: Cyberfox277 Date: February 5, 2012, 12:10 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Methos parks his SUV in front of Joe's bar, exits and locks his
car. Then slowly walks to the door, he's pleased when he doesn't
feel an Immortal buzz as he opens the door. "Must be a slow
afternoon." He murmurs to himself as he blinks do adjust his
eyes to the darker interior. He sees Zoe as he walks to the bar
but no sign of Joe, so he turns his head to look around
wondering where he might be.
Methos asks Mike where is Joe and he nods towards the office
door with his head as he gets him a beer. Methos sits on a bar
stool for a moment, but then as a second thought, decides to go
to Zoe table. He wouldn't want her to think he's avoiding her or
something.
Zoe: Hello, Adam. Pull up a chair.
Zoe says with a smile as the man approached her table.
Methos: Hello, Zoe. How are you?
Methos asks as he does what she had suggested.
Zoe: I'm doing pretty good.
Zoe replies with a smile.
Zoe: How about you?
Methos: I'm fine, thank you.
Methos answers with a smirk, amused as always when someone asks
him about his health.
Methos: I hear Joe is in the office?
Zoe: Yeah. He's working his books... or something.
Zoe says with an indifferent shrug.
Zoe: Where's Nikki?
Zoe adds after a moment of thought.
Methos checks his watch, by the time he guesses Nikki is still
back at her place.
Methos: Probably working at the ranch.
Zoe: And you didn't go with? Lately you two have been attached
at the hip!
Zoe teases.
Methos shrugs as he picks his glass to take a sip of beer.
Methos: I've got my own work to think about, as unbelievable as
it may sound.
Methos smirks before he drinks some beer.
Zoe: And what is it, exactly that you do?
Zoe asks curious, having not seen him actually "work" at
anything.
Methos: I'm a... History researcher.
Methos answers with a smile while he thinks that ironically he's
telling the truth.
Methos: I work for a private Institute.
Zoe: Aah... I take it, this doesn't include any form of regular
working hours?
Zoe asks, figuring that'd be about the only way he could spend
the time he does in the bar.
Methos: No, and it's just the way I like it, I've never been a 9
to 5 guy anyway.
Methos makes a face at that, as he puts the glass back on the
table.
Methos: As long as you get the work done, you can work at
whatever hour you choose.
Zoe: And nothing wrong with that.
Zoe says with a smile.
Methos: No, besides you get more productive when you don't have
anyone there to distract you.
Methos points out, like he'd have to go anywhere and didn't work
mostly at home.
Zoe: True.
Zoe agrees and takes a swallow of her tea.
Methos hesitates for a while, on whether he should tell her or
not, but he decides he doesn't have anything to lose. They
aren't particularly close anyway, in case she gets angry with
him. So he looks inside his pockets to see if he still has that
printer article he got on the internet.
Methos: Speaking of research, I wonder if you're ever going to
tell Joe about this.
Methos asks as he unfolds the paper and puts it in front of her.
Zoe glances at the piece of paper and knows instantly what it
was from. It was of her and Athinai leaving a club, after
Athinai's birthday party two years ago. The caption, clearly
read "Athinai Weston, hotel heiress and her friend, Zoe Kellogg,
heiress of Kellogg's cereal company." Zoe looks up to Adam, and
feels her face pale.
Zoe: Does Joe know?
Zoe asks.
Methos: No, I didn't tell him anything.
Methos shakes in head as he says no.
Methos: I was expecting you'd tell him after marriage though.
Zoe sighs relieved.
Zoe: I had planned on it, but...
Zoe pauses, not quite sure how to explain.
Methos: You don't know how to tell him that now?
Methos tries to guess.
Zoe: I'm not sure I want to... at least... not while... not
while I'm.. still alive.
Zoe says, her voice getting softer with each word, until the
last two words were barely audible.
Methos: Don't you think he'll be hurt if he finds out after?
Methos asks, knowing Joe, he thinks Joe will be pretty hurt she
didn't trust him enough to tell him that while she was alive.
Zoe: I don't... I don't know. Maybe. It's not that I don't trust
him, 'cause I do. Explicitly, and I haven't lied to him either.
It's just... I.. I've had bad experiences when people found out,
about the money. I don't think Joe is the type to change because
of the money either but... I love the way things are between us
now. I don't want it to change. Can.. Can you understand that?
Zoe asks.
Methos: Yes, I understand. And no, Joe doesn't care about the
money or he would have made me pay my tab at the bar long ago.
Methos confesses with a soft chuckle.
Zoe: I plan on telling Joe.. well, I plan on leaving him a
letter with my Final Will and Testament. Then, he'll also
inherit most of my material wealth.
Zoe says softly, hoping that Adam would think this would be
enough.
Methos: Maybe if you explain why you didn't tell him he'll take
it better.
Methos nods in agreement, somehow he doubts it's going to make
that big a difference, he's expecting Joe to take Zoe's death
pretty bad.
Zoe: That I intend to.
Zoe nods.
Methos: I'm glad you're not mad at me for doing a research on
you, but you sounded too good to be true. Joe is not a
millionaire but some people just take want they can get.
Obviously not your case so I decided to not say anything.
Methos explains, ending it with a shrug as he gets his beer
glass again.
Zoe: No, not at all. Luckily for me, money has never been an
issue.
Zoe replies, managing a smile.
Methos: Money is so overrated.
Methos shakes his head with a sigh.
Methos: No one stops to think why so many rich people are
unhappy.
Zoe: I, at least, am happy now.
Zoe says with a bigger smile.
Methos: Good. I'm glad. So is he.
Methos nods in the direction of Joe's office.
Zoe: Hmm... speaking of... could I by chance ask a favor of you?
Zoe asks cautiously.
Methos: Yeah I know, don't tell him anything. Don't worry, your
secret is safe with me. I didn't even tell Nikki.
Methos says looking down at his almost empty glass, and thinking
he should get another one.
Zoe: Oh, Nikki knows. I told her before the wedding. That wasn't
the favor, though you not telling him would be greatly
appreciated.
Zoe says.
Methos: She does? She didn't tell me anything either.
Methos raises an eyebrow smiling amused.
Methos: So what is it?
Zoe: I asked Nikki to keep it a secret, specifically from anyone
in whom might bring it up to Joe. And the favor, is my attorney
is arriving in Seacouver tomorrow and would like to meet with
me, within the next few days to finalize my Will. But,
obviously, I don't want Joe to know. I need help, getting away
from Joe, for just a few hours. I can't use a doctor appointment
as an excuse, as he knows when they are, and he comes with me
too them.
Zoe explains.
Methos: So what do you want me to do?
Methos asks with a puzzled frown, he still didn't understand
what was the favor she was trying to ask.
Zoe: That's just it... I don't know. I was kind of hoping you
might have an idea, on how I could get away from Joe, or how he
could be distracted.
Zoe says with a shrug.
Methos looks down trying to think of something, then he smirks
when he sees his Watcher tattoo, that would be the perfect thing
to do.
Methos: Just call me when you want to meet your attorney and
I'll get Joe away for a couple of hours, no problem. Better call
me a few hours before since I'll have to do a few calls.
Zoe: I can probably give a good day notice. Once my attorney
gets in, we'll finalize the day. As soon as I know, I'll call.
Zoe says with a very relieved smile.
Methos looks inside his pockets for a pen, luckily he's carrying
one today, he quickly grabs a paper napkin and writes it down,
he's sure she doesn't have it yet.
Methos: Call me at this number, I'm always available here.
Zoe takes the napkin and looks it over.
Zoe: Thanks, I'll get it programed into my phone right away.
Methos: Alright.
Methos nods, then he asks with a smile.
Methos: So want a refill?
Zoe: That'd be lovely, thanks.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 295--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 26
By: 22639 Date: February 8, 2012, 10:12 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Joe is in his office trying to get some orders straightened out
with a supplier so he can get home to Zoe. He hates having to
leave her alone but the situation with the supplier isn't
something that Mike can take care of.
Methos parks his SUV in Joe's parking lot, checking his watch as
he exits the vehicle. He's on a time schedule here and can't
afford to miss Joe. He locks his car and quickly goes inside
the bar. He greets Mike, who indicates Joe's office when he asks
about him, so he moves there right away.
Joe: Ok. That'll be fine. Thank you.
Joe says into the phone then hangs the receiver up.
Joe: Ok. That's done.
Joe says as he starts putting papers into a file folder and
sticks the folder in his desk drawer. He gets up and starts
gathering up some stuff that he puts into his brief case and
gets ready to leave.
Methos: Joe, I'm glad I catch you here.
Methos says as he enters the office door and stops in front of
Joe.
Joe looks up at hearing a familiar voice.
Joe: You almost didn't.
Joe says with a chuckle.
Joe: I was just on my way out.
Methos: Then I'd have to go looking for you.
Methos points out, checking his watch again. Zoe should be
leaving by now if everything was on schedule.
Joe looks at Methos and quirks an eyebrow questioningly.
Joe: Why? What's up?
Methos: Yeah, I figured you didn't know about it. You and
Internet aren't exactly on friendly terms and all.
Methos says, smiling amused, remembering how Joe was with
computers.
Joe: Know about what?
Joe asks...his curiosity rising.
Methos: We have a special meeting in a while.
Methos shrugs nonchalantly, like he didn't have anything to do
with it.
Joe: No one said anything to me about a meeting. Who called it?
Joe says frowning. As the head of the West Coast Division of the
Watchers one would think he would be the first to know about any
meeting called.
Methos: Jason Thompson. through email, that's why I rushed in
here.
Methos shakes his head amused.
Methos: You never check that, do you?
Joe: Thompson. Why is Thompson calling a meeting?
Joe asks and looks at his watch.
Methos bites his lips to avoid a smile, he can't exactly answer
"Because I asked him to as a favor." now can he?
Methos: I think it has something to do with security.
Joe: Oh brother.
Joe grumbles.
Joe: When is it? And where?
Methos: Actually we should be leaving or we'll be late.
Methos says gesturing towards the door.
Joe: Hang on.
Joe says grabbing his coat and brief case.
Joe: I need to call Zoe and tell her I'll be later than I
thought.
Joe says as he walks around his desk. He takes out his cell
phone and flips it open.
Methos: And it's at headquarters of course.
Methos adds as Joe dials Zoe's number.
Joe waits as the phone at his house rings and rings and finally
is picked up by the answering machine.
Joe: Zoe? Are you there? Pick up, sweetheart
Joe says into the phone as he follows Methos out of the office
and through the bar.
Zoe: Hey, Joe.
Zoe says picking up the phone.
Joe: Hi, baby. How are you doing?
Joe asks when Zoe finally answers the phone.
Zoe: I'm doing great. Sorry I didn't answer right away. I was in
the bathroom.
Zoe says honestly.
Joe: That's alright. The reason I'm calling is to let you know
that I'm going to be a bit later than I thought.
Joe says as he follows Methos out of the bar and to the parking
lot.
Zoe: Any idea how much later? Just so I know when to push dinner
back too?
Zoe asks.
Methos smirks as he listens to Joe's part of the conversation,
that way Zoe will know everything is going according to plan.
Joe: I told you earlier not to worry about dinner. I'd take care
of it when I got home. You're supposed to be resting.
Joe scolds Zoe.
Zoe: Schwan's came today. I got a chicken casserole from them.
All I want to know is when to put it in the oven.
Zoe protests, laughing just a little at Joe's scolding.
Joe: Has anyone ever told you that you are one stubborn woman?
Joe says partly teasing.
Zoe: Yes. You did the other day.
Zoe laughs.
Joe: What am I going to do with you, Zoe Anya Dawson?
Joe says with a chuckle and shakes his head. He climbs into the
passenger seat of Methos' SUV and closes the door.
Methos starts the car and drives out of the parking lot on the
way to their meeting.
Zoe: Umm... whatever you want? Up to and including passionate
love? Once you get home, of course.
Zoe says, the smile clear in her voice.
Joe: You also have a one track mind, young lady. We WILL discuss
this at length when I get home.
Joe says with another chuckle.
Joe: I shouldn't be too much longer. Maybe an hour...hour and a
half at the most.
Methos smirks looking at the road while he drives, he thinks Joe
is being a little optimistic here, he can't imagine anything
that will take less than 2 hours.
Zoe: Alright. Miss you already.
Zoe says.
Joe: I love you.
Joe says and makes a kissing sound into the phone.
Zoe: Love you too. Call me, when you're on your way, and I'll
put dinner in the oven.
Joe: Ok.
Joe hangs up and shoves his phone into his pants pocket.
Joe: I swear.....the doctor tells her she is suppose to rest and
it goes in one ear and right out the other.
Joe says to Methos....shaking his head.
Methos: Let her move around while she can.
Methos shrugs while he thinks she won't be able to get out of
bed soon enough.
Joe doesn't say anything in response. He simply looks out the
passenger window at the buildings they're passing by and drops
into deep thought.
[CENTER]
[/CENTER]
[CENTER]To be continued[/CENTER]
#Post#: 308--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 27
By: Cyberfox277 Date: February 15, 2012, 10:59 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Zoe: Thanks.
Zoe says with a smile, as she pays the taxi driver and gets out,
at the down town Weston Hotel. Entering the hotel, she heads
straight for the restaurant, where she was going to meet her
Lawyer, an old boyfriend, Jonathon Hayes.
Jonathon sees Zoe enter the restaurant and waves to her, hoping
to catch her attention.
Zoe sees Jonathon waving, and smiles, returning the wave and
heads towards the table.
Jonathon stands up to greet his old friend and help her sit
down.
Jonathon: Zoe, it's been a while.
Jonathon says when she gets near their table.
Zoe: Good to see you, Jonathon.
Zoe says with a smile.
Jonathon: Same here. You remember Jared, don't you?
Jonathon asks pointing at his assistant.
Zoe: Of course.
Zoe says turning to the other man.
Zoe: It's good to see you, Jared.
Jared: It's good to see you too, Zoe.
Jared replies, performing a courtly bow over her hand.
Zoe: Jared.
Zoe protests with a laugh, pulling her hand from his and sits
down at the chair Jonathon held for her.
Jared just smiles, and resumes his seat.
Jonathon helps Zoe to sit down and then goes back to his chair.
Jonathon: Figured he could be the second witness, since you want
to keep this quiet for now.
Jonathon explains still puzzled about her reasoning.
Zoe: Thanks.
Zoe says with a small smile.
Zoe: Though, I suppose you're curious about that.
Jonathon: Hmm, yes, I am, as a matter of fact.
Jonathon nods chuckling softly.
Jonathon: But you're the client so...
Zoe: Well... Joe, my husband, doesn't know about my wealth. He
doesn't KNOW, that I'm an heiress.
Zoe explains.
Zoe: He's also the only other man I know, besides you, that
wouldn't care about my wealth... if he knew.
Zoe adds with a smile at Jonathon.
Jonathon: Wow, I hope the man is not a cardiac, I don't want to
give him a heart attack when I tell him about the will.
Jonathon jokes, trying to ignore the fact that he would have
lost a very dear friend when that part comes.
Jonathon: Should I have some paramedics ready just in case?
Zoe: Well... maybe on speed dial, just in case.
Zoe chuckles.
Jonathon: Consider it done.
Jonathon nods vehemently, the last thing he wants is to end up
with a dead body on his hands.
Zoe: Oh, I also have this. I'd like you to give it to him,
before you tell him the results of the will. It... it explains
everything.
Zoe says, taking an envelope out of her purse. Across the
envelope she'd simply written "Joe", and slid it across the
table to Jonathon.
Jonathon gets the envelope and puts it near the other documents
he had on Zoe.
Jonathon: Alright, now the will, I've made the changes you
wanted, and I think I've covered it all, take a look.
Jonathon explains as he moves the papers across the table.
Zoe takes the papers, and begins skimming them, to make sure
everything was in order, and had been changed the way she wanted
them changed.
Jonathon: You still don't want a traditional reading of the
will, right? Don't see much of a point if your husband is the
only beneficiary apart from charities anyway, but...
Jonathon asks just trying to be sure she still didn't change her
mind about that.
Zoe: Right. No traditional reading. Though, you're completely
right, there isn't any point.
Zoe says as she continues reading.
Jonathon nods as he writes in a piece of paper to go near Zoe's
will, "Get speed dial paramedics before telling husband."
Jared: That would be 911, love.
Jared murmurs to Jonathon, seeing the note.
Jonathon: Well, I know that... l just can't forget to be ready.
Jonathon chuckles, thinking taking a doctor might be the best
solution.
Zoe: Love?
Zoe says looking up sharply, looking between Jared and Jonathon.
Jonathon: And yeah, we... hmmm...
Jonathon hesitates a little, thinking about a way to explain his
dating his own assistant.
Jared: We started going out 9 months ago, and moved in together,
three months ago.
Jared says simply, seeing Jonathon hesitate.
Zoe: Really?
Zoe asks, her eyes widening.
Jonathon: Just realized my perfect assistant was more than just
that.
Jonathon says with a smile.
Zoe: That's wonderful!
Zoe beams.
Zoe: I'm so happy for the both of you!!
Zoe exclaims
Jonathon: That is Karma coming back at me, remember what I said
about Athinai just because she's blonde? Well I've changed my
mind.
Jonathon chuckles amused, remembering Zoe's dumb friend.
Zoe: I told you. I told you, being blonde had nothing to do with
Athinai's.... Athinai.
Zoe says for lack of a better way to describe her friend.
Jonathon: I hear she was at your wedding?
Jonathon asks amused, wondering how she'd behaved there.
Zoe: Yeah. She was maid-of-honor. She..... Oh, boy. One of Joe's
bestmen, got drunk, at the bachelor party, and slept with her.
She then hooked up with the DJ, another friend of Joe's, at the
reception... and I think she's still in town with him.
Zoe says, shaking her head, with a smile, still skimming the
will.
Jonathon: Oh really?
Jonathon exclaims, looking around uncomfortably.
Jonathon: Maybe coming to the Weston Hotel wasn't such a good
idea then.
Zoe: Oh, if you see her, it'll be in passing, and I doubt she'll
pay any attention. She'll have her attention fixed... elsewhere.
You're safe, Jonathon.
Zoe chuckles.
Jonathon: Besides she knows I'm gay.
Jonathon chuckles amused.
Jonathon: She'd know what that means, right?
Jared: Oh, you know, Johnny, nothing says we've got to leave our
room, until we leave for the airport tomorrow.
Jared adds, with a grin.
Jonathon: Good idea, love.
Jonathon smiles at his partner nodding approvingly.
Jonathon: We can always visit the city some other time.
Zoe: Well, I do think everything looks right. Where do I sign?
Zoe asks, looking from the will, back up to Jonathon.
Jonathon: There.
Jonathon points at the appropriate place moving his arm over the
table.
Zoe nods and signs quickly where Jonathon's points, then hands
it back to him, so he and Jared could sign.
Jonathon gets the will and signs, feeling safe about this, since
not him or any of his friends are getting a dime here. Jonathon
passes the will to his partner when he's done.
Jared takes the will, and quickly signs it himself.
Jonathon: Alright, I believe this is done.
Jonathon says as he gets the will to put it inside a big
envelope.
Zoe: Then, as much as I would like to stay and catch up, I
really should get going, in case Joe gets done earlier than I
expect.
Zoe says with a smile.
Jonathon: Oh, OK, call me if you need anything.
Jonathon offers as he gets on his feet to say goodbye.
Zoe: I will, I promise.
Zoe says getting to her feet as well.
Zoe: Jared, you take care of him for me.
Zoe says glancing at the blonde man.
Jared nods, standing as well.
Jared: I will, I promise.
Zoe: Goodbye.
Zoe says softly, leaning up on her tip toes, to give Jonathon a
brief kiss on the cheek.
Jonathon kisses her back, wondering if he's ever going to see
her alive again.
Jonathon: Goodbye, Zoe.
Zoe smiles and with a wave, she turns and walks out of the
restaurant to go hail a cab and go home.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 309--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 28
By: 22639 Date: February 16, 2012, 11:32 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Joe hears the phone ringing and fights the fog of
sleep...reaching for the phone before opening his eyes.
Joe: Hello?
Joe says quietly and looks over at his sleeping wife...not
wanting to wake her up.
Joe: Now?
Joe asks and scowls.
Joe: Isn't there somebody else who can deal with this?
Joe asks..closing his eyes and saying a silent prayer. He hates
having to leave Zoe for any reason...especially if he doesn't
HAVE to.
Joe: And it can't wait until later?
Joe asks...his eyes still closed. Then, after listening for a
few seconds he opens his eyes and shakes his head.
Joe: Fine. I'm on my way. But this better not become a habit. I
do have a life, you know.
Joe says then hangs up. He silently sits up in bed and proceeds
to get up. A few minutes later he scribbles a note to Zoe
telling her he had to take care of an emergency at the bar and
lays it on his pillow for her to find when she wakes up. He
gently kisses her forehead...being careful not to wake her and
leaves.
Nikki climbs the stairs to Methos' bedroom carrying a tray with
2 cups of coffee and a stack of buttered toast. She is wearing
only the shirt that Methos' had been wearing the night before.
She comes into the bedroom and sits down on the edge of Methos'
side of the bed...holding the tray in her lap.
Nikki: Hey handsome.
Nikki says...waving one of the cups of coffee under his nose so
that the aroma will wake him up.
Methos moans while he stretches on the bed, opening his eyes.
Methos: Breakfast in bed? You're spoiling me, you know?
Methos asks with a smile while he sits up to grab the coffee
cup.
Nikki: You were already spoiled. I can't claim that honor.
Nikki says with a snicker as she hands him his coffee and sets
the tray with the toast on his lap. Then she leans over and
gives him a quick kiss.
Methos kisses her back, then asks her with a slight frown.
Methos: Oh was I?
Nikki: You need to do some grocery shopping. This was all I
could find to make for breakfast.
Joe takes out his cell phone and calls the bar. When Mike
answers Joe tells him that if Zoe calls looking for him to tell
her he's in the bathroom and will call her back then call him on
his cell phone and explains why then hangs up and continues on
his way to the West Coast Watcher's Headquarters.
Nikki picks up a piece of toast and takes a bite then washes it
down with a sip of her coffee.
Methos: Yeah, I know. I think a trip to the supermarket is
appropriate.
Methos nods in agreement as he picks his toast with a sigh, not
his favorite thing to do.
[CENTER]**Two Hours Later**[/CENTER]
Zoe wakes up slowly, and comfortably, stretching. Opening her
eyes, Zoe blinks in surprise. It must still be the middle of the
night. Even though she has no further desire to sleep, Zoe
figures she can rest just fine. Rolling over, she reaches for
Joe, only to find the bed empty.
Zoe: Joe?
Zoe says softly surprised. Sitting up, Zoe calls louder.
Zoe: Joe!
Zoe frowns when once again she doesn’t get another answer.
Reaching over, Zoe feels for the lamp, and switches it on. The
lamp clicks and still produces no light. Concerned, Zoe starts
looking around. She realizes she doesn't see ANY light. Even in
the darkest of night, there was some light that would come in
the window, but now, Zoe saw nothing. Starting to panic, Zoe
reaches over and starts feeling around the bed, where Joe
sleeps. She fingers touch the edge of a piece of paper.
Reaching up, she grabs the the piece and holds in in front of
her.
Zoe: Well this doesn't do me any good.
Zoe whispers worriedly to herself. Edging off the bed, Zoe
reaches for her robe by feel, and pulls it on. Moving carefully,
and by touch, Zoe walks through the house, calling Joe's name,
becoming more panicked She slowly sinks down onto the couch,
after having been through the entire house and received no
answer.
Zoe: Where are you, Joe?
Zoe whispers. Shegets to her feet after a long moment,
trembling slightly. Refusing to give into tears, Zoe feels her
way back to the bedroom, and her side of the bed. Sitting on the
bed, she picks up her phone. Sliding it open, so she could use
the qwerty keyboard, which she could feel, rather than the touch
screen that she couldn't see, Zoe carefully felt for the number
two and pressed and held it, until the phone beeped indicating
it was ringing. Putting it to her ear, she waited listened.
Zoe: Pick up Joe. Please, pick up.
Zoe says urgently into the phone, when Joe's voice mail picks
up. Pressing the button to end the call, she then slides it open
and presses the number 3 button, until the phone beeps
indicating it was calling.
Zoe: Please, please, please pick up this time.
Zoe whispers, even more panicked After letting the phone, ring,
and ring, and ring, she finally hangs the phone up, with no
answer at the bar. Shepulls her knees up to her chest, and rocks
slightly on the bed. She knew that everything would be just
fine, even without her sight, if Joe was there. But with no
Joe... it was more than Zoe could handle at the moment. Giving
in, Zoe let tears stream down her face.
Zoe: Joe... Where are you?
Zoe whispers through her rocking and tears. After several
minutes of this, another thought occurred to Zoe.
Zoe: Adam... I have Adam's number.
Zoe picks up the phone again, and thanks whichever providence
had caused her to set Adam in her speed dial. Once again, she
slides the phone open and counts over to the number five and
presses that, and holds it, until the phone beeps, indicating it
is calling.
Zoe: Oh, please.
Zoe whispers.
Methos had just finished dressing and is on his way out of the
bathroom when he hears his cell phone ringing. He moves to his
side of the bed remembering he'd left it on his bedside table.
He's surprised when he picks it up and Zoe's name shows up on
the monitor.
Methos: Zoe? What's up?
Methos asks as he answers the phone, wondering if everything was
alright.
Nikki is out of the patio performing a graceful Kata in the
warmth of the morning sunlight.
Zoe: Adam?
Zoe says, relieved that someone finally answered!
Zoe: Thank God.
Zoe whispers.
Methos: Yes, it’s me. Everything OK?
Methos asks frowning slightly, she sounded relieved.
Zoe:No... No, everything isn't alright.
Zoe says honestly, then pauses, unsure how to continue.
Methos waits hoping that she'll explain why she's calling, but
there's just a long pause.
Methos: Still here.
Methos says hoping that would make her start talking.
Zoe: I... I...
Zoe takes a deep breath then spits out
Zoe: I can't see.
Methos: You...
Methos is too surprised to go on for a moment until he remembers
sometimes terminal patients get blind.
Methos: You can't see?
Methos manages to ask after a moment.
Zoe: No! I can't see. Everything is dark!
Zoe cries, the panic evident in her voice.
Zoe: And I don't know where Joe is! He's not home, he's not
answering is cell and nobody is answering at the bar!
Methos: OK, Nikki and I are on the way. Just relax and we'll be
there in about 10 minutes.
Methos says as he moves in the room to get his coat, then walks
to the door.
Zoe: I'll try.
Methos: Don't panic, we're on the way.
Zoe: I'll try.
Zoe says again, then closes the phone.
Methos disconnects the call then runs downstairs to call Nikki
and get his car.
Methos: Nikki?
Methos calls, heading for the back patio.
Nikki stops in mid motion and looks toward the sliding glass
door. She sees the look on Methos' face and grabs her towel from
where it is draped over the patio railing and wipes sweat from
her face.
Nikki: What's wrong?
Nikki asks as she walks up to Methos who is standing in the
sliding glass doorway.
Methos: Zoe's just called, she says she can't see.
Methos explains while he looks inside his pockets to check if he
has the car keys.
Methos: And Joe isn't there, so she's about to panic, we need to
go there right now.
Nikki: What??!
Nikki exclaims as she shoves her feet into her shoes which she
had shucked off just outside the door.
Nikki: Oh my God.
Nikki says in shock and concern.
Nikki: Let's go, then.
Nikki says and hurries past Methos. She heads for the front
door, grabbing her purse off of the kitchen bar as she passes
it.
Methos: Yeah, another sign of the illness, her body is shutting
down. Things will only get worse not better.
Methos points out with an unhappy sigh, he was hoping they'd had
more time but apparently things were going really fast.
Nikki, figuring the chances of meeting another Immortal are slim
to none, doesn't worry about going up to the bedroom to get her
sword. She hurries out of the house and heads for Methos' car.
Methos gets in his car and drives to Joe's place as fast as he
can without taking the risk to be pulled over.
[CENTER]
[/CENTER]
[CENTER]***10 minutes later*** [/CENTER]
Methos parks his car near Joe's place, since luckily there's an
open parking spot for once. He exits his car and waits until
Nikki is out to lock the doors.
Nikki gets out of the car and heads for the front door of Joe's
house.
Methos locks the door and follows Nikki to the front door.
Methos: Zoe? It's Adam, and Nikki.
Methos says knocking on the door, hoping she could hear him from
there.
Zoe sighs in relief hearing Adam's voice.
Zoe: Coming!
Zoe calls out, and slides off the bed, carefully making her way
to the front door.
Methos leans against the door frame when he hears Zoe's voice,
figuring she'd take a while to get there.
Zoe: Oww...
Zoe mutters as she runs into an end table in her haste to get to
the door. Rubbing her knee, she finishes walking to the door,
and unlocks the door, and carefully pulls it open.
Methos straightens up when the door opens slowly and he sees
Zoe. Apart from the fact she's not really looking at them but
straight head, where they might be, he doesn't see any
difference.
Nikki: Zoe? It's us. What can we do to help?
Nikki says when the door opens.
Zoe: Hi.
Zoe says softly.
Methos side glances at Zoe as he walks in the door. She didn't
know he'd been a doctor before, of course, but he feels like he
needs to do something. He takes a deep breath blaming it on
medical training, what the hell was he supposed to do?
Methos: Can I take a look? We could use a flashlight or
something to find out if you see any light?
Zoe: Yeah... if you think it'll do any good.
Zoe says, moving away from the door and towards the couch,
moving slowly and carefully, not eager to hit her knee again.
Nikki follows Methos into the house. When he asks for a
flashlight she says, "I'll get one," and rushes to the kitchen
to look for Joe's junk drawer...where everybody puts their
flashlight. She finds one, makes sure it works, then brings it
back the the front room and hands it to Methos.
Nikki: Here, babe.
Nikki says as she holds out the flashlight.
Methos gets the flashlight Nikki is giving him, before he moves
closer to point it at one of Zoe's eyes. He takes a deep breath
before he switches it on, hoping she might be able to see
something.
Methos: Can you see anything?
Methos asks pointing the light in her eye.
Zoe shakes her head.
Zoe: Nothing. It... Everything is just.. It's just black.
Zoe says softly.
Methos shakes his head, taking a deep breath, while he moves to
the other eye. Without a proper examination he couldn't be sure,
but this didn't sound good at all.
Methos: What about now?
Methos makes a face, looking down while he switches off the
flashlight.
Zoe: Nothing.
Zoe says.
Methos makes a face, looking down while he switches off the
flashlight.
Methos: I think we should take you to hospital, or call your
doctor, or... something. They'd have to see the optical nerve
with the right equipment.
Zoe: I don't think it'll make any difference.
Zoe says softly.
Methos looks up frowning puzzled, she knew there was little
hope, she got her sight back?
Nikki watches silently from the background. She unconsciously
chews on her bottom lip.
Methos: Really?
Methos asks trying to find out what she meant by that.
Zoe: Its not like they're going to be able to fix it. And even
if they could... We all know, its not worth it. Not... Not at
this point.
Zoe says.
Methos takes a deep breath, looking at the flashlight in his
hands unable to deny what she'd just told him.
Methos: So what do you want us to do to help?
Methos asks assuming she'd called him there for a reason.
Zoe: I want Joe. And I don't want to be alone.
Zoe says nodding in the general direction of Adam.
Nikki takes her cell phone out of her purse and dials the bar.
When Mike answers she asks for Joe but Mike says he was out back
talking to a deliveryman. She cups her hand over the phone and
looks up at Methos.
Nikki: Joe's out back talking to a delivery guy I guess. At
least that's what Mike is saying.
Nikki says and puts the phone back up to her ear and asks Mike
to go get him that it's an emergency.
Methos nods waiting for what Mike is going to do to take some
conclusions, apparently Joe was awfully busy this morning.
Nikki hears Mike set the phone down on the bar and she waits for
him to go get Joe. A few minutes go by then Mike gets back on
the phone and tells Nikki that Joe wasn't in the alley out back
and that he might have walked around front. Then he tells her
that he will go look for him and have him call her right back.
Nikki starts to tell him she'll wait and she hears a click and
the dial tone, indicating that Mike has hung up.
Nikki: What the....
Nikki says looking at her phone, confused.
Methos: What's up?
Nikki: He hung up.
Nikki says looking up at Methos.
Nikki: He said that Joe wasn't in the alley out back and had
maybe walked around to the front of the building and that he
would go find him and have him call right back. Then he hung up.
Nikki says, quirking an eyebrow, questioningly.
Methos: Let me give it a try.
Nikki hands him her cell phone.
Nikki: Don't worry. We'll find him.
Nikki says to Zoe and takes her hands in her own, comfortingly.
Zoe squeezes back.
Methos takes her cell phone and redials the number. He waits for
a moment until he hears Mike's voice again. After he hears Mike
say "Oh it's you." He asks about Joe and gets the information
he'd been called to headquarters. Methos thanks him and
disconnects the call.
Methos: Well he met Joe at the parking lot but he couldn't call
him back, apparently Joe went to get some fuel.
Methos explains as he gives Nikki her cell phone back.
Zoe: Some gas? His car ran out?
Zoe asks.
Nikki takes her cell phone and looks at Methos dubiously.
Methos: Yes, I think so. I better go there in case he needs a
ride.
Methos says on his way to the door, giving Nikki an "I'll
explain later" look.
Methos: Don't worry I'm going to find him for you.
Zoe: Thank you.
Zoe whispers.
[CENTER]
[/CENTER]
[CENTER]To be continued[/CENTER]
#Post#: 316--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 29
By: 22639 Date: February 22, 2012, 9:47 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki gets to her feet and looks down at Zoe. Her heart goes out
to the woman. As if she wasn't already going through enough now
this had to happen.
Nikki: Zoe? Can I get you anything from the kitchen? Like some
herbal tea or something? I'm sure Joe has some.
Nikki asks feeling totally helpless.
Zoe: Sure... Then aah.... Maybe I could get your help? As well..
I can't see to pick out my clothes, and I'd just assume get
dressed.
Zoe says looking in Nikki's direction.
Nikki: Ok. How about we take care of that first?
Nikki says as she places her hand under Zoe's arm to help her
up.
Zoe: Thanks.
Zoe says, accepting Nikki's help.
Nikki guides Zoe into the bedroom and over to the bed.
Nikki: The bed is right behind you.
Zoe: Thanks.
Nikki informs Zoe.
Zoe says, backing up, just enough to feel the bed against her
legs and then sits down.
Nikki: Now.....tell me what you want to wear and where to find
it.
Nikki says looking around the room.
Zoe: Jeans, underwear and bra should all be in the chest, and a
shirt in the closet, somewhere.
Zoe says.
Nikki: Ok.
Nikki says and goes in search of the items Zoe asked for.
Joe: I don't agree.
Joe speaks up in the meeting.
Joe: I think we should hold off on that until more research has
been done.
Methos sighs impatiently as the elevator goes down, first he had
to wait the front guards had checked his papers until they were
satisfied, then they tried to keep him outside because Joe was
in the middle of a meeting. After he'd explained it was an
emergency, he finally managed to convince them and now the
elevator was taking just too long. He sighs in relief when it
finally stops and the door opens. He rushes inside and walks to
the meeting room.
Joe looks up when the door to the conference room flies open and
is surprised to see who is standing in it.
Methos makes a gesture at Joe to come outside, then he raises
his hands at the other Watchers staring at him as a way of
excusing himself.
Joe looks at the group sitting around the large table and smiles
sheepishly.
Joe: Excuse me.
Joe says and gets to his feet. He walks to the door and grabs
Methos' arm.
Joe: What's going on?
Joe asks as he steers Methos out of the room, letting the door
close behind them.
Methos: Zoe isn't hmm... feeling well and she wants you to go to
her.
Methos answers when he decides not to tell him the whole truth
for now.
Joe looks at Methos and furrows his brow.
Joe: What do you mean....not feeling well?
Joe asks, concerned. He knows that Methos wouldn't hunt him down
and interrupt a Watcher meeting if it weren't serious.
Methos: Why don't I tell you on the way?
Methos suggests, and adds to himself, when you're sitting.
Joe forgets his briefcase that was sitting on the floor next to
the chair he was sitting in in the conference room and follows
Methos out of the building.
Joe: Just tell me.
Joe says as they walk out of the building and head for Methos'
car.
Methos: Why don't you ask one of the Watchers to take your car
so we can talk on the way? Besides Mike was a little embarrassed
and I'm supposed to give you a ride home.
Methos smirks remembering how bad of a liar Mike turned out to
be.
Nikki brings the items Zoe asked for over and lays them on the
bed next to Zoe. She takes hold of Zoe's hand and places it on
each item.
Nikki: Here's the bra....here's the underwear....jeans and
shirt. Do you need any help getting dressed?
Nikki asks unsure how independent Zoe is.
Joe: I'll handle getting my car later.
Joe says adamantly.
Joe: Just tell me what is going on.
Methos: Just remember... you were out of gas.
Methos avoids the question once more, before he unlocks the
doors of his SUV and gets behind the wheel.
Methos: Just come inside the car and I'll tell you.
Joe gets into the car and fastens his seat belt.
Joe: Alright, Methos. I'm in. I'm sitting down. Now for Christ's
sake talk to me.
Joe says, beginning to lose his patience.
Methos: Right, now I don't have to pick you from the floor in
case you get dizzy or something, you must be heavy.
Methos nods in agreement as he pulls off the parking lot.
Joe: METHOS!!!!
Joe yells.
Methos: No need to scream, I was getting there.
Methos says side glancing at Joe with a frown.
Methos: Zoe called me this morning, she said...
Methos tries to think of an easy way to say this, only to find
out that there isn't.
Methos: She said she couldn't see anything.
Joe: What do you mean....couldn't see anything?
Joe asks with a frown.
Zoe: No, I should be alright. Thank you.
Zoe says, feeling a little relieved. One always feels better
when one is dressed.
Nikki: Ok. I'll be in the kitchen making your tea. Holler when
you are dressed.
Nikki says and turns to leave the room.
Zoe: Thanks.
Zoe says, and begins to go about dressing for the day.
Nikki goes into the kitchen and hunts for some herbal tea. When
she finds it she proceeds to prepare a cup for Zoe....wishing
Methos would hurry up and return with Joe.
Methos: I mean couldn't see anything. She said everything was
dark.
Methos explains as he keeps driving, hoping Joe would get it
without him having to mention the word blind.
Joe: Are you telling me Zoe is blind?
Zoe gets dressed, and then with a deep breath, heads back to
Nikki and the kitchen, thankful, that she was familiar enough
with the house to be able to find her way around, even in the
dark.
Joe asks, unable to grasp the situation.
Methos: Hmm, yes, for now. Don't know if it's temporarily or
not.
Methos nods, all he had was a suspicion anyway, let Zoe's
doctors give them the bad news.
Joe: Have you seen her?
Joe asks, turning to look out of the front window. He feels the
palms of his hands begin to sweat and his stomach has tied
itself in a knot.
Methos: Yes, I went there with Nikki. Nikki is still with her.
Methos says as he nods again.
Joe feels like everything is moving in slow motion.
Joe: Can't this bucket of bolts go any faster?
Joe asks, anxiously.
Methos: Yes, but if we get pulled over we'll waste more time
than the 5 minutes we'll gain by speeding in there.
Methos points out, he increases speed a little though.
Methos: Just relax and I'll get you there in no time.
Zoe: How's that tea coming?
Zoe asks, entering the edge of the kitchen.
Nikki is surprised to hear Zoe's voice in the kitchen and walks
over to her. She takes Zoe's hand and places it under her elbow
and leads her over to one of the bar stools in front of the
kitchen counter.
Nikki: Here. Have a seat.
Nikki says patting the bar stool.
Joe: Other than that....is she alright?
Joe asks as he watches the buildings fly by.
Zoe: Thanks.
Zoe says with a bit of a smile and up onto the bar stool.
Methos: Other than that she's fine.
Methos nods in agreement as he manages to go through a traffic
light just before it turns red.
Nikki goes back to fixing Zoe's tea.
Joe: I should never have left her.
Joe mutters quietly...overcome with guilt.
Methos: And in case you're feeling guilty you left her, how were
you supposed to know? People don't guess things, do they?
Methos asks when it comes to his mind, Joe was probably feeling
guilty about it now.
Nikki pours hot water over the tea basket and dunks the basket
up and down until the tea has steeped enough.
Nikki: Do you want sugar or cream in it?
Nikki asks Zoe.
Zoe: No. I prefer my herbal tea as is. Thanks though.
Zoe says with a smile.
Joe doesn't respond. He simply watches the buildings go by
wishing they would hurry up and get there.
Nikki removes the tea basket and sets it in the sink then
carries the cup over to the counter and sets it down. She takes
hold of Zoe's hand and places it on the side of the cup with the
handle.
Nikki: Here you go.
Nikki says and looks anxiously towards the front room and the
front door then looks at her watch.
Zoe: Thanks.
Zoe says lifting it to her mouth and carefully taking a sip.
Methos finally turns his car to Pimlico Avenue and drives to the
5455, where he parks.
Methos: See? Managed to get here without a speeding ticket.
Methos points out as he's about to exit his car.
Joe simply gets out of the car and hurries up to the front door.
Nikki feels a strong Immortal buzz and breathes a sigh of
relief.
Nikki: They're back.
Nikki announces and heads for the front door.
Zoe immediately sets the mug down and gets off the bar stool and
heads towards the front door, not needing any help for that.
Joe reaches for the door knob.
Nikki grabs hold of the handle on the front door and yanks the
door open.
Joe looks up in surprise as the door opens before he has a
chance to even put his hand on the knob.
Methos follows Joe to the front door, keeping an eye on him in
case he loses his balance or something, the man just had a big
shock.
Nikki: Joe! Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you.
Nikki says with an apologetic smile. She steps aside so that he
can come in and looks behind him at Methos and smiles.
Zoe: Joe?
Zoe says questioningly, stopping by the couch, near the door.
Joe looks past Nikki at Zoe and rushes to her.
Joe: Zoe? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left you alone. Come and
sit down.
Joe says and leads his wife into the living room and over to the
couch. He sits down and gently pulls her down next to him.
Zoe: It's not your fault.
Zoe says seeking comfort in Joe's presence.
Methos: Should we leave now?
Methos whispers to Nikki, making sure the other two don't listen
to it.
Nikki: I don't know.
Nikki says with a shrug.
Joe: Tell me what happened.
Joe asks, taking Zoe's hands in his and looking into her face.
Methos rolls his eyes as he thinks, wow now that was helpful.
Zoe: Didn't Adam tell you? Oh... I.. Adam,
Zoe says turning towards the other man.
Zoe: Thank you so much for going to get Joe.
Methos: No problem, glad I could help.
Methos nods towards Zoe even though she can't see him.
Methos: Anything else we can do?
Joe: All he told me was that you couldn't see.
Joe says, still looking at Zoe.
Zoe: And that's true. I woke up and... well, I thought it was
still the middle of the night, until I realized that I couldn't
see ANY light. Not even from the moon, or the street light,
nothing.
Zoe says turning back to Joe, and explaining what happened.
Nikki reaches out and taps Methos' shoulder. When he turns to
look at her she leans closer to his ear and whispers, "if they
want to be alone...maybe we can go get Joe's car for him again."
Zoe: You were gone... I found your note, but it didn't do me any
good, since I couldn't see it. I tried your cell, you didn't
answer. I tried the bar, nobody answered. I then remembered,
that thankfully, I had Adam's number in my cell and I called
him.
Zoe explains.
Joe: Have you called your doctor?
Joe asks...kind of glad that Zoe can't see the pain in his face.
Methos: It's parked right in front of the Watchers Headquarters,
what if they recognize you?
Methos whispers back to Nikki, thinking it might not be a good
idea she goes there.
Nikki looks around her. She sees the coat rack next to the front
door with a baseball cap on one of the hooks. She grabs it, puts
it on and stuffs her long red hair into the cap. Then looks at
Methos as if to say...how's that?
Zoe says softly, reaching out a hand towards Joe's face, lightly
running her fingers along his chin.
Joe: Ok. That's Ok. I'm here now. Let's call Dr. Bjorn.
Joe says taking out his cell phone.
Zoe: In a bit?
Zoe asks.
Zoe: Please just... Just hold me for a bit?
Zoe asks, wanting to feel the comfort of Joe's arms around her.
Joe sets his phone down on the coffee table and pulls Zoe into
his arms. He gently caresses her back with one hand.
Methos: That works.
Joe: Never a problem.
Joe whispers and kisses the top of her head.
Methos nods approvingly, then he moves to get Joe's keys.
Methos: Joe, we're getting your car.
Methos speaks softly not to disturb Zoe, and extends his hand.
Joe silently reaches into his pocket with one hand and takes out
his keys. He tosses them to Methos and looks up at him
gratefully then closes his eyes and lays his head on Zoe's.
Methos catches the keys in the air and moves to the door without
any other comment.
Nikki blows Joe a kiss and hurries out of the house...heading
for Methos' car.
Joe continues to gently rub Zoe's back as he holds her close to
him. With his eyes closed he tries to memorize the scent of her
hair....never wanting to forget how it smells.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 319--------------------------------------------------
FALLING STAR Part 30
By: 22639 Date: February 26, 2012, 1:07 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The parts of Duncan MacLeod and Richie Ryan are
temporarily being understudied.[/sub][/center]
Duncan feels someone touching his shoulder and he opens his
eyes. One of the female Flight Attendants is leaning over him
and smiling. She says, "sorry to wake you, sir. But the Captain
has turned on the Fasten Your Seat-belt sign and we're getting
ready to land."
Duncan: Oh. Sorry. Thank you.
Duncan sputters...trying to clear the fog of sleep from his
brain. The Flight Attendant smiles and moves to wake up another
passenger. Duncan fastens his seat belt and looks out of the
window at the landscape below. When he had left for Paris he had
hoped that he would return under better circumstances than the
ones he is returning to. When he had left Joe and Zoe off at the
Paris Airport, he had figured he'd better be ready should he get
a call telling him he needed to come home. So when he got back
to the barge he packed a suitcase and set it by the door. That
phone call came late the night before and he was on the first
available flight back to the states. His thoughts went to Joe
and Zoe. Even though everyone knew that this time would come
knowing something is going to happen and dealing with it when it
happens are two different things.
Richie gets as close to the doors of the Air France terminal as
he can and pulls up to the curb. He keeps the motor running and
turns on his emergency flashers then begins watching the
terminal doors for MacLeod.
Duncan 's plane lands and taxis to the boarding gate...pulling
up to the boarding tunnel. The Captain thanks everyone for
flying Air France and a Flight Attendant opens the exit door
causing a slight change of pressure in the cabin and Duncan has
to yawn to open up his ears. He gets up, takes his carry on out
of the overhead compartment and follows the other passengers out
of the plane. He smiles and thanks the Flight Attendants as he
passes them at the door and, once in the boarding tunnel, picks
up his pace and heads for the baggage claim area. He retrieves
his suitcase and makes his way through the crowded terminal. As
he approaches the terminal doors he feels the buzz of another
Immortal.
Richie feels an Immortal buzz and opens his door...getting out
and standing where Mac will be able to see him.
Duncan walks through the doors of the terminal and looks around.
He sees Richie standing by his car...waving frantically and he
waves back. He hurries through the maze of people scurrying in
and out of cars.
Richie: Hey, Mac. Right on time for a change.
Richie says then gets back into his car and reaches across to
the passenger door and shoves it open for Mac.
Duncan grabs the door when it flings open and tosses his
suitcase and briefcase in the back seat then gets in and fastens
his seat belt.
Duncan: Thanks for picking me up, Richie.
Duncan says after he closes his door and settles in for the ride
home.
Richie: Not a problem, Mac. I'm glad for something I can finally
do to help. I know that you guys have gone through this
before....more than once....and are used to it but I just feel
so dammed helpless. I almost hate going to the bar anymore
because I hate seeing how sad Joe is. It seems like it was just
yesterday he was floating on cloud 9 because he and Zoe had just
gotten married.
Richie says sadly as he pulls away from the curb and maneuvers
through traffic to the airport exit.
Duncan: Like I told you once before.....you never get used to
losing someone you care for. No matter how many times you go
through it. And it never gets any easier.
Duncan says quietly as he watches the scenery go by.
Duncan: Sometimes I think it is harder to watch a friend go
through it than to go through it yourself.
Duncan says thoughtfully.
Richie: Yeah. Methos told you Zoe has gone blind....right?
Richie asks as he pulls onto the freeway and heads for the city
and MacLeod's loft.
Duncan: Yeah. When he called last night.
Duncan says and shakes his head.
Duncan: Makes you wonder how much more both of them can take.
Duncan muses.
Richie: Joe's been a rock but you can see it in the back of his
eyes. Back behind the diluted cheery bravado he shows to his bar
customers. I don't think I could be that strong. I'd be a total
wreck.
Richie says shaking his head.
Duncan: Nah. I think....if the woman you loved was going through
this you would be strong for her when she needed you to be
strong. I've seen you in times when someone was relying on you
and you were strong for them.
Duncan says, remembering the mortal girl, Laura, and the
Immortal, Mikey, and the way Richie had taken the lead and been
there for them.
Richie: Yeah....well.....that was different. That didn't involve
watching the woman I love die from a terminal illness that can't
be cured and barely treated.
Richie says, honestly. He gets off the freeway and starts
maneuvering through the mid-day city traffic.
Duncan stares out of the window on the passenger door without
seeing the buildings zipping past them. His thoughts are of his
friend Joe and how he can best help him. And of Zoe and he tries
to imagine how she must be feeling. Most Mortals.....those with
the ability to have empathy for their fellow humans....can some
what imagine having a terminal illness.....knowing, in advance,
that their time was short....because they knew that they would
all die someday anyway. But it was harder for an Immortal to
imagine dying slowly because they couldn't get illnesses that
could slowly kill them. His thoughts were also of Methos and how
Zoe's situation was affecting him. Whether it had brought back
some painful memories. He rode the rest of the way to his loft
in thoughtful silence.
Richie pulled into the alley along side of the building
MacLeod's loft and Dojo were in and parked his car.
Richie: Here, ya go, Mac. Home sweet home.
Richie announces.
Richie: Want me to help you with your stuff?
Richie offers, even though he knows that Mac is capable of
hauling one suitcase and a brief case up a flight of stairs.
Duncan: No. I got.
Duncan says as he unfastens his seat belt and opens the door. He
puts one foot out of the car and turns to look at Richie.
Duncan: To be honest....I think I need to be alone for a while,
Richie. You don't mind, do you?
Duncan says hoping that Richie doesn't get his feelings hurt
over this.
Richie: Oh. Sure, Mac. No problem. The Dojo's closed today so
I'll just go on home. Just make me a promise.
Richie says looking directly into MacLeod's eyes.
Duncan: What's that?
Duncan says, quirking an eyebrow, curiously.
Richie: Call me if you need anything. I mean....really. I'm just
a phone call away.
Richie says with a reassuring smile.
Duncan looks at Richie and is reminded just how much he has
grown up since the first time they met. He smiles and nods his
head.
Duncan: You got it, partner.
Duncan gets out of the car, grabs his bags from the back seat
and closes the car door. He pats the roof of the car and holds
his hand against the passenger door window as a wave goodbye,
then heads up the stairs and into the building.
Richie smiles proudly, hearing MacLeod call him partner. He
waves and pulls out of the alley and heads for his own
apartment.
Duncan doesn't bother to unpack. He simply tosses his suitcase
on the foot of his bed, sets his brief case on the floor at the
foot of his bed and flops down on his back...sprawling across
the width of the bed. He stares for awhile at his ceiling then
drifts off to sleep.
[center]To be continued[/center]
*****************************************************
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