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#Post#: 128--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES (Completed)
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 14, 2011, 7:36 am
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Nikki lets herself into Amanda's condo using her key.
[Nikki] Mand? You here?
Nikki calls out even though she doesn't feel the female
Immortal. A bit disappointed that she has missed seeing her best
friend before she took off for her annual "vacation" to Paris to
pay her respects to her teacher, Rebecca's grave, Nikki closes
and locks the front door. She kicks off the high heels she has
been wearing all day, sets her brief case next to the end of the
sofa and goes into the kitchen and checks the refrigerator to
see what is available to fix for dinner. With the fridge's
contents committed to memory she heads for Amanda's master
bathroom. Nikki turns on the water in the big sunken spa/tub,
adjusts the temperature then goes into the master bedroom and
collects a few aromatic candles. She turns on the stereo in the
bedroom and puts in one of the CDs she has left here for times
like this when she opts to stay in the city instead of going
back to the ranch. The CD is of Native American flute music.
Nikki adjusts the volume so that the music is soft and relaxing
and takes the candles into the bathroom and sets them around the
marble sides of the tub. She lights them, pours bubble bath into
the tub and proceeds to get undressed. She snaps her fingers as
she remembers something and heads back down the hall towards the
kitchen, wrapping her hair in a towel as she goes. She takes a
cucumber out of the fridge and slices two "disks", replaces the
remaining cucumber back in the fridge and returns to the
bathroom. Nikki shuts off the water and steps into the tub and
sits down. Placing the cucumber slices on each eye she lays back
in the tub, slides down so she is submerged in the hot water up
to her neck and lays her head on the back of the tub and begins
to relax.
Duncan turns down left down the street on his way to Amanda's
condo. The T-Bird is beginning to smell a bit like the fish he
bought to make California rolls for he and Amanda as a surprise.
He pulls up to the condo. He shuts the engine off, grabs the
bag and gets out. He thumbs through his keys and finds Amanda's
condo key.
Nikki gets so relaxed that she begins to doze off.
Duncan walks up to the door and unlocks it. He opens the door
and immediately feels the buzz
Nikki suddenly feels an Immortal buzz. Knowing that Amanda is
out of town she quickly becomes alert and looks around the
bathroom to see what her options are.
[Nikki] Damn!
Nikki whispers realizing that her sword is in the bedroom. She
quickly gets out of the tub...dripping bubbles over the floor
and hides behind the bathroom door.
Duncan reaches the bathroom and peers in the open door. He sees
the bathtub full of water. "Where is Amanda? He thinks to
himself.
Duncan walks through the bathroom door.
Nikki quickly delivers a kick to the intruder's abdomen.
Duncan slumps over and stumbles toward the bathtub. "Ooofff!"
Nikki swiftly delivers a forceful kick to the man's butt.
Duncan drops the grocery bag as he falls face first into the
bathtub.
Nikki darts into the bedroom...grabs her sword and returns to
the bathroom. She stands over the tub with the tip of her blade
positioned so that when the intruder surfaces her blade will be
at his throat.
Duncan comes up and sees the sword poised at his throat. He sees
a familiar face peering at him.
[Duncan] Nikki??? What are you doing here?
Nikki looks down at her intruder. As the bubbles from the bath
fade from his face she begins to recognize the man in her tub
and her mouth falls open in surprise.
[Nikki] Duncan? Duncan MacLeod?
Nikki says incredulously.
Duncan realizing he is in no danger, he drops his hands.
Nikki lets her sword drop. It clangs against the marble floor.
She holds out her hand to help him out of the tub.
[Nikki] I can't believe it. You're still alive.
Nikki says and realizes how lame that sounds.
Duncan takes her hand. "You had a higher opinion of my skills
when we spent the night together."
[Nikki] I....
Nikki starts to say something and suddenly can't think of
anything to say.
Duncan steps out of the tub. He reaches for the whole fish on
the floor.
[Nikki] What are you doing here?
Nikki asks as she pulls him out of the soapy water. She suddenly
realizes that she is stark naked and her cheeks redden as she
fumbles for a towel to wrap herself in.
[Duncan] Surprising Amanda with sushi, but I guess that's not an
option.
Duncan tosses fish at Nikki. "Nice to see you Nikki."
[Nikki] What?
Nikki says as she wraps a towel around herself.
Nikki ducks the flying fish and in the process drops the towel
that has been wrapped around her.
[Nikki] Hey!!!!
Nikki tries to retrieve it but is too slow to react and it falls
to the floor at her feet.
Duncan leers at her. "Yeah nice to see all of you, and still a
natural redhead.
Duncan grabs a towel and wipes his head off. "I just bought this
shirt."
Nikki bends down and retrieves her towel.
[Nikki] You know Amanda?
Nikki asks shocked at his revelation.
[Duncan] Way to turn the other cheek Nikki.
[Nikki] Shut up.
Nikki giggles embarrassed.
[Duncan] For centuries. She never mentioned me?
Nikki picks up the fish he had thrown at her and lobs it in his
direction.
Duncan catches it and tosses the fish in the tub. "Go for a
swim."
Nikki walks into the bedroom and looks in Amanda's closet for a
robe.
[Nikki] How long have you known Amanda?
Nikki calls from inside Amanda's huge walk in closet.
[Duncan] A few centuries. Were you one of her students?
Duncan drips on the bathroom floor.
Nikki emerges from the closet now wearing one of Amanda's silk
robes. She grabs a brush from Amanda's dresser and quickly
brushes her hair.
[Nikki] As a matter of fact I was. Then we became best friends.
Nikki sets the brush down.
[Nikki] So....did you know her before you and I met?
[Duncan] Wow. She never mentioned you. You'd think a natural
redhead would stand out.
Nikki asks looking at him.
Duncan says sarcastically.
[Duncan] The first time I met her she was with Rebecca Horne.
[Nikki] You obviously have a key to her condo so you guys must
be pretty good friends.
[Duncan] You could say that.
Nikki goes back into the bathroom and proceeds to let the water
out of the tub. Using her towel she tries to mop up the soapy
mess on the floor.
[Nikki] Really?
Duncan unbuttons his shirt, removes it, and wrings it out in the
tub.
Nikki she says but quietly....more to herself than to him. Her
mind is racing as she puts the pieces together She makes a
mental note to have a long talk with her best friend upon her
return.
Duncan hangs his shirt over the edge of the tub. "Really Nikki."
[Nikki] So....you came to Seacouver just to visit Mand? I mean
Amanda?
Nikki asks fishing for more information.
[Duncan] I have a Dojo here.
[Nikki] Here? In Seacouver? Did you just buy it or something?
Nikki asks as she puts the damp towel in the hamper.
[Duncan] I've been here quite a while.
Nikki stops in her tracks and looks at him incredulously.
[Nikki] Are you serious?
[Duncan] As a heart attack.
[Nikki] Unbelievable.
[Duncan] I don't want to drip on the carpet, can you get me one
of my robes from the closet?
Nikki mumbles as she picks her sword up off the floor and
carries it into the bedroom.
[Nikki] One of your....?
Nikki starts to say then stops. She shakes it off and shrugs.
She goes into Amanda's closet and sure enough....finds a man's
silk robe hanging there. She returns with it and hands it to
Duncan.
[Duncan] Thanks.
[Nikki] No problem.
Nikki says trying to sound nonchalant.
Duncan starts to remove his shoes and socks and sets them next
to the tub.
[Duncan] What brings you to Seacouver Nikki?
Nikki needs to remove herself from what is seeming more like a
confusing dream...so she walks out of the bedroom and heads for
the kitchen.
Duncan takes advantage of her absence and removes his jeans and
underwear and sets them on the tub for the moment. He puts the
robe on and cinches the belt tightly around his waist.
[Nikki] I live here.
Nikki calls back over her shoulder.
[Nikki] For 4 years now.
[Duncan] I'm surprised we haven't crossed paths before today.
Nikki is in the kitchen and proceeds to go about making a pot of
coffee just to have something to do.
[Nikki] You took the words right out of my mouth.
Nikki mumbles to herself. To Duncan she says, "Since you threw
your dinner around the bathroom....are you hungry? I can fix
something.
Duncan walks out into the kitchen and takes a seat at the table.
Duncan smiles. "Sure, I'm starving."
Nikki opens the fridge and looks in it to see what Amanda has
that she can make a meal out of.
[Nikki] Let's see.....there's what looks like tuna salad....
[Duncan] On second thought, since I was going to fix sushi, why
don't I make it up to you and take you to dinner?
Nikki pulls out a Tupperware container and lifts the lid. She
wrinkles her nose and quickly closes it...putting it back in the
fridge.
[Nikki] I have no idea what that was. Something with a lot of
fuzz on it. So....
Nikki turns to look at him.
[Nikki] So....sure. But.....I doubt we'll get very far dressed
in robes.
Nikki 's eyes have a mischievous twinkle in them
[Duncan] I'll go grab my clothes and pop them in the dryer.
[Nikki] Ummmmm.....I thought you said you knew Amanda?
Nikki says with a snicker.
[Duncan] Believe it or not, Amanda has domesticated a bit. There
is actually a washer/dryer here.
Nikki doesn't remember ever seeing one but she shrugs.
[Nikki] If you say so.
Nikki says and heads for the bedroom to get dressed herself.
Duncan gets up and heads for the bathroom. He gathers up his wet
clothes. His shoes did not appear too wet. He goes down the hall
and pops the clothes in the dryer. Duncan goes back down to the
kitchen. He notices the coffee is close to ready. He pulls the
pot out and the brew delay stops the brewing. He pours himself a
cup.
[Duncan] Nikki, did you want any coffee?
Nikki gets dressed and walks over to Amanda's vanity and sits
down. As she applies a little makeup she stops and stares at her
own reflection. Since discovering who her intruder was her mind
has been reeling so fast that she hasn't had a chance to realize
just WHO he is.
[Nikki] No thanks.
Nikki calls out absentmindedly. To her reflection she mutters,
"Duncan. It's really Duncan," and suddenly her reflection fades
and she is no longer looking at herself.
[center] ****FLASHBACK****[/center]
Pacific Northwest – 1883
Nikki It was past midnight when Nicayla quietly dug up the newly
filled in grave and opened the simple pine box. As she removed
the sheets that was wrapped around the body, the Immortal opened
his eyes and gasped for air. “Shhh,” Nikki whispered and placed
her fingers over his mouth “Come on but stay low.” She whispered
and finished unwrapping the sheet, freeing his body. She climbed
out of the grave and looked around to make sure that no one was
observing them then motioned for him to follow her. Duncan
climbed out of the coffin and grave and, crouching down,
followed Nicayla to the back of the graveyard and through the
fence. Duncan climbed out of the coffin and grave and, crouching
down, followed Nicayla to the back of the graveyard and through
the fence. Nikki led him into a thicket of trees a few feet
behind the graveyard where she had two horses tied. She quickly
untied both horses, climbed up on hers and held the reins of the
other one out for Duncan. Duncan took the reins and mounted the
horse. Nikki nudged her horse and took the lead. With Duncan
following she headed for her cabin. It was far enough outside of
town and remote enough that she knew it would be the safest
place to take him and give him time to “regroup”. When they
arrived she rode straight into the barn behind her cabin and got
off of her horse. Duncan followed Nikki into the barn and
dismounted. Nikki tied both horses up inside the barn and led
Duncan outside, closing the barn door behind them then led him
into her cabin. Once inside she took off her duster and hung it
on a hook by the door. She removed her holster and hung it up
next to her duster then went over to the fireplace and proceeded
to light a fire. Duncan stood inside the door and watched Nikki
Once the fire was lit he was able to see more of his
surroundings and he looked around. He had been in Centerville
for a month...getting to know the lady sheriff, Nicayla Flynn,
and this was the first time he been in Centerville for a
month...getting to know the lady sheriff, Nicayla Flynn, and
this was the first time he had ever been to her cabin. It was a
simple two room structure...one room being the kitchen and the
other...the living room and bedroom. The focal point was the
huge river rock double sided fireplace situated in the center of
the large main room. One one side of the fireplace was the
bedroom and on the other side...the side they were on...was the
living room. One entire wall was filled with book shelves and
each shelf was filled with books. Duncan walked over and
examined the spines of those illuminated by the fire. He was
impressed by the variety of subjects. On the wall across from
the books hung a variety of Native American items and he
recognized most of them as being from the Lakota, Sioux tribe.
When Nikki was sure that the fire was going to sty lit she stood
up from the hearth and went around the fireplace into the
“bedroom” and returned with some clothes neatly folded. She took
them over to Duncan and handed them to him.
[color=pink][Nikki] I took these out of your pack before our
doctor slash coroner came to your hotel room to take your
belongings. You can change in there.
Nikki said pointing to the bedroom.
[Nikki] There is water in the pitcher on the vanity at the foot
of the bed and a towel on the hook next to it if you want to
wash up. Oh....and I managed to get this, too.
Nikki said and walked over to the couch. She picked up something
wrapped in a blanket, unwrapped it and held it out to Duncan.
Duncan smiled when he the contents of the blanket turned out to
be his Katana. He walked over and took hold of the hilt and
looked into Nikki's eyes.
[Duncan] Thank you.
Duncan said with a smile.
[Nikki] And you can have the horse you rode here. Are you
hungry? I could fix you something to eat if you are.
Nikki asked as she stepped aside so he could go into the bedroom
to change clothes.
[Duncan] No thank you.
Duncan answered politely and headed for the other side of the
fireplace.
[Nikki] How about something to drink? I have a bottle of Irish
Whiskey, some lemonade or I could make some tea or coffee.
Duncan smiled as he removed the shirt he had been wearing when
he was shot and buried.
[Duncan] I guess some whiskey does sound good right now.
Duncan called out over his shoulder as he poured water from the
pitcher on the vanity into the matching bowl and picked up the
bar of soap from the small dish next to it.
[Nikki] Whiskey it is, then.
Nikki said and walked over to a hutch against the front wall.
She squatted down in front of it and opened the doors. She took
out a bottle of whiskey and stood up. Taking two shot glasses
out of the top cabinet and filled each with the amber colored
liquid.
[Nikki] You know.....you didn't need to do what you did. I could
have taken him.
Nikki called out over her shoulder as she poured the whiskey.
[Nikki] I've taken faster than him.
Nikki took one of the glasses and downed the whiskey in one shot
and refilled it.
[Nikki] I didn't get to be the sheriff of Centerville because I
was a helpless female, you know.
Nikki said with a slight giggle.
Duncan pulled the towel off of the hook and dried his face and
chest. He snickered at Nikki's remark. He knew that she had a
point but he had acted on instinct....at least what was
instinctive to him....when he stepped between the young
gunslinger and Nikki. It was in his nature to be protective of
the fairer sex....no matter how capable they might be of taking
care of themselves. It has always been his way and he doubted
seriously that it would ever change.
Nikki picked up the two glasses and turned around. She took in a
deep breath, walked over and stood next to the double sided
fireplace, leaning against it. She watched Duncan dry off
admiringly.
As Duncan lowered the towel from his face to his chest he turned
around and looked surprised to see Nikki leaning against the
side of the fireplace, watching him and he stood almost frozen
in place.
Nikki held out one of the glasses for him.
[Nikki] You know they wanted to put you on ice and try and
locate your family before deciding to bury you. Our doctor slash
coroner tends to like to do that to strangers who die in the
city limits. That would mean that he would have to drain your
body of all your blood and sew your lips, eyelids and....
Nikki cleared her throat uncomfortably.
[Nikki] ....other orifices shut. They call it an autopsy. He
learned about it a year ago and uses it every chance he can.
Duncan winced as he thought about the prospect.
[Nikki] Luckily I was able to convince them that you had no
family to contact....that you were a drifter with no ties and
that you should just be buried and be done with it.
Duncan stepped over and took the glass she was offering him.
[Duncan] Thanks. I appreciate that.
Duncan said with a small smile. He took a swig of his drink and
hung the towel back on the hook. He walked over to the bed and
started to unfasten the pants he was wearing,
Nikki then remembered that Nikki was still standing there so he
stopped and turned around expecting to see her still leaning
against the side of the fireplace.
Nikki watched Duncan hang the towel back up and walk over to the
bed and she could no longer help herself. She emptied her glass
in one shot and walked soundlessly up behind Duncan.
Duncan was completely taken aback to find Nikki standing behind
him only inches away.
Nikki reached out and placed the palms of her hands against
Duncan's chest and slowly ran then down his washboard abs. She
slowly raised her eyes from his chest to his face.
Duncan looked down into her eyes and could see the desire in
them. He placed his hands gently on either side of her face and
leaned down, touching his lips softly to hers.
Nikki responded by returning his kiss, passionately, and gently
pushing him backwards toward the bed.
As the back of Duncan's legs touched the edge of the bed, he
began to unbutton Nikki's shirt and as he fell backwards onto
the bed he slipped it off of her shoulders and grabbed her by
the waist,
Nikki pulling her down on top of him. He proceeded to make
passionate love to her then lay next to her in the fire light,
holding her in his arms. He smelled her hair and tried to figure
out what fragrance he was smelling.
Nikki could hear Duncan as he sniffed her hair and she smiled,
cuddling up next to him tighter.
[Nikki] Gardenias and vanilla.
Nikki said so softly her voice was almost a whisper.
[Nikki] I make it myself and add it to my soaps
Duncan leaned his head back a bit and looked down at her.
[Duncan] Really.
Nikki leaned her own head back and looked into his face and
nodded
[Duncan] Where did you learn that from?
Duncan asked sincerely interested.
Nikki moved her head back to the position it was so that she
could see the fire in the fireplace.
[Nikki] I woke up from my first death in a Lakota village. Their
Shaman, Ska Wabli (White Eagle), and his wife, Sa Hanhepi We
(Red Moon), sort of adopted me. I lived among them...learned
from them for 5 years. It was something that Sa Hanhepi We
taught me. She used to say, “A wiya cante hecha el mna lecel a
wicasa.”
Nikki snickered softly at the memory.
[Duncan] A woman does not have to smell like a man.
Duncan translated and smiled.
Nikki raised up on one elbow and looked at Duncan a bit
surprised.
[Nikki] You speak Lakota?
Duncan turned his head and looked at her. He nodded.
[Duncan] We have something else in common besides being Celtic.
Duncan smiled.
[Nikki] And Immortal.
They both laughed at that. Then Nikki leaned over and kissed him
tenderly.
Duncan returned her kiss, rolled her onto her back and proceeded
to make love to her again...this time with tenderness. They
continued to make love to each other...talking in
between...sharing small tidbits about each other...until the
first ray of sunlight touched the sky, turning it from black to
a deep violet, and the song of the first morning bird could be
heard.
Nikki realized that the sun would be up soon as she laid in
Duncan's arms listening to the rhythm of his heart beating. She
moved her head so her voice wouldn't be muffled by his chest and
said in a soft voice, “the cover of darkness will be gone soon.”
Duncan kissed the top of her head. He knew all too well what
time it was and he knew that...as much as he wanted to stay...he
was going to have to move on....move on to someplace that didn't
think he was dead and buried It was something he had done many
times in the past but this time ...like a couple of others...he
wished he didn't have to and he inwardly cursed himself for
being so damn chivalrous. If he hadn't been he could
stay....make a life here in Centerville...a life with Nicayla.
He wasn't sure when it had happened but sometime during the last
month he had fallen in love with the lady sheriff of Centerville
He didn't know if she felt the same way as he had never told her
how he felt ...but he thought that she did by the way she had
just made love to him. He gently pulled her away from him and
looked into her emerald eyes.
[Duncan] I wish....
Duncan began to say.
Nikki reached up and placed her fingers against Duncan's lips
and shook her head.
[Nikki] You know that you have to go.
Nikki whispered.
[Duncan] Come with me.
Duncan said so softly he was almost whispering. He reached up
and traced the line of her jaw with the tip of his finger.
Nikki raised up and gave him a brief and tender kiss. The
invitation was a tempting one. She had never been in love
before. She had only heard about being in love from listening to
other people talk about it. Nikki had never imagined herself
ever feeling like that about anyone. Until that night....as she
was digging out the grave he had been buried in...she hadn't
realized that she had fallen in love with Duncan MacLeod. After
having making such beautiful love all night long with him she
knew it for sure and would have gladly ridden away with him
except for one thing. She sighed and lowered her eyes, sadly.
[Nikki] I can't.
Nikki whispered.
[Duncan] Why not?
Duncan asked trying to hide his disappointment not only from her
but from himself. He placed his finger under Nikki's chin and
raised her face up so he could see it.
Nikki looked into Duncan's eyes and a tear trickled down her
cheek. She closed her eyes.
[Nikki] I took an oath....swore my allegiance to these people. I
have a responsibility to them. I can't just run out on them. I
wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did.
Nikki opened her eyes and looked at him...hoping that he
understood.
[Nikki] I'm sorry.
Nikki said sadly and another tear trickled down her other cheek.
Duncan searched her face. A part of him understood. He had
always prided himself as being a man of honor. Someone who lived
up to his responsibilities....who made good on the promises he
made. He understood what it was to have a sense of duty. But
there was a part of him....a more selfish part...that wanted
nothing more than to convince her to leave with him. As he
placed the palm of his hand against her cheek and brushed her
tear away with his thumb he came to the realization that it
wouldn't be right of him to ask that of her. He swallowed hard
against the lump that had grown in his throat. Without a word
he leaned over and kissed her tear stained cheeks, then her
forehead. “I love you, Nicayla Flynn,” he thought to himself,
but never said it allowed. He got out of bed and got dressed in
silence.
Nikki watched Duncan as he got dressed...trying to will away her
conscience so that she could accept his invitation but her
conscience was too strong.
When Duncan was dressed and ready to go he sat on the edge of
Nikki's bed and looked down at her.
Nikki sat up and put her arms around his neck.
[Nikki] Niye mani el maste ohinyan.
Nikki whispered against his neck then let go of him. (May you
walk in sunshine forever.)
Duncan swallowed hard again and got to his feet. He picked up
his sword which he had leaned against the side of the fireplace
and turned to look at her one last time then
Nikki hurried for the door and walked out of the cabin before he
could change his mind. She waited until she heard the door of
her cabin close and she got up and wrapped a blanket around
herself. She went to the door of the cabin and opened it,
stepping out onto the porch and looked in the direction of the
barn.
Duncan mounted the horse Nikki had told him he could have and
rode it out of the barn just as the sky turned from deep violet
to a pale blue and wisps of yellow could be seen over the tops
of the mountains behind the meadow the cabin was in. Without
looking at the cabin, Duncan urged his horse into a cantor and
rode out of the meadow and into his future.
Nikki watched as Duncan MacLeod rode out of her life.
[center][i]****PRESENT DAY****[/center]
Nikki becomes aware of her surroundings with a slight shudder.
She takes in a deep breath and shakes her head to clear it.
[Nikki] So....here you are.
Nikki says to herself softly.
[Nikki] And here he is.
Nikki puts the finishing touches on her make up and quickly
brushes her hair.
[Nikki] So what are you going to do about it, Flynn? Hmmm?
Duncan hears the dryer buzzer go off.
Nikki takes one last look in the mirror, gets up, grabs her
sword and coat off of the chair by the bed and heads out of the
bedroom and into the living room.
Duncan gets up and walks down the hall to the dryer and opens
the door. He reaches in for his clothes. "Ah, nice and dry." He
gathers them up and walks back to the bathroom and closes the
door. Duncan dresses quickly and heads back down to the
kitchen.
In the living room, Nikki walks over to the sliding glass door
and looks out past the balcony to the beach below.
[Nikki] You got some splainin to do Miss Amanda.
Nikki says aloud to the glass door.
Duncan sits down and sips his coffee again.
Nikki hears Duncan sit down and turns to look at him.
[Nikki] I thought we were going out?
Nikki asks quirking an eyebrow.
Duncan gets up quickly. "Ready when you are. At least we don't
have holsters and Colts to worry about."
Nikki lowers her eyes and her cheeks color. She giggles softly
as she walks up to Duncan.
[Nikki] We? If I remember correctly....and I'm sure I do....I
was the only one carrying a weapon. I had to take yours away
when you first came to town. It was a city ordinance.
Nikki looks up at him and smiles smugly
[Nikki] Remember?
[Duncan] Seems like you're always messing with my clothes. And
this time it wasn't my Colt, it was my sushi.
[Nikki] A dead fish can be just as dangerous as a loaded
revolver, Mr. MacLeod.
Nikki says sounding very much like she did when she was the
sheriff.
[color=white][Duncan][/color] Well Madame Sheriff, will it be
sushi or some other food related weapon?
[Nikki] To be honest....
Nikki says as she slips on her coat.
[Nikki] I've never been too fond of raw fish. I'm more a beef
gal. How about we compromise and go to the Warf Surf and Turf
Club?
[Duncan] Sounds good.
[Nikki] Lead the way, MacLeod.
Nikki says as she opens the front door and holds it open. She
bows gallantly.
Duncan walks out the front. "Yes ma'am and this time I get to
walk out with my clothes on.
Nikki can't keep from bursting into laughter as she locks and
closes the door behind them and follows Duncan.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 129--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 2
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 14, 2011, 7:55 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki is sitting at a table in a back corner of Joe's Bar
doodling in a water droplet on the table from the condensation
on her drink. She is deep in thought.
Craig pulls into the parking lot of Joe's Bar, parks his SUV,
gets out and heads for the front door. As he approaches it he
feels an Immortal buzz and tenses.
Nikki feels the buzz of another Immortal and merely glances
toward the door.
Craig reaches for the door handle and pulls the door open and
steps inside. He quickly looks around and sees that there are
only a few people in the bar. A table with three men near the
stage, one man at the bar and then he sees Nikki in the back
corner sitting by herself. He relaxes and walks over to the bar,
watching Nikki out of the corner of his eye.
Nikki sees that it is Craig that is coming into the bar and goes
back to what she was doing.
Craig can see that Nikki is deep in thought and not at all
concerned about his entrance so he takes a seat on a bar stool
and orders a draft. As he sips the frosty ale he watches Nikki
in the mirror behind the bar. After a few minutes he decides
that the lady needs a diversion....or at least somebody to talk
to so he picks up his mug and a bowl of peanuts that is sitting
next to him and walks over to Nikki's table.
[Craig] This seat taken?
Craig asks placing his hand on the back of the empty chair
across from her. He smiles warmly.
Nikki looks up and shrugs.
[Nikki] Looks empty to me.
Nikki says with a half smile.
[Nikki] But I warn you....I may not be very good company right
now.
Craig pulls the chair out and takes a seat, setting his beer and
the bowl of peanuts on the table.
[Craig] Now I find that very hard to believe.
Craig says light heartedly.
Nikki shrugs again.
[Nikki] Suit yourself.
Nikki says simply and takes a sip of her drink.
[Craig] You know.....I've tried to call you several times since
our dinner a couple of weeks ago but I only get your voice mail.
Do you ignore your messages from everyone or just me?
Craig asks halfway teasing.
Nikki reaches out and grabs a handful of peanuts from the bowl
Craig had brought and pops a couple in her mouth. She gives him
a smarmy smirk.
[Nikki] I have been ignoring everyone lately.
Nikki says and takes a sip of her drink.
[Nikki] Things have been chaotic at the ranch so when I get some
time to myself I just want to shut off the whole entire world.
Nikki looks at him and manages a small smile.
[Nikki] Sorry about that. Please don't take it personal.
Nikki says sincerely and pops a few more peanuts into her mouth.
[Craig] Something tells me that it's not the ranch that has you
so deep in thought today.
Craig says observantly and sincerely concerned.
[Nikki] You read minds now?
Nikki smirks at him and pops a few more peanuts into her mouth
then chases them down with a sip of her drink.
Craig shrugs.
[Craig] Oh....I have been known to dabble in the psychic arts.
Craig says jokingly.
[Nikki] Have ya now?
Nikki says...her Irish accent coming through a bit.
Craig leans forward and folds his arms on the table. He looks
into Nikki's emerald green eyes and nods.
[Craig] You know sometimes it helps to have a sounding board.
Craig says softly.
[Nikki] I have a sounding board. At home. His name is Blaze. He
is a very good listener.
Nikki says sarcastically.
[Craig] I've met him. He may be a good listener but he isn't
much for giving feedback.
Craig jokes.
[Nikki] Says you.
Nikki says and sticks her tongue out at Craig.
[Craig] Seriously, Nikki.....I thought we had become good enough
friends that you were comfortable talking to me. Have I been
wrong all this time?
Craig says wondering if he had misread her signals the last few
times they had spent time together. He sincerely hoped not as he
had become quite fond of the spirited redhead.
Nikki looks across the table at Craig and can see the sincerity
in his eyes. She shakes her head and smiles warmly.
[Nikki] No. You haven't. I'm sorry, Craig. I just have a lot on
my mind.
[Craig] Apology accepted.
Craig takes a sip of his beer.
[Craig] Why don't you tell me what's bothering you? It might
help. If it doesn't you haven't lost anything.....right?
Nikki looks at him and can see the warmth and friendliness in
his eyes. She had gotten close to him during the few dates they
had been on. He had been the first man to have been able to make
a dent in her protective armor (besides Methos) in over 100
years. In fact....on their last date....a pleasant afternoon
picnic....she had shared a few things about her she had only
shared with two other people....Amanda and Methos. Craig had
been understanding and hadn't judged her.....accepting and
sympathetic. And he, too, had shared his past with her. He had
been a perfect gentleman...and at the end of the date she looked
forward to the next time.
[Nikki] OK.
Nikki says finally.
[Nikki] I'm in a bit of a quandary
Craig winces.
[Craig] Oh. Quandaries are serious business.
Craig says in a friendly yet teasing tone of voice.
[Nikki] Yeah. Especially when they involve your best friend.
Nikki agrees and takes another sip of her drink.
Craig takes a sip of his beer and grabs a handful of peanuts. He
pops them into his mouth, one at a time and chews them slowly as
he listens intently to what Nikki is saying.
[Nikki] Amanda and I have been best friends of over 100 years.
Nikki says quietly so as not to be overheard.
[Nikki] Almost like sisters. We've shared a lot. She probably
knows me as well as I do if not a little better. We're not
inseparable by no means. She does her thing and I do mine but
when we do connect....we always catch each other up on what has
gone on in the other's absence
Nikki stops as she tries to put her thoughts in order...not
wanting to ramble nonsensically.
[Craig] I feel an "except for once" coming on.
Craig observes and pops the last peanut in his hand into his
mouth.
[Nikki] Well.....sort of.
Nikki says admittingly.
[Nikki] I mean I didn't deliberately withhold information from
her.....I just never named names because I didn't think it
mattered.
Nikki chews on her lower lip as she thinks about what she is
saying.
Craig takes a sip of his beer and sets the glass down. He leans
closer as he listens with understanding.
Nikki looks across the table at Craig and realizes that he
probably doesn't understand what she is talking about because
she has been skirting the issue.
[Nikki] OK....I'm talking about my blunder in the romance
department in 1884.
Nikki says to clarify.
Craig nods as things become a little more clear. During their
last time together.....a romantic and enjoyable picnic in the
forest behind her house on the Nua Tosu` Ranch...she had
confided in him....sharing the reason why she had such a thick
wall around her heart. It had been obvious that she had never
let herself forgive herself for the decision she had made over a
century ago....and she had been beating herself up ever since.
Craig had completely sympathized with her having made a few
romantic blunders of his own in the past. He also felt very
honored to know that she had come to trust him enough to share
something that intimate with him.
[Nikki] But I wasn't the only one.
Nikki said and emptied her glass.
Craig motions to the bartender for another round.
[Nikki] I knew that there was a man....one of us....that Mand
saw from time to time and was somewhat crazy about. She talked
about him frequently. They shared a lot of history
together....had known each other since the 1600s.
Nikki says and looks at a drop of water on the table.
The bartender brings over two drinks and sets them on the table.
Craig mouths the words, "put them on my tab", and the bartender
nods and heads back to the bar. Craig slides Nikki's over to
her.
[Nikki] But she never mentioned his name and I never asked.
Nikki shrugs.
[Nikki] It just never seemed that important....you know?
Nikki asks looking up at Craig.
Craig nods quietly.
Nikki looks back down at the water droplet and sighs.
[Nikki] At least not until now.
Nikki says her voice almost a whisper.
[Nikki] Turns out....they were one and the same man.
Craig refrains from responding verbally by finishing his first
beer and setting the empty glass aside.
Nikki silently takes a big swig of her drink. Her confusion and
hurt are evident in her eyes.
Craig finally leans forward and asks, "how did you happen to
learn this piece of information?"
[Nikki] I ran into him last weekend.
Nikki says bluntly without looking at Craig.
[Nikki] At Mand's condo.
Nikki adds.
[Craig] Ouch.
Craig says simply and sympathetically.
[Nikki] Yeah.
Nikki says with a nod.
[Nikki] Mand is out of town for a couple of weeks and I had a
late meeting with a couple of charitable bureaucrats so I
decided to stay at her place rather than drive all the way home.
I guess he had just got into town and decided to pay her a visit
without calling first.
[Craig] Awkward.
Craig says with a sympathetic grimace as he tried to visualize
the scene.
[Nikki] That's when things were said that gave me notes to
compare. Seems they have been very close. But....like she and
I....or for whatever reason....he either never told her about
our history or never mentioned my name. He didn't even know she
and I were best friends.
Craig wants to ask her if seeing the...according to her...only
man she had ever really been in love with...the man she let ride
out of her life and heart...had been very painful but he decides
to let her bring it up.
[Nikki] I think he felt as awkward as I did.
Nikki says and takes another gulp of her drink.
[Nikki] But he was a perfect gentleman about the whole thing. He
never once brought up the fact that I "dumped" him.
Nikki says making quotation marks in the air with her fingers.
[Nikki] It was as if he didn't have any ill feelings toward me
at all.
[Craig] Sounds like he found a way to forgive you. He probably
realizes that it does no one any good to hold on to old
wounds...old anger...for long periods of time.
Craig says softly as he watches Nikki.
Nikki nods.
[Nikki] I hear what you're saying, Craig. And I know you're
right but....well....we talked about this before.
[Craig] That we did.
Craig agrees letting the issue drop.
[Craig] So if you two didn't talk things out.....what did you
talk about? Or did you run off leaving things up in the air?
Nikki is a bit surprised to realize that Craig knows her well
enough to know that she might have done just that. She feels her
cheeks blush and she looks back at the water droplet.
[Nikki] We went to dinner and talked about everything but that.
Nikki looks up at Craig.
[Nikki] Don't get me wrong....the evening was pleasant enough.
There didn't seem to be any tension....at least on his
part....and I controlled mine. The conversation was just light.
I told him about Nua Tosu` and how I acquired it and why and he
told me about the Dojo he has owned here in Seacouver since 1992
and we laughed at the fact that our paths never crossed. We
talked about politics, art, music, food and Martial Arts and we
traded a few funny stories about Amanda's escapades.
Nikki takes a sip of her drink.
[Craig] But nothing more serious.
Craig says observantly.
Nikki shakes her head silently.
[Craig] Did you want to?
Nikki shrugs without looking at him.
[Nikki] I don't know....no....not really.
Nikki looks up at him.
[Nikki] I mean it was nice. Peaceful. Not at all like I have
pictured it would be if our paths ever did cross.
Nikki looks at the bowl of peanuts and starts to spin it around.
[Nikki] I mean....it could have been ugly. At least he didn't
take my head. Or seem to want to.
[Craig] True.
Craig agrees understandingly.
[Craig] So what exactly has you in a quandary?
Craig asks sitting back in his chair and taking a drink of his
beer as he watches her intently.
Nikki shrugs again.
[Nikki] I don't know. Maybe I'm being ridiculous but....I'm just
wondering how much Mand really knew. I mean....did she really
not know about our history or did she know....did he tell
her....and she deliberately kept it from me?
[Craig] What would have been her motive for doing something like
that?
[Nikki] Well....I would hate to think it was because she wanted
him all to herself...although there is always that possibility.
[Craig] Or maybe she was protecting you. Both of you. If she did
know anything that is.
Craig says being logical.
[Craig] From everything you have told me about her....she is
very protective of those she cares about. And from what you've
told me.....you two care a lot about each other.
[Nikki] I'd die for her...if it meant saving her life. And I've
always believed she would too.
Nikki thinks about what Craig has said for a couple of minutes
then says, "And she would do something like that to protect me.
And if she cares about Duncan as much as she seems to....she'd
do the same for him."
It was the first time Nikki had ever mentioned the man from her
past's name and hearing it causes Craig to sit forward in his
seat.
[Craig] Did you say his name is Duncan?
Nikki nods and looks up at Craig questioningly.
[Nikki] Yes. Why?
[Craig] You wouldn't be talking about Duncan MacLeod would you?
Craig asks leaning almost across the table.
Nikki looks at Craig, shocked.
[Nikki] Don't tell me you know him, too.
Craig shakes his head as he sits back a bit.
[Craig] Not personally. I have....or had a client that was
working with him on something. Recently as a matter of fact. He
mentioned him frequently as they were working closely.....
Craig looks up at the rafters overhead, thoughtfully.
[Craig] ....maybe still are. I'm not sure if they're done doing
what they were doing or not. I haven't heard from my client in
some time.
Craig makes a mental note to try and get hold of his client,
Richter, in the next couple of days.
[Craig] Of course I am aware of his reputation. He's sort of a
legend in some parts of the world.
Craig says looking back at Nikki.
[Nikki] Really? That's interesting because in the 124 years
since we saw each other last I have never heard his name
mentioned. Guess I was in the wrong parts of the world.
Nikki says with a little sarcasm.
[Nikki] Anyway....my quandary is whether or not I should even
bring up the subject to Mand. I mean it's obvious that they have
some sort of relationship since he has a key to her place and
keeps clothes there.
"And feels close enough to walk into her bathroom thinking she
was naked in her bathtub," Nikki thinks to herself.
[Nikki] I mean....I don't want to cause any problems or be a
problem between them. I'd never deliberately do anything to hurt
Mand and I don't want to hurt him anymore than I already have.
Nikki sighs and finishes her drink.
[Craig] What is preventing you from simply asking your friend?
I'm sure you could figure out how to ask without letting the cat
out of the bag.
[Nikki] Because Mand is incommunicado right now and God knows
how long it will be before she is communicado again.
[Craig] So? Is there some reason you feel 'rushed"?
Craig asks making quotation signs in the air with his fingers.
[Nikki] You mean besides the fact that when he took me back to
her place he informed me that he asked for MY phone number and
address because he said he wanted to see me again?
Nikki asks looking at Craig.
[Craig] Ah.
Craig nods understandingly.
[Craig] Are you going to see him again?
[Nikki] I don't know.
Nikki answers honestly.
[Nikki] I mean if he and Mand have something going....then
definitely not. It would be wrong.
[Craig] And what if they don't?
Nikki shrugs.
[Nikki] I don't know.
[Craig] Yes you do.
Craig looks at her and quirks an eyebrow knowingly.
Nikki looks into Craig's blue eyes.
[Nikki] No. I really don't, Craig. Sure....there's a part of me
that would love to go back in time and erase that night. But I
know that that isn't possible. What's done can't be undone. And
there's a part of me that wants to just run in the opposite
direction because I don't want to make the same mistake and hurt
him and I don't want to be hurt again either.
Nikki tilts her empty glass and doodles in the condensation
along the sides with her thumb nail.
[Nikki] And there's a part of me that has started to move on and
I would like to give that a try.
Nikki says shyly.
[Nikki] That is....if that's an option still.
Nikki adds without raising her eyes from her glass.
Craig understands perfectly what Nikki means and he
smiles....feeling a warmth wash over him like the sun on a
summer day.
[Craig] Of course it is.
Craig says and reaches across the table. He takes her hand
gently in his and softly rubs it with his thumb.
Nikki feels her cheeks heat up as she blushes.
Craig uses his index finger to lift her chin so they are looking
eye to eye.
[Craig] I've only just begun to learn what makes Nikki Flynn
tick and I'm fascinated to learn more. If you'll let me.
Nikki smiles shyly and nods.
[Craig] Ah ha! There's that smile that makes the sunshine dim in
comparison.
Craig says with a chuckle. Just then Craig's cell phone rings.
[Craig] Excuse me.
Craig says and unhooks it from his belt. He flips it over and
reads the text message in the window then closes it back and
replaces it on his belt.[/i]
[Craig] I'm afraid that was my office.
Craig announces.
[Nikki] And you have to go.
Nikki says for him.
[Craig] Yeah. I'm sorry.
[Nikki] It's OK Go.
[Craig] Rain check?
Craig asks as he stands up.
Nikki smiles up at him warmly.
[Nikki] Absolutely. And I promise to return your messages when
you leave them from now on.
Craig winks at her and turns around. He hurries toward the door
and disappears into the sunlit outdoors.
Nikki sighs and gets to her feet. She picks up the dirty glasses
and peanut bowl and carries them over to the bar. She thanks the
bartender as she sets them down and tells him to tell Joe hi for
her then leaves herself.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 132--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 3
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 15, 2011, 11:10 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[Gemini] What?
She asks in surprise to the man who sat in front of her.
[Coach Johnson] I said I won’t do it. I won’t coach you.
[Gemini] But…why not?
[Coach Johnson] You lost to much time with the accident.
He says with an indifferent shrug.
[Gemini] But, I’m fine now. I’ve never been better! If anything
I’m better than before the accident!
She protests vehemently.
Johnson shrugs again, “Somehow I doubt it. Athletes are never
the same after accidents like that. And I will not waste my time
on someone who isn’t even a ‘has been.” He sighs and shakes his
head, “Look, Gemini truth is, you are now a ‘never will be.’
Just, enjoy Seacouver. See some sites and go home.” That said he
stands up and lays a fifty on the table to cover the bill and
walks out of the Fairmont hotel restaurant and building.
Gemini just sits and stares at the empty place before her that
moments ago had held one of the, to the swimming community, best
known and therefore one of the best, swim coaches. “I don’t
understand,” she whispers softly to herself.
[Waiter] Miss can I get you anything else?
[Gemini] No, thank you. I’m fine.
Gemini says giving the waiter a watery smile and getting up she
left the restaurant. Silently fuming Gemini walks to the
elevator enters and hits the button for her floor. She exits the
elevator as it reaches her floor. Turning left down the hallway,
Gemini goes to her suite. Sliding the key card into the door,
she swings it open and enters, letting the door swing shut
behind her on it’s own.
[Gemini] It’s not fair. Not fair at all. Can I help it I was hit
by a drunk driver? Can I help it, that it kept me out of the
pool for a couple of months? Isn’t it bad enough that Mom and
Dad were in an accident as they were racing home to be with me
in the hospital. Isn’t even worse they died because of that
accident? But did he have to kill my dream too?
Gemini sobs and collapses to the floor sobbing. She didn’t even
know what to do from here. The plan had been, she’d talk to
Johnson, he’d agree to coach her and she’d stay in the Fairmont
for a couple of weeks while she found an apartment and had her
things shipped out from Fargo. The reservations in the Fairmont
were for two weeks. Now what was she supposed to do with
herself? She didn’t want to just turn around and go back to
Fargo and she didn’t have heart to call and let down her
friends.
[Gemini] To hell with it. To hell with him.
Gemini curses and stands up. She pulls of the skirt and shirt
she had on. Both had been worn on purpose, the skirt to display
her muscular legs and the dress spaghetti strap shirt, to
display her wide muscular shoulders, perfect on for a swimmer to
have. Muttering to herself, Gemini changed her clothes, skirt
for jeans and shirt for a light sweater. Turning Gemini takes
her purse and digs through it. After a couple moments of digging
she pulls out several twenties which she wraps around her key
card and shoves into her left pocket and a cell phone which goes
into the right pocket. Needing to work off the rage and other
emotions inside her, Gemini turns and leaves her hotel room.
Turning right, Gemini makes her way to the stair well and
practically flies down the stairs. Walking quickly she moves
through the hotel lobby and out the doors. Picking a direction
at random, Gemini stalks furiously down the street.
Craig assists Nikki into his car after leaving the ballet and
heads for Joe's Bar. He pulls into the parking lot, parks his
car, gets out and goes around to help Nikki out.
Nikki gets out and smiles at Craig. The evening had been a good
one....a good meal...wonderful ballet and now they were going to
have a nightcap.
[Nikki] Thank you, kind sir.
Nikki says as she step away from the car.
[Craig] My pleasure, ma lady.
Craig says and locks the car. He holds out his elbow for her to
take then leads her around to the front door of the bar.
Nikki takes his elbow and follows him to the door.
Craig opens the door of the bar and holds it open for Nikki.
[Craig] After you.
Craig bows gallantly.
Nikki smiles demurely and steps across the threshold. She stands
just inside the door giving her eyes time to adjust to the dim
light.
Gemini comes back to herself as the sun starts to set. With a
start, she realizes she has no idea where she is. "Maybe an
angry walk wasn't such the best idea," she mutters.
Craig follows Nikki inside and looks around for a table. He sees
one off to the side and leads Nikki over to it. Pulling out a
chair for her he assists her in sitting down the takes a seat in
the empty chair next to her and flags down the barmaid.
Gemini looks around carefully. She wasn't in the best of
neighborhoods, but not the worst either. "But definitely not a
place to be alone after dark," she mutters to herself. "I need
to find a place to call and wait for a cab."
Nikki looks around at the customers....then looks over at the
bar to see if Joe is working but sees that he isn't. She removes
her wrap and lays it across the back of her chair and gets
comfortable.
[Craig] What would you like to drink?
Craig asks when the barmaid comes over to their table.
Nikki thinks it over for a few seconds.
[Nikki] A blended fuzzy naval.
Nikki says finally.
Craig repeats Nikki's order and orders a scotch...neat.
[Craig] Doesn't look like Joe's is very busy tonight.
Craig observes.
[Nikki] It's usually quiet on Thursdays.
Nikki says with a nod.
Gemini sighs as she spots a bar. She may not be able to drink,
but they'd have a phone book so she could call a taxi. Relieved
she starts for the bar, that named itself "Joe's."
[Craig] So did you enjoy the ballet?
Nikki smiles and nods.
[Nikki] Very much. I have always loved Swan Lake. And to see it
performed by the Russian Ballet....I mean they are the best.
[Craig] Yes they are. Although I would rather have seen
Baryshnikov or Nureyev in the lead but unfortunately they
aren't one of us and they had to retire.
Craig says with a chuckle.
Nikki giggles in agreement.
[Nikki] It's strange to hear a guy talk that way about the
ballet. I'm so used to being around macho men that think
drinking and belching is considered fine art.
Gemini sighed and rubbed her forehead just as she reached the
door to the bar. A sudden headache developing.
Craig snickers then looks at her as if surprised.
[Craig] You mean they aren't?
Nikki playfully smacks him on the shoulder. She suddenly feels
the buzz of another Immortal and stiffens up...looking towards
the door of the bar.
Craig feels the presence of another Immortal....sees Nikki's
reaction and follows her gaze towards the door.
Gemini pulls the door to the bar open, still rubbing her head.
Without looking around the room, she walks up to the bar.
"Excuse me," she says to the bartender. "Do you have a phone
book?"
Craig glances over at Nikki.
[Craig] Anyone you know?
Nikki shakes her head.
[Nikki] Nope.
Bartender nods and and indicates he'll be right back and goes
back into Joe's office to look for it. Gemini keeps rubbing her
forehead, while she waits on the bartender.
[Craig] I have a suspicion that the young lady is new to it.
Craig says after observing the fact that the female Immortal
hadn't looked around the room for the source of the buzz she was
obviously feeling.
Nikki watches the girl for a few seconds.
[Nikki] I don't think she knows.
Nikki whispers to Craig.
Craig shakes his head.
[Craig] I don't either. Must have just happened.
Craig glances over at Nikki.
[Craig] What a coincidence that she happens into a place that
seems to be an Immortal hang out.
Craig smirks.
[Nikki] Yeah.
Nikki says rolling her eyes.
[Nikki] Everyone comes to Joe's.
Nikki quotes a favorite saying of a couple of Joe's older and
more frequent customers.
Craig chuckles.
[Nikki] Well....the way I see it we can do one of two things.
Nikki says taking a sip of her drink.
Gemini smiles and thanks the bartender as he comes back and
hands her a phone book She opens it to the yellow pages and
starts paging through, looking for taxis.
[Nikki] We can get up quietly and inconspicuously and sneak out
before we are noticed.....and pretend we didn't see a
thing.....or.....
Nikki leaves her thought hanging.
Craig looks at her and quirks an eyebrow questioningly.
[Craig] You could do that? And not feel guilty about it?
Nikki thinks to herself, Great....you just made a few minus
points, Flynn. Way to go. She looks at Craig and smirks a bit
and shakes her head.
[Nikki] No.....I guess not.
Nikki says although if she were to be completely honest....she
could.
[Craig] Then I guess I'll go over and invite her to join us.
Craig says with an approving smile. He gets up and walks over to
the bar and steps up next to the young lady.
[Craig] Excuse me, miss....
Craig says softly.
[Craig] I see you're looking for something in the phone book.
I'm from around here.....maybe I could help you find what you're
looking for.
Craig says in a soft, gentle voice.
Nikki shakes her head as she watches Craig walk over to the
female Immortal. Not exactly the way she had imagined their date
ending.
Gemini jumps startled at the sound of voice at her side. "I
think I found it, thanks," she says softly, her finger on a
listing for a Taxi agency.
[Craig] Did your car break down?
Craig asks softly.
[Gemini] No. Ummm.. I walked actually. But it's dark, and I...
Gemini trails off, not wanting to actually admit to some
stranger that she was lost.
[Craig] You walked?
Craig asks incredulously.
[Craig] How far?
[Gemini] From, ah, the Fairmont hotel.
Gemini says softly.
Craig smiles warmly at her.
[Craig] Look.....why don't you come over and join my friend and
I and catch your breath....so to speak....before calling a cab.
In fact.....why don't you save your money and we will give you a
ride to wherever you're going?
Craig gestures toward his and Nikki's table and smiles
invitingly at the girl.
[Gemini] Oh, I wouldn't want to intrude.
Gemini says shaking her head, and wondering why the man would
have come over to her, when he was out with such a beautiful
woman.
[Craig] Nonsense. If it were an intrusion I wouldn't be
offering.
Craig says with a bit of a playful wink. He places his hand
gently under her elbow and starts to guide her in the direction
of his and Nikki's table.
[Gemini] Yes but...
Gemini protests weakly, as the man pulls her off towards the
back table.
[Craig] No buts.
Craig says in a firm yet soft, gentle voice.
[Gemini] But...
Gemini says again, as she blushes.
[Craig] By the way....my name's Craig.
Craig says ignoring her protest.
Nikki sees Craig leading the girl over to their table and
inwardly sighs. Sneaking out the side door is sounding better
all the time.
[Gemini] Gemini
Gemini introduces herself, her voice barely above a whisper.
Craig leads the girl to their table and pulls out an empty
chair, holding it for her, gentlemanly.
[Craig] Gemini....this is my friend, Nikki. Nikki....this is
Gemini.
[Gemini] Hi
Nikki smiles up at the girl.
[Nikki] Hi, Gemini. Have a seat.
Nikki says with a nod towards the chair Craig is holding out
for her.
Gemini glances at both before very shyly sitting in the seat
Craig is holding.
Craig gently pushes the chair closer to the table then reclaims
his chair.
[Craig] Would you like something to drink, Gemini?
Craig asks and motions to the barmaid.
[Gemini] Oh, um, just a water.
Gemini says unsurely.
Nikki takes a sip of her own drink as she watches Gemini.
[Craig] You sure?
Craig asks quirking an eyebrow.
[Craig] You may want something a little stronger in a few
minutes.
[Gemini] I'm sure.
Gemini says, then stares at Craig.
[Gemini] What do you mean by that?
Gemini asks her eye darting towards the door, thinking it might
be a better idea to just leave.
Craig relays Gemini's request for a glass of water to the
barmaid....waits for her to leave then leans forward...across
the table so as not to be overheard. He looks directly into
Gemini's eyes.
Gemini swallows nervously.
[Craig] Gemini.....have you been in a bad accident recently? Or
been really really sick?
Craig asks getting to the point.
Nikki sits back and listens quietly...all the while watching the
girl closely.
Gemini blinks startled and surprised by the question. She
swallows again before speaking.
[Gemini] Ummm..I was in a pretty bad car accident last summer.
Why?
Craig glances over at Nikki then looks back at Gemini.
[Craig] I take it you woke up in a strange place.....right?
[Gemini] Well, if you call a hospital bed strange. I guess.
Gemini shrugs.
[Craig] When you say pretty bad.....just how bad was it? How bad
were you hurt?
Craig asks gently trying not to alarm the girl with his
questions.
Gemini looks down, fidgeting with her hands. "Bad," she
whispered. "I was broadsided by two different drunk drives, that
avoided colliding with each other by hitting me. Took the police
and rescue over three hours to get me out. Told me afterwards,
that when I passed out, they had then figured on dragging a
corpse out. They were shocked I was still alive."
[Nikki] You didn't just pass out.
Nikki says and takes a sip of her drink.
[Gemini] Yeah I did.
Gemini says looking at Nikki with a frown.
Nikki shakes her head.
[Nikki] I'm afraid it was more serious than that, Gemini. A lot
more serious.
[Gemini] What's that supposed to mean?
Gemini demands, with a sudden sinking feeling in the pit of her
stomach.
[Craig] Let me ask you one more question, Gemini.
[Gemini] Alright...
Craig says trying to be as gentle as possible.
Gemini says softly, looking back at Craig.
[Craig] I take it your injuries were extensive.....right?
Serious enough that you should have at least spent a long time
in the hospital recuperating....right?
[Gemini] I dunno...
Gemini shrugs. Thinking not so much that it should have been a
long time in the hospital, but more that it should have meant
trips back, to remove the staples, that were never needed. She
feels herself pale slightly.
Craig waits quietly for Gemini to think it over and...hopefully
put some of the pieces together herself.
David stops his car and gets out. He had finished work for today
so he decided to come for a drink. He walks to the entrance of
Joe's bar.
Nikki feels the buzz of another Immortal and glances toward the
door. Great, she thinks to herself. That's all we need right
now.
Gemini winces and rubs her head as the headache suddenly
resurfaces.
Craig feels an Immortal buzz and looks at Gemini.
[Craig] Gemini? Do you feel that?
Craig asks looking directly into her eyes.
David winces a little as he felt the buzz, "Damn, I'll never get
used to this." He murmurs under his breath to himself.
[Gemini] Feel what?
Gemini asks, rubbing her head, in hopes the headache will go
away.
Nikki reaches out and touches Gemini's head where she has been
rubbing it.
[Nikki] That.
Nikki says simply.
[Gemini] My headache? Yeah, I feel it...
Gemini says confused.
David walks in, looks around and smiles as he sees Craig, he
walks to him.
[Craig] You got that same feeling when you walked into the bar
tonight....didn't you.
Craig says as more of a statement than a question.
[Gemini] Yeah
Craig sees David and smiles and waves him over.
Gemini answers softly, looking back and forth from Craig to
Nikki, her stomach sinking even lower with dread.
[Nikki] Have you felt it before....since your accident?
Nikki asks and takes a sip of her drink.
David smiles amused as he walks closer, so this was his urgent
business, huh?
Gemini shakes her head.
[Gemini] No.
[David] So am I interrupting? If I am, I can go sit at the bar.
Gemini jumps startled. She glances up at the man she hadn't even
seen approach.
Craig looks up at David and shakes his head.
[Craig] No....you're not intruding at all. David I'd like you to
meet Gemini. Gemini.
Craig points to Nikki.
[Craig] And this is Nikki.
Nikki smiles up at David and nods.
[Nikki] Nice to meet you David.
Nikki says politely.
[Gemini] Hi.
[David] Nice to meet you too.
Gemini says in a voice barely above a whisper.
David smiles at them.
[Craig] Why don't you go get yourself a drink and then join us?
Craig says to David.
[David] Yes, Teach.
David teases before he walks to the bar.
Craig rolls his eyes and shakes his head. Then he turns his
attention back to Gemini.
Gemini continues to look back and forth between Craig and Nikki.
Her eyes worried and her face pale.
David orders a drink still looking at them through the bar
mirror, he wondered what was going on.
[Craig] Gemini....what I am about to tell you is going to sound
insane.....impossible....unbelievable. But it is the God's
honest truth and I'm telling you because you NEED to know it.
Craig says softly as he watches her face intently.
[Gemini] And that would be?
Gemini says as she swallows nervously.
David gets his drink and takes it to the table, then he looks
for an empty chair.
Craig nods at the empty chair to let David know he is welcome to
sit.
[David] Thanks, Teach.
David smiles as he sits down.
Gemini glances warily at David, before turning her attention
back to Craig.
[Craig] David and I had this same discussion just recently.
Craig says to Gemini.
[Gemini] Yeah... that's not helping much. Still confused here.
Gemini mutters softly.
[Craig] Are you sure you don't want something stronger to drink
than water?
Craig asks her.
Nikki finishes her drink and sets her empty glass on the table.
[Gemini] Stronger? Like what?
Gemini asks.
[Craig] Like maybe a shot of whiskey....or something equally as
strong.
[Gemini] I'm ah..
Gemini blushes.
[Gemini] Not legal to drink.
[Nikki] I really doubt anyone is going to card you in here.
Nikki says with a smile. She gets to her feet.[/i]
[Nikki] I'm going to get a refill.....can I get anyone else
anything while I'm up?
Craig shakes his head.
[Craig] No thanks. I'm good.
[David] No, thank you, still drinking this one.
David smiles at Nikki, indicating his drink.
Gemini just shakes her head, not saying anything.
Nikki makes her way to the bar and orders a refill of her drink
and a shot of whiskey for Gemini.
[Craig] Now....to get back to the matter at hand.
Craig says and leans forward again.
Gemini bites her lower lip.
[Craig] When you had your accident you didn't just pass out.
Craig says in a low, gentle voice.
[Craig] Your injuries were as extensive and serious as you and
the firemen though. So serious that you actually died from them.
Craig takes a drink....giving Gemini some time to absorb what he
has said,.
[Gemini] ...That's not possible...
Gemini says shaking her head.
Nikki pays for the drinks and takes a big sip of hers then she
carries them back to the table and sets the whiskey on the table
in front of Gemini. She reclaims her seat.
David frowns as he drinks some beer, the girl didn't know she
died?
[Craig] I told you it would sound impossible. But it is
completely possible....probable....and it is the truth. It has
happened to each one of us.
Craig says indicating Nikki and David.
[Nikki] It is also the reason you felt like you were getting a
headache when you walked into the bar tonight and when David
arrived.
Nikki says and takes another sip of her drink.
[Nikki] It's how we tell when there's another of us around.
[Gemini] I - I don't understand.
Gemini stutters, her face going white.
[Craig] Gemini....Nikki...David....myself and now you are all
Immortals. We all suffered either a traumatic death or died from
a catastrophic illness at some point in our past. And we didn't
stay dead.
Craig gives her a few minutes to think this over.
[Nikki] I know it sounds completely insane.....that it probably
goes against every logical fiber of your soul.
Nikki says softly.
[David] I thought Craig was crazy when he told me.
David laughs softly, while he nods in agreement.
[Gemini] No. I-it makes too much sense actually.
Gemini says softly, starting to shake.
[Gemini] Too much sense.
[Nikki] But you have to believe us. It is imperative that you
believe it because it could save your life.
[Gemini] Obviously everyone is not this way, are they?
Gemini asks still trembling slightly, and thinking of her
parents.
[Craig] No. Not everyone. And we don't know why we are....only
that we are.
Craig says with a sigh.
[Craig] And if that were all there was to it....that would be
good. But it's not. There's more.
[Nikki] Much more.
Nikki adds.
[Gemini] And it's not good is it?
Gemini asks, trying to shut her emotions down.
[David] Oh, now it comes the swords part, right?
[Gemini] Swords?
Gemini asks glancing at David, then around the table.
[Craig] Let's just take one step at a time.
Craig says and shoots David a warning glance.
[Nikki] How are you doing?
[David] Fine, I'm not even here.
Nikki asks Gemini.
David nods as he smiles at Craig.
[Gemini] I, I don't know.
Gemini admits.
[Nikki] Do you live alone, Gemini?
Nikki asks wondering if there is going to be somebody waiting
for her.
[Gemini] Why?
Gemini asks, wondering what the relevance of Nikki's question
was. Why would she care if Gemini lived alone or not?
[Nikki] I was just wondering if there was someone waiting for
you to come home at a certain time.
[Gemini] Oh, no.
Gemini shakes her head.
Nikki says keeping the fact that sometimes....after being told
what she has just been told....having someone sharing their life
can complicate things to herself.....for now.
[Gemini] My parents died in a car accident...shortly after I
did, I guess.
Gemini laughs humourlessly, not wanting to break down in tears,
in front of these people.
[Craig] Are you staying in Seacouver permanently? Or just
visiting?
Craig asks Gemini.
[Gemini] I don't know
Gemini admits shaking her head. 'At least, not anymore.' she
adds silently to herself.
[David] What do you mean you don't know?
[Nikki] Well....if you don't have family or any sort of ties
somewhere else....it might be a good idea for you to stay here.
At least for a while.
David frowns at her answer.
Gemini glances over at David.
Nikki looks at Craig quirking an eyebrow questioningly.
[Gemini] I came to Seacouver to talk with a coach, that I had
hoped would take me on. Train me for the Olympics. He turned me
down. I don't know what I'm going to do now."
[Nikki] At least until we can find you a teacher.
Nikki says wondering who that was going to end up being.
[Craig] The Olympics? What event?
Craig asks hoping to lighten the subject a little.
[Gemini] Swimming.
Gemini says with a small smile.
[Gemini] Missed the last Olympic team by a hundredth of a
second.
Gemini nods
[Craig] Have you competed in the National trials yet?
Craig smiles and nods...impressed.
[Nikki] Good, that means you are strong and and have mental
discipline. Training should come easy for you.
Nikki observes.
[Gemini] Training?
Gemini asks, feeling nervous again.
Craig nods as he finishes his drink. He sets the empty glass on
the table.
[Craig] Remember I said that there was more?
Craig asks Gemini.
[Gemini] Yeah.
David smiles, before he takes a sip of his drink, he wasn't
going to mention the swords again.
Gemini takes a big swallow of her water.
[Gemini] I'm guessing this is where the catch comes in?
[Craig] Well....the more part is that although we don't know how
we became the way we are....or the real reason why we are what
we are....we do have what you might call a purpose.....a
goal....that was established by who knows who.
Craig glances over at Nikki then at David.
[Gemini] Okay...
Gemini says slowly, waiting for the catch 22.
Nikki begins to get flickers of memories of the day Amanda found
her and told her what she was and how she was going to have to
live.
David almost asked, Oh, you mean the 'there can be only one'
part? But thought better and didn't.
[Craig] We call it the Game....for the lack of a better term.
Someone....in their infinite wisdom decided that our lives
wouldn't be complicated enough just living decade after
decade....century after century. So they turned out lives into
one huge contest.
Craig looks at David and nods.
[Gemini] What kind of contest?
Gemini asks, knowing this was the part she really wasn't going
to like.
[Craig] Yes....and that's the goal. There can be only one. Only
one Immortal is supposed to survive. And in the end that
Immortal will be given the power of all the Immortals before
him. Enough power to rule the world should he...
Craig glances at Nikki apologetically.
[Craig] ...or she...so desire.
Craig sits back in his chair and watches Gemini's expression.
[Gemini] Only one? But... I thought you said immortal? Isn't
that kind of a contradiction?
Gemini asks, knowing she wasn't going to like the answer to her
question.
[Nikki] I guess you could say it is....sort of. We are Immortal
in the fact that we can't die like everyone else can. We can't
be shot to death...stabbed to death....die from an illness....or
anything like that. At least not die permanently.
[Craig] We can die from a fatal gunshot but we just won't stay
dead.
[Nikki] But there is one way that we can be killed and die
permanently.
[Gemini] And that is?
Gemini asks, now positive she wasn't going to like the answer.
[Craig] If we are decapitated.
Craig answers simply.
Nikki feels Craig's answer is too brief.
[Nikki] If one Immortal beheads another Immortal...the beheaded
one dies permanently and the victorious one gets all of the dead
one's power and knowledge which makes them stronger and able to
heal quicker.
Nikki explains.
[Gemini] You mean, people are going to be coming around as part
of some "Game" trying to chop my head off?! And I'm expected to
do the same?!
Gemini gasps going white as a sheet.
[Craig] Hence the "There can be only one" part.
Craig adds.
[David] I know this sounds unbelievable, I saw a Quickening and
had a hard trouble believing it myself.
[Nikki] Gemini....I know that this is a lot for you to take in
right now.
Nikki says sympathetically.
[Gemini] Ya think?
Gemini whispers. Obviously not happy with what she has just been
told
[Nikki] Maybe it would help if you told us what you're thinking
or feeling. Remember....we've all been there.
Craig glances at Nikki...impressed by her empathy.
[Gemini] Where to start?
Gemini mutters hoarsely
[Gemini] I'm mad, because if my parents had known they wouldn't
have come racing home when I was in the accident and ended up
getting themselves killed. I'm scared because now I've got God
knows how many people out there that are going to be what?
Hunting me down and trying to kill me? And to top it off I was
already depressed because I had some **** tell me to give up my
Olympic dream this afternoon, because he doesn't think I stand a
chance.
Gemini says the words flowing very quickly, as she pushed back
tears of frustration, anger and hurt.
[David] Hey, believe in yourself, don't listen to other people,
if I did that I would probably be in jail by now. Everybody also
told me I didn't have a chance to prove I was innocent.
Gemini blinks and looks at David. "Huh?" she asks
[David] Besides what can be so bad about not getting old? No
wrinkles, no white hair...
Nikki wonders if someone should tell her not to blame her
parents because they weren't really her parents but decides that
that little piece of information can wait. They have overloaded
her enough as it was.
[Gemini] Being carded for all eternity.
Gemini mutters
[Craig]David's got a point, Gemini.
Craig says with a bit of a smile.
[Gemini] And that would be?
Gemini asks
[Craig] You will always have the same amount of strength and
stamina you have now so the sky's the limit as far as your
Olympic aspirations are concerned.
[Gemini] So much for being 'past my prime.'
Gemini mutters.
[Nikki] Very true.
Nikki agrees with Craig.
[Nikki] No arthritis to slow you down or any of the other
ailments swimmers can get as they age.
[Craig] And you will heal from any injuries you get so quick
that no one will even realize you were injured.
Craig adds getting into the spirit of things.
[Gemini] Kind of knew that...
Gemini mutters, absently rubbing her chest, where the glass had
cut her, where the staples had popped out on their own.
[Nikki] What do you mean...kind of knew that?
Nikki asks raising an eyebrow questioningly.
[Gemini] Ummm. with the accident. I got a piece of glass, about
this big...
Gemini holds her hands apart to indicate something about five
inches across.
[Gemini] Stuck in my chest. Guess, that's probably what actually
killed me. But they put staples across my chest, where it was.
The day I got out of the hospital, the staples all popped out on
their own. No sign of a scar.
Gemini explains.
[Nikki] I think we all had some sort of feeling that we were
somehow different. We just didn't know how or why.
Nikki says then sits forward.
Gemini half smiles.
[Gemini] My parents always said I was special.
[Craig] That's another thing, Gemini.
Craig speaks up.
[Craig] Your parents....they weren't your biological parents.
[Gemini] Huh?
Nikki winces since she hadn't thought it wise to bring up that
part of it yet
Gemini blinks at Craig a little surprised by that comment.
[Gemini] I know.
Gemini says after a moment with a shrug.
David frowns at Craig, he had the feeling Craig forgot to
mention something.
[David] Question is, how do you know?
[Craig] You knew you were adopted?
[Gemini] Yeah.
Gemini shrugs
[Gemini] I was left in a hospital in Minneapolis. My parents
adopted me when I was four days old. They couldn't have
children. 'Cause of some... something my dad had when we was
young.
Craig looks at David and realizes that he hadn't talked about
this to his student yet.
[Gemini] Why?
Gemini asks thinking it was an odd question.
[Craig] You see....all Immortals are what they call foundlings.
Nobody knows who our birth parents were.
Craig explains.
[David] What?
David asks surprised, opening his eyes wide open.
[David] You never told me that before.
[Craig] Some of us....most of us...were lucky enough to be
adopted and were able to grow up with parents. Some however
weren't so lucky and spent their adolescence in orphanages or as
slaves then lived on the streets.
[David] So I'm adopted? I didn't know that.
David frowns again thinking. He wonders if his parents had lied
to him all along, he never had the slightest suspicion.
[Nikki] And for the most part....those are the ones we have to
look out for because they have come to believe that they deserve
the so called Prize and will stop at nothing....resort to
whatever means they can to survive and be the last one alive.
Nikki adds to what Craig has said.
Gemini shivers.
[Gemini] That's the part I'm having the hardest time with.
People are really gonna be coming after me? Trying to kill me
for some, so called Prize?
Nikki nods sadly.
[Nikki] Unfortunately yes.
[Craig] That's why we couldn't just let you leave here tonight
without letting you know what you're going to be up against.
Craig says sincerely.
[Gemini] As if that helps. Now what am I supposed to do? Get a
gun and shot who ever comes after me? Hope they don't try again?
Gemini says unhappily.
[Nikki] No.
Nikki says confidently
[Gemini] Then what?
Gemini asks, taking a long swallow of her water.
[Nikki] We're going to help you. We'll find you a teacher so you
can learn how to fight and you'll learn what you need to
survive. Then....once you have the tools and knowledge you
need....it will be up to you to make your life what you want it
to be.
Nikki says.
[Gemini] Tools and knowledge?
[Nikki] And even though our lives are suppose to revolve around
the Game...and the ultimate Prize....some of us....
Nikki glances toward Craig.
[Nikki] Some of us have decided that we don't care about the
Prize. That we don't really want it. But we don't want someone
who is evil....who, if they won it, would make this world a very
dark place to live...win it either.
Craig nods in agreement.
[Craig] Of course that still means that we have to watch our
backs for those who are actively trying to win the Prize. We've
just chosen to not go out looking for Immortals to take their
heads.
[Gemini] So, why don't all the good guys just team up and go
hunt the bad guys? Then all live, more or less, in peace?
Gemini questions.
Nikki looks over at Craig questioningly.
[Nikki] Good question. Why is that, Craig?
Craig shoots Nikki a smarmy smirk then shrugs.[/color]
[Craig] Probably because who are you going to trust?
Craig gets a more serious look on his face.
[Craig] And then....wouldn't that mean that we were taking it
upon ourselves to be the judges of who is worthy of the Prize
and who isn't?
[Gemini] That's a good point.
Gemini mutters
Nikki nods concededly She had to admit that he had a point. And
he reminded her of someone else she knew that thought as he did
and she couldn't help but smile inwardly.
[Gemini] I mean, we're not gods.
Gemini suddenly looks a little concerned.
[Gemini] We're not? Right?
[Craig] No....we're not gods, Gemini. But unfortunately....there
are those who believe they are. They are the ones that use their
immortality to take advantage of others.
[Nikki] It sounds cliche-ish but they use it for evil not good.
Nikki adds nodding.
[Gemini] Sounds Star Warsish.
Gemini mutters.
[Craig] Gemini....you seem to be a person with a level head on
your shoulders. Just by the way you have handled this news....it
tells me that you are going to be alright.
Craig says with confidence.
[Gemini] What? By not running away screaming in panic?
Gemini asks.
[Gemini] If I thought my legs had the strength to support me in
that, believe me, I'd consider it.
[Craig] That....
Craig says with a chuckle.
[Craig] And just the way you think. The fact that you have
accepted it in a down to earth fashion. That you DON'T believe
that it has made you a god.
Gemini snorts.
[Gemini] I can't say I feel particularly god like.
Craig happens to notice that most of the few customers in the
bar have left and it is only them...one other table and one man
at the bar left. He glances over at David as an idea occurs to
him and he, inconspicuously, takes his foot and taps the edge of
David's under the table.
David snaps out of his thoughts and looks up at Craig.
[David] What?
Gemini looks down at her hands, as she thinks things over.
Craig shoots David a look of warning then nods slightly in
Gemini's direction....hoping that his student....who isn't
stupid....will get the hint.
David smiles as he understands what Craig wants.
[David] So, hmm... Gemini would you like a ride? I'm leaving I
have to wake up early in the morning.
[Gemini] Oh... Ummm.. I should really just call a cab.
Gemini says glancing up at David.
[Nikki] Whatever you decide, Gemini....just promise me
something...please?
[David] Ever asked for help to a cab driver? He would get the
hell out of there as fast as he could.
Nikki asks looking at Gemini seriously.
David asks with a smile.
[Craig] Or stick around with the meter running.
Craig says jokingly.
[Gemini] What?
Gemini asks cautiously, looking at Nikki.
[David] I may not be good with a sword yet, but there's nothing
wrong with my shooting.
David shrugs, offering to escort her back to wherever she needed
to go.
[color=white][Nikki] When you get home....wherever that is for
you right now....that you stay put....stay inside.
Nikki quickly jots her cell phone number on a bar napkin and
slides it over to Gemini.
[Nikki] Call me if you need to go someplace and I will come get
you. You shouldn't be out there alone. Not yet.
Gemini glances down at the napkin, then looks up at Nikki.
[Gemini] Alright.
Gemini agrees,.
[Nikki] Good. Thanks.
Nikki says smiling.
Gemini half smiles at Nikki then turns to David.
[Gemini] Suppose the smart thing would be to accept your offer
of a ride then.
[David] Good, besides I'm an ex-cop, now I'm a PI, I'm not going
to attack you or anything.
David smiles at Gemini.
[Gemini] Yeah, I could kick all your asses.
Gemini says, in a serious voice, then grins.
[Gemini] In the water.
Craig smiles inwardly at Gemini's acceptance of David's offer.
At least he knows she will make it home safely. After that....he
decides not to think about it anymore tonight. He's done his
duty and now it's time for him to finish what he had started
earlier with Nikki.
[David] That's a good idea, if you don't have anywhere else to
run, run to the water.
David nods approvingly, realizing the girl wasn't so helpless as
she seemed.
Nikki laughs at Gemini's remark and is glad to see the girl has
been able to keep her sense of humor through this whole thing.
She has a good feeling that Gemini is going to be alright.
[color=white][Gemini] Always have.
Gemini admits with a smile.
[David] Shall we go then? I think they can't wait to get rid of
us.
David laughs, indicating Craig and Nikki.
[Gemini] Yeah.
Gemini says standing up. Then looks to Craig and Nikki.
[Gemini] Thank you. For taking time out of what obviously had
been a private evening. And for just being decent people.
Gemini says honestly.
[David] Pleasure to have met you, Nikki. See you tomorrow,
Craig. Have fun.
Nikki smiles humbly.
David says as he gets to his feet.
Craig nods at Gemini.
[Craig] I'm glad we were here and not someone who would take
advantage of your newness.
[Nikki] Same here, David. Be safe.
[Gemini] Yeah. So am I.
Nikki says and smiles warmly at David
Gemini smiles and blushes slightly.
[Craig] Definitely, David we have a meeting at 8:30 in the
morning, don't forget.
Craig says to his student and partner,.
[David] No, of course not, I'll be there after my morning
jogging as always.
David answers, refraining himself to mention he's probably be at
the Bower Agency before Craig arrived.
[color=white][Craig] Gemini? Be smart and you'll stay safe.
Craig advises the new Immortal.
[Gemini] I try, generally.
Gemini says with shrug and another blush, as NOT being smart was
what had brought her to the bar this night, to begin with.
David walks to the door but stops halfway waiting for Gemini,
when he realizes she's not following.
Gemini flashes Craig and Nikki another smile, before turning an
hurrying after David.
David waits for Gemini to reach him then walks her to the door
and waves before the door closes on them.
Craig looks over at Nikki when the door has closed behind David
and Gemini and smiles.
[Craig] So....now. Where were we?
Craig says with a wink.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 133--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 4
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 15, 2011, 11:30 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]A beautiful afternoon in a meadow in the mountains
behind Nua Tosu'[/center]
Nikki opens up a picnic basket and begins removing containers of
food and setting them on the blanket she is kneeling on.
[Nikki] I hope you're hungry. I think I got carried away with
the cooking.
Nikki says with a giggle.
[Craig] As a matter of fact I'm starved.
Craig laughs and reaches for a drumstick still in the container
of fried chicken.
[i]Nikki smacks his hand.
[Nikki] Just wait.
Nikki says, laughing.
[Craig] Has anybody ever told you that you were bossy?
Craig teases.
[Nikki] Yeah....a few people.
Nikki smirks. She removes paper plates and closes the basket,
setting it aside.
[Nikki] Now you can dig in.
Craig proceeds to fill his plate with a little from each
container.
[Craig] Smells wonderful.
Craig says and takes a bite of the chicken.
[Craig] You made this?
Craig asks looking at her a bit surprised.
[Nikki] Yes. With my own two hands. Why? Didn't you think I
could cook?
[Craig] To be quite honest....
Nikki playfully smacks him on the arm.
[Nikki] Well...Surprise. I'm not just a pretty face.
Craig swallows the bite he is chewing, reaches out and gently
traces the line of her jaw with the tip of his finger.
[Craig] And you are that.
Craig says lovingly.
Nikki blushes and picks up an empty paper plate. She busies
herself with the task of putting food on her plate in an attempt
to avoid eye contact.
Craig chuckles softly at her twinge of shyness. She is
definitely a complex person, he thinks to himself. She has a
side of her that is a strong willed, self assured and
independent woman who has accomplished more than most of the men
he knows. She has gone up against the bureaucrats of their
local and state government to fight for the rights of the
"forgotten" youth in Seacouver...and won....doing what many said
couldn't be done. Plus she is a formidable opponent when it
comes to battling the head hunters of their kind....as proven by
the fact that she has survived over 100 years. Then there is
the side of her that is a refined and proper lady...versed in
most forms of the classical arts, like the ballet and the
theater..a lady who enjoys dressing in formal attire and
attending a concert of music by Mozart, Chopin and Tchaikovsky
or appreciating the beauty and grace of the ballet. And, of
course, he can't forget the side of her that loves a good
practical joke, going to carnivals, amusement parks and
basically being a silly kid again. But then there is the side
he is seeing now. The shy girl who blushes when complimented.
As he proceeds to eat the feast she has prepared for them...and
reflects on the complex and "multiple personalities" that make
up Nicayla Flynn he suddenly realizes that he is falling in love
with her and the realization warms him.
[center]***1 hour later***[/center]
Nicayla begins putting the remnants of their picnic back in the
picnic basket. She is amazed at the veracity of Craig's
appetite...proven by the lack of left over food. All in all it
has been a very enjoyable afternoon. One she won't soon forget.
The weather is perfect...the sky is pristine...the location is
beautiful...and the company is...well...the company is an
intelligent man who knows how to be a gentleman and knows the
true meaning of romance. Who isn't afraid to be open and honest
about his feelings...his thoughts...and who is understanding,
sympathetic, caring and supportive. Not to mention damn good
looking. All of this runs through her mind as she loads the
picnic basket up with what left over food there is and bags up
their trash. "You're a lucky girl, Nicayla Flynn," she thinks
to herself.
Craig lays back on the blanket and looks up at the blue sky. He
watches the wispy white clouds change shapes as they move across
the sky. If there was a heaven...this was it. He hasn't been
this content for 82 years. After the death of his wife,
Chalinar, he had been convinced that he would never feel that
kind of love and contentment ever again....yet here it was. He
had forgotten how good it felt....how spiritually energizing it
was. He turns on his side facing Nikki, props himself up on one
elbow and watches Nikki as she cleans up their picnic remains.
Nikki closes the basket and ties a knot in the plastic trash
bag. She suddenly feels as though she is being watched and
turns to look at Craig. Seeing that he is propped up and
watching her she smiles warmly.
[Nikki] What?
Craig smiles innocently and shakes his head.
[Craig] Nothing. Just enjoying the scenery.
Craig says and winks at her.
Nikki giggles shyly and her cheeks turn a little pink.
Craig holds out his hand to her.
[Craig] Come here.
Craig says softly.
Nikki takes his hand and moves over next to him.
Craig gently pulls her closer and lays back down on his back.
Nikki turns and lies down next to him...her head resting on his
arm. She looks up at the sky.
[Nikki] This is nice.
Nikki says with a contented smile on her face.
Craig glances over at her. Seeing her the look on her face he,
too, smiles contentedly.
[Craig] Yes it is.
Craig says softly then looks back up at the sky.
[Nikki] I wish time would freeze right here...right now.
Nikki says dreamily.
[Craig] Yeah. Me too.
Craig agrees.
[Craig] Me too.
Craig repeats...his voice almost a whisper.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 134--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 5
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 15, 2011, 11:47 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]In a private dining room of the River Belle
Restaurant/****[/center]
Nikki folds her napkin and lays it on her empty plate which she
slides closer to the edge of the table. She sits back and lets
out a contented sigh.
[Nikki] That was a wonderful meal.
Nikki says...smiling at Duncan.
Duncan looks at Nikki and smiles back.
[Duncan] I figured you would appreciate the fare.
Duncan polishes off a little more of his wine.
Nikki looks out the window next to their table at the lights of
the passing boats on the water.
[Nikki] It's a beautiful night.
Nikki says dreamily.
[Duncan] Yes it is. Sometimes in all those nights in Frisco, I
never stopped to appreciate the moon on the water.
Duncan lays his hand down on the table.
[Nikki] The way the lights reflect off of it...it looks like
diamonds floating just under the surface.
Nikki seems mesmerized by the scene outside the window.
[Nikki] Like fairies dancing on the water.
Nikki says wi****lly.
[Duncan] Did you enjoy the wine Nikki? I brought it from my
stock.
Nikki looks at him a bit surprised.
[Nikki] You brought your own wine?
Nikki shakes her head and chuckles softly.
[Nikki] I shouldn't be surprised. I guess. You never cease to
amaze me.
[Duncan] One of those annoying habits I picked up. When you're 4
centuries old, you get a little picky.
Nikki changes her surprised look to a warm smile.
[Nikki] Yes....I did enjoy it.
Nikki picks up her empty glass to show him.
[Nikki] See? All gone.
Nikki sets the empty glass back down.
[Duncan] Would you like some more? I think there is some left
Nikki shakes her head.
[Nikki] No thank you. I'm sort of a light weight when it comes
to wine.
[Duncan] Don't want it going to your head?
Duncan chuckles quietly as he pours himself half a glass.
Nikki looks back out the window and lets the soft music envelope
her.
[Nikki] You're amazing, Duncan MacLeod.
Nikki says looking back at him.
Duncan closes his eyes and runs the wine under his nose before
he takes a sip.
[Nikki] You've thought of everything. Great food...great
wine....private dining room....even a band.
Nikki watches him test the wine.
[Nikki] I never knew you could be such a charmer. You definitely
weren't 120 years ago.
[Duncan] The Amazing Duncan has also been known to trip the
light fantastic.
Nikki quirks an eyebrow questioningly.
Duncan sets down his glass, stands up and holds out his hand.
[Duncan] Well, 120 years is enough time to learn some manners
and how to dance with a lady.
Nikki smiles demurely and places her hand in his.
[Nikki] I'd be delighted, sir.
Nikki says in a southern accent. She gets to her feet.
Duncan pulls her slightly to an open area of the room and pulls
her close. He puts his arm around her waist.
Nikki allows herself to be led onto the dance floor. As he puts
his arm around her she feels her stomach flutter as though it
were filled with butterflies.
Duncan starts them swaying in rhythm to the music.
[Duncan] That perfume is fantastic Nikki.
Nikki smiles as a memory of another time he mentioned her
perfume and she wonders if he remembers it too....since it is
the same fragrance she wore then and has worn ever since.
[Nikki] Thank you.
Nikki says simply.
Duncan holds her tighter and runs his hand across her cheek.
[Duncan] Still silky smooth, Sheriff.
Nikki feels her cheeks get warm from a blush and she wonders why
she always feels like such a school girl around this man. She
is amazed at Duncan's gracefulness on the dance floor and can't
help but lean into him....following his every lead.
Duncan cups his hand gently under her chin and moves his face to
hers. He presses his lips against hers.
Nikki 's head swims and she finds herself eagerly returning his
kiss.
Duncan loses track of the music and stops swaying lost in the
moment.
Nikki is brought back to reality when the river boat's whistle
sounds...signaling its impending docking.
Duncan withdraws for a moment. "You want to go back to my place
Nikki?"
Nikki ignores the voice in the back of her head that is
screaming, "NO!!!" and nods...smiling a bit shyly.
[center]***At the loft***[/center]
Nikki gets out of the car and lets Duncan lead her up the stairs
and through the Dojo to the elevator. Although she has been to
the Dojo before this will be the first time she has been
upstairs to his loft and she feels the anticipation.
Duncan fumbles with the keys to the elevator, but inserts the
key and activates the elevator.
Nikki steps back and leans against the back wall of the
elevator...the butterflies still in her stomach.
Duncan pulls Nikki to him and takes in her scent. He reaches for
the zipper on the back of her dress and pulls it all the way
down. He feels the elevator lurch to a stop.
Nikki had just been about to succumb to the moment when the
elevator comes to a stop with a slight jolt. She takes a small
step back.
[Duncan] What's the matter Nikki?
Nikki looks up at him and shakes her head.
[Nikki] Nothing. I think we're here.
Nikki says and nods toward the elevator gate.
Duncan opens the gate and looks back at Nikki.
Nikki takes the opportunity of Duncan's back being turned as he
opens the gate to quickly re zip her dress.
[Nikki] Interesting decor.
Nikki says as she steps past him into the loft and looks around.
Duncan walks out of the elevator, looks down and puts his hands
in his pockets for a moment.
Nikki wanders around the room looking at the different objects
she figures are from his past. She tops in front of the antique
liquor cabinet, which is open and looks at an ornate clock on
the shelf.
[Nikki] This is beautiful, Duncan.
Nikki says in regards to the clock. She runs her fingers
lightly along the carved edges of the clock's frame.
[Nikki] So delicate.
Nikki says softly.
Duncan moves toward her. "Nikki, tell me what's wrong, whether
anything happens tonight or not. I want to know what's bugging
you."
[Nikki] What do you mean whether anything happens or not? What
could happen?
Nikki asks turning and looking up into his eyes.....getting lost
in their depth.
[Duncan] The great thing that happened between us years ago. I
should have stayed.
Duncan looks down a bit and grabs her shoulders gently. "I
should have stayed Sheriff."
Nikki has to avert her eyes and she turns her head to the side
and looks down.
[Nikki] You couldn't. We both know that. But I should have gone
with you.
Nikki says sadly....her voice almost a whisper.
[Nikki] I'm sorry. I know I hurt you.
Nikki tries to move out of his grasp.
Duncan puts his arms around her and holds her close. "Well we're
here now, with a chance to see where all this can go."
Nikki can feel the beat of his heart against her cheek and the
warmth of his arms around her and she feels her resolve
beginning to melt.
Duncan puts his finger under her chin and lifts it to his and
kisses her passionately.
Nikki begins to return his kiss but midway through it she
stops...pulls away and puts her hands against his chest to stop
him.
[Nikki] I can't.
Nikki says shaking her head. She quickly turns her back to him.
[Nikki] I can't do this.
[Duncan] Nikki, it's okay, but at least tell me...why?
Nikki rushes over to the chair where her wrap has been draped
and grabs it and her purse.
[Nikki] I can't stay. I have to go.
Nikki says...her voice frantic with the beginnings of panic.
Duncan gives in. "Do you want me to take you home?"
Nikki shakes her head without looking at him.
[Nikki] No.
Nikki says simply and takes a few more steps toward the door
next to the elevator. She stops briefly and without looking back
says, "I'm sorry." Her eyes fill with tears and as they fall
down her cheeks she heads for the door.
Duncan nods and half smirks, half smiles and he walks to open
the door for her.
Nikki reaches for the door knob at the same time as Duncan.
Duncan reaches for the door and in the moment brushes against
Nikki's skin. He looks at her with a longing he hasn't felt in
years.
Nikki realizes that he is close enough to see her face and she
quickly turns her head so he can't see her tears. She grabs the
door knob and starts to turn it.
Duncan grabs her hand and brushes his lips across it. "Don't
go."
Nikki stops....freezing in place. She makes a weak attempt to
pull away but stops before accomplishing it. Unable to speak she
stands there...looking away...in silence.
Duncan takes his other hand and gently pushes her face toward
him. "Let's not blow it this time, I need you."
Nikki slowly turns her head to look at him...his words taking
her completely by surprise....catching her completely off guard.
Duncan gently pulls her close.
[Duncan] Nikki, I want you not just because I'm a man, but
because you make me feel complete in a way that I haven't felt
in years.
Nikki is suddenly unable to resist and she allows herself to
melt into his arms.
Duncan kisses her lips gently and picks her up into his arms and
carries her towards the bed.
Nikki returns his kiss with equal passion...completely ignoring
the little voice of reason that is screaming at her to resist.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 135--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 6
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 15, 2011, 12:05 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The part of Amanda is temporarily being
understudied.[/sub][/center]
[center]***9:30 AM...2 days later***[/center]
Nikki is standing at the sliding glass door to the balcony, her
first cup of coffee in her hand, and she stares out at the beach
below. Her thoughts are of her last date with Duncan.
Amanda was exhausted after her most recent flight. Sure, first
class really was divine and the decadence had been free-flowing
but really...eighteen hours in a flying tin can was such a
chore! She eventually reaches her apartment and lifts a hand to
slip her key into the lock before pausing, sensing another
Immortal within the room beyond.
Nikki feels an Immortal buzz and turns away from the sliding
glass door. She sets her cup on the dining room table and walks
over to the couch where she reaches down and pulls her sword out
from under it. Then she waits to see if the Immortal she is
feeling knocks on the door, busts in or lets herself in with her
key.
Amanda withdraws her rapier and held it close to her side,
conscious of a neighbor popping out and spotting her with the
sword drawn. She slides the key into the lock and turns it,
hearing the steady click before pushing the door open. She peers
inside from her vantage point from the corridor, sword inclined
toward the entrance hall. Hopefully it was a friend and not a
foe...she couldn't bothered fighting right now!
Nikki hears a key in the lock of the front door and lets out a
sigh of relief as she realizes that it is Amanda. She places her
sword back under the couch and walks towards the door.
[Nikki] It's just me, Mand.
Nikki calls out.
Amanda is clearly relieved when she recognizes who it is, and
she returns the rapier to its previous concealed place on her
person. Closing the door behind her, she steps into the living
room. "You need to wear a bell or something!" she remarked.
[Nikki] Well who else would be in your apartment?
Nikki asks and walks up to her friend and gives her a sorority
girl type hug and peck on both cheeks.
[Nikki] Welcome home.
Amanda quirks a brow. "An evil. evil person who wants to take my
pretty little neck?" she questions in bemusement as she returns
the hug.
[Nikki] With this building's security? They'd have to be either
invisible or as talented as you at breaking and entering and
that is an impossibility.
Nikki says with a giggle as she grabs Amanda's suitcase and
starts down the hall towards the bedroom with it.
Amanda pauses and looks musing for a moment. "Zachary was good,"
she comments nonchalantly as she takes off her coat and flops it
over the arm of the chair before sinking down into the soft
leather.
Nikki carries Amanda's suitcase into the master bedroom and lays
it on the bed.
[Nikki] Not good enough.
Nikki calls out, chuckling. She comes back into the living room
and plops down on the couch, propping her feet on the coffee
table.
Amanda closes her eyes and could feel herself wanting to very
easily drift into a wonderful sleep. But she tried to refrain as
much as possible. "It's good to be back."
[Nikki] So? was your little excursion a profitable one?
Amanda gives a sneaky smile. "Extremely, darling!"
[Nikki] But of course, dahling.
Nikki says in an exaggerated British accent.
[Nikki] You look tired. Rough flight?
Nikki gets up and retrieves her cup of coffee from the dining
room table.
[Nikki] Want some?
Nikki asks holding up her cup.
Amanda cracks open one eyes and nods enthusiastically. "If I
don't get a coffee in the next minute, I'm going to sleep!" she
gives a little yawn. "Long, long flight."
Nikki giggles and goes into the kitchen. She takes a cup out of
the cabinet and fills it with the freshly brewed coffee and then
refills her own.
[Nikki] You know....
Nikki says as she pours the coffee.
[Nikki] You should have warned me that I wasn't the only person
who had a key to your place.
[Amanda] Does that mean it's been busy in here lately?
Amanda questions with a quirked brow.
[Nikki] Busy?
Nikki asks as she stirs sugar into her coffee.
[Nikki] How many people have a key to your place?
Nikki asks in surprise.
Amanda shrugs lazily. "Just a couple. Unless you count the ones
who try to break in one occasion." But then, such was their
life!
Nikki is a bit shocked that Amanda would give her key out to
more than just a couple of people....even though until recently
she thought she was the only one who had a key.
[Nikki] Well....I don't know how many keys you have given
out....but the owner of one of them paid you a visit a couple of
weeks ago. Much to my surprise.
Nikki says as she carries the cups into the living room and
hands one to Amanda. She takes a seat on the couch, sitting on
the front edge of it.
Amanda looks slightly interested. "Really?" she questions and
sits up, resting an elbow on the chair arm. "What did he have to
say?"
Nikki snickers smarmily.
[Nikki] Who said anything about it being a he?
Nikki takes a sip of her coffee.
Amanda doesn't miss a beat, and smiles sneakily. "Because I know
who I gave my apartment key to."
Nikki looks at Amanda over the rim of her coffee cup as she
takes another sip.
[Nikki] I assume that means I am the only female out of the many
you gave keys to.
Nikki says as she sets her cup on the coffee table.
Amanda sips her coffee, hiding the smirk on her face. "Unless
someone else broke in here and copied the key."
Nikki shakes her head as she leans back on the couch and props
her feet up on the coffee table.
[Nikki] Why doesn't that surprise me?
Nikki says with just a hint of sarcasm.
[Nikki] Anyway....the one that used his key while I was soaking
in the tub is the one whose clothes you have in your closet.
Nikki says without looking directly at Amanda. But she watches
her out of her peripheral vision.
Amanda snickers. "Well, he likes to paint here sometimes..." she
begins to answer. "The view, you know?" she waves a hand in the
direction of the window. "And sometimes it takes all night..."
Nikki looks at Amanda...a totally confused look on her face.
[Nikki] He paints?
Nikki asks incredulously.
[Nikki] Since when?
Nikki is definitely lost. If Duncan had taken up painting she
would think he would have told her on at least one of their
dates within the last couple of weeks.
Amanda looks thoughtful before answering. "About...a hundred and
forty years... Roughly." She smiles before balancing her coffee
on the chair arm. "He's really very good."
Nikki sits forward and looks her best friend directly in the
eyes.
[Nikki] Just how many men keep their clothes in your closet?
Amanda blinks innocently. "Mmmm...three. In case of emergencies,
you understand."
Nikki lets out a sigh and slumps back on the couch looking up at
the ceiling and shaking her head.
[Nikki] Good Lord....my best friend's a tramp.
Nikki says jokingly.
[Nikki] What will people say?
Nikki pretends to be amazed at the revelation.
Amanda smirks. "One of them is gay, darling," she retorts
easily.
Nikki can't help but chuckle softly....almost to herself.
[Nikki] Not this one.
Nikki says more to herself than to Amanda.
Amanda leans forward. "So...what did he have to say?"
[Nikki] He brought you a fish.
Nikki says remembering the night Duncan showed up here expecting
Amanda and finding her instead.
Amanda wrinkles her nose. "A fish? But he hates fish."
[Nikki] Who does?
Nikki asks turning her head to look at Amanda.
Amanda waits a moment before actually thinking to ask this time.
"Who are YOU talking about?"
[Nikki] I know who I'm talking about. But now you have me
curious....who you are talking about. Who ARE you talking about?
Nikki asks as she tries to recall ever hearing Amanda mention a
painter before.
Amanda gives her a nonchalant shrug and widens her eyes
innocently. "Me? Oh, nobody... Nobody. What about you?"
[Nikki] Oh....so now we keep secrets from each other? When did
that start?
Nikki asks pretending to be hurt. She turns her head away and
pretends to pout.
Amanda smirks. "Darling that doesn't work...you learned it from
me!"
Nikki sighs and turns her head back to look at Amanda. With a
smirk she says, "oh yeah. That's right, huh."
[Nikki] Well....I can tell you that I am almost positive this
guy of yours is no painter.
Nikki says, sitting up and reaching for her coffee cup.
Amanda continues to act nonchalant. "Which guy, hmm?"
[Nikki] The one with the fish.
Nikki says smarmily as she takes a sip of her coffee.
[Nikki] I just have one question.
Nikki says looking into her cup.
[Amanda] Hmmm?
Amanda questions, hoping that NOW they were on the same page...
[Nikki] Just how....
Nikki tries to think of the right word.
[Nikki] ...attached? are you to the men whose clothes are in
your closet?
Nikki says hoping that her friend's answer might eliminate the
need for her to confess anything.
Amanda muses on that for a moment. "Well...he's a darling, but
not exactly my type now...that one...well, he's very charming
and polite. A little young, but that's not necessarily a bad
thing...and HE's...well...he's gay. Definitely not my type."
Nikki can't help but look over at Amanda and quirk an eyebrow
questioningly. She wants to make sure she is hearing her best
friend right before allowing herself to feel any type of relief.
[Nikki] So.....that would be....what? A no?
Nikki asks cautiously.
Amanda pauses hesitantly. "That would depend which one we're
talking about, darling."
Nikki rolls her eyes in frustration and sets her cup on the
table.
[Nikki] MacLeod. Duncan frigging MacLeod.
Nikki says exasperatedly.
Amanda picks up her coffee and slowly takes a sip, before
setting it down on the table in front of her. That done she
leans back in the chair, tucking her legs underneath her. "You
and he have a thing," she stated rather than asks.
Nikki stands up, not hearing Amanda because she is focused on
what she is going to say...and walks over to the fireplace.
[Nikki] Look.....I know that, although I told you all about the
guy who I fell for back when I was sheriff of that little
town....the guy who asked me to go with him and I stupidly
turned him down.....remember?
Nikki asks looking at Amanda without really seeing her and not
really wanting an answer.
[Nikki] Although I told you all about him I never mentioned his
name. Not because I ever had any idea that you might know
him....but just because....well....I just didn't.
Amanda gives a little nod. "It was Duncan, wasn't it?"
Nikki stops and looks at Amanda...this time actually seeing her.
[Nikki] How? How did you know?
Nikki asks completely surprised.
Amanda shrugs her shoulders lightly. "You mention Duncan, and
then start talking about some guy you turned down a few years
ago. It isn't hard to put two and two together, darling."
[Nikki] Oh.
Nikki says realizing she's right.
[Nikki] Yeah.
Nikki begins pacing again and fidgeting.
[Nikki] Anyway....well...yeah. It was him. And now I know that
you knew him all the time and that you two go way back....that
you have been.... in a relationship. That he keeps clothes in
your closet and has a key and comes and goes whenever he wants
to.
Nikki says rambling on nervously.
[Nikki] And now he knows I'm here. And we haven't seen each
other since I turned him down and he rode off into the sunset
126 years ago....and.....well....he walked into your bathroom
and I was in the tube....
Amanda looks completely relaxed as she listens to her friend
rambling on. A tiny smirk tugs at her lips but she covers it
with her coffee mug, as she drains the last of the hot beverage.
"We DO go quite far back," she agrees.
Nikki continues to ramble and pace back and forth.
[Nikki] ...and he brought you a fish because he said you liked
sushi....and I pushed him into the tub because I didn't know you
had given out your key to anyone else and he surprised me....and
he needed dry clothes and said he had some in your closet....
Nikki rambles on not hearing Amanda.
[Nikki] .....and he threw the fish at me and I threw it
back....and you didn't have any food in the house for dinner so
he took me out....to the Surf and Turf Club....because I don't
like sushi....and we laughed at the coincidence that we both
knew you....and he told me about the circus....and the bank
robberies....and digging you and Corey up....
Nikki stops briefly and looks at Amanda.
[Nikki] You told me about that but never mentioned the name of
the guy who dug you guys up.
Nikki goes back to pacing.
[Amanda] Darling, if you like Duncan MacLeod... I'm not going to
stop you two from doing anything.
Amanda smirked slightly.
[Nikki] Then he called me and asked me to go with him to an art
auction.....then we went to dinner....and then he asked me to a
concert and....well....we went to dinner......
[Amanda] But the painter is mine.
Amanda winks.
[Nikki] Then he.....
Nikki suddenly hears what Amanda has said and stops. She slowly
turns and looks at her friend...still with a bit of guilt in her
eyes.
[Nikki] What?
Nikki asks not sure she heard Amanda right.
[Amanda] I said the painter is mine, darling.
Amanda repeats.
Nikki shakes her head.
[Nikki] No...no. The other part.
Nikki says and sits down on the edge of the coffee table in
front of Amanda.
[Nikki] I just want to make sure I heard you right.
[Amanda] Oh, I'm not going to stop you from doing anything.
Amanda grins.
[Nikki] Sooooo.....you really don't mind? I mean....you're
not...like.....in LOVE with him or anything?
Nikki asks slowly and cautiously.
[Nikki] Because if you are.....I would never....I mean....I'll
back off.....if you really wanted me to.
Amanda arches a brow and chuckles gently.
[Amanda] No, darling... I'm not in love with Duncan.
Nikki lets out a big sigh of relief and
slouches....relaxing...finally.
[Nikki] Oh....thank God.
Nikki says totally relieved.
[Nikki] Because....well....I...we sort of already did.
Nikki says, her cheeks blushing and she averts her eyes.
[Nikki] I was so worried that I had crossed the line. That I
had....well...betrayed our friendship.
Amanda waves a hand in a politely dismissive action.
[Amanda] Darling, the two of you are free to do what you want.
Nikki lets out another sigh of relief...at least as far as this
part of her quandary is concerned... and smiles at her best
friend.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 136--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 7
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 15, 2011, 1:22 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
David looks for a file in the pile on Craig's desk, no wonder
he'd sent for him in New York, judging by the amount of
paperwork on his desk Craig certainly could use some help.
[David] Damn, just where did he put that?
David grumbles under his breath when he's unable to find the
Jones' file he had been looking for.
Craig steps out of the elevator...a goofy smile on his face.
He's whistling as he enters the Bower Agency offices. He stops
at Linda's desk and gets his messages then heads for his own
office with an unusual bounce in his step. He is still whistling
as he opens the door of his office and walks inside.
[David] Oh, good you're here, just where did you put the Jones'
file, the man is coming over.
Craig is still smiling that goofy....the cat who ate the canary
smile as he sets his brief case on the credenza behind his desk.
[Craig] It's there somewhere.
Craig says simply as he opens his brief case to take out a
couple of file folders he had taken home to work on.
David stops his search for a moment, looking at Craig
disbelievingly for a moment, the man wasn't even worried the
file was missing.
[David] What's going on with you lately? It's not like you to
let work pile up.
Craig steps along side of David and lays the folders on a pile
of folders on his desk.
[Craig] I don't know what you're talking about.
Craig says innocently.
[Craig] Here....get out of the way. I'll find it. Don't want you
to mess up our system.
Craig says with a chuckle.
[David] Our system? What system? Looks like a mess to me.
Craig stops whistling and starts humming as he rummages through
a stack of files.
David laughs, shaking his head amused as he moves away.
Craig withdraws a folder from the middle of a stack and hands it
to David...smiling cheekily.
[Craig] It's a system. It works.
Craig says still smiling.
David looks at Craig disbelievingly.
[David] Just how did you find that so quickly?
[Craig] Like I said....it's a system and it works.
Craig shoots David a smarmy grin.
David shakes his head, smiling, if Craig thought he was going to
swallow that one he was wrong.
[Craig] It may look like a mess to you...but I know where
everything is.
Craig sits in his chair.
[David] You just got lucky, that's all.
[Craig] Every thing's in its place...and all is right with the
world.
Craig says, ignoring David's comment. He turns on his computer
and as it boots up he sits back and stares off into space...his
mind on the previous day and evening.
[i]David raises an eyebrow, surprised Craig said that, a PI
should know better.
[David] Aren't you exaggerating a little? I mean, we're talking
about the same world, right?
Craig brings himself back to reality and smiles up at David.
[Craig] Dave, my boy....you don't know just how lucky we are.
Craig says almost dreamily.
[David] We are?
[Craig] We have something mere mortals don't have.
Craig says seriously.
[David] What? Someone always after our head?
[Craig] Time, my friend. Time.
Craig says sounding a bit philosophical.
[David] Oh, that.
David nods with a smile.
[Craig] Time to live and time to love.
[David] Oh, now I get it. The red hair from Joe's bar. What was
her name?
David chuckles, realizing the reason for Craig's good mood, the
man was in love.
Craig says as the intercom on his desk buzzes. He presses the
button and Linda informs him that their morning appointment is
going to be a half an hour late. He thanks her and leans back in
his chair looking quite satisfied with himself.
[Craig] Nicayla. Nicayla Flynn.
Craig says as though he were tasting a fine wine.
[Craig] Nikki. My Nikki.
Craig adds with a twinkle in his eyes.
[David] Thought it was just a date, but she caught you, huh?
David asks raising an eyebrow at Craig.
[Craig] You know....I think I must be the luckiest man alive.
Craig says getting out of his chair and walking over to the
coffee maker on the other side of the office. He pours himself a
cup of coffee and turns around but remains standing there.
[David] If you say so.
David shrugs before he takes a seat, this looked like it was
going to take a while.
[Craig] I do.
Craig says simply and takes a sip of his coffee.
[Craig] Haven't you ever been in love, Dave?
Craig asks looking at his student and partner seriously.
[David] Of course, who hasn't? I've been in love more times than
I can remember.
David laughs.
[Craig] No. I mean REALLY in love. Not the infatuation that
burns itself out after a while.
Craig says and walks over to his desk.
[Craig] But the kind that is lasting.
Craig sits down and looks at David.
[Craig] The kind that is anchored deep inside your soul.
[David] Hmmm, yes, once. She dumped me for a lawyer.
David nods, while he frowns a little, trying to remember her
name, it was over 10 years ago anyway.
[Craig] I've been alive 114 years, David. And in that time I can
honestly say that I have only had that kind of love once before
now.
Craig says and sits forward and leans on his desk.
[Craig] I was more deeply in love with my wife than I ever
thought possible. And she loved me just as much.
Craig says reflectively.
[Craig] It was incredible.
Craig takes a sip of his coffee.
[Craig] When she died I thought...no I truly believed that I
would never feel that way about another person ever again in my
life.
Craig leans back in his chair and looks directly into David's
eyes.
[Craig] That is until now.
[David] Just be careful, I think you're going too fast. I would
hate if you got hurt.
David says in a way of advice, he couldn't believe Craig got
involved so quickly and he probably didn't know this woman very
well.
[Craig] What fast? We've been together almost every day for the
last few weeks. I probably know her better than I know myself.
Craig says and furrows his brow.
[David] Yeah, so did I. I thought I knew her better than anyone
but that was before I got dumped. Just be careful, okay?
David says while he keeps trying to remember her name, this was
ridiculous but apparently he couldn't. He wonders how he could
forget someone who delivered such a painful blow back then.
[Craig] David....if we live our lives constantly being
careful....never trusting anyone...never letting anyone get
close....do you realize just how lonely that would be? Just how
mundane?
Craig shakes his head.
[Craig] I did that. I lived EXACTLY like that ever since
Chalinar died.
Craig says looking at David with complete sincerity.
[Craig] And you know what I was?
Craig sips his coffee.
[David] No, what?
[Craig] A shell....an empty shell, David.
Craig says matter of factly.
David sighs, he could tell it was already too late to tell him
to be careful.
[Craig] I had built up a barrier that nobody could penetrate.
Not even me.
Craig says and gets out of his chair. He walks over to the
window and looks outside.
[Craig] I was so shut off from the world that I didn't even know
I wasn't living my life...I was simply existing.
[David] I'm not telling you not to fall in love, I'm just
telling you to take it easy.
David decides to try again, even though he sees it's not going
to work. Craig had decided to throw caution in the wind, nothing
to do when someone decides to do that.
Craig turns and looks at David...a smile creeping back on his
face.
[Craig] It wouldn't do you any good, my friend. I already have.
Craig adds as he walks back over to his desk, "Deeply and
completely."
[David] Yeah, I can see that.
David nods, smiling amused.
[David] After all you said, it's hard not to find out.
Craig reaches into his brief case and removes a small black
velvet box. He opens it and holds it out for David to
see....exposing a beautifully set diamond ring.
[img width=119
height=150]
HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/image.jpg[/img]
[Craig] I'm going to ask her to marry me, Dave. I'm taking her
to our favorite restaurant tomorrow night, then...maybe some
dancing. Then when I take her home,....
Craig leaves his statement open ended for Dave's imagination.
David looks at the ring and then looks at Craig, his eyes open
wide.
[David] Wow.
David manages to drag out, stunned by the information, he can't
say anything else at the moment.
[Craig] And before you say anything...yes...I have thought about
it.
Craig says closing the box and returning it to his brief case
[Craig] I've thought about nothing else for the last few days.
I've weighed all of the pros and cons and after all was said and
done...
Craig smiles up at David.
[David] Well, if you're so sure, go for it.
[Craig] I could do nothing else. It's right, Dave. Nothing feels
more right.
David smiles at Craig encouragingly, even though he thinks it's
way too soon to propose to someone you just met, but if Craig
didn't, there was nothing he could do.
[i]Craig 's smile grows.
[Craig] She makes me happy, Dave. Happier than I thought
possible.
Craig says completely convinced.
[Craig] She's an incredible woman. And she makes me feel
incredible.
Craig winks.
[Craig] Like I said...I'm the luckiest man in the world.
[David] Well, I hope everything works for you, I really do.
David says sincerely.
[Craig] Just imagine....not just spending 10 or 20 years with
the woman of your dreams....with your soul mate...but being able
to spend 100....200 years together.
Craig says grinning.
[David] Talk about a long marriage.
David laughs, wondering if Craig still thought it was so
wonderful after 200 years.
[Craig] Think of the things you could share....things that
wouldn't be possible in a mere 10 or 20 years. The places....the
dreams....the love.
Craig shakes his head almost sadly.
[Craig] I feel sorry for mortals. Their lives are so limited.
The intercom on Craig's desk buzzes again and Linda informs him
that Mr. Jones has arrived.
[Craig] Well.....I guess it's time to go to work.
Craig says and makes a conscious effort to put on his business
face.
[Craig] You ready?
Craig asks getting to his feet to greet their new client.
[David] Oh, damn, forgot all about Jones, we'd better go.
David says as he jumps to his feet and almost runs to the door.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 159--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 8
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 27, 2011, 9:11 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Gemini grins as she bounces around the rooms of her suite. She
is thinking about going for another swim. She's already had her
workout today, but...
[Gemini] Anything to burn off more energy. And see something
besides these rooms.
Gemini says to herself, finishing her thoughts verbally.
David stops and hesitates a little when he passes the Fairmont
Hotel. He knows that's where Gemini lives for now, but she had
never called him after the night he'd met her. He thinks for a
minute and remembers how shy she is. "Probably too shy to call
me." David murmurs under his breath, before he decides to go
inside and check if she's alright.
Gemini pauses by the desk in her room, and starts flipping
through the books on. Thinking maybe a book would help her
settle. "Read it, read it, read it." Gemini mutters after each
book as she tosses it aside.
David stops at the reception desk.
[David] Can you check if Gemini... hmm don't remember her last
name.
David smiles charmingly at the hotel receptionist.
[David] Well, I guess you don't have many Geminis in here. Can
you see if she's here, please?
Sarah blushed, as the young man smiled at her. He looked a bit
like Brad Pitt. A young Brad Pitt, with longer hair."I'm sorry
sir, but that's against company policy." Sarah says swallowing
hard after a moment.
[David] Come on, I'm a PI and I'm working for her, just call her
and tell her David Bradford is here.
David smiles at the young woman, hoping it would work, always
had worked before.
"Well, I suppose that wouldn't hurt." Sarah smiles and starts
searching the database. "Ah, we have a Gemini Dunmire. Just let
me call her room." Sarah says picking up a phone and dialing an
extension.
Gemini jumps as the phone rings. Startled she stares at the
phone for three rings, before she picks it up.
[Gemini] Hello?
Gemini asks.
"Hello, Ms. Dunmire? This is Sarah at reception. I have a David
Bradford here to see you." Sarah states formally.
[Gemini] David?
Gemini mouths to herself momentarily confused. Then she
remembers.
[Gemini] Oh, yeah. He's here?
Gemini asks.
"Yes, he is." Sarah says as she arches an eyebrow at David
wondering if he wants her to request anything.
David looks up, trying to make her understand he wants her to
ask Gemini, if he can go up.
Sarah nods at David then continues on the phone to Gemini. "With
your permission I will send him up to your room."
[Gemini] Oh.
Gemini says, then nods to herself.
[Gemini] Yeah. That's fine. Send him up.
"Very well. Goodbye, Ms. Dunmire." Sarah says hanging up the
phone. "She is in room 516. The elevators are to your left, down
the hall." Sarah gestures for David.
[David] Thanks. By the way, here's my business card, call me,
I'll have to thank you properly for this. Dinner maybe?
David smiles at her, before he moves to the elevators.
Sarah blinks in surprise, as she watches him walk down the
hallway. After a moment she picks up the card and slips it into
her pocket.
David smiles as he walks to the elevators, he had seen Sarah
pocket his card. Maybe she'll call him. He presses the elevator
keys and waits.
Gemini tenses as she feels the presence of another Immortal. She
shifts on her feet, a little ways away from the door. Yes, she's
expecting David, but there could be more than one Immortal in
the hotel and she wasn't going to open the door until he knocks
and says something.
David winces as comes out of the elevator and he feels the
Immortal buzz, his hand going automatically to his holster. He
looks around to find out if someone's coming.
Gemini shifts anxiously from foot to food in her room, waiting.
David decides that he only felt Gemini and begins to move again.
He stops at the door with 516 and knocks.
[David] Gemini? It's David.
Hearing his voice, Gemini relaxes a little and moves to the
door. Looking through the peephole she relaxes further when she
recognizes the man who gave her a ride home several nights
before. She twists door handle and pulls the door open.
[Gemini] Hi.
Gemini says softly.
[David] Hello.
David smiles.
[David] So how are you doing? You never called, so I decided to
check if you're alright.
[Gemini] Uh, fine. Would you like to come in?
Gemini offers stepping aside and holding the door open.
[Gemini] You aah... said to call if I needed anything. I didn't
actually need anything so...
Genini shrugs.
David walks in, looking around.
[David] Hey, this is nice. Never been inside one of these rooms
before.
David looks back at her frowning.
[David] You didn't need to go anywhere? Stayed here the whole
time?
[Gemini] No. I went to the pool, downstairs. That's about it.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] I didn't actually need anything or need to go anywhere.
I didn't want to inconvenience you, or Nikki.
David smiles.
[David] Gemini, if it was such an inconvenience I wouldn't have
offered. I meant what I said, if you needed to go out I'd help
you. I'm sure you didn't want to stay in the hotel all this
time.
Gemini shrugs again.
[Gemini] Wanting to go out, isn't the same as needing to.
[David] All right, my fault. Should have said if you wanted to
go out, not needed.
David laughs.
Gemini shrugs again.
[Gemini] Can umm... I get you anything? Something to drink
maybe? I have ah... water, and ah, water, and...
Gemini smiles.
[Gemini] Water.
David chuckles.
[David] I guess I don't have to ask you what's your favorite
drink then.
[Gemini] Not so much that, as I don't drink pop and the hotel
doesn't have anything else available.
Gemini says with a small smile.
[David] Hmm, I have an idea. I have the afternoon off, so why
don't I show you around?
David shrugs.
[David] It's not like I really know Seacouver that well, I'm not
from here, but I can move around.
[Gemini] Oh... that's okay.
Gemini says shaking her head.
[Gemini] I'm sure you have something else planned to do with
your afternoon off. I'm sure the last thing you want to do is
play tourist.
[David] Actually I don't, I had a meeting but our client
canceled it.
David shrugs again.
[David] I was thinking in watching a movie... alone, I don't
know many people here yet.
Gemini glances out the window. She really would like to get out
of the hotel.
[Gemini] I really don't want to intrude if you wanted to spend
the afternoon alone.
Gemini says softly.
[David] I hate going to the movies alone.
David chuckles, but then he sobers up.
[David] Well, if you don't want my company just say so and I'll
go.
[Gemini] Oh, no it's not that!
Gemini says then blushes.
[Gemini] I just really don't want to intrude. But if you're
sure...
Gemini trails off biting her lower lip.
[David] Of course I'm sure, wouldn't have offered if I wasn't.
David smiles again.
Gemini smiles.
[Gemini] Yeah. Let me grab my purse.
[David] Alright, have any idea where you'd like to go first?
David asks as she moves around her room.
Gemini shrugs, as she shoves her wallet and cell into her purse.
[Gemini] No. Wherever is fine. I... I suppose I wouldn't mind
hitting up a bookstore at some point, but...
Gemini shrugs again.
[Gemini] If not, it doesn't matter.
David looks around and sees a dozen books on her desk.
[David] Hmm, ran out of books to read, huh? That's what you've
been doing here lately?
[Gemini] Yeah. That and working out in the pool.
Gemini says.
[Gemini] Never been much for watching TV, unless it's a movie.
And that means, no commercials.
[David] Yes, I also have been reading a lot lately, nothing
better to do around here.
David shrugs smiling.
[Gemini] Seacouver doesn't seem too bad. It's so different,
Fargo.
Gemini sighs as she slips a room key off of the TV, and into her
purse.
[Gemini] Ready.
Gemini says softly to David.
[David] Fargo? Never been there.
David shakes his head as he walks to the door and opens it
waiting for her.
[Gemini] Not much to see.
Gemini laughs as she steps out into the hallway.
[Gemini] It's ah... very flat.
[David] There isn't much here to see either. I don't know why so
many Immortals come in here.
David exits her room and closes the door behind him.
[Gemini] No, it's pretty.
Gemini argues softly.
[Gemini] You've got the mountains, and stuff.
Gemini smiles.
[David] Yes, it's pretty but I still miss New York though.
David shrugs.
[David] Guess I always will.
[Gemini] You may not be able to see why Immortals come here.
Gemini says softly as she steps into the elevator.
[Gemini] But obviously none of them go to Fargo. Or Nikki and
Craig, and you wouldn't have been such a surprise the other
night.
[David] Hmm, never heard any news of headless bodies showing up?
We had a bunch of them in New York. Never found out who did it
either.
David smiles.
[David] Of course, now I know it wasn't the work of one person.
Gemini shook her head.
[Gemini] Uh uh. Jeez, if there's more than a dozen murders a
year in Fargo.
Gemini shrugs.
[David] A dozen murders a year?
David asks surprised, before he laughs.
[Gemini] What?
Gemini asks glancing at him.
[David] We had a dozen murders a day.
David shakes his head still smiling amused.
[Gemini] Wow. That's a lot.
Gemini says softly, mentally scratching New York City off of her
list of desired places to visit.
[David] Well, considering the population maybe not.
David shrugs.
[David] Don't let that keep you from visiting the city.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Well... maybe after I finish this... training.
Gemini looks up at him.
[David] Yes, I also can't go there yet.
David sighs.
[David] Judging by the headless bodies we found, there are a lot
of Immortals there.
Gemini laughs softly as the elevator doors open.
[Gemini] Well, based on that, Fargo sounds fantastic!
[David] Yeah, sounds a great place for a vacation.
David laughs as he follows her outside the elevator.
[Gemini] Well, central Minnesota in the summer time, is great.
You got all those lakes, and it's great.
Gemini grins.
[David] I'll keep that in mind, next time I need a vacation.
David smiles looking around hoping to see Sarah again.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Looking for something?
Gemini asks.
David smiles a little embarrassed.
[David] Hmm... well... yes?
Gemini just ****s and eyebrow at him, curious.
[David] Sarah, the receptionist, I liked her.
David shrugs trying not to be too obvious.
[Gemini] Uh huh.
Gemini says, clearly not believing it.
[David] What? Do you think I'm lying, I'm not.
David frowns.
[David] Why would I lie?
[Gemini] It's more than just like her, isn't it?
Gemini asks, blandly.
[David] What do you mean? You think I'm in love with her?
David laughs.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] I dunno. Just from the way you looked and then said you
liked her, it sounded like there was more to it.
[David] Don't know yet, if she decides to call me, I'll probably
find out, if she doesn't...
David shrugs as they walk outside the hotel.
[David] Alright, left or right?
[Gemini] I dunno. We gonna walk or drive?
Gemini asks eying David.
[David] My car is parked down the block, but I don't have
anything against walking if that's what you want.
David stops looking down at her, trying to find out what she
wants.
Gemini shrugs again.
[Gemini] I don't care. I don't know Seacouver at all. Let alone
where anything is.
Gemini says calmly meeting his gaze.
[David] Well, we're near two museums and a public library,
unless you want to go there, I suggest we take the car.
David smiles.
[David] The Bower agency, the place I work, is that way.
[Gemini] That works.
Gemini says agreeably with a shrug.
[David] Alright, this way then.
David begins to move to where he had parked his car.
Gemini silently follows David, just looking around her as she
walks.
[Gemini] Oh, before I forget. You all seamed surprised the other
night that wasn't surprised I was adopted.
Gemini says looking through her purse.
[Gemini] Here.
She says pulling out a folded picture and offering it to David.
David gets the picture and looks, then he smiles.
[David] Because you're not blond?
[Gemini] That. And they were always honest with me about it.
She grins.
David frowns as his smiles disappears from his face.
[David] Mine weren't, my mother had a big shock when I called
her and asked her about it.
[Gemini] Why? That you now knew?
Gemini asks curious, then blushes.
[Gemini] Oh, I'm sorry, this isn't any of my business.
[David] Yeah, apparently she never thought I'd suspect
something.
David shakes his head.
[David] I should be able to go there and talk to her
face-to-face, but I can't.
[Gemini] She in New York?
Gemini asks, assuming distance as the reason why.
[Gemini] And why didn't she think you'd ever suspect? And never
told you?
Gemini asks curious.
[David] Yes, she's in New York and I didn't ask her why, I was
so surprised I couldn't even think straight.
David sighs.
[David] Never thought my parents would lie to me.
[Gemini] Well. At least she's there, and you can ask her why.
Gemini points out softly.
[David] I can't go there, not until I learn how to use a sword
properly. When I told her I couldn't go there, she thought I was
upset with her.
David sighs again.
[David] Well, I am, but not so much as I wouldn't face her.
[Gemini] You can ask her over the phone, and if it really
matters to you, ask her. Before it's too late.
Gemini says, her voice still soft as she looks straight ahead.
[David] I know, I already lost my father, when I was expelled
from the force.
David frowns thinking.
[Gemini] He died?
Gemini asks. The way David said he lost him, when expelled from
the force, made it sound like something different.
[David] Yeah, he had a heart attack. Some bad cops tried to
frame me and he couldn't take the humiliation.
David sighs.
[David] Something like that had never happened in his family
before.
[Gemini] Oh.
Gemini says softly.
[Gemini] How long ago was that?
[David] About five years ago.
David tries to change subject.
[David] So are you hungry? I know a great place on West
Hastings, the best steaks in town.
David smiles.
[David] Well, I hope you like meat.
[Gemini] Umm...sure, I could eat. And...
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] I don't mind a good steak. Prefer pasta but...
[David] Hmm, if you prefer an Italian restaurant there are a few
around, I should know.
David smiles.
[David] Never liked cooking.
Gemini laughs.
[Gemini] No, a steak place is fine. I can get pasta there just
as well. Who knows... I might even be in a red meat mood.
[David] Alright, so the Sinclair Center it is.
David begins to walk to his car again.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Wherever. As if I even knew where Sinclair Center is.
Gemini smiles, following David to his car.
[David] Actually it's not that far, I know most of the places
where you can eat near work.
David smiles as he gets to his car and unlocks the doors.
[Gemini] Yeah... All I've seen has been the airport, my hotel
and...
Gemini pauses biting her lower lip in thought.
[Gemini] Joe's? Is that the name of the bar?
[David] Yes, Joe's. I don't know how he makes it, but from what
Craig told me, all Immortals end up showing in there sooner or
later.
David smiles as he opens the door and waits for her to go
inside.
[David] Maybe he advertises at the Immortal Journal.
Gemini glances shyly at David as she slides into the car.
[Gemini] There's an Immortal Journal?
Gemini asks. She thinks he was just teasing, but isn't sure.
[David] No, we try to keep quiet, the mortals aren't supposed to
know.
David closes the door and moves around to the driver's seat.
[Gemini] Yeah, common sense says that.
Gemini says as David opens the driver's door.
[Gemini] Most would freak out. Some in a good way, some in a bad
way.
[David] Some get completely insane, you should have seen the guy
who killed me.
David says as he starts the car and moves out of the parking
lot.
[Gemini] Yeah... that's the part I'm still having problems with.
Gemini says softly, looking at her hands.
[David] Yeah, me too. Craig is trying but I don't know if I'll
ever be a good swordsman.
David smiles.
[David] And that thing that happens when we get close to another
of our own, I don't think I'll ever get used to it.
[Gemini] The thought of killing someone, even if they want me
dead...
Gemini shakes her head.
[Gemini] It makes me feel sick.
[David] It's that or dying... or Holy Ground forever.
David sighs.
[David] Not a real choice here.
[Gemini] Holy Ground?
Gemini asks confused.
[David] Yeah, Holy Ground, if you like the idea.
David shrugs.
[David] I don't.
[Gemini] But...
Gemini says hesitatingly.
[Gemini] What's Holy Ground got to do with it?
[David] Craig and Nikki didn't tell you about Holy Ground?
David asks surprised, looking at her before he remembers he's
driving and looks back to the road.
[Gemini] No... I'm guessing there is something special about it?
The way you've mentioned it...
Gemini asks trailing off.
[David] We don't fight on Holy Ground, don't ask me why.
David smiles.
[David] No one is really sure why, but once you're on Holy
Ground you're safe from other Immortals. The only problem is
that you'll have to stay there forever if you want to keep safe,
once you're out...
[Gemini] You're back to being fair game.
Gemini concluded.
[David] Yeah, so it doesn't really help, unless you want to be
incarcerated for life.
David shrugs.
[Gemini] Yeah... I'm Lutheran, not Catholic, so... definitely
not cut out for a life as a nun.
[David] Yeah, I know what you mean, being a priest is not my
idea of fun.
David laughed before he parked his car.
[Gemini] So... what qualifies as Holy Ground? Churches and the
like?
Gemini asks.
[David] Yeah, churches, cemeteries, Buddhist temples...
David shrugs.
[David] Everything that has to do with religion I guess.
[Gemini] Forgot about cemeteries...
Gemini mutters and looks out the window.
[Gemini] It's a mall.
Gemini grins.
[David] Yes, it's a mall. And I don't see how cemeteries help
unless you're a vampire.
David laughs as he exits his car and moves around to open the
door for her.
[Gemini] Well, I suppose if Buffy were an Immortal, she wouldn't
have to worry about being attacked on two fronts.
Gemini laughs and opens her door to get out.
David smiles shaking his head.
[David] Real life ends up being stranger than fiction.
[Gemini] You can say that again.
Gemini mutters as she gets out of the car and shuts the door.
David locks the doors and follows her.
[David] So where to? Do you want to eat first, or take a look at
the shops?
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Doesn't matter.
[David] Hey, I've chose the location, maybe it's time you choose
something.
David laughs.
[David] Do you usually let other people choose for you?
Gemini shrugs again.
[Gemini] Not really. But then again, it's usually Lizzy and I
and we don't actually need to ask each other. But I suppose
that's what happens when you've been best friends with someone
since you were both four.
[David] Are you going to tell her? I haven't told anyone so far,
I'm not sure I want to.
David frowns thinking of his mother.
[Gemini] I-I don't know. I haven't honestly given it any
thought. But, if I were to tell anyone now...
Gemini shrugs, and starts towards the mall entrance.
[Gemini] It'd be her.
[David] If you stay too long around her, she'll know something
is going on anyway. She'll notice you're not aging.
David shrugs as he follows her inside the mall.
[Gemini] Yeah, that's true.
Gemini sighs.
[Gemini] God, six months ago my life got turned end over end,
and now it's happened again!
Gemini blurts out frustrated.
[David] Yeah, mine too. Being murdered by a crazy Immortal isn't
a normal thing to do either.
David sighs. He stops and looks around once inside the mall.
[David] So shall we eat first?
[Gemini] Umm... sure. I'm kind of hungry, but if you're not, I
can wait.
Gemini says.
[David] So am I, too busy to have lunch.
David smiles.
[Gemini] So... and early dinner then? This the steak place?
Gemini asks looking at the restaurant just inside the mall.
[David] Yeah, that's the one.
David looks down at Gemini.
[David] Shall we go then?
[Gemini] Yeah. Sounds good.
Gemini grins and pauses letting him preceed her into the
restaurant that was his choice.
David opens the door and waits for her to pass him without
saying a word.
[Gemini] Uh, thanks.
Gemini blushes slightly as she steps into the waiting room of
the restaurant.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Bradford." The man on the waiting room
greets him. "Hmm, table for two?"
[David] Yes, we decided to have an early dinner.
David smiles.
Gemini blinks at the restaurant host, then looks to David.
[Gemini] Been here a few times before?
Gemini mutters under her breath.
David nods.
[David] Yeah, I like steaks.
David chuckles.
Gemini just grins, as the host leads them to a table.
"Your usual table, Mr. Bradford." The host says as he places the
menus on the table.
[David] Thank you.
David smiles, before he picks one of the menus.
[David] Well, I think I'll have the usual but still...
David shrugs before he begins to read the menu.
[Gemini] What's your usual?
Gemini asks absently as she flips her menu open and starts
scanning through it.
[David] All the things we shouldn't eat, French fries, eggs...
David laughs.
[David] Well, I guess I don't have to worry about cholesterol
now.
[Gemini] No, I guess not.
Gemini grins.
[Gemini] Lizzy would have liked that aspect. Both her parents
are on medication for cholesterol. She knows that, someday,
she'll end up on it too.
[David] Not if she's one of us.
David shrugs.
[David] Probably not, or you'd have felt something.
[Gemini] Can we sense them? Like before they become Immortal?
Gemini asks softly.
[David] I think we'd feel something, but I'm not sure, never
happened to me.
David smiles still going through the menu.
[Gemini] Well... I've never felt anything from her. And Lizzy
looks all too much like her parents so...
Gemini trails off and flips the page in the menu.
"So what's gonna be today, David?" The waitress smiles at him.
[David] Hey, Carla. How's it going?
David smiles back.
[David] I think I'm going to stick to the usual.
"Alright, double steak, French fries, two eggs..." Carla quickly
writes it down, then she looks at Gemini. "How about you, Honey?
[Gemini] Umm...
Gemini says looking back her menu chewing on her lower lip.
[Gemini] The Lemon Pepper chicken on linguini and an unsweetened
ice tea, please?
Carla quickly writes it down. "Oh, how about you, David? What
are you drinking today, water or beer?
[David] I'm off duty, beer, please.
David grins.
"Of course, she looks too young to be a client but you never
know." Carla smiles before she goes to get their orders.
Gemini blushes at the waitress' remark and looks down at her
hands. That was a good thought... what most people think of her
being with David?
David smiles at her embarrassment.
[David] Well, if you blush every time someone says you look too
young, you'd be blushing for the rest of your life, you know?
[Gemini] Yeah.
Gemini mutters.
[Gemini] Still having a bit of trouble wrapping my head around
that.
Gemini grins.
[Gemini] Maybe once I've seen a century or two I will.
[David] Damn, I still can't see myself being over a century and
looking exactly like I'm now.
David shakes his head smiling.
[David] Every time I stop to think about it, I still can't
believe it.
[Gemini] The only thing we have to change about ourselves now is
what? Our hairstyles? I know that still grows...
Gemini says, remembering that she had gotten her hair trimmed,
just before coming to Seacouver.
[David] Yeah, you can't even grow a beard.
David laughs.
[David] Always that possibility to me.
[Gemini] Yeah, brag about it, why don't you.
Gemini shoots back, with a smile.
[David] Hmm, you can always have long fingernails, that would
look weird on a guy.
David smiles.
[Gemini] Not really, at least not if I keep swimming. The water
makes nails soft and brittle. I may not chew or bite my nails,
but I can't get my nails long for the life of me.
Gemini explains with a bit of a smile.
David smiles sadly.
[David] The thing that really upsets me about this, is that I
can never have a family of my own, never met a woman I'd like to
marry and have a family with, but to know that I can't...
David sighs.
[Gemini] Well, why can't you?
Gemini asks bluntly.
[David] Don't tell me Craig forgot to mention that too.
David looks up at her disbelievingly.
[Gemini] Mention what?
Gemini asks confused.
David takes a deep breath.
[David] Damn, I'd hate to be the one to tell you this.
[Gemini] Tell me what?
Gemini asks, a little warily.
David sighs again.
[David] I wish Craig would tell you this.
[Gemini] Yeah, well. You're here. So just tell me.
Gemini states.
Carla comes to their table bringing the drinks. "Sorry it took
so long, David." Carla places the drinks in front of them.
[Gemini] Thanks.
Gemini says softly glancing up at the waitress.
[David] It's alright, Carla.
David says absentminded before he drinks some beer.
[Gemini] Well?
Gemini asks again, once Carla is out of earshot.
David thinks of a gentle way to tell her this, then finds out
there isn't one, he decides to just tell her and get it over
with.
[David] We can't have children.
Gemini frowns thinking about that statement.
[Gemini] What? Meaning we're not fertile?
Gemini asks after a minute.
[David] No, we're not.
David sighs.
Gemini frowns thinking about that, then thinking about how the
subject came up.
[Gemini] So... what's that have to do with having or not having
a family?
Gemini asks.
[David] If we can't have children how do you expect to have a
family?
David smiles sadly.
[Gemini] Uh.... Adopt? Or if whoever she is, wants to be
pregnant bad enough, visit a sperm bank.
Gemini bluntly suggests.
[David] I don't think a sperm bank would work.
David shrugs.
[David] And adopt? Who would you choose? A mortal that you have
to see get old and die, or a pre-Immortal that has a better
chance to live if gets adopted by a mortal family?
Gemini blinks feeling hurt by his words, but determined not to
show it.
[Gemini] Does it matter? If you love it, cherish it, and give it
a good home?
Gemini asks softly.
David shakes his head but doesn't answer to her comment.
[Gemini] So... you're mad that you can't physically have your
own, biological children.
Gemini says frowning at David and growing slightly mad at him.
[Gemini] But won't consider adoption because either they'll grow
old and die. Which if you could physically have children they'd
do anyway. Or because they'd be pre-Immortal? And to me that
sounds like the perfect situation. Who'd you rather have learned
this from? Some complete stranger, or vague acquaintance, or
your own mother or father?
[David] Your missing the point here, it's for their safety, if
we lose our heads and we have a pre-Immortal son or daughter,
you think the winner wouldn't kill them too?
David shakes his head again.
[David] And mortals don't normally have to bury their own
children like we'd have to.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Somehow, I think everyone would, or will come up with a
different opinion on this subject.
[David] Maybe I will, who knows?
David shrugs.
[David] This is all new to me, I'm not used to this. Right now
I'm not interested, but later... who knows?
[Gemini] Well...
Gemini suddenly grins trying to look on the bright side.
[Gemini] At least we don't have to worry about accident
pregnancies, birth control or condoms, right?
[David] No, we don't need any of that.
David smiles.
[Gemini] So... what ended up bringing you to Seacouver?
Gemini asks trying to change the subject.
[David] I was working for Craig in New York, he opened another
agency here and needed my help.
David shrugs.
[Gemini] Wow, that's exciting.
Gemini says her voice just slightly sarcastic, the smile on her
face showing she is teasing David.
[David] Already had too much excitement in my life, when I had
to prove my innocence, thank you very much.
David laughs.
[David] I'm not looking for more.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] And here I am, looking for a very specific type of
excitement.
[David] And what is that?
David frowns.
[David] You can't be talking about sword fighting, right?
[Gemini] Ah, no. I was talking, or thinking, of swimming and the
Olympics.
Gemini stutters.
[David] Oh that!
David laughs.
[David] Got me surprised here for a minute.
[Gemini] No, it's not the whole... immortal thing.
Gemini says shaking her head.
[Gemini] It's so hard to think of that. I mean, here,
technically, I've been Immortal since July 4th, but I mean, I've
only known for a couple of days and...
Gemini trails off with a sigh.
[David] Yeah, you need time, happened to me in September, a
crazy Immortal stabbed me with his sword right here.
David indicates his chest.
[David] And it's still hard to get used to it.
He smiles.
[David] And who would have known that you're older than me...
[Gemini] Not for most intent and purpose.
Gemini smiles.
David smiles before he takes a sip of beer.
[David] You really need to find a teacher, maybe Craig is doing
that for you... or Nikki...
[Gemini] I hope so. I have no idea how to go about looking for
one.
Gemini says ruefully.
[Gemini] And don't particularly want to live in this hotel,
for... who knows how long.
[David] Well, if they come up with a male Immortal it might be
weird to live with him...
David smiles.
[Gemini] Do you live with Craig?
Gemini asks surprised.
[David] Oh no. I have my own place.
David laughs.
[David] But I know how to defend myself, I'm an ex-cop.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] See that was the original plan. I'd get the guy I
wanted as a swim coach, then he'd help me find an apartment.
[David] Well, try to find another, he's not the only swim coach
in the world, is he?
David shrugs.
[David] Don't give up your dream because a jerk told you that
you can't do it. You think I've never heard that before? That it
was impossible, that I couldn't do it all by myself? I have, but
I didn't listen to it and refused to give up.
[Gemini] I'm not going to.
Gemini smiles softly.
[Gemini] The other night I had just gotten the news that the
coach I wanted wouldn't take me. I was angry and hurt.
Gemini grins a little more broadly.
[Gemini] But I've had some time to think about it.
[David] Good. Somehow I think this guy is the one that ended up
missing a great chance.
David smiles.
[David] If that's what you want, go for it.
[Gemini] Oh, believe me. I will.
Gemini says firmly.
Carla arrives with their orders and places the food in front of
them. "Do you need anything else?
[Gemini] I'm good. Thank you.
Gemini says softly, her voice back to just above a whisper.
[David] No, thanks, Carla.
David smiles at the waitress.
[Gemini] Eggs and steak?
Gemini asks looking at David's plate and raising an eyebrow.
[David] Yeah, so? I'm hungry.
David shrugs.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] And I thought I was a big eater.
She mutters.
[David] Hmm, maybe it's in our genes.
David laughs.
[Gemini] And here I always thought it was due to all the
calories I burn a day.
Gemini shrugs and starts in on her Lemon Pepper chicken.
[David] Well, it might help too, I've always tried to stay in
top shape.
David shrugs
[Gemini] And what do you do, to keep in shape?
Gemini asks, fully expecting him to say he runs, a couple miles
a day.
[David] I always run in the morning. In New York I used to go to
a Gym after work, but been too busy here to do the same.
David smiles.
[David] I suppose Craig's lessons are about the same.
Gemini can't help it, she grins.
[Gemini] You want a real workout some day, come get in the pool
with me.
She offers.
[David] Well, I workout the things I'm going to need for work,
it's highly unlikely I'll have to swim after a suspect.
David laughs.
[David] But maybe I will someday.
Gemini purses her lips at David.
[Gemini] You're missing the point.
She says.
[Gemini] Swimming exercises EVERY muscle in the body. Not just
your biceps or triceps or caves. Every muscle from your head to
your toes.
[David] Really?
David frowns.
[David] So basically I've been wasting my time weight lifting,
right?
[Gemini] Kind of.
Gemini grins.
[Gemini] Every muscle in my body is toned, basically to
perfection.
She shrugs.
[Gemini] But if you're not going to spend hours at it everyday,
lifting weights is the next best thing. I spend five hours in
the pool everyday.
[David] Wow, five hours?
David looks at her surprised.
[Gemini] Yeah. Seven days a week. Three hundred and... sixty to
sixty-three days a year.
David shakes his head.
[David] I think that would be too much for me, I don't want to
go to the Olympics.
Gemini laughs.
[Gemini] Yeah, well, I do. But even if I didn't, I spend
probably three hours a day at it.
[David] Really like swimming, huh?
David smiles.
[Gemini] Duh.
David laughs.
[David] Alright, stupid question.
He sets down his knife and fork.
[David] Hmm, dessert?
[Gemini] Not for me, thanks.
Gemini says smiling as she continues with her meal.
David gestures to Carla, he smiles when he sees the dessert
menu.
[David] I'm getting too predictable, right?
"Well, you always want dessert." Carla smiles as she gives him
the menu.
[David] Hmm, maybe apple pie. I like apple pie.
David smiles.
[David] Not so good as the one my mother makes but...
He shrugs as he gives the menu back to Carla.
[David] A slice of apple pie, please.
"A slice of apple pie as usual." Carla smiles writing it down.
Gemini starts coughing as she tries to suppress a laugh, and
then reaches and takes a big gulp of her tea.
David laughs.
[David] I'm getting predictable.
He shakes his head still smiling.
"Nothing wrong about being predictable in some things, at least
women know what to expect." Carla laughs before she turns to
Gemini. "What about you, Honey?"
[Gemini] Nothing for me, thanks.
Gemini says with a smile at Carla.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 160--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 9
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 27, 2011, 9:54 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Valentine's Night at Joe's Bar[/center]
Craig applauds as the band plays the last few notes of the song
they have been playing. He smiles and leans closer to Nikki so
he can be heard over the applause.
[Craig] They are really good.
Craig says over the din.
Nikki smiles and nods in agreement as she, too, applauds the
band.
[Nikki] Joe better keep them around a while.
Nikki says with a snicker. She sits back in her chair as the
applause dies down and the band stops playing. She picks up her
drink off of the table and takes a sip. She and Craig had come
to Joe's after dinner at their favorite Italian restaurant and
have spent the last couple hours enjoying the new band Joe has
hired. She never used to like Blues music but since moving to
Seacouver and meeting Joe Dawson it has started to grow on her.
Craig takes a drink of his draft and looks over at Nikki. She
looks beautiful tonight. Not that she doesn't always look
beautiful. But tonight...the way her red hair waves around her
shoulders..the way it frames her face.. He smiles to himself as
he thinks, "tonight's the night."
Mike, the bartender, announces last call and Nikki looks over at
Craig.
[Nikki] Already? Seems like we just got here.
Nikki says smiling.
Craig nods in agreement as the band starts to play one last
song.
[Craig] Care to dance, ma lady?
Craig asks halfway rising from his chair.
Nikki suddenly remembers the dance she shared with Duncan only a
week ago. Before the memory progresses to where that dance had
led, she shakes her head, slightly...not so much that anyone can
notice...and looks at Craig with an apologetic smile.
[Nikki] To tell the truth, I'd rather just listen to this one.
Do you mind?
Craig lowers himself back down in his chair and smiles, nodding
understandingly.
[Craig] Not at all.
Craig says and reaches over and lays his hand on top of hers and
gently curls his fingers around it.
Nikki smiles gratefully then turns her attention to the music,
swaying with the rhythm.
Craig tries to pay attention to the song the band is singing,
but, instead his thoughts are on tonight after they leave Joe's.
Nikki glances over at Craig and it looks like he's miles away
from here. She gently squeezes his hand to get his attention
and leans closer.
[Nikki] Everything alright?
Nikki asks sincerely concerned.
Craig returns to the here and now when Nikki squeezes his hand.
He looks at her and can sees that she is genuinely concerned. He
smiles reassuringly and nods.
[Craig] Couldn't be better.
Craig says with a wink.
Nikki isn't quite sure she believes him but decides not to
pressure him so she shrugs and smiles.
When the band brings their last song of the evening to an end,
Craig applauds and glances over at Nikki.
Nikki joins in with the rest of the audience...applauding
heartily for the band. As the din dies down she looks over at
Craig and smiles.
[Craig] Ready to go?
Craig asks seizing the opportunity.
Nikki nods and gets up.
Craig gets to his feet, helps Nikki on with her coat, puts his
own on and crooks his arm for her to take then escorts her out
of the bar and to his car. He unlocks and opens the passenger
door and helps Nikki get in then closes the door and heads
around to the drivers side. He gets in, starts the car and
drives out of the parking lot.
[Craig] Back to your friend's place?
Craig asks more for conversation than verification.
[Nikki] Uh-huh.
Nikki responds.
Craig decides to take the more scenic route to the Queen Anne
Condominiums and heads down to the 4 mile stretch of road that
travels above Seacouver's more scenic beaches. The moon is full
making the froth of the waves lapping against the white sands
look almost iridescent. When they reach the large parking lot of
the condos he pulls his car to the row of parking spaces that
over look the condos' private beach and parks so that they can,
not only see the beach below, but have a perfect view of the
full moon reflecting on the water of the peninsula.
Nikki doesn't question Craig's choice of parking places when she
sees the scene in front of them. She looks out of the front
windshield in awe.
[Craig] I hope you don't mind.
Craig says softly.
[Craig] I couldn't help myself. It's so beautiful.
[Nikki] It is that.
Nikki says in agreement.
Craig sits in silence as he takes in the sight. After a few
minutes he turns, slightly, and looks over at Nikki...admiring
the way she looks in the moonlight.
Nikki feels Craig's eyes on her and turns to look at him. Seeing
the look in his eyes she smiles shyly.
[Nikki] You're doing it again.
Nikki says a bit reproachfully.
Craig blushes a little and smiles guiltily.
[Craig] Sorry. I can't help it. I love to look at beautiful
things.
Nikki blushes and she lowers her eyes.
Craig reaches over and places two fingers under her chin and
gently lifts it so that he can see her eyes. When their eyes
meet he looks into them for a few seconds then slowly leans over
and kisses her tenderly.
Nikki closes her eyes as Craig's lips touch hers and returns his
kiss.
Craig ends the kiss and moves back and looks at Nikki to see her
reaction.
Nikki smiles warmly and keeps her gaze locked with his.
Craig sees that she isn't offended and smiles back at her.
[Craig] Would you like to take a walk on the beach?
Craig asks in a soft voice.
Nikki's smile broadens and she nods.
Craig smiles and gets out, walks around and opens the passenger
door and helps Nikki out of the car. Then he takes her hand and
walks slowly down the path to the beach.
Nikki entwines her fingers with his and matches his pace. When
they reach the sand she stops and removes her shoes and carries
them in her free hand.
Craig remains silent as they slowly stroll along the
beach...just out of the waves' reach. After a few minutes he
gently removes his hand from hers and slips it around her
shoulders.
Nikki responds by slipping her arm around his waist.
Craig gently pulls her closer as they continue their stroll.
After several more minutes he sees a large driftwood log in
front of them and guides Nikki over to it. When they are
standing in front of it he removes his arm from around her
shoulders, takes her hand and guides her to sit on the log then
he sits down next to her.
Nikki takes a seat on the log and leans against Craig when he
sits down beside her. A small sailing craft drifts
by...miniature Christmas lights streaming from it's single mast,
along the edges of the sail and around the edge of the deck. The
twinkling lights against the black background remind her of the
fireflies she saw when she was a Women's Army Corp basic
training company commander in Alabama.
Craig watches the waves as they lap onto the beach..the hissing
sound as their froth evaporates into the sand relaxing him.
Finally after several minutes he turns on the log so he is
facing Nikki and lifts her face up with his fingertips and
kisses her tenderly.
Nikki responds to his kiss by closing her eyes and returning it
with equal tenderness.
Craig ends the kiss and gently pushes her back so that he can
look at her. He takes in every feature of her face as though
memorizing it. He traces the line of her jaw with the tip of his
finger then looks lovingly into her eyes.
[Craig] You're so beautiful.
Craig says...his voice almost a whisper.
[Craig] You are the most caring and loving woman I have met in a
very long time and you make me feel more alive than I have felt
in a very long time.
Craig takes a breath as he summons up his courage.
[Craig] I know we have only known each other what would be
considered a short time according to our standards. But....
Craig caresses her cheek with his thumb.
[Craig] ...I've fallen in love with you and want to spend the
rest of my life with you.
Nikki sucks in a deep breath in surprise. She stares at
him...speechless.
Craig reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out the small black
velvet box he had shown David and opens it, revealing the
engagement ring.
[Craig] Nicayla Flynn....will you be my one and only valentine?
Will you marry me?
Craig holds the box out so she can see its contents.
Nikki is completely taken by surprise. She stares at the
ring...glistening in the light of the full moon...and is unable
to speak.
Craig watches Nikki's face intently...waiting expectantly for
her answer.
Nikki finally tears her gaze away from the beautiful ring and
looks directly into Craig's eyes. She replays his question in
her mind several times then looks back down at the ring.
[Nikki] Oh....my God, Craig.
Nikki finally whispers, covering her mouth with her hands...her
eyes wide with surprise...then looks back up at him.
Craig hears the complete shock in her voice and can see it in
her eyes. He smiles...his eyes filled with love and
understanding.
Nikki sees the look in his eyes and she is suddenly filled with
a myriad of emotions and she instinctively looks away....a
protective response well practiced over the years.
Craig realizes that his proclamation of his feelings and
subsequent proposal have taken Nikki so by surprise that it has
shaken her otherwise nerves of steel and his heart goes out to
her. After all....she had only recently decided to cast off the
impenetrable armor she had built around her heart. Was David
right? Was it too soon for her?
[Craig] Nikki?
Craig says in a soft, tentative voice.
[Nikki] I....I...
Nikki stammers into her hands which are still covering her
mouth.
[Nikki] I don't....know what....to say.
Craig reaches out and gently pulls her hands away from her mouth
and turns her face back so he can see it. He smiles
reassuringly...his eyes still filled with love and
understanding.
[Nikki] I....I....
Nikki stammers trying to find the words.
[Craig] Shhh
Craig says, shaking his head and still smiling.
[Craig] It's OK
Craig caresses her cheek with his thumb.
[Craig] I didn't mean to surprise you to the extent that you
feel I've put you on the spot. I am so sorry.
Craig says sincerely.
Nikki looks into his eyes and sees his sincerity and
understanding and although, on one hand it comforts her...on the
other hand it makes her feel guilty.
Craig sees the twinge of guilt flash through her emerald green
eyes and shakes his head again.
[Craig] Nikki....listen. Don't say anything right now.
Nikki tries to turn away.
Craig lifts her chin and looks deep into her eyes.
[Craig] Take as much time as you need....I'm not going anywhere.
I just want you know how I feel. Will you do that for me? Think
it over?
Craig asks calmly.
Nikki looks into his eyes and allows their warmth and
reassurance to comfort her....to calm her and she slowly nods
her head.
Craig closes the ring box and places it in her hand, closing her
fingers around it.
[Craig] Then you hang on to this.
Craig gives a sheepish shrug and smile.
[Craig] Just so I don't lose it or something.
Craig says with a wink. Then he smiles his boyishly innocent
smile.
Nikki can't help but smile back at him as he flashes that smile
of his at her. It's the one he used the first time he asked her
out and has used ever since whenever he wanted to win a
disagreement. She nods silently.
Craig gets to his feet and holds out his hand to her.
[Craig] Now....what say I walk you to your door and we say
goodnight?
Nikki takes his hand and stands up.
[Nikki] I'm sorry, Craig.
Nikki says almost inaudibly.
[Craig] Uh-uh....none of that now. You have nothing to be sorry
for.
Craig says reassuringly. He takes her by the hand and starts
walking toward the condominiums which are not far from where
they were sitting.
Nikki walks along side of Craig in silence....her mind reeling.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 163--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 10
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 28, 2011, 12:02 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The part of Amanda is temporarily being
understudied.[/sub][/center]
[center] ***10:00 AM at Amanda's condo***[/center]
Nikki is sitting on the couch in Amanda's living room after
having been up all night. On the coffee table is the open ring
box with Craig's engagement ring in it and she is staring at it
intently.
Amanda walks up to the door to her condo, and glances down at
the brand new watch on her wrist. Everyone needed to treat
themselves sometime! On this occasion, however, she sighs at the
hour and glares as though Time itself were working against her.
Rolling her eyes, she steps into the condo and plunks down her
bags next to the coat stand and sighs with apparent exhaustion.
Clearly she hadn't been browsing enough lately - now she felt
like curling up under the warm blankets again, but -. "Why the
long face?" She queries of the other woman.
Nikki feels the buzz of an Immortal only seconds before the door
of the condo opens and her best friend steps in.
[Nikki] Where have you been?
Nikki asks ignoring Amanda's question.
[Nikki] I don't think I have ever needed you more than when I
came home last night.
Nikki says uncrossing her legs which are stiff from having been
in the same position for so long.
Amanda quirks a brow and cocks her head to one side. "I was
having a lovely time at that little restaurant by the ocean...
you know the one... they have those delicious crab cakes?" She
waves a hand dismissively before walking over to one of the
chairs and relaxing. "What's going on, darling?"
Using her toe Nikki silently slides the ring box across the
coffee table and stops when it is in front of Amanda.
Amanda picks up the box and peers at her friend over the box.
"I'm flattered, but it would never work, darling," she responds
with a forced lightness to her tone.
Nikki rolls her eyes.
[Nikki] HA Ha! You're hilarious, Mand. Simply hilarious.
Nikki says slightly sarcastic and slightly kidding.
[Nikki] Besides.....once you had this.....
Nikki says indicating her body.
[Nikki] ....you'd never want anything else.
Nikki says with a wink.
Amanda studies the ring under the early morning light. "It's
very nice," she remarks approvingly. "Need I ask who proposed?"
[Nikki] Not who you think.
Nikki says simply. She suddenly realizes how tired she is from
being up all night and she gets up and goes into the kitchen and
proceeds to make a pot of coffee.
[Nikki] I'm making coffee. Want some?
Nikki calls out from the kitchen.
Amanda shakes her head at the question, and calls out. "So tell
me...who gave the ring?"
Nikki sees Amanda shake her head through the "bar window" and
goes back to watching the coffee maker as it brews the coffee.
[Nikki] A guy I've been seeing for the last few weeks. Craig
Bower. He owns a PI slash securities agency. Oh.....and he's one
of us.
Nikki says. The coffee maker's brewing cycle comes to an end and
she pours herself a cup. She stirs some sugar into it and
carries it into the living room and reclaims her seat on the
couch.
Amanda ponders the name. "I don't think you've mentioned him
before," she muses thoughtfully. "I take it you're unsure of
your answer," the Immortal thief states rather than asks. "What
with the look of indecision on your face, darling."
Nikki takes a sip of her coffee.
[Nikki] Where would you like me to start?
Amanda relaxes back in the chair after setting the ring box back
down on the table. "The start would be good."
Nikki thinks for a minute then says, "Well.....you already know
one of the problems."
Amanda gives a little nod. "I'm assuming you mean MacLeod."
[Nikki] Yeah. And I guess ....the biggest thing is the fact that
I have been completely single for 120 years. Maybe that's too
long to be single. I don't know.
Nikki says with a shrug.
Amanda responds with a light shrug of her own. "Mmm... I don't
know. I know one Immortal who was single for...oh...550 years,
at least," she comments and smirks at the thought. "I guess what
it boils down to is, who do you want to be with the most?"
[Nikki] Let me ask you a question. What do you think about two
Immortals in a relationship as opposed to an Immortal and a
Mortal?
Nikki asks taking a sip of her coffee. She looks at Amanda
interestedly.
Amanda sighs softly and offers an not very helpful nonchalant
shrug. "I don't really know, kiddo. Sure, there's going to be
heartache in a few years when they die... and Immortals... we
flitter in and out of relationships so fast, because we live so
long," she theorized. She hadn't exactly tried to think about it
too deeply.
[Nikki] See....I can think of a gazillion reasons to say no. But
Craig is a great guy.
Nikki says sighing in frustration.
[Nikki] He's very good looking... intelligent... caring,
empathetic, honest, loving... all that stuff. And I can be
myself with him.
Jacob walks towards the door of Amanda's condo, humming to
himself, because he's one of those drat morning people, and has
been up since about 6 A.M. painting at his own place. The
buzzing from inside doesn't bother him, because heck, he's
expecting to feel Amanda. He pushes his key into the Yale lock.
Nikki feels an Immortal buzz as she says, "you really have to
meet him." She looks toward the condo door.
[Nikki] Expecting company?
Nikki asks as she reaches under the couch and grasps the hilt of
her sword.
Amanda picks up her own sword, which she had set on the table in
front of her when she sat down. "No," she answers softly and
moves toward the door silently.
Nikki gets to her feet and withdraws her sword from under the
couch. She watches as Amanda approaches the door.
[Nikki] Well...I hope they appreciate the welcoming committee.
Nikki says sarcastically.
Jacob opens the door and pushes it back, only to blink at the
sword carrying woman. "Amanda!" He grins. "Going to kill me?"
Nikki looks at the stranger, surprised. But still doesn't lower
her sword as yet.
Amanda lowers her sword and grins at Jacob. "Darling!" she
greets before setting down her sword completely and slipping her
arms around the man before her. "Kill you? Never."
Nikki watches Amanda greet the man and a smarmy smirk crosses
her face. She lowers her sword and slips it back under the
couch.
Jacob grins and kisses Amanda on the lips. "Oh good. I was
almost worried... for a moment." He laughs.
Amanda winks teasingly at Jacob and returns the kiss gently.
"This is a wonderful surprise!" she answers genuinely.
Nikki stands with her arms folded...waiting for an introduction.
Jacob glances over at Nikki and raises an eyebrow. "Amanda, I've
told you before, I'm not in to that kind of thing."
Amanda appears to be confused for a moment, and then swats
Jacob's arm. "Darling, please," she chides before turning around
and nodding in Nikki's direction. "This is Nikki...Meet Jacob."
Nikki gives Jacob a friendly smile and extends her hand as she
walks up to him.
[Nikki] Nice to meet you Jacob.
Nikki says sweetly.
Jacob takes her hand and kisses the back of it. "Charmed, I'm
sure." He says in an easy English accent. "Always nice to meet a
friend of Amanda's."
Nikki smiles and glances at Amanda shooting her an "I'm
impressed" look.
[Nikki] Where'd you find him, Mand. He's kinda cute.
Amanda looks absolutely delighted. "He's the painter I mentioned
the other day," she stated casually.
Nikki remembers the conversation and says, "Ahhh," and nods
understandingly.
[Nikki] But you never said your painter was cute.
Nikki gives Amanda a pretend look of reproachment.
[Nikki] Important detail to leave out.....don't ya think?
Nikki adds teasingly.
Jacob helps himself to coffee. "You assumed she was sleeping
with a hideous troll?"
[Nikki] Never that. I figured you had to be at least a 6.
Amanda smirks and pokes Jacob gently, and in a joking way. "Well
you're definitely not that, darling," she retorted before
glancing at Nikki. "And I thought that was a given anyway!"
[Nikki] Like I said.....at least a 6 but this guys waaay higher
than that.
Nikki says with a smirk.
[Nikki] So what do you paint, Jacob? Landscapes? Portraits?
Impressionistic stuff?
Nikki asks as she slips her arm through his and guides him over
to the couch.
Jacob raises an eyebrow and shoots Amanda a look that says 'Are
all your friends this touchy-feely?' although his eyes are
amused.
[Jacob] Me? Oh, I've done a lot of things in my time. Portraits
and scenes are my favorite works, but I've tried quite a lot.
[Nikki] Oils or water colors?
Nikki asks as she gestures for him to have a seat.
[Jacob] I prefer oils. Water colors always seem a little...
washy to me. But I've done other things... charcoal, pencil
sketches... I'm easy, really.
Jacob takes a seat, leaning against the back of the couch.
[Nikki] Do you have any of your work on display anywhere?
Locally?
Nikki asks truly interested.
[Jacob] That's actually why I'm here. I got a deal with a local
gallery thanks to a certain person.
Jacob winks at Amanda.
Amanda looks innocent. "Moi? Maybe a little bit..."
[Nikki] Really? Is there going to be a formal showing?
Nikki asks thinking that if there was she might get some use out
of one of her new formal gowns.
[Jacob] Oh, I do hope so.
Jacob grins widely. He looks rather pleased with himself.
[Nikki] So how did you meet Amanda? Did you paint her portrait
or something?
Nikki asks sitting on the edge of the coffee table in front of
him. She is grateful for thinking about something other than
what she had been thinking about all night.
Amanda smirks. "Well...that's a long and...interesting story..."
she shoots Jacob a highly amused expression and her smirk
widens.
[Nikki] Well? Do I have to beg to hear it?
Nikki asks with a giggle. She looks from one to the other.
Amanda walks across the short space to the chair, and perches on
the arm next to Jacob. "Yes," she teased.
Nikki gets on her knees and clasps her hands together as though
praying.
[Nikki] Oh please, old and wise one....please regale me with the
story. I beg of you.
Nikki says faking a Cockney accent.
Jacob winces. "I wish you wouldn't tell people that story. It's
painful." He sighs dramatically.
[Nikki] Oh please, mistress....please tell me the story.
Nikki begs Amanda playfully.
Amanda pretends to think incredibly deeply about the tale,
before replying quite simply. "He robbed me... Badly. And I
followed him home..."
Nikki sits back on her heels and laughs heartily.
[Nikki] Figures. Have you given him lessons since then?
Nikki asks Amanda as she gets to her feet.
[Jacob] Heh, no. I'm not a thief. I was totally and utterly out
of money, and desperate to pay my rent.
Jacob shakes his head. "Oh how far I have fallen."
Nikki giggles and picks up her now cold cup of coffee. She heads
for the kitchen to pour it out and get a cup of fresh.
[Nikki] I'm getting coffee. Anybody want some?
Nikki calls out.
Amanda absently curls her fingers through Jacob's hair. "Hmmm?
Yes," she calls out, finally feeling like a much-needed burst of
caffeine.
Jacob holds up his own cup. "Absolutely. Coffee for all."
[i]Nikki gets a cup out of the cabinet and fills it with coffee,
gets the serving tray from another cabinet and places the sugar
bowl and creamer on it and the cup she just filled along with
her own and carries the tray and the coffee pot into the living
room. She sets the tray down and fills Jacob's cup and sets the
pot on the tray.
[Nikki] So just how far have you fallen, Jacob?
Nikki asks in a tone of voice that sounds a bit like she's
interrogating him.
[Jacob] All the way.
Jacob retorts quickly, his blue eyes sparkling as he looks up at
Amanda. "But then who wouldn't when they're around such radiant
beauty?"
Amanda tips Jacob's head back and kisses him on the lips, before
tapping the tip of his nose. "Charmer," she accuses mildly.
[Nikki] Very true.
Nikki says smiling... satisfied with his answer. She decides to
leave the gentle warning of what would happen to him if he
happens to break her best friend's heart until later.
Jacob flashes Amanda a smile. "You like it." He retorts easily.
"And encourage it."
Nikki takes a seat on the fireplace hearth and sips her coffee.
She watches Amanda and Jacob a couple of minutes in silence then
her attention is grabbed by the ring in the ring box on the
coffee table and she starts to suck on her lower lip as her
quandary re-enters her mind.
Amanda allows her eyes to widen, and she shakes her head. "I
would never...!
Jacob smirks. "Yeah, yeah. How long have you been taking me to
bed, hmm?"
Amanda flashes a charming smile of her own. "A good few weeks,"
she answers knowingly.
Jacob nods. "Exactly! I know you well enough to know that you
like to be charmed."
Nikki glances back at the couple. In all the years she has known
Amanda she can only remember seeing her with 3 other men.
Zachary Blaine, Corey Raines and Nick Wolfe. None seemed to fit
her as well as Jacob, though. Her mind drifts....wondering how
she and Craig looked together.
Amanda glances at Nikki across the small space and smiles
slightly. "I'm sure I can manage to get him into... something
nefarious eventually..."
[i]Jacob sighs. "You wish." He retorts smoothly. "I'm strictly
above board, you know that. No forgeries, no... well, there was
that one time in the Victorian Age..."
Nikki returns her attention to Amanda and Jacob.
[Nikki] So does this mean you're going to have to go straight,
Mand?
Nikki asks with a smirk.
[Jacob] Heavens no.
Jacob gives a quick laugh. "Do I look stupid enough to try and
change her? Really?"
Amanda feigned horror at the thought. "I think, darling, that
that would be impossible!"
[Nikki] I KNOW it would.
Nikki says with a giggle.
Amanda switches her position and lies her legs languidly over
Jacob's, an arm behind his neck to keep her balance. "I'm
unchangeable, darling," she teases.
[Nikki] Well.....I've always thought you were perfect just the
way you are. But then I'm a just a tad bit biased having known
you....what?....well....let's just say over 150 years.
Nikki chuckles. She empties her coffee cup and reaches for the
pot and refills her cup.
Jacob grins. "I do hope so." He agrees, kissing Amanda's cheek.
[Jacob] 150 years, huh? That's just... wow. I'm not much older
than that myself.
Amanda teases Jacob in amusement. "You're so young."
[Nikki] Mand was my teacher. I owe my longevity to her and what
she taught me about surviving. Then we became best friends and
she taught me even more useful things.
Nikki says and winks at Amanda.
Jacob sighs. "Oh you just love to bring it up." He retorts
easily. "Yes, yes, I'm your toy boy."
[Nikki] Hey....don't let her get to you with that, Jacob.
Everyone's younger than her. She is, after all, older than dirt.
Nikki says and smiles...winking at Amanda.
Amanda sticks out her tongue good-naturedly. "Some people are
older."
Nikki shrugs.
[Nikki] I've only heard tell of one and he's a myth.
Nikki says teasingly.
Jacob gives a wry smile. "Older than dirt? Nah... I've met older
and scarier. Speaking of older and scarier, I'm glad to see he's
not around."
Nikki quirks an eyebrow questioningly.
Amanda 's eyes glitter in amusement. "He doesn't scare me... He
likes me, darling," she teases Jacob before turning to the other
woman. "An...old...friend," she smirks.
Jacob shudders. "Good to know he likes someone." He mutters
under his breath. "Tall, dark and terrifying is not that much
fun."
[Nikki] Who are you talking about?
Nikki asks her curiosity getting the best of her.
Amanda grins mysteriously, knowing full well that Nikki was
curious and purposely prolonging it, for pure amusements sake.
"He's an old friend I met during the Renaissance."
Jacob rolls his eyes. "A huge, huge old friend. Seriously."
[Nikki] How huge is huge?
Nikki asks realizing that her friend was going to tease her
curiosity tolerances.
[Nikki] King Kong huge? Or just the Rock huge?
Amanda snickers. "He's...very tall, darling."
[Nikki] Oh so more like Wilt Chamberlain huge?
[Jacob] And muscly. And tattooed. And angry.
[Nikki] I take it this giant Immortal is still alive?
Amanda gives a little nod. "He's really very nice when you get
to know him..."
[Jacob] Nice like snakebites.
Nikki giggles.
[Nikki] I gotta find out who this monster is.
Nikki says still giggling.
Amanda smirks at the thought. "He's very quiet..." she comments
nonchalantly.
Nikki 's cell phone suddenly rings and she fishes it out of her
jeans pocket and checks to see who the caller is before
answering it. When she sees the caller's name on the screen she
gets to her feet.
[Nikki] I'll take this in my room.
Nikki says and heads for her bedroom.
Amanda nods and arches a brow, but saves any questions for
later.
Jacob gives Amanda a look. "You know, while she's out of the
room..."
Amanda grins mischievously. "I know just what you mean..."
[center]To be continued[/center]
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