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#Post#: 164--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 11
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 28, 2011, 12:11 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki walks up the steps to Duncan's Dojo and pauses, briefly at
the door of the building. She doesn't feel the presence of any
Immortal and breathes a sigh of relief that Duncan isn't here.
She goes inside and heads upstairs to the locker room where she
changes into her workout clothes and removes a padlock from her
sport bag. She stashes the bag and her street clothes in an
empty locker and snaps the padlock shut then heads downstairs,
grabbing a towel from the table by the locker room door. Once
downstairs she finds a secluded corner of the Dojo to do some
stretching exercises When she feels that her muscles are
sufficiently warmed up she walks over to one of the bench
presses and tosses her towel on the floor next to it. She
adjusts the weights on the bar and lays down on the bench,
grabbing the bar with both hands. She takes in a couple of deep
breaths, blowing the last one out, and lifts the bar off of the
stand. She does 20 repetitions then sets the bar back on the
stand and sits up. She picks up the towel and wipes sweat from
her face. Then she gets up and walks over to a rack of dumbbells
and selects one and takes it back to weight bench where she
sits back down. She proceeds to do 50 repetitions of arm curls
with both arms. When she is finished she returns the dumbbell to
its rack and moves to the leg curl bench. She adjusts the
weights and sits down, hooking the front of her ankles behind
the padded bar and begins to do a set of 50 repetitions. When
she is finished she turns onto her stomach and hooks the back of
her ankles behind the padded bar and does another 50 repetitions
When she has finished those she sits up and wipes the sweat from
her face. She gets up and goes over to an empty speed bag and
begins circle punching in a slow rhythmic cadence, alternating
her lead hands. As she progresses she slowly begins to speed her
cadence up until a bystander would find it nearly impossible to
count the speed bags rebounds. When she has reached a
comfortable speed she focuses her cadence and continues for
another 5 minutes (3 minutes longer than her usual time)...at
which point she misses a rebound. She stops, catches the bag to
stop it and walks away from it. She walks over to the cold drink
dispenser under the stairs that lead to the locker and shower
rooms and takes out a bottle of water. She opens it and takes a
long drink. She looks around and sees that all three heavy bags
are in use so she finds a secluded corner and begins a strenuous
Kata...pushing her muscles almost past their limits.
Duncan pulls his T-Bird into the alley along side of the
building his Dojo and loft are in and parks. He gets out and
grabs his sword from between the front bucket seats and sheaths
it in the lining of his brown suede trench coat. He then removes
a medium sized box from the back seat. He locks the car and
heads around the corner of the building and up the stairs to the
front door. Since his hands are full he turns and backs into the
door and pushes it open. As he does he feels an Immortal buzz.
[Duncan] Figures.
Duncan mumbles to himself. He goes on into the entry way and
walks to the Dojo door and looks inside before going on in.
Nikki is so focused on her Kata and working every muscle to its
max that she doesn't feel the Immortal buzz right away.
Duncan scans all of the members working out and finally sees
Nicayla off in a corner performing a Kata. He goes ahead and
walks into the Dojo and heads for his office.
Nikki finally feels the buzz and turns to look towards the
door...making her turn a part of her Kata. She sees that Duncan
has just entered the Dojo and is making his way across the Dojo
floor. She reverses her move so her back is now to him and
continues her Kata...pushing her muscles even harder.
Duncan sees that Nikki is engrossed in what she is doing and
doesn't want to break her focus so he walks into his office and
sets the box he has been carrying on his desk. He takes a box
cutter out of the center drawer and proceeds to cut open the
carton. When he has it open he glances out at Nikki and watches
her for a few minutes. Her moves are smooth and fluid, yet sharp
and precise The force of her moves makes it look as though she
is fighting an invisible opponent and fighting with all her
might. After several minutes Duncan returns his attention to the
contents of the box.
Nikki finally brings her Kata to an end with a few deep calming
breaths. She picks up her towel and wipes her face then lays it
around the back of her neck. She takes a long drink from her
water bottle then looks around. Seeing that a heavy bag has
opened up she walk over to it. She picks up a roll of tape from
the shelf behind the bag and proceeds to wrap her hands. She
sets her towel and water bottle on the floor in front of the
shelf and steps up to the heavy bag. Positioning herself with
one foot slightly behind the other and her weight evenly
distributed she begins to practice her front, side and back
kicks....making contact with the bag with as much force and
power as if she were kicking someone 4 times her size. She
continues, alternating feet and kicks well past her usual time.
Duncan removes a delicately hand carved wall clock...obviously
an antique....and examines it closely. When he is satisfied that
it hasn't been damaged during shipping he places it back in the
bed of shredded paper in the box and sets the box on the floor
behind his desk. He walks over to his chair but before sitting
down he looks out into the Dojo. He watches Nikki as she pummels
the heavy bag as though her life depended on its destruction.
His brow furrows as he continues to watch her. Since returning
home he has seen Nicayla work out in his Dojo on several
occasions but he has seen her work out with such venom.
Nikki finally kicks the heavy bag for the last time, picks up
her towel and water bottle and wipes her face then takes a drink
as she heads back over to an empty weight bench. She adjusts the
weights, lays down and begins another 20 reps of bench pressing.
Toward the end of her reps she begins to struggle pushing the
bar upward.
Duncan sees Nikki struggling and leaves his office and goes over
to her. He stands at the head of the bench ready to grab the bar
should she lose control.
Nikki 's face shows her battle to raise the bar on the 20th rep.
Duncan takes hold of the bar and helps Nikki lift it all the way
and place it in the rack.
Nikki sits up, wipes her face with her towel and reaches for her
water bottle which is on the floor next to the bench. She feels
as though the muscles in her arms have turned to jelly.
Duncan comes around to the side of the bench, picks up Nikki's
water bottle and hands it to her then straddles the end of the
bench, facing her. Her tank top is drenched, her red hair matted
to her head and as wet as if she had just gotten out of a
swimming pool and her face is flushed.
[Duncan] Going at it pretty hard today....aren't you?
Duncan says in a soft voice as he watches her closely.
Nikki takes a long drink of her water then turns so she is
facing Duncan. She shrugs and smiles a bit.
[Nikki] Yeah....I guess....maybe.
Nikki says indifferently.
[Duncan] You shouldn't over work your muscles like that.
Duncan asks evenly and with sincere interest.
Nikki leans back, puts one foot up on the bench, bending her
knee and hooks her arm around it. She smiles a subtly seductive
smile.
[Nikki] Is there a reason you want me to conserve my energy?
Nikki asks in a sultry voice and winks at Duncan.
Her playfulness causes Duncan to smile despite the fact that he
is trying to scold her. He shakes his head.
[Duncan] Wouldn't do me any good now....would it?
Duncan asks and flashes his most charming smile.
Nikki chucks him under his chin as she gets to her feet and
grins confidently.
[Nikki] I don't know. Would it?
Nikki says tauntingly and winks at him.
[Nikki] You know what they say about assumptions.
Nikki quips over her shoulder as she heads for the stairs that
lead to the locker and shower rooms.
[Duncan] You know I could very easily call your bluff, young
lady.
Duncan says pretending to sound threatening.
Nikki walks up a few steps, stops and strikes a sexy
pose...leaning on the stair railing.
[Nikki] Are you sure I'm bluffing, Duncan MacLeod?
Nikki says still taunting him. Then she winks again and heads on
up the stairs and disappears into the locker room.
Duncan shakes his head and gets up. On his way back to his
office a couple of the members that had over heard the banter
rib him about folding his hand too early to which he simply
waves them off. He shuts the door to his office and sits down
behind his desk and proceeds to bury himself in some paperwork.
Nikki takes a shower and gets dressed. Instead of leaving
through the Dojo she takes the back stairs and avoids Duncan.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 165--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 12
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 28, 2011, 12:43 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The part of Amanda is temporarily being
understudied.[/sub][/center]
[center]***2 days later***[/center]
Duncan pulls his T-Bird into the parking lot of the Queen Ann
Condos, parks, gets out and walks into the lobby and up to the
security desk.[/color]
[Duncan] Duncan MacLeod to see Amanda Darieux.
Duncan says and the security guard buzzes Amanda's Condo and
announces her guest. Then he has Duncan sign in and sends him on
up. He takes the elevator to Amanda's floor, gets out and walks
up to her door, feeling the buzz of more than one Immortal from
inside. He cautiously rings the doorbell.
Jacob is whistling under his breath while painting on a canvas
in Amanda's front room. He's got a thicker paintbrush tucked
behind one ear, and he's focusing very much on the little
tableau in front of him...
Duncan rings the doorbell again.
Amanda is sat in front of the patio doors, albeit not to let
everyone see her naked, posing form - but so the sunlight
filtering through the glass is appropriate for the setting that
Jacob tries to create. Leaning back on a high-backed bar stool,
one leg extended and the other leans against one of the slacks,
her head tilted to the side, she looked as though this had been
done before. Many times. Her eyes flicker toward the door though
she does not bodily move. Feeling the buzz, familiar though it
was, she gave a little sigh and calls out anyway: "Who is it?"
[Duncan] It's me.
Duncan answers quietly so as not to be heard by her neighbors.
Jacob tucks his other paintbrush behind his ear and sighs.
"Well, there go my plans for the day." He mutters. "If you're
going to fight to the death, try not to bleed on my art."
Amanda sighs again and hops down from the bar stool before
stretching languidly to work out the kinks from being in the
same position for so long. Reaching out an arm she picks up the
silk dressing gown that was discarded earlier, and slips it over
her shoulders. "Friend, not foe darling," she says.
Jacob starts to tidy up his palette. No sense in letting good
detailed colors go to waste just because someone decided to
ransack an apartment today. Also, he was rather enjoying
painting Amanda. Not that he was dating his model or anything,
but she did have such a picturesque quality about her.
Amanda winks at Jacob before walking at a leisurely pace toward
the door. Peeping through the hole unlocks the door and pulls it
open. "Duncan! What are you doing here?"
Duncan smiles a broad smile.
[Duncan] Sorry I didn't call first but I was in the
neighborhood.....
Duncan says then notices the man in the living room and stops in
mid sentence.
[Duncan] Am I interrupting something?
Duncan asks glancing from Amanda to the stranger.
Jacob touches his forelock and finishes tidying his paints up
before washing the oils off his hands. "Wotcha." He says with a
little grin on his face.
Amanda glances back at Jacob and smirks before her attention
returns to the Scot. "Jacob was...painting me," she explains in
brief and steps aside to let him into the apartment.
Duncan steps past her and removes his coat. He holds it out to
her so she can put it away...keeping his eyes on the other
Immortal.
[Duncan] I need to talk to you about something.
Duncan says to Amanda. He leans closer and adds, "privately?"
Jacob rolls his eyes. "Hey, don't worry about me. I'll just go
stand outside and look at the wonderful view." He said
good-humouredly. "No need to make a cloak and dagger out of it."
[Duncan] Sorry.
Duncan says and walks up to the man extending his hand.
[Duncan] Duncan MacLeod. I'm an old friend of Amanda's.
Amanda gestures to the coat rack with a little smile on her
face, before she moves toward the kitchen. "Coffee over chat,
darling?" she questions of Duncan before looking askance at
Jacob.
[Duncan] No thanks.
Duncan says to Amanda, shaking his head.
Jacob nods. "Sure. I'll go for a coffee. Black, no sugar." He
takes Duncan's hand and shakes it. "Jacob Hawke."
Duncan shakes Jacob's hand then notices the easel and walks over
to it.
[Duncan] May I?
Duncan asks Jacob.
Jacob shrugs. "It's not finished yet, but be my guest."
Duncan walks around and looks at the painting.
[Duncan] Very nice.
Duncan says and walks back over to the chair next to the couch
and takes a seat.
Amanda heads into the kitchen and refills the pot as the two men
converse, and she leans against the counter watching them both.
Jacob gives a little chuckle. "Well. When you've got such good
material to work with..."
[Duncan] Indeed.
Duncan says simply.
[Duncan] Have you been painting long?
Jacob looks at his watch thoughtfully. "What year is it...? Oh,
not long. Only a hundred years or so."
Duncan thinks a couple of minutes then says, "I don't think I've
ever heard of you. Have you shown any of your work anywhere?"
Jacob gives a wry little smile. "I've never painted successfully
under my own name before." He replies simply. "I've got a
display coming up next week." He doesn't mention his
slightly... dodgy... Victorian artistry. "I did paint after WWI
for a while under the name Stanley Wolfe."
[Duncan] Well....I'm on the board of the the Seacouver Fine Arts
Association. If you want I can talk to a couple of gallery
owners I know about getting you some exposure
Duncan says as he glances toward the kitchen wondering what's
taking Amanda so long.
Amanda is watching the two of them, head bobbing from one to the
other as they talk. Well they weren't trying to kill each
other...it was a start! Behind her the coffee finished and,
turning around she quickly pours two cups before heading back
into the living room. She passes one of the cups to Jacob
before perching on the arm of the sofa.
Jacob takes it from Amanda with a quick grin. "I swear you make
the best coffee in the world." He quips. "Might just be because
I didn't have to make it myself..."
Duncan sees that Amanda has chosen to sit on the arm of the sofa
close to Jacob and realizes that Jacob is more than just a
painter to her. He mentally chuckles to himself.
[Duncan] So Amanda.....have you spoken to your friend and part
time room mate recently?
Duncan asks nonchalantly.
Amanda arches a brow and casts a quick glance in Jacob's
direction - being that he had been present when Nicayla had been
there a few days before. "Actually... yes. Why do you ask?" she
remarks innocently.
Duncan now wonders if he should even bring up the subject so he
shakes his head.
[Duncan] No reason. Just curious.
Duncan says simply.
[Duncan] Maybe I will have a cup of coffee after all. Mind if I
help myself?
Duncan asks Amanda as he gets to his feet.
Amanda gives a little nod. "Knock yourself out, darling," she
responds.
Duncan goes into the kitchen and retrieves a coffee mug from the
cabinet and fills it with hot coffee.
Jacob raises an eyebrow at Amanda. "So... is this the fiancé?
I'm starting to find it hard to keep track of your friends
already..." He paused for a moment. "Almost fiancé Whatever."
Amanda just about refrains from face palming, and she shakes her
head as she pats Jacob on the head. "No darling... that was
someone else," she responds in a quiet tone of voice.
Duncan grabs a paper towel and wipes up the few drops of coffee
that he made while pouring coffee into his cup and then throws
the paper towel away. He goes back into the living room and
reclaims his seat, taking a sip of his coffee.
Jacob sighs. "I'm never going to get this straight, am I?" He
bemoans his inability to keep the names of Amanda's friends in
order.
Amanda ruffles his mop of brown hair and a smirk crosses her
face as she studied the younger Immortal. "I'm sure eventually
you'll get the hang of it."
Jacob shoots Amanda a good natured look. "Maybe you should get
less friends."
[Duncan] Amanda? Less friends?
Duncan says and chuckles.
[color=white][Duncan] Never happen, my friend.
Duncan says shaking his head and chuckling.
Jacob shrugs. "Can't blame a man for dreaming."
[Duncan] To be with Amanda is to share her with the world.
Duncan says and winks at Amanda.
Amanda appears thoughtful for a moment, a varnished nail tapping
against her bottom lip. "Well...I suppose you could make a
list..." she teases.
Jacob laughs. "A list? It'd be as tall as I am! And even then,
you'd have to write really small..."
Duncan takes another sip of his coffee as he tries to decide if
he should bring up the subject of Nikki again.
Amanda whacks Jacob gently across the shoulder, and sticks out
her tongue. "Now you're exaggerating, darling," she retorts
before glancing at Duncan. "So why did you want to see Nikki?"
Duncan is startled back into the here and now by Amanda
reopening the subject. He quickly regains his composure and
tries to seem nonchalant.
[Duncan] I didn't. I just asked if you had seen or talked to her
recently.
Duncan says and quickly takes a sip of his coffee as a cover.
Amanda chuckles softly under her breath and leans forward on her
seat, chin resting on the palm of her hand. "Mmmm," she comments
disbelievingly. "And I wasn't born yesterday, Duncan. You don't
ask a question like that as a lead-in, without having a good
reason."
[Duncan] Since when can't I inquire about a mutual acquaintance?
Duncan asks and flashes his innocent boyish grin at her.
Amanda wags a finger at Duncan, showing her displeasure -
bemused though it might be. "Because there's always a reason.
And that grin will not work on me, darling."
[Duncan] It always used to.
Duncan says and winks at her, flashing his most charming smile.
Amanda 's lips quirk upward into a tiny, knowing smile. "But I'm
not sleeping with you anymore, darling - I have Jacob for that
now! And he's so cute!" She pointedly squeezed the painter's
cheeks.
Duncan rolls his eyes and shakes his head as he wonders if Jacob
knows exactly what he has gotten himself into.
Jacob gives a little, awkward smile. "Thank you for making it
sound so delightfully sordid, Amanda."
Amanda responds glibly, and flashes and endearing grin at her
lover. "You're welcome!"
[Duncan] So how long have you two been together?
Duncan asks changing the subject....turning it toward Amanda. He
takes a sip of his coffee.
[Amanda] A couple of months.
Amanda answers with a little grin.
Duncan looks at Jacob and gives him a "man to man" wink.
[Duncan] If you ever need some advice.....
Duncan says leaving his statement open ended for Jacob's
imagination to fill in the blanks.
Jacob raises an eyebrow. "Er, thanks..." He looks utterly
baffled. Does Duncan think he doesn't know how to have sex? He
takes a drink of his coffee. "I have been married before. I know
how it works." He suggests.
Duncan breaks into a hearty laugh.
[Duncan] I didn't mean in that way.
Duncan almost spills his coffee as he laughs.
[Duncan] I was talking about advice about dealing with the queen
of conniving
Duncan sets his cup down before he spills it.
Jacob shrugs. "Actually, I sort of like the conniving It's
refreshing. Why would I want her to change?"
Amanda feigns embarrassment. "Darling, stop!" She pauses.
"No...no...carry on..."
Jacob swats Amanda on the shoulder playfully. "Stop pretending
you have scruples." He grins.
Amanda lets her eyes widen with indignation and she studies
Jacob while responding, her tone faux surprise. "I do have
scruples, Jacob." She paused for dramatic effect, before adding.
"I stole them from someone."
Duncan settles down but says smiling, "I agree. To change Amanda
would be to lose her and that would definitely be a major loss.
Even to those she has swindled and broke their hearts." He winks
at Amanda to let her know he is just teasing her.
Nikki picks up the phone in her office at Nua Tosu' and dials
Amanda's condo.
Amanda glances sidelong at the phone, and recognizes the number
that flashes up on the screen. "Now...I wonder who that could
be?" She remarks before picking the phone up from its cradle.
"Hello, darling!"
[Nikki] Hey, Mand. I just wanted to let you know that you guys
will have the place to yourselves this weekend. I won't be
coming into town. I have too much to work out and I'm better off
doing that out here than there.
Nikki says matter of factly.
Amanda quirks a brow and looks nonchalantly in Duncan's
direction. "I see...well, I'll let Mac know. He's just here
looking for you."
Duncan frowns as he realizes who Amanda is talking to.
[Nikki] He's there? Now? You haven't told him anything....have
you?
Nikki asks as her stomach knots up.
[Amanda] Hmmm? No...nothing at all.
Amanda answers.
[Nikki] Good. Don't. I still don't know what I'm going to do and
I don't want him thinking he has any bearing on my decision or
anything. Just keep my dilemma between us....Ok?
Duncan finishes his coffee and gets up. He goes into the kitchen
and pours himself a refill.....deliberately taking his time.
Amanda thinks for a moment before adding, in a tone that is
blatantly teasing. "Well I might, unless you give me something
shiny!"
Nikki giggles.
[Nikki] You're hopeless, Mand.
Nikki says and her giggle becomes laughter.
[Nikki] But then you know that.
Amanda looks innocent. "Moi?"
Nikki becomes a little more serious.
[Nikki] Thanks, Mand. I needed a giggle.
Nikki says and lets out a small sigh.
[Nikki] Anyway....just keep mum about this and you and Jacob
have fun this weekend. I'll call you next week. Ok?
Amanda smiles slightly. "Well...don't work too hard down there."
[Nikki] Work is the easy part. It's deciding what to do about
you know what that's hard. Anyway....have fun and I'll talk to
you later. Ciao.
Nikki says and hangs up.
Amanda returns the phone to its cradle after ending the
conversation,and leans back on the chair.
Duncan takes a spoon and stirs his coffee loudly even though he
hasn't put anything in it.
Amanda sips her own coffee, now that it's cooled down a little
bit. "She's going to be staying at work for a little while," she
comments to Duncan.
Duncan walks out of the kitchen and stands behind Amanda and
Jacob and leans against the kitchen archway trying to look
casual.
[Duncan] Is everything alright? I mean....with her?
Duncan asks and takes a sip of his coffee.
Amanda nods after a moment, and raises the cup to her lips to
take another drink. "Hmmm? Of course, darling. Is there a reason
that she shouldn't be?"
Duncan hopes that the depth of his concern doesn't show as he
shrugs.
[Duncan] I don't know. She was in the Dojo the day before
yesterday and was working out pretty hard. Harder than usual. I
was just wondering if she was working out something other than
her muscles.
Duncan says hoping he sounds nonchalant.
Amanda offers a little shrug "You saw her last then,
Duncan...you'd know more than me." She peers art him over the
rim of her cup before glancing at Jacob, smirking.
[Duncan] She....
Jacob is quite aware that this isn't his conversation, and
reaches over the side of the couch to pick up his sketchpad and
a HB pencil. He smiles cheerfully at Amanda.
Duncan hesitates almost afraid to finish his question.
[Duncan] ...hasn't run into someone....has she?
Duncan asks. All too often mood changes in an Immortal stem from
having been challenged....or facing the possibility of a
challenge.
Amanda arches a brow and appears puzzled. "Like who? The tooth
fairy? Duncan, stop being so cryptic!"
[Duncan] You know what I mean.
Duncan grumbles....frustrated with Amanda's evasiveness.
Jacob keeps sneaking looks at Duncan while doodling.
Amanda rolls her eyes. "No Duncan, as far as I know she hasn't
run into any other Immortals lately."
Duncan inwardly breathes a sigh of relief.
[Duncan] Thank you. That's all I wanted to know.
Duncan says with a bit of a smirk.
Amanda looks idly curious an leans forward, eying Duncan.
"Uh-huh... And why the sudden concern?"
[Duncan] I just figured that since you two are best friends you
would know why she has seemed so distracted lately....so
intense. I didn't mean to breach any sacred confidence or
anything.
Duncan realizes now just how deep the two women's friendship was
and that coming here to pump Amanda for information about Nikki
was a bad idea.....a lost cause, as it were.
Amanda looks nonchalant as she continue to probe deeper. "I
wasn't aware the two of you were so close."
[Duncan] Who said anything about being close?
Duncan says casually.
Amanda snickers. "Like I said Duncan...I wasn't born yesterday.
You slept with her." And it was a statement, not a question.
Because she already knew the truth anyway.
Duncan blinks having been caught completely off guard.
[Duncan] I....well...we....
Duncan stutters around not quite sure what to say.
Amanda finishes slowly. "Slept...together..."
[Duncan] Fine. Ok. Yes. What's so surprising? We shared a past.
Duncan says feeling a bit embarrassed.
Amanda flashes Duncan her most charming, polite smirk. "Duncan
dear, you're the one making a big deal out of it."
[Duncan] I'm.....ARGH!
Duncan growls.
[Duncan] You're impossible, Amanda.
[Amanda] Why would I care? I have Jacob to annoy!
Duncan steps away from the wall he has been leaning against and
takes a step back into the kitchen. He sets his half empty cup
of coffee on the counter and walks back into the living room.
[Duncan] I have to go. I have an appointment.
Duncan says simply and heads for the closet by the front door to
retrieve his coat.
Jacob glances up with a little smile. "Well, if you need any
hints on dealing with Amanda..." He says easily, before going
back to his doodling.
Duncan ignores Jacob's comment as he opens the closet and takes
out his coat.
[Duncan] It was nice meeting you Jacob. Good luck with your
painting. And remember....if you want me to contact a few
gallery owners just let me know.
Duncan says as he puts on his coat.
[Duncan] Amanda? As always.....a challenge.
Duncan says then turns and grabs the door knob and opens the
door.[/color]
Amanda hops off the couch and stands behind Jacob. "Ciao,
darling!" She bids farewell.
Duncan looks over his shoulder at her and then shakes his head
as he steps out into the hall.
[Duncan] Au revoir.
Duncan says and disappears down the hallway.
Jacob glances up at Amanda. "Well, do you fancy letting me
finish that painting?" He says, closing the doodle of Duncan on
the sketchpad.
Amanda smiles wickedly at Jacob. "Now, where were we?" before
shedding the dressing gown.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 166--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 13
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 28, 2011, 12:46 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki sits in her office in the barn of Nua Tosu' and is
attempting to reconcile the ranch's check book but she is having
trouble concentrating. Frustrated when her figures don't
balance, she tosses the pencil she has been using on the top of
the desk, puts her elbows on the desk, leans forward and begins
to slowly massage her temples. Just as she is about to relax a
little she hears a raucous coming from outside the back door of
the barn. Within a few minutes the raucous gets louder and then
the horses in the paddock by the back door begin to voice their
irritation.
[Nikki] Perfect.
Nikki grumbles. She gets up and heads for the back of the barn.
She steps out of the barn just in time to see one of her older
boys take a swing at a younger boy. Even though the blow
doesn't connect the younger boy lunges at the older boy,
tackling him and they both go tumbling to the ground. One of
the ranch hands rushes over to the two boys and tries to
separate them.
[Nikki] That's enough!
Nikki yells and rushes to help her hand. Another ranch hand
appears and comes to their aid. The two ranch hands manage to
separate the boys and get them to their feet. But the older boy
is stronger than the hand holding him anticipates and manages to
squirm out of his grasp just enough to be able to take one more
swing at the younger boy. The ranch hand that is holding on to
him twists his body which yanks the boy sideways and out of
reach of his target. The boy fights against his restrainer and
is finally able to wrench one arm free. He telegraphs a punch
that totally misses its intended target. Unfortunately Nikki
has stepped between the two boys and their restrainers and the
boy's punch lands squarely on her right jaw, sending her
sprawling on her back to the ground.
[Nikki] #$@%^*&@#
Nikki lets out a string of Gaelic cuss words as she rubs her
sore jaw. When the bells in her head stop ringing she gets to
her feet and walks up to the older boy and his restrainer.
[Nikki] You'd better settle you ass down, young man.
Nikki says sternly. The hand who still holds on to the older
boy asks him who started the fight.
[Nikki] I don't give a damn who started it because I'm ending it
right now.
Nikki growls angrily. The hand restraining the older boy tells
him to apologize to Nikki for hitting her but before the boy has
a chance to comply the younger boy yells, "I may not be able to
kick your ass, Tyler, but I know a few people who can and will."
The younger boy's restrainer tells him to shut up just as the
older boy, his anger refueled, begins to struggle to get free of
the man restraining him. Nikki whirls around and glares at the
younger boy and points at him.
[Nikki] I said that's enough.
Nikki warns. Instantly she realizes that both boys are so
consumed with their anger that words are going to be lost to
them. So she whirls back around, reaches up and grabs the top
of the older boy's ear with her fingers. She twists it slightly
and pinches it just enough to be painful without injuring the
kid. The boy lets out a yelp, both of surprise and pain and the
ranch hand who has been holding on to him lets go. Nikki pulls
downward on the boy's ear, forcing him to lean over a little and
she starts walking toward the barn...pulling the boy along with
her by his ear. After taking a couple of steps she looks over
at the younger boy and the ranch hand who has been restraining
him.
[Nikki] Bring him.
Nikki orders in a command voice and the younger boy's restrainer
tightens his grip on the boy's arms and pushes him towards the
barn. Nikki's direction of travel deviates just before the back
door of the barn. Without hesitation she drags the older boy
over to a long watering trough by the fence of the yearling's
paddock. When they are only a step away from the trough she
pulls on the boy's ear as she lowers her hand, causing him to
bend over more until he has no choice but to drop to his knees.
When he does she lets go of his ear and quickly slips her hand
around to the back of his head. She grabs a handful of his hair
and makes a fist with his hair in it. She simultaneously shoves
his head forward. The boy is shoved forward with such force
that his stomach quickly makes contact with the side of the
trough and in his surprised state he is unable to stop his
forward momentum and he barely has enough time to take a deep
breath before his head is shoved into the cold water in the
trough. Nikki holds the boy's head under the water for a few
seconds then pulls it out by the hair she has a tight grip on.
The boy emerges coughing and sputtering. Before he has time to
fight back, Nikki dunks him in the water again. The ranch hand
holding the younger boy catches on to the idea behind what his
boss is doing and follows suit. Nikki pulls the older boy's
head out of the water and pulls it back so he is looking up at
her.
[Nikki] Now cool off, Tyler.
Nikki says as he gasps for breath. She glances over at the
ranch hand who has just pulled the younger boy's head out of the
water and the boy coughs a couple of times then says something
to the ranch hand that Nikki can't hear, but by the ranch hand's
reaction, she doesn't need to. The hand places one of his large
hands on the back of the boy's head and shoves him back into the
water. Nikki looks down at the older boy to see if he is going
to make the same mistake the younger boy made. The older boy
looks up and sees the look in her eyes and decides it's best to
stay quiet. The boy's thought process is written all over his
face and Nikki nods approvingly.
[Nikki] Smart boy.
Nikki says and lets go of his hair. The ranch hand pulls the
younger boy's head out of the water and when Nikki looks over at
him she sees him bend down and say something to the boy. He
talks to him for several minutes then the boy nods his head and
the ranch hand helps the boy to his feet. Nikki takes a step
backwards and holds her hand out to the older boy. When he
takes it she pulls him to his feet. Once he is standing again
the boy gives Nikki a sheepish smile and says, "I'm sorry, Miss
Flynn," then looks down at the ground and shoves his hands in
the pockets of his jeans. The ranch hand and Nikki exchange
victorious winks then Nikki looks at the older boy and smiles.
[Nikki] Apology accepted. Thank you, Tyler.
Nikki says.
[Nikki] Now what do you say we go into the barn and get you boys
a couple of towels?
Nikki asks and claps the older boy on the shoulder. Both boys
have started shivering as the winter night air chills their wet
clothes, so they have no qualms about agreeing. Nikki leads the
way to the barn. She leads them into her office and grabs a
couple of towels from a cabinet and tosses them to the boys.
[Nikki] Have a seat boys.
Nikki says gesturing to the only chairs in her office besides
her desk chair. The boys do as instructed and the ranch hand
stands in the doorway and leans against the door jam, folding
his arms. Nikki backs up to the front of her desk and leans
against it. She looks from one boy to the other and back again.
[Nikki] Are either one of you hurt?
Nikki asks continuing to look from one to the other. Both boys
shake their heads.
[Nikki] Good. And there's not going to be anymore fighting?
Nikki asks and both boys shake their heads.
[Nikki] Good. Now I suggest you go back to the bunk house and
get out of your wet clothes. It'll be time for dinner soon.
Nikki says and without waiting for a response walks around to
her chair and takes a seat. The boys get up and leave the
office followed by the ranch hand. Nikki puts her elbows on the
desk and goes back to rubbing her temples. After a few minutes
she picks up her pencil and tries to go back to what she was
doing but when she finds concentrating impossible she tosses the
pencil down and gets up.
[Nikki] I can't do this.
Nikki says and walks out of the office. She leaves the barn,
gets into her truck and heads for her house. When she gets home
she goes into her bedroom and plops down on her bed and stares
up at the ceiling.
[Nikki] What am I going do?
Nikki says aloud. She knows that Craig is waiting for an answer
but she doesn't have one for him. For over 100 years she has
been single....completely independent....free to come and go as
she pleases. And although marriage to a wonderful man....to
share her dreams, hopes, ideas, joys and fears with someone as
understanding and supportive as Craig Bower would be every
girl's dream....it has never been something she has allowed
herself to indulge in. Granted....the time she has spent with
Craig has been almost story book. And she wouldn't trade it for
the world. He has been everything a woman could want in a man.
He accepts her as she is....flaws and all and has never even
hinted that there is anything about her he would want to change.
That in itself is a plus. He is always supportive of her and
even seems to admire her independent spirit. He showers her
with affection without smothering her. Most importantly he has
treated her as an equal. Life with Craig would be filled with
laughs, adventure, mutual respect, honesty, sharing and
affection. Life with Craig would be safe....comfortable. She
has no doubt that Craig loves her. And she is fairly sure that
what she feels for him is love. Maybe not the 4th of July
fireworks kind of love...not the melt into a puddle of jelly
kind of love...but the warm, comforting kind of love. She
wrinkles her nose up and sits up, staring into the darkness.
[Nikki] Like an old shoe...or a warm blanket.
Nikki mumbles before drifting off to sleep. A few hours later
she partially wakes up and realizes she is still dressed and
laying on top of the bed. She groans, kicks her boots off,
grabs the comforter at the foot of the bed and snuggles under
it. She falls back to sleep...her dreams filled with giant
checks bouncing around on pogo sticks and engagement rings
flitting around her head with moth wings.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 169--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 14
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 28, 2011, 3:20 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki pulls up to the front door of Gemini's hotel and gives her
keys to the valet. She goes inside and walks up to the front
desk.
Gemini smiles as she enters the pool room. Since she had come to
Seacouver, this pool room was one of two places she truly feels
safe. Locked in her room being the other spot. But at least here
if an immortal cornered her, they would have a hard time getting
her while in the pool and the room had multiple exits. Gemini
pulls her swim cap on and tucks the lose ends under her cap.
Knowing from experience that she was good, hair wise, she pulls
her goggles on and slips out of her flip-flops. With a grin,
knowing it was going to feel wonderful Gemini dives into the
pool beginning her workout.
[Nikki] Nikki Flynn to see Gemini Dunmire.
Nikki says to the desk clerk. He checks with the receptionist
and informs Nikki that Gemini is at the pool.
[Nikki] Thank you.
Nikki says and heads for the pool.
Gemini concentrates on her workout, and meditation. For that is
the added benefit for her and swimming. Workout and meditation
all in one.
Nikki approaches the pool and feels an Immortal buzz confirming
what the desk clerk had told her. She walks through the gate and
stands near the fence and scans the pool for Gemini.
Gemini feels the buzz, and ignoring it for a moment does a flip
turn at the end of the pool and continues until she's in the
center of the pool before stopping, and looking around for the
source.
Nikki sees Gemini when she surfaces near the middle of the pool
and waves.
Gemini blinks a couple of times, wondering why the waving woman
was familiar. After a moment, Gemini recognizes her and gives a
tentative wave back, before kicking herself back into motion and
heading towards the edge of the pool where her towel and things
waited.
Nikki meets Gemini at the edge of the pool and squats down.
[Gemini] Hi
Gemini says as she stops at the edge.
[Nikki] I figured you might be going stir crazy so I thought I'd
take you to Joe's for a drink....a hamburger....whatever you
want. My treat.
Nikki says grinning.
[Gemini] You don't have to...
Gemini says softly.
[Nikki] I know I don't HAVE to.
Nikki says grinning broader.
[Nikki] But what if I WANT to?
[Gemini] Ummm.. Okay?
Gemini says still a little unsure.
Nikki stands up and holds Gemini's towel out to her.
[Nikki] Well come on out, girl.
Nikki says with a giggle.
[Gemini] Thanks
Gemini says and easily hoists herself out of the water onto the
edge of the pool and stands up, only then accepting her towel
from Nikki.
[Nikki] So are you hungry? Joe's has some killer burgers and a
pastrami sandwich that is to die for.
Nikki says as she follows Gemini back to her room.
[Gemini] No ummm... A burger sounds good.
Gemini says. Then half grins at Nikki. "Elevator or stairs?"
[Nikki] Elevator. Definitely.
Nikki laughs.
[Gemini] Kay
Gemini says with a smile walking to the elevator. Luck was with
them as the door opened spewing forth an elderly couple just as
the two women reached it. Gemini steps in and pushes the button
for the fifth floor.
Nikki leans against the back wall of the elevator.
[Nikki] So you haven't called me. I take it that means you've
been keeping busy with your training?
Nikki asks making conversation.
[Gemini] Uh... not exactly.
Gemini mutters.
[Nikki] So what have you been doing? Just sitting in your room
and hibernating?
Nikki says frowning a bit.
[Gemini] Ummm.. Pretty much. That or at the pool.
Gemini shrugs.
[Nikki] Why haven't you called me? I could have brought you out
to my ranch or something just to get out of your room?
Nikki asks as the elevator comes to a stop and the doors open.
Gemini shrugs again.
[Gemini] You said to call if I needed anything. I didn't need
anything.
[Nikki] Everybody needs a change of scenery at least once in a
while.
Nikki says as she steps out of the elevator.
[Nikki] Or have you always been a recluse?
[Gemini] No. I haven't but WANTING a change of scenery or to get
out my room, no matter how badly, isn't the same as needing. I
wasn't gonna bother you, just because I was bored.
[Nikki] If you say so.
Nikki says with a shrug as she follows Gemini down the hall to
her room.
Gemini shrugs turning down the hallway and walking to her door,
then swiping the key card, to enter her room.
[Nikki] I just know that I would be ready for the nut house if I
had to stay cooped up. I'm too much of an outdoorsy type.
Nikki follows her inside.
[Nikki] Just dress casual. Joe's is pretty laid back during the
week.
Gemini just chuckles nervously knowing her room was likely to
show Nikki along the same lines for her.
[Gemini] Ok. Give me a second to change?
Gemini glances at Nikki.
Nikki takes a seat in one of the chairs to wait.
Gemini says darting into the bathroom after scooping up a change
of clothes and prepares to make a quick shower.
Nikki reaches over to the middle of the table and picks up a
magazine and starts thumbing through it.
Gemini towels herself off, after about five minutes in the
shower. "Gotta hurry," she mutters to herself, not wanting Nikki
to have to wait to long. She pulls on her under things, then
pants and a t-shirt. Grabbing her pick off the bathroom counter
she runs it through her hair, and then grabs a brush, pulling
her damp hair up into a pony tail. Satisfied she pulls the
bathroom door open. "Sorry that took so long," She says softly
to Nikki.
[Gemini] But I hate to smell like Chlorine.
Nikki looks up and glances at the clock on the night stand.
[Nikki] Long? That's got to be the shortest shower I have ever
seen a woman take.
Nikki says teasingly.
[Nikki] Where did you get this magazine? It's from 1984.
Nikki says as she gets to her feet.
[Gemini] It was in the hotel room. '84? Jeez, that's... six
years before I was born.
Gemini says as she slips on a new pair of flip-flops.
Lucien is sitting at the bar, he was watching the basket ball
game on the TV. He draws on his clove cigarette. The rich
smoke rolling up across his lip as he inhales through his nose,
then casually blows the sweet scented vapor to the side, making
sure to direct the smoke away from those who he sat by.
[Nikki] Are you ready to go?
[Gemini] Yup
Gemini says as she picks up her purse.[/color]
[Lucien] What the hell? Is the ref blind? That so was not a
charging foul.
Lucien takes another bite of his burger and continues to watch
the game.
Nikki walks to the door and opens it.
Gemini slides shyly by Nikki and then walks to the the elevator
hitting the down button.
Nikki follows her to the elevator and gets in when the doors
open.
Gemini punches the button for the main floor.
[Gemini] So ummm... anything exciting happen with you lately?
Gemini asks looking for a topic of conversation.
[Nikki] So Gemini? Mind if I call you Gem?
Nikki asks as the elevator descends.
[Gemini] No, Gem is fine. Lizzy calls me that.
Gemini says softly.
[Nikki] Lizzy? Who's Lizzy?
Nikki asks with interest and in hopes that the girl was finally
going to open up a little.
[Gemini] Lizzy or Elizabeth, she's my best friend. Back home, in
Fargo. We've been best friends since the day I moved in next
door. When we were four.
Gemini explains.
Nikki nods.
[Nikki] You must miss her a lot.
Nikki says sympathetically.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Yeah. I miss everyone back there, but... It's nice to
be away too. It was just.... so full of memories.
[Nikki] Do you think you will ever go back?
Nikki asks as the elevator comes to a stop and the doors open.
Gemini shrugs
[Gemini] Maybe.
Nikki steps out of the elevator.
[Nikki] You're not sure?
Nikki asks as she makes her way through the lobby.
Gemini shrugs and follows Nikki out of the elevator and down the
hallway.
[Gemini] Well... I know I've got a lot to learn, and I really
don't have anything tying me there. I receive 49% of the profits
of my parents business so I'm more than set financially. But
both my parents were only children, so, the only thing I've got
tying back there would be friends.
Gemini explains.
[Nikki] So what is Fargo, North Dakota like? I've never been
there?
Nikki asks as she steps out of the hotel and hands her valet
ticket to the parking attendant.
[Gemini] Ummm.. It's really flat. Actually, it's so flat you can
see the curvature of the Earth.
Gemini responds with a small smile.
Nikki laughs.
[Nikki] Wow. That is flat.
Nikki says. When the parking attendant brings her truck to the
curb she tips him and goes around to the drivers side and gets
in.
[Gemini] Yeah. From what I understand the only place in the
world as flat, or flatter is ummm... in Australia Not that I've
been there.
Gemini responds with another shrug, and cautiously slides into
the passenger side of the truck as Nikki gets in the driver's
side.
[Nikki] I take it you've never been to the Midwest
Nikki puts the truck in gear and pulls away from the entrance of
the hotel.
[Gemini] Oh, I've been there before.
Gemini says with a grin.
[Gemini] Fargo is flatter.
[Nikki] Flatter than Illinois and Indiana? I didn't think
anything was as flat as they are. Is Fargo a big city?
Nikki heads for Joe's Bar.
[Gemini] It's the largest city in North Dakota. Population... I
dunno, gotta be getting close to 150,000... though not quite
there yet.
Gemini says with a shrug.
[Nikki] Wow. That is a big city. How in the world did you end up
here in Seacouver?
[Gemini] I came to look up a swim coach.
Gemini replies honestly.
[Gemini] Seacouver is bigger than Fargo though... Fargo only
has such a big population because it's so spread out.
Gemini explains.
[Nikki] I imagine there are a lot of ranches up there.
[Gemini] The ranches tend to be a bit further west. More large
scale farming, like Corn and sugar beats and beans, around
Fargo. But there are some ranches, namely cattle ranches. As I
said, they get more common as you get further west. Too dry to
support large scale farming further West.
[Nikki] So.....did you leave any boyfriends behind?
Gemini blushes slightly and shakes her head.
[Gemini] No. I've never really had time for much in the way of
relationships.
Nikki nods in understanding.
[Nikki] So what do you like to do besides swim?
[Gemini] Read. Movies. Shopping. Typical teenage things, I
guess.
Gemini says with a smile.
[Nikki] Ever do any horseback riding?
[Gemini] A little not much. Wilson, um.. my parents business
partner has horses and I've been out there a few times but..
[Nikki] Well....you're welcome to come out to my place and go
riding anytime you want to. What kind of music do you like?
[Gemini] All kinds... but.. not rap, and I'm not a huge fan of
country. You?
Gemini asks trying to get a question of her own in.
[Nikki] I like country, classic rock....and classical. I'm
learning to like the blues but I hate jazz and opera.
[Gemini] Ok. How um... long have you been in Seacouver?
Nikki turns onto the street the bar is on and has to come to a
stop so a semi can back into a loading dock that is close to the
street.
Gemini asks.
[Nikki] About 9 years. But I have lived here in the Pacific
Northwest since I was 15. Which was....a very very long time
ago.
Nikki says with a smile.
[Gemini] Can I ask how long ago that was? You don't have to tell
me, if you don't' want to.
Gemini says blushing.
[Nikki] 159 years ago.
Nikki says with a smirk.
[Nikki] Yeah. I'm old.
Nikki watches as the semi finally clears the street and she puts
her truck in gear and pulls away. She pulls into the parking lot
of Joe's Bar and parks her truck.
[Gemini] I'll take you're word for it. It's obviously more than
my age of 19...
[Nikki] Doesn't look like Joe's is busy yet.
Nikki observes looking at the nearly empty parking lot. She gets
out and walks around to the front of the truck and waits for
Gemini.
[Gemini] Is it usually?
Gemini asks.
Nikki looks at her watch.
[Nikki] Not usually at this time.
[Gemini] Not huge with the lunchtime crowds?
Gemini asks softly.
Nikki points her key ring at her truck and sets the alarm once
Gemini has gotten out then leads her around to the front of the
building.
[Nikki] Not on the weekends. During the week yeah.
Nikki feels an Immortal buzz as she approaches the front door
and looks back at Gemini knowing she may feel anxious.
[Gemini] I take it you come here often?
Gemini asks then freezes feeling the buzz and looks worriedly at
Nikki.
[Nikki] Don't worry. A lot of friends hang out here.
Nikki pulls the door open and holds it for Gemini.
Gemini swallows nervously then starts forward again.
[Gemini] If you're sure.
[Nikki] Joe knows about us. He's a good guy and a good friend.
[Gemini] Knows about us? As in... isn't immortal?
Gemini asks after a moment of thought.
Nikki ushers Gemini inside and takes a couple of steps in front
of Gemini...just in case....and waits for her eyes to adjust to
the dim light.
[Nikki] No. Joe is mortal. Unfortunately.
Nikki says a bit sadly.
[Gemini] Oh.
Gemini says, instinctively glancing around the room.
Nikki looks around and the only person she recognizes is the
Immortal she had met the other night. She spies a table off to
the side of the bar and gestures towards it.
[Nikki] Let's sit over there.
Nikki says and leads the way to the table and takes a seat.
[Gemini] OK
Gemini says softly and a little nervously as she follows Nikki
to the table and sits down.
Nikki waves to the barmaid and pretends to open an invisible
book...indicating they would like menus. When the barmaid brings
them over she smiles up at the girl.
[Nikki] I'll have an ice tea. What would like to drink, Gemini?
[Gemini] Ice tea too, please.
Gemini says softly, with a smile of thanks as the waitress
places a menu in front of her.
Nikki smiles up at the barmaid who nods and heads back to the
bar. Nikki opens her menu and glances over it even though she
already knows what she is going to have.
[Nikki] Order whatever you want.
Nikki instructs Gemini.
[Gemini] Thanks
Gemini says as she starts looking through the menu.
The barmaid brings them their drinks and sets them down on the
table and takes out her pad and gets ready to write. Nikki
smiles up at her.
[Nikki] I'll have a pastrami on rye... mustard and onions
only... pickle on the side.
Nikki orders and the girl writes it down then looks over at
Gemini.
Lucien smiles as he notices Nikki enter the room and gave a
polite nod to the Immortal next to her.
[Gemini] Ummm..
Gemini says as she flips back to the burger page.
[Gemini] The Spicy Buffalo Chicken Burger, please? No Pickles,
and ummm... blue cheese dressing instead of Mayo or Ranch,
please.
Lucien is a bit unsure if he should say anything to Nikki or the
other Immortal, since he was such an outright ass the previous
night.
The barmaid writes it down and heads back to the bar. Nikki
takes a sip of her tea.
[Nikki] You into basketball?
Nikki asks Gemini as she notices what the guys at the bar are
watching.
[Gemini] Not really. I like hockey better. You?
Gemini asks softly.
Lucien washes down another chunk of burger with a swig of beer.
Trying to keep his attention on the games score while trying to
figure out something to say.
[Nikki] Hate it. Baseball is the only sport I like.
[Gemini] I love baseball when I get the chance to go games. My
parents and I used to hit up Minnesota Twins games whenever we
got a chance.
Gemini said smiling.
Lucien waited for an opportune moment to join, he had to
apologize for his previous rude behavior.
[Nikki] Seacouver has its own minor league team. The Chiefs.
They're pretty good.
[Gemini] Oh cool. You go to games often?
Gemini asks.
[Nikki] I went to a few last season. I plan on going to more
this season. Life permitting.
Nikki says with a chuckle. The barmaid brings their order and
sets it on the table. Nikki orders a refill on her tea and the
barmaid heads back to the bar.
[Gemini] Ah yes... real life. Which always puts a damper on
stuff like that.
Gemini sighs.
[Gemini] So ummm... what do you do for a living?
Lucien flagged over the barmaid and handed her a credit card.
Gemini asks after a moment when Nikki didn't say anything else.
[Lucien] Their next round is on me. It's the least I can do.
[Nikki] Well.....I don't really think you could call it a
career....but I own and run a ranch for older unadoptable kids.
Nikki says in response to Gemini's question.
[Gemini] That's awesome
Gemini says with a genuine smile.
The barmaid brings Nikki's refill and informs her that it has
been paid for and she points to Lucien then heads back to the
bar. Nikki raises her glass of tea in a gesture of thanks to
Lucien.
[Nikki] Mind if I invite that guy over?
Nikki asks Gemini.
[Nikki] He just paid for my drink.
[Gemini] Oh ummm... No?
Gemini says unsure.
Nikki smiles and waves to Lucien to join them.
Lucien is a bit hesitant, however he extinguishes his cigarette
and moves over to the table.
Nikki smiles up at Lucien.
[Nikki] Lucien....right?
[Lucien] Greetings ladies, how are you this fine evening.
Nikki asks him hoping she remembered correctly.
[Nikki] Lucien I'd like you to meet Gemini....Gemini this is
Lucien.
Nikki makes the introductions. She kicks the legs of the empty
chair next to her so that it slides out from under the table.
[Gemini] Hi.
Gemini says softly.
[Nikki] Join us?
[Lucien] You have a good memory.
Nikki asks Lucien.
[Lucien] Well I lost interest in the game since were losing yet
again. So sure. Thank you both.
Lucien sits down
[Nikki] Lucien teaches history at the university here.
Nikki says to Gemini and takes a bite of her sandwich.
[Gemini] That's cool.
[Lucien] That I do.
Gemini murmurs.
Lucien smiles.
[Nikki] Gemini is going to be the next Olympic Gold medal
swimmer.
Nikki holds up her glass of tea as though toasting Gemini.
Gemini picks up and takes a large bit of her sandwich, blue
cheese dressing runs out the side.
[Gemini] Yeah.
Gemini murmurs wiping her face off and blushing slightly.
[Nikki] So you're into basketball?
Lucien raises his glass.
Nikki asks Lucien taking a sip of her tea.
[Lucien] What guy isn't?
Lucien smiles
[Nikki] We were just discussing how neither of us are basketball
fans.
Nikki explains and takes a bite of her pickle.
[Gemini] You like baseball?
Gemini asks softly.
[Lucien] I like most sports, but I cannot stand Soccer.
[Nikki] I was just telling Gemini that Seacouver has their own
minor league baseball team. The Chiefs.
Nikki takes a sip of her tea.
[Lucien] I miss the old day though. Watching the Babe launch the
ball out of the park, there was nothing like it.
Nikki rubs her chin thoughtfully.
[Gemini] The babe?
[Lucien] Now the game is too filled with scandal.
Gemini asks then blushed as she realized who was meant.
[Nikki] Where was I then? I can't remember. But I heard his
famous home run hit on the radio.
[Gemini] You mean Babe Ruth, right? That was a bit before my
time.
[Nikki] Those were the days of the baseball greats.
Nikki says to Gemini.
[Lucien] "The Bambino", "The Sultan of Swat" you know, Babe
Ruth?
[Nikki] Did you ever see Gehrig play?
Nikki asks Lucien.
[Lucien] Ah, yes Lou. I saw him once at Yankee Stadium.
[Nikki] I saw him once, too. He was awesome.
Methos parks his SUV in front of Joe's Bar. He gets out and
hurriedly moves to the door, he stops the moment he feels an
Immortal buzz and looks around trying to adjust his eyes to the
darker interior.
[Nikki] But my all time hero has and always will be Sandy
Koufax.
Nikki feels an Immortal buzz and glances toward the door of the
bar.
[Lucien] I can't say I watched her play.
Nikki looks at Lucien and scowls.
[Nikki] Are you serious?
[Lucien] Well... Yes
[Gemini] Who's Sandy Koufax?
Gemini asks after a long moment. Blushing as she does so.
[Nikki] Sandy Koufax isn't a woman. He's a pitcher. One of the
best. Come on....if you follow baseball enough to know the Babe
and Gehrig...you have to know who Koufax, Drysdale and Roseboro
were.
Lucien recoils back, expecting a punch to the arm or something.
Methos smiles at Nikki as he passes her and moves to a barstool.
Nikki smiles seeing who the Immortal is that has entered the
bar. She winks as he walks past.
Lucien feeling the buzz, and is shocked at yet another Immortal
presence.
Gemini shifts nervously in her seat as another Immortal shows.
[Nikki] I mean we're talking about the golden pitching team.
Roseboro caught for the two greatest pitchers of their time.
[Lucien] Wow I came here hoping to find a place devoid of
Immortals only to run into an Immortal Mecca.
Nikki continues their conversation.
Lucien laughs.
Nikki takes another bite of her sandwich.
Methos smiles as Mike puts a beer in front of him without
waiting for an order..
[Methos] I'm getting too predictable.
Methos murmurs under his breath to himself.
Gemini takes the second bite of her sandwich trying not to let
it the dressing go everywhere.
Lucien gets up and walks over to this new Immortal and extends a
hand.
[Lucien] The name's Lucien and you are?
Methos suspiciously side glances at the new Immortal, wondering
why he left the table and came to talk to him just like that.
Nikki watches surprised at Lucien's boldness.
[Nikki] Lucien is like waaaay older than me.
Nikki says leaning across the table to Gemini.
Gemini swallows more of her tea.
[Gemini] Really?
Gemini asks.
Nikki nods.
[Gemini] What... what about the other guy?
Gemini asks nervously.
[Nikki] I forget how old he is. I've only met him once but I
remember it's old. I think he's even older than the Immortal who
taught me and she's in her thousands.
Methos studies the Immortal in front of him for a moment.
Lucien slides a the same hand through his hair.
[Methos] Why do you want to know?
Lucien leans against the bar.
[Nikki] The other guy? Well.....he's old too.
Gemini shrugs.
Nikki answers Gemini and a small secretive smirk crosses her
face.
[Gemini] I suppose just about every Immortal is old compared to
me.
Nikki smiles at Gemini
[Nikki] That won't always be true.
Nikki takes the last bite of her sandwich.
[Gemini] I can hope.
Gemini murmurs as she takes another bite of her sandwich.
[Nikki] You just need the right teacher. You'll do fine.
Nikki finishes her pickle.
[Lucien] Eh? What can I say, our kind fight to stay alive. But,
I like to remain civilized.
[Nikki] Look.....I'll make you a deal.
Nikki says to Gemini with a mischievous smile.
[Gemini] What kind of deal?
Gemini asks looking over at Nikki.
[Methos] If you say so.
[Nikki] 50 years from today we'll meet right here and I'll bet
you'll have your own student by then.
Methos shrugs as he picks up his beer.
[Methos] Excuse me, I want to talk to someone.
Lucien laughs.
Methos moves to Nikki's table.
[Lucien] Fine by me.
Nikki looks up and smiles broadly seeing Methos approach their
table.
[Gemini] Um.. sure. I guess.
Gemini says with a small smile.
[Methos] So what's a nice lady like you doing in a place like
this?
[Nikki] Hey stranger.
Methos smiles down at Nikki.
Nikki gets up and plants a big kiss on his cheek.
[Nikki] And who said anything about being nice?
Nikki says teasingly.
[Nikki] Good yes. But nice?
Nikki makes a see-saw gesture with her hand and sits back down.
[Methos] Yeah, I think I've mixed the lines, that one was for
someone else.
Methos nods in agreement with a smile playing across his lips.
Nikki pushes the empty chair on the other side of her with her
foot and nods towards it.
[Nikki] Join us?
Nikki asks hopefully.
Methos side glances at the young girl and decides to sit down,
he could almost bet that one was a newbie.
[Methos] Sure, how could I resist the temptation?
[Nikki] Adam? This is Gemini. Gemini this is my very very good
friend, Adam.
Nikki makes the introductions.
Methos smirks as he sits down.
[Gemini] Hi.
Gemini says softly.
Nikki sees the look in Methos' eyes and smiles, nodding.
[Nikki] And yes.....she's new.
Nikki says softly to Methos.
[Gemini] About as new as they come I guess.
Gemini murmurs, hearing Nikki's comment.
Lucien walks over and sits back down
[Methos] Pretty obvious, no?
Methos points out with a smile.
Nikki decides to forgo formally introducing the guys since they
probably took care of that at the bar. Instead she simply takes
a drink of her tea.
Gemini takes another bite of her sandwich and deciding her
stomach is full, she pushes her plate just a tad away so she
wouldn't be tempted to continue munching.
[Nikki] So what have you been up to lately?
Nikki asks Methos.
[Nikki] I've been meaning to call you but I've been kinda busy
lately.
[Methos] Not much, the usual stuff.
Methos answers evasively with a shrug.
[Nikki] Well....I've got a lot to tell you but we can talk
later.
Nikki says with a wink and takes another drink of her tea.
[Methos] So you finally decided to take a student?
Methos asks Nikki slightly surprised.
Nikki smirks at Methos and shakes her head.
[Nikki] And just when would I have the time? I already have more
on my plate than I know what to do with.
[Nikki] Oh....
Nikki grabs Methos' arm.
[Nikki] Guess who's back in town complete with new boyfriend.
Nikki says her eyes twinkling mischievously.
[Lucien] You'd be perfect to instruct her. I am sure you can
find the time.
[Methos] Who?
[Nikki] Amanda.
Nikki answers Methos' question then she looks over at Lucien.
Lucien looks over to Nikki
[Nikki] Who....me?
Nikki asks Lucien innocently.
[Methos] Oh, great. Maybe it's time I go back to Europe. That
woman is trouble with a capital T.
Lucien smirks.
[Nikki] Oh you like her and you know it.
Nikki teases Methos.
[Lucien] You would understand what she needs better than any
male teacher.
Nikki looks at Lucien and shakes her head.
[Nikki] I really haven't the time. I have 75 very unruly
teenagers, 15 full time employees, 75 head of horses, 4
breedable stallions and 75 acres to take care of. I barely have
enough time to remember my name.
Methos smiles amused, did that guy just volunteer to take a
student? He was really asking that "someone" got him one.
[Lucien] So what's one more unruly teenager?
Lucien smirks
[Nikki] Not to mention the constant bureaucratic and political
BS I have to contend with to keep up funding.
Nikki adds.
[Gemini] Oh gee thanks.
Gemini says sarcastically.
Lucien looks over to Gem and smiles warmly.
[Lucien] I'm sure you are a hell raiser.
[Nikki] Besides.....I'm just a kid compared to you, Lucien. You
would have so much more wisdom to impart than I.
Nikki says with a sly smirk.
[Lucien] I know I was
[Gemini] I don't have time to be a hell raiser.
Gemini murmurs
[Methos] Why don't you teach her?
Methos smirks, maybe next time that guy would keep his mouth
shut.
Lucien raises his hands in a defensive manner.
[Lucien] Whoa, whoa I wouldn't know where to begin. I could give
her a few history lessons, but to teach a young lady to keep her
head firmly on her shoulders would be something entirely
different.
[Nikki] It's no different than teaching a guy to keep his head.
Heads are heads after all. Immortals don't discriminate
Nikki says with a grin and finishes her tea. She flags down the
barmaid and orders another round for everyone.
[Methos] Well, I think some do, they go after women thinking
they're easier.
Methos shakes his head at other Immortals' stupidity, alright
some women were easier, but those who managed to survive through
the centuries certainly weren't, and one mistake was all it
took.
Lucien felt punch-drunk and up against the ropes.
[Nikki] You know what I mean.
Nikki glares at Methos.
[Gemini] Which I definitely would be right now... unless I was
near a large body of water.
Gemini says softly. Fully not expecting anyone to hear her.
[Nikki] You can run....right?
Nikki asks Gemini with a teasing smirk.
[Lucien] Well the decision isn't up to me. I am sure she would
not want this old pervert teaching her anything, right?
[Methos] Hey, I'm not saying women are easier, the women that
live through the centuries definitely aren't. If someone made
that mistake it certainly wasn't me, I'm still here.
Methos explains with a soft chuckle, saying what he had in mind,
before he takes a sip of beer.
Lucien looks over to Gemini.
[Nikki] Gemini doesn't know anyone except for me and two other
people right now. And one of them is a student and the other is
his teacher,.
Nikki explains to Lucien.
[Nikki] Everyone else that I know is busy....like me.
Nikki looks sweetly at Lucien and leans forward a bit.
[Lucien] Well it is up to her.
[Nikki] You would be doing me a huge favor. Gemini, too.
Lucien was always a sucker around women.
[Gemini] I don't necessarily see that I have much choice.
Gemini murmurs
[Gemini] After all, beggars can't be choosers.
Nikki sits back and smacks the table victoriously.
[Nikki] Great! Then it's settled.
Nikki announces. The barmaid brings the round of drinks and
Nikki lifts her glass.
[Lucien] Great, it looks like your stuck with me, kid.
[Nikki] To a feta comp lee.
Methos almost sighs in relief, he'd managed to stay away from
it, glad he wasn't even mentioned as a possibility. Then he
smiles pleased with himself, not only his plan worked with
little to no effort on his account, but also the kid now had a
teacher, so maybe she had a chance to live.
Lucien sank in his chair. He would need a cigarette after this.
[Gemini] Thank you.
Gemini says very softly.
Nikki leans across the table and smiles warmly at Gemini
[Nikki] Relax. you'll be fine. And I'm just a phone call away.
Nikki says to Gemini.
[Gemini] Yeah.
Gemini says. Not sure if it is in agreement or disbelief
[Nikki] Now why don't you two exchange numbers and get to know
each other a little while I kidnap my friend here.
Nikki says to both Gemini and Lucien. She grabs Methos by the
hand and gets up, ready to drag him off to a more private corner
to let Lucien and Gemini chat for a while.
[Methos] Oh, you want to kidnap me, huh?
Methos asks amused, as he stands up and lets Nikki lead him away
from the table.
Nikki grabs her tea and starts leading Methos to a table in a
dark corner far enough away from Lucien and Gemini to give them
some privacy.
[Methos] Maybe that would teach him to keep his mouth shut, did
you see me ask anything about her teacher?
Methos laughs softly as he sits down at the new table.
[Nikki] No, but you made sure you needled me about it.
Nikki smacks him playfully on the shoulder as she sits down.
[Nikki] You know how I feel about teaching.
[Methos] OK, felt sorry for the kid. So what? You know a new
Immortal without a teacher is dead.
[Nikki] I know. But even if I had the time.....which I really
don't.....I'm not ready to teach.
Nikki says taking a sip of her tea.
[Nikki] I'd probably do more harm than good.
[Gemini] So ummm... you said you teach history?
Gemini asks nervously.
[Methos] Well, take your time, time is all we have anyway.
Lucien smiles warmly.
Methos smiles as he shrugs.
[Lucien] Yes I do. I don't need the income, I just do it to keep
me busy.
[Nikki] And in response to what I know you were feeling back
there.....I wouldn't have asked you.
Nikki says and winks at Methos.
[Gemini] Okay...
Gemini says unsure what else to say.[/color]
[Methos] Good, it means you know me better than that.
[Lucien] However, I may resign since most of my attention will
be on you. So, were you staying and has she gotten you a sword
yet?
Methos smirks.
[Nikki] Well....I should hope so after all this time.
Nikki wrinkles her nose up at Methos playfully.
[Gemini] Um. I'm staying at the Fairmont and no.
Gemini says.
[Lucien] Looks like I have a room mate.
Nikki takes another drink of her tea as she watches the other
table over the rim of her glass.
Lucien smirks
[Lucien] I am sure we can find you a weapon that will be perfect
for you.
[Nikki] I hope I did the right thing. I really don't know him
that well. I'm just going with my gut.
[Methos] So Amanda's back in town, huh? Maybe I should go to
Tibet again.
Methos considers it seriously for a moment.
[Gemini] Room mate?
[Nikki] Oh sure. Leave me again. Seems like I'm always saying
goodbye to you anymore.
Gemini whispers.
Nikki grumbles then pretends to pout.
[Methos] Come on, you know I come and go a lot. Nothing
personal.
Methos smiles seeing through her act, who did she think she was
trying to fool?
[Lucien] You can stay with me or we can find you a place of your
own. Whatever will make you the most comfortable.
[Gemini] Oh... um.. I wouldn't want to inconvenience you.
Gemini says softly.
[Nikki] Besides.....like I said....Mand has a new main squeeze.
She won't have time to get you into trouble. Maybe him....but
not you. Or me. Or MacLeod...now that he's back.
Nikki says and glances at Methos out of the corner of her eye to
see his reaction to the last part of her statement.
[Lucien] Staying with a guy you don't even know, I'm sure is not
your idea of fun. However, you would not inconvenience me at
all. I have spare rooms and I promise I would never dream of
taking advantage of you.
[Methos] Damn, MacLeod and Amanda are in town? I'm out of here.
Methos says as he opens his eyes wide, Amanda and MacLeod in the
same town was a combination he'd been trying to avoid at all
costs lately. Then he frowns for a minute realizing something.
[Methos] You know MacLeod?
Nikki nods without making eye contact.
[Nikki] Yeah....you could definitely say that. So you know him?
Nikki says softly and takes a drink of her tea.
[Methos] Yeah, who doesn't? Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod.
Methos smiles amused, resisting the temptation to call him the
Immortal boyscout.
[Nikki] Have you known him long?
Nikki asks...again without making eye contact.
[Gemini] I really don't want to be a bother. Not just... with
living arrangements. If it would be a bother to teach me, I'm
sure there's someone else.
[Methos] No, I've met him recently, about 15 years or something.
Lucien had to laugh, he only came here to watch a ball game and
have a beer. Now he has a potential student, a girl at that.
Awkwardness filled him. Completely out of his element.
Nikki glances at Methos.
[Nikki] Only 15 years?
Nikki takes another sip of her drink and sighs in relief that it
wasn't another case like Amanda having known him for centuries.
[Methos] Well, I've heard of him before, but only met him 15
years ago.
[Lucien] I can teach you what I know and in that time you find
someone better suited for you, then by all means. However, sadly
Nikki is correct, your options are limited.
[Nikki] Good.
Nikki says with relief.
[Methos] Good? Why's that?
Gemini shrugs again looking down at the table tracing the wood
grains.
Methos frowns puzzled, wondering what was on Nikki's mind, she
didn't sound like her normal self.
[Gemini] As I said. I don't want to be an inconvenience for you.
In any part of your life.
[Nikki] Hmmm? What?
Nikki says innocently pretending to not know what he's talking
about.
[Methos] Why is it good that I've met him recently?
Methos studied her for a moment. "Yup, something was definitely
up." He thinks to himself.
Nikki feels her cheeks blush and nonchalantly waves him off.
[Nikki] No particular reason.
Nikki says innocently.
[Nikki] So I hear Joe is in Europe?
Nikki changes the subject.
Methos smirks noticing the change of subject. He decides not to
press the subject right now, he had to get that story some day
but not right now, wrong place, wrong time.
[Methos] Yeah, he is, as far as I know.
[Lucien] Cheri, I am 2089 years old and I there is nothing you
could do to inconvenience me.
[Gemini] 2089? Wow.
Gemini says surprised.
[Gemini] Well, if you're sure....
[Nikki] Hey.....guess who got proposed to recently.
Nikki says smugly.
[Methos] Who? Joe?
Methos asks teasingly, while he chuckles at the thought.
Nikki shakes her head.
[Nikki] Nope.
Nikki grins mischievously.
[Methos] What? You?
Methos opens his eyes wide with surprise.
[Lucien] So, an Olympic swimmer? Looks like will have to get you
prepared for 2012 as well.
Lucien smiles
[Nikki] Yes, me. Why so surprised?
Nikki pretends to be offended.
[Methos] Last time I checked you weren't dating anyone.
[Gemini] Na. That I'm pretty good at myself.
Gemini says with a slight blush.
[Lucien] I am sure you are.
[Gemini] Yeah well... five hours a day will do that.
Gemini says softly.
[Nikki] Well.....I started dating Craig Bower. You remember? You
met him a few months ago. He's got a security and PI agency here
in town. Anyway....he proposed a little over a week ago.
Nikki explains.
[Lucien] Well I guess it's settled then.
[Gemini] I guess so.
[Methos] Yeah, I remember Craig. And he proposed already? Fast
work.
Methos chuckles softly, shaking his head amused.
Gemini says softly, with more than a hint of unsureness still in
her voice.
Nikki takes a drink of her tea and glances over at the other
table.
[Nikki] I haven't given him an answer yet, though.
Nikki says without making eye contact.
[Methos] What's the rush? Is he planning to go somewhere?
Methos shakes his head again, while he thinks some men blow
everything because they don't know how to wait.
[Nikki] He's not rushing me. He's being very patient. I'm just
not sure what I'm going to say.
Nikki says with a shrug.
[Nikki] He's a great guy and I'm sure he'd be a wonderful
husband but I'm just not sure I'm ready to be a wife.
[Methos] No, I mean, he's Immortal, you're Immortal, so why do
you have to marry right away? You're not getting old, you know?
Nikki looks over at the other table.
[Nikki] Looks like they've finished their little chat. I think
I'm going to rescue Gemini and take her home I'll call you later
and tell you all about it if you're really interested.
Nikki says getting to her feet.
[Methos] Yeah, sure, I really want to know what you've been up
to while I was in Europe.
Methos smirks.
Nikki bends down and gives Methos a kiss on his cheek.
[Nikki] I love you. You know that....right?
Nikki says and winks at him. She then heads over to the other
table.
[Nikki] Ready to go home, Gemini?
Nikki asks as she starts slipping on her coat.
Methos smiles after her, then realizes his glass is empty and
goes to the bar to get a refill.
[Gemini] Ummm... sure?
Gemini says softly.
[Nikki] Lucien? It's been a pleasure. I hope to see you again.
Lucien walks over to the bar, asks the bartender for a napkin
and a pen. Scribbles down his number, then walks back over to
Gemini.
[Lucien] Give me a call when you are ready.
[Gemini] Okay.
Nikki leans closer to Lucien and says very softly, "Thanks." She
then leads Gemini out of the bar and takes her back to her
hotel.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 170--------------------------------------------------
QUANDARIES Part 15
By: Cyberfox277 Date: November 28, 2011, 4:54 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki pulls into the parking garage of the building that houses
the Bower Agency. She gets out of her truck and rides the
elevator to the Bower Agency's floor. During the ride she
reviews in her mind what she is going to say to Craig. After
having deliberated carefully about his proposal she finally
placed a call to him early this morning and asked him if she
could come by his office. As the elevator comes to a stop and
the doors slide open her stomach fills with butterflies. She
steps out of the car and takes a deep breath. Squaring her
shoulders and holding her head high she walks through the double
glass doors into the Bower Agency suite of offices. Stepping up
to the receptionist's desk she gives her name to Linda who is
standing at her desk preparing to leave for the day.
[Linda] Go on in. He's all yours.
Linda says with a smile.
[Nikki] Thanks.
Nikki says simply and smiles. She walks confidently to Craig's
office door and knocks.
[Craig] Come in.
Craig calls out from behind his desk.
Nikki opens the door and steps into Craig's office.
Craig closes the file folder he has been reviewing as the door
to his office opens. He looks up and smiles seeing Nikki. He
stands up and walks around his desk to greet her.
Nikki takes a few steps further into the office.
Craig meets her halfway and gently takes her by the shoulders
and places a soft kiss on her cheek.
[Craig] Come in and have a seat.
Craig says, gesturing towards the sofa.
[Craig] Can I get you something to drink?
Nikki walks over and sits down on the front edge of the sofa and
shakes her head.
[Nikki] No thank you. I'm fine.
Craig walks over and sits in the over stuffed chair at the end
of the sofa and looks at Nikki. He can see the seriousness in
her eyes and realizes that he is about to get the answer to his
proposal. He smiles warmly.
[Craig] You look like a woman with something to say so I'm
listening.
Craig says in a soft voice.
Nikki clasps her hands together and rests her elbows on her
knees.
[Nikki] You probably don't know just how grateful I am that you
have been so incredibly patient about this.
Nikki says softly without looking at Craig.
Craig smiles and leans forward. He places a hand over the top of
her clasped ones.
[Craig] Just what would pushing you into making a decision get
me? You would be making a decision that you most likely would
end up regretting....you'd end up resenting me for it and things
would only deteriorate from there...leaving us probably hating
each other. Besides....I love and respect you too much to put
you in a position that might possibly end up making you unhappy.
Craig says in a soft and soothing voice.
Nikki looks over at him. She can see his sincerity in his blue
eyes and she gives him a small smile.
[Nikki] You always know just the right thing to say at the right
time. How do you do that?
Craig blushes slightly and smiles, looking down at his shoes.
[Craig] I don't know. I just say what is in my heart and hope it
comes out right.
Craig says with a humble shrug.
Nikki slips her hands out from under his and unclasps them. She
reaches into the pocket of the blazer she is wearing and takes
out the box with the engagement ring in it.
[Nikki] I want you to know that I have given this more thought
than probably anything in my life. In fact I have thought of
little else since you gave me this.
Nikki sets the box on the coffee table and slowly slides it
towards Craig.
[Nikki] I'm very sorry, Craig. But I'm going to have to say no
to your proposal.
Nikki says without making eye contact with Craig...her voice
almost a whisper.
Craig sits back in his chair and stares at the closed ring box
on the coffee table.
[Craig] I see.
Craig says simply.
[Nikki] I want you to know that my decision has nothing to do
with anything you've done...or haven't done. You've been
perfect. I have loved every minute we have spent together. You
accept me for me and I can be myself...completely with you.
Nikki looks at Craig.
[Nikki] And I have only felt that comfortable....that accepted
with three....no four people in my life. That's not very good
odds when you figure I'm 174 years old.
Craig nods silently in agreement.
[Nikki] In the three and a half months we have been seeing each
other, I have come to trust you completely.....with parts of
myself that I haven't allowed anyone to see for a very long
time....if ever. You have made my world brighter, Craig.
Nikki says looking directly into his eyes.
[Craig] You made it easy, Nikki.
Craig says quietly and breaks eye contact...looking back at the
closed ring box.
[Craig] Just answer one question, please?
Craig asks without looking at her.
[Nikki] Of course.
Nikki says softly.
[Craig] Does your decision have anything to do with him?
Nikki quirks an eyebrow...not sure who Craig means.
Anticipating that Nikki may not understand who he means, Craig
adds, "MacLeod?"
Nikki's head snaps around and she stares at Craig. She remembers
telling him all about her history with Duncan but she doesn't
recall mentioning any names. And she had decided that she didn't
need to bring up the fact that the Immortal from her
past.....the man she claimed was the love of her life....had
shown up in town or that they had actually been on several
dates. So to discover that Craig knows that Duncan MacLeod is in
town and his connection to her surprises her for a few seconds.
Then her common sense takes over and she realizes that Craig is,
after all, a PI. There probably wasn't much that he couldn't
find out about.
[Nikki] No. Not at all.
[Craig] Because if it is.....just tell me.
Craig adds as though he hasn't heard Nikki.
Nikki gets up. She walks around to the side of Craig's chair.
She faces him, squats down and lays her hands on his forearm
which is resting on the arm of the chair.
[Nikki] Craig....I swear my decision has nothing whatsoever to
do with Duncan. It's me, Craig. Me and only me. I just can't
marry anyone...ANYONE....right now. I'm just not ready.
Nikki says in a soft and comforting voice.
[Nikki] Just like 120 years ago....I'll probably kick my self
later but.....call it fear....call it whatever you want....but
when I weighed the pros and cons....even though the pro list was
lengthy and impressive....there were more cons than pros. At
least for me.
Nikki says in an attempt to explain her reasons for turning him
down. She knows it won't make it hurt any less but she hopes
that, by her explaining, it may prevent Craig from feeling he
had some how failed her....to make her happy.
Craig finally looks away from the ring box and turns his head
just enough so that he can see Nikki's face. He can see her
sincerity in her eyes which offers him some comfort....but not a
lot.
[Craig] I told you that you could take as much time as you
needed. If you need more time....weeks....months.....even
years....to be ready.....I can wait.
Craig says. Even though his voice sounds steady and even he is
fighting to keep his emotions under control.
[Nikki] And what if it did take years? That wouldn't be fair for
me to expect you to put your life on hold for me. I would like
to think I would never be that selfish.
Craig shakes his head.
[Craig] How can it be unfair to me if it's my decision to wait?
Nikki shakes her head and as she looks directly into Craig's
blue eyes, she gently gives his arm a squeeze.
[Nikki] I can't....I won't do that to you.
[Craig] There's more to your not being ready....isn't there.
Craig says more as a statement than a question.
Nikki lets out a small, soft sigh and keeps her gaze locked with
his as she slowly nods her head.
[Nikki] Yes. There is. The main reason I don't feel ready is
because I'm not IN love with you, Craig. I love you....I love
the way you love me. I love the way you make me feel....about
the world....about myself. And I love every minute I have spent
with you and would love to spend more with you. But I'm not IN
love with you. Not the marrying kind of love. I'm sorry.
Nikki says and looks at Craig pleadingly.
Craig listens to her words. He looks deep into her eyes....as
though reading her soul. He would like nothing more than to
bring himself to get angry at her....to blame her....to hate
her. But, try as he might, he can't. Not when he can see that
her decision was not made out of malice...and that she sincerely
regrets having to hurt him. She is still as beautiful now as she
was the day he first saw her make her graceful and prominent
entrance into the **** the night of the Nua Tosu' fund raiser.
Slowly he reaches over and gently traces the line of her jaw
with his thumb and index finger.
Nikki's expression saddens and she mouths the words, "I'm
sorry." She gets to her feet, leans over and places a soft kiss
on Craig's cheek then she turns and quickly walks out of his
office. She manages to make it all the way to the elevator and
the doors slide shut before tears begin to stream down her face.
Craig closes his eyes when she kisses his cheek. He takes in one
last whiff of her scent....vanilla and gardenia....and he keeps
his eyes closed until he hears the door of his office close then
he opens his eyes and stares blankly at the ring box on the
coffee table.
[center]The End[/center]
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