***Same Day – Early evening***
[Gemini] You know, you really don't have to come with me... or take me. Whatever.Gemini says protesting, not wanting to put Annie out.[Annie] I can always have a drink at the bar.Annie shrugs as she gets her raincoat and checks the swords inside the linen.[Annie] Don't worry I won't be underway.[Gemini] I just don't want to put you out. You're already doing so much for me.Gemini protests.[Annie] Gemini, just because that headhunter is dead, it doesn't mean there aren't more Immortals around. There are, and not all of them are friendly.Annie points out and she puts the raincoat on and looks for the car keys.[Annie] Considering what happened the last time I left you alone, I rather take you, saves trouble in the long run.[Gemini] I just don't want to put you out.Gemini says again softly.[Annie] Gemini, I don't mind going to Joe's with you. I could use a drink and listen to some blues while you talk to David. No problem.Annie shrugs again, while she walks to the door.[Gemini] Okay.Gemini says softly, getting her stuff together and following Annie out the door.Annie walks to the garage to take out the Bentley, she side glances at Gemini when she remembers something.[Annie] And I should get you a car, have any idea what do you want?[Gemini] Something cool.Gemini says with a bit of a smile.Annie rolls her eyes just as she's about to enter the car, and frowns slightly at Gemini.[Annie] Oh, that's helpful. Isn't what someone thinks it's cool a matter of opinion?Annie shakes her head as she opens the door, and gets inside the car. She could never get a straight answer out of that kid.[Gemini] I guess.Gemini shrugs and gets into the car herself.Annie hits the remote to open the garage door before she starts the car.[Annie] So what do you think it's cool?[Gemini] An Aston Martin One-77, a Lamborghini Aventador J, or a Ferrari 458 Spider.Gemini replies promptly, knowing they're not exactly practice for her.Annie side glances at Gemini while she takes the car out of the garage and hits the remote to close the door. She opens the front gate in the same move knowing it will take a while for it to open.[Annie] Don't you think they're a little too grown up for you?Annie asks as she moves the car slowly to the front gate, giving it time to open.[Gemini] You asked what cars I thought was cool. Those are cars I think are cool.Gemini says with a shrug, and a grin.[Gemini] I never said anything about practicality.[Annie] Besides I already have a Ferrari back in Austria, you go there and I'll let you drive it.Annie shrugs as she exits the front gate, she stops at the entrance giving it time to close again before she moves on.[Annie] If you were mortal I wouldn't dream of it, but since you're not...Annie shrugs again, the worse that could happen was she woke up in the morgue.[Gemini] What kind of Ferrari?Gemini asks, curious.[Annie] A Ferrari 360 Spider. Black, red doesn't go with my hair.Gemini grins at the last comment.Annie smiles still checking the gate, it finally closes and she moves the car in the direction of downtown.[Gemini] The 360 spider is alright. It's not my favorite Ferrari, but it's not bad.Gemini chuckles.[Annie] Of course it's not, it's not flashy enough, you don't turn heads driving one.Annie teases, chuckling softly.[Gemini] It's still a nice car. And they made it 6 years. It is one of the nicer Ferrari's. Just not my favorite.Gemini replies with a smile.[Annie] I had no idea you were into cars that much.Annie side glances at Gemini slightly surprised, then looks back at the road.Gemini shrugs.[Gemini] My dad was. I guess he brought it up for me to love 'em. I don't talk about it much, 'cause well... most people just don't understand why a girl would be into cars.[Annie] Don't see a problem with it.Annie shrugs as she keeps driving, then frowns when she sees a squad car on her tail.[Gemini] Most guys and other girls think it's weird. So, I keep it to myself.Gemini replies.[Annie] Hey, you didn't rob a bank or killed someone lately, have you?Annie tries to joke about it, she hated to have one of those behind her even when she didn't do anything.[Gemini] No.. Why?Gemini asks a little amused by the question.[Annie] We have a police squad car on our tail, must be a coincidence. Ironically you've been keeping me out of trouble lately.Annie explains with a shrug. Still keeping an eye on the rear view mirror.[Gemini] Huh... maybe they're just bored and running random plates?Gemini suggests.[Annie] Maybe. Noticed out of habit I suppose.Annie is relieved when she sees it turning to a side road.[Annie] There. It's gone.Gemini just shrugged to herself not responding.Annie frowns again when two blocks down there's another squad car, luckily they're almost at Joe's, so she doesn't have to put up with them any longer.[Annie] Shouldn't drink too much though, apparently they're trying to fine someone.Annie murmurs as she parks the car in the parking lot.[Gemini] Well, you wouldn't want to get a DUI. That'd be even worse than a fine.Gemini says, hearing Annie's murmur.[Annie] Yes, maybe we should take a cab back if all these cops are out, we'll see.Annie shrugs unconcerned, she had no idea how much she was going to drink.[Annie] Depends on how much I feel like drinking.[Gemini] Yeah... and what? How quickly it burns out of your system?Gemini asks.[Annie] Well, it depends on how much I drink and how long I stay without drinking before I get to make that test.Annie answers with a shrug, before she exits the car.[Annie] Don't worry, I don't want any trouble with the law. I just got settled in, last thing I want is to have to change my name and move again.Annie makes a face at that, the first time around had been boring enough but it couldn't be helped.Gemini shrugs, unsure of what to say.Annie locks the car and starts to walk towards Joe's bar.[Annie] Come on then.Annie says without looking back.[Gemini] I'm comin'.Gemini replies, moving up alongside Annie.Annie makes a face and stops on her tracks when she gets near Joe's bar, judging by the buzz she'd felt there wasn't just David inside the bar. She takes a deep breath and resumes walking, probably it was Judge Everson and Adam Pierson.Gemini winces slightly.[Gemini] That's a strong one...Gemini murmurs, more to herself than to Annie.Annie opens the door and blinks trying to adjust to the darker interior. She takes a deep sigh of relief when she sees the somewhat familiar faces of the other Immortals.[Annie] So far, so good.Annie murmurs to herself as she walks inside the bar.Gemini looks around the inside of the bar, as she follows Annie in, and feels a relaxing of the buzz, now that she's identified the sources.[Gemini] There's David.Gemini says, seeing the Immortal she was looking for at the bar.[Annie] Yes, I see him.Annie nods, she had no intention of going near him anyway.[Annie] Why don't you go and talk to him, I'll be at a table?Annie suggests, looking back at Gemini.[Gemini] Alright.Gemini says, and starts towards the bar.[Methos] Look who we have here.Methos whispers to Aldria, finally turning his gaze away from the door.[Ally] You sound surprised.Ally replies, also in a whisper.[Methos] Not really, should have expected it since Steven got a head shorter last night.Methos shrugs picking up his beer glass to take a sip.[Ally] Especially given where the youngest has gone.Ally says watching Gemini bee line it for David.[Methos] Yes, I bet she wants to hear all the sordid details.Methos chuckles softly, returning Annie's nod to them.Ally also returns the nod from the younger woman.[Ally] I don't know.Ally shrugs slightly.[Ally] Doesn't seem like the type to want all the sordid details.Methos shrugs, while he looks down to play with his glass on the table.[Methos] I wouldn't know.Ally shrugs.[Ally] Maybe she knows.Ally says with the barest of nods towards Annie.[Methos] Yes... Don't know why they're all avoiding us tonight, even your admirer is sitting at the bar.Methos teases, remembering the kid didn't even try to sit on their table when he came in.[Ally] Probably just as well.Ally can't help a slight smirk.[Methos] Do we look particularly threatening tonight?Methos asks with a frown, he didn't think so but still there was something weird about it.[Ally] Maybe they think we're on a date.Ally laughs at the absurdity of the idea.[Gemini] David.Gemini says, greeting the other Immortal, relieved that he was safe and hale.[David] Hello.David looks down at her with a smile on his lips.[David] Your teacher doesn't want to talk to me, I take it?David points out to let her know he noticed when the other woman left.[Gemini] She only came with, 'cause well... I don't have a vehicle, and she doesn't wanna let me out by myself, yet.Gemini shrugs, sliding onto a bar stool next to David.[David] Well you don't have to worry about Steven anymore.David smiles looking around and trying to get the bartender's attention.[Gemini] Thank God.Gemini whispers to herself.[Gemini] What about you? You okay?[David] Yeah, slept 12 hours straight though. Craig is going to end up firing me if I keep skipping work.David shrugs, well his boss knew what he'd been doing.[Gemini] Yeah, but he's... one of us. He'll understands, won't he?Gemini asks.[David] Yeah, I think so.David nods, he doesn't bother to explain to her that he was partly joking, if she didn't get the joke maybe it's because it wasn't that good anyway.Methos frowns at Annie, sitting at a nearby table.[Methos] Why don't you sit with us, you need a written invitation?[Ally] We're not going to bite.Ally chuckles.[Gemini] So?Gemini asks looking at David expectantly.Annie raises an eyebrow at them, then stands up, picks up her drink and moves to their table.[Annie] I didn't know you two were so desperate for my company.Annie shakes her head, slightly amused, as she pulls a chair to sit down.[David] So?David asks a little distracted still trying to get the bartender to get him a drink.[Gemini] You're okay, then?Gemini asks, both wanting details, if only vague details, and not wanting details.[David] Yes, I've rested enough, I was exhausted last night. And that thing that happens in the end...David wrinkles his nose at the Quickening, he wasn't sure if he'd liked it or not.[Gemini] Yeah?Gemini says.[David] Well, actually I passed out after a while... or died... I'm not sure. I guess it's one of the things we'll never be sure again when we're alone. When we die or not?David says, while he thinks to himself he should reserve judgment on that until he'd felt a complete Quickening.[Gemini] Well... I'm sure sometimes it'll be more obvious than others.Gemini says responding to David's question, not sure what to say to the rest of it.[David] What I remember the most it's the pain, we're literally struck by lightning and yet...David struggles to explain, realizing it's hard to explain that to someone who never felt that before.[David] ... In a way you feel very much alive. It's a really weird feeling.[Gemini] I can't say that I'm anxious to experience it.Gemini whispers.[David] I know I wasn't, but that guy wouldn't leave me alone.David finally manages to get the bartender's attention and orders a beer.[Gemini] Or me.Gemini whispers softly.[Ally] So, how is teaching going?Ally asks Annie, curiously, knowing that Gemini is Annie's first student.[Annie] Better than I was expecting, maybe there's still hope for that kid.Annie answers taking a small sip, she's trying not to drink too much tonight in case she's pulled over on the way home.[Ally] Oh? What were you expecting?Ally asks.[Annie] Well for once she never complains when it's practice time, I always thought she would, don't know why.Annie shrugs, she's old enough to know first impressions are not always right.[Ally] Really? Most do complain. Especially after the first time or two.Ally says a little impressed, glancing over at the young Immortal, before turning back to Annie.[Methos] Yeah, when the novelty wears off.Methos nods in agreement, gesturing a waitress to get him another beer.[Methos] Besides it's really dull in the beginning.[Annie] To the teacher or to the student?Annie asks with a slight frown, she's not getting what he means by that.[Methos] Both?Methos says with a smirk, luckily he didn't remember his time as a student, probably was nothing worth remembering anyway.Annie takes a deep breath, watching her student and that Bradford kid.[Annie] I only wish she didn't care so much about him.Annie murmurs under her breath.[Ally] And why is that?Ally asks, curious as to Annie's reasonings.[Annie] You should have seen how she behaved last night. Apparently his cell phone got destroyed during the fight and when he didn't answer the phone...Annie shakes her head remembering it.[Annie] If he got killed it would take her years to get back to her normal self, if ever.[Ally] Indeed?Ally asks, arching an eyebrow.[Methos] That's too bad, I always thought he preferred "older" women.Methos teases, side glancing at Aldria.[Methos] I may be wrong, of course.Methos smirks picking up his beer glass.[Ally] I think he DOES.Ally laughs.[Annie] Yes, I think the poor guy didn't notice it yet, but he's a guy, can't blame him for that.Annie chuckles softly while she picks up her glass to take a sip.[Ally] Poor girl.Ally says, still laughing softly.[Methos] Hey, I'm a guy and I've noticed it. Not that hard to figure out, he's just the type a teenager would fall head over heels for.Methos points out as he turns his head to side glance at the two Immortals at the bar.Annie looks up at her student and sighs looking down at her glass.[Annie] I know. But it's such a bad idea to care so much about another Immortal though.[Ally] Be that as it may, it doesn't stop most.Ally returns.[Methos] Yes, it's not the smartest thing to do, but it happens all the time.Methos shrugs as he side glances at Annie, who did she think she was fooling?[Methos] Can you tell me it didn't happen to you regarding your student?Annie takes a deep breath, she takes a sip and only then nods in agreement.[Annie] Yeah, I know that kid managed to sneak under my defenses when I wasn't looking. I only realized that when we had to leave the hotel.Annie shrugs as she takes another deep breath.[Annie] I just couldn't leave her alone.[Ally] She managed it fairly quickly didn't she then?Ally asks, smiling slightly.[Annie] To someone who has been avoiding other Immortals for centuries, she managed it in a heartbeat.Annie sighs, looking down at her glass, maybe she'd just been alone for too long.[Ally] Funny how they can do that, isn't it?Ally asks with a knowing smile.[Methos] Yeah, how do you think they get us to teach them?Methos chuckles softly, remembering some of the times he wasn't interested in teaching at all, but still had done it.[Methos] Oh and don't be offended, but since she's your first student... I wouldn't teach her everything you know, just in case?Methos suggests with a shrug.[Methos] She seems a nice girl but still...[Annie] I've learnt from one of the best, remember? I know Kronos didn't teach me everything he knew.Annie shrugs, while she thinks that was one of the reasons she never tried to fight him, she knew he was keeping something from her.[Ally] That is a decision to wait for, until you know her better, or are sure of her. I've had some students I've taught everything to. Others I haven't.Ally replies.[Methos] Really? I thought you were smarter than that. I know I haven't.Methos smiles at Aldria amused.[Annie] Ever?Annie raises an eyebrow at him, slightly surprised.[Methos] Nope?Methos picks up his glass to drink some beer with a smirk.[Ally] Admittedly, with one exception all the ones I taught everything to, were mortal.Ally adds.David frowns remembering to ask Gemini something he still didn't get, something she said last night...[David] Why were you so worried last night? I mean, you thought I was going to lose?David asks still frowning, after thinking about it for a while it still didn’t make sense but it was the only possible explanation.[Gemini] I hoped not...Gemini says softly.[David] You hoped...David's frown deepens, just what exactly did she mean by that?[Gemini] Not. I didn't want anything to happen to you.Gemini clarifies.[David] Yes, I got the not, it's not that...David nods still frowning puzzled, he has the feeling something is being left unsaid here.[Annie] Yes, I can see we're all the trusting type here.Annie shakes her head looking at the two older Immortals.[Methos] That's the price of... surviving?Methos shrugs looking down at his glass, he knows too trusting Immortals don't live really long.[Ally] Yeah well, as I seem to recall there's a few certain boyscouts who always teach everything they know.Ally replies with a smile.[Methos] And that's one of the reason the boyscouts don't last long in our Game.Methos points out unconcerned, if they wanted to risk they lives just to be the good guys so be it.[Methos] Unless they're really good with a sword, and even then...Methos shrugs again not bothering to finish it, they'd both know the rest, they were old enough to know it.Annie takes a small sip, then stares at her glass on the table, thinking.[Annie] Funny, what you said about the price of surviving, I've always thought the guys who write the dictionaries should come up with a word for when you can stand up for yourself. Only surviving to me sounds too... easy?Annie looks up at the other Immortal to see if they were following her.[Methos] Maybe too primitive? Law of the jungle easy, right?Methos asks slightly amused, that's what they had to face every day anyway.Annie nods.[Annie] Yes, maybe something a little more refined?[Ally] Yes, I know exactly what you're talking about. And what it's called.Ally says with a little chuckle of her own.[Annie] You do?Annie asks surprised, she wasn't exactly waiting to get an answer to that.[Ally] Yes. I do.Ally smiles.[Methos] Care to enlighten us, then?Methos says with a smirk, side glancing at Aldria.[Ally] It's called growing up.Ally replies with a smirk of her own.[Methos] Oh yeah, no one can escape it.Methos raises his almost empty beer glass and toasts.[Methos] So here's to growing up.[Ally] Growing up.Ally replies with a chuckle lifting her glass.Annie shakes her head with a little smile on her lips, but also raises her glass.[Annie] Why not? I've toasted to stranger things before.Annie clicks the other two glasses.[Annie] Growing up.David blinks and shakes his head, for a moment he thought he'd get the answer but apparently the idea had gone before it came to his conscious thoughts, he hated when it happened.[David] I really don't know what it meant.David whispers almost to himself.[Gemini] Not. I hoped not. I didn't want anything to happen to you.Gemini says, feeling herself blush as puts together everything she had said.David stares at Gemini for a moment, still puzzled, noticing she'd just blushed, he thinks to himself why would she be embarrassed, until it all comes to him in a flash. It couldn't be, right? She's almost young enough to be his daughter.[David] I think I'm getting crazy or maybe it was the Quickening, for a moment I thought...David shakes his head with a smile, while he takes a deep breath.[Gemini] Thought what?Gemini asks, barely glancing at David, still flushing slightly.[David] I know it sounds crazy, but I thought you were in love with me.David says, he almost expects she laughs on his face, but he has to find out for sure.Gemini chews on her lower lip for a moment, blushing even harder. Finally she makes up her mind. After all, it was time to start acting an adult in an adult world.[Gemini] I don't know if it's love, David, but...Gemini trails off trying to figure out how to continue.The End?
Continues with Toys in the Basement