As Richard and another hand unload Methos' horse from the trailer, Nikki takes out her cell phone and dials Methos' number.

Methos is about to enter his SUV, but throws the pack he's carrying on the driver's seat and stops by the open door to answer his cell phone.

Methos: Pierson.

Methos says without bothering to check who's calling but expecting to hear one of the Watchers.

Nikki: Hey.....it's me.

Nikki says when Methos finally answers his phone.

Nikki: I have something that belongs to you.

Nikki announces mischievously.

Methos: Yeah? What?

Methos asks frowning puzzled, wondering what it could be.

Nikki: Well.....it has 4 legs and I believe he speaks Arabic.

Nikki teases.

Methos bends his arm and puts his elbow on the roof of his car as his frown deepens.

Methos: Just what the hell are you talking about? Have you been drinking at...

Methos looks down to check his watch.

Methos: 9 AM?

Nikki rolls her eyes.

Nikki: Did someone get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?

Nikki asks playfully.

Methos: Not on the wrong side, but I woke up late and I need some coffee, alright?

Methos admits as he straightens up and decides to enter his car.

Methos: So what do you want?

Methos asks while he pushes the pack to the other seat.

Nikki: Well.....unless you have something EXTREMELY pressing to do....why don't you come out to the ranch and I'll fix you some breakfast?

Nikki offers sincerely.

Methos: Is that the reason you called? To offer me breakfast?

Methos frowns while he switches the cell phone to the other side to be able to close the door.

Methos: I should go to the library.

Nikki sighs exasperatedly.

Nikki: No. That is not the reason I called you. I called to inform you that your Ireland purchase has just been delivered in case you would like to inspect it.

Nikki says...her tone changing to very business-like.

Nikki: At your convenience, that is.

Methos: My Ireland purchase...

Nikki adds with a slight bit of sarcasm.

Methos repeats until it dawns on him.

Methos: The horse? Those fools sent the horse here?

Methos asks opening his eyes wide in surprise.

Nikki: No. You left my number as a contact number and they called to inform me that they would not be able to accommodate you as contracted so I told them to ship him here.

Nikki explains in a purely business voice.

Nikki: You're here more than in London anyway.

Nikki adds.

Methos: And who mentioned anything about London?

Methos takes a deep breath while he rubs his forehead for a moment.

Methos: OK, on my way. I'll be there in about an hour, get breakfast going.

Richard is calling to Nikki so she moves away from the fence she has been leaning against.

Methos turns off his cell phone, closes the door and starts the car to drive to Nikki's ranch.

Nikki: I'll see you when you get here.

Nikki says and hangs up. Shaking her head she joins Richard as they take the Arabian stallion to its stall.

Nikki: Give him an extra helping of oats.

Nikki instructs one of the ranch's residents who is working on giving the rest of the horses their breakfast.

Nikki: His owner is supposedly on his way.

Nikki adds then goes into the office at the back of the barn and fills her travel mug with coffee. Nikki leaves the office and heads for one of the back paddocks to meet with the students of one of her riding classes.



Nikki: Heels down.

Nikki calls out to one of her students.

Nikki: Posture, Terry. Posture.

Nikki calls out as she watches the 6 students ride their mounts around in a circle.

Nikki: OK.....everyone cantor.

Nikki calls out and the 6 students ease their horses into a slow cantor.

Nikki: That's right. Good. Very nice, Mark. Sheryl relax your grip. He's fighting the bit too much. Good. Good.

Nikki says as she turns in the center of the circle and watches each student.

Methos stops his car and stops to look at Nikki when he sees her trying to teach the kids how to ride.

Nikki: Everyone post.

Nikki calls out and the students slow their horses to a trot.

Nikki: Get your rhythm, Sheryl. That's it. Nice. Very nice.

Nikki feels an Immortal buzz and she turns and looks over her shoulder.

Nikki: OK.....that's good, everyone. Cool your mounts down and put them in their stalls.

Nikki instructs and she watches as her students dismount and begin to file out of the paddock.

Nikki: Sheryl? Can I see you please?

Nikki calls out to one of the girls. She walks over to the fence where she has hung her jacket and picks up her travel mug and a manilla envelope from the ground.

Nikki: I have that video I promised you.

Nikki says as the girl walks up to her. She hands the envelope to the girl who thanks her excitedly.

Nikki: Watch this. It will give you an idea of what they expect for dressage judging.

The girl thanks Nikki again then asks, "do you think I'm ready, Miss Flynn?"

Nikki: The question is....do YOU think you're ready? Better yet....do you think your horse is ready?

Nikki asks lifting an eyebrow questioningly.

Methos approaches listening to the conversation, apparently that girl wanted to be in some sort of contest.

The girl looks at Nikki for a couple of seconds then slowly nods her head. "I think I'm ready," the girl says confidently.

Nikki: Then you watch this video and do some research about training for dressage then come see me and we'll schedule some training time.

Nikki says with a satisfied smile.

Nikki: For now....take care of your horse and get yourself cleaned up because it'll be lunch time by the time you're finished.

Nikki instructs. "Yes, Miss Flynn. Thank you," the girl says and leads her horse out of the paddock and into the barn. As Nikki turns to greet Methos she takes a drink of her coffee.

Methos: What's it like to be mother of all these kids?

Methos teases looking around at her ranch.

Methos: Seems you got quite a few of them.

Nikki: I'm not. Their teachers and counselors see them more than I do. I only see a few of them once a week or so.

Nikki explains as she grabs her coat off of the fence and crawls through the fence rungs. She slings her coat over her shoulder as she walks up to Methos.

Nikki: I just have a few special kids I'm giving some extra lessons to because they have potential and have showed a special interest.

Methos: And I thought you were one big happy family.

Methos shakes his head with a smirk.

Nikki: I'd like to think so but most of the kids out here are too damaged to want to be part of a family. At least right now. But I'm hopeful.

Nikki says with a big smile.

Nikki: Now would you like to meet your new 4 legged friend?

Nikki asks walking backwards in front of Methos.

Methos: Oh yes, I hope you can keep him here for a while though. I've got no place to put him.

Methos confesses while he rubs his forehead again and thinking about this mess. Maybe he should have explained to Nikki that London was only a stop on the way, not the final destination, but he liked to keep his aliases as much separated as possible.

Nikki: I wouldn't have had him brought here if I didn't have room for him.

Nikki says emphatically and turns around. She leads Methos into the barn and up to the new horse's stall. One of the boys is just putting the last screw into the brass name plate on the stall door. He rubs off his fingerprints and steps aside when Nikki approaches.

Nikki: Very nice, Jim. Did you engrave that yourself?

The boy nods his head proudly.

Nikki: Very nice.

Nikki repeats. She steps up to the gate and holds her hand out. Making a clucking sound with her tongue she gets the attention of the stallion who takes a few tentative steps toward her. Nikki steps aside so that Methos can join her.

Nikki: Adam Pierson....meet Sultan. Sultan....Adam Pierson.

Methos: We've met.

Nikki rolls her eyes.

Methos points out patting the horse's neck but side glancing at Nikki suspiciously.

Nikki: Humor me. It's been awhile since you saw each other.

Nikki says in a soft voice.

Nikki: Here.

Nikki takes a carrot from her back pocket that she had intended to give to her own horse and she hands it to Methos.

Nikki: Start off with a peace offering.

Methos: And how long did you know he was coming? Time enough to make a brass plate?

Nikki: I didn't know anything about the plate.

Nikki says with a shrug.

Nikki: Seems Jim has an engraving machine and he must have made it as soon as he got Sultan's name.

The boy nods vigorously "Yes, sir. I'm making plates for all of the stalls," the boy explains.

Methos shakes his head as he gives the carrot to his horse. He can see Nikki is avoiding the first question.

Methos: So how long did you know he was coming to the States?

Methos repeats, if she thought she could avoid it, she was wrong.

Nikki: Since the third.

Nikki answers.

Nikki: Good boy.

Nikki says softly to the horse as she rubs his soft nose.

Methos looks at Nikki in disbelief forgetting his horse.

Methos: The third January?

Nikki: Yeah. Why?

Nikki asks looking at Methos questioningly.

Methos: It's been almost a month.

Methos points out. His horse nuzzles his arm and he pats him absentmindedly, without seeing him.

Methos: What are you up to now, Nikki?

Nikki: Nothing. I just thought I'd surprise you.

Nikki says looking at him. She's a bit taken aback at his attitude and she takes a step back.

Nikki: Jeez. Excuse the hell out of me.

Nikki says holding up her hands in a gesture of surrender.

Methos is about to say "Oh, you've surprised me indeed. Just told me about him when it was too late to send him to England." but thinks better and doesn't.

Methos: What's done is done. Now I'll get to see him more often.

Methos shrugs while he pats his horse again.

Methos: And you get to take care of him.

Methos points out with a smirk.

Nikki: You do plan on coming out and riding him once in a while don't you?

Nikki asks, jamming her hands into the front pockets of her jeans.

Methos: Oh yes, when I have time.

Methos nods then looks down when his stomach rumbles.

Methos: Didn't you mention something about breakfast?

Nikki: Yeah. Come on.

Nikki says a bit dejectedly. She leads him out of the barn and over to a golf cart. She gets in and turns the key while she waits for Methos to join her.

Methos pats Sultan's neck one last time before he follows Nikki outside and into the golf cart.

Methos: What about my car?

Nikki: It'll be fine where it is.

Nikki says and steers the golf cart toward her house. She drives the rest of the way in silence....trying to figure out why she is so bothered by Methos' reaction to her attempt to do something she thought was nice.

Methos: You're not upset, are you?

Methos asks when Nikki parks the golf cart at the front of her house, realizing she didn't talk all the way.

Methos: This is me without coffee, I hope you made a large pot.

Nikki stops the golf cart at the bottom of the steps that lead to her front deck and gets out. Without a word she walks up the steps and opens her front door....walking in and leaving the door open behind her. She heads for the kitchen where she washes her hands and proceeds to prepare a bacon, eggs and hash brown breakfast.

Nikki: You know where the coffee maker and cups are. Help yourself.

Nikki says as she goes about the task at hand.

Nikki: And what would I have to be upset about?

Nikki asks as she grates a couple of potatoes.

Methos rolls his eyes as he walks to the coffee maker, thinking that now she was sulking, how very typical female.

Methos: Don't see a reason to, but you've been too quiet.

Methos shrugs before he opens the cupboard to get a couple of coffee cups.

Nikki: Now I'm too quiet? Jeez. There's just no pleasing you is there. You complain when I talk too much now you complain when I don't.

Nikki shakes her head.

Nikki: Men! Sheesh!

Nikki says as she puts the grated potatoes in a skillet.

Methos: And I'd say women, it's all or nothing. I bet you do this on purpose...

Methos grumbles while he fills one of the cups.

Nikki: Do what on purpose?

Methos: So we don't know where we stand with you.

Methos moans in pleasure when he takes the first sip of coffee.

Nikki lays strips of bacon on the griddle.

Nikki: So tell me just what I did that was so wrong?

Nikki says as she stirs the potatoes.

Methos: Really needed this.

Methos comments before he empties the cup and refills it again.
 
Methos: Adam Pierson can't afford a horse, I like to keep things separated.

Methos explains with a shrug.

Nikki: Look.....

Nikki says waggling her spatula at him.

Nikki: The stables you had arranged to board Sultan burned down so they had no place to put him. It just seemed easier to have him brought here rather than try to find another boarding stables over there from over here. And....as you are constantly reminding me....because you are so "busy" I didn't want to bother you with it. I was just trying to help. If that is wrong then I humbly beg your forgiveness and promise that it will NEVER happen again.

Nikki says firmly.

Methos: He wasn't supposed to stay there for long anyway, I would have told you if you'd asked. I just sent him there so it couldn't be linked to Adam Pierson. Like I've said I like to keep things separated.

Methos tries to explain as he puts the cup on the counter and turns to look at her.

Nikki: For all anyone around here knows I bought him for you. Not that I have said so much. But I am assuming that if they are thinking anything that would be what they think. But....to be quite honest with you.....I doubt anyone has even thought about it since no one knows you....or cares what you do. We have about 10 horses that we are boarding out for people so another new 4 legged resident isn't the least bit unusual.

Methos: And stop waggling that thing at me or is it a challenge?

Methos smiles picking up a wooden spoon to defend himself.

Nikki smacks away the wooden spoon with her spatula.

Nikki: Yeah. Dueling cooking utensils at dawn.

Nikki says using her spatula to bat away the spoon again. Then she turns back to the stove and turns each strip of bacon over. She gets out another skillet and breaks 2 eggs into it.

Nikki: Over easy....right?

Nikki asks regarding how he likes his eggs.

Methos: Yeah.

Methos nods before he puts down the wooden spoon to drink some more coffee.

Nikki picks up the skillet and swishes the 2 eggs around in it then...with the flip of her wrist she flips the the eggs over without breaking their yolks.

Nikki: So have you heard from Ally since we got back from Ireland?

Nikki asks as she slides the 2 eggs out of the pan and onto a plate. She spoons out some of the hash browns and places the strips of bacon onto another plate.

Methos: Yes, we've met at Joe's, had a few drinks together.

Nikki: I've tried to call her a couple of times but only got her voice mail. I left messages but she hasn't returned any of them.

Methos explains while he carries the cups and the pot of coffee to the bar.

Methos: She's a judge, she's busy.

Methos shrugs as he pulls a chair to sit down.

Methos: Or she's flying somewhere.

Nikki carries the plate with the potatoes and eggs and the one with the bacon over to the bar and sets them down. She gets out a knife and fork and a napkin and sets a place for Methos at the bar then slides the plate of eggs and potatoes into place. She grabs a strip of bacon and chews on it while she pours herself a cup of coffee.

Nikki: Yeah. That's what I figured.

Nikki says as she takes out a bottle of ketchup and a bottle of hot sauce and sets them on the bar next to the plate of bacon. She leans against the counter and takes a sip of her coffee.

Methos raises an eyebrow at the hot sauce for breakfast but doesn't say anything, deciding it's none of his business.

Methos: Best place to find her is at Joe's, she stops there to relax once in a while.

Methos says while he picks up his knife and fork to start eating.

Nikki shrugs.

Nikki: It wasn't anything important. Just girl talk. You know.

Nikki takes another sip of her coffee.

Methos: Yeah, I do.

Methos nods wondering what women talked about when men weren't around, they always seemed to have a lot to say to each other.

Nikki: Just tell her I said hi the next time you see her.

Nikki says with a nonchalant shrug.

Methos: OK, I will.

Methos says as he puts his knife down to drink some coffee.

Methos: Maybe we can even have a few drinks together.

Nikki: Yeah. That would be nice.

Methos: Oh, before I forget, I want you to give me your account number, don't be startled if the money comes from a guy you never heard of before.

Methos tells Nikki with a smirk.

Nikki: Money? What money?

Nikki asks curiously.

Methos: I realize you're not Joe, even though I plan to pay my tab someday.

Nikki looks at Methos with a confused look on her face. She shakes her head as if trying to clear the cobwebs.

Nikki: What are you talking about?

Methos: The horse? You paid for it, remember?

Nikki looks at him completely confused.

Methos reminds her, arching an eyebrow, wondering how could she forget that.

Nikki rolls her eyes.

Nikki: Oh. That. And you paid for the room in Raheen and all of the meals we ate there.

Nikki leans back against the counter and shakes her head.

Nikki: I figure it all evens itself out eventually.

Nikki takes another sip of her coffee.

Nikki: But if you insist.....

Nikki gets a post it note off of the door of the refrigerator and writes down a name and telephone number and slides it over to Methos.

Nikki: This is the name and number of my accountant. I hate math so he takes care of that crap for me.

Nikki says with a soft snicker and takes another sip of her coffee.

Methos shakes his head disbelievingly.

Methos: You don't know the number of your own account?

Methos asks as he gets the paper and puts it in a pocket of his jeans.

Nikki: Why should I? That's why God invented accountants. I have more important things to keep track of.

Nikki says only half way joking.

Methos: Watch it, Nikki. He'll end up robbing you.

Methos warns before he eats the rest of his food.

Nikki: I have trusted him for 75 years now. If he was going to rob me he would have done it already. Besides....if he ever does....he knows I won't just fire him.....I'll take his head and he enjoys life too much.

Nikki says with a giggle.

Methos: I'm thinking since I'm here I should take Sultan out for a ride, if he's up to it.

Methos comments after he empties his plate.

Nikki: Yeah? That's a great idea. Want some company?

Nikki asks hopefully.

Methos: If the company is you, I certainly would.

Methos chuckles softly as his next thought.

Methos: But don't bring all the kids after you, deal?

Nikki: I'm assuming you know how to drive a golf cart....right?

Nikki asks and finishes her coffee.

Methos: Hey, I resent that. I can drive anything.

Methos complains trying to look offended.

Methos: Not planes though, I prefer to keep my feet on the ground.

Nikki: Then you take the golf cart down to the barn and I'll call down and have Richard set you up with some tack. I'll saddle Blaze up and meet you down there.

Nikki says as she picks up Methos empty plate and sets it in the sink.

Methos: Alright.

Methos jumps to his feet excitedly, suddenly he can wait to ride a horse again, it had been a while since he'd done that.

Nikki makes sure that everything is shut off then heads for the front door. She grabs her cowboy hat off of the hat rack by the door....opens the door and holds it open for Methos.

Methos: See you in a while then.

Methos tells Nikki as he moves fast to the golf cart and drives it to the place where his horse is.

Nikki shuts the door behind them and flips open her cell phone as she heads for Blaze's paddock next to the house. She calls down to give her instructions to Richard. As she saddles her horse she wonders why she is suddenly so excited for a few minutes then pushes the wonderment aside....attributing it to just being excited about riding.

Nikki walks out of the office building in downtown Seacouver, where she had her quarterly meeting with the Child Protective Service social workers assigned to several of Tus Nua's residents, and heads for her truck. She pulls away from the curb and heads for Amanda's condo where she had spent the night. She's looking forward to changing out of her business clothes into a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt and taking a run on the beach behind the Queen Anne Condominiums.



Nikki makes her way down the cobblestone path that leads to the beach area. As she steps onto the sand she looks around and is happy to see that the beach is fairly deserted.  She checks her watch and sees that it is mid morning so she figures she has, at least, a couple of hours before beach goers begin to arrive. She chuckles to herself and shakes her head and thinks, “amazing. It's February...in the Pacific Northwest...and people still hang out at the beach.” She does a few pre-run stretches, puts her Ipod's earbuds in her ears, sets her PO (Personal Odometer) and, putting the Queen Anne Condos behind her, begins her run. Two miles from the Queen Anne Condos the public beach area changes from open beach to a narrow wedge of sand that winds through a major construction site where several new high rise condos are being built....or were being built, that is, until the economy caught up to the developers and construction had to be shut down until they could afford to complete it. As Nikki nears one of the condo “shells” that is closer to the shoreline than the others an Immortal buzz brings her to a sudden stop.

[Nikki] No.  Seriously?

Nikki says to herself as she nervously looks around for the source. As her eyes scan the area outside of the half built condominium her mind quickly calculates how long it has been since the last time she faced a challenger. “Five years,” she thinks to herself. “I guess it was too much to hope that my respite would last.” She doesn't see anyone outside of the building and she toys with the thought of simply turning around and jogging back the other way and just ignore it. That's where her sword is anyway....but she hears a familiar voice in her head saying, “running away is never the answer.”

[Nikki] Dammit MacLeod!

Nikki whispers to herself.

[Nikki] Get the **** out of my head.

With a resigned shrug and sigh, Nikki cautiously moves toward the building shell. She stops when she reaches the building's framework and peers inside. She still doesn't see anyone but the Immortal buzz is still present so she steps into the building.

[Nikki] OK....now that you've totally ruined my morning run....show yourself.

Nikki calls out...her voice echoing inside the half built structure. Keeping her back close to what there is of the wall, she moves around what would, someday, be the lobby of this particular condo building.

[Nikki] Look....if you don't want to show yourself then it won't hurt my feelings. I'd just as soon go home and continue my peaceful day.

Nikki calls out as she scans every corner and shadowed area. Finally she shakes her head and thinks, “screw this idiot. I'm going home.” She moves toward the doorway she had come through and is almost there when she hears movement behind her and she whirls around.

Brian jumps down from one of the rafters and lands on the cement foundation with a thud that echos throughout the building' s shell.

[Brian] Leaving so soon?

Brian asks tauntingly and produces a Samurai sword from inside his long trench coat.

Nikki is surprised to see that the source of the Immortal buzz is just a boy who looks like he's not any older than 15 or 16 years old.

[Nikki] Who the hell are you?

Nikki asks planting her feet firmly under her...just in case the kid charges.

[Brian] Name's Brian Mathews.

Brian answers simply.

[Nikki] How old are you?

Nikki asks incredulously.

[Brian] Well....I'm actually 25 years old but I was killed two days before my 15th birthday.

Brian says with a snicker.

[Brian] And who are you?

[Nikki] Nicayla Flynn.

Nikki answers simply.

[Brian] And how old are you?

Brian asks continuing what he thinks is nonsensical banter.

[Nikki] A whole hell of a lot older than you.

Nikki answers, rolling her eyes.

[Brian] So are you planning on questioning me to death or what?

Brian asks impatiently.

[Nikki] Well....as you can see....I am not armed. I wasn't planning on taking any ones head this morning.

Nikki says holding her hands out to show that they're empty.

[Brian] I'm assuming that your sword isn't too far way, though. Am I right?

Brian says with a sneer.

Nikki unhooks her PO from the waste band of her sweat pants and looks at the display.

[Nikki] 2.7 miles to be exact.

Nikki answers.

[Brian] Then it shouldn't take you long to go get it....right?

Brian asks as he slowly takes a couple of steps forward....still holding his sword in front of him “at the ready”.

[Brian] I assume you're talking about the Queen Anne Condos.

Brian adds.

[Nikki] So what's your point, Mr. Matthews?

Nikki asks with a twinge of sarcasm in her voice.

[Brian] Well....if I have to spell it out for you....

Brian says and rolls his eyes.

[Brian] You go get your sword and meet me back here in....

Brian looks at his watch.

[Brian] ….say 30 minutes. And don't think that you will be able to simply not come back because I know the Queen Anne and it wouldn't be hard to find an Immortal living there. And I will come looking for you.

Brian says. Even though he is trying to sound firm he still sounds like a kid.

[Nikki] And why would you go to all that trouble?

Nikki asks as she watches him slowly move toward her.

[Brian] Because....there's one thing I have learned since becoming an Immortal and that's that I need to compensate for my physical youth and its disadvantages and the only way to do that is to collect as many Quickenings as I can to gain more power. I have been in this stupid city for a few months now and I have only found one other Immortal besides you. So....since I took care of him post haste....it's your turn.

Brian says confidently.

[Nikki] So you just go around beheading Immortals for no other reason than to get their Quickening? 

Nikki asks with dismay.

[Brian] What other reason is there? After all....there can be only one.

[Nikki] ….only one.

Nikki says at the same time as Brian.

[Nikki] Yeah. I know. I've heard it before.

Nikki groans and rolls her eyes.

Brian takes two long strides toward Nikki...bringing him dangerously close to her and glares at her.

Nikki instinctively takes a step backward.

[Brian] So....we're wasting time. Go get your sword and hurry back. I won't wait one second over 30 minutes before I come looking for you. And if I have to come looking for you I'll be pissed. Really, really pissed.

Brian says menacingly.

[Nikki] Oh....we wouldn't want that, now would we?

Nikki says sarcastically.

Brian raises his sword to shoulder height and takes another step in Nikki's direction.

[Brian] GO!!!

Brian yells.

Startled by Brian's yelling, Nikki jumps a little and takes another step backward. She stares into his eyes and she can see his seriousness and she absolutely believes that he will do what he says and come looking for her. And even though she doesn't actually live in the Queen Anne condos Amanda does and he might settle for her when he can't find her. She knows that Amanda can take care of herself but she gets the feeling that another compensation the kid makes is to be sneaky and sneaky people....mortal or Immortal can't be trusted.

[Nikki] Fine. Don't get your panties in a bunch.  I'll go.

Nikki says and backs the rest of the way out of the building. When she is outside she turns and begins running back to Amanda's to get her sword.



Nikki, now dressed in a pair of black stretch jeans, black spandex turtleneck shirt (because it moves with her body as if it were her own skin and doesn't get in the way of any movements), black cowboy boots and her suede duster, approaches the construction sight. She feels the Immortal buzz as she walks up to the building shell she had just left less than a half hour ago. As she steps across the threshold into the incomplete building's first floor, removes her sword from the sheath in the lining of her coat, shrugs the duster off and lets it drop to the floor. With the toe of her boot she kicks it closer to the wall.

[Nikki] OK, Master Matthews. Now what?

Nikki calls out. She holds her sword in front of her “at the ready” but her grip on the hilt is relaxed as she is still not convinced an actual battle will occur between her and the boy.

Brian suddenly appears from behind one of the few finished walls in the incomplete ground floor of the building and he whips his Samurai sword out from his side and holds the gleaming curved blade in front of him. His facial expression is one of concentration and determination.

Nikki looks into the eyes of her challenger and still can't quite come to grips with the fact that he is...for all intents and purposes...a child.

[Nikki] We don't have to do this, you know. We could choose to walk away....to live another day and grow stronger.

Nikki says...paraphrasing something she had heard Methos say once a while back.

Brian scowls and positions himself so that one foot is slightly in front of the other.

[Brian] I'm sure that that tactic has worked for you in the past but it won't work this time. 

Brian says evenly.

Nikki recognizes Brian's stance and realizes that whoever his teacher was had been schooled in Aikido and her mind quickly reviews what she knows of that particular Martial Art form so she can more effectively counter his attacks. But this is all out of instinct as, consciously, Nikki can not accept the possibility of having to take this young boy's head or his Quickening.

[Nikki] Nothing in this world....or this life...absolutely nothing is that black and white.

Nikki states emphatically.

Without a word, Brian literally runs at Nikki.

Seeing that her opponent has sprung into action...Nikki runs at Brian and their swords clash over their heads. Nikki turns and faces Brian and swings his sword downwards and to the left.

Brian blocks Nikki's blade and counters by bringing his sword up over his head then repeats his previous move.

They batter each other repeatedly as they move sideways. Nikki swings low.

Brian leaps over Nikki's blade.

Nikki comes around and slashes downward.

Brian blocks Nikki's slash.

Nikki slices from left to right.

Brian blocks Nikki and forces Nikki's blade to the right in an awkward  stance. He spins around and parries with a slice from right to left at head level.

Nikki deflects Brian's blade by thrusting his upward then parries.

Brian recovers and brings his blade back handed to block Nikki's parry. Then he brings his sword to the left to block Nikki again.

Nikki brings his sword around with a forceful cut from left to right.

Brian turns sideways bringing his sword over his left shoulder and pointed downward to block Nikki.

Nikki parries with a slice from right to left.

Brian swings for Nikki's head.

Nikki ducks but loses his balance and falls to the floor on his stomach. He raises up and raises his sword up to block Brian's attacks.

Brian swings his sword back and forth in front of Nikki. He raises his sword above his head and brings it downward attempting the final blow.

Nikki rolls away and gets up on one knee.

Brian slashes at Nikki.

Nikki deflects Brian's blade.

Brian parries toward Nikki's head.

Nikki leans backward away from Brian's blade and, again, loses his balance landing on his back. He rolls almost up on his shoulders and places his hands on the floor above his shoulders and pushes himself upward, throwing his feet out and down. The momentum bringing him to his feet.

Brian lunges at Nikki.

Nikki kicks Brian in the gut sending him backward.

Brian is now backed up against the wall. He brings his sword out in front of him, pointing it directly at Nikki. He lunges at Nikki and they exchange several frantic volleys. Then Brian kicks Nikki in the thigh and when he leans forward Brian kicks him square in the face.

Nikki staggers backward but maintains her footing. She is facing away from Brian. She starts to turn around.

Brian brings his sword over his head and slashes downward.

Nikki whirls around and deflects Brian's blade.

Brian hammers repeatedly at Nikki.

Nikki slashes from right to left at a low level.

Brian leaps over Nikki's blade.

Nikki quickly thrusts his sword in an upward motion catching the left side of Brian's face with the tip of his blade.

The cut takes Brian by surprise and his head snaps backward.

Nikki leaps up and kicks Brian in the chin.

The force of Nikki's kick sends Brian into a backward motion and he tries to turn it into a back flip but lands on his stomach instead.

Nikki hammers at Brian.

Brian rolls into Nikki's legs hoping to bowl her over.

Nikki leaps over Brian.

Brian gets to his feet and spins around. They hammer at each other for several minutes.

Nikki kicks Brian in the gut.

Brian staggers backward.

Nikki leaps at Brian attempting to flip over him and slash at him in the process.

Brian leans backward so the Nikki sails over him and when Nikki is directly above him he leaps into a back flip, his knees catching Nikki in the lower abdomen and sending him into an out of control dive. Brian lands in a crouch with his sword in front of him.

Nikki hits the floor and slides toward the wall. To prevent hitting the wall with her head she wriggles herself around so that her feet hit the wall instead. Once she has come to a stop she leaps to her feet.

Brian attacks with a series of thrusts and slashes.

Nikki blocks each one moving back towards the center of the room.

Becoming exhausted, Brian's moves are beginning to slow. He deliberately locks guards several times.

Nikki bashes Brian in the face with her elbow to break the lock each time. The last time she does she can hear the bones in Brian's nose shatter. She whirls around and, using the heel of her hand, hits Brian in the nose at an upward angle sending broken bones directly into his brain.

Brian looks surprised. Then his eyes roll back in his head and he falls to the ground.

Nikki reacts poorly out of an instinct engraved into her soul over 100 years ago and she steps up next to him and in one swift, smooth stroke of her Katana, Nikki takes Brian's head...ending his short lived life. A sparkling energy leaves the corpse and slithers across the cement floor towards Nikki. She not only did not want to have to kill the young boy but she definitely did not want his Quickening either. She staggers backward in a feeble attempt to back away from the fingers of lightening headed for her.

[Nikki] NOOOOO!!!!!

Nikki cries out...as if her cries of protest would stop what she knows has to and is going to happen. The fingers of sparkling energy quickly engulf Nikki and they actually lift her up several inches so that her feet are no longer touching the floor. She begins to glow like a rainbow. Her hair stands on end. Colors of bright, pure light erupt from her eyes. She looks (and feels) like a human Roman Candle in the dimly lit partially constructed building. The wind howls. Nikki opens her mouth letting out a howl of both intense  pain and pleasure. Brian's Quickening suddenly drops her and her fatigued leg muscles are unable to sustain her weight and she drops to her knees. Nikki begins to see faces of many different people that she has never met...hear voices she doesn't recognize and see places she has never been. She begins to feel things she's never felt. Suddenly the shell of a room is lit up by bolts of lightening that seem to burst from the clear sky and her body acts like a lightening rod. Nikki is hit by many of them causing her body to almost convulse with each hit. Around her what few windows that had been installed before all construction had been put on hold, shatter...light bulbs explode...water pipes burst and small combustibles burst into flame. Then, as suddenly as it started, the sky clears, and everything becomes eerily quiet. Only a few small fires remain (along with a tone of shattered glass). Every muscle in Nikki's body have become jelly and she doesn't even try to stand up. When the smoke in the room dissipates and her vision begins to clear Nikki looks around at the devastation created by the force of the Quickening. Her eyes fall on the headless corpse of her opponent and the first conscious thought that goes through her brain is that the young kid had, evidently, managed to take quite a few heads in his short existence because his Quickening had been as strong and intense as one coming from someone over three times his age. But right on the end of that thought...another one follows and this one seems to scream inside of her head, “YOU...JUST...KILLED...A...KID!!!” and causes her to cover her ears with her hands as if that will shut it out. When the sound of her own voice's scream stops echoing in her head...Nikki moves her hands from over her ears to cover her face and she crumples into a heap and begins to sob uncontrollably.

Nikki stands on a stack of hay bales on the trailer of a flatbed truck and she has hay hooks in both hands. She jabs one on each end of a bale of hay and lifts the bale then tosses it to the ground below where one of the ranch hands loads it onto a hand trolley to be taken into the barn.  Nikki jabs another bale of hay with the hooks and send the bale to the ground. She continues to do this with three more bales then stops to let the ranch hand catch up.  Even though it is cold outside, Nikki wipes sweat from her forehead with the sleeve of her shirt.

Methos drives to Nikki's ranch to take a look at his horse. He slows down when he sees her near the barn unloading hay.

Methos: I hope that wasn't your lunch.

Methos teases Nikki with a soft chuckle.

Nikki feels a strong Immortal buzz and looks around. Seeing Methos' SUV she jumps waves then jumps down from the trailer. She lays her hooks on the trailer and tells one of the other hands to take over. As she walks up to Methos' car she removes her work gloves and uses them to wipe hay dust off of her clothes.

Nikki: Say what?

Nikki asks not hearing exactly what he said.

Methos: I've said I hope that wasn't your lunch.

Methos repeats while his smile widens.

Nikki: Haven't had lunch.

Nikki says with a grin.

Nikki: To what do I owe this unexpected visit?

Nikki asks as she stuffs her gloves into the back pocket of her jeans.

Methos: I came to take a look at Sultan, maybe ride for a while?

Methos says as he takes the car keys from the ignition. Then he opens the door and exits his car.

Methos: If it's alright with you that is.

Nikki: Of course it is.

Nikki says and playfully smacks Methos on the arm. She turns and looks around. Seeing one of the residents she puts her fingers in her mouth and lets out a shrill whistle. When the kid turns to look at her she tells him to bring Sultan out so his owner can saddle him.

Methos: No, set him free and let him come to me. I'm prepared.

Methos smirks as he pulls out a couple of carrots from his raincoat pocket.

Nikki: You sure?

Nikki questions a bit dubious.

Methos: Yes, I'm sure. I usually train my horses to come to me when I call them, you don't expect me to run faster than them, now do you?

Methos smirks waving the carrots in front of him.

Nikki: OK.

Nikki says with a shrug and calls out to the kid to tell him to take Sultan to the small paddock behind the barn and set him free.

Methos: It might take some trouble in the beginning but it pays back when they get the idea.

Methos puts the carrots on the hood of his car so he can take his raincoat with the sword. He moves to the trunk to hide it in there, when it's less likely to be seen.

Methos: Right, now I'm ready to ride.

Methos says as he closes the trunk of his car.

Nikki giggles and leads the way toward the barn. A cool breeze causes her to shiver so as she passes the fence post her rough out jacket is hanging on she grabs it and slips it on.

Methos follows Nikki towards the barn playing with the carrots on his hand.

Methos: I hope he's smart enough to learn fast, so I don't have to carry these all the time.

Methos murmurs as he follows Nikki.

As Nikki nears the barn she hears a horse's whinny and someone cry out in pain. The sounds are coming from behind the barn and Nikki breaks into a run.  She quickly notices that Methos' horse is not in the paddock and she looks around. Standing several yards away is the dapple gray stallion..his lead hanging loosely to the ground. His muscles are twitching and his eyes have a wild look in them.   Nikki begins to slowly walk towards the horse...her arms outstretched and palms facing the horse. She looks directly into the big stallion's eyes with a look of complete calm on her face.

Nikki: Shhhh.....it's OK big fella.....shhhh.....take​ it easy.

Nikki says in a soft and soothing voice as she slowly takes a step forward then another.

Nikki: Easy, boy.......easy. It's OK. Shhhh.

Methos stops watching the scene before him, Nikki is taking care of the horse so he moves to the boy to see if his injuries are bad.

Nikki continues to speak softly...never taking her eyes off of his. Their gazes seemed to be locked with one another as she slowly advances toward him.

Methos doesn't need to probe for long to see the boy as a broken arm, he tells one of the ranch hands to get some wood so they can splint his arm until the ambulance comes.

Nikki: Easy boy.....easy. No one's going to hurt you. Especially not me. Easy.....shhhh.

Nikki is now only a couple of feet from the Arabian. He paws at the ground nervously but never unlocks his gaze from Nikki's.

Methos side glances at Nikki and Sultan while he waits for the ranch hand to return. He notices she has managed to calm down the horse and is about to get him. He nods approvingly before he looks down at the boy again.

Nikki: Easy boy.....easy. It's alright.

Nikki says soothingly as she very slowly reaches out and instead of grabbing Sultan's lead she places her open hands close to his nose for him to smell.

Nikki: See? I'm not going to hurt you. OK?

Nikki says softly.  When Sultan doesn't step away from Nikki and has smelled her hands, she places one hand under his chin and the other just above his muzzle and steps closer...gently caressing his nose.

Nikki: There. It's OK. It's OK.

Nikki says soothingly. When she is sure that the stallion is calm she casually takes hold of his lead then step even closer so that she is standing under his neck. She reaches her arm up so that she is sort of hugging him and gently caresses his neck until she feels his muscles begin to relax.

When the ranch hand comes back with the wood, Methos explains the reluctant boy that the pain would ease once his arm is between the splints and manages to convince him to try that.

Nikki looks over at the paddock and decides that there is too much commotion going on there so she slowly leads Sultan into one of the other empty paddocks nearby. Once inside a paddock with the gate closed she unhooks the lead and lets the horse loose, slinging the lead rope over the top rung of the gate. Then she crawls through the rungs of the paddock's fence and heads for the injured boy.

Methos quickly finishes his work, trying not to hurt the boy more than necessary while he tries to remember the last time he had to do that to a patient He gives up with a sigh, playing house doctor was the last thing he was planning for today.

Nikki asks one of the ranch hands if anyone called the ambulance and when they all look at each other and it is determined that no one actually placed the call she instructs one of the men to take the ranch's truck and take the boy to the hospital...explaining that it will be quicker than waiting for the ambulance to come all the way out to the ranch. Then she asks the boy what happened.  The boy explains that when he opened the gate to the paddock the big stallion jumped back and startled him and when he tried to lead the horse into the paddock the stallion reared up and one of his hooves clipped the boy's shoulder and he fell backwards.

Nikki: Were you afraid of him?

Nikki asks softly. The boy simply nods his head.

Nikki: He sensed your fear. That's what made him nervous. That's why he reacted the way he did.

Nikki calmly explains to the boy.

Nikki: If you are ever afraid of any of the horses....leave them alone and come and tell someone. They can sense your fear and I'd rather not have you try to work with them while you're feeling afraid. OK?

Methos rolls his eyes as he straightens up, telling that to the boy now hardly helped. He already had a broken arm.

Methos: I don't think it's the time, Nikki. You tell him that when he's feeling better.

Nikki says with an understanding smile. She asks the boy if he is OK other than the injured arm and he nods and apologizes.

Nikki: Don't be sorry. This is how we learn. Just remember.....a broken arm isn't going to get you out of work.

Nikki says with a wink. The truck pulls up and the ranch hand gets out so Nikki steps aside to let them help the boy to the truck. She instructs the ranch hand to call her after the doctor has examined the boy and let her know how he is.

Nikki: OK...everyone back to work. Excitement's over.

Nikki says and walks out of the paddock. Halfway between the paddock where the boy got injured and the one Sultan is in a memory flashes through her head of the last time one of "her kids" got hurt and she begins to tremble. She walks over to the fence of one of the paddocks and leans against it trying to control her body's reaction.

Methos turns back when he realizes he forgot the carrots on the ground. He frowns when he sees Nikki trembling near the fence.

Methos: He's going to be OK, Dr. Adams took a look at him, remember?

Methos reminds her while he puts an arm over her shoulders to comfort her.

Methos: History is not repeating itself, OK?

Methos adds assuming she's thinking about the dead girl.

Nikki 's trembling has advanced to full blown shaking as adrenalin surges through her body and she leans against Methos...grateful for the comfort of his arm around her.

Nikki: I....I know. It's j...j..just that.....

Nikki stammers through chattering teeth. Unable to form words without stammering she gives up and turns to face Methos...burying her face against his chest.

Methos: To live is to take chances, people get accidents, cut themselves, get bruised, break bones...

Methos points out pulling her closer to him.

Methos: You can't protect them all the time.

Nikki: I....know.

Nikki says...her voiced muffled by Methos' chest. Slowly the adrenalin begins to run its course and her shaking begins to subside. But even after she has calmed down, Nikki hates to leave the warmth and comfort of his arms.

Methos: Then keep that in mind another time someone has an accident, it's only a matter of time in a ranch.

Methos says moving his hand up and down her back.

Methos: Damn, they can get hurt indoors, a ranch is twice as dangerous.

Nikki takes a deep breath, slowly pushes away from Methos and looks up at him.

Nikki: I know. I'm sorry to seem like I was so upset. I was just reacting to the adrenalin rush. I'm fine.

Nikki explains....hoping she sounds convincing.

Nikki: I think this incident was just like the straw that broke the camel's back after what happened yesterday.

Nikki says and turns to head for the paddock Sultan is in.

Methos: Adrenalin rush? Yeah right. I've seen you fight before and no you didn't tremble.

Methos looks at Nikki like he doesn't believe her.

Methos: So what happened yesterday?

Methos asks after Nikki, he picks up the carrots on the ground and follows her to Sultan's paddock.

Nikki waves nonchalantly over her shoulder without turning around.

Nikki: Oh...nothing earth shattering. I was just forced to kill a kid is all.

Methos walks faster so he can catch up to her and he doesn't have to talk too loud.

Methos: A kid? One of us?

Nikki: Yup.

Nikki says simply as she approaches Sultan's paddock. She walks up to the fence, climbs up on the bottom rung of the fence and clucks at the horse....holding her hand out over the fence.

Methos pats Sultan's nose when he comes to them giving him one of the carrots.

Methos: So how did it happen? Did he challenge you?

Nikki: Yeah. I was out for a run on the beach behind Amanda's place and you know that construction site down the beach from her condo? The one where they had to suspend work because they ran out of money?

Nikki says and looks over at Methos.

Methos: Yes, perfect place for a sword fight.

Methos nods still patting Sultan's nose.

Nikki: He was hiding out in one of the unfinished buildings. He was totally bent on taking my head so I had no choice.

Nikki explains with a shrug.

Nikki: I tried to talk him out of it but he had his mind made up and gave me no choice.

Nikki looks back at the horse.

Nikki: He said he became an Immortal 27 years ago the day before his 15th birthday.

Nikki adds unable to hide the sadness in her voice.

Methos side glances at Nikki disbelievingly for a moment.

Methos: So he wasn't a kid anymore.

Methos points out before he looks back at the horse.

Nikki: Not technically.....although​.....

Nikki does some quick math in her head....and fingers.

Nikki: ....42 is still a kid to you and me.

Methos: If he was old enough to challenge you he was old enough to take the results.

Nikki: All I can think of is....his teacher must be or was a total idiot. To convince him that the only way for him to survive the Game is to get as many Quickenings as possible instead of skill....and then to just put him out into the world like that.

Nikki shakes her head.

Methos: What makes you think his teacher wasn't his first Quickening? Happens all the time if the teacher is stupid enough.

Methos chuckles softly, he still wondered if it wasn't his case, he never met someone who was his first teacher.

Nikki: Yeah. Possibly.

Nikki says with a shrug.

Nikki: Wouldn't surprise me.  I guess I'm pretty lucky to have been found by someone who had morals....somewhat....or​ at least a sense of morality.....scruples.

Nikki says with a grin and looks over at Methos.

Nikki: Otherwise I may have turned out just like him. Or worse.

Nikki quickly glances around to make sure nobody is within earshot.

Nikki: Methos? Do you remember your teacher?

Nikki asks, laying her cheek on her hands which are folded on the top rung of the fence and looking at Methos.

Methos: No, I don't remember anything before my first Quickening, I've often wondered if it wasn't him.

Methos confesses with a soft chuckle.

Methos: If he was my first Quickening I assume we weren't friends.

Nikki: Soooo.....if you don't remember your teacher....how do you remember what he taught you?

Nikki asks curiously. She lifts her head up...still looking at him.

Methos: It's funny actually, just like mortals who get amnesia, you forget people and places but you don't forget the things you can do. Mortals don't forget to speak or walk when they have amnesia.

Methos shrugs beginning to pat Sultan's nose again.

Nikki nods.

Nikki: Yeah. You have a point.

Nikki agrees.

Nikki: That's another reason I feel lucky, I guess.

Nikki says stepping down from the fence but still looking at Methos.

Methos: Why's that?

Nikki: Since Amanda and I became best friends....I'll never forget her. No matter how old I get.

Nikki says with a smile.

Methos chuckles amused, shaking his head.

Methos: Well, I'd say the little vixen is kind of hard to forget anyway.

Nikki: Did you have any other teachers?

Nikki asks sincerely interested.

Methos: Of course, I've learned from the best swordsman who were willing to teach me. knowledge is power.

Methos shrugs indifferently

Methos: Actually I've learned everything that I could, not just sword fighting.

Nikki: Really? Like who? Anyone I might have heard of?

Nikki asks thinking how neat it would be to have Lancelot or King Arthur or Robin Hood as a teacher.

Methos: Hmm, I don't know if you've heard of them. Sun Tzu? Saladin?

Methos offers a few names looking back at Nikki.

Methos: I think you've heard of Julius Caesar?

Nikki: Sun Tzu I've heard of and yes....I think I recall something about Julius Caesar Didn't he create the first Caesar salad or something?

Nikki says jokingly.

Methos: The inventor of the Caesar salad was Caesar Cardini in 1924, so you see different Caesar.

Methos adds with a smirk.

Nikki makes a clucking noise with her tongue and turns away from him.

Nikki: No sense of humor. Is that what I have to look forward to when I'm 5000 years old? God. Kill me now.

Nikki says rolling her eyes.

Nikki: By the way.....

Nikki says turning back to look at him and stuffing her hands in her pocket.

Nikki: How did you like Claudia Jardin's concert?

Nikki asks with a mischievous twinkle in her green eyes.

Methos: Oh I loved it. I saw you there, I almost didn't recognize you.

Methos looks back at Nikki with a mischievous smile.

Methos: You looked beautiful.

Nikki blushes and looks down at the ground.

Nikki: Thank you.

Nikki looks back up at him.

Nikki: Why didn't you come over and say hi or something?

Methos: I was with Ally and you were with that guy, you know how I feel about that guy still working here.

Methos shrugs, while he thinks he's glad he still didn't show up.

Nikki: You know.....that's the first time I've ever seen you dressed up like that. I thought you only owned big bulky sweaters.

Nikki says teasingly.

Methos: I do, or better yet, Adam Pierson does.

Methos chuckles amused.

Methos: Had to get one for the occasion.

Nikki: You looked....very debonair.

Nikki says a bit shyly and looks down at the ground.

Methos: So did you. Maybe we could go out one of these days? It's a shame not to put them to use more often.

Methos suggests side glancing at Nikki to study her reaction.

Nikki: Debonair? Not exactly the look I was going for.

Nikki says looking up at him with a smarmy grin.

Methos: Hey if it's good enough for me, it's good enough for you.

Methos points out smiling at Nikki.

Nikki: So....are you serious about what you just asked?

Nikki asks a bit awkwardly. She mentally slaps herself thinking, "what's wrong with you? You know how to talk to men. Sheesh!".

Methos: Yes? We could go to... dinner, a concert, a walk on the beach, a picnic... though we probably don't have to dress formally to that.

Methos frowns like he's really considering it.

Methos: A film? A treasure hunt?

Methos keeps enumerating the things that they can do.

Nikki giggles and puts her hand up in surrender.

Nikki: OK. OK. Stop. Sure. I'd love to.

Methos: You'd love to do which one? All of the above?

Methos asks with an amused smirk.

Nikki: Whatever. You choose.

Nikki says, still laughing.

Methos: Forgot to mention a horse ride, should we try that first?

Methos suggests, Sultan is calm enough now and there shouldn't be any problem.

Nikki looks up at him with sparkling green eyes.

Nikki: That we don't have to wait to do. We can do that right now. You want to saddle Sultan out here or in the barn?

Nikki asks feeling surprisingly lighthearted.....as if she were floating. But she can't explain why.

Methos: Makes no difference to me.

Methos shrugs still patting Sultan nose and giving him another carrot.

Methos: Or him I think.

Nikki walks over to one of the larger corrals, goes up to the gate and puts her fingers in her mouth. She lets out a shrill whistle and a few seconds later her horse gallops up to the gate. She slips her fingers through his halter, opens the gate and leads him out.

Nikki: Meet you in the barn.

Nikki says happily and leads Blaze to the barn to saddle him.

Methos nods as he takes Sultan's lead so he can open the paddock. He's not carrying the saddle all the way over here if he doesn't have to.

Methos: Come on, boy. Let's take a walk.

Methos murmurs to the horse while he walks to the barn. As he walks a small voice inside his head starts bugging him as to why he just asked Nikki out on a date. He shakes his head and dismisses the idea.

Methos: Shut up, old man. She's a friend, I like my friend's company.

Methos murmurs under his breath as he enters the barn.

Duncan is in the Dojo (along with 3 or 4 of its members) and laying on one of the bench presses. He has the weight bar in his hands and slowly lifts it to the full extent of his arms' reach.

Methos stops his car in front of MacLeod's Dojo, and feels an Immortal buzz. He was thinking in going around to the back staircase but assumes MacLeod is down at the Dojo anyway. He locks the car and moves to the front door.

Duncan feels a strong Immortal buzz just as he is raising the bar for the 10th time and he stops and glances toward the Dojo door without actually turning his head.

Methos: Weight lifting. Sounds fun.

Methos says as he approaches the bench.

Duncan sees that the Immortal is Methos (which he had already assumed by the strength of the buzz) and he returns his attention back to what he is doing. He does 5 more repetitions then lifts the bar onto the weight rests and lets out a cleansing breath before sitting up and wiping the sweat from his face with the towel he has had draped behind his neck.

Methos: Don't tell me you do this everyday.

Methos sighs at the young Immortal's foolishness.

Duncan shakes his head as he gets to his feet.

Methos: Can't find anything better to do?

Duncan: Not EVERY day.

Duncan picks up his bottle of water and takes a long, deserved drink.

Duncan: You ought to try it. Might improve your disposition.

Duncan says, teasingly then heads for his office.

Methos: Probably would have the opposite effect.

Methos chuckles softly following MacLeod to his office.

Duncan gives Methos a look that is the combination of disdain and pity as he takes a seat in his desk chair.

Methos: Well, one would assume someone who owns a Dojo loves to exercise, don't know what I was expecting.

Methos shakes his head with a sigh, young Immortals were too much.

Duncan: So. Are you here for a specific reason or just to bust my chops for caring about the shape my body is in?

Duncan asks and quirks an eyebrow.

Methos: Hmm, actually I was wondering if everything is alright, I was at Claudia's Jardine concert and I didn't see you there.

Methos explains as he sits in one of the chairs in front of MacLeod's desk.

Methos: Can't believe you missed it, it was pretty good.

Duncan: Actually....she had sent me tickets for the concert but I had to go out of town at the last minute so I gave them to Nikki. No need for them to go to waste.

Duncan explains.

Duncan: You would have known that if you had gone with Nikki....so I am assuming you didn't?

Duncan asks looking up at Methos curiously.

Methos: No, I was there with Ally. Judge Everson to you.

Duncan: I know who Ally is.

Duncan says and rolls his eyes.

Duncan: You two have been joined at the hip ever since you met her.

Duncan adds partly teasingly.

Methos: Hmm, not really.

Methos chuckles amused remembering they met over 3,000 years ago.

Duncan shrugs.

Duncan: Just seems like when I see you at Joe's....she's sitting there with you.

Duncan says and refrains from winking slyly.

Methos: She also likes a drink at the end of work, what do you expect me to do, ask her to sit at another table? And why would I do that?

Methos shakes his head disbelievingly.

Duncan raises his hands in surrender.

Duncan: Hey....just yanking your chain, buddy. I didn't mean to hit a sore spot.

Duncan says apologetically.

Methos: Not a sore spot, but everybody is starting to see us as a couple.

Methos rolls his eyes, leaning back on the chair.

Methos: Just because we drink together?

Duncan: Not exactly a bad thing.

Duncan says with a shrug.

Duncan: Especially considering how attractive the lady is.

Duncan adds with a grin.

Methos manages to smile back at MacLeod even though he can't stop thinking about what's going on with Nikki. He resists the urge to smack his own head.
 
Duncan: So how was Claudia's concert?

Duncan asks in an attempt to change the subject before Methos gets ****ed.

Methos: Oh, it was pretty good. She was brilliant.

Methos repeats apparently MacLeod didn't hear the first time he'd mentioned it.

Duncan smiles...not even attempting to hide his pride.

Duncan: Of course she was.

Duncan says with the smile of a proud sponsor.

Duncan: So you did see Nikki at the concert?

Duncan asks as he removes the towel from behind his neck and tosses it on the top of the book case behind his desk.

Duncan: Good. I'm glad she decided to go.

Duncan adds and leans back in his chair.

Methos: Hmm yes, she was there with that foreman of hers.

Methos says studying MacLeod's reaction. that's what he's doing there in the first place.

Duncan frowns.

Duncan: Her foreman?

Duncan asks curiously.

Duncan: Really?

Methos: Yes, his name is Richard Williams.

Methos says refraining himself to tell MacLeod what that guy did working for her.

Duncan: Interesting.

Duncan says thoughtfully.

Methos: Interesting?

Methos frowns at MacLeod still studying him.

Methos: You mean you don't mind?

Duncan: Mind? Why would I mind? I just never pictured him as someone who would like the genre of music Claudia plays.

Duncan says with a nonchalant shrug.

Methos: I thought you and Nikki were dating or something.

Methos says trying to sound nonchalantly but still studying MacLeod.

Duncan gets to his feet and walks over to the small refrigerator. He opens it and takes out a bottle of cold water...holding it out to Methos in a silent invitation.

Duncan: We.....well....let's just say that we had a moment.

Duncan says casually as he uncaps the bottle and takes a thirsty drink of the ice cold water.

Duncan: But that's all it was.

Duncan says, leaving out the details, and returns to his chair and sits down.

Methos: Oh really? So you don't mind she dates other people?

Methos asks raising an eyebrow at MacLeod.

Duncan looks over at Methos and furrows his brow.

Duncan: Why would I mind?

Duncan asks, wondering what his friend is getting at.

Methos: Fine, just curious that's all.

Duncan shakes his head and looks directly into Methos' eyes.

Methos shrugs hoping to look like he didn't care about MacLeod's answer.

Duncan: Huh uh.

Duncan says completely serious.

Duncan: You have a reason for asking. What is it?

Duncan asks, knowing that the ancient Immortal has something more specific on his mind.

Methos takes a deep breath, he wasn't planning to tell this to MacLeod but he realizes that if he lies now MacLeod would be furious later.

Methos: Hmm, you know we went to Ireland together last year, right?

Duncan: Yes.

Duncan says simply and continues to look directly into Methos' eyes.

Methos: Ever since then I started to see her in a new light. But I don't want to get in the middle of you or anything, so...

Methos shrugs unsure how to go on.

Methos: I was planning to ask her out or something.

Duncan sits back in his chair a bit surprised by his friend's answer.

Duncan: A "new light"?

Duncan asks making quotation marks in the air.

Methos: Hmm, yes. I realize I was trying to treat her as a kid because she missed her father, but I saw them together and she already has a father.

Methos moves on the chair uncomfortably.

Methos: I'm not sure how to explain it.

Duncan clasps his hands behind his head and leans his chair back into a reclining position and lets out a long whistle.

Duncan: Wow! Have I been living with my head under a rock or something?

Duncan asks to no one in specific.

Duncan: I must have if I totally missed this.

Duncan says and shakes his head as if to clear it.

Duncan: And just how long has THIS been going on?

Duncan asks looking back at Methos.

Methos: Damn, I missed it until recently. I'm not surprised you did.

Methos takes a deep breath looking down.

Methos: I thought we were just friends, but you know what?

Methos asks looking up at MacLeod.

Duncan leans forward in his chair....completely interested in what his friend is saying.

Duncan: What?

Methos: I think there's so more to it than that.

Methos tries to explain gesturing a little with his hands.

Methos: I mean she managed to sneak under my defenses without me realizing it until it was too late.

Duncan leans back in his chair, nodding slowly.

Duncan: She does have a way of doing that.

Duncan says understandingly.

Duncan: So...just how "too late" is it?

Duncan asks making quotation marks in the air.

Methos: Yeah, tell me about it.

Methos nods in agreement.

Methos: The only reason I don't try to take whatever relationship we have to the next level is because I don't want to scare her off or something.

Methos shrugs trying to look unconcerned.

Duncan leans forward again and clears his throat.

Duncan: Are you....

Duncan starts to say and hesitates...not sure if he even has the right to finish his question.

Methos: Am I what, MacLeod?

Methos asks after a while when the rest of the question doesn't come.

Duncan clears his throat again a bit awkwardly.

Duncan: Just how serious is this for you?

Duncan asks...rewording his question.

Methos: You think I'd have all this trouble on lust?

Methos shakes his head disbelievingly.

Methos: That's the first thing I made sure of when I realized she was getting to me. To make sure I wasn't seeing too much because of lust.

Methos shakes his head again at MacLeod's question.

Duncan looks down at the floor, thoughtfully, for several silent seconds. Leaning his forearms on his thighs, Duncan looks back over at Methos.

Duncan: OK. As I said....Nikki and I had a moment.

Duncan says softly.

Duncan: Because of that....and because you are BOTH my friends....GOOD friends.....

Duncan says and takes a deep breath for effect.

Methos: Yes?

Methos urges MacLeod to go on wondering why he was taking so long.

Duncan: ....I feel it is important that I say something. And if I am over stepping any boundaries....just take what I am about to say in the spirit it is offered....advice to a good friend.

Duncan takes a second to organize his thoughts then continues.

Duncan: Nikki is a very special lady. She's not only beautiful and very intelligent with an awesome sense of humor but she has a huge heart and the capacity to love intensely She is probably one of the most loyal friends I have known. That being said.....she has one....and I hate to call it a flaw....but she has one "flaw".

Duncan says making quotation marks in the air.

Duncan: She wouldn't take a second thought or blink twice about facing another one of us....no matter how much more experienced or stronger they are. But she will turn and run away....leaving skid marks on the heart of anyone who asks her for a more permanent commitment.

Duncan explains.

Methos: Yeah, I know. Her actions speak louder than words.

Methos nods in agreement.

Methos: Refusing to take a student is a sign of it.

Duncan shakes his head.

Duncan: I thought you knew her better than that.

Duncan says observantly.

Duncan: Her reasons for never having taken a student have nothing to do with her fear of commitment.

Duncan explains.

Methos: Well I wasn't planning to have a relationship with her, now was I?

Methos shrugs unconcerned thinking about Craig.

Duncan: She hasn't taken on a student because she feels that there are more qualified Immortals than she to teach.

Methos: When she turned down that guy, Craig something, I thought it was because of you.

Duncan: Me???!

Duncan exclaims...obviously shocked.

Methos: Why not? You two were going out about that time.

Methos chuckles softly shaking his head.

Methos: And then you weren't, and then you were and then you weren't... Should I go on?

Duncan's face reddens slightly. He chuckles softly and looks down at the floor for a couple of seconds.

Duncan: I'm a bit of a slow learner....I guess.

Duncan says...his disappointment only slightly showing. Then he looks back up at Methos.

Duncan: Basically....Nikki's fear of commitment is limited to the kind of commitment that involves a relationship with someone. And not just Immortals. As soon as she hears the words, "I love you," she is packed and ready to leave the country....no...the planet.

Methos: Don't worry I'm not planning to push her too much. I had to move fast with Alexa but she was dying so it was different.

Methos says deciding he's not going to comment on MacLeod's disappointed remark.

Methos: We have time to figure it out.

Duncan sits back in his chair and looks up at the clock on the wall behind him. He looks out the window into the Dojo and sees that it is now empty.

Duncan: Well....I have to close the Dojo up....so....if you want to stick around I will buy you a beer...or more at Joe's.

Duncan says as he gets to his feet.

Methos: I'll meet you there, I need to go somewhere first.

Duncan smiles and nods.

Duncan: You got it, pal. Meet you there.

Duncan says and walks out of his office. He grabs the push broom that is leaning against the wall next to his office door and starts to push it around the Dojo floor.

Methos jumps to his feet when he sees the time.

Methos: OK, I should be there in about an hour.

Methos nods checking his watch again.

Methos: I had no idea it was so late.

Duncan: In some parts of the universe it is early....not late.

Duncan says jokingly.

Methos shakes his head as he walks to the door, then he turns back for a moment stopping near MacLeod.

Duncan stops pushing his broom and looks at Methos.

Methos: Oh, and thanks for the advice... Dad.

Methos tells him with a smirk before moving to the door.

Duncan chuckles, shaking his head.