Author Topic: QUANDARIES (Completed) (Read 527 times)

Cyberfox277 · « **on:** November 13, 2011, 09:36:19 pm »

Nikki lets herself into Amanda's condo using her key.

[Nikki] Mand? You here?

Nikki calls out even though she doesn't feel the female Immortal. A bit disappointed that she has missed seeing her best friend before she took off for her annual "vacation" to Paris to pay her respects to her teacher, Rebecca's grave, Nikki closes and locks the front door. She kicks off the high heels she has been wearing all day, sets her brief case next to the end of the sofa and goes into the kitchen and checks the refrigerator to see what is available to fix for dinner. With the fridge's contents committed to memory she heads for Amanda's master bathroom. Nikki turns on the water in the big sunken spa/tub, adjusts the temperature then goes into the master bedroom and collects a few aromatic candles. She turns on the stereo in the bedroom and puts in one of the CDs she has left here for times like this when she opts to stay in the city instead of going back to the ranch. The CD is of Native American flute music. Nikki adjusts the volume so that the music is soft and relaxing and takes the candles into the bathroom and sets them around the marble sides of the tub. She lights them, pours bubble bath into the tub and proceeds to get undressed. She snaps her fingers as she remembers something and heads back down the hall towards the kitchen, wrapping her hair in a towel as she goes. She takes a cucumber out of the fridge and slices two "disks", replaces the remaining cucumber back in the fridge and returns to the bathroom. Nikki shuts off the water and steps into the tub and sits down. Placing the cucumber slices on each eye she lays back in the tub, slides down so she is submerged in the hot water up to her neck and lays her head on the back of the tub and begins to relax.

Duncan turns down left down the street on his way to Amanda's condo. The T-Bird is beginning to smell a bit like the fish he bought to make California rolls for he and Amanda as a surprise. He pulls up to the condo. He shuts the engine off, grabs the bag and gets out. He thumbs through his keys and finds Amanda's condo key.

Nikki gets so relaxed that she begins to doze off.

Duncan walks up to the door and unlocks it. He opens the door and immediately feels the buzz

Nikki suddenly feels an Immortal buzz. Knowing that Amanda is out of town she quickly becomes alert and looks around the bathroom to see what her options are.

[Nikki] Damn!

Nikki whispers realizing that her sword is in the bedroom. She quickly gets out of the tub...dripping bubbles over the floor and hides behind the bathroom door.

Duncan reaches the bathroom and peers in the open door. He sees the bathtub full of water. "Where is Amanda? He thinks to himself.

Duncan walks through the bathroom door.

Nikki quickly delivers a kick to the intruder's abdomen.

Duncan slumps over and stumbles toward the bathtub. "Ooofff!"

Nikki swiftly delivers a forceful kick to the man's butt.

Duncan drops the grocery bag as he falls face first into the bathtub.

Nikki darts into the bedroom...grabs her sword and returns to the bathroom. She stands over the tub with the tip of her blade positioned so that when the intruder surfaces her blade will be at his throat.

Duncan comes up and sees the sword poised at his throat. He sees a familiar face peering at him.

[Duncan] Nikki??? What are you doing here?

Nikki looks down at her intruder. As the bubbles from the bath fade from his face she begins to recognize the man in her tub and her mouth falls open in surprise.

[Nikki] Duncan? Duncan MacLeod?

Nikki says incredulously.

Duncan realizing he is in no danger, he drops his hands.

Nikki lets her sword drop. It clangs against the marble floor. She holds out her hand to help him out of the tub.

[Nikki] I can't believe it. You're still alive.

Nikki says and realizes how lame that sounds.

Duncan takes her hand. "You had a higher opinion of my skills when we spent the night together."

[Nikki] I....

Nikki starts to say something and suddenly can't think of anything to say.

Duncan steps out of the tub. He reaches for the whole fish on the floor.

[Nikki] What are you doing here?

Nikki asks as she pulls him out of the soapy water. She suddenly realizes that she is stark naked and her cheeks redden as she fumbles for a towel to wrap herself in.

[Duncan] Surprising Amanda with sushi, but I guess that's not an option.

Duncan tosses fish at Nikki. "Nice to see you Nikki."

[Nikki] What?

Nikki says as she wraps a towel around herself.

Nikki ducks the flying fish and in the process drops the towel that has been wrapped around her.

[Nikki] Hey!!!!

Nikki tries to retrieve it but is too slow to react and it falls to the floor at her feet.

Duncan leers at her. "Yeah nice to see all of you, and still a natural redhead.

Duncan grabs a towel and wipes his head off. "I just bought this shirt."

Nikki bends down and retrieves her towel.

[Nikki] You know Amanda?

Nikki asks shocked at his revelation.

[Duncan] Way to turn the other cheek Nikki.

[Nikki] Shut up.

Nikki giggles embarrassed.

[Duncan] For centuries. She never mentioned me?

Nikki picks up the fish he had thrown at her and lobs it in his direction.

Duncan catches it and tosses the fish in the tub. "Go for a swim."

Nikki walks into the bedroom and looks in Amanda's closet for a robe.

[Nikki] How long have you known Amanda?

Nikki calls from inside Amanda's huge walk in closet.

[Duncan] A few centuries. Were you one of her students?

Duncan drips on the bathroom floor.

Nikki emerges from the closet now wearing one of Amanda's silk robes. She grabs a brush from Amanda's dresser and quickly brushes her hair.

[Nikki] As a matter of fact I was. Then we became best friends.

Nikki sets the brush down.

[Nikki] So....did you know her before you and I met?

[Duncan] Wow. She never mentioned you. You'd think a natural redhead would stand out.

Nikki asks looking at him.

Duncan says sarcastically.

[Duncan] The first time I met her she was with Rebecca Horne.

[Nikki] You obviously have a key to her condo so you guys must be pretty good friends.

[Duncan] You could say that.

Nikki goes back into the bathroom and proceeds to let the water out of the tub. Using her towel she tries to mop up the soapy mess on the floor.

[Nikki] Really?

Duncan unbuttons his shirt, removes it, and wrings it out in the tub.

Nikki she says but quietly....more to herself than to him. Her mind is racing as she puts the pieces together She makes a mental note to have a long talk with her best friend upon her return.

Duncan hangs his shirt over the edge of the tub. "Really Nikki."

[Nikki] So....you came to Seacouver just to visit Mand? I mean Amanda?

Nikki asks fishing for more information.

[Duncan] I have a Dojo here.

[Nikki] Here? In Seacouver? Did you just buy it or something?

Nikki asks as she puts the damp towel in the hamper.

[Duncan] I've been here quite a while.

Nikki stops in her tracks and looks at him incredulously.

[Nikki] Are you serious?

[Duncan] As a heart attack.

[Nikki] Unbelievable.

[Duncan] I don't want to drip on the carpet, can you get me one of my robes from the closet?

Nikki mumbles as she picks her sword up off the floor and carries it into the bedroom.

[Nikki] One of your....?

Nikki starts to say then stops. She shakes it off and shrugs. She goes into Amanda's closet and sure enough....finds a man's silk robe hanging there. She returns with it and hands it to Duncan.

[Duncan] Thanks.

[Nikki] No problem.

Nikki says trying to sound nonchalant.

Duncan starts to remove his shoes and socks and sets them next to the tub.

[Duncan] What brings you to Seacouver Nikki?

Nikki needs to remove herself from what is seeming more like a confusing dream...so she walks out of the bedroom and heads for the kitchen.

Duncan takes advantage of her absence and removes his jeans and underwear and sets them on the tub for the moment. He puts the robe on and cinches the belt tightly around his waist.

[Nikki] I live here.

Nikki calls back over her shoulder.

[Nikki] For 4 years now.

[Duncan] I'm surprised we haven't crossed paths before today.

Nikki is in the kitchen and proceeds to go about making a pot of coffee just to have something to do.

[Nikki] You took the words right out of my mouth.

Nikki mumbles to herself. To Duncan she says, "Since you threw your dinner around the bathroom....are you hungry? I can fix something.

Duncan walks out into the kitchen and takes a seat at the table.

Duncan smiles. "Sure, I'm starving."

Nikki opens the fridge and looks in it to see what Amanda has that she can make a meal out of.

[Nikki] Let's see.....there's what looks like tuna salad....

[Duncan] On second thought, since I was going to fix sushi, why don't I make it up to you and take you to dinner?

Nikki pulls out a Tupperware container and lifts the lid. She wrinkles her nose and quickly closes it...putting it back in the fridge.

[Nikki] I have no idea what that was. Something with a lot of fuzz on it. So....

Nikki turns to look at him.

[Nikki] So....sure. But.....I doubt we'll get very far dressed in robes.

Nikki 's eyes have a mischievous twinkle in them

[Duncan] I'll go grab my clothes and pop them in the dryer.

[Nikki] Ummmmm.....I thought you said you knew Amanda?

Nikki says with a snicker.

[Duncan] Believe it or not, Amanda has domesticated a bit. There is actually a washer/dryer here.

Nikki doesn't remember ever seeing one but she shrugs.

[Nikki] If you say so.

Nikki says and heads for the bedroom to get dressed herself.

Duncan gets up and heads for the bathroom. He gathers up his wet clothes. His shoes did not appear too wet. He goes down the hall and pops the clothes in the dryer. Duncan goes back down to the kitchen. He notices the coffee is close to ready. He pulls the pot out and the brew delay stops the brewing. He pours himself a cup.

[Duncan] Nikki, did you want any coffee?

Nikki gets dressed and walks over to Amanda's vanity and sits down. As she applies a little makeup she stops and stares at her own reflection. Since discovering who her intruder was her mind has been reeling so fast that she hasn't had a chance to realize just WHO he is.

[Nikki] No thanks.

Nikki calls out absentmindedly. To her reflection she mutters, "Duncan. It's really Duncan," and suddenly her reflection fades and she is no longer looking at herself.

****FLASHBACK****

Pacific Northwest – 1883

Nikki It was past midnight when Nicayla quietly dug up the newly filled in grave and opened the simple pine box. As she removed the sheets that was wrapped around the body, the Immortal opened his eyes and gasped for air. “Shhh,” Nikki whispered and placed her fingers over his mouth “Come on but stay low.” She whispered and finished unwrapping the sheet, freeing his body. She climbed out of the grave and looked around to make sure that no one was observing them then motioned for him to follow her. Duncan climbed out of the coffin and grave and, crouching down, followed Nicayla to the back of the graveyard and through the fence. Duncan climbed out of the coffin and grave and, crouching down, followed Nicayla to the back of the graveyard and through the fence. Nikki led him into a thicket of trees a few feet behind the graveyard where she had two horses tied. She quickly untied both horses, climbed up on hers and held the reins of the other one out for Duncan. Duncan took the reins and mounted the horse. Nikki nudged her horse and took the lead. With Duncan following she headed for her cabin. It was far enough outside of town and remote enough that she knew it would be the safest place to take him and give him time to “regroup”. When they arrived she rode straight into the barn behind her cabin and got off of her horse. Duncan followed Nikki into the barn and dismounted. Nikki tied both horses up inside the barn and led Duncan outside, closing the barn door behind them then led him into her cabin. Once inside she took off her duster and hung it on a hook by the door. She removed her holster and hung it up next to her duster then went over to the fireplace and proceeded to light a fire. Duncan stood inside the door and watched Nikki Once the fire was lit he was able to see more of his surroundings and he looked around. He had been in Centerville for a month...getting to know the lady sheriff, Nicayla Flynn, and this was the first time he been in Centerville for a month...getting to know the lady sheriff, Nicayla Flynn, and this was the first time he had ever been to her cabin. It was a simple two room structure...one room being the kitchen and the other...the living room and bedroom. The focal point was the huge river rock double sided fireplace situated in the center of the large main room. One one side of the fireplace was the bedroom and on the other side...the side they were on...was the living room. One entire wall was filled with book shelves and each shelf was filled with books. Duncan walked over and examined the spines of those illuminated by the fire. He was impressed by the variety of subjects. On the wall across from the books hung a variety of Native American items and he recognized most of them as being from the Lakota, Sioux tribe. When Nikki was sure that the fire was going to sty lit she stood up from the hearth and went around the fireplace into the “bedroom” and returned with some clothes neatly folded. She took them over to Duncan and handed them to him.

[Nikki] I took these out of your pack before our doctor slash coroner came to your hotel room to take your belongings. You can change in there.

Nikki said pointing to the bedroom.

[Nikki] There is water in the pitcher on the vanity at the foot of the bed and a towel on the hook next to it if you want to wash up. Oh....and I managed to get this, too.

Nikki said and walked over to the couch. She picked up something wrapped in a blanket, unwrapped it and held it out to Duncan.

Duncan smiled when he the contents of the blanket turned out to be his Katana. He walked over and took hold of the hilt and looked into Nikki's eyes.

[Duncan] Thank you.

Duncan said with a smile.

[Nikki] And you can have the horse you rode here. Are you hungry? I could fix you something to eat if you are.

Nikki asked as she stepped aside so he could go into the bedroom to change clothes.

[Duncan] No thank you.

Duncan answered politely and headed for the other side of the fireplace.

[Nikki] How about something to drink? I have a bottle of Irish Whiskey, some lemonade or I could make some tea or coffee.

Duncan smiled as he removed the shirt he had been wearing when he was shot and buried.

[Duncan] I guess some whiskey does sound good right now.

Duncan called out over his shoulder as he poured water from the pitcher on the vanity into the matching bowl and picked up the bar of soap from the small dish next to it.

[Nikki] Whiskey it is, then.

Nikki said and walked over to a hutch against the front wall. She squatted down in front of it and opened the doors. She took out a bottle of whiskey and stood up. Taking two shot glasses out of the top cabinet and filled each with the amber colored liquid.

[Nikki] You know.....you didn't need to do what you did. I could have taken him.

Nikki called out over her shoulder as she poured the whiskey.

[Nikki] I've taken faster than him.

Nikki took one of the glasses and downed the whiskey in one shot and refilled it.

[Nikki] I didn't get to be the sheriff of Centerville because I was a helpless female, you know.

Nikki said with a slight giggle.

Duncan pulled the towel off of the hook and dried his face and chest. He snickered at Nikki's remark. He knew that she had a point but he had acted on instinct....at least what was instinctive to him....when he stepped between the young gunslinger and Nikki. It was in his nature to be protective of the fairer sex....no matter how capable they might be of taking care of themselves. It has always been his way and he doubted seriously that it would ever change.

Nikki picked up the two glasses and turned around. She took in a deep breath, walked over and stood next to the double sided fireplace, leaning against it. She watched Duncan dry off admiringly.

As Duncan lowered the towel from his face to his chest he turned around and looked surprised to see Nikki leaning against the side of the fireplace, watching him and he stood almost frozen in place.

Nikki held out one of the glasses for him.

[Nikki] You know they wanted to put you on ice and try and locate your family before deciding to bury you. Our doctor slash coroner tends to like to do that to strangers who die in the city limits. That would mean that he would have to drain your body of all your blood and sew your lips, eyelids and....

Nikki cleared her throat uncomfortably.

[Nikki] ....other orifices shut. They call it an autopsy. He learned about it a year ago and uses it every chance he can.

Duncan winced as he thought about the prospect.

[Nikki] Luckily I was able to convince them that you had no family to contact....that you were a drifter with no ties and that you should just be buried and be done with it.

Duncan stepped over and took the glass she was offering him.

[Duncan] Thanks. I appreciate that.

Duncan said with a small smile. He took a swig of his drink and hung the towel back on the hook. He walked over to the bed and started to unfasten the pants he was wearing,

Nikki then remembered that Nikki was still standing there so he stopped and turned around expecting to see her still leaning against the side of the fireplace.

Nikki watched Duncan hang the towel back up and walk over to the bed and she could no longer help herself. She emptied her glass in one shot and walked soundlessly up behind Duncan.

Duncan was completely taken aback to find Nikki standing behind him only inches away.

Nikki reached out and placed the palms of her hands against Duncan's chest and slowly ran then down his washboard abs. She slowly raised her eyes from his chest to his face.

Duncan looked down into her eyes and could see the desire in them. He placed his hands gently on either side of her face and leaned down, touching his lips softly to hers.

Nikki responded by returning his kiss, passionately, and gently pushing him backwards toward the bed.

As the back of Duncan's legs touched the edge of the bed, he began to unbutton Nikki's shirt and as he fell backwards onto the bed he slipped it off of her shoulders and grabbed her by the waist,

Nikki pulling her down on top of him. He proceeded to make passionate love to her then lay next to her in the fire light, holding her in his arms. He smelled her hair and tried to figure out what fragrance he was smelling.

Nikki could hear Duncan as he sniffed her hair and she smiled, cuddling up next to him tighter.

[Nikki] Gardenias and vanilla.

Nikki said so softly her voice was almost a whisper.

[Nikki] I make it myself and add it to my soaps

Duncan leaned his head back a bit and looked down at her.

[Duncan] Really.

Nikki leaned her own head back and looked into his face and nodded

[Duncan] Where did you learn that from?

Duncan asked sincerely interested.

Nikki moved her head back to the position it was so that she could see the fire in the fireplace.

[Nikki] I woke up from my first death in a Lakota village. Their Shaman, Ska Wabli (White Eagle), and his wife, Sa Hanhepi We (Red Moon), sort of adopted me. I lived among them...learned from them for 5 years. It was something that Sa Hanhepi We taught me. She used to say, “A wiya cante hecha el mna lecel a wicasa.”

Nikki snickered softly at the memory.

[Duncan] A woman does not have to smell like a man.

Duncan translated and smiled.

Nikki raised up on one elbow and looked at Duncan a bit surprised.

[Nikki] You speak Lakota?

Duncan turned his head and looked at her. He nodded.

[Duncan] We have something else in common besides being Celtic.

Duncan smiled.

[Nikki] And Immortal.

They both laughed at that. Then Nikki leaned over and kissed him tenderly.

Duncan returned her kiss, rolled her onto her back and proceeded to make love to her again...this time with tenderness. They continued to make love to each other...talking in between...sharing small tidbits about each other...until the first ray of sunlight touched the sky, turning it from black to a deep violet, and the song of the first morning bird could be heard.

Nikki realized that the sun would be up soon as she laid in Duncan's arms listening to the rhythm of his heart beating. She moved her head so her voice wouldn't be muffled by his chest and said in a soft voice, “the cover of darkness will be gone soon.”

Duncan kissed the top of her head. He knew all too well what time it was and he knew that...as much as he wanted to stay...he was going to have to move on....move on to someplace that didn't think he was dead and buried It was something he had done many times in the past but this time ...like a couple of others...he wished he didn't have to and he inwardly cursed himself for being so damn chivalrous. If he hadn't been he could stay....make a life here in Centerville...a life with Nicayla. He wasn't sure when it had happened but sometime during the last month he had fallen in love with the lady sheriff of Centerville He didn't know if she felt the same way as he had never told her how he felt ...but he thought that she did by the way she had just made love to him. He gently pulled her away from him and looked into her emerald eyes.

[Duncan] I wish....

Duncan began to say.

Nikki reached up and placed her fingers against Duncan's lips and shook her head.

[Nikki] You know that you have to go.

Nikki whispered.

[Duncan] Come with me.

Duncan said so softly he was almost whispering. He reached up and traced the line of her jaw with the tip of his finger.

Nikki raised up and gave him a brief and tender kiss. The invitation was a tempting one. She had never been in love before. She had only heard about being in love from listening to other people talk about it. Nikki had never imagined herself ever feeling like that about anyone. Until that night....as she was digging out the grave he had been buried in...she hadn't realized that she had fallen in love with Duncan MacLeod. After having making such beautiful love all night long with him she knew it for sure and would have gladly ridden away with him except for one thing. She sighed and lowered her eyes, sadly.

[Nikki] I can't.

Nikki whispered.

[Duncan] Why not?

Duncan asked trying to hide his disappointment not only from her but from himself. He placed his finger under Nikki's chin and raised her face up so he could see it.

Nikki looked into Duncan's eyes and a tear trickled down her cheek. She closed her eyes.

[Nikki] I took an oath....swore my allegiance to these people. I have a responsibility to them. I can't just run out on them. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did.

Nikki opened her eyes and looked at him...hoping that he understood.

[Nikki] I'm sorry.

Nikki said sadly and another tear trickled down her other cheek.

Duncan searched her face. A part of him understood. He had always prided himself as being a man of honor. Someone who lived up to his responsibilities....who made good on the promises he made. He understood what it was to have a sense of duty. But there was a part of him....a more selfish part...that wanted nothing more than to convince her to leave with him. As he placed the palm of his hand against her cheek and brushed her tear away with his thumb he came to the realization that it wouldn't be right of him to ask that of her. He swallowed hard against the lump that had grown in his throat. Without a word he leaned over and kissed her tear stained cheeks, then her forehead. “I love you, Nicayla Flynn,” he thought to himself, but never said it allowed. He got out of bed and got dressed in silence.

Nikki watched Duncan as he got dressed...trying to will away her conscience so that she could accept his invitation but her conscience was too strong.

When Duncan was dressed and ready to go he sat on the edge of Nikki's bed and looked down at her.

Nikki sat up and put her arms around his neck.

[Nikki] Niye mani el maste ohinyan.

Nikki whispered against his neck then let go of him. (May you walk in sunshine forever.)

Duncan swallowed hard again and got to his feet. He picked up his sword which he had leaned against the side of the fireplace and turned to look at her one last time then

Nikki hurried for the door and walked out of the cabin before he could change his mind. She waited until she heard the door of her cabin close and she got up and wrapped a blanket around herself. She went to the door of the cabin and opened it, stepping out onto the porch and looked in the direction of the barn.

Duncan mounted the horse Nikki had told him he could have and rode it out of the barn just as the sky turned from deep violet to a pale blue and wisps of yellow could be seen over the tops of the mountains behind the meadow the cabin was in. Without looking at the cabin, Duncan urged his horse into a cantor and rode out of the meadow and into his future.

Nikki watched as Duncan MacLeod rode out of her life.

****PRESENT DAY****

Nikki becomes aware of her surroundings with a slight shudder. She takes in a deep breath and shakes her head to clear it.

[Nikki] So....here you are.

Nikki says to herself softly.

[Nikki] And here he is.

Nikki puts the finishing touches on her make up and quickly brushes her hair.

[Nikki] So what are you going to do about it, Flynn? Hmmm?

Duncan hears the dryer buzzer go off.

Nikki takes one last look in the mirror, gets up, grabs her sword and coat off of the chair by the bed and heads out of the bedroom and into the living room.

Duncan gets up and walks down the hall to the dryer and opens the door. He reaches in for his clothes. "Ah, nice and dry." He gathers them up and walks back to the bathroom and closes the door. Duncan dresses quickly and heads back down to the kitchen.

In the living room, Nikki walks over to the sliding glass door and looks out past the balcony to the beach below.

[Nikki] You got some splainin to do Miss Amanda.

Nikki says aloud to the glass door.

Duncan sits down and sips his coffee again.

Nikki hears Duncan sit down and turns to look at him.

[Nikki] I thought we were going out?

Nikki asks quirking an eyebrow.

Duncan gets up quickly. "Ready when you are. At least we don't have holsters and Colts to worry about."

Nikki lowers her eyes and her cheeks color. She giggles softly as she walks up to Duncan.

[Nikki] We? If I remember correctly....and I'm sure I do....I was the only one carrying a weapon. I had to take yours away when you first came to town. It was a city ordinance.

Nikki looks up at him and smiles smugly

[Nikki] Remember?

[Duncan] Seems like you're always messing with my clothes. And this time it wasn't my Colt, it was my sushi.

[Nikki] A dead fish can be just as dangerous as a loaded revolver, Mr. MacLeod.

Nikki says sounding very much like she did when she was the sheriff.

[Duncan] Well Madame Sheriff, will it be sushi or some other food related weapon?

[Nikki] To be honest....

Nikki says as she slips on her coat.

[Nikki] I've never been too fond of raw fish. I'm more a beef gal. How about we compromise and go to the Warf Surf and Turf Club?

[Duncan] Sounds good.

[Nikki] Lead the way, MacLeod.

Nikki says as she opens the front door and holds it open. She bows gallantly.

Duncan walks out the front. "Yes ma'am and this time I get to walk out with my clothes on.

Nikki can't keep from bursting into laughter as she locks and closes the door behind them and follows Duncan.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2011, 09:55:28 pm »

Nikki is sitting at a table in a back corner of Joe's Bar doodling in a water droplet on the table from the condensation on her drink. She is deep in thought.

Craig pulls into the parking lot of Joe's Bar, parks his SUV, gets out and heads for the front door. As he approaches it he feels an Immortal buzz and tenses.

Nikki feels the buzz of another Immortal and merely glances toward the door.

Craig reaches for the door handle and pulls the door open and steps inside. He quickly looks around and sees that there are only a few people in the bar. A table with three men near the stage, one man at the bar and then he sees Nikki in the back corner sitting by herself. He relaxes and walks over to the bar, watching Nikki out of the corner of his eye.

Nikki sees that it is Craig that is coming into the bar and goes back to what she was doing.

Craig can see that Nikki is deep in thought and not at all concerned about his entrance so he takes a seat on a bar stool and orders a draft. As he sips the frosty ale he watches Nikki in the mirror behind the bar. After a few minutes he decides that the lady needs a diversion....or at least somebody to talk to so he picks up his mug and a bowl of peanuts that is sitting next to him and walks over to Nikki's table.

[Craig] This seat taken?

Craig asks placing his hand on the back of the empty chair across from her. He smiles warmly.

Nikki looks up and shrugs.

[Nikki] Looks empty to me.

Nikki says with a half smile.

[Nikki] But I warn you....I may not be very good company right now.

Craig pulls the chair out and takes a seat, setting his beer and the bowl of peanuts on the table.

[Craig] Now I find that very hard to believe.

Craig says light heartedly.

Nikki shrugs again.

[Nikki] Suit yourself.

Nikki says simply and takes a sip of her drink.

[Craig] You know.....I've tried to call you several times since our dinner a couple of weeks ago but I only get your voice mail. Do you ignore your messages from everyone or just me?

Craig asks halfway teasing.

Nikki reaches out and grabs a handful of peanuts from the bowl Craig had brought and pops a couple in her mouth. She gives him a smarmy smirk.

[Nikki] I have been ignoring everyone lately.

Nikki says and takes a sip of her drink.

[Nikki] Things have been chaotic at the ranch so when I get some time to myself I just want to shut off the whole entire world.

Nikki looks at him and manages a small smile.

[Nikki] Sorry about that. Please don't take it personal.

Nikki says sincerely and pops a few more peanuts into her mouth.

[Craig] Something tells me that it's not the ranch that has you so deep in thought today.

Craig says observantly and sincerely concerned.

[Nikki] You read minds now?

Nikki smirks at him and pops a few more peanuts into her mouth then chases them down with a sip of her drink.

Craig shrugs.

[Craig] Oh....I have been known to dabble in the psychic arts.

Craig says jokingly.

[Nikki] Have ya now?

Nikki says...her Irish accent coming through a bit.

Craig leans forward and folds his arms on the table. He looks into Nikki's emerald green eyes and nods.

[Craig] You know sometimes it helps to have a sounding board.

Craig says softly.

[Nikki] I have a sounding board. At home. His name is Blaze. He is a very good listener.

Nikki says sarcastically.

[Craig] I've met him. He may be a good listener but he isn't much for giving feedback.

Craig jokes.

[Nikki] Says you.

Nikki says and sticks her tongue out at Craig.

[Craig] Seriously, Nikki.....I thought we had become good enough friends that you were comfortable talking to me. Have I been wrong all this time?

Craig says wondering if he had misread her signals the last few times they had spent time together. He sincerely hoped not as he had become quite fond of the spirited redhead.

Nikki looks across the table at Craig and can see the sincerity in his eyes. She shakes her head and smiles warmly.

[Nikki] No. You haven't. I'm sorry, Craig. I just have a lot on my mind.

[Craig] Apology accepted.

Craig takes a sip of his beer.

[Craig] Why don't you tell me what's bothering you? It might help. If it doesn't you haven't lost anything.....right?

Nikki looks at him and can see the warmth and friendliness in his eyes. She had gotten close to him during the few dates they had been on. He had been the first man to have been able to make a dent in her protective armor (besides Methos) in over 100 years. In fact....on their last date....a pleasant afternoon picnic....she had shared a few things about her she had only shared with two other people....Amanda and Methos. Craig had been understanding and hadn't judged her.....accepting and sympathetic. And he, too, had shared his past with her. He had been a perfect gentleman...and at the end of the date she looked forward to the next time.

[Nikki] OK.

Nikki says finally.

[Nikki] I'm in a bit of a quandary

Craig winces.

[Craig] Oh. Quandaries are serious business.

Craig says in a friendly yet teasing tone of voice.

[Nikki] Yeah. Especially when they involve your best friend.

Nikki agrees and takes another sip of her drink.

Craig takes a sip of his beer and grabs a handful of peanuts. He pops them into his mouth, one at a time and chews them slowly as he listens intently to what Nikki is saying.

[Nikki] Amanda and I have been best friends of over 100 years.

Nikki says quietly so as not to be overheard.

[Nikki] Almost like sisters. We've shared a lot. She probably knows me as well as I do if not a little better. We're not inseparable by no means. She does her thing and I do mine but when we do connect....we always catch each other up on what has gone on in the other's absence

Nikki stops as she tries to put her thoughts in order...not wanting to ramble nonsensically.

[Craig] I feel an "except for once" coming on.

Craig observes and pops the last peanut in his hand into his mouth.

[Nikki] Well.....sort of.

Nikki says admittingly.

[Nikki] I mean I didn't deliberately withhold information from her.....I just never named names because I didn't think it mattered.

Nikki chews on her lower lip as she thinks about what she is saying.

Craig takes a sip of his beer and sets the glass down. He leans closer as he listens with understanding.

Nikki looks across the table at Craig and realizes that he probably doesn't understand what she is talking about because she has been skirting the issue.

[Nikki] OK....I'm talking about my blunder in the romance department in 1884.

Nikki says to clarify.

Craig nods as things become a little more clear. During their last time together.....a romantic and enjoyable picnic in the forest behind her house on the Nua Tosu` Ranch...she had confided in him....sharing the reason why she had such a thick wall around her heart. It had been obvious that she had never let herself forgive herself for the decision she had made over a century ago....and she had been beating herself up ever since. Craig had completely sympathized with her having made a few romantic blunders of his own in the past. He also felt very honored to know that she had come to trust him enough to share something that intimate with him.

[Nikki] But I wasn't the only one.

Nikki said and emptied her glass.

Craig motions to the bartender for another round.

[Nikki] I knew that there was a man....one of us....that Mand saw from time to time and was somewhat crazy about. She talked about him frequently. They shared a lot of history together....had known each other since the 1600s.

Nikki says and looks at a drop of water on the table.

The bartender brings over two drinks and sets them on the table. Craig mouths the words, "put them on my tab", and the bartender nods and heads back to the bar. Craig slides Nikki's over to her.

[Nikki] But she never mentioned his name and I never asked.

Nikki shrugs.

[Nikki] It just never seemed that important....you know?

Nikki asks looking up at Craig.

Craig nods quietly.

Nikki looks back down at the water droplet and sighs.

[Nikki] At least not until now.

Nikki says her voice almost a whisper.

[Nikki] Turns out....they were one and the same man.

Craig refrains from responding verbally by finishing his first beer and setting the empty glass aside.

Nikki silently takes a big swig of her drink. Her confusion and hurt are evident in her eyes.

Craig finally leans forward and asks, "how did you happen to learn this piece of information?"

[Nikki] I ran into him last weekend.

Nikki says bluntly without looking at Craig.

[Nikki] At Mand's condo.

Nikki adds.

[Craig] Ouch.

Craig says simply and sympathetically.

[Nikki] Yeah.

Nikki says with a nod.

[Nikki] Mand is out of town for a couple of weeks and I had a late meeting with a couple of charitable bureaucrats so I decided to stay at her place rather than drive all the way home. I guess he had just got into town and decided to pay her a visit without calling first.

[Craig] Awkward.

Craig says with a sympathetic grimace as he tried to visualize the scene.

[Nikki] That's when things were said that gave me notes to compare. Seems they have been very close. But....like she and I....or for whatever reason....he either never told her about our history or never mentioned my name. He didn't even know she and I were best friends.

Craig wants to ask her if seeing the...according to her...only man she had ever really been in love with...the man she let ride out of her life and heart...had been very painful but he decides to let her bring it up.

[Nikki] I think he felt as awkward as I did.

Nikki says and takes another gulp of her drink.

[Nikki] But he was a perfect gentleman about the whole thing. He never once brought up the fact that I "dumped" him.

Nikki says making quotation marks in the air with her fingers.

[Nikki] It was as if he didn't have any ill feelings toward me at all.

[Craig] Sounds like he found a way to forgive you. He probably realizes that it does no one any good to hold on to old wounds...old anger...for long periods of time.

Craig says softly as he watches Nikki.

Nikki nods.

[Nikki] I hear what you're saying, Craig. And I know you're right but....well....we talked about this before.

[Craig] That we did.

Craig agrees letting the issue drop.

[Craig] So if you two didn't talk things out.....what did you talk about? Or did you run off leaving things up in the air?

Nikki is a bit surprised to realize that Craig knows her well enough to know that she might have done just that. She feels her cheeks blush and she looks back at the water droplet.

[Nikki] We went to dinner and talked about everything but that.

Nikki looks up at Craig.

[Nikki] Don't get me wrong....the evening was pleasant enough. There didn't seem to be any tension....at least on his part....and I controlled mine. The conversation was just light. I told him about Nua Tosu` and how I acquired it and why and he told me about the Dojo he has owned here in Seacouver since 1992 and we laughed at the fact that our paths never crossed. We talked about politics, art, music, food and Martial Arts and we traded a few funny stories about Amanda's escapades.

Nikki takes a sip of her drink.

[Craig] But nothing more serious.

Craig says observantly.

Nikki shakes her head silently.

[Craig] Did you want to?

Nikki shrugs without looking at him.

[Nikki] I don't know....no....not really.

Nikki looks up at him.

[Nikki] I mean it was nice. Peaceful. Not at all like I have pictured it would be if our paths ever did cross.

Nikki looks at the bowl of peanuts and starts to spin it around.

[Nikki] I mean....it could have been ugly. At least he didn't take my head. Or seem to want to.

[Craig] True.

Craig agrees understandingly.

[Craig] So what exactly has you in a quandary?

Craig asks sitting back in his chair and taking a drink of his beer as he watches her intently.

Nikki shrugs again.

[Nikki] I don't know. Maybe I'm being ridiculous but....I'm just wondering how much Mand really knew. I mean....did she really not know about our history or did she know....did he tell her....and she deliberately kept it from me?

[Craig] What would have been her motive for doing something like that?

[Nikki] Well....I would hate to think it was because she wanted him all to herself...although there is always that possibility.

[Craig] Or maybe she was protecting you. Both of you. If she did know anything that is.

Craig says being logical.

[Craig] From everything you have told me about her....she is very protective of those she cares about. And from what you've told me.....you two care a lot about each other.

[Nikki] I'd die for her...if it meant saving her life. And I've always believed she would too.

Nikki thinks about what Craig has said for a couple of minutes then says, "And she would do something like that to protect me. And if she cares about Duncan as much as she seems to....she'd do the same for him."

It was the first time Nikki had ever mentioned the man from her past's name and hearing it causes Craig to sit forward in his seat.

[Craig] Did you say his name is Duncan?

Nikki nods and looks up at Craig questioningly.

[Nikki] Yes. Why?

[Craig] You wouldn't be talking about Duncan MacLeod would you?

Craig asks leaning almost across the table.

Nikki looks at Craig, shocked.

[Nikki] Don't tell me you know him, too.

Craig shakes his head as he sits back a bit.

[Craig] Not personally. I have....or had a client that was working with him on something. Recently as a matter of fact. He mentioned him frequently as they were working closely.....

Craig looks up at the rafters overhead, thoughtfully.

[Craig] ....maybe still are. I'm not sure if they're done doing what they were doing or not. I haven't heard from my client in some time.

Craig makes a mental note to try and get hold of his client, Richter, in the next couple of days.

[Craig] Of course I am aware of his reputation. He's sort of a legend in some parts of the world.

Craig says looking back at Nikki.

[Nikki] Really? That's interesting because in the 124 years since we saw each other last I have never heard his name mentioned. Guess I was in the wrong parts of the world.

Nikki says with a little sarcasm.

[Nikki] Anyway....my quandary is whether or not I should even bring up the subject to Mand. I mean it's obvious that they have some sort of relationship since he has a key to her place and keeps clothes there.

"And feels close enough to walk into her bathroom thinking she was naked in her bathtub," Nikki thinks to herself.

[Nikki] I mean....I don't want to cause any problems or be a problem between them. I'd never deliberately do anything to hurt Mand and I don't want to hurt him anymore than I already have.

Nikki sighs and finishes her drink.

[Craig] What is preventing you from simply asking your friend? I'm sure you could figure out how to ask without letting the cat out of the bag.

[Nikki] Because Mand is incommunicado right now and God knows how long it will be before she is communicado again.

[Craig] So? Is there some reason you feel 'rushed"?

Craig asks making quotation signs in the air with his fingers.

[Nikki] You mean besides the fact that when he took me back to her place he informed me that he asked for MY phone number and address because he said he wanted to see me again?

Nikki asks looking at Craig.

[Craig] Ah.

Craig nods understandingly.

[Craig] Are you going to see him again?

[Nikki] I don't know.

Nikki answers honestly.

[Nikki] I mean if he and Mand have something going....then definitely not. It would be wrong.

[Craig] And what if they don't?

Nikki shrugs.

[Nikki] I don't know.

[Craig] Yes you do.

Craig looks at her and quirks an eyebrow knowingly.

Nikki looks into Craig's blue eyes.

[Nikki] No. I really don't, Craig. Sure....there's a part of me that would love to go back in time and erase that night. But I know that that isn't possible. What's done can't be undone. And there's a part of me that wants to just run in the opposite direction because I don't want to make the same mistake and hurt him and I don't want to be hurt again either.

Nikki tilts her empty glass and doodles in the condensation along the sides with her thumb nail.

[Nikki] And there's a part of me that has started to move on and I would like to give that a try.

Nikki says shyly.

[Nikki] That is....if that's an option still.

Nikki adds without raising her eyes from her glass.

Craig understands perfectly what Nikki means and he smiles....feeling a warmth wash over him like the sun on a summer day.

[Craig] Of course it is.

Craig says and reaches across the table. He takes her hand gently in his and softly rubs it with his thumb.

Nikki feels her cheeks heat up as she blushes.

Craig uses his index finger to lift her chin so they are looking eye to eye.

[Craig] I've only just begun to learn what makes Nikki Flynn tick and I'm fascinated to learn more. If you'll let me.

Nikki smiles shyly and nods.

[Craig] Ah ha! There's that smile that makes the sunshine dim in comparison.

Craig says with a chuckle. Just then Craig's cell phone rings.

[Craig] Excuse me.

Craig says and unhooks it from his belt. He flips it over and reads the text message in the window then closes it back and replaces it on his belt.[/i]

[Craig] I'm afraid that was my office.

Craig announces.

[Nikki] And you have to go.

Nikki says for him.

[Craig] Yeah. I'm sorry.

[Nikki] It's OK Go.

[Craig] Rain check?

Craig asks as he stands up.

Nikki smiles up at him warmly.

[Nikki] Absolutely. And I promise to return your messages when you leave them from now on.

Craig winks at her and turns around. He hurries toward the door and disappears into the sunlit outdoors.

Nikki sighs and gets to her feet. She picks up the dirty glasses and peanut bowl and carries them over to the bar. She thanks the bartender as she sets them down and tells him to tell Joe hi for her then leaves herself.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 15, 2011, 01:10:09 am »

[Gemini] What?

She asks in surprise to the man who sat in front of her.

[Coach Johnson] I said I won’t do it. I won’t coach you.

[Gemini] But…why not?

[Coach Johnson] You lost to much time with the accident.

He says with an indifferent shrug.

[Gemini] But, I’m fine now. I’ve never been better! If anything I’m better than before the accident!

She protests vehemently.

Johnson shrugs again, “Somehow I doubt it. Athletes are never the same after accidents like that. And I will not waste my time on someone who isn’t even a ‘has been.” He sighs and shakes his head, “Look, Gemini truth is, you are now a ‘never will be.’ Just, enjoy Seacouver. See some sites and go home.” That said he stands up and lays a fifty on the table to cover the bill and walks out of the Fairmont hotel restaurant and building.

Gemini just sits and stares at the empty place before her that moments ago had held one of the, to the swimming community, best known and therefore one of the best, swim coaches. “I don’t understand,” she whispers softly to herself.

[Waiter] Miss can I get you anything else?

[Gemini] No, thank you. I’m fine.

Gemini says giving the waiter a watery smile and getting up she left the restaurant. Silently fuming Gemini walks to the elevator enters and hits the button for her floor. She exits the elevator as it reaches her floor. Turning left down the hallway, Gemini goes to her suite. Sliding the key card into the door, she swings it open and enters, letting the door swing shut behind her on it’s own.

[Gemini] It’s not fair. Not fair at all. Can I help it I was hit by a drunk driver? Can I help it, that it kept me out of the pool for a couple of months? Isn’t it bad enough that Mom and Dad were in an accident as they were racing home to be with me in the hospital. Isn’t even worse they died because of that accident? But did he have to kill my dream too?

Gemini sobs and collapses to the floor sobbing. She didn’t even know what to do from here. The plan had been, she’d talk to Johnson, he’d agree to coach her and she’d stay in the Fairmont for a couple of weeks while she found an apartment and had her things shipped out from Fargo. The reservations in the Fairmont were for two weeks. Now what was she supposed to do with herself? She didn’t want to just turn around and go back to Fargo and she didn’t have heart to call and let down her friends.

[Gemini] To hell with it. To hell with him.

Gemini curses and stands up. She pulls of the skirt and shirt she had on. Both had been worn on purpose, the skirt to display her muscular legs and the dress spaghetti strap shirt, to display her wide muscular shoulders, perfect on for a swimmer to have. Muttering to herself, Gemini changed her clothes, skirt for jeans and shirt for a light sweater. Turning Gemini takes her purse and digs through it. After a couple moments of digging she pulls out several twenties which she wraps around her key card and shoves into her left pocket and a cell phone which goes into the right pocket. Needing to work off the rage and other emotions inside her, Gemini turns and leaves her hotel room. Turning right, Gemini makes her way to the stair well and practically flies down the stairs. Walking quickly she moves through the hotel lobby and out the doors. Picking a direction at random, Gemini stalks furiously down the street.

Craig assists Nikki into his car after leaving the ballet and heads for Joe's Bar. He pulls into the parking lot, parks his car, gets out and goes around to help Nikki out.

Nikki gets out and smiles at Craig. The evening had been a good one....a good meal...wonderful ballet and now they were going to have a nightcap.

[Nikki] Thank you, kind sir.

Nikki says as she step away from the car.

[Craig] My pleasure, ma lady.

Craig says and locks the car. He holds out his elbow for her to take then leads her around to the front door of the bar.

Nikki takes his elbow and follows him to the door.

Craig opens the door of the bar and holds it open for Nikki.

[Craig] After you.

Craig bows gallantly.

Nikki smiles demurely and steps across the threshold. She stands just inside the door giving her eyes time to adjust to the dim light.

Gemini comes back to herself as the sun starts to set. With a start, she realizes she has no idea where she is. "Maybe an angry walk wasn't such the best idea," she mutters.

Craig follows Nikki inside and looks around for a table. He sees one off to the side and leads Nikki over to it. Pulling out a chair for her he assists her in sitting down the takes a seat in the empty chair next to her and flags down the barmaid.

Gemini looks around carefully. She wasn't in the best of neighborhoods, but not the worst either. "But definitely not a place to be alone after dark," she mutters to herself. "I need to find a place to call and wait for a cab."

Nikki looks around at the customers....then looks over at the bar to see if Joe is working but sees that he isn't. She removes her wrap and lays it across the back of her chair and gets comfortable.

[Craig] What would you like to drink?

Craig asks when the barmaid comes over to their table.

Nikki thinks it over for a few seconds.

[Nikki] A blended fuzzy naval.

Nikki says finally.

Craig repeats Nikki's order and orders a scotch...neat.

[Craig] Doesn't look like Joe's is very busy tonight.

Craig observes.

[Nikki] It's usually quiet on Thursdays.

Nikki says with a nod.

Gemini sighs as she spots a bar. She may not be able to drink, but they'd have a phone book so she could call a taxi. Relieved she starts for the bar, that named itself "Joe's."

[Craig] So did you enjoy the ballet?

Nikki smiles and nods.

[Nikki] Very much. I have always loved Swan Lake. And to see it performed by the Russian Ballet....I mean they are the best.

[Craig] Yes they are. Although I would rather have seen Baryshnikov or Nureyev in the lead but unfortunately they aren't one of us and they had to retire.

Craig says with a chuckle.

Nikki giggles in agreement.

[Nikki] It's strange to hear a guy talk that way about the ballet. I'm so used to being around macho men that think drinking and belching is considered fine art.

Gemini sighed and rubbed her forehead just as she reached the door to the bar. A sudden headache developing.

Craig snickers then looks at her as if surprised.

[Craig] You mean they aren't?

Nikki playfully smacks him on the shoulder. She suddenly feels the buzz of another Immortal and stiffens up...looking towards the door of the bar.

Craig feels the presence of another Immortal....sees Nikki's reaction and follows her gaze towards the door.

Gemini pulls the door to the bar open, still rubbing her head. Without looking around the room, she walks up to the bar. "Excuse me," she says to the bartender. "Do you have a phone book?"

Craig glances over at Nikki.

[Craig] Anyone you know?

Nikki shakes her head.

[Nikki] Nope.

Bartender nods and and indicates he'll be right back and goes back into Joe's office to look for it. Gemini keeps rubbing her forehead, while she waits on the bartender.

[Craig] I have a suspicion that the young lady is new to it.

Craig says after observing the fact that the female Immortal hadn't looked around the room for the source of the buzz she was obviously feeling.

Nikki watches the girl for a few seconds.

[Nikki] I don't think she knows.

Nikki whispers to Craig.

Craig shakes his head.

[Craig] I don't either. Must have just happened.

Craig glances over at Nikki.

[Craig] What a coincidence that she happens into a place that seems to be an Immortal hang out.

Craig smirks.

[Nikki] Yeah.

Nikki says rolling her eyes.

[Nikki] Everyone comes to Joe's.

Nikki quotes a favorite saying of a couple of Joe's older and more frequent customers.

Craig chuckles.

[Nikki] Well....the way I see it we can do one of two things.

Nikki says taking a sip of her drink.

Gemini smiles and thanks the bartender as he comes back and hands her a phone book She opens it to the yellow pages and starts paging through, looking for taxis.

[Nikki] We can get up quietly and inconspicuously and sneak out before we are noticed.....and pretend we didn't see a thing.....or.....

Nikki leaves her thought hanging.

Craig looks at her and quirks an eyebrow questioningly.

[Craig] You could do that? And not feel guilty about it?

Nikki thinks to herself, Great....you just made a few minus points, Flynn. Way to go. She looks at Craig and smirks a bit and shakes her head.

[Nikki] No.....I guess not.

Nikki says although if she were to be completely honest....she could.

[Craig] Then I guess I'll go over and invite her to join us.

Craig says with an approving smile. He gets up and walks over to the bar and steps up next to the young lady.

[Craig] Excuse me, miss....

Craig says softly.

[Craig] I see you're looking for something in the phone book. I'm from around here.....maybe I could help you find what you're looking for.

Craig says in a soft, gentle voice.

Nikki shakes her head as she watches Craig walk over to the female Immortal. Not exactly the way she had imagined their date ending.

Gemini jumps startled at the sound of voice at her side. "I think I found it, thanks," she says softly, her finger on a listing for a Taxi agency.

[Craig] Did your car break down?

Craig asks softly.

[Gemini] No. Ummm.. I walked actually. But it's dark, and I...

Gemini trails off, not wanting to actually admit to some stranger that she was lost.

[Craig] You walked?

Craig asks incredulously.

[Craig] How far?

[Gemini] From, ah, the Fairmont hotel.

Gemini says softly.

Craig smiles warmly at her.

[Craig] Look.....why don't you come over and join my friend and I and catch your breath....so to speak....before calling a cab. In fact.....why don't you save your money and we will give you a ride to wherever you're going?

Craig gestures toward his and Nikki's table and smiles invitingly at the girl.

[Gemini] Oh, I wouldn't want to intrude.

Gemini says shaking her head, and wondering why the man would have come over to her, when he was out with such a beautiful woman.

[Craig] Nonsense. If it were an intrusion I wouldn't be offering.

Craig says with a bit of a playful wink. He places his hand gently under her elbow and starts to guide her in the direction of his and Nikki's table.

[Gemini] Yes but...

Gemini protests weakly, as the man pulls her off towards the back table.

[Craig] No buts.

Craig says in a firm yet soft, gentle voice.

[Gemini] But...

Gemini says again, as she blushes.

[Craig] By the way....my name's Craig.

Craig says ignoring her protest.

Nikki sees Craig leading the girl over to their table and inwardly sighs. Sneaking out the side door is sounding better all the time.

[Gemini] Gemini

Gemini introduces herself, her voice barely above a whisper.

Craig leads the girl to their table and pulls out an empty chair, holding it for her, gentlemanly.

[Craig] Gemini....this is my friend, Nikki. Nikki....this is Gemini.

[Gemini] Hi

Nikki smiles up at the girl.

[Nikki] Hi, Gemini. Have a seat.

Nikki says with a nod towards the chair Craig is holding out for her.

Gemini glances at both before very shyly sitting in the seat Craig is holding.

Craig gently pushes the chair closer to the table then reclaims his chair.

[Craig] Would you like something to drink, Gemini?

Craig asks and motions to the barmaid.

[Gemini] Oh, um, just a water.

Gemini says unsurely.

Nikki takes a sip of her own drink as she watches Gemini.

[Craig] You sure?

Craig asks quirking an eyebrow.

[Craig] You may want something a little stronger in a few minutes.

[Gemini] I'm sure.

Gemini says, then stares at Craig.

[Gemini] What do you mean by that?

Gemini asks her eye darting towards the door, thinking it might be a better idea to just leave.

Craig relays Gemini's request for a glass of water to the barmaid....waits for her to leave then leans forward...across the table so as not to be overheard. He looks directly into Gemini's eyes.

Gemini swallows nervously.

[Craig] Gemini.....have you been in a bad accident recently? Or been really really sick?

Craig asks getting to the point.

Nikki sits back and listens quietly...all the while watching the girl closely.

Gemini blinks startled and surprised by the question. She swallows again before speaking.

[Gemini] Ummm..I was in a pretty bad car accident last summer. Why?

Craig glances over at Nikki then looks back at Gemini.

[Craig] I take it you woke up in a strange place.....right?

[Gemini] Well, if you call a hospital bed strange. I guess.

Gemini shrugs.

[Craig] When you say pretty bad.....just how bad was it? How bad were you hurt?

Craig asks gently trying not to alarm the girl with his questions.

Gemini looks down, fidgeting with her hands. "Bad," she whispered. "I was broadsided by two different drunk drives, that avoided colliding with each other by hitting me. Took the police and rescue over three hours to get me out. Told me afterwards, that when I passed out, they had then figured on dragging a corpse out. They were shocked I was still alive."

[Nikki] You didn't just pass out.

Nikki says and takes a sip of her drink.

[Gemini] Yeah I did.

Gemini says looking at Nikki with a frown.

Nikki shakes her head.

[Nikki] I'm afraid it was more serious than that, Gemini. A lot more serious.

[Gemini] What's that supposed to mean?

Gemini demands, with a sudden sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

[Craig] Let me ask you one more question, Gemini.

[Gemini] Alright...

Craig says trying to be as gentle as possible.

Gemini says softly, looking back at Craig.

[Craig] I take it your injuries were extensive.....right? Serious enough that you should have at least spent a long time in the hospital recuperating....right?

[Gemini] I dunno...

Gemini shrugs. Thinking not so much that it should have been a long time in the hospital, but more that it should have meant trips back, to remove the staples, that were never needed. She feels herself pale slightly.

Craig waits quietly for Gemini to think it over and...hopefully put some of the pieces together herself.

David stops his car and gets out. He had finished work for today so he decided to come for a drink. He walks to the entrance of Joe's bar.

Nikki feels the buzz of another Immortal and glances toward the door. Great, she thinks to herself. That's all we need right now.

Gemini winces and rubs her head as the headache suddenly resurfaces.

Craig feels an Immortal buzz and looks at Gemini.

[Craig] Gemini? Do you feel that?

Craig asks looking directly into her eyes.

David winces a little as he felt the buzz, "Damn, I'll never get used to this." He murmurs under his breath to himself.

[Gemini] Feel what?

Gemini asks, rubbing her head, in hopes the headache will go away.

Nikki reaches out and touches Gemini's head where she has been rubbing it.

[Nikki] That.

Nikki says simply.

[Gemini] My headache? Yeah, I feel it...

Gemini says confused.

David walks in, looks around and smiles as he sees Craig, he walks to him.

[Craig] You got that same feeling when you walked into the bar tonight....didn't you.

Craig says as more of a statement than a question.

[Gemini] Yeah

Craig sees David and smiles and waves him over.

Gemini answers softly, looking back and forth from Craig to Nikki, her stomach sinking even lower with dread.

[Nikki] Have you felt it before....since your accident?

Nikki asks and takes a sip of her drink.

David smiles amused as he walks closer, so this was his urgent business, huh?

Gemini shakes her head.

[Gemini] No.

[David] So am I interrupting? If I am, I can go sit at the bar.

Gemini jumps startled. She glances up at the man she hadn't even seen approach.

Craig looks up at David and shakes his head.

[Craig] No....you're not intruding at all. David I'd like you to meet Gemini. Gemini.

Craig points to Nikki.

[Craig] And this is Nikki.

Nikki smiles up at David and nods.

[Nikki] Nice to meet you David.

Nikki says politely.

[Gemini] Hi.

[David] Nice to meet you too.

Gemini says in a voice barely above a whisper.

David smiles at them.

[Craig] Why don't you go get yourself a drink and then join us?

Craig says to David.

[David] Yes, Teach.

David teases before he walks to the bar.

Craig rolls his eyes and shakes his head. Then he turns his attention back to Gemini.

Gemini continues to look back and forth between Craig and Nikki. Her eyes worried and her face pale.

David orders a drink still looking at them through the bar mirror, he wondered what was going on.

[Craig] Gemini....what I am about to tell you is going to sound insane.....impossible....unbelievable. But it is the God's honest truth and I'm telling you because you NEED to know it.

Craig says softly as he watches her face intently.

[Gemini] And that would be?

Gemini says as she swallows nervously.

David gets his drink and takes it to the table, then he looks for an empty chair.

Craig nods at the empty chair to let David know he is welcome to sit.

[David] Thanks, Teach.

David smiles as he sits down.

Gemini glances warily at David, before turning her attention back to Craig.

[Craig] David and I had this same discussion just recently.

Craig says to Gemini.

[Gemini] Yeah... that's not helping much. Still confused here.

Gemini mutters softly.

[Craig] Are you sure you don't want something stronger to drink than water?

Craig asks her.

Nikki finishes her drink and sets her empty glass on the table.

[Gemini] Stronger? Like what?

Gemini asks.

[Craig] Like maybe a shot of whiskey....or something equally as strong.

[Gemini] I'm ah..

Gemini blushes.

[Gemini] Not legal to drink.

[Nikki] I really doubt anyone is going to card you in here.

Nikki says with a smile. She gets to her feet.[/i]

[Nikki] I'm going to get a refill.....can I get anyone else anything while I'm up?

Craig shakes his head.

[Craig] No thanks. I'm good.

[David] No, thank you, still drinking this one.

David smiles at Nikki, indicating his drink.

Gemini just shakes her head, not saying anything.

Nikki makes her way to the bar and orders a refill of her drink and a shot of whiskey for Gemini.

[Craig] Now....to get back to the matter at hand.

Craig says and leans forward again.

Gemini bites her lower lip.

[Craig] When you had your accident you didn't just pass out.

Craig says in a low, gentle voice.

[Craig] Your injuries were as extensive and serious as you and the firemen though. So serious that you actually died from them.

Craig takes a drink....giving Gemini some time to absorb what he has said,.

[Gemini] ...That's not possible...

Gemini says shaking her head.

Nikki pays for the drinks and takes a big sip of hers then she carries them back to the table and sets the whiskey on the table in front of Gemini. She reclaims her seat.

David frowns as he drinks some beer, the girl didn't know she died?

[Craig] I told you it would sound impossible. But it is completely possible....probable....and it is the truth. It has happened to each one of us.

Craig says indicating Nikki and David.

[Nikki] It is also the reason you felt like you were getting a headache when you walked into the bar tonight and when David arrived.

Nikki says and takes another sip of her drink.

[Nikki] It's how we tell when there's another of us around.

[Gemini] I - I don't understand.

Gemini stutters, her face going white.

[Craig] Gemini....Nikki...David....myself and now you are all Immortals. We all suffered either a traumatic death or died from a catastrophic illness at some point in our past. And we didn't stay dead.

Craig gives her a few minutes to think this over.

[Nikki] I know it sounds completely insane.....that it probably goes against every logical fiber of your soul.

Nikki says softly.

[David] I thought Craig was crazy when he told me.

David laughs softly, while he nods in agreement.

[Gemini] No. I-it makes too much sense actually.

Gemini says softly, starting to shake.

[Gemini] Too much sense.

[Nikki] But you have to believe us. It is imperative that you believe it because it could save your life.

[Gemini] Obviously everyone is not this way, are they?

Gemini asks still trembling slightly, and thinking of her parents.

[Craig] No. Not everyone. And we don't know why we are....only that we are.

Craig says with a sigh.

[Craig] And if that were all there was to it....that would be good. But it's not. There's more.

[Nikki] Much more.

Nikki adds.

[Gemini] And it's not good is it?

Gemini asks, trying to shut her emotions down.

[David] Oh, now it comes the swords part, right?

[Gemini] Swords?

Gemini asks glancing at David, then around the table.

[Craig] Let's just take one step at a time.

Craig says and shoots David a warning glance.

[Nikki] How are you doing?

[David] Fine, I'm not even here.

Nikki asks Gemini.

David nods as he smiles at Craig.

[Gemini] I, I don't know.

Gemini admits.

[Nikki] Do you live alone, Gemini?

Nikki asks wondering if there is going to be somebody waiting for her.

[Gemini] Why?

Gemini asks, wondering what the relevance of Nikki's question was. Why would she care if Gemini lived alone or not?

[Nikki] I was just wondering if there was someone waiting for you to come home at a certain time.

[Gemini] Oh, no.

Gemini shakes her head.

Nikki says keeping the fact that sometimes....after being told what she has just been told....having someone sharing their life can complicate things to herself.....for now.

[Gemini] My parents died in a car accident...shortly after I did, I guess.

Gemini laughs humourlessly, not wanting to break down in tears, in front of these people.

[Craig] Are you staying in Seacouver permanently? Or just visiting?

Craig asks Gemini.

[Gemini] I don't know

Gemini admits shaking her head. 'At least, not anymore.' she adds silently to herself.

[David] What do you mean you don't know?

[Nikki] Well....if you don't have family or any sort of ties somewhere else....it might be a good idea for you to stay here. At least for a while.

David frowns at her answer.

Gemini glances over at David.

Nikki looks at Craig quirking an eyebrow questioningly.

[Gemini] I came to Seacouver to talk with a coach, that I had hoped would take me on. Train me for the Olympics. He turned me down. I don't know what I'm going to do now."

[Nikki] At least until we can find you a teacher.

Nikki says wondering who that was going to end up being.

[Craig] The Olympics? What event?

Craig asks hoping to lighten the subject a little.

[Gemini] Swimming.

Gemini says with a small smile.

[Gemini] Missed the last Olympic team by a hundredth of a second.

Gemini nods

[Craig] Have you competed in the National trials yet?

Craig smiles and nods...impressed.

[Nikki] Good, that means you are strong and and have mental discipline. Training should come easy for you.

Nikki observes.

[Gemini] Training?

Gemini asks, feeling nervous again.

Craig nods as he finishes his drink. He sets the empty glass on the table.

[Craig] Remember I said that there was more?

Craig asks Gemini.

[Gemini] Yeah.

David smiles, before he takes a sip of his drink, he wasn't going to mention the swords again.

Gemini takes a big swallow of her water.

[Gemini] I'm guessing this is where the catch comes in?

[Craig] Well....the more part is that although we don't know how we became the way we are....or the real reason why we are what we are....we do have what you might call a purpose.....a goal....that was established by who knows who.

Craig glances over at Nikki then at David.

[Gemini] Okay...

Gemini says slowly, waiting for the catch 22.

Nikki begins to get flickers of memories of the day Amanda found her and told her what she was and how she was going to have to live.

David almost asked, Oh, you mean the 'there can be only one' part? But thought better and didn't.

[Craig] We call it the Game....for the lack of a better term. Someone....in their infinite wisdom decided that our lives wouldn't be complicated enough just living decade after decade....century after century. So they turned out lives into one huge contest.

Craig looks at David and nods.

[Gemini] What kind of contest?

Gemini asks, knowing this was the part she really wasn't going to like.

[Craig] Yes....and that's the goal. There can be only one. Only one Immortal is supposed to survive. And in the end that Immortal will be given the power of all the Immortals before him. Enough power to rule the world should he...

Craig glances at Nikki apologetically.

[Craig] ...or she...so desire.

Craig sits back in his chair and watches Gemini's expression.

[Gemini] Only one? But... I thought you said immortal? Isn't that kind of a contradiction?

Gemini asks, knowing she wasn't going to like the answer to her question.

[Nikki] I guess you could say it is....sort of. We are Immortal in the fact that we can't die like everyone else can. We can't be shot to death...stabbed to death....die from an illness....or anything like that. At least not die permanently.

[Craig] We can die from a fatal gunshot but we just won't stay dead.

[Nikki] But there is one way that we can be killed and die permanently.

[Gemini] And that is?

Gemini asks, now positive she wasn't going to like the answer.

[Craig] If we are decapitated.

Craig answers simply.

Nikki feels Craig's answer is too brief.

[Nikki] If one Immortal beheads another Immortal...the beheaded one dies permanently and the victorious one gets all of the dead one's power and knowledge which makes them stronger and able to heal quicker.

Nikki explains.

[Gemini] You mean, people are going to be coming around as part of some "Game" trying to chop my head off?! And I'm expected to do the same?!

Gemini gasps going white as a sheet.

[Craig] Hence the "There can be only one" part.

Craig adds.

[David] I know this sounds unbelievable, I saw a Quickening and had a hard trouble believing it myself.

[Nikki] Gemini....I know that this is a lot for you to take in right now.

Nikki says sympathetically.

[Gemini] Ya think?

Gemini whispers. Obviously not happy with what she has just been told

[Nikki] Maybe it would help if you told us what you're thinking or feeling. Remember....we've all been there.

Craig glances at Nikki...impressed by her empathy.

[Gemini] Where to start?

Gemini mutters hoarsely

[Gemini] I'm mad, because if my parents had known they wouldn't have come racing home when I was in the accident and ended up getting themselves killed. I'm scared because now I've got God knows how many people out there that are going to be what? Hunting me down and trying to kill me? And to top it off I was already depressed because I had some **** tell me to give up my Olympic dream this afternoon, because he doesn't think I stand a chance.

Gemini says the words flowing very quickly, as she pushed back tears of frustration, anger and hurt.

[David] Hey, believe in yourself, don't listen to other people, if I did that I would probably be in jail by now. Everybody also told me I didn't have a chance to prove I was innocent.

Gemini blinks and looks at David. "Huh?" she asks

[David] Besides what can be so bad about not getting old? No wrinkles, no white hair...

Nikki wonders if someone should tell her not to blame her parents because they weren't really her parents but decides that that little piece of information can wait. They have overloaded her enough as it was.

[Gemini] Being carded for all eternity.

Gemini mutters

[Craig]David's got a point, Gemini.

Craig says with a bit of a smile.

[Gemini] And that would be?

Gemini asks

[Craig] You will always have the same amount of strength and stamina you have now so the sky's the limit as far as your Olympic aspirations are concerned.

[Gemini] So much for being 'past my prime.'

Gemini mutters.

[Nikki] Very true.

Nikki agrees with Craig.

[Nikki] No arthritis to slow you down or any of the other ailments swimmers can get as they age.

[Craig] And you will heal from any injuries you get so quick that no one will even realize you were injured.

Craig adds getting into the spirit of things.

[Gemini] Kind of knew that...

Gemini mutters, absently rubbing her chest, where the glass had cut her, where the staples had popped out on their own.

[Nikki] What do you mean...kind of knew that?

Nikki asks raising an eyebrow questioningly.

[Gemini] Ummm. with the accident. I got a piece of glass, about this big...

Gemini holds her hands apart to indicate something about five inches across.

[Gemini] Stuck in my chest. Guess, that's probably what actually killed me. But they put staples across my chest, where it was. The day I got out of the hospital, the staples all popped out on their own. No sign of a scar.

Gemini explains.

[Nikki] I think we all had some sort of feeling that we were somehow different. We just didn't know how or why.

Nikki says then sits forward.

Gemini half smiles.

[Gemini] My parents always said I was special.

[Craig] That's another thing, Gemini.

Craig speaks up.

[Craig] Your parents....they weren't your biological parents.

[Gemini] Huh?

Nikki winces since she hadn't thought it wise to bring up that part of it yet

Gemini blinks at Craig a little surprised by that comment.

[Gemini] I know.

Gemini says after a moment with a shrug.

David frowns at Craig, he had the feeling Craig forgot to mention something.

[David] Question is, how do you know?

[Craig] You knew you were adopted?

[Gemini] Yeah.

Gemini shrugs

[Gemini] I was left in a hospital in Minneapolis. My parents adopted me when I was four days old. They couldn't have children. 'Cause of some... something my dad had when we was young.

Craig looks at David and realizes that he hadn't talked about this to his student yet.

[Gemini] Why?

Gemini asks thinking it was an odd question.

[Craig] You see....all Immortals are what they call foundlings. Nobody knows who our birth parents were.

Craig explains.

[David] What?

David asks surprised, opening his eyes wide open.

[David] You never told me that before.

[Craig] Some of us....most of us...were lucky enough to be adopted and were able to grow up with parents. Some however weren't so lucky and spent their adolescence in orphanages or as slaves then lived on the streets.

[David] So I'm adopted? I didn't know that.

David frowns again thinking. He wonders if his parents had lied to him all along, he never had the slightest suspicion.

[Nikki] And for the most part....those are the ones we have to look out for because they have come to believe that they deserve the so called Prize and will stop at nothing....resort to whatever means they can to survive and be the last one alive.

Nikki adds to what Craig has said.

Gemini shivers.

[Gemini] That's the part I'm having the hardest time with. People are really gonna be coming after me? Trying to kill me for some, so called Prize?

Nikki nods sadly.

[Nikki] Unfortunately yes.

[Craig] That's why we couldn't just let you leave here tonight without letting you know what you're going to be up against.

Craig says sincerely.

[Gemini] As if that helps. Now what am I supposed to do? Get a gun and shot who ever comes after me? Hope they don't try again?

Gemini says unhappily.

[Nikki] No.

Nikki says confidently

[Gemini] Then what?

Gemini asks, taking a long swallow of her water.

[Nikki] We're going to help you. We'll find you a teacher so you can learn how to fight and you'll learn what you need to survive. Then....once you have the tools and knowledge you need....it will be up to you to make your life what you want it to be.

Nikki says.

[Gemini] Tools and knowledge?

[Nikki] And even though our lives are suppose to revolve around the Game...and the ultimate Prize....some of us....

Nikki glances toward Craig.

[Nikki] Some of us have decided that we don't care about the Prize. That we don't really want it. But we don't want someone who is evil....who, if they won it, would make this world a very dark place to live...win it either.

Craig nods in agreement.

[Craig] Of course that still means that we have to watch our backs for those who are actively trying to win the Prize. We've just chosen to not go out looking for Immortals to take their heads.

[Gemini] So, why don't all the good guys just team up and go hunt the bad guys? Then all live, more or less, in peace?

Gemini questions.

Nikki looks over at Craig questioningly.

[Nikki] Good question. Why is that, Craig?

Craig shoots Nikki a smarmy smirk then shrugs.[/color]

[Craig] Probably because who are you going to trust?

Craig gets a more serious look on his face.

[Craig] And then....wouldn't that mean that we were taking it upon ourselves to be the judges of who is worthy of the Prize and who isn't?

[Gemini] That's a good point.

Gemini mutters

Nikki nods concededly She had to admit that he had a point. And he reminded her of someone else she knew that thought as he did and she couldn't help but smile inwardly.

[Gemini] I mean, we're not gods.

Gemini suddenly looks a little concerned.

[Gemini] We're not? Right?

[Craig] No....we're not gods, Gemini. But unfortunately....there are those who believe they are. They are the ones that use their immortality to take advantage of others.

[Nikki] It sounds cliche-ish but they use it for evil not good.

Nikki adds nodding.

[Gemini] Sounds Star Warsish.

Gemini mutters.

[Craig] Gemini....you seem to be a person with a level head on your shoulders. Just by the way you have handled this news....it tells me that you are going to be alright.

Craig says with confidence.

[Gemini] What? By not running away screaming in panic?

Gemini asks.

[Gemini] If I thought my legs had the strength to support me in that, believe me, I'd consider it.

[Craig] That....

Craig says with a chuckle.

[Craig] And just the way you think. The fact that you have accepted it in a down to earth fashion. That you DON'T believe that it has made you a god.

Gemini snorts.

[Gemini] I can't say I feel particularly god like.

Craig happens to notice that most of the few customers in the bar have left and it is only them...one other table and one man at the bar left. He glances over at David as an idea occurs to him and he, inconspicuously, takes his foot and taps the edge of David's under the table.

David snaps out of his thoughts and looks up at Craig.

[David] What?

Gemini looks down at her hands, as she thinks things over.

Craig shoots David a look of warning then nods slightly in Gemini's direction....hoping that his student....who isn't stupid....will get the hint.

David smiles as he understands what Craig wants.

[David] So, hmm... Gemini would you like a ride? I'm leaving I have to wake up early in the morning.

[Gemini] Oh... Ummm.. I should really just call a cab.

Gemini says glancing up at David.

[Nikki] Whatever you decide, Gemini....just promise me something...please?

[David] Ever asked for help to a cab driver? He would get the hell out of there as fast as he could.

Nikki asks looking at Gemini seriously.

David asks with a smile.

[Craig] Or stick around with the meter running.

Craig says jokingly.

[Gemini] What?

Gemini asks cautiously, looking at Nikki.

[David] I may not be good with a sword yet, but there's nothing wrong with my shooting.

David shrugs, offering to escort her back to wherever she needed to go.

[Nikki] When you get home....wherever that is for you right now....that you stay put....stay inside.

Nikki quickly jots her cell phone number on a bar napkin and slides it over to Gemini.

[Nikki] Call me if you need to go someplace and I will come get you. You shouldn't be out there alone. Not yet.

Gemini glances down at the napkin, then looks up at Nikki.

[Gemini] Alright.

Gemini agrees,.

[Nikki] Good. Thanks.

Nikki says smiling.

Gemini half smiles at Nikki then turns to David.

[Gemini] Suppose the smart thing would be to accept your offer of a ride then.

[David] Good, besides I'm an ex-cop, now I'm a PI, I'm not going to attack you or anything.

David smiles at Gemini.

[Gemini] Yeah, I could kick all your asses.

Gemini says, in a serious voice, then grins.

[Gemini] In the water.

Craig smiles inwardly at Gemini's acceptance of David's offer. At least he knows she will make it home safely. After that....he decides not to think about it anymore tonight. He's done his duty and now it's time for him to finish what he had started earlier with Nikki.

[David] That's a good idea, if you don't have anywhere else to run, run to the water.

David nods approvingly, realizing the girl wasn't so helpless as she seemed.

Nikki laughs at Gemini's remark and is glad to see the girl has been able to keep her sense of humor through this whole thing. She has a good feeling that Gemini is going to be alright.

[Gemini] Always have.

Gemini admits with a smile.

[David] Shall we go then? I think they can't wait to get rid of us.

David laughs, indicating Craig and Nikki.

[Gemini] Yeah.

Gemini says standing up. Then looks to Craig and Nikki.

[Gemini] Thank you. For taking time out of what obviously had been a private evening. And for just being decent people.

Gemini says honestly.

[David] Pleasure to have met you, Nikki. See you tomorrow, Craig. Have fun.

Nikki smiles humbly.

David says as he gets to his feet.

Craig nods at Gemini.

[Craig] I'm glad we were here and not someone who would take advantage of your newness.

[Nikki] Same here, David. Be safe.

[Gemini] Yeah. So am I.

Nikki says and smiles warmly at David

Gemini smiles and blushes slightly.

[Craig] Definitely, David we have a meeting at 8:30 in the morning, don't forget.

Craig says to his student and partner,.

[David] No, of course not, I'll be there after my morning jogging as always.

David answers, refraining himself to mention he's probably be at the Bower Agency before Craig arrived.

[Craig] Gemini? Be smart and you'll stay safe.

Craig advises the new Immortal.

[Gemini] I try, generally.

Gemini says with shrug and another blush, as NOT being smart was what had brought her to the bar this night, to begin with.

David walks to the door but stops halfway waiting for Gemini, when he realizes she's not following.

Gemini flashes Craig and Nikki another smile, before turning an hurrying after David.

David waits for Gemini to reach him then walks her to the door and waves before the door closes on them.

Craig looks over at Nikki when the door has closed behind David and Gemini and smiles.

[Craig] So....now. Where were we?

Craig says with a wink.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 15, 2011, 01:30:59 am »

A beautiful afternoon in a meadow in the mountains behind Nua Tosu'

Nikki opens up a picnic basket and begins removing containers of food and setting them on the blanket she is kneeling on.

[Nikki] I hope you're hungry. I think I got carried away with the cooking.

Nikki says with a giggle.

[Craig] As a matter of fact I'm starved.

Craig laughs and reaches for a drumstick still in the container of fried chicken.

Nikki smacks his hand.

[Nikki] Just wait.

Nikki says, laughing.

[Craig] Has anybody ever told you that you were bossy?

Craig teases.

[Nikki] Yeah....a few people.

Nikki smirks. She removes paper plates and closes the basket, setting it aside.

[Nikki] Now you can dig in.

Craig proceeds to fill his plate with a little from each container.

[Craig] Smells wonderful.

Craig says and takes a bite of the chicken.

[Craig] You made this?

Craig asks looking at her a bit surprised.

[Nikki] Yes. With my own two hands. Why? Didn't you think I could cook?

[Craig] To be quite honest....

Nikki playfully smacks him on the arm.

[Nikki] Well...Surprise. I'm not just a pretty face.

Craig swallows the bite he is chewing, reaches out and gently traces the line of her jaw with the tip of his finger.

[Craig] And you are that.

Craig says lovingly.

Nikki blushes and picks up an empty paper plate. She busies herself with the task of putting food on her plate in an attempt to avoid eye contact.

Craig chuckles softly at her twinge of shyness. She is definitely a complex person, he thinks to himself. She has a side of her that is a strong willed, self assured and independent woman who has accomplished more than most of the men he knows. She has gone up against the bureaucrats of their local and state government to fight for the rights of the "forgotten" youth in Seacouver...and won....doing what many said couldn't be done. Plus she is a formidable opponent when it comes to battling the head hunters of their kind....as proven by the fact that she has survived over 100 years. Then there is the side of her that is a refined and proper lady...versed in most forms of the classical arts, like the ballet and the theater..a lady who enjoys dressing in formal attire and attending a concert of music by Mozart, Chopin and Tchaikovsky or appreciating the beauty and grace of the ballet. And, of course, he can't forget the side of her that loves a good practical joke, going to carnivals, amusement parks and basically being a silly kid again. But then there is the side he is seeing now. The shy girl who blushes when complimented. As he proceeds to eat the feast she has prepared for them...and reflects on the complex and "multiple personalities" that make up Nicayla Flynn he suddenly realizes that he is falling in love with her and the realization warms him.[/i]

***1 hour later***

Nicayla begins putting the remnants of their picnic back in the picnic basket. She is amazed at the veracity of Craig's appetite...proven by the lack of left over food. All in all it has been a very enjoyable afternoon. One she won't soon forget. The weather is perfect...the sky is pristine...the location is beautiful...and the company is...well...the company is an intelligent man who knows how to be a gentleman and knows the true meaning of romance. Who isn't afraid to be open and honest about his feelings...his thoughts...and who is understanding, sympathetic, caring and supportive. Not to mention damn good looking. All of this runs through her mind as she loads the picnic basket up with what left over food there is and bags up their trash. "You're a lucky girl, Nicayla Flynn," she thinks to herself.

Craig lays back on the blanket and looks up at the blue sky. He watches the wispy white clouds change shapes as they move across the sky. If there was a heaven...this was it. He hasn't been this content for 82 years. After the death of his wife, Chalinar, he had been convinced that he would never feel that kind of love and contentment ever again....yet here it was. He had forgotten how good it felt....how spiritually energizing it was. He turns on his side facing Nikki, props himself up on one elbow and watches Nikki as she cleans up their picnic remains.

Nikki closes the basket and ties a knot in the plastic trash bag. She suddenly feels as though she is being watched and turns to look at Craig. Seeing that he is propped up and watching her she smiles warmly.

[Nikki] What?

Craig smiles innocently and shakes his head.

[Craig] Nothing. Just enjoying the scenery.

Craig says and winks at her.

Nikki giggles shyly and her cheeks turn a little pink.

Craig holds out his hand to her.[/i]

[Craig] Come here.

Craig says softly.

Nikki takes his hand and moves over next to him.

Craig gently pulls her closer and lays back down on his back.

Nikki turns and lies down next to him...her head resting on his arm. She looks up at the sky.

[Nikki] This is nice.

Nikki says with a contented smile on her face.

Craig glances over at her. Seeing her the look on her face he, too, smiles contentedly.

[Craig] Yes it is.

Craig says softly then looks back up at the sky.

[Nikki] I wish time would freeze right here...right now.

Nikki says dreamily.

[Craig] Yeah. Me too.

Craig agrees.

[Craig] Me too.

Craig repeats...his voice almost a whisper.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 15, 2011, 01:47:40 am »

In a private dining room of the River Belle Restaurant/****

Nikki folds her napkin and lays it on her empty plate which she slides closer to the edge of the table. She sits back and lets out a contented sigh.

[Nikki] That was a wonderful meal.

Nikki says...smiling at Duncan.

Duncan looks at Nikki and smiles back.

[Duncan] I figured you would appreciate the fare.

Duncan polishes off a little more of his wine.

Nikki looks out the window next to their table at the lights of the passing boats on the water.

[Nikki] It's a beautiful night.

Nikki says dreamily.

[Duncan] Yes it is. Sometimes in all those nights in Frisco, I never stopped to appreciate the moon on the water.

Duncan lays his hand down on the table.

[Nikki] The way the lights reflect off of it...it looks like diamonds floating just under the surface.

Nikki seems mesmerized by the scene outside the window.

[Nikki] Like fairies dancing on the water.

Nikki says wi****lly.

[Duncan] Did you enjoy the wine Nikki? I brought it from my stock.

Nikki looks at him a bit surprised.

[Nikki] You brought your own wine?

Nikki shakes her head and chuckles softly.

[Nikki] I shouldn't be surprised. I guess. You never cease to amaze me.

[Duncan] One of those annoying habits I picked up. When you're 4 centuries old, you get a little picky.

Nikki changes her surprised look to a warm smile.

[Nikki] Yes....I did enjoy it.

Nikki picks up her empty glass to show him.

[Nikki] See? All gone.

Nikki sets the empty glass back down.

[Duncan] Would you like some more? I think there is some left

Nikki shakes her head.

[Nikki] No thank you. I'm sort of a light weight when it comes to wine.

[Duncan] Don't want it going to your head?

Duncan chuckles quietly as he pours himself half a glass.

Nikki looks back out the window and lets the soft music envelope her.

[Nikki] You're amazing, Duncan MacLeod.

Nikki says looking back at him.

Duncan closes his eyes and runs the wine under his nose before he takes a sip.

[Nikki] You've thought of everything. Great food...great wine....private dining room....even a band.

Nikki watches him test the wine.

[Nikki] I never knew you could be such a charmer. You definitely weren't 120 years ago.

[Duncan] The Amazing Duncan has also been known to trip the light fantastic.

Nikki quirks an eyebrow questioningly.

Duncan sets down his glass, stands up and holds out his hand.

[Duncan] Well, 120 years is enough time to learn some manners and how to dance with a lady.

Nikki smiles demurely and places her hand in his.

[Nikki] I'd be delighted, sir.

Nikki says in a southern accent. She gets to her feet.

Duncan pulls her slightly to an open area of the room and pulls her close. He puts his arm around her waist.

Nikki allows herself to be led onto the dance floor. As he puts his arm around her she feels her stomach flutter as though it were filled with butterflies.

Duncan starts them swaying in rhythm to the music.

[Duncan] That perfume is fantastic Nikki.

Nikki smiles as a memory of another time he mentioned her perfume and she wonders if he remembers it too....since it is the same fragrance she wore then and has worn ever since.

[Nikki] Thank you.

Nikki says simply.

Duncan holds her tighter and runs his hand across her cheek.

[Duncan] Still silky smooth, Sheriff.

Nikki feels her cheeks get warm from a blush and she wonders why she always feels like such a school girl around this man. She is amazed at Duncan's gracefulness on the dance floor and can't help but lean into him....following his every lead.

Duncan cups his hand gently under her chin and moves his face to hers. He presses his lips against hers.

Nikki 's head swims and she finds herself eagerly returning his kiss.

Duncan loses track of the music and stops swaying lost in the moment.

Nikki is brought back to reality when the river boat's whistle sounds...signaling its impending docking.

Duncan withdraws for a moment. "You want to go back to my place Nikki?"

Nikki ignores the voice in the back of her head that is screaming, "NO!!!" and nods...smiling a bit shyly.

***At the loft***

Nikki gets out of the car and lets Duncan lead her up the stairs and through the Dojo to the elevator. Although she has been to the Dojo before this will be the first time she has been upstairs to his loft and she feels the anticipation.

Duncan fumbles with the keys to the elevator, but inserts the key and activates the elevator.

Nikki steps back and leans against the back wall of the elevator...the butterflies still in her stomach.

Duncan pulls Nikki to him and takes in her scent. He reaches for the zipper on the back of her dress and pulls it all the way down. He feels the elevator lurch to a stop.

Nikki had just been about to succumb to the moment when the elevator comes to a stop with a slight jolt. She takes a small step back.

[Duncan] What's the matter Nikki?

Nikki looks up at him and shakes her head.

[Nikki] Nothing. I think we're here.

Nikki says and nods toward the elevator gate.

Duncan opens the gate and looks back at Nikki.

Nikki takes the opportunity of Duncan's back being turned as he opens the gate to quickly re zip her dress.

[Nikki] Interesting decor.

Nikki says as she steps past him into the loft and looks around.

Duncan walks out of the elevator, looks down and puts his hands in his pockets for a moment.

Nikki wanders around the room looking at the different objects she figures are from his past. She tops in front of the antique liquor cabinet, which is open and looks at an ornate clock on the shelf.

[Nikki] This is beautiful, Duncan.

Nikki says in regards to the clock. She runs her fingers lightly along the carved edges of the clock's frame.

[Nikki] So delicate.

Nikki says softly.

Duncan moves toward her. "Nikki, tell me what's wrong, whether anything happens tonight or not. I want to know what's bugging you."

[Nikki] What do you mean whether anything happens or not? What could happen?

Nikki asks turning and looking up into his eyes.....getting lost in their depth.

[Duncan] The great thing that happened between us years ago. I should have stayed.

Duncan looks down a bit and grabs her shoulders gently. "I should have stayed Sheriff."

Nikki has to avert her eyes and she turns her head to the side and looks down.

[Nikki] You couldn't. We both know that. But I should have gone with you.

Nikki says sadly....her voice almost a whisper.

[Nikki] I'm sorry. I know I hurt you.

Nikki tries to move out of his grasp.

Duncan puts his arms around her and holds her close. "Well we're here now, with a chance to see where all this can go."

Nikki can feel the beat of his heart against her cheek and the warmth of his arms around her and she feels her resolve beginning to melt.

Duncan puts his finger under her chin and lifts it to his and kisses her passionately.

Nikki begins to return his kiss but midway through it she stops...pulls away and puts her hands against his chest to stop him.

[Nikki] I can't.

Nikki says shaking her head. She quickly turns her back to him.

[Nikki] I can't do this.

[Duncan] Nikki, it's okay, but at least tell me...why?

Nikki rushes over to the chair where her wrap has been draped and grabs it and her purse.

[Nikki] I can't stay. I have to go.

Nikki says...her voice frantic with the beginnings of panic.

Duncan gives in. "Do you want me to take you home?"

Nikki shakes her head without looking at him.

[Nikki] No.

Nikki says simply and takes a few more steps toward the door next to the elevator. She stops briefly and without looking back says, "I'm sorry." Her eyes fill with tears and as they fall down her cheeks she heads for the door.

Duncan nods and half smirks, half smiles and he walks to open the door for her.

Nikki reaches for the door knob at the same time as Duncan.

Duncan reaches for the door and in the moment brushes against Nikki's skin. He looks at her with a longing he hasn't felt in years.

Nikki realizes that he is close enough to see her face and she quickly turns her head so he can't see her tears. She grabs the door knob and starts to turn it.

Duncan grabs her hand and brushes his lips across it. "Don't go."

Nikki stops....freezing in place. She makes a weak attempt to pull away but stops before accomplishing it. Unable to speak she stands there...looking away...in silence.

Duncan takes his other hand and gently pushes her face toward him. "Let's not blow it this time, I need you."

Nikki slowly turns her head to look at him...his words taking her completely by surprise....catching her completely off guard.

Duncan gently pulls her close.

[Duncan] Nikki, I want you not just because I'm a man, but because you make me feel complete in a way that I haven't felt in years.

Nikki is suddenly unable to resist and she allows herself to melt into his arms.

Duncan kisses her lips gently and picks her up into his arms and carries her towards the bed.

Nikki returns his kiss with equal passion...completely ignoring the little voice of reason that is screaming at her to resist.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 15, 2011, 02:05:43 am »

_{The part of Amanda is temporarily being understudied.}

***9:30 AM...2 days later***

Nikki is standing at the sliding glass door to the balcony, her first cup of coffee in her hand, and she stares out at the beach below. Her thoughts are of her last date with Duncan.

Amanda was exhausted after her most recent flight. Sure, first class really was divine and the decadence had been free-flowing but really...eighteen hours in a flying tin can was such a chore! She eventually reaches her apartment and lifts a hand to slip her key into the lock before pausing, sensing another Immortal within the room beyond.

Nikki feels an Immortal buzz and turns away from the sliding glass door. She sets her cup on the dining room table and walks over to the couch where she reaches down and pulls her sword out from under it. Then she waits to see if the Immortal she is feeling knocks on the door, busts in or lets herself in with her key.

Amanda withdraws her rapier and held it close to her side, conscious of a neighbor popping out and spotting her with the sword drawn. She slides the key into the lock and turns it, hearing the steady click before pushing the door open. She peers inside from her vantage point from the corridor, sword inclined toward the entrance hall. Hopefully it was a friend and not a foe...she couldn't bothered fighting right now!

Nikki hears a key in the lock of the front door and lets out a sigh of relief as she realizes that it is Amanda. She places her sword back under the couch and walks towards the door.

[Nikki] It's just me, Mand.

Nikki calls out.

Amanda is clearly relieved when she recognizes who it is, and she returns the rapier to its previous concealed place on her person. Closing the door behind her, she steps into the living room. "You need to wear a bell or something!" she remarked.

[Nikki] Well who else would be in your apartment?

Nikki asks and walks up to her friend and gives her a sorority girl type hug and peck on both cheeks.

[Nikki] Welcome home.

Amanda quirks a brow. "An evil. evil person who wants to take my pretty little neck?" she questions in bemusement as she returns the hug.

[Nikki] With this building's security? They'd have to be either invisible or as talented as you at breaking and entering and that is an impossibility.

Nikki says with a giggle as she grabs Amanda's suitcase and starts down the hall towards the bedroom with it.

Amanda pauses and looks musing for a moment. "Zachary was good," she comments nonchalantly as she takes off her coat and flops it over the arm of the chair before sinking down into the soft leather.

Nikki carries Amanda's suitcase into the master bedroom and lays it on the bed.

[Nikki] Not good enough.

Nikki calls out, chuckling. She comes back into the living room and plops down on the couch, propping her feet on the coffee table.

Amanda closes her eyes and could feel herself wanting to very easily drift into a wonderful sleep. But she tried to refrain as much as possible. "It's good to be back."

[Nikki] So? was your little excursion a profitable one?

Amanda gives a sneaky smile. "Extremely, darling!"

[Nikki] But of course, dahling.

Nikki says in an exaggerated British accent.

[Nikki] You look tired. Rough flight?

Nikki gets up and retrieves her cup of coffee from the dining room table.

[Nikki] Want some?

Nikki asks holding up her cup.

Amanda cracks open one eyes and nods enthusiastically. "If I don't get a coffee in the next minute, I'm going to sleep!" she gives a little yawn. "Long, long flight."

Nikki giggles and goes into the kitchen. She takes a cup out of the cabinet and fills it with the freshly brewed coffee and then refills her own.

[Nikki] You know....

Nikki says as she pours the coffee.

[Nikki] You should have warned me that I wasn't the only person who had a key to your place.

[Amanda] Does that mean it's been busy in here lately?

Amanda questions with a quirked brow.

[Nikki] Busy?

Nikki asks as she stirs sugar into her coffee.

[Nikki] How many people have a key to your place?

Nikki asks in surprise.

Amanda shrugs lazily. "Just a couple. Unless you count the ones who try to break in one occasion." But then, such was their life!

Nikki is a bit shocked that Amanda would give her key out to more than just a couple of people....even though until recently she thought she was the only one who had a key.

[Nikki] Well....I don't know how many keys you have given out....but the owner of one of them paid you a visit a couple of weeks ago. Much to my surprise.

Nikki says as she carries the cups into the living room and hands one to Amanda. She takes a seat on the couch, sitting on the front edge of it.

Amanda looks slightly interested. "Really?" she questions and sits up, resting an elbow on the chair arm. "What did he have to say?"

Nikki snickers smarmily.

[Nikki] Who said anything about it being a he?

Nikki takes a sip of her coffee.

Amanda doesn't miss a beat, and smiles sneakily. "Because I know who I gave my apartment key to."

Nikki looks at Amanda over the rim of her coffee cup as she takes another sip.

[Nikki] I assume that means I am the only female out of the many you gave keys to.

Nikki says as she sets her cup on the coffee table.

Amanda sips her coffee, hiding the smirk on her face. "Unless someone else broke in here and copied the key."

Nikki shakes her head as she leans back on the couch and props her feet up on the coffee table.

[Nikki] Why doesn't that surprise me?

Nikki says with just a hint of sarcasm.

[Nikki] Anyway....the one that used his key while I was soaking in the tub is the one whose clothes you have in your closet.

Nikki says without looking directly at Amanda. But she watches her out of her peripheral vision.

Amanda snickers. "Well, he likes to paint here sometimes..." she begins to answer. "The view, you know?" she waves a hand in the direction of the window. "And sometimes it takes all night..."

Nikki looks at Amanda...a totally confused look on her face.

[Nikki] He paints?

Nikki asks incredulously.

[Nikki] Since when?

Nikki is definitely lost. If Duncan had taken up painting she would think he would have told her on at least one of their dates within the last couple of weeks.

Amanda looks thoughtful before answering. "About...a hundred and forty years... Roughly." She smiles before balancing her coffee on the chair arm. "He's really very good."

Nikki sits forward and looks her best friend directly in the eyes.

[Nikki] Just how many men keep their clothes in your closet?

Amanda blinks innocently. "Mmmm...three. In case of emergencies, you understand."

Nikki lets out a sigh and slumps back on the couch looking up at the ceiling and shaking her head.

[Nikki] Good Lord....my best friend's a tramp.

Nikki says jokingly.

[Nikki] What will people say?

Nikki pretends to be amazed at the revelation.

Amanda smirks. "One of them is gay, darling," she retorts easily.

Nikki can't help but chuckle softly....almost to herself.

[Nikki] Not this one.

Nikki says more to herself than to Amanda.

Amanda leans forward. "So...what did he have to say?"

[Nikki] He brought you a fish.

Nikki says remembering the night Duncan showed up here expecting Amanda and finding her instead.

Amanda wrinkles her nose. "A fish? But he hates fish."

[Nikki] Who does?

Nikki asks turning her head to look at Amanda.

Amanda waits a moment before actually thinking to ask this time. "Who are YOU talking about?"

[Nikki] I know who I'm talking about. But now you have me curious....who you are talking about. Who ARE you talking about?

Nikki asks as she tries to recall ever hearing Amanda mention a painter before.

Amanda gives her a nonchalant shrug and widens her eyes innocently. "Me? Oh, nobody... Nobody. What about you?"

[Nikki] Oh....so now we keep secrets from each other? When did that start?

Nikki asks pretending to be hurt. She turns her head away and pretends to pout.

Amanda smirks. "Darling that doesn't work...you learned it from me!"

Nikki sighs and turns her head back to look at Amanda. With a smirk she says, "oh yeah. That's right, huh."

[Nikki] Well....I can tell you that I am almost positive this guy of yours is no painter.

Nikki says, sitting up and reaching for her coffee cup.

Amanda continues to act nonchalant. "Which guy, hmm?"

[Nikki] The one with the fish.

Nikki says smarmily as she takes a sip of her coffee.

[Nikki] I just have one question.

Nikki says looking into her cup.

[Amanda] Hmmm?

Amanda questions, hoping that NOW they were on the same page...

[Nikki] Just how....

Nikki tries to think of the right word.

[Nikki] ...attached? are you to the men whose clothes are in your closet?

Nikki says hoping that her friend's answer might eliminate the need for her to confess anything.

Amanda muses on that for a moment. "Well...he's a darling, but not exactly my type now...that one...well, he's very charming and polite. A little young, but that's not necessarily a bad thing...and HE's...well...he's gay. Definitely not my type."

Nikki can't help but look over at Amanda and quirk an eyebrow questioningly. She wants to make sure she is hearing her best friend right before allowing herself to feel any type of relief.

[Nikki] So.....that would be....what? A no?

Nikki asks cautiously.

Amanda pauses hesitantly. "That would depend which one we're talking about, darling."

Nikki rolls her eyes in frustration and sets her cup on the table.

[Nikki] MacLeod. Duncan frigging MacLeod.

Nikki says exasperatedly.

Amanda picks up her coffee and slowly takes a sip, before setting it down on the table in front of her. That done she leans back in the chair, tucking her legs underneath her. "You and he have a thing," she stated rather than asks.

Nikki stands up, not hearing Amanda because she is focused on what she is going to say...and walks over to the fireplace.

[Nikki] Look.....I know that, although I told you all about the guy who I fell for back when I was sheriff of that little town....the guy who asked me to go with him and I stupidly turned him down.....remember?

Nikki asks looking at Amanda without really seeing her and not really wanting an answer.

[Nikki] Although I told you all about him I never mentioned his name. Not because I ever had any idea that you might know him....but just because....well....I just didn't.

Amanda gives a little nod. "It was Duncan, wasn't it?"

Nikki stops and looks at Amanda...this time actually seeing her.

[Nikki] How? How did you know?

Nikki asks completely surprised.

Amanda shrugs her shoulders lightly. "You mention Duncan, and then start talking about some guy you turned down a few years ago. It isn't hard to put two and two together, darling."

[Nikki] Oh.

Nikki says realizing she's right.

[Nikki] Yeah.

Nikki begins pacing again and fidgeting.

[Nikki] Anyway....well...yeah. It was him. And now I know that you knew him all the time and that you two go way back....that you have been.... in a relationship. That he keeps clothes in your closet and has a key and comes and goes whenever he wants to.

Nikki says rambling on nervously.

[Nikki] And now he knows I'm here. And we haven't seen each other since I turned him down and he rode off into the sunset 126 years ago....and.....well....he walked into your bathroom and I was in the tube....

Amanda looks completely relaxed as she listens to her friend rambling on. A tiny smirk tugs at her lips but she covers it with her coffee mug, as she drains the last of the hot beverage. "We DO go quite far back," she agrees.

Nikki continues to ramble and pace back and forth.

[Nikki] ...and he brought you a fish because he said you liked sushi....and I pushed him into the tub because I didn't know you had given out your key to anyone else and he surprised me....and he needed dry clothes and said he had some in your closet....

Nikki rambles on not hearing Amanda.

[Nikki] .....and he threw the fish at me and I threw it back....and you didn't have any food in the house for dinner so he took me out....to the Surf and Turf Club....because I don't like sushi....and we laughed at the coincidence that we both knew you....and he told me about the circus....and the bank robberies....and digging you and Corey up....

Nikki stops briefly and looks at Amanda.

[Nikki] You told me about that but never mentioned the name of the guy who dug you guys up.

Nikki goes back to pacing.

[Amanda] Darling, if you like Duncan MacLeod... I'm not going to stop you two from doing anything.

Amanda smirked slightly.

[Nikki] Then he called me and asked me to go with him to an art auction.....then we went to dinner....and then he asked me to a concert and....well....we went to dinner......

[Amanda] But the painter is mine.

Amanda winks.

[Nikki] Then he.....

Nikki suddenly hears what Amanda has said and stops. She slowly turns and looks at her friend...still with a bit of guilt in her eyes.

[Nikki] What?

Nikki asks not sure she heard Amanda right.

[Amanda] I said the painter is mine, darling.

Amanda repeats.

Nikki shakes her head.

[Nikki] No...no. The other part.

Nikki says and sits down on the edge of the coffee table in front of Amanda.

[Nikki] I just want to make sure I heard you right.

[Amanda] Oh, I'm not going to stop you from doing anything.

Amanda grins.

[Nikki] Sooooo.....you really don't mind? I mean....you're not...like.....in LOVE with him or anything?

Nikki asks slowly and cautiously.

[Nikki] Because if you are.....I would never....I mean....I'll back off.....if you really wanted me to.

Amanda arches a brow and chuckles gently.

[Amanda] No, darling... I'm not in love with Duncan.

Nikki lets out a big sigh of relief and slouches....relaxing...finally.

[Nikki] Oh....thank God.

Nikki says totally relieved.

[Nikki] Because....well....I...we sort of already did.

Nikki says, her cheeks blushing and she averts her eyes.

[Nikki] I was so worried that I had crossed the line. That I had....well...betrayed our friendship.

Amanda waves a hand in a politely dismissive action.

[Amanda] Darling, the two of you are free to do what you want.

Nikki lets out another sigh of relief...at least as far as this part of her quandary is concerned... and smiles at her best friend.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 15, 2011, 03:22:28 am »

David looks for a file in the pile on Craig's desk, no wonder he'd sent for him in New York, judging by the amount of paperwork on his desk Craig certainly could use some help.

[David] Damn, just where did he put that?

David grumbles under his breath when he's unable to find the Jones' file he had been looking for.

Craig steps out of the elevator...a goofy smile on his face. He's whistling as he enters the Bower Agency offices. He stops at Linda's desk and gets his messages then heads for his own office with an unusual bounce in his step. He is still whistling as he opens the door of his office and walks inside.

[David] Oh, good you're here, just where did you put the Jones' file, the man is coming over.

Craig is still smiling that goofy....the cat who ate the canary smile as he sets his brief case on the credenza behind his desk.

[Craig] It's there somewhere.

Craig says simply as he opens his brief case to take out a couple of file folders he had taken home to work on.

David stops his search for a moment, looking at Craig disbelievingly for a moment, the man wasn't even worried the file was missing.

[David] What's going on with you lately? It's not like you to let work pile up.

Craig steps along side of David and lays the folders on a pile of folders on his desk.

[Craig] I don't know what you're talking about.

Craig says innocently.

[Craig] Here....get out of the way. I'll find it. Don't want you to mess up our system.

Craig says with a chuckle.

[David] Our system? What system? Looks like a mess to me.

Craig stops whistling and starts humming as he rummages through a stack of files.

David laughs, shaking his head amused as he moves away.

Craig withdraws a folder from the middle of a stack and hands it to David...smiling cheekily.

[Craig] It's a system. It works.

Craig says still smiling.

David looks at Craig disbelievingly.

[David] Just how did you find that so quickly?

[Craig] Like I said....it's a system and it works.

Craig shoots David a smarmy grin.

David shakes his head, smiling, if Craig thought he was going to swallow that one he was wrong.

[Craig] It may look like a mess to you...but I know where everything is.

Craig sits in his chair.

[David] You just got lucky, that's all.

[Craig] Every thing's in its place...and all is right with the world.

Craig says, ignoring David's comment. He turns on his computer and as it boots up he sits back and stares off into space...his mind on the previous day and evening.

David raises an eyebrow, surprised Craig said that, a PI should know better.

[David] Aren't you exaggerating a little? I mean, we're talking about the same world, right?

Craig brings himself back to reality and smiles up at David.

[Craig] Dave, my boy....you don't know just how lucky we are.

Craig says almost dreamily.

[David] We are?

[Craig] We have something mere mortals don't have.

Craig says seriously.

[David] What? Someone always after our head?

[Craig] Time, my friend. Time.

Craig says sounding a bit philosophical.

[David] Oh, that.

David nods with a smile.

[Craig] Time to live and time to love.

[David] Oh, now I get it. The red hair from Joe's bar. What was her name?

David chuckles, realizing the reason for Craig's good mood, the man was in love.

Craig says as the intercom on his desk buzzes. He presses the button and Linda informs him that their morning appointment is going to be a half an hour late. He thanks her and leans back in his chair looking quite satisfied with himself.

[Craig] Nicayla. Nicayla Flynn.

Craig says as though he were tasting a fine wine.

[Craig] Nikki. My Nikki.

Craig adds with a twinkle in his eyes.

[David] Thought it was just a date, but she caught you, huh?

David asks raising an eyebrow at Craig.

[Craig] You know....I think I must be the luckiest man alive.

Craig says getting out of his chair and walking over to the coffee maker on the other side of the office. He pours himself a cup of coffee and turns around but remains standing there.

[David] If you say so.

David shrugs before he takes a seat, this looked like it was going to take a while.

[Craig] I do.

Craig says simply and takes a sip of his coffee.

[Craig] Haven't you ever been in love, Dave?

Craig asks looking at his student and partner seriously.

[David] Of course, who hasn't? I've been in love more times than I can remember.

David laughs.

[Craig] No. I mean REALLY in love. Not the infatuation that burns itself out after a while.

Craig says and walks over to his desk.

[Craig] But the kind that is lasting.

Craig sits down and looks at David.

[Craig] The kind that is anchored deep inside your soul.

[David] Hmmm, yes, once. She dumped me for a lawyer.

David nods, while he frowns a little, trying to remember her name, it was over 10 years ago anyway.

[Craig] I've been alive 114 years, David. And in that time I can honestly say that I have only had that kind of love once before now.

Craig says and sits forward and leans on his desk.

[Craig] I was more deeply in love with my wife than I ever thought possible. And she loved me just as much.

Craig says reflectively.

[Craig] It was incredible.

Craig takes a sip of his coffee.

[Craig] When she died I thought...no I truly believed that I would never feel that way about another person ever again in my life.

Craig leans back in his chair and looks directly into David's eyes.

[Craig] That is until now.

[David] Just be careful, I think you're going too fast. I would hate if you got hurt.

David says in a way of advice, he couldn't believe Craig got involved so quickly and he probably didn't know this woman very well.

[Craig] What fast? We've been together almost every day for the last few weeks. I probably know her better than I know myself.

Craig says and furrows his brow.

[David] Yeah, so did I. I thought I knew her better than anyone but that was before I got dumped. Just be careful, okay?

David says while he keeps trying to remember her name, this was ridiculous but apparently he couldn't. He wonders how he could forget someone who delivered such a painful blow back then.

[Craig] David....if we live our lives constantly being careful....never trusting anyone...never letting anyone get close....do you realize just how lonely that would be? Just how mundane?

Craig shakes his head.

[Craig] I did that. I lived EXACTLY like that ever since Chalinar died.

Craig says looking at David with complete sincerity.

[Craig] And you know what I was?

Craig sips his coffee.

[David] No, what?

[Craig] A shell....an empty shell, David.

Craig says matter of factly.

David sighs, he could tell it was already too late to tell him to be careful.

[Craig] I had built up a barrier that nobody could penetrate. Not even me.

Craig says and gets out of his chair. He walks over to the window and looks outside.

[Craig] I was so shut off from the world that I didn't even know I wasn't living my life...I was simply existing.

[David] I'm not telling you not to fall in love, I'm just telling you to take it easy.

David decides to try again, even though he sees it's not going to work. Craig had decided to throw caution in the wind, nothing to do when someone decides to do that.

Craig turns and looks at David...a smile creeping back on his face.

[Craig] It wouldn't do you any good, my friend. I already have.

Craig adds as he walks back over to his desk, "Deeply and completely."

[David] Yeah, I can see that.

David nods, smiling amused.

[David] After all you said, it's hard not to find out.

Craig reaches into his brief case and removes a small black velvet box. He opens it and holds it out for David to see....exposing a beautifully set diamond ring.

[Craig] I'm going to ask her to marry me, Dave. I'm taking her to our favorite restaurant tomorrow night, then...maybe some dancing. Then when I take her home,....

Craig leaves his statement open ended for Dave's imagination.

David looks at the ring and then looks at Craig, his eyes open wide.

[David] Wow.

David manages to drag out, stunned by the information, he can't say anything else at the moment.

[Craig] And before you say anything...yes...I have thought about it.

Craig says closing the box and returning it to his brief case

[Craig] I've thought about nothing else for the last few days. I've weighed all of the pros and cons and after all was said and done...

Craig smiles up at David.

[David] Well, if you're so sure, go for it.

[Craig] I could do nothing else. It's right, Dave. Nothing feels more right.

David smiles at Craig encouragingly, even though he thinks it's way too soon to propose to someone you just met, but if Craig didn't, there was nothing he could do.

Craig 's smile grows.

[Craig] She makes me happy, Dave. Happier than I thought possible.

Craig says completely convinced.

[Craig] She's an incredible woman. And she makes me feel incredible.

Craig winks.

[Craig] Like I said...I'm the luckiest man in the world.

[David] Well, I hope everything works for you, I really do.

David says sincerely.

[Craig] Just imagine....not just spending 10 or 20 years with the woman of your dreams....with your soul mate...but being able to spend 100....200 years together.

Craig says grinning.

[David] Talk about a long marriage.

David laughs, wondering if Craig still thought it was so wonderful after 200 years.

[Craig] Think of the things you could share....things that wouldn't be possible in a mere 10 or 20 years. The places....the dreams....the love.

Craig shakes his head almost sadly.

[Craig] I feel sorry for mortals. Their lives are so limited.

The intercom on Craig's desk buzzes again and Linda informs him that Mr. Jones has arrived.

[Craig] Well.....I guess it's time to go to work.

Craig says and makes a conscious effort to put on his business face.

[Craig] You ready?

Craig asks getting to his feet to greet their new client.

[David] Oh, damn, forgot all about Jones, we'd better go.

David says as he jumps to his feet and almost runs to the door.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2011, 11:11:29 am »

Gemini grins as she bounces around the rooms of her suite. She is thinking about going for another swim. She's already had her workout today, but...

[Gemini] Anything to burn off more energy. And see something besides these rooms.

Gemini says to herself, finishing her thoughts verbally.

David stops and hesitates a little when he passes the Fairmont Hotel. He knows that's where Gemini lives for now, but she had never called him after the night he'd met her. He thinks for a minute and remembers how shy she is. "Probably too shy to call me." David murmurs under his breath, before he decides to go inside and check if she's alright.

Gemini pauses by the desk in her room, and starts flipping through the books on. Thinking maybe a book would help her settle. "Read it, read it, read it." Gemini mutters after each book as she tosses it aside.

David stops at the reception desk.

[David] Can you check if Gemini... hmm don't remember her last name.

David smiles charmingly at the hotel receptionist.

[David] Well, I guess you don't have many Geminis in here. Can you see if she's here, please?

Sarah blushed, as the young man smiled at her. He looked a bit like Brad Pitt. A young Brad Pitt, with longer hair."I'm sorry sir, but that's against company policy." Sarah says swallowing hard after a moment.

[David] Come on, I'm a PI and I'm working for her, just call her and tell her David Bradford is here.

David smiles at the young woman, hoping it would work, always had worked before.

"Well, I suppose that wouldn't hurt." Sarah smiles and starts searching the database. "Ah, we have a Gemini Dunmire. Just let me call her room." Sarah says picking up a phone and dialing an extension.

Gemini jumps as the phone rings. Startled she stares at the phone for three rings, before she picks it up.

[Gemini] Hello?

Gemini asks.

"Hello, Ms. Dunmire? This is Sarah at reception. I have a David Bradford here to see you." Sarah states formally.

[Gemini] David?

Gemini mouths to herself momentarily confused. Then she remembers.

[Gemini] Oh, yeah. He's here?

Gemini asks.

"Yes, he is." Sarah says as she arches an eyebrow at David wondering if he wants her to request anything.

David looks up, trying to make her understand he wants her to ask Gemini, if he can go up.

Sarah nods at David then continues on the phone to Gemini. "With your permission I will send him up to your room."

[Gemini] Oh.

Gemini says, then nods to herself.

[Gemini] Yeah. That's fine. Send him up.

"Very well. Goodbye, Ms. Dunmire." Sarah says hanging up the phone. "She is in room 516. The elevators are to your left, down the hall." Sarah gestures for David.

[David] Thanks. By the way, here's my business card, call me, I'll have to thank you properly for this. Dinner maybe?

David smiles at her, before he moves to the elevators.

Sarah blinks in surprise, as she watches him walk down the hallway. After a moment she picks up the card and slips it into her pocket.

David smiles as he walks to the elevators, he had seen Sarah pocket his card. Maybe she'll call him. He presses the elevator keys and waits.

Gemini tenses as she feels the presence of another Immortal. She shifts on her feet, a little ways away from the door. Yes, she's expecting David, but there could be more than one Immortal in the hotel and she wasn't going to open the door until he knocks and says something.

David winces as comes out of the elevator and he feels the Immortal buzz, his hand going automatically to his holster. He looks around to find out if someone's coming.

Gemini shifts anxiously from foot to food in her room, waiting.

David decides that he only felt Gemini and begins to move again. He stops at the door with 516 and knocks.

[David] Gemini? It's David.

Hearing his voice, Gemini relaxes a little and moves to the door. Looking through the peephole she relaxes further when she recognizes the man who gave her a ride home several nights before. She twists door handle and pulls the door open.

[Gemini] Hi.

Gemini says softly.

[David] Hello.

David smiles.

[David] So how are you doing? You never called, so I decided to check if you're alright.

[Gemini] Uh, fine. Would you like to come in?

Gemini offers stepping aside and holding the door open.

[Gemini] You aah... said to call if I needed anything. I didn't actually need anything so...

Genini shrugs.

David walks in, looking around.

[David] Hey, this is nice. Never been inside one of these rooms before.

David looks back at her frowning.

[David] You didn't need to go anywhere? Stayed here the whole time?

[Gemini] No. I went to the pool, downstairs. That's about it.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] I didn't actually need anything or need to go anywhere. I didn't want to inconvenience you, or Nikki.

David smiles.

[David] Gemini, if it was such an inconvenience I wouldn't have offered. I meant what I said, if you needed to go out I'd help you. I'm sure you didn't want to stay in the hotel all this time.

Gemini shrugs again.

[Gemini] Wanting to go out, isn't the same as needing to.

[David] All right, my fault. Should have said if you wanted to go out, not needed.

David laughs.

Gemini shrugs again.

[Gemini] Can umm... I get you anything? Something to drink maybe? I have ah... water, and ah, water, and...

Gemini smiles.

[Gemini] Water.

David chuckles.

[David] I guess I don't have to ask you what's your favorite drink then.

[Gemini] Not so much that, as I don't drink pop and the hotel doesn't have anything else available.

Gemini says with a small smile.

[David] Hmm, I have an idea. I have the afternoon off, so why don't I show you around?

David shrugs.

[David] It's not like I really know Seacouver that well, I'm not from here, but I can move around.

[Gemini] Oh... that's okay.

Gemini says shaking her head.

[Gemini] I'm sure you have something else planned to do with your afternoon off. I'm sure the last thing you want to do is play tourist.

[David] Actually I don't, I had a meeting but our client canceled it.

David shrugs again.

[David] I was thinking in watching a movie... alone, I don't know many people here yet.

Gemini glances out the window. She really would like to get out of the hotel.

[Gemini] I really don't want to intrude if you wanted to spend the afternoon alone.

Gemini says softly.

[David] I hate going to the movies alone.

David chuckles, but then he sobers up.

[David] Well, if you don't want my company just say so and I'll go.

[Gemini] Oh, no it's not that!

Gemini says then blushes.

[Gemini] I just really don't want to intrude. But if you're sure...

Gemini trails off biting her lower lip.

[David] Of course I'm sure, wouldn't have offered if I wasn't.

David smiles again.

Gemini smiles.

[Gemini] Yeah. Let me grab my purse.

[David] Alright, have any idea where you'd like to go first?

David asks as she moves around her room.

Gemini shrugs, as she shoves her wallet and cell into her purse.

[Gemini] No. Wherever is fine. I... I suppose I wouldn't mind hitting up a bookstore at some point, but...

Gemini shrugs again.

[Gemini] If not, it doesn't matter.

David looks around and sees a dozen books on her desk.

[David] Hmm, ran out of books to read, huh? That's what you've been doing here lately?

[Gemini] Yeah. That and working out in the pool.

Gemini says.

[Gemini] Never been much for watching TV, unless it's a movie. And that means, no commercials.

[David] Yes, I also have been reading a lot lately, nothing better to do around here.

David shrugs smiling.

[Gemini] Seacouver doesn't seem too bad. It's so different, Fargo.

Gemini sighs as she slips a room key off of the TV, and into her purse.

[Gemini] Ready.

Gemini says softly to David.

[David] Fargo? Never been there.

David shakes his head as he walks to the door and opens it waiting for her.

[Gemini] Not much to see.

Gemini laughs as she steps out into the hallway.

[Gemini] It's ah... very flat.

[David] There isn't much here to see either. I don't know why so many Immortals come in here.

David exits her room and closes the door behind him.

[Gemini] No, it's pretty.

Gemini argues softly.

[Gemini] You've got the mountains, and stuff.

Gemini smiles.

[David] Yes, it's pretty but I still miss New York though.

David shrugs.

[David] Guess I always will.

[Gemini] You may not be able to see why Immortals come here.

Gemini says softly as she steps into the elevator.

[Gemini] But obviously none of them go to Fargo. Or Nikki and Craig, and you wouldn't have been such a surprise the other night.

[David] Hmm, never heard any news of headless bodies showing up? We had a bunch of them in New York. Never found out who did it either.

David smiles.

[David] Of course, now I know it wasn't the work of one person.

Gemini shook her head.

[Gemini] Uh uh. Jeez, if there's more than a dozen murders a year in Fargo.

Gemini shrugs.

[David] A dozen murders a year?

David asks surprised, before he laughs.

[Gemini] What?

Gemini asks glancing at him.

[David] We had a dozen murders a day.

David shakes his head still smiling amused.

[Gemini] Wow. That's a lot.

Gemini says softly, mentally scratching New York City off of her list of desired places to visit.

[David] Well, considering the population maybe not.

David shrugs.

[David] Don't let that keep you from visiting the city.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Well... maybe after I finish this... training.

Gemini looks up at him.

[David] Yes, I also can't go there yet.

David sighs.

[David] Judging by the headless bodies we found, there are a lot of Immortals there.

Gemini laughs softly as the elevator doors open.

[Gemini] Well, based on that, Fargo sounds fantastic!

[David] Yeah, sounds a great place for a vacation.

David laughs as he follows her outside the elevator.

[Gemini] Well, central Minnesota in the summer time, is great. You got all those lakes, and it's great.

Gemini grins.

[David] I'll keep that in mind, next time I need a vacation.

David smiles looking around hoping to see Sarah again.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Looking for something?

Gemini asks.

David smiles a little embarrassed.

[David] Hmm... well... yes?

Gemini just ****s and eyebrow at him, curious.

[David] Sarah, the receptionist, I liked her.

David shrugs trying not to be too obvious.

[Gemini] Uh huh.

Gemini says, clearly not believing it.

[David] What? Do you think I'm lying, I'm not.

David frowns.

[David] Why would I lie?

[Gemini] It's more than just like her, isn't it?

Gemini asks, blandly.

[David] What do you mean? You think I'm in love with her?

David laughs.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] I dunno. Just from the way you looked and then said you liked her, it sounded like there was more to it.

[David] Don't know yet, if she decides to call me, I'll probably find out, if she doesn't...

David shrugs as they walk outside the hotel.

[David] Alright, left or right?

[Gemini] I dunno. We gonna walk or drive?

Gemini asks eying David.

[David] My car is parked down the block, but I don't have anything against walking if that's what you want.

David stops looking down at her, trying to find out what she wants.

Gemini shrugs again.

[Gemini] I don't care. I don't know Seacouver at all. Let alone where anything is.

Gemini says calmly meeting his gaze.

[David] Well, we're near two museums and a public library, unless you want to go there, I suggest we take the car.

David smiles.

[David] The Bower agency, the place I work, is that way.

[Gemini] That works.

Gemini says agreeably with a shrug.

[David] Alright, this way then.

David begins to move to where he had parked his car.

Gemini silently follows David, just looking around her as she walks.

[Gemini] Oh, before I forget. You all seamed surprised the other night that wasn't surprised I was adopted.

Gemini says looking through her purse.

[Gemini] Here.

She says pulling out a folded picture and offering it to David.

David gets the picture and looks, then he smiles.

[David] Because you're not blond?

[Gemini] That. And they were always honest with me about it.

She grins.

David frowns as his smiles disappears from his face.

[David] Mine weren't, my mother had a big shock when I called her and asked her about it.

[Gemini] Why? That you now knew?

Gemini asks curious, then blushes.

[Gemini] Oh, I'm sorry, this isn't any of my business.

[David] Yeah, apparently she never thought I'd suspect something.

David shakes his head.

[David] I should be able to go there and talk to her face-to-face, but I can't.

[Gemini] She in New York?

Gemini asks, assuming distance as the reason why.

[Gemini] And why didn't she think you'd ever suspect? And never told you?

Gemini asks curious.

[David] Yes, she's in New York and I didn't ask her why, I was so surprised I couldn't even think straight.

David sighs.

[David] Never thought my parents would lie to me.

[Gemini] Well. At least she's there, and you can ask her why.

Gemini points out softly.

[David] I can't go there, not until I learn how to use a sword properly. When I told her I couldn't go there, she thought I was upset with her.

David sighs again.

[David] Well, I am, but not so much as I wouldn't face her.

[Gemini] You can ask her over the phone, and if it really matters to you, ask her. Before it's too late.

Gemini says, her voice still soft as she looks straight ahead.

[David] I know, I already lost my father, when I was expelled from the force.

David frowns thinking.

[Gemini] He died?

Gemini asks. The way David said he lost him, when expelled from the force, made it sound like something different.

[David] Yeah, he had a heart attack. Some bad cops tried to frame me and he couldn't take the humiliation.

David sighs.

[David] Something like that had never happened in his family before.

[Gemini] Oh.

Gemini says softly.

[Gemini] How long ago was that?

[David] About five years ago.

David tries to change subject.

[David] So are you hungry? I know a great place on West Hastings, the best steaks in town.

David smiles.

[David] Well, I hope you like meat.

[Gemini] Umm...sure, I could eat. And...

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] I don't mind a good steak. Prefer pasta but...

[David] Hmm, if you prefer an Italian restaurant there are a few around, I should know.

David smiles.

[David] Never liked cooking.

Gemini laughs.

[Gemini] No, a steak place is fine. I can get pasta there just as well. Who knows... I might even be in a red meat mood.

[David] Alright, so the Sinclair Center it is.

David begins to walk to his car again.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Wherever. As if I even knew where Sinclair Center is.

Gemini smiles, following David to his car.

[David] Actually it's not that far, I know most of the places where you can eat near work.

David smiles as he gets to his car and unlocks the doors.

[Gemini] Yeah... All I've seen has been the airport, my hotel and...

Gemini pauses biting her lower lip in thought.

[Gemini] Joe's? Is that the name of the bar?

[David] Yes, Joe's. I don't know how he makes it, but from what Craig told me, all Immortals end up showing in there sooner or later.

David smiles as he opens the door and waits for her to go inside.

[David] Maybe he advertises at the Immortal Journal.

Gemini glances shyly at David as she slides into the car.

[Gemini] There's an Immortal Journal?

Gemini asks. She thinks he was just teasing, but isn't sure.

[David] No, we try to keep quiet, the mortals aren't supposed to know.

David closes the door and moves around to the driver's seat.

[Gemini] Yeah, common sense says that.

Gemini says as David opens the driver's door.

[Gemini] Most would freak out. Some in a good way, some in a bad way.

[David] Some get completely insane, you should have seen the guy who killed me.

David says as he starts the car and moves out of the parking lot.

[Gemini] Yeah... that's the part I'm still having problems with.

Gemini says softly, looking at her hands.

[David] Yeah, me too. Craig is trying but I don't know if I'll ever be a good swordsman.

David smiles.

[David] And that thing that happens when we get close to another of our own, I don't think I'll ever get used to it.

[Gemini] The thought of killing someone, even if they want me dead...

Gemini shakes her head.

[Gemini] It makes me feel sick.

[David] It's that or dying... or Holy Ground forever.

David sighs.

[David] Not a real choice here.

[Gemini] Holy Ground?

Gemini asks confused.

[David] Yeah, Holy Ground, if you like the idea.

David shrugs.

[David] I don't.

[Gemini] But...

Gemini says hesitatingly.

[Gemini] What's Holy Ground got to do with it?

[David] Craig and Nikki didn't tell you about Holy Ground?

David asks surprised, looking at her before he remembers he's driving and looks back to the road.

[Gemini] No... I'm guessing there is something special about it? The way you've mentioned it...

Gemini asks trailing off.

[David] We don't fight on Holy Ground, don't ask me why.

David smiles.

[David] No one is really sure why, but once you're on Holy Ground you're safe from other Immortals. The only problem is that you'll have to stay there forever if you want to keep safe, once you're out...

[Gemini] You're back to being fair game.

Gemini concluded.

[David] Yeah, so it doesn't really help, unless you want to be incarcerated for life.

David shrugs.

[Gemini] Yeah... I'm Lutheran, not Catholic, so... definitely not cut out for a life as a nun.

[David] Yeah, I know what you mean, being a priest is not my idea of fun.

David laughed before he parked his car.

[Gemini] So... what qualifies as Holy Ground? Churches and the like?

Gemini asks.

[David] Yeah, churches, cemeteries, Buddhist temples...

David shrugs.

[David] Everything that has to do with religion I guess.

[Gemini] Forgot about cemeteries...

Gemini mutters and looks out the window.

[Gemini] It's a mall.

Gemini grins.

[David] Yes, it's a mall. And I don't see how cemeteries help unless you're a vampire.

David laughs as he exits his car and moves around to open the door for her.

[Gemini] Well, I suppose if Buffy were an Immortal, she wouldn't have to worry about being attacked on two fronts.

Gemini laughs and opens her door to get out.

David smiles shaking his head.

[David] Real life ends up being stranger than fiction.

[Gemini] You can say that again.

Gemini mutters as she gets out of the car and shuts the door.

David locks the doors and follows her.

[David] So where to? Do you want to eat first, or take a look at the shops?

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Doesn't matter.

[David] Hey, I've chose the location, maybe it's time you choose something.

David laughs.

[David] Do you usually let other people choose for you?

Gemini shrugs again.

[Gemini] Not really. But then again, it's usually Lizzy and I and we don't actually need to ask each other. But I suppose that's what happens when you've been best friends with someone since you were both four.

[David] Are you going to tell her? I haven't told anyone so far, I'm not sure I want to.

David frowns thinking of his mother.

[Gemini] I-I don't know. I haven't honestly given it any thought. But, if I were to tell anyone now...

Gemini shrugs, and starts towards the mall entrance.

[Gemini] It'd be her.

[David] If you stay too long around her, she'll know something is going on anyway. She'll notice you're not aging.

David shrugs as he follows her inside the mall.

[Gemini] Yeah, that's true.

Gemini sighs.

[Gemini] God, six months ago my life got turned end over end, and now it's happened again!

Gemini blurts out frustrated.

[David] Yeah, mine too. Being murdered by a crazy Immortal isn't a normal thing to do either.

David sighs. He stops and looks around once inside the mall.

[David] So shall we eat first?

[Gemini] Umm... sure. I'm kind of hungry, but if you're not, I can wait.

Gemini says.

[David] So am I, too busy to have lunch.

David smiles.

[Gemini] So... and early dinner then? This the steak place?

Gemini asks looking at the restaurant just inside the mall.

[David] Yeah, that's the one.

David looks down at Gemini.

[David] Shall we go then?

[Gemini] Yeah. Sounds good.

Gemini grins and pauses letting him preceed her into the restaurant that was his choice.

David opens the door and waits for her to pass him without saying a word.

[Gemini] Uh, thanks.

Gemini blushes slightly as she steps into the waiting room of the restaurant.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Bradford." The man on the waiting room greets him. "Hmm, table for two?"

[David] Yes, we decided to have an early dinner.

David smiles.

Gemini blinks at the restaurant host, then looks to David.

[Gemini] Been here a few times before?

Gemini mutters under her breath.

David nods.

[David] Yeah, I like steaks.

David chuckles.

Gemini just grins, as the host leads them to a table.

"Your usual table, Mr. Bradford." The host says as he places the menus on the table.

[David] Thank you.

David smiles, before he picks one of the menus.

[David] Well, I think I'll have the usual but still...

David shrugs before he begins to read the menu.

[Gemini] What's your usual?

Gemini asks absently as she flips her menu open and starts scanning through it.

[David] All the things we shouldn't eat, French fries, eggs...

David laughs.

[David] Well, I guess I don't have to worry about cholesterol now.

[Gemini] No, I guess not.

Gemini grins.

[Gemini] Lizzy would have liked that aspect. Both her parents are on medication for cholesterol. She knows that, someday, she'll end up on it too.

[David] Not if she's one of us.

David shrugs.

[David] Probably not, or you'd have felt something.

[Gemini] Can we sense them? Like before they become Immortal?

Gemini asks softly.

[David] I think we'd feel something, but I'm not sure, never happened to me.

David smiles still going through the menu.

[Gemini] Well... I've never felt anything from her. And Lizzy looks all too much like her parents so...

Gemini trails off and flips the page in the menu.

"So what's gonna be today, David?" The waitress smiles at him.

[David] Hey, Carla. How's it going?

David smiles back.

[David] I think I'm going to stick to the usual.

"Alright, double steak, French fries, two eggs..." Carla quickly writes it down, then she looks at Gemini. "How about you, Honey?

[Gemini] Umm...

Gemini says looking back her menu chewing on her lower lip.

[Gemini] The Lemon Pepper chicken on linguini and an unsweetened ice tea, please?

Carla quickly writes it down. "Oh, how about you, David? What are you drinking today, water or beer?

[David] I'm off duty, beer, please.

David grins.

"Of course, she looks too young to be a client but you never know." Carla smiles before she goes to get their orders.

Gemini blushes at the waitress' remark and looks down at her hands. That was a good thought... what most people think of her being with David?

David smiles at her embarrassment.

[David] Well, if you blush every time someone says you look too young, you'd be blushing for the rest of your life, you know?

[Gemini] Yeah.

Gemini mutters.

[Gemini] Still having a bit of trouble wrapping my head around that.

Gemini grins.

[Gemini] Maybe once I've seen a century or two I will.

[David] Damn, I still can't see myself being over a century and looking exactly like I'm now.

David shakes his head smiling.

[David] Every time I stop to think about it, I still can't believe it.

[Gemini] The only thing we have to change about ourselves now is what? Our hairstyles? I know that still grows...

Gemini says, remembering that she had gotten her hair trimmed, just before coming to Seacouver.

[David] Yeah, you can't even grow a beard.

David laughs.

[David] Always that possibility to me.

[Gemini] Yeah, brag about it, why don't you.

Gemini shoots back, with a smile.

[David] Hmm, you can always have long fingernails, that would look weird on a guy.

David smiles.

[Gemini] Not really, at least not if I keep swimming. The water makes nails soft and brittle. I may not chew or bite my nails, but I can't get my nails long for the life of me.

Gemini explains with a bit of a smile.

David smiles sadly.

[David] The thing that really upsets me about this, is that I can never have a family of my own, never met a woman I'd like to marry and have a family with, but to know that I can't...

David sighs.

[Gemini] Well, why can't you?

Gemini asks bluntly.

[David] Don't tell me Craig forgot to mention that too.

David looks up at her disbelievingly.

[Gemini] Mention what?

Gemini asks confused.

David takes a deep breath.

[David] Damn, I'd hate to be the one to tell you this.

[Gemini] Tell me what?

Gemini asks, a little warily.

David sighs again.

[David] I wish Craig would tell you this.

[Gemini] Yeah, well. You're here. So just tell me.

Gemini states.

Carla comes to their table bringing the drinks. "Sorry it took so long, David." Carla places the drinks in front of them.

[Gemini] Thanks.

Gemini says softly glancing up at the waitress.

[David] It's alright, Carla.

David says absentminded before he drinks some beer.

[Gemini] Well?

Gemini asks again, once Carla is out of earshot.

David thinks of a gentle way to tell her this, then finds out there isn't one, he decides to just tell her and get it over with.

[David] We can't have children.

Gemini frowns thinking about that statement.

[Gemini] What? Meaning we're not fertile?

Gemini asks after a minute.

[David] No, we're not.

David sighs.

Gemini frowns thinking about that, then thinking about how the subject came up.

[Gemini] So... what's that have to do with having or not having a family?

Gemini asks.

[David] If we can't have children how do you expect to have a family?

David smiles sadly.

[Gemini] Uh.... Adopt? Or if whoever she is, wants to be pregnant bad enough, visit a sperm bank.

Gemini bluntly suggests.

[David] I don't think a sperm bank would work.

David shrugs.

[David] And adopt? Who would you choose? A mortal that you have to see get old and die, or a pre-Immortal that has a better chance to live if gets adopted by a mortal family?

Gemini blinks feeling hurt by his words, but determined not to show it.

[Gemini] Does it matter? If you love it, cherish it, and give it a good home?

Gemini asks softly.

David shakes his head but doesn't answer to her comment.

[Gemini] So... you're mad that you can't physically have your own, biological children.

Gemini says frowning at David and growing slightly mad at him.

[Gemini] But won't consider adoption because either they'll grow old and die. Which if you could physically have children they'd do anyway. Or because they'd be pre-Immortal? And to me that sounds like the perfect situation. Who'd you rather have learned this from? Some complete stranger, or vague acquaintance, or your own mother or father?

[David] Your missing the point here, it's for their safety, if we lose our heads and we have a pre-Immortal son or daughter, you think the winner wouldn't kill them too?

David shakes his head again.

[David] And mortals don't normally have to bury their own children like we'd have to.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Somehow, I think everyone would, or will come up with a different opinion on this subject.

[David] Maybe I will, who knows?

David shrugs.

[David] This is all new to me, I'm not used to this. Right now I'm not interested, but later... who knows?

[Gemini] Well...

Gemini suddenly grins trying to look on the bright side.

[Gemini] At least we don't have to worry about accident pregnancies, birth control or condoms, right?

[David] No, we don't need any of that.

David smiles.

[Gemini] So... what ended up bringing you to Seacouver?

Gemini asks trying to change the subject.

[David] I was working for Craig in New York, he opened another agency here and needed my help.

David shrugs.

[Gemini] Wow, that's exciting.

Gemini says her voice just slightly sarcastic, the smile on her face showing she is teasing David.

[David] Already had too much excitement in my life, when I had to prove my innocence, thank you very much.

David laughs.

[David] I'm not looking for more.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] And here I am, looking for a very specific type of excitement.

[David] And what is that?

David frowns.

[David] You can't be talking about sword fighting, right?

[Gemini] Ah, no. I was talking, or thinking, of swimming and the Olympics.

Gemini stutters.

[David] Oh that!

David laughs.

[David] Got me surprised here for a minute.

[Gemini] No, it's not the whole... immortal thing.

Gemini says shaking her head.

[Gemini] It's so hard to think of that. I mean, here, technically, I've been Immortal since July 4th, but I mean, I've only known for a couple of days and...

Gemini trails off with a sigh.

[David] Yeah, you need time, happened to me in September, a crazy Immortal stabbed me with his sword right here.

David indicates his chest.

[David] And it's still hard to get used to it.

He smiles.

[David] And who would have known that you're older than me...

[Gemini] Not for most intent and purpose.

Gemini smiles.

David smiles before he takes a sip of beer.

[David] You really need to find a teacher, maybe Craig is doing that for you... or Nikki...

[Gemini] I hope so. I have no idea how to go about looking for one.

Gemini says ruefully.

[Gemini] And don't particularly want to live in this hotel, for... who knows how long.

[David] Well, if they come up with a male Immortal it might be weird to live with him...

David smiles.

[Gemini] Do you live with Craig?

Gemini asks surprised.

[David] Oh no. I have my own place.

David laughs.

[David] But I know how to defend myself, I'm an ex-cop.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] See that was the original plan. I'd get the guy I wanted as a swim coach, then he'd help me find an apartment.

[David] Well, try to find another, he's not the only swim coach in the world, is he?

David shrugs.

[David] Don't give up your dream because a jerk told you that you can't do it. You think I've never heard that before? That it was impossible, that I couldn't do it all by myself? I have, but I didn't listen to it and refused to give up.

[Gemini] I'm not going to.

Gemini smiles softly.

[Gemini] The other night I had just gotten the news that the coach I wanted wouldn't take me. I was angry and hurt.

Gemini grins a little more broadly.

[Gemini] But I've had some time to think about it.

[David] Good. Somehow I think this guy is the one that ended up missing a great chance.

David smiles.

[David] If that's what you want, go for it.

[Gemini] Oh, believe me. I will.

Gemini says firmly.

Carla arrives with their orders and places the food in front of them. "Do you need anything else?

[Gemini] I'm good. Thank you.

Gemini says softly, her voice back to just above a whisper.

[David] No, thanks, Carla.

David smiles at the waitress.

[Gemini] Eggs and steak?

Gemini asks looking at David's plate and raising an eyebrow.

[David] Yeah, so? I'm hungry.

David shrugs.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] And I thought I was a big eater.

She mutters.

[David] Hmm, maybe it's in our genes.

David laughs.

[Gemini] And here I always thought it was due to all the calories I burn a day.

Gemini shrugs and starts in on her Lemon Pepper chicken.

[David] Well, it might help too, I've always tried to stay in top shape.

David shrugs

[Gemini] And what do you do, to keep in shape?

Gemini asks, fully expecting him to say he runs, a couple miles a day.

[David] I always run in the morning. In New York I used to go to a Gym after work, but been too busy here to do the same.

David smiles.

[David] I suppose Craig's lessons are about the same.

Gemini can't help it, she grins.

[Gemini] You want a real workout some day, come get in the pool with me.

She offers.

[David] Well, I workout the things I'm going to need for work, it's highly unlikely I'll have to swim after a suspect.

David laughs.

[David] But maybe I will someday.

Gemini purses her lips at David.

[Gemini] You're missing the point.

She says.

[Gemini] Swimming exercises EVERY muscle in the body. Not just your biceps or triceps or caves. Every muscle from your head to your toes.

[David] Really?

David frowns.

[David] So basically I've been wasting my time weight lifting, right?

[Gemini] Kind of.

Gemini grins.

[Gemini] Every muscle in my body is toned, basically to perfection.

She shrugs.

[Gemini] But if you're not going to spend hours at it everyday, lifting weights is the next best thing. I spend five hours in the pool everyday.

[David] Wow, five hours?

David looks at her surprised.

[Gemini] Yeah. Seven days a week. Three hundred and... sixty to sixty-three days a year.

David shakes his head.

[David] I think that would be too much for me, I don't want to go to the Olympics.

Gemini laughs.

[Gemini] Yeah, well, I do. But even if I didn't, I spend probably three hours a day at it.

[David] Really like swimming, huh?

David smiles.

[Gemini] Duh.

David laughs.

[David] Alright, stupid question.

He sets down his knife and fork.

[David] Hmm, dessert?

[Gemini] Not for me, thanks.

Gemini says smiling as she continues with her meal.

David gestures to Carla, he smiles when he sees the dessert menu.

[David] I'm getting too predictable, right?

"Well, you always want dessert." Carla smiles as she gives him the menu.

[David] Hmm, maybe apple pie. I like apple pie.

David smiles.

[David] Not so good as the one my mother makes but...

He shrugs as he gives the menu back to Carla.

[David] A slice of apple pie, please.

"A slice of apple pie as usual." Carla smiles writing it down.

Gemini starts coughing as she tries to suppress a laugh, and then reaches and takes a big gulp of her tea.

David laughs.

[David] I'm getting predictable.

He shakes his head still smiling.

"Nothing wrong about being predictable in some things, at least women know what to expect." Carla laughs before she turns to Gemini. "What about you, Honey?"

[Gemini] Nothing for me, thanks.

Gemini says with a smile at Carla.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2011, 11:54:40 am »

Valentine's Night at Joe's Bar

Craig applauds as the band plays the last few notes of the song they have been playing. He smiles and leans closer to Nikki so he can be heard over the applause.

[Craig] They are really good.

Craig says over the din.

Nikki smiles and nods in agreement as she, too, applauds the band.

[Nikki] Joe better keep them around a while.

Nikki says with a snicker. She sits back in her chair as the applause dies down and the band stops playing. She picks up her drink off of the table and takes a sip. She and Craig had come to Joe's after dinner at their favorite Italian restaurant and have spent the last couple hours enjoying the new band Joe has hired. She never used to like Blues music but since moving to Seacouver and meeting Joe Dawson it has started to grow on her.

Craig takes a drink of his draft and looks over at Nikki. She looks beautiful tonight. Not that she doesn't always look beautiful. But tonight...the way her red hair waves around her shoulders..the way it frames her face.. He smiles to himself as he thinks, "tonight's the night."

Mike, the bartender, announces last call and Nikki looks over at Craig.

[Nikki] Already? Seems like we just got here.

Nikki says smiling.

Craig nods in agreement as the band starts to play one last song.

[Craig] Care to dance, ma lady?

Craig asks halfway rising from his chair.

Nikki suddenly remembers the dance she shared with Duncan only a week ago. Before the memory progresses to where that dance had led, she shakes her head, slightly...not so much that anyone can notice...and looks at Craig with an apologetic smile.

[Nikki] To tell the truth, I'd rather just listen to this one. Do you mind?

Craig lowers himself back down in his chair and smiles, nodding understandingly.

[Craig] Not at all.

Craig says and reaches over and lays his hand on top of hers and gently curls his fingers around it.

Nikki smiles gratefully then turns her attention to the music, swaying with the rhythm.

Craig tries to pay attention to the song the band is singing, but, instead his thoughts are on tonight after they leave Joe's.

Nikki glances over at Craig and it looks like he's miles away from here. She gently squeezes his hand to get his attention and leans closer.

[Nikki] Everything alright?

Nikki asks sincerely concerned.

Craig returns to the here and now when Nikki squeezes his hand. He looks at her and can sees that she is genuinely concerned. He smiles reassuringly and nods.

[Craig] Couldn't be better.

Craig says with a wink.

Nikki isn't quite sure she believes him but decides not to pressure him so she shrugs and smiles.

When the band brings their last song of the evening to an end, Craig applauds and glances over at Nikki.

Nikki joins in with the rest of the audience...applauding heartily for the band. As the din dies down she looks over at Craig and smiles.

[Craig] Ready to go?

Craig asks seizing the opportunity.

Nikki nods and gets up.

Craig gets to his feet, helps Nikki on with her coat, puts his own on and crooks his arm for her to take then escorts her out of the bar and to his car. He unlocks and opens the passenger door and helps Nikki get in then closes the door and heads around to the drivers side. He gets in, starts the car and drives out of the parking lot.

[Craig] Back to your friend's place?

Craig asks more for conversation than verification.

[Nikki] Uh-huh.

Nikki responds.

Craig decides to take the more scenic route to the Queen Anne Condominiums and heads down to the 4 mile stretch of road that travels above Seacouver's more scenic beaches. The moon is full making the froth of the waves lapping against the white sands look almost iridescent. When they reach the large parking lot of the condos he pulls his car to the row of parking spaces that over look the condos' private beach and parks so that they can, not only see the beach below, but have a perfect view of the full moon reflecting on the water of the peninsula.

Nikki doesn't question Craig's choice of parking places when she sees the scene in front of them. She looks out of the front windshield in awe.

[Craig] I hope you don't mind.

Craig says softly.

[Craig] I couldn't help myself. It's so beautiful.

[Nikki] It is that.

Nikki says in agreement.

Craig sits in silence as he takes in the sight. After a few minutes he turns, slightly, and looks over at Nikki...admiring the way she looks in the moonlight.

Nikki feels Craig's eyes on her and turns to look at him. Seeing the look in his eyes she smiles shyly.

[Nikki] You're doing it again.

Nikki says a bit reproachfully.

Craig blushes a little and smiles guiltily.

[Craig] Sorry. I can't help it. I love to look at beautiful things.

Nikki blushes and she lowers her eyes.

Craig reaches over and places two fingers under her chin and gently lifts it so that he can see her eyes. When their eyes meet he looks into them for a few seconds then slowly leans over and kisses her tenderly.

Nikki closes her eyes as Craig's lips touch hers and returns his kiss.

Craig ends the kiss and moves back and looks at Nikki to see her reaction.

Nikki smiles warmly and keeps her gaze locked with his.

Craig sees that she isn't offended and smiles back at her.

[Craig] Would you like to take a walk on the beach?

Craig asks in a soft voice.

Nikki's smile broadens and she nods.

Craig smiles and gets out, walks around and opens the passenger door and helps Nikki out of the car. Then he takes her hand and walks slowly down the path to the beach.

Nikki entwines her fingers with his and matches his pace. When they reach the sand she stops and removes her shoes and carries them in her free hand.

Craig remains silent as they slowly stroll along the beach...just out of the waves' reach. After a few minutes he gently removes his hand from hers and slips it around her shoulders.

Nikki responds by slipping her arm around his waist.

Craig gently pulls her closer as they continue their stroll. After several more minutes he sees a large driftwood log in front of them and guides Nikki over to it. When they are standing in front of it he removes his arm from around her shoulders, takes her hand and guides her to sit on the log then he sits down next to her.

Nikki takes a seat on the log and leans against Craig when he sits down beside her. A small sailing craft drifts by...miniature Christmas lights streaming from it's single mast, along the edges of the sail and around the edge of the deck. The twinkling lights against the black background remind her of the fireflies she saw when she was a Women's Army Corp basic training company commander in Alabama.

Craig watches the waves as they lap onto the beach..the hissing sound as their froth evaporates into the sand relaxing him. Finally after several minutes he turns on the log so he is facing Nikki and lifts her face up with his fingertips and kisses her tenderly.

Nikki responds to his kiss by closing her eyes and returning it with equal tenderness.

Craig ends the kiss and gently pushes her back so that he can look at her. He takes in every feature of her face as though memorizing it. He traces the line of her jaw with the tip of his finger then looks lovingly into her eyes.

[Craig] You're so beautiful.

Craig says...his voice almost a whisper.

[Craig] You are the most caring and loving woman I have met in a very long time and you make me feel more alive than I have felt in a very long time.

Craig takes a breath as he summons up his courage.

[Craig] I know we have only known each other what would be considered a short time according to our standards. But....

Craig caresses her cheek with his thumb.

[Craig] ...I've fallen in love with you and want to spend the rest of my life with you.

Nikki sucks in a deep breath in surprise. She stares at him...speechless.

Craig reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out the small black velvet box he had shown David and opens it, revealing the engagement ring.

[Craig] Nicayla Flynn....will you be my one and only valentine? Will you marry me?

Craig holds the box out so she can see its contents.

Nikki is completely taken by surprise. She stares at the ring...glistening in the light of the full moon...and is unable to speak.

Craig watches Nikki's face intently...waiting expectantly for her answer.

Nikki finally tears her gaze away from the beautiful ring and looks directly into Craig's eyes. She replays his question in her mind several times then looks back down at the ring.

[Nikki] Oh....my God, Craig.

Nikki finally whispers, covering her mouth with her hands...her eyes wide with surprise...then looks back up at him.

Craig hears the complete shock in her voice and can see it in her eyes. He smiles...his eyes filled with love and understanding.

Nikki sees the look in his eyes and she is suddenly filled with a myriad of emotions and she instinctively looks away....a protective response well practiced over the years.

Craig realizes that his proclamation of his feelings and subsequent proposal have taken Nikki so by surprise that it has shaken her otherwise nerves of steel and his heart goes out to her. After all....she had only recently decided to cast off the impenetrable armor she had built around her heart. Was David right? Was it too soon for her?

[Craig] Nikki?

Craig says in a soft, tentative voice.

[Nikki] I....I...

Nikki stammers into her hands which are still covering her mouth.

[Nikki] I don't....know what....to say.

Craig reaches out and gently pulls her hands away from her mouth and turns her face back so he can see it. He smiles reassuringly...his eyes still filled with love and understanding.

[Nikki] I....I....

Nikki stammers trying to find the words.

[Craig] Shhh

Craig says, shaking his head and still smiling.

[Craig] It's OK

Craig caresses her cheek with his thumb.

[Craig] I didn't mean to surprise you to the extent that you feel I've put you on the spot. I am so sorry.

Craig says sincerely.

Nikki looks into his eyes and sees his sincerity and understanding and although, on one hand it comforts her...on the other hand it makes her feel guilty.

Craig sees the twinge of guilt flash through her emerald green eyes and shakes his head again.

[Craig] Nikki....listen. Don't say anything right now.

Nikki tries to turn away.

Craig lifts her chin and looks deep into her eyes.

[Craig] Take as much time as you need....I'm not going anywhere. I just want you know how I feel. Will you do that for me? Think it over?

Craig asks calmly.

Nikki looks into his eyes and allows their warmth and reassurance to comfort her....to calm her and she slowly nods her head.

Craig closes the ring box and places it in her hand, closing her fingers around it.

[Craig] Then you hang on to this.

Craig gives a sheepish shrug and smile.

[Craig] Just so I don't lose it or something.

Craig says with a wink. Then he smiles his boyishly innocent smile.

Nikki can't help but smile back at him as he flashes that smile of his at her. It's the one he used the first time he asked her out and has used ever since whenever he wanted to win a disagreement. She nods silently.

Craig gets to his feet and holds out his hand to her.

[Craig] Now....what say I walk you to your door and we say goodnight?

Nikki takes his hand and stands up.

[Nikki] I'm sorry, Craig.

Nikki says almost inaudibly.

[Craig] Uh-uh....none of that now. You have nothing to be sorry for.

Craig says reassuringly. He takes her by the hand and starts walking toward the condominiums which are not far from where they were sitting.

Nikki walks along side of Craig in silence....her mind reeling.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 27, 2011, 02:02:42 pm »

_{The part of Amanda is temporarily being understudied.}

***10:00 AM at Amanda's condo***

Nikki is sitting on the couch in Amanda's living room after having been up all night. On the coffee table is the open ring box with Craig's engagement ring in it and she is staring at it intently.

Amanda walks up to the door to her condo, and glances down at the brand new watch on her wrist. Everyone needed to treat themselves sometime! On this occasion, however, she sighs at the hour and glares as though Time itself were working against her. Rolling her eyes, she steps into the condo and plunks down her bags next to the coat stand and sighs with apparent exhaustion. Clearly she hadn't been browsing enough lately - now she felt like curling up under the warm blankets again, but -. "Why the long face?" She queries of the other woman.

Nikki feels the buzz of an Immortal only seconds before the door of the condo opens and her best friend steps in.

[Nikki] Where have you been?

Nikki asks ignoring Amanda's question.

[Nikki] I don't think I have ever needed you more than when I came home last night.

Nikki says uncrossing her legs which are stiff from having been in the same position for so long.

Amanda quirks a brow and **** her head to one side. "I was having a lovely time at that little restaurant by the ocean... you know the one... they have those delicious crab cakes?" She waves a hand dismissively before walking over to one of the chairs and relaxing. "What's going on, darling?"

Using her toe Nikki silently slides the ring box across the coffee table and stops when it is in front of Amanda.

Amanda picks up the box and peers at her friend over the box. "I'm flattered, but it would never work, darling," she responds with a forced lightness to her tone.

Nikki rolls her eyes.

[Nikki] HA Ha! You're hilarious, Mand. Simply hilarious.

Nikki says slightly sarcastic and slightly kidding.

[Nikki] Besides.....once you had this.....

Nikki says indicating her body.

[Nikki] ....you'd never want anything else.

Nikki says with a wink.

Amanda studies the ring under the early morning light. "It's very nice," she remarks approvingly. "Need I ask who proposed?"

[Nikki] Not who you think.

Nikki says simply. She suddenly realizes how tired she is from being up all night and she gets up and goes into the kitchen and proceeds to make a pot of coffee.

[Nikki] I'm making coffee. Want some?

Nikki calls out from the kitchen.

Amanda shakes her head at the question, and calls out. "So tell me...who gave the ring?"

Nikki sees Amanda shake her head through the "bar window" and goes back to watching the coffee maker as it brews the coffee.

[Nikki] A guy I've been seeing for the last few weeks. Craig Bower. He owns a PI slash securities agency. Oh.....and he's one of us.

Nikki says. The coffee maker's brewing cycle comes to an end and she pours herself a cup. She stirs some sugar into it and carries it into the living room and reclaims her seat on the couch.

Amanda ponders the name. "I don't think you've mentioned him before," she muses thoughtfully. "I take it you're unsure of your answer," the Immortal thief states rather than asks. "What with the look of indecision on your face, darling."

Nikki takes a sip of her coffee.

[Nikki] Where would you like me to start?

Amanda relaxes back in the chair after setting the ring box back down on the table. "The start would be good."

Nikki thinks for a minute then says, "Well.....you already know one of the problems."

Amanda gives a little nod. "I'm assuming you mean MacLeod."

[Nikki] Yeah. And I guess ....the biggest thing is the fact that I have been completely single for 120 years. Maybe that's too long to be single. I don't know.

Nikki says with a shrug.

Amanda responds with a light shrug of her own. "Mmm... I don't know. I know one Immortal who was single for...oh...550 years, at least," she comments and smirks at the thought. "I guess what it boils down to is, who do you want to be with the most?"

[Nikki] Let me ask you a question. What do you think about two Immortals in a relationship as opposed to an Immortal and a Mortal?

Nikki asks taking a sip of her coffee. She looks at Amanda interestedly.

Amanda sighs softly and offers an not very helpful nonchalant shrug. "I don't really know, kiddo. Sure, there's going to be heartache in a few years when they die... and Immortals... we flitter in and out of relationships so fast, because we live so long," she theorized. She hadn't exactly tried to think about it too deeply.

[Nikki] See....I can think of a gazillion reasons to say no. But Craig is a great guy.

Nikki says sighing in frustration.

[Nikki] He's very good looking... intelligent... caring, empathetic, honest, loving... all that stuff. And I can be myself with him.

Jacob walks towards the door of Amanda's condo, humming to himself, because he's one of those drat morning people, and has been up since about 6 A.M. painting at his own place. The buzzing from inside doesn't bother him, because heck, he's expecting to feel Amanda. He pushes his key into the Yale lock.

Nikki feels an Immortal buzz as she says, "you really have to meet him." She looks toward the condo door.

[Nikki] Expecting company?

Nikki asks as she reaches under the couch and grasps the hilt of her sword.

Amanda picks up her own sword, which she had set on the table in front of her when she sat down. "No," she answers softly and moves toward the door silently.

Nikki gets to her feet and withdraws her sword from under the couch. She watches as Amanda approaches the door.

[Nikki] Well...I hope they appreciate the welcoming committee.

Nikki says sarcastically.

Jacob opens the door and pushes it back, only to blink at the sword carrying woman. "Amanda!" He grins. "Going to kill me?"

Nikki looks at the stranger, surprised. But still doesn't lower her sword as yet.

Amanda lowers her sword and grins at Jacob. "Darling!" she greets before setting down her sword completely and slipping her arms around the man before her. "Kill you? Never."

Nikki watches Amanda greet the man and a smarmy smirk crosses her face. She lowers her sword and slips it back under the couch.

Jacob grins and kisses Amanda on the lips. "Oh good. I was almost worried... for a moment." He laughs.

Amanda winks teasingly at Jacob and returns the kiss gently. "This is a wonderful surprise!" she answers genuinely.

Nikki stands with her arms folded...waiting for an introduction.

Jacob glances over at Nikki and raises an eyebrow. "Amanda, I've told you before, I'm not in to that kind of thing."

Amanda appears to be confused for a moment, and then swats Jacob's arm. "Darling, please," she chides before turning around and nodding in Nikki's direction. "This is Nikki...Meet Jacob."

Nikki gives Jacob a friendly smile and extends her hand as she walks up to him.

[Nikki] Nice to meet you Jacob.

Nikki says sweetly.

Jacob takes her hand and kisses the back of it. "Charmed, I'm sure." He says in an easy English accent. "Always nice to meet a friend of Amanda's."

Nikki smiles and glances at Amanda shooting her an "I'm impressed" look.

[Nikki] Where'd you find him, Mand. He's kinda cute.

Amanda looks absolutely delighted. "He's the painter I mentioned the other day," she stated casually.

Nikki remembers the conversation and says, "Ahhh," and nods understandingly.

[Nikki] But you never said your painter was cute.

Nikki gives Amanda a pretend look of reproachment.

[Nikki] Important detail to leave out.....don't ya think?

Nikki adds teasingly.

Jacob helps himself to coffee. "You assumed she was sleeping with a hideous troll?"

[Nikki] Never that. I figured you had to be at least a 6.

Amanda smirks and pokes Jacob gently, and in a joking way. "Well you're definitely not that, darling," she retorted before glancing at Nikki. "And I thought that was a given anyway!"

[Nikki] Like I said.....at least a 6 but this guys waaay higher than that.

Nikki says with a smirk.

[Nikki] So what do you paint, Jacob? Landscapes? Portraits? Impressionistic stuff?

Nikki asks as she slips her arm through his and guides him over to the couch.

Jacob raises an eyebrow and shoots Amanda a look that says 'Are all your friends this touchy-feely?' although his eyes are amused.

[Jacob] Me? Oh, I've done a lot of things in my time. Portraits and scenes are my favorite works, but I've tried quite a lot.

[Nikki] Oils or water colors?

Nikki asks as she gestures for him to have a seat.

[Jacob] I prefer oils. Water colors always seem a little... washy to me. But I've done other things... charcoal, pencil sketches... I'm easy, really.

Jacob takes a seat, leaning against the back of the couch.

[Nikki] Do you have any of your work on display anywhere? Locally?

Nikki asks truly interested.

[Jacob] That's actually why I'm here. I got a deal with a local gallery thanks to a certain person.

Jacob winks at Amanda.

Amanda looks innocent. "Moi? Maybe a little bit..."

[Nikki] Really? Is there going to be a formal showing?

Nikki asks thinking that if there was she might get some use out of one of her new formal gowns.

[Jacob] Oh, I do hope so.

Jacob grins widely. He looks rather pleased with himself.

[Nikki] So how did you meet Amanda? Did you paint her portrait or something?

Nikki asks sitting on the edge of the coffee table in front of him. She is grateful for thinking about something other than what she had been thinking about all night.

Amanda smirks. "Well...that's a long and...interesting story..." she shoots Jacob a highly amused expression and her smirk widens.

[Nikki] Well? Do I have to beg to hear it?

Nikki asks with a giggle. She looks from one to the other.

Amanda walks across the short space to the chair, and perches on the arm next to Jacob. "Yes," she teased.

Nikki gets on her knees and clasps her hands together as though praying.

[Nikki] Oh please, old and wise one....please regale me with the story. I beg of you.

Nikki says faking a Cockney accent.

Jacob winces. "I wish you wouldn't tell people that story. It's painful." He sighs dramatically.

[Nikki] Oh please, mistress....please tell me the story.

Nikki begs Amanda playfully.

Amanda pretends to think incredibly deeply about the tale, before replying quite simply. "He robbed me... Badly. And I followed him home..."

Nikki sits back on her heels and laughs heartily.

[Nikki] Figures. Have you given him lessons since then?

Nikki asks Amanda as she gets to her feet.

[Jacob] Heh, no. I'm not a thief. I was totally and utterly out of money, and desperate to pay my rent.

Jacob shakes his head. "Oh how far I have fallen."

Nikki giggles and picks up her now cold cup of coffee. She heads for the kitchen to pour it out and get a cup of fresh.

[Nikki] I'm getting coffee. Anybody want some?

Nikki calls out.

Amanda absently curls her fingers through Jacob's hair. "Hmmm? Yes," she calls out, finally feeling like a much-needed burst of caffeine.

Jacob holds up his own cup. "Absolutely. Coffee for all."

Nikki gets a cup out of the cabinet and fills it with coffee, gets the serving tray from another cabinet and places the sugar bowl and creamer on it and the cup she just filled along with her own and carries the tray and the coffee pot into the living room. She sets the tray down and fills Jacob's cup and sets the pot on the tray.

[Nikki] So just how far have you fallen, Jacob?

Nikki asks in a tone of voice that sounds a bit like she's interrogating him.

[Jacob] All the way.

Jacob retorts quickly, his blue eyes sparkling as he looks up at Amanda. "But then who wouldn't when they're around such radiant beauty?"

Amanda tips Jacob's head back and kisses him on the lips, before tapping the tip of his nose. "Charmer," she accuses mildly.

[Nikki] Very true.

Nikki says smiling... satisfied with his answer. She decides to leave the gentle warning of what would happen to him if he happens to break her best friend's heart until later.

Jacob flashes Amanda a smile. "You like it." He retorts easily. "And encourage it."

Nikki takes a seat on the fireplace hearth and sips her coffee. She watches Amanda and Jacob a couple of minutes in silence then her attention is grabbed by the ring in the ring box on the coffee table and she starts to suck on her lower lip as her quandary re-enters her mind.

Amanda allows her eyes to widen, and she shakes her head. "I would never...!

Jacob smirks. "Yeah, yeah. How long have you been taking me to bed, hmm?"

Amanda flashes a charming smile of her own. "A good few weeks," she answers knowingly.

Jacob nods. "Exactly! I know you well enough to know that you like to be charmed."

Nikki glances back at the couple. In all the years she has known Amanda she can only remember seeing her with 3 other men. Zachary Blaine, Corey Raines and Nick Wolfe. None seemed to fit her as well as Jacob, though. Her mind drifts....wondering how she and Craig looked together.

Amanda glances at Nikki across the small space and smiles slightly. "I'm sure I can manage to get him into... something nefarious eventually..."

Jacob sighs. "You wish." He retorts smoothly. "I'm strictly above board, you know that. No forgeries, no... well, there was that one time in the Victorian Age..."

Nikki returns her attention to Amanda and Jacob.

[Nikki] So does this mean you're going to have to go straight, Mand?

Nikki asks with a smirk.

[Jacob] Heavens no.

Jacob gives a quick laugh. "Do I look stupid enough to try and change her? Really?"

Amanda feigned horror at the thought. "I think, darling, that that would be impossible!"

[Nikki] I KNOW it would.

Nikki says with a giggle.

Amanda switches her position and lies her legs languidly over Jacob's, an arm behind his neck to keep her balance. "I'm unchangeable, darling," she teases.

[Nikki] Well.....I've always thought you were perfect just the way you are. But then I'm a just a tad bit biased having known you....what?....well....let's just say over 150 years.

Nikki chuckles. She empties her coffee cup and reaches for the pot and refills her cup.

Jacob grins. "I do hope so." He agrees, kissing Amanda's cheek.

[Jacob] 150 years, huh? That's just... wow. I'm not much older than that myself.

Amanda teases Jacob in amusement. "You're so young."

[Nikki] Mand was my teacher. I owe my longevity to her and what she taught me about surviving. Then we became best friends and she taught me even more useful things.

Nikki says and winks at Amanda.

Jacob sighs. "Oh you just love to bring it up." He retorts easily. "Yes, yes, I'm your toy boy."

[Nikki] Hey....don't let her get to you with that, Jacob. Everyone's younger than her. She is, after all, older than dirt.

Nikki says and smiles...winking at Amanda.

Amanda sticks out her tongue good-naturedly. "Some people are older."

Nikki shrugs.

[Nikki] I've only heard tell of one and he's a myth.

Nikki says teasingly.

Jacob gives a wry smile. "Older than dirt? Nah... I've met older and scarier. Speaking of older and scarier, I'm glad to see he's not around."

Nikki quirks an eyebrow questioningly.

Amanda 's eyes glitter in amusement. "He doesn't scare me... He likes me, darling," she teases Jacob before turning to the other woman. "An...old...friend," she smirks.

Jacob shudders. "Good to know he likes someone." He mutters under his breath. "Tall, dark and terrifying is not that much fun."

[Nikki] Who are you talking about?

Nikki asks her curiosity getting the best of her.

Amanda grins mysteriously, knowing full well that Nikki was curious and purposely prolonging it, for pure amusements sake. "He's an old friend I met during the Renaissance."

Jacob rolls his eyes. "A huge, huge old friend. Seriously."

[Nikki] How huge is huge?

Nikki asks realizing that her friend was going to tease her curiosity tolerances.

[Nikki] King Kong huge? Or just the Rock huge?

Amanda snickers. "He's...very tall, darling."

[Nikki] Oh so more like Wilt Chamberlain huge?

[Jacob] And muscly. And tattooed. And angry.

[Nikki] I take it this giant Immortal is still alive?

Amanda gives a little nod. "He's really very nice when you get to know him..."

[Jacob] Nice like snakebites.

Nikki giggles.

[Nikki] I gotta find out who this monster is.

Nikki says still giggling.

Amanda smirks at the thought. "He's very quiet..." she comments nonchalantly.

Nikki 's cell phone suddenly rings and she fishes it out of her jeans pocket and checks to see who the caller is before answering it. When she sees the caller's name on the screen she gets to her feet.

[Nikki] I'll take this in my room.

Nikki says and heads for her bedroom.

Amanda nods and arches a brow, but saves any questions for later.

Jacob gives Amanda a look. "You know, while she's out of the room..."

Amanda grins mischievously. "I know just what you mean..."

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 27, 2011, 02:11:11 pm »

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.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 27, 2011, 02:43:03 pm »

_{The part of Amanda is temporarily being understudied.}

***2 days later***

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.

[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.

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.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 27, 2011, 02:46:07 pm »

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.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 28, 2011, 05:20:56 am »

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.

To be continued

Cyberfox277 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 28, 2011, 06:54:52 am »

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.

The End

Author Topic: QUANDARIES (Completed) (Read 527 times)

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES (Completed)

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 2

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 3

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 4

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 5

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 6

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 7

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 8

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 9

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 10

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 11

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 12

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 13

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 14

Cyberfox277

QUANDARIES Part 15