An Ordinary Life

Part Six- I've Gotta Secret


~~~~~

The morning sun woke Stevie from her slumber. Remembering the events of last night, she looked over at the man asleep beside her. His face softened by sleep, his mouth formed in a sleepy smile, he looked just like a thirty something should. Except he’s 5,000 years old. Five thousand years! Try as she might, she could not fathom the idea of living that long. Hell, 28 years seemed so long at times. How many lives had he lived? How many loves had he lost to time?

Sometimes she had caught a haunted look in his eyes and she wondered how someone so young could seem so old. Now she had the answer. Easing out from underneath his arm she snagged his robe from its hook and put it on to guard against the chill of the early morning hours. Hurrying across the cold wooden floor, she searched for her missing socks. Finding them halfway between the bed and the sofa, she grabbed them and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower to freshen up.

Exiting the bathroom fifteen minutes later, clad once again in his robe and her socks, she padded across the loft to the kitchen in search for some caffeine. Finding a teakettle and some Earl Grey tea, she filled the kettle with water and set it on the stove to boil. Walking back towards the bed, she saw he was still asleep. In her absence he had sprawled even further across the bed, arms wrapped around her pillow, legs tangled in the blankets.

Deciding to let him sleep, Stevie began to investigate her surrounding. Scattered about the loft were mementos of his long, long life. Statues, pottery, and other works of art were displayed next to more modern day objects. Museum quality paintings adorned the walls. Books in many different languages were displayed in huge bookcases. A mishmash of different times and centuries begged to be admired. The same living space held the most high tech computer and stereo systems and some the world’s oldest treasures. It defined the life of Methos in a way words could never do.

Her eyes traveled to the object that waited patiently for her observation. Resting against the coffee table was the most tangible proof of the fantastic tale she had been told last night. Pulling the robe tighter around her, she sat down on the sofa and stared at the forty inches of metal that meant life or death for the man she’d come to love with all of her heart. These forty inches of metal could also be the beginning or the end of the relationship they had forged out of mutual respect and attraction.

Gingerly, she lifted the sword from the table, noting its weight in her hand. How many people had met their deaths at the end of this sword? How had the man, who loved her so gently last night, swung the killing blow? Was it as simple as kill or be killed? Would it ever make sense to her? Did it make sense to him?

She had meant it last night when she told him she couldn’t walk away from him. For better or worse, she loved this man. It was a risky undertaking, loving him, but what was life without risk? Sure, she could walk, better yet run, out of his life and be safe. With that safety came loneliness and she’d had enough loneliness to last her for two lifetimes. After losing Ross, she knew that life was fleeting. You only had today, tomorrow was never guaranteed. Today with Methos was better than today without him. She would adjust to his life. She loved him and saw no other choice. She would treat each day with him as a gift and try not to worry about tomorrow. Turning the sword in her hand to get a better look at it, she did her best to make peace with the life it represented.

~~~~~

Methos had felt Stevie leave the bed. Hearing her showering in the bathroom, he been tempted to join her, but thought better of it when he stuck a long leg out into the chilly morning air. Sighing to himself, he nestled deeper into the covers, he mumbled something about the cold air and old bones and awaited her return. The warmth of the covers sent him dozing off into a light sleep. The sounds of someone moving about the loft and the whistling of the teakettle roused him. Seeing Stevie sitting on the couch, Methos quietly slipped into his jeans and t-shirt from the night before. Silently he walked across the floor and watched her hold the sword. He wondered what she was thinking as she held the bloodiest reminder of last night.

Clearing his throat, he walked around to the front of the sofa, trying not to alarm her. Knowing he sounded cliched, he asked anyway, “Penny for your thoughts?”

Carefully, she laid the sword down on the coffee table. “More like a dollar, but who’s counting?.”

Methos grinned back at her. “At least you’re joking about this, good sign?” he countered, “Things were rather strange last night, weren’t they?”

Stevie patted the seat next to her. “How do you stand it?”

“Stand what?” he asked giving her a puzzled look.

“Losing people you love over and over again? I mean, when Ross died I thought I’d die, too. I don’t think I could do again, but how many times have you had to do it?”

Methos’ eyes looked into hers reflecting the grief and loss of his five thousand years, “I just do, I have no choice in the matter. I’ve tried isolation. It never works. I always manage to run into people to care about. The grief of losing someone is easier to bear than living without love.”

Deciding to cut to the heart of the matter, Methos took her hand in his, “Where do we go from here, Stevie? If all of this is too much for you, I understand. Hell, it’s too much for me at times. Walk away if you need to.”

Stevie pulled her hand away. “Walk away? Damn it, Adam! And just how do you expect me to do that? It’s not that easy! I’ll admit this whole immortality thing is a bit overwhelming. But I refuse to let it destroy us. I love you and that’s final!” Her chin thrust out in defiance, daring him to argue with her.

Methos was a little startled by her display of temper, “That’s not what I meant. Believe me, I want you to stay. It’s just my life isn’t normal and you have Maggie to think about, that’s all.”

Stevie left the couch and went to the kitchen for a refill. “Normal? Whose life is normal anyway, Methos? My life has never been completely normal. Besides, normal is relative.” Refilling her cup and pouring him one, she returned to the sofa where he was seated, “You’re good for me and Maggie. We’ll make it work.”

“Sometimes it may not be easy. What you saw last night will more than likely happen again. I don’t go looking for challenges, but at times they cannot be avoided.”

“Then I guess you’ll just have make sure you win,” Stevie surmised.

Methos knew that she was stubborn about things she believed in and to his amazement she believed in him. “Yes, ma’am.”

“I was wondering, should I call you Adam or Methos?”

“Very few people know I am Methos and I prefer to keep it that way,” Methos began, “but when we’re by ourselves or with those who know me feel free to call me Methos.”

Stevie nodded her understanding. “What about Maggie? I think she’s too young to understand all this for now.”

“For her own safety, it’s probably better for her not to know.”

“Speaking of which, I need to pick the little darling up at Maddy’s this afternoon. Julie’s taking them ice skating this morning.”

“I’ll come with you, if you’d like. How about I buy you breakfast this morning?”

“She’ll be glad to see you. She thinks you’re the coolest thing since sliced bread.”

Methos preened at the compliment. “I am pretty cool.” He stood up and stretched. “First, a shower is in order.”

“Care for some company?”

“Didn’t you already have one?” He smiled at her boldness. “I thought I heard the water running earlier.”

Stevie let the robe fall open a little as she walked past him. “I think I might’ve missed a spot.”

“We can’t have that, can we?” Methos caught up with her and swept her up into his arms. “How are you at scrubbing backs?”

~~~~~

The cold night air whipped unmercifully through the barren trees. The meteorologists had predicted this was going to be one of the coldest New Year’s Eve this century. They had vaguely mentioned a chance of snow, but it was just bitter cold. Methos looked out the bedroom window observing how the trees swayed under the force of the wind. We should just stay home tonight. Maggie is in Disneyland with her grandparents for a week. Curl up next to the fireplace, watch a good movie, do a little exploring. He nodded his head. That would be a great way to spend the evening. His thoughts were interrupted by a voice calling out his name.

“Adam!” a female voice called to him. “I can’t reach the damn zipper. Could you zip me please?” Silently, he smoothly ran the zipper up her slender back. The woman twisted and placed a kiss of reward on his lips. “I knew there was a reason I kept you around.”

A sarcastic grin curved his mouth, “And here I thought you just wanted me for my body.”

A wicked gleam came into her eyes, “So there are two reasons!” Seeing he wasn’t ready, she shook her head. “Get ready and quit dilly-dallying around. We’re supposed to met Duncan and Amanda at 8:00 and it’s 7:00 already.”

Methos warily eyed the clothes laid out on the bed, “Remind me why I have to get all dressed up.”

Stevie rolled her eyes, “No jeans or sweaters tonight, sweetie. It won’t kill you to dress up every once in a while.”

He mumbled under his breath and began to dress. “Ta da,” he announced when he was finished. The tailored black pants and loose ivory silk dress shirt suited him perfectly.

She looked approvingly at him. “Have I ever told you how damn hot you are?”

Sitting on the bed to put on his shoes, he asked, “Sure you don’t want to just stay home? I am sure we could find something to entertain ourselves. I am easily amused.”
Stevie was putting the finishing touches on her makeup. She was always amazed how quickly he could move when he wanted to, instead of the slow, languid pace he normally maintained. Running the brush through her hair once last time, twirling around for his inspection, she asked, “So what do you think?”

“You look wonderful, luv,” his words told her. She was a vision to behold. Her curly red hair sweeping gracefully around her shoulders. Her long legs even more shapely in the high heels. The black velvet dress set off her creamy skin.

Pushing himself up to stand, he took her by the hand. “Let’s go before I change my mind. Can you see if my wallet is in my coat pocket?”

“Do I look like your maid?” Stevie said as she walked down the stairs in front of him. “On second thought don’t answer that.”

Stevie retrieved his coat along with hers. Stevie rummaged through one pocket then the other of his coat. Her hand had just slipped in the second pocket when it encountered a small velvet covered box. She looked up to Methos, only to find him busy with the television remote.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Open it up and find out.”

With trembling fingers, she opened the little box. A platinum band encrusted with princess cut diamonds twinkled brightly on a bed of black velvet. Her heart had leaped into her throat when she realized what she held in her hand. Was this for real?

“Oh, my.” She sank onto the sofa. Any sense of eloquence escaped her as she stared at the ring.

Methos put down the remote. He knew the ring would be a surprise, but he was pretty certain what her answer would be. He got down on one knee in front of her. Although, he’d proposed marriage many times before he still felt the palm of his hands begin to sweat. Marriage was a serious commitment. He cleared his throat and smiled up at her.

“I think we both know what I’m about to ask,” Methos laughed. “Life with me won’t always be easy. In fact, it may be pretty crazy at times.” He cleared his throat again. “What I’m asking is, Stevie, will you marry me?”

Even though she was expecting his words, actually hearing them made it real to her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she leaned over and put her head on his shoulder. His arms slipped around her as she began to cry.

“What’s the matter, luv? I didn’t mean to make you cry.” Methos rubbed her back. “So what do you say?”

Stevie moved away. She smiled through her tears. “Of course, I want to marry you.”

“Good,” Methos teased, “there for a minute I thought you might say no.” He grabbed a tissue from the box on the end table and dried her tears. “You sure about it?”

“Without a doubt,” she answered. “Are you?”

“I wouldn’t ask if I weren’t,” he assured her. “Then I suppose we’re getting married.” He grinned when Stevie shook her head enthusiastically. Soon he found himself covered with kisses, each one becoming more heated than the last. Methos reluctantly put a halt to their make out session. “We really should leave if we’re gonna make it to Duncan’s on time.”

“I thought you wanted to stay here,” she purred into his ear. “I suddenly feel like staying home.”

“You finally see my point,” Methos chuckled, “but you’ve never been face to face with a brooding Scot, have you?”

Stevie giggled. “What would you do without Duncan to torment?”

“Someone has to do it and the way I figure, I’m as good a person as any.”

“Poor Duncan.”

“Poor Duncan, my arse.” Methos helped her into her coat. Slipping into the dressy, black, cashmere trench coat she had given him for Christmas, he slid the trusty Ivanhoe into the concealed pocket sewn into the lining. “Hopefully, I won’t need it tonight.” Since finding out about the nature of his life, she held a deep respect for the 42 inches of metal hidden within the folds of his coat. Whatever it took to keep him alive. He reached for the doorknob and opened the door for her. “Your chariot awaits.” They hurried through the cold night air to the Rover and sped off into the night.

~~~~~

Duncan paced the loft, repeatedly looking at his watch in frustration. “I swear, the man would be late for his own beheading,” the Scot observed.

“Calm down, for Pete’s sake, it’s only a quarter till eight. We’re not leaving until eight anyway. They will be here when they get here,” soothed Amanda. This did little to ease Duncan’s pacing.

Richie couldn’t resist adding, “Hell, Mac, if I had a woman like Stevie, I wouldn’t be in a hurry either.”

Mac stopped, considering his student’s words. “Rich, you do have a point.”

Amanda threw him a dirty look, “Ha, Ha. You are so not funny.”

Before their verbal sparring could go any further, the unmistakable buzz of the oldest among them was felt before they heard the creaking of the lift. The door opened and the new arrivals waltzed out.

Duncan looked to his watch and remarked, “My, my. Methos for once in his life is early. I should really mark this on my calendar.”

Ignoring his friend’s sarcastic statement, he helped Stevie with her coat. “Amanda, Rich, how do manage such insufferable wit?” Flinging his own coat on the nearest chair, he sprawled on the sofa, pulling Stevie down onto his lap.

“Probably the same way I do, darling.”

Duncan gave her the thumbs up. “Good one!”

She kissed Methos passionately on the mouth. His hands tangled in her hair, returning her kiss. “Not only beautiful, but witty.”

Always observant, Amanda was the first person to spot the sparkling band of diamonds on the other woman’s hand. “Is that what I think it is?”

“Should we tell them?” Methos slyly asked. “Or should we keep them guessing?”

“We’re getting married!” Stevie squealed. “Adam and I are getting married!”
“Congratulations!” Amanda bounced up from her seat and went to admire Stevie's ring. Amanda lifted Stevie’s hand to get a better view of the ring. She appraised the princess cut diamond eternity band, “Very nice. Very nice, Dr. Pierson. Been saving up?”

Methos laughed, “Well, I do save for a rainy day.”

“Says the man who’s probably richer than God,” Richie laughed. “Congrats, you guys.”

“It’s about time someone made an honest man out of him,” Duncan grinned. “Seriously, congratulations.”

“Thank you all,” Methos stood up and helped Stevie to her feet. “Come on. I feel like celebrating.”

Duncan cleared his throat, “So where exactly are we going tonight?”

Methos and Richie exchanged mischievous grins. “Oh, don’t worry, Mac, you’ll love it,” the old man assured the Scot. Despite their assurances Duncan was in no way calmed by their words. Richie and Methos were in cahoots and that didn’t sit well with him. The group found their coats and set off to do some celebrating.

Deciding to just take one car, they all piled into Methos’ Rover. In a rare mood of generosity the old man let Richie drive his car. Duncan took over as co-pilot, doing his best to instruct his student in the fine art of driving. Methos sat like the cat that swallowed the canary between the two women in the back seat. An arm around each, he did his best to charm them both. The ride to their destination was filled with lively conversation and laughter. Richie maneuvered them to downtown Seacouver and pulled up to the club. They exited the Rover and he handed the keys to the valet.

Hurrying into the shelter, Amanda rubbed her hands together, “I am so glad they have valet parking.”

Even outside the club, the music could be heard. As the doorman held the door open for them the volume increased considerably. Rock and roll blared welcomingly, much to the dismay of the Highlander. A neon sign proclaimed in hot pink capital letters, “GENERATIONS!”

“Where in the world?” he asked. Methos and Richie burst into fits of laughter.

“See? I told you he’d love it,” Methos informed Amanda and Stevie. The two women shook their heads in resignation.

“I expect this sort of thing from Richie. Hell, he’s young, but you, Methos? You are old enough to know better,” Mac scolded.

Methos raised an eyebrow and was about to correct Duncan when he shrugged out of his coat. Thrusting his and Stevie’s coats into the astonished MacLeod’s arms, he led Stevie through the crowd and onto the dance floor.

Soon they joined the gyrating throng. Methos proved to be an excellent dancer and Stevie was his perfect partner. Mellencamp’s classic ‘Hurts So Good’ reverberated through the crowded club. Methos twisted and danced keeping time with the beat. Stevie matched his every move. It was pretty evident the couple was having a fantastic time. Richie laughed and went off to prowl the bar for a dance partner.

Mac and Amanda scouted out a booth big enough to house their party. Amanda settled herself into the padded bench, “This is a great place!” Mac leaned in closer to hear her words, and she obliged by breathing the words into his ear.

“I could kill Methos. He always telling me to broaden my musical interests,” Mac replied, sourly. ”He tells me that opera only encourages brooding.”

Amanda chose not to comment on his moodiness. In her thousand-plus years, she had come to appreciate good music, no matter people labeled it. Sitting through several of her favorite songs, Amanda abandoned Duncan and hightailed it to the dance floor. Richie joined her and the other dancing couple and the four of them proceeded to cut a rug together. The DJ played a slower song and the couples swayed in time the music. Methos ran his hands up and down his partner’s bare back, as her hand absently toyed with his hair. As the song ended their lips met in a fiery kiss. 

“Having a good time, Highlander?” Methos questioned as they joined Duncan at the table.

Amanda slipped into the booth beside Duncan. “Come on, Mac, smile. No one ever died from a little rock and roll.”

Duncan nodded at the oldest immortal, “Oh yeah? It looks like tonight will be the first time.”

Richie and Methos grinned evilly as they engaged in a high five at the Scot’s discomfort. Stevie motioned for the two men to join them at the table. Richie unsuccessfully attempted to slide into next to Stevie, but Methos was just a little bit faster. “I don’t think so, young Ryan.”

Richie smiled good-naturedly, “Can’t blame a man for trying!”

Methos flagged a waitress over to collect their drink orders. While they awaited her return the conversation flew fast and furious. “So guys, what do you say about coming out my place for dinner and movies tomorrow evening?” she asked.

“Free food? You know I’m there,” Richie answered eagerly.

Methos grinned, “Stevie is an excellent cook.”

Duncan piped up, “I thought you were getting a little thick around the middle.”

Methos was about to counter the remark with a zinger of his own, but Stevie joined the fray. “You have a point, Duncan. The only exercise I’ve seen him do is sprawling on the furniture.” Duncan had to smile at that, he too knew what a lazy bum the old man could be.

Methos ran a hot look over the woman seated next to him, “I can think of another exercise you’ve no complaints about, luv.”

Stevie felt a blush flush her cheeks, “Adam!” Enjoying her reaction, he proceeded to sprawl deeper in the booth.

The waitress returned with their drinks. Methos took a long swallow of the cold brew. “Ah! Life is good,” he said satisfied.

Everyone raised their drinks in agreement. “Here! Here!” they chorused. The opening lines of the song ‘Love Shack’ began to echo across the club.

“Oh my God! I love this song!” Amanda shouted in excitement.

Bounding up from her seat she grabbed Richie and Methos’ hands and drug them out onto the dance floor. Methos threw up his hands in mock surrender, his lithe body already finding its own rhythm. Richie and Amanda were lost in the beat of the music.

Eyeing the gyrating group of immortals, Duncan observed, “I never would’ve guessed the old man for a dancer. Hell, I’ve never seen him exert this much energy unless swords were involved.”

Stevie looked at Duncan, “Really? We’ve gone dancing several times. As a matter of fact, Methos loves to dance, and he’s quite good at it.”

Duncan shook his head in disbelief, “He never mentioned that he liked to dance.”

Stevie sensed that Duncan unconsciously held Methos to a standard of maturity that the oldest immortal neither wanted nor needed. Stevie laid her hand on top of Duncan’s, “Have you ever asked him? Just because he’s the oldest immortal doesn’t mean he’s supposed to be all wise and serious, you know?”

Duncan thought about her words. Sometimes it was hard to look at Methos and remember that despite the fact he was the oldest immortal it didn’t make him any less human.... just a guy. Methos and Amanda were hamming it up on the dance floor, causing everyone to crowd around them, egging them on.

“Thanks for reminding me, Stevie. Let’s show them how it’s done.” Once Duncan decided to let his hair down, the Highlander became the life of the party.

Methos eased out of the group and made his way over to the DJ’s booth. No one noticed his departure; they were having too much fun. He had a short conversation with the DJ and waited for his plan to take action. Stevie and Amanda were engaged in a rousing debate about who was the cutest rock star, when the familiar notes of a song invaded Stevie’s mind. Looking up she saw Methos crossing the floor, his eyes caressing her. Drawn to him, she met him halfway. Immediately, their arms went around each other. Most of the other dancers had seen the exchange and silently cleared the center of the dance floor allowing the couple free reign.

After they were finished dancing, Methos led Stevie back over to their table, where the others were sitting enjoying their drinks. Richie moved over so Methos could take a seat. Stevie planted herself in Methos’ lap and reached for her drink. The loud music throbbed and pulsated around them.

“I still can’t believe you guys are getting married,” Amanda almost had to shout to be heard over the music. “I’m so excited for you two. I can help you plan, Stevie.”

Methos rolled his eyes. “It’s terribly loud here. Maybe we should head to Joe’s.” He didn’t need the two of them in cahoots.

“Just wait till Joe gets a gander at that ring. He’ll be calling in your bar tab.”

Stevie chimed in, “The national debt would be easier to pay off, Richie.” Methos did his best to look appalled at the exchange, but his mouth couldn’t do anything but smile.

Mac glanced at his watch, “Speaking of Joe, if we want to ring in the New Year with our friend we’d better get a move on.”

Methos quirked a sly grin, “Always the mother hen, MacLeod.”

Mac shoved the smart aleck ahead of him, “Why she said yes I’ll never know.” The others bust into laughter and trooped out into the cold night air.

The Rover pulled up to the curb, Mac at the wheel. His Boy Scout tendencies decreed him the designated driver. “Well here we are, all in one piece!” Methos proclaimed loudly, his words just a little slurred.

“Thanks to Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod!” Richie teased as he swiftly exited the car. Amanda pinched Methos arm in Mac’s defense.

“Hey!” Methos protested at the abuse, “Watch it, old girl!”
Stevie then pinched his other arm, “Look who’s calling who old! This from a man who’s slightly younger than dirt.”

Methos mouth dropped open and his jaw began to work but no words escaped.

“Really, Methos, close your mouth. You look like a fish,” Duncan smirked, “It looks like you’ve finally met your match.”

Methos pondered the statement for a moment and shrugged his shoulders, “For once in your young life, you maybe right.”

“Let’s see how long it takes for Joe to notice the ring,” Amanda proposed. “We’ll just see how good the Watcher really is.


~~~~~

Reread
Part Five

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Chapter Index

Continued In
Part Seven-- New Year, New Beginnings, New Drama