Chapter Five: An Unusual Alliance
Duncan MacLeod was in shock. After 400 years in this world he believed that there were not many things could surprise him, let alone shock him almost to the core of his very being. Turning his latest encounter with Methos over and over in his mind, he realised that there were several aspects of the events that troubled him. The first, of course, was his shock of seeing pure emotion in the eyes of Methos, emotion that he hadn't truely seen since the man had cried over the dead Alexa with a passion that he thought would make his own heart break. But, now, to see that depth of emotion in those ancient eyes directed at him. Well, to he honest he found it more than a little creepy. Who knew what Methos was doing, was thinking. Maybe this was all just part of the last in the Old Man's repitare of bizarre games and plans.
Yawning deeply and rubbed his forehead, Duncan realised he couldn't do any more thinking until he'd had some sleep. He was tired, confused, and had been manipulated by Methos - again.
The second aspect of the night's events - his own behaviour and reactions - Duncan didn't even want to start to consider until after much more sleep. However, sleep didn't come to Duncan any easier now than it had during the night.
An hour of walking in the early morning sunshine had helped to clear Methos' head, and he had come to a decision. It was a tough one, he knew, but he was sure it was the right one. Well, pretty sure anyway. He didn't regret what he happened with Mac, he knew it was inevitable. He couldn't believe he actually kissed Mac, but he didn't regret it, especially with the way Mac had responded...
Stopping his mind from wandering again Methos strode off determined to carry out his plan.
Amanda looked up at the feel of the buzz. Smiling grimly, she watched her lunch date approach the small cafe where she was waiting, his face set and determined, his eyes belaying his concerns. Would this be fun, Amanda thought.
"Amanda", he greeted her. "A pleasure as always."
"Adam", she returned, in as cold a tone as he had used.
"Or, is it Richie nowadays?" she continued bitterly.
He looked suitably guilty and replied, "Actually, it's Adrian at the moment."
"So, Adrian, what can I do for you?" Amanda asked, spitting out the name, and wondering for the hundreth time what she was doing there.
There was no love lost between Methos and Amanda. He thought she was vain, petty and selfish, and hated the way she twisted MacLeod around her little finger. She thought he was cold, manipulative and selfish, and hated the way Duncan always jumped when the older man told him to. Amanda seemed to act like a jealous child who couldn't stand to see her favourite toy being borrowed without permission. That toy being Duncan MacLeod, of course, with Methos in the role as the resident bully on the block.
Amanda knew about Richie. Duncan had told her several days after it had happened. She'd been very fond of the young red-head. You couldn't help liking him, and he'd brought out some deeply-buried maternal instinct within her. She'd cried uncontrollably in Duncan's arms for hours when he'd told her, and gradually Duncan had let his tears fall as well, the two of them clinging to each other desperately.
Gritting his teeth Methos wondered again why he had felt it necessary to confide in Amanda. For MacLeod, he told himself, for as flighty as Amanda was she did care about MacLeod. Plus, she was almost as cunning, devious, and yes, he admitted it, self-centred as he was. She was good in a crisis, plus there was the added bonus that she wasn't beating herself up over Richie's death, he hadn't just tried to kiss her, and she wasn't drinking herself to death. In conclusion, surprisingly, she was his only option. And, he needed help. Of course she wasn't about to make this easy for him.
Amanda's cold gaze bored into him, and he shock himself free of his memories and thoughts. Damned Immortal memory.
"I need your help Amanda, " he told her quietly.
"I'll sorry. What?" Damn, she was enjoying this, wasn't she?
"I said, I need your help." He swallowed. "Please," he added, meeting her gaze.
"You...You need my help. Little ol' me?" Yep, she was definitely enjoying this.
"I don't know where else to turn. For Duncan?"
"Duncan? He's in trouble? Another Immortal?"
"Kind of."
"What's going on Methos?"
"Oh, Gods."
"Methos, I need to know. Everything up front. I need to know what I'm up against if I'm going to do anything to help." She was even beginning to feel sorry for him and could see pain in his eyes.
Methos swallowed again. He really didn't want to tell her, he hated being so open with people, it was dangerous, plus, this really was rather embarrassing. Added to that was the fact that Amanda wasn't the best person to admit to that he'd come on to MacLeod.
"Well," he began, knowing he'd faced worse, if not recently.
"Mac's suffering, so's Joe. I'm worried about them. Joe's drinking and neglecting his duties at Watcher HQ. They don't know the full story of what happened, and have never understood his relationship with us lot. I think they're considering suspending him. Amanda, the Watchers are his life, suspension would kill him, if the drinking doesn't first. I still have access to Adam Pierson's e-mail and they asked him - me - to talk to him, find out why he hasn't been checking in. I went to see him yesterday. He didn't want to know me, could hardly stand to talk to me. He blames himself, blames me, even blames Mac a little. Even all his Watcher training hasn't prepared him for anything like this. He hasn't lost any Immortal he's been close to yet, we're like family to him. I guess after all our notions of infallibility in contrast to his fragility, to lose Richie at so young an age is devastating. And to lose him in such a way..."
"And Duncan, Methos..?"
"Sorry. I guess I blame me as well...Joe needs help. We can't let him destroy himself like this, his life is short enough as it is, he can't waste it. Duncan...Mac...he's in a bad way. You probably know this. But, it's not like he hasn't lost students before. I know, Richie was practically a son to him. It takes time. Still when I went to see him he ignored me and the buzz for about ten minutes. A very un-MacLeod action. Of course, he didn't want to see me. He was swinging between cold indifference and anger and depression. Either one could result in him losing his head to some lousy, little, upstart of a headhunter. We can't let that happen Amanda, Duncan deserves better and is too important to die just because he can't be bothered to keep his head..."
"You keep saying he's too important. Why? Do you think he'll be the one?"
"It's possible, I suppose. He's...He's a good man, if a little stubborn and predictable at times, but we could do a lot worse than to have MacLeod as the One. I've just always known that Mac was important in the scheme of things, I don't know how or way, or how I know, I just know."
"So, Duncan sent you away as well?"
Methos sighed, he would have to be completely honest if Amanda were to trust and help him.
"In the end he did. I forced him to a break-down and it seemed to do some good. He was talking to me at least, talking about Richie, questioning me, expecting wise advice...You know, usual MacLeod things. And then..."
"And then he threw you out...?"
"No. Then I...I kind of came on to him." He met Amanda's shocked eyes with hard, defiant ones.
"You...you and...and Duncan..." Amanda wasn't surprised Duncan had thrown the other man out.
"Methos, Duncan MacLeod is the most masculine, hetrosexual man I know! What on Earth were you thinking?! And...and you. Well, you may not be as masculine as Duncan but I would never have thought..."
"Well, in 5000 years you end up doing almost everything at some point. Would you believe that it seemed a good idea at the time, and that Mac responded?!"
"To be honest, no! How could you take advantage of him like that?!"
"It happened Amanda, it was inevitable and I can't deny my feelings for Mac. And, after 5000 years, I don't think I have to answer to you of all people. Since when are you the role model for sensible and decent behaviour? I care for Mac greatly, and don't want to see him hurt. It's...it's...I...I can't bear to see him like this. It's not often I say this, but I don't know what to do, I need your help. I came to you for help, because we have more in common than we would both like to admit and because Duncan and Joe need us!"
"Don't tell me, there's more?"
"Actually yes, I'm afraid so."
"A headhunter?"
"Yes, but worse. There's an increase in anti-Immortal feelings in the Watchers. Many of them are jealous of us and frustrated with the inaction of the Watchers. They want to take matters into their own hands. I don't know how or why. ,but i think Richie's death had something to do with this. it wasn't norml, the way he attacked me. I had no choice. Someone or something wanted either me or Richie to die. I don't know exactly what their plan is, but it can't be good!"
"Another Horton? Wonderful?! Got any more good news for me, Methos? I don't think I'm in a good enough mood yet!"
"Amanda, please, listen. Obviously, they're going after MacLeod. He's the hero, the famous one, the powerful one. You have to warn him. He has to leave town, he's in no position to fight!"
"I have to warn him?! I don't have to do anything!"
"Amanda, you'll the only one he'll listen to."
"He's your boyfriend!" she practicily spat.
"Cheap shot, 'Manda! Just do it. For Mac's sake, for all our sakes!"
"You're serious about all this, aren't you?"
"I know it's an unusual occurance, but yes, deadly serious, with the emphasis on deadly!"
"Ok, ok, I'll talk to him. If he doesn't listen, though, don't blame me."
"Thanks Amanda. And if my name comes up..."
"Which one...?!"
"Fine. Just...do what you can. And 'Manda, I do appreciate this."
He got up, leaving Amanda starring after him, wondering if she would ever, even if she lived another 1000 years, understand the mystery that was Methos. The man had more faces than a dice.
Methos got a 100 yards out of Amanda's sight before collapsing wearily against the nearest wall, feeling like there was a sudden tremedous pressure on his mind, muttering to himself, people avoiding him like he had the plague. 'Been there, done that', he laughed to himself, his good old cynical sense of humour never leaving him even when he wanted it to. He wondered just how sane he was any more. Surely 5000 years of this life had to take toll, didn't they? He was so tired now, all the time. He thought he would be just about ready to curl up and die here and now, if he didn't know that there were important things to live for. Maybe he was imagining things, seeing hunters at every turn. Maybe the disgruntled watchers would sort themselves out, the rumours just an exaggeration. Maybe the Immortals would survive, and the game would continue for another few hundred years still. Yeah right, and maybe he'd turn into a Scottish Boy Scout! And, Gods, what a time to be falling for another Immortal, especially one like Duncan! No more fading into the background for him if he and Mac ever got together. Not that Duncan would ever be with someone like him. Crazy, Old Man, crazy!
After 4000 years Methos had finally learnt to trust his instincts, after another 1000 he never ever ignored them. He knew something was going to happen, something bad, he could feel it and it was taking it's toll on him. But some things are more important than me, he told himself. Whatever was about to errupt, it would involve MacLeod, just when he was at his most vulnerable. Methos didn't know what would happen if MacLeod lost his head, but he knew it wouldn't be good. The world needed Mac, but maybe it didn't need Methos anymore. With that comforting thought, Methos gave into the darkness invading his mind and slumped against the wall, unconsciousness.
Duncan MacLeod was in shock. After 400 years in this world he believed that there were not many things could surprise him, let alone shock him almost to the core of his very being. Turning his latest encounter with Methos over and over in his mind, he realised that there were several aspects of the events that troubled him. The first, of course, was his shock of seeing pure emotion in the eyes of Methos, emotion that he hadn't truely seen since the man had cried over the dead Alexa with a passion that he thought would make his own heart break. But, now, to see that depth of emotion in those ancient eyes directed at him. Well, to he honest he found it more than a little creepy. Who knew what Methos was doing, was thinking. Maybe this was all just part of the last in the Old Man's repitare of bizarre games and plans.
Yawning deeply and rubbed his forehead, Duncan realised he couldn't do any more thinking until he'd had some sleep. He was tired, confused, and had been manipulated by Methos - again.
The second aspect of the night's events - his own behaviour and reactions - Duncan didn't even want to start to consider until after much more sleep. However, sleep didn't come to Duncan any easier now than it had during the night.
An hour of walking in the early morning sunshine had helped to clear Methos' head, and he had come to a decision. It was a tough one, he knew, but he was sure it was the right one. Well, pretty sure anyway. He didn't regret what he happened with Mac, he knew it was inevitable. He couldn't believe he actually kissed Mac, but he didn't regret it, especially with the way Mac had responded...
Stopping his mind from wandering again Methos strode off determined to carry out his plan.
Amanda looked up at the feel of the buzz. Smiling grimly, she watched her lunch date approach the small cafe where she was waiting, his face set and determined, his eyes belaying his concerns. Would this be fun, Amanda thought.
"Amanda", he greeted her. "A pleasure as always."
"Adam", she returned, in as cold a tone as he had used.
"Or, is it Richie nowadays?" she continued bitterly.
He looked suitably guilty and replied, "Actually, it's Adrian at the moment."
"So, Adrian, what can I do for you?" Amanda asked, spitting out the name, and wondering for the hundreth time what she was doing there.
There was no love lost between Methos and Amanda. He thought she was vain, petty and selfish, and hated the way she twisted MacLeod around her little finger. She thought he was cold, manipulative and selfish, and hated the way Duncan always jumped when the older man told him to. Amanda seemed to act like a jealous child who couldn't stand to see her favourite toy being borrowed without permission. That toy being Duncan MacLeod, of course, with Methos in the role as the resident bully on the block.
Amanda knew about Richie. Duncan had told her several days after it had happened. She'd been very fond of the young red-head. You couldn't help liking him, and he'd brought out some deeply-buried maternal instinct within her. She'd cried uncontrollably in Duncan's arms for hours when he'd told her, and gradually Duncan had let his tears fall as well, the two of them clinging to each other desperately.
Gritting his teeth Methos wondered again why he had felt it necessary to confide in Amanda. For MacLeod, he told himself, for as flighty as Amanda was she did care about MacLeod. Plus, she was almost as cunning, devious, and yes, he admitted it, self-centred as he was. She was good in a crisis, plus there was the added bonus that she wasn't beating herself up over Richie's death, he hadn't just tried to kiss her, and she wasn't drinking herself to death. In conclusion, surprisingly, she was his only option. And, he needed help. Of course she wasn't about to make this easy for him.
Amanda's cold gaze bored into him, and he shock himself free of his memories and thoughts. Damned Immortal memory.
"I need your help Amanda, " he told her quietly.
"I'll sorry. What?" Damn, she was enjoying this, wasn't she?
"I said, I need your help." He swallowed. "Please," he added, meeting her gaze.
"You...You need my help. Little ol' me?" Yep, she was definitely enjoying this.
"I don't know where else to turn. For Duncan?"
"Duncan? He's in trouble? Another Immortal?"
"Kind of."
"What's going on Methos?"
"Oh, Gods."
"Methos, I need to know. Everything up front. I need to know what I'm up against if I'm going to do anything to help." She was even beginning to feel sorry for him and could see pain in his eyes.
Methos swallowed again. He really didn't want to tell her, he hated being so open with people, it was dangerous, plus, this really was rather embarrassing. Added to that was the fact that Amanda wasn't the best person to admit to that he'd come on to MacLeod.
"Well," he began, knowing he'd faced worse, if not recently.
"Mac's suffering, so's Joe. I'm worried about them. Joe's drinking and neglecting his duties at Watcher HQ. They don't know the full story of what happened, and have never understood his relationship with us lot. I think they're considering suspending him. Amanda, the Watchers are his life, suspension would kill him, if the drinking doesn't first. I still have access to Adam Pierson's e-mail and they asked him - me - to talk to him, find out why he hasn't been checking in. I went to see him yesterday. He didn't want to know me, could hardly stand to talk to me. He blames himself, blames me, even blames Mac a little. Even all his Watcher training hasn't prepared him for anything like this. He hasn't lost any Immortal he's been close to yet, we're like family to him. I guess after all our notions of infallibility in contrast to his fragility, to lose Richie at so young an age is devastating. And to lose him in such a way..."
"And Duncan, Methos..?"
"Sorry. I guess I blame me as well...Joe needs help. We can't let him destroy himself like this, his life is short enough as it is, he can't waste it. Duncan...Mac...he's in a bad way. You probably know this. But, it's not like he hasn't lost students before. I know, Richie was practically a son to him. It takes time. Still when I went to see him he ignored me and the buzz for about ten minutes. A very un-MacLeod action. Of course, he didn't want to see me. He was swinging between cold indifference and anger and depression. Either one could result in him losing his head to some lousy, little, upstart of a headhunter. We can't let that happen Amanda, Duncan deserves better and is too important to die just because he can't be bothered to keep his head..."
"You keep saying he's too important. Why? Do you think he'll be the one?"
"It's possible, I suppose. He's...He's a good man, if a little stubborn and predictable at times, but we could do a lot worse than to have MacLeod as the One. I've just always known that Mac was important in the scheme of things, I don't know how or way, or how I know, I just know."
"So, Duncan sent you away as well?"
Methos sighed, he would have to be completely honest if Amanda were to trust and help him.
"In the end he did. I forced him to a break-down and it seemed to do some good. He was talking to me at least, talking about Richie, questioning me, expecting wise advice...You know, usual MacLeod things. And then..."
"And then he threw you out...?"
"No. Then I...I kind of came on to him." He met Amanda's shocked eyes with hard, defiant ones.
"You...you and...and Duncan..." Amanda wasn't surprised Duncan had thrown the other man out.
"Methos, Duncan MacLeod is the most masculine, hetrosexual man I know! What on Earth were you thinking?! And...and you. Well, you may not be as masculine as Duncan but I would never have thought..."
"Well, in 5000 years you end up doing almost everything at some point. Would you believe that it seemed a good idea at the time, and that Mac responded?!"
"To be honest, no! How could you take advantage of him like that?!"
"It happened Amanda, it was inevitable and I can't deny my feelings for Mac. And, after 5000 years, I don't think I have to answer to you of all people. Since when are you the role model for sensible and decent behaviour? I care for Mac greatly, and don't want to see him hurt. It's...it's...I...I can't bear to see him like this. It's not often I say this, but I don't know what to do, I need your help. I came to you for help, because we have more in common than we would both like to admit and because Duncan and Joe need us!"
"Don't tell me, there's more?"
"Actually yes, I'm afraid so."
"A headhunter?"
"Yes, but worse. There's an increase in anti-Immortal feelings in the Watchers. Many of them are jealous of us and frustrated with the inaction of the Watchers. They want to take matters into their own hands. I don't know how or why. ,but i think Richie's death had something to do with this. it wasn't norml, the way he attacked me. I had no choice. Someone or something wanted either me or Richie to die. I don't know exactly what their plan is, but it can't be good!"
"Another Horton? Wonderful?! Got any more good news for me, Methos? I don't think I'm in a good enough mood yet!"
"Amanda, please, listen. Obviously, they're going after MacLeod. He's the hero, the famous one, the powerful one. You have to warn him. He has to leave town, he's in no position to fight!"
"I have to warn him?! I don't have to do anything!"
"Amanda, you'll the only one he'll listen to."
"He's your boyfriend!" she practicily spat.
"Cheap shot, 'Manda! Just do it. For Mac's sake, for all our sakes!"
"You're serious about all this, aren't you?"
"I know it's an unusual occurance, but yes, deadly serious, with the emphasis on deadly!"
"Ok, ok, I'll talk to him. If he doesn't listen, though, don't blame me."
"Thanks Amanda. And if my name comes up..."
"Which one...?!"
"Fine. Just...do what you can. And 'Manda, I do appreciate this."
He got up, leaving Amanda starring after him, wondering if she would ever, even if she lived another 1000 years, understand the mystery that was Methos. The man had more faces than a dice.
Methos got a 100 yards out of Amanda's sight before collapsing wearily against the nearest wall, feeling like there was a sudden tremedous pressure on his mind, muttering to himself, people avoiding him like he had the plague. 'Been there, done that', he laughed to himself, his good old cynical sense of humour never leaving him even when he wanted it to. He wondered just how sane he was any more. Surely 5000 years of this life had to take toll, didn't they? He was so tired now, all the time. He thought he would be just about ready to curl up and die here and now, if he didn't know that there were important things to live for. Maybe he was imagining things, seeing hunters at every turn. Maybe the disgruntled watchers would sort themselves out, the rumours just an exaggeration. Maybe the Immortals would survive, and the game would continue for another few hundred years still. Yeah right, and maybe he'd turn into a Scottish Boy Scout! And, Gods, what a time to be falling for another Immortal, especially one like Duncan! No more fading into the background for him if he and Mac ever got together. Not that Duncan would ever be with someone like him. Crazy, Old Man, crazy!
After 4000 years Methos had finally learnt to trust his instincts, after another 1000 he never ever ignored them. He knew something was going to happen, something bad, he could feel it and it was taking it's toll on him. But some things are more important than me, he told himself. Whatever was about to errupt, it would involve MacLeod, just when he was at his most vulnerable. Methos didn't know what would happen if MacLeod lost his head, but he knew it wouldn't be good. The world needed Mac, but maybe it didn't need Methos anymore. With that comforting thought, Methos gave into the darkness invading his mind and slumped against the wall, unconsciousness.