At 12:04, Methos stepped out of the shower and frowned at his clothes. He wished he had something clean to put on. His shirt was cut and all of his clothes were bloody. He sighed and wrapped a towel around his waist before opening the bathroom door to dissipate the steam. Just as he could make out a blurry image in the mirror, he felt a presence nearing the door. He made a beeline for his sword despite knowing that it was probably Kanika. When a key twisted in the lock, he relaxed and returned to the bathroom.
"Gods, Old Man! How much hot water did you use?" Kanika called to him as she sat the food down on a small table near the door.
"Enough. Now where have you been?" He demanded as he walked back into the room. Kanika's breath caught as her eyes fell upon him. "Well?" Methos smirked when he noticed her distraction.
"Huh? Oh, I had to run some errands. Hungry?" She motioned to the food with a steaming cup of tea. Methos walked over casually noting that she followed him closely with her eyes. His mind stopped on a thought as he looked over the food. He was flirting with her. He had fallen into such an easy feeling as though they had been together for ages. As he selected an omelet and a cup of coffee, he realized that thrilled him and scared the hell out of him.
"So, what all did you have to do?" Methos joined her on the bed. She was staring idly off into nothing, deep in thought. She barely registered he had said anything at all. Her eyes flicked to her cup before jumping to the window.
"I had to acquire transportation and breakfast. The dumb ass salesman thought I was crazy and practically accused me of achieving my funds illegally. I was more than happy to inform him that he had no right and that I was one hell of a lot smarter than he. Fool has no clue what philology is." She smirked slightly before getting up and grabbing a cinnamon roll.
"Not many people do . . . Well, not many average people do. They just know of its subdivisions. Is that what you have your doctorate in?" He leaned back on the bed and watched as she nibbled at the roll and looked through her clothes. "You going somewhere else?"
"One of them and yes. I have an appointment at the university. Hope you don't have a problem with that." She selected a long red suede skirt and a slightly billowy off-white high necked button up blouse. She decided she should explain herself while putting on her jewelry and make-up. She didn't want him to think he was the only reason she was here though he was the main reason. "I actually have gotten several requests for my services recently. Including your lovely Watcher organization, ironically. But, I decided to check out this university while I am here. Some of the others have just wanted me because their departments need women. I told them where to stick their jobs, in a round about way. From what I have heard from Seacover is that they don't have much of a language department or a very good writings department. So, I told them I would greatly consider their offer. Doesn't pay much, but with my 'inheritance' I don't need much."
Methos decided to wait to tell her he was in the language department. "So, that's why you are really here? For a job? I mean besides seeking protection from whoever or whatever is after you." Methos looked slightly hurt, just for a split second.
"What!" Kanika was shocked and hurt, but mostly she was pissed by that comment. How could he think that after the previous evening and night? "I never came here to be protected! I told you about my problem so you can help me figure out how to fix it. How I can fix it! I also came to make sure that whatever my dreams are foretelling, that you are not hurt by whatever is to come. And, yes, I also came to see about the position at Seacover. But, you really want to know the real reason I am here? Do you honestly think you can handle it?
"I am here because of you. You, Methos. I couldn't take not being able to talk to or see you. I couldn't take not knowing if you were alright or in some kind of trouble. I couldn't take not knowing for sure that you were still alive. Most of all, I couldn't stand you not knowing how I have felt for you for so long. You, Methos. You are really why I am here. You have influenced all of my decisions on why I am here. You." Her voice was a whisper on the last word. She felt tired, yet relieved, after telling him. With a sigh, she grabbed her keys and purse. "Well, I have a one o' clock appointment to keep. Then, I have another errand to run. I'll see you at Joe's this evening?"
She stopped at the door and looked at him. He seemed to just be catching up with what she was saying. He stood and approached her. "Yeah, I'll be there around seven, but I have some things to do myself. Could we meet here around five thirty or six?"
"I think it would be best if our next conversation was not so private. We don't want to say anything that would hurt either of us." She made to open the door. Before she could, he grabbed her gently by the shoulders.
"Sagira… "
"Perhaps you could find something better to call me now? I mean if… " 'If what, Kanika? If you really do mean for us to become a couple?' She looked at her feet. She had never felt this uncertain around him before.
Methos sensed what was going through her mind. "Sanura then. I want you to know that I have no problem with you working at the university and that you will be protected whether you want to be or not. You aren't the only one that will be working there, you know?" He smiled down at her.
"Oh really, and just who else is working there?" She narrowed her eyes at him.
"Well, MacLeod and myself. I hope that isn't a problem for you." He kissed her forehead. She closed her eyes and took a slow breath.
"No, of course not. I really need to be going." She opened her eyes and gave him a weak smile.
"Okay, but are you sure we can't meet back here before Joe's?" He moved a hand to caress her cheek with his thumb. "You alright?"
"I'm fine. We can meet here around five thirty. I should be done by then. I have to go; it's twelve thirty now." She started to pull away, but he caught her in an embrace and kissed her. Her first impulse was to fall in his arms and stay there, but she knew she was going to be late if she didn't go. So, she kissed him back for just a moment before pulling back. "I have to go, Methos." She gave him a peck on the cheek then fled the room. Once outside, she leaned against the door to catch her breath. Gods the effect that man had on her!
Methos was feeling similarly as he slid into his bloody, dirty pants. He knew there was no turning back now. He could feel the severity of their new relationship. The fact that they had taken so long to get together shocked him now that they were. He could tell that the feelings had been there for a very long time. Taking a deep breath, Methos grabbed the rest of his clothes and shoes. He didn't put them on, just carried them. He then fished out his keys and got into his truck. His first stop was home to change clothes. Then, he had to see about finding out about Kanika's pursuers and her dreams.
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"Your résumé is quite impressive, Dr. Adams. I am quite shocked that you would be interested in our school." The dean read over her degrees and specialties yet again.
"Well, honestly, I am looking for a school that needs me. I have had a lot of offers, but many have been either interested in my gender or had no use for me as they already had qualified instructors. Your school needs someone to help in my fields of study. Some of the courses I am qualified to teach you do not even offer. I would like to work with you to improve your selection of courses as well as test scores of those already taking the courses you wish for me to teach." Samantha smiled sweetly at him.
"I must be honest as well and say that I would be honored to have you working here. The new semester starts in just a few weeks. I trust you can start then?"
"I'm ready to start anytime."
"Okay. I'll get you a list of students, their courses, and course schedule. I'll get you course essentials as well. You can let me know your plans for the courses when you start." He smiled and stood. "I am pleased to welcome you on board. Once the semester starts I may see about making you the head of the language department."
"I don't want to step on anyone's toes… "
"Don't worry about that. If you are more qualified, you will have the position. The other professors will have to accommodate themselves to the fact."
"Very well. I will contact you in a week or so then, unless of course you need me before hand. Um . . . Two of my friends, I found out this morning, seem to also be employees here. A Mr. Duncan MacLeod and a Mr. Adam Pierson?"
"Yes. Indeed they are. They are friends of yours?" He seemed kind of shocked.
"I have known them both for quite some time. Adam longer than Duncan."
"Well, if you get that leading position, you will be working over Mr. Pierson." He smiled at her sudden smirk.
"That, my dear sir, would be worth stepping on toes. I really must be going. I have realtors to see. Call me if you need to know anything or if something changes. Do you want me to pick up those papers now or later?" She slung her purse over her shoulder.
"Now will be fine. I have a folder fixed up for you out at my secretaries desk. I'll see you out." He smiled warmly and placed a hand at her lower back as they stepped out of his office. "I hope your stay, however long, is a pleasant one. I also hope your stay is a long one. We could really use someone with your skills and expertise."
They stopped at his secretaries desk. She handed him the folder for Samantha. He, in turn, handed it to Samantha. "Thank you, sir. I am sure that my stay may indeed be lengthy. I plan to make the most of it and do the best I can for the students here. Until we speak again." She nodded her head and turned to leave. As she was leaving the building, she felt eyes on her. However, when she looked, no one seemed to be behind her. She quickened her pace to her range rover. Though she saw no one, she was sure someone or thing had been there. With a deep sigh, she turned the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot. She had another appointment to keep. The folder of papers was placed in the passenger seat momentarily forgotten. The page sticking out on one of the students, Mac Seth, unnoticed.