All About the Heart: Chapter Two
Disclaimer: The characters from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine belong to the franchise for Star Trek Deep Space Nine ™. I do not claim possession of any copyrighted characters. Any and all other characters belong to me and may not be used without my permission.
Rating: PG
Characters: Vic Fontaine, Dr. Julian Bashir, Amee Jorgenson
Chapter two. Amee isset to meetthe most fascinating man of her life.Please R&R.
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The lounge was clouded in a low haze, the lighting turned to a romantic glow with small lamps situated comfortably on each table. Multi-colored lights surrounded a large banner on the stage that proudly proclaimed "Vic Fontaine's." Amee gazed around in wonder at the sight before her. She felt otherworldly, as if she had stepped from another dimension straight into the past. She had seen pictures from the 1960s several times during her schooling, but never before had she seen what would have been known as a Las Vegas casino. People were clustered about the bar and seated at a few of the tables, all talking softly as if they were eagerly anticipating an event. Julian wove through the tables, and she followed him quietly, unable to contain her stares of amazement.
Turning, he found that she had halted before the band's platform where they were preparing to begin a number. With an amused eye roll, Julian snagged her arm and tugged her after him, easing her into the padded chair he had pulled away from the table. Finally able to speak, she murmured, "Julian, this is amazing." "I know. Vic's is really something else. I've been in many holosuite programs, but I've never enjoyed them so much as coming to relax in Vic's." Lifting two fingers, he caught the attention of a passing waiter and quietly ordered two Martinis. "It feels real, Julian. Somehow, it's almost as if this place exists. I was beginning to doubt your sanity about how realistic this program is, but now I can understand how you feel about it."
The tiniest hint of a smile shadowed his lips as he accepted the drinks from the returning waiter. Lifting one to his lips, Julian took a slow drink, than shut his eyes, relaxing for the first time in days. "I need to come here more often. It's been several weeks since I've paid Vic a visit, and that's far too long." Amee couldn't resist a chance at lighthearted teasing, so she gently prodded him in the ribs as she responded, "Come now, Julian, we all know that you're either utterly wrapped up in your work or you're spending time with Ezri. I've barely seen you two apart in the past year." He opened his mouth to respond, but she lifted her hand in a gesture of peace, eyes twinkling merrily as she said, "Don't worry, Julian. I'm happy for you, and for Ezri. She's so joyful. Being around you has a tendency to make people either react in happiness or irritation." Examining her drink in curiosity, she continued, "It's a well known fact that you will either love Dr. Julian Bashir or despise him. There is no in between."
Unconcerned, he asked, "And what would your impression be of the great Dr. Bashir?" Narrowing her eyes, Amee quirked her tongue into her cheek before answering, "My impression is that the good doctor can be haughty and arrogant, but that his heart is always in the right place. That's the reason I trust you, Julian, because I know you, and I know that no matter your behavior, you are always compassionate to those in need." A smile lit his eyes, but he didn't comment. Emotion had a tendency to make him nervous which is why he generally shrugged off such displays with a profound sarcastic humor. "Now, where is this great Vic Fontaine you've been telling me about and who I'm supposed to board with until who knows how long?" "Amee, relax. Just sit back. You've had a trying ordeal this evening, and I want to see you finally ease the obvious tension in your shoulder muscles. Honestly, I don't know how you can keep them so tight." She sent a mock glare at him, but refrained from sticking out her tongue as she was so tempted.
Without warning the band started up, slowly at first, than building to a cheerful beat which caught the attention of every occupant in the room. A dashingly elegant figure bounded from the left of the stage, and Amee knew instinctively that he could be none other than the popular Vic Fontaine. His frame was sturdy, but also bore a hint of dignified slenderness. She could see the sparkle in his dark eyes even from several tables away and a flirtatious smile shone brightly from beneath waves of silver hair. Playing to the audience, he mischievously switched the microphone from hand to hand finally bringing it to his lips with a sincere smile. He was completely relaxed, eyes shut, and as he began crooning she found that she couldn't look away. His voice was melodious, and the song was gently seductive, causing her eyes to remain unwavering on his classically handsome features.
Well, it was just one of those things.
Just one of those crazy flings.
One of those bells that now and than rings.
Just one of those things.
It was just one of those nights.
Just one of those fabulous flights.
A trip to the moon on gossamer wings.
Just one of those things.
If we thought a bit of the end of it
When we started painting the town.
We'd have been aware that our love affair
Was too hot not to cool down.
And so goodbye, dear, and amen
Here's hoping we'll meet now and than
It was great fun, but it was just one of those things.
One of those bells that now and than rings.
Just one of those things.
A trip to the moon on gossamer wings
Just one of those things.
If we thought a bit of the end of it
When we started painting the town.
We'd have been aware that our love affair
Was too hot not to cool down.
So goodbye, dear, and amen
Here's hoping we'll meet now and than
It was great fun, but it was just one of those things.
Just one of those things!
The instantaneous applause for his performance was thunderous, and Amee blinked as the magical spell slowly dissipated. Julian was vigorously clapping, and after another brief moment of awe, Amee joined him. Vic's smile was evident as he replaced the microphone in its stand, saying, "Thanks, folks. It's good to be reminded that I'm not down and out just yet." A wink punctuated his sentence and the audience laughed before returning to their numerous drinks and conversations. Vic turned toward the piano, reaching for a slip of sheet music, when Julian straightened from his seat and made a beeline for the musician. The movement must have caught Vic's eye because his head turned and at the mere sight of Julian, his eyes lit up in joy. Laying aside the paper, he met Julian halfway to the stage, extending a hand and exclaiming, "Hey pally, long time no see. Where you been keeping yourself?" With hands clasped in a firm handshake, Julian replied, "Good to see you, Vic. You know how things go around here. It seems that we're always chasing our tails. No time for rest and relaxation, but heaven knows how I need it. This was the first time I stopped thinking tonight, so thank you." Vic chuckled, "Anytime, pally. That's what I'm here for. It's my job to make people forget their troubles, at least until the song ends." "And you do it wonderfully, Vic. We couldn't ask for better."
Amee hesitated by the table, before finally stepping to Julian's side, laying a hand softly on his arm, silently urging him to make the introductions. Her gaze met Vic's, albeit briefly, but as their eyes locked the breath whooshed from her lungs in a solid flow. It was all she could do to keep her reaction from her companions. The tiniest hint of admiration entered Vic's gaze, but he shadowed it almost immediately, as Julian pronounced, "Vic, this is a very good friend of mine and Ezri's, Ensign Amee Jorgeson." Vic's voice was genuinely welcoming, "Ensign, it's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. Ezri is in here all the time giving me the rundown on you and others aboard DS9." Amee's lashes fluttered briefly, but she refused to glance away from him. "Thank you, Mr. Fontaine. It seems I should have come here long ago. The atmosphere is very soothing, as is your voice." "For that compliment, you are welcome anytime. I could use a few more fans like you. And you can call me Vic, everybody does." Her lips quirked in a genuine smile, and she extended her hand which he readily grasped. "Well, Vic, it's nice to finally meet the hologram everyone on the station talks about."
If she didn't know better she would almost think she had embarrassed him, but the light flush against his neck dissipated almost immediately. She must have imagined his reaction, and didn't time to ponder as Julian murmured quietly, "Vic, I need a favor, and it's a fairly substantial one." Vic's response was ready and unhesitating. "Hey, anything for you, pally, you know that. Now, what can I do." Julian hesitated momentarily, apparently gathering his nerve, before responding. "All right, there's no other way to ask. Vic, could Amee stay with you for a few days, perhaps even a week or more?" Vic blinked, twice, than glanced from one to the other of his companions. "Are you two serious?"
"Vic, I wouldn't ask if this weren't important. An old acquaintance of Amee's is on DS9 and he's already gone after her once. There's not going to be a second time if we have anything to say about it, but need a safe hideout for her in the meantime. I thought of you instantly." Vic was silent, his mind obviously working, but as he hadn't instantly refused, Amee kept a tight grasp on her hope.
Vic was inanely uncomfortable, but he couldn't quite grasp the reason for his discomfort. He'd had people over before, though never because of anything this serious. Nog had spent a couple of months with him, but that had been vastly different. If it had been Ezri or Julian or even Odo that would have been one thing, but he had felt the instant attraction between himself and the young ensign. Hologram or not, Vic was pointedly aware of his emotions, and what he felt for this girl, while somewhat uncertain was a definite romantic inclination. He ran a hand through his sable silver hair, trying desperately to reach a decision while the two gazed at him in growing trepidation.
Finally he nodded, allowing a cheeky smile to stretch across his lips. "How could I refuse a request from such a good friend? Sure, Doc, I'll keep the kid with me for as long as its needed. But if you don't mind, a little more information on this stalker would be welcome. Just in case he finds his way in here, it'd be nice to recognize him." Julian and Amee exhaled relieved sighs at the same instant, and the tiniest twinkle of amusement colored Vic's dark eyes. "Come on, we'll be more comfortable in my suite, and we'll have more privacy." Once his guests were comfortably situated in the lush apartment, Vic slid the evening jacket from his shoulders, loosening his tie with his free hand, and allowing himself to relax. Pouring himself a glass of brandy, Vic held up the gilt glass bottle toward his guests, where Julian nodded yes and Amee shook her head no. Handing another glass to the doctor, Vic sank into his comfortable leather chair, leaning his head back and gazing pointedly at Julian, waiting for him to begin what would become a long diatribe.
Amee wasn't in the mood to reiterate on a painful memory, and Julian was fully aware of her reluctance. He hardly wanted to explain himself, but it was necessary, and Vic deserved the courtesy of knowing what he was agreeing to. He took a small sip of his brandy, allowing the smoothness to ease down his throat and settle warmly at the back of his stomach. "All right, Vic, I'll level with you. The man we're hunting is named Jarlath, and he's not even a man in the genuine sense of the word. Jarlath is the only one of his kind. He's a cross between a shapeshifter and a telepath. He can appear as anything, but usually chooses the shape of a human male. He's dangerous because he can and does project thoughts and images, even memories into the minds of various species. Humans happen to be one of them. About a year ago, perhaps a little less, Amee had a rather horrific encounter with said villain. For around a month she was under his influence, physically and emotionally. Only after we uncovered his true nature were we able to prove him guilty of anything. Apart from using Amee, he also sabotaged Deep Space Nine, though the explosives were disarmed before any harm could be done. We believe that he worked for the Dominion and is now freelancing for various terrorist groups. He escaped us last time, but once he was gone, his influence over Amee also dissipated. We thought we'd seen the last of him, but apparently we were wrong. She sensed him tonight when he attempted a break in at her quarters."
Vic listened raptly to the tale, understanding more than most holograms would ever be capable of comprehending. "So, Amee is going to remain in my care until Jarlath is either captured or ejected from the station? Sounds simple enough, but what happens if our illustrious guest realizes where she's boarding?" "Well, we haven't quite thought that far ahead yet. Odo doesn't even know my plans for Amee's safety. I'm heading out to him directly after I get her situated. I'm managed to learn over the years that it's never a good idea to leave Odo in the dark, no matter the reason."
Amee's eyes narrowed and her lips pursed as she listened to the men talk about her as if she weren't even present. Delicately clearing her throat, she leaned forward and sweetly proclaimed, "Gentlemen, I assure you that I can get myself situated. I'm not a child and will not require looking after, just a place to stay until Jarlath is apprehended or shot. I don't care which happens first, but execution would be my personal preference." Vic only barely managed to contain a burst of laughter at her indignant response, but contained his emotions firmly. "Dollface, I would never think you capable of anything less. You don't get into Starfleet without having at least some type of spunky personality." Standing to his feet, Julian clapped Vic on the shoulder, glanced once at Amee, than said a cheerful farewell, stating that he would have some of Amee's clothing sent over in the morning. "Until then, she can wear an extra pair of my pajamas. I'm sure I've got some around here somewhere," Vic called after the weary doctor.
Before Julian made it to the door, Amee scrambled to her feet and dashed after him, pulling him into a tight hug. After the initial shock of her instigated affection, Julian wrapped his arms warmly around her waist. His strength was comforting and Amee exhaled a relieved sigh, whispering into his ear, "Thank you, Julian. Don't worry, I'll be fine. I think, for once, your opinion of Vic is right on." "Well, thank you for the vote of confidence." His decidedly British snobbery briefly rose to the surface, but she merely smacked his arm and he vanished out the door, and most likely back to his experiments after a stop at Odo's office.
With the click of the lock resounding into the doorjamb, Amee was left alone with Vic Fontaine. Turning, she gazed at him in curiosity, a look he returned with a raised eyebrow. "So, it seems I'm to have a houseguest for a few weeks."
"Looks that way. Thanks again, Vic. I really appreciate this."
"Nah, don't mention it." He straightened, laying aside his empty glass and retrieving his jacket from where he had slung it across back of a vacant chair. "Well, I have to get back to work or I'll be out of a job. Make yourself at home. My spare room is the second door down that hallway. I'll rummage around and find you some nightclothes before I head out." Vanishing into his room, Vic reappeared a few minutes later with a pair of silken pajamas and fuzzy bedroom slippers. Biting the inside of her lip to keep from laughing, Amee accepted the objects and reiterated her thanks. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow, or you're always welcome to come out to the lounge. I usually play until 2:00am, or even later if I'm in the mood. You never know when some real people will wander in for a song or two. Starfleet officers do keep the strangest hours."
Unable to contain the mild taunt, Amee stated as she examined the pajama top, "Just as 1960s singers keep strange hours. I've never stayed up past midnight in my entire life before, so this is a first for me." He merely winked at her than strode through the same door Julian had exited a few minutes before. Poking his head back through the frame a moment later, Vic's features were now solemn, and his voice brooked no argument, "You lock this door behind me, you hear."
"Vic, a lock isn't going to do any good. If Jarlath finds me, he'll just shut down the program."
"Well, just pretend that the door will stop a rampaging bull. Indulge me and lock it anyway."
"You do have a way with words. All right, Vic, the door will be locked."
"Good."
And that was that.
Lashes fluttering in amusement, Amee found to her amazement that she was truly relaxed. It felt like a different world. Almost as if Jarlath could never reach through the walls of this suite. The room Vic had offered was comfortably spacious, with a large bed, a vanity which she suspected had been added for her benefit, along with an ornate oak wardrobe. Opening a side door, she found a bathroom suited to her needs, including shampoo, shaving lotion, soaps, and even an ancient brand of toothpaste. He was truly amazing.
In minutes she was lounging in his pajamas, content beneath the warm covers of the queen-sized bed. After a moment's debate, Amee commanded, "Computer, add novel "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood" by Howard Pyle to the program." A small flash of light appeared and in its wake, a hardbound book lay serenely upon the bare wood of the night stand at her side. With a smile, she scooped it up and instantly immersed herself in the familiar world of the roguish thief Robin Hood who was commonly known as the man who robbed from the rich to feed the poor.
And outside her room, Vic Fontaine was singing his heart out to a crowd who adored him, but his mind was constantly being pulled back into his suite where a young woman lay happily perusing a novel he himself had read through many times in the past.