6:30 p.m., December 20th, 2003, US Embassy Dublin:
Walter found himself inundated by the Irish reporters covering the Christmas Ball as he walked with Paige into the Embassy. He had to pause many times to answer questions over his sculpture and his plans not only for it, but for his continued work in art.
Paige tolerated it for only so long and just as she was about to put her foot down, Walter recognized one of the reporters as being with the paper that had intruded upon their privacy at their first ball. He quickly denounced the paper and Paige quickly pulled him away from them and into the ballroom. She was trying hard not to laugh.
While authorized reporters could go into the ballroom, they were severely restricted in conduct.
"I can't believe they let them back in here." Walter complained bitterly.
"Well most actions like that are usually removed after six to twelve months. Depending on transgression and what the Embassy can negotiate out of them for returning their access." Paige told him before she pulled on him so they could walk out onto the dance floor.
Walter's thoughts quickly faded about the reporter as he took his love into his arms and they began dancing.
Ralph had talked with the orchestra conductor a couple of days before the ball. He was extremely happy that the orchestra knew certain songs and Ralph had them interspersed through the arrangement. Salsa and Tango music were not even remotely common at these parties and Ralph hoped this would help settle certain matters. As the first song they danced to came to an end, Walter saw a young man moving towards them. Walter let out a low growl.
"Walter?" Paige asked puzzled but before he could respond the orchestra began playing a tango, "Una Cabeza".
Recognizing it instantly, Walter quickly backed away from Paige, while pulling on her hand. His feet and body movements matched the melody.
Paige grinned as she began stepping along with him as she recognized the song.
Walter saw the young man had stopped and was now watching them for a moment, and as the tempo grew Walter and Paige matched it perfectly. As it hit a particularly powerful crescendo their movements brushed all the other dancers out off the floor. Everyone marveled at the young couple as they moved through the tango. Light applause followed off an on at particular points as they completed difficult seeming steps. Louise and Veronica stood watching with Megan, all three were grinning happily.
For over ten minutes they danced about the whole floor, making use of every inch of it. The conductor had seen them and was so moved by their dancing and the look between them, he kept the song going, extending the song just over twice the length. As the music finally came to a close, Walter and Paige came together, Walter's hand supported Paige's back as they embraced in a passionate kiss. With Paige partially bent backwards and their lips together as their tongues touched and caressed their partner's tongue. And then the lights came up a slight bit as the room broke out in wild applause.
Walter pulled Paige back up before breaking the kiss and then they turned while holding hands and Paige curtsied as Walter bowed in gratitude. They turned several times as the clapping continued and bowed in each direction. Finally they walked confidently off the dance floor and into the arms of their family. Walter had set the bar so high with Paige while dancing that none of the young men came forward the rest of the night to ask for a dance.
As the night was coming to an end the Ambassador walked out to the small platform and the orchestra grew silent. He picked up the microphone and turned it on.
"Merry Christmas." The Ambassador called out and everyone cheered back to him. "Well I will be honest with you all, despite the belief that diplomats speak confusion'ese." The guests all laughed at that. "When Ralph Dineen talked to me about moving back to the US but keeping his position with the Embassy I was skeptical to say the least. But true to his reputation he had me convinced he could still function in his job despite being in the US. And I am happily sorry to say he was right." He paused as everyone clapped.
"Even suffering a near fatal heart attack didn't slow him much. If someone was to say anyone deserves this award more than Ralph I'd call them a liar to their face. Ralph, get out here." The Ambassador told him.
Ralph stepped out to the platform as people cheered and clapped.
"Ralph, it has been such a privilege working with you all these years. You have exemplified your posting far more than anyone I have ever known and so it is with deep appreciation and gratitude. On behalf of the Secretary of State, I give you the Secretary's Distinguished Service Award." The Ambassador said even as he pulled out a small case out of his jacket pocket and opened it to show the gold medal set within. Everyone began clapping and cheering again.
"Thank you Mr Ambassador." Ralph said as he kind of choked up while taking the case from him.
"And that isn't all if you don't mind staying here with me." The Ambassador grinned at him as he shook his head no. "Walter O'Brien, please join us."
Walter swallowed hard not understanding but slowly with Paige's assurance walked out to them while everyone applauded.
"Five years ago in this very hall Ralph allowed a young Irishman to escort the jewel of his heart to the Christmas ball of 1998." The Ambassador announced. "Now I can promise you this, as a Father of a daughter myself, this was a big deal. And I state for the record that if a young man had looked at my daughter like this young man looked at Ralph's I would have hit my panic button and had her locked in the basement." Everyone laughed. "But that was without a doubt the best Ball we had here. I hadn't danced at one of these in years but Walter's spirit was infectious that night. And proved by the papers the next morning, Embassy of Rock, Roll and Love."
Everyone cheered and laughed.
"But instead, Ralph embraced this young man from the very start. He sponsored him in his first chess tournament, he also fleeced me on that one. He knew how good Walter O'Brien was and I lost a large sum of money to him." The Ambassador explained to more cheers. "When his two lovely daughters were granted scholarships back in the US, Walter went with them. Where Walter has been distinguishing himself as well. I just received word and since so many have been asking…I'm happy to announce that Walter's art "Ange Dineen", the bust of Ralph's lovely daughter Paige, has taken first place in the US National art show." The applause and cheers were nearly deafening.
Walter stood stunned even as Ralph hugged him.
"I've also spoken with the National Committee for the art show and I have secured sponsorship for the piece's first tour to be here in Ireland." The Ambassador told them to a roaring cheer. "It only seems fair that it tours the lands of Walter's birth first."
"Walter, I know your family is quite proud of you as am I. You have demonstrated yourself in the best manner and highest of standards. As such, armed with many endorsements, from secret service agents to Homeland agents to a captain of industry and world diplomats. the President of the United States called upon Congress who studied the facts of the case before them and they have granted you citizenship of the United States of America." The Ambassador explained as he pulled out his documentation detailing his citizenship. The assembled people began clapping wildly even as Paige ran out to be with Walter.
"We'll conduct the oath privately." The Ambassador told them."
Walter found himself again under pressure by the reporters. Paige allowed them three questions each and then she pulled Walter away while her detail pushed the reporters back.
"Did you not have a clue boy?" Sean asked Walter as they all finally met up on the side of the dance floor.
Walter shook his head.
"No, I wasn't sure if Congress would go for it or not so I didn't tell him." Ralph told them as he stepped up. "If I had bet on it, I would have bet they wouldn't have approved it. The controlling body isn't too big on such things. But an old friend of mine really went to bat over it. Even as I worked all my other contacts."
"You mean you didn't know before the Ball?" Paige asked, clearly surprised.
"The Ambassador really played this tight." Ralph shook his head.
"Dad, I really appreciate you doing this for me…but." Walter paused as he looked down at the floor.
"What's the matter son?" Ralph asked as he stepped closer.
"If I have to defend Paige or someone else in my family, then I will pick up an arm and do so. But, I can't, I can't do so on the orders of the State. I'm sorry, I can't accept this." Walter told him as tears ran down his cheeks.
Ralph nodded as he gestured and everyone followed him out of the ballroom. Ralph paused and whispered to one of the agents before continuing. He led them into some very nice offices until they came to the door of the Ambassador. Ralph opened it and gestured. He watched as everyone walked into the room. Ralph stepped in and they waited.
"You needed me Ralph?" The Ambassador asked as he joined them a few minutes later.
"Mr Ambassador, I must apologize. I didn't think about one of the oaths of citizenship and Walter has a legitimate problem with it." Ralph told him.
"Oh my, well sit down everyone and tell me the problem." The Ambassador said as he moved around and sat down at his desk.
Ralph was quick and concise as to the problem as the Ambassador nodded his understanding. He sighed as Ralph finished.
"This is a problem. I can certainly understand your reticence on the issue Walter. Clearly we can't go ahead with the ceremony and as I understand it, there is only a waiver available if the person is in some way physically or mentally deficient in some manner to understand the oath. And then a US legal guardian would have to take it for them. Clearly this doesn't apply to you." The Ambassador said as he brushed his lips with his finger.
"I'm sorry sir, after all you and everyone went through to arrange this. It is why I hadn't actually applied for citizenship yet. I am so grateful everyone thought I was worth doing this for. I don't want you to think I'm not appreciative." Walter told him.
The Ambassador smiled and waved his hand.
"No, there is no fault with you Walter. None of us even considered the bombing issue. That's on us. I'll tell you what. For now, leave the paperwork here with me. We'll make phone calls Monday and see what we can find out. Surely this is a unique circumstance that can allow for us to give some room to maneuver. So we don't make any other mistakes, do you have any other problems with the oath?" The Ambassador asked while smiling.
"No sir, I just can't take orders from the state to take up arms. I can't trust that I'm not being manipulated." Walter promised as he put the packet of papers on his desk.
Dec 25th, 2003, 7 a.m. Callan Ireland:
Walter stood before his window looking out at the snow coming down. It wasn't often, but they did once in a while get some snow. It never lasted long when it did. He smiled back at Paige laying there sound asleep. Walter maneuvered his chair until it looked out the window to the south. Walter stepped over to Paige's side of his bed. Reaching down he carefully scooped her up in his arms. He made sure to catch the blanket to keep her covered before he stepped over and sat down in his chair.
As he settled into the chair Paige moved a bit as her head nuzzled against his chest. Slowly her arm came up out of the blankets and wrapped her hand around his right shoulder.
"It's snowing." Walter said softly.
Paige kind of moved a little at his voice.
"It's snowing, my love." Walter said softly again.
Paige frowned a little but slowly her eyes flickered as she pulled her left hand off his shoulder and rubbed at her eyes. She kind of realized she was no longer lying down. Her head turned and then looked back and up at Walter.
"Walter?" Paige questioned.
"It's snowing." Walter smiled before he kissed her nose.
Paige smiled and then looked at the window in front of Walter. She could see the wet flakes as they flew past the window.
"I didn't know how long it might last and I figured you'd like to see it." Walter told her.
Paige nodded as she kind of stretched her neck to see out further. She could see the slowly blinking lights of the radio transmitter towers to the south.
"How long have you been awake?" Paige asked sleepily.
"About an hour." Walter smiled.
"What time is it?" Paige asked as she snuggled against him.
"Just a bit past 7." Walter kissed her cheek several times as she smiled back.
"Oh I guess I should go ahead and get up then. Are Mom and Dad already up?" Paige sighed.
"Yep. Dad went out into the fields almost two hours ago. Mom's down in the kitchen. She just came back in with the eggs." Walter told her. "You could just stay right here on my lap."
"Mmmm…I like that idea. But, no…If Dad has been gone that long he'll likely be back for breakfast in a half hour. We should get cleaned up and go downstairs. I'm sure Megan and everyone will be expecting us before long for Christmas mass." Paige told him.
"Okay, if that is what you want to do." Walter said but didn't move.
"Yeah I think it is best." Paige sighed as she continued to lie in his arms, snuggled deep into the blanket.
"Are you looking forward to going back to America for school?" Walter asked quietly.
"Yes and no." Paige sighed, still not moving. "I want to get my schooling done, but I really miss this place. Too bad Happy can't do her work over the internet. We could just stay here." Paige smiled.
"I certainly like where you are right now." Walter smiled.
"Oh really? Here I thought you'd like me in a different position." Paige teased.
"Well to be honest. There are many, many positions I'd like for you to be in." Walter teased back.
"Oh, do tell." Paige demanded.
Walter leaned down and whispered quietly in her ear.
"Mmmm…I like that position. What else?" Paige's eyes opened as she grinned.
Walter pulled part of the blanket back and his hand reached inside. As he began caressing her breast.
"Maybe it would be better to show you?" Walter told her quickly.
"I like the way you think." Paige grinned.
"Merry Christmas my love." Walter told her as they kissed.
"Merry Christmas my love." Paige breathed as they broke their kiss.
Greetings! I hope this finds you all well! I can't believe we made it to the end of this leg already. *sigh* So "Elizabeth of Caranth" is up next with 2 chapters from my "Knight's Tale" storyline. And then we're off for "Lycosidae", then back to "Callan" for 4 chapters of 2004, at least. And at that point, nothing else is ready. lol So my Muse better get to whispering...or screaming as she does from time to time.
Railman - Paige just grinned. lol Walter definitely appreciates the "simpleness" of playing Billy. It affords him a time of reflection that he might not otherwise seek out. Well the car wasn't a Ferrari but...lol That's one thing the Muse has never said happened in this AU. Walter definitely never saw himself teaching his parents how to dance! lol Maybe some vegetable oil? lol
Champagne42 - hehe Well Toby is growing up a lot in this story, but, he's still young and teasing Walter, I got a feeling that won't stop anytime too soon. lol Glad you enjoyed it!
LouBe - Right? Not a chance! lol Glad you enjoyed it! Definitely a sober thought process. One might argue that going into a relationship knowing what is to come, is easier than having it sprung on you as a surprise. But either way, not good! LOL I definitely don't need another huge age gap at such a young age. *yikes* The next 8 or 9 chapters for "Callan" has been a real challenge as it pertains to Happy and Toby's relationship. And Happy and their relationship have been parts in those chapters. Hope you found some great videos for dancing, it would be wonderful to see them actually do it instead of just imagining it. Is Toby jealous? Not really. He has his girlfriend(s) in that respect. Looks like you might have to wait a while to find out how things went press wise. *bwahahaa* Yep, the Ball was in this chapter. hehe
Pearliegirl - Me too! She's been a little slack on the job the last few days...or more likely, I've not really been listening. lol I've always seen Muses as female...But I suppose they can be Male or fluid as well. I try not to be proud, but I am certainly impressed with what the Muse has helped me to do. And I forget sometimes too...Like as I recently confessed to someone else, I had forgotten the Trio had been in "Secrets". lol No need to be embarrassed, it happens. lol I figure as long as I remember to go pee I'm doing good! lol She says "Thank you."
Marti - So glad you have enjoyed this Walter's development as a change from what we all know from the show. I know the fans would rather have more true to the character stories, but that gets boring as a writer. It is a lot more fun to try and keep that "kernel" of the character but expand upon them to really bring out who they are or could be. I don't know if it is the length of the story, my short hiatuses as I switch to other stories or just how much different everyone is or even people leaving the fandom, but the story has definitely gone down in viewership. The original 10 chapters did really well, but the viewership has decreased quite a bit since then. I never expected it to do as well as stories written from the show's perspective, but to see it drop to the levels of "Knight's Tale" and "Lady Knight" kind of stings. lol Oh well. Thank you, so glad you have been enjoying all the stories I've posted!
RiseOfDespair - Well that would be something to write that many stories. I doubt if I would ever "write" any of the stories from the show for this story per se...I think this will always be more about the characters, their relationships and what happens. That's about as much as I can say without getting into spoilers. lol
Marie Mac - It shocks and surprises me sometimes to be honest. I never would have believed I would write all this had someone told me would back before. lol So glad you have enjoyed all that you've read! FanFiction has certainly been a life saver for the story for sure! Now if the greats would just come back and either write new stories and finish the ones they left open! lol Looking at you Pamz, ScorplinginTraining and MysticalGoddessOfWords! The fandom needs you back! I think you would surprise yourself if you tried it! All it takes is a question..."What if..." The two words that power FanFiction! lol
To the Adventure! -Tim