*I'm a day late in posting. Went out of town, got caught in 2 winter storms. Ugh.*

Just a Joker – S1 E5

Richard is trying to have a polite conversation with Camille about whether or not she enjoyed Samuel King's attentions since she didn't slam him into an arm-lock or toss him into a cell. "I mean, he was blatant! I've never known you to keep your temper like that. Are you sure he didn't please you on some primitive level that you aren't willing to admit?"

"Certainly NOT!" she exclaims then goes through all the reasons why she wasn't pleased, holding up first one hand then the other only to hold up the first hand again in order to tick off all the things Samuel King is NOT – that the perfect man IS – if only she could find him!

Richard listens to this long list with growing incredulity and finally has to ask, "This list you've recited, it sounds rather familiar, almost like… like…" He falters in confusion. Surely not!

"I know," she scoffs, "oh yeah, believe me, I know. Maman noticed it too… and she told me it sounds an awful lot like you! I was not amused but when I went over the list again, it's pretty apparent. C'est très étrange, non? How is such a thing possible? I am mystified."

He mutters, "Strange, yes." Then his eyes begin to look worried as he bites his lip and starts to fidget, "Um, please don't be angry but I can't help wondering if… er, well, if…?"

She misreads him, chops a hand and shakes her head, making her hair and his pulse both dance, "No, definitely NOT! His name might be King but he's just a foolish Joker. The man I'm searching for would be a real King. In fact…" Her voice dies away as she suddenly finds something of great interest on the table top between them.

Her silence is killing him. She has a list! And I tick all the boxes! Can't she see the longing in my eyes, hear it in my voice? I'm her perfect match just as she is mine. Camille, don't you see me? His hand steals out unbidden to settle forlornly mid table top, reaching helplessly for the paradise that he believes is truly beyond his grasp.

She sees his small involuntary move and undercover instinct jolts her heart. It's always the small things that give away the game. As she studies his hand, her eyes flit up quickly to see his anguished gaze then down again to see how his fingers tremble to move, to lift, to reach out…

… and suddenly his unfinished faltering question takes on a whole new meaning. Her heart leaps. What if I'm wrong? What if he doesn't think of me in that way? What if…? A quiet little voice answers. So what if you're wrong? You already know he esteems and values you. What's the harm in taking a chance? You can always laugh together later about it… and you'll still be friends. Go on, Bordey, for once be brave and go for the gold!

She looks up again into those mesmerizing eyes and gulps. Or, in this case, I'm going for the green! She takes a deep breath then nods carefully, "But now that you mention it, you DO seem to be the perfect choice, don't you? I've been wondering about that for quite a while now… even before Maman's comment. I think I found my King, the King who stole my heart, but I was too afraid to tell him in case it ruined our friendship… and I couldn't risk that. You're the best friend I've ever had." At his confused look, she risks all and slips her hand into his.

He stares down at their hands for many moments before swallowing drily, "Me? I'm the king? Your king? For true?"

She sees the relief in those eyes and finally knows his truth. "Yes, Richard," she whispers, "You are my King of Hearts. I hope that doesn't make you too uncomfortable, I know how personal issues unsettle you."

He shifts minutely, still studying their linked hands, "Oh, I'm uncomfortable, all right, but not unsettled. In fact, I'm…"

She lifts an eyebrow, leans forward, "You're what?" She's become aware that Maman is hovering nearby. Whatever he says next should be for my ears alone! Go away, Maman!

Somehow, he senses Catherine's intent regard without looking up. He's good that way. He cocks his head slightly and whispers back, "I'm thinking the King of Hearts got his sweets in the end, didn't he?"

"You mean in 'Les Aventures d'Alice'? Yes, he did."

His hand slips around her wrist, "And, um, were those sweets French perhaps?"

Her hand turns over in his, "Why, yes, I believe they could be. Coincidence?"

He pauses before leaning forward to murmur, "Camille, you know very well I don't believe in coincidence." Their eyes lift and lock hazily as their hands explore gently with lingering electrifying touches. He stands slowly, pulling her to her feet, and he leads her out the closest door and into the nearest bit of dark night air.

She swears she can feel his breath against her lips as he takes her in his arms and adds low, "However, I have come firmly to believe in Fate, Kismet, Providence, and the Loa."

She pulls back a tad and smiles, "Really, the Loa? Which one?" There are stars in his eyes.

Just before he claims her mouth, he gusts, "Why, Erzuli, of course, who else?"

She doesn't need to question him anymore; the truth is in his kiss.

END