SERIES/UNIVERSE: SG-7
DISCLAIMERS: M7 characters belong to Trilogy, et al, SG-1 characters belong to Gekko, MGM, and the Sci-Fi Channel. Original characters (by now, y'all know which ones they are) are all mine ... don't mind if you borrow them, just ask first, give them back intact and give credit where credit is due. Mindy belongs to herself and my neighbors, though she still thinks my family and I belong to her.
SPOILERS: For Mag7, all twenty-one episodes are fair game, along with my previous stories, More than Friends, A Light in the Distance, Under the Sun, Days of Yearning, Sun, Fun, and Ezra on the Run, Full Circle, Open House, Return to Innocence and Karaoke Night; also all five seasons of Stargate SG-1.
WARNING: Mainly language. If need be, I'll be writing two versions of this story... the PG-13 version and the steamier version. If a steamier version becomes necessary, you can email me privately to read it. More on that as the story develops.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Just as an fyi ... this series, this universe, ignores the events of the later fifth season of Stargate SG-1. Specifically, Meridian and Revelation. Which also gets rid of Jonas Quinn in sixth season.
It wasn't until Buck and JD walked away that Chris remembered they weren't alone ... that they had a small child with them, but fortunately, Tansy seemed happy to just be here. And Vin ... when Vin was turned into a child, Chris had a new perspective of his younger brother. A viewpoint which knocked down barriers which Chris hadn't even realized existed. Until now. Until he watched his brother staring openmouthed at the water globe.
It was beautiful ... and huge. A green dragon hovering over the water globe, which looked like a protective bubble. Within the water globe was an ancient wizard, forever recognizable by the pointed hat and long beard. His arms were raised upward, as if in supplication. It, as one of the young'uns would have said, had Adriana's name written all over it. It would cost an arm and a leg, but Chris knew his brother would pay it.
In short order, it was paid for, boxed up, and properly cushioned. The next order of business, once it was bagged, was to get it back to the car. However, that could prove more difficult than it sounded ... Chris noticed several of the ladies standing nearby. A distraction might be required, and the colonel looked around to see where the rest of his men were. Buck and JD were still checking out the weapons, with Tansy still perched atop Buck's shoulders.
Chris caught Nathan's eye, and the medic ambled over to him. Chris said in a low voice, moving carefully away from his younger brother, "I need a favor, Nate ... the ladies are over there. I need you to distract them, so Vin and I can get this package to the car." Nathan nodded his agreement, and studied the women for several moments. Chris watched in silence, mentally groaning when Nathan turned back to him with a wicked grin.
"I reckon I can do that ... seems to me, the lady Dr. Richmond's been limping pretty bad. Maybe someone oughta make sure she didn't hurt her ankle any worse than she already done," Nathan answered with an innocent smirk. At least, as innocent as any smirk could be. Chris glanced over at Charlotte, who was leaning heavily on her crutches, then looked back at Nathan and slapped his forearm with a grin of his own.
"You're a good man, Nathan," Chris replied and Nathan winked at him, then headed off to intercept the women. It was probably a good idea anyhow ... but the ladies didn't have to know he was up to something. It was at that moment that Mary turned and caught sight of Nathan heading toward her and the other ladies. Even at this distance, Chris could tell his lady was narrowing her eyes at him, but he just gave her innocent smile.
Mary responded with a 'yeah, right' look, then turned back to her friends. Chris released his breath with a sigh. Mary's timing couldn't have been better, because it was at that moment that his brother joined him with the bagged water globe and a smile that probably could have powered Denver for at least a week. Any frustration or tension which Chris might have been feeling evaporated, seeing Vin's joy.
"All right, little brother, let's get that bag in the car and under wraps, don't look behind you, Nathan's distracting the ladies. Never thought the day would come when I would be grateful for Charlotte's stubborn streak," Chris said, putting his hand on Vin's shoulder and guiding him toward the car. The heavy water globe was throwing off his brother's usual balance, and it was all he could do to walk, much less watch where he was walking.
"Yeah, Charlotte's stubborn as the day is long," Vin agreed, "but then, so's Drina, and I reckon I wouldn't want her to change." Chris laughed, unable to argue with that. His mother often said that people were stubborn for a reason ... that mule-headed determination was what would get them through the rough spots. His brother was living proof of that ... so was his little princess. And, when he stopped and thought about it, the same was true of a lot of people.
They reached the van a few minutes later, carefully stashing the bag where it couldn't be kicked or tromped on. Vin leaned back, saying softly, "Y'know, I reckon now that I got this done, I can enjoy the rest of the day. Chris ... ya know this ... " He waved his hand helplessly, unsure how to say what had to be said. But Chris knew, and he understood ... he nodded quietly, and Vin asked softly, "So ... why?"
"Because you're my little brother ... because you both have waited eight years for this. Because you love her too much to settle for anything less than the best for her. And I don't want anything less than the best for her," Chris replied.
Vin looked at him, his eyes very wide, and Chris added, "And if anyone in this crazy world is good enough for my little princess, then it's my little brother. The two of you belong together, Vin. You always have. It just took you both a long time to realize that. And I won't let anything get in the way of that. I can be a ruthless asshole ... I've heard what they say about me at the SGC, and I don't care. Because it's true. Especially where my family is concerned."
He paused, smiled, and added, "Now close your mouth, you're drooling, we need to get back to the others." Vin closed his mouth with a snap, and glared at Chris. The deadly expression had as much effect on Chris as his own glare had on Vin ... none at all. The colonel just grinned impishly, rumpling his brother's hair for the hell of it. That earned him a growl and Chris took off running, with Vin in hot pursuit.
"Race ya back to the others, old man!" Vin called, passing him. Chris narrowed his eyes. Old man, was it? They would just see about that! He ran after his brother, quickly catching up to him ... but a pair of immovable objects kept them from going too much further. Namely, Nathan and Josiah. Nathan righted Vin, who shook himself, saying, "I thought ya was lookin' at Charlotte's limpin,' Nate."
"I did ... damn woman won't do as she's told," Nathan answered with a long-suffering sigh which did nothing to ease the obvious amusement in the other man's brown eyes. Amusement not at Charlotte's obstinance (which could be amusing, when her husband was being an ass), but at the next thing he had to say, "I sicced the other gals on her. If looks could kill, I'd be splattered all over the place."
"Yeah, ya would," Vin agreed, "so, any ideas 'bout what to do next?" This was said as Buck and JD approached from behind, and Chris grinned, seeing the tiny girl still perched atop Buck's shoulders. He wondered if he should tease Buck about his latest conquest ... a five year old girl. The last time Buck spent so much time around a little girl was ... when was that? Busch Gardens, when JD and that little girl teamed up to play a prank on Buck.
"I don't know about anyone else," JD said, "but I'm starving." This led to a chorus of groans ... JD was always hungry! JD asked in a mock-whine, "Whaaaaaaaaaat? Hey!" He glared up at the tiny girl on Buck's shoulders. The major had allowed her to slip sideways to bop JD upside the head. Tansy glared right back at him, and Chris could barely hold back his laughter at the sight of a five year old girl staring down the corporal.
He totally lost it when JD looked away, turning beet red. Vin was grinning broadly, shaking his head, and Ezra said dryly, "I believe, son, that we're all amused at your seemingly inexhaustible appetite ... to say nothing of young Miss Tansy's ability to stare you down. Quite an achievement for someone so young, though she still has some time before she equals Colonel Larabee's level of menace."
"Mommy taught me how to do that! She does that when Daddy's being mean to her. Buck, how come Daddy's mean to Mommy?" Tansy asked, first fixing her small face into a nasty glower. Chris bit his lower lip, trying not to smile at the effect.
While he had no doubt it was terrifying when Charlotte glowered like that, it looked much more comical on her little girl. But he knew all too well that children didn't like it when adults didn't take them seriously, so he kept his laughter to himself. It became easier after Tansy's innocent question. The smiles fell away from the faces of all the men gathered ... just how did they explain this to a child?
"Well, Miss Tansy, that's a long story ... and while John Dunne is always hungry, he had a good idea about getting some lunch. So, why don't we figure it out while we're eating?" Josiah asked, reaching up to touch the little girl's face. Tansy brightened immediately and nodded happily, giving a little bounce on Buck's shoulders. They headed for one of the food vendors, Chris glancing at Vin out of the corner of his eye.
His brother looked as troubled as Chris himself felt, and the colonel's own concern grew when Vin muttered, "Ain't gonna be too much longer. Somethin's in the air, cowboy, and I cain't be sure how the cards are gonna fall." Chris nodded, patting his brother's shoulder. One thing he did know ... his brother and Adriana were not going to be caught in the crossfire. Chris didn't know how to protect them yet, but he would figure it out.
Vin was right about one thing ... something was in the air. But at the moment, the continuing deterioration of the Richmond marriage was the last thing on the minds of the women currently gathered inside one of the tents designated as an eating area. Even the woman most directly involved. Instead, they were talking and laughing about what they had done so far. As well as what they had seen since their arrival at the Festival.
That included the impromptu sword fight between Chris and Vin, as well as the equally impromptu battle between Toreador Vin and Bull Josiah. By the time Billy was rescued by Chris, the women were laughing so hard, they could barely support Charlotte on her crutches. And now, they were debating about whether or not they should tease their respective men about the entertainment they had provided earlier.
But once again, as it had several times through the day, the conversation turned back to that night ... more to the point, Adriana's plans for that night, and for Vin. And once more, it was Carly who inquired. However, this time, Maude interrupted, "Honey, whatever you do ... you rely on your own instincts. A few months before Preston died so unexpectedly, he came home from the video store with what he called a 'romantic comedy.' As if his purple poetry wasn't bad enough." She shook her, disgusted by her late husband's taste, or lack thereof ... not that Adriana could blame her, from what she had heard.
And Josie's grin told the young archaeologist that the former sergeant had heard this story before, however, she kept silent as Adriana inquired, "Well, what movie was it? I'm guessing from your obvious disgust it wasn't something like 'Only You.' Carly, not a word out of you!" Carly simply waved her hands, her blue eyes sparkling with laughter. They had watched the movie together in college ... it was one reason why Adriana refused to watch romantic comedies with her former roommate.
"I wish ... no, my dear girl, it was none other than 'Deuce Bigalow, Male Gigolo.' That title alone should have tipped me off ... what other kind of gigolo is there, other than a male!" Maude exclaimed. All of the women at the table almost choked on whatever they had been drinking, and Maude shook her head, continued, "Well, needless to say, from that point on, I never trusted Preston to pick out a romantic comedy!"
"Now, that wasn't all that bad, Aunt Maude," Lacey replied, her eyes lighting up for the first time that day. Adriana looked at her future sister-in-law in shock, and Lacey continued, "I mean, sure ... Deuce was a world class loser, but he wasn't the only one in the movie. C'mon! Don't the words, 'must make pee-pee' mean anything to y'all?" Come again? Lacey scrunched up her face, then repeated herself in what sounded like a foreign accent ... or, at least, her attempt at a foreign accent.
Adriana had never seen the movie in question ... that was more Buck and JD's style, and really more JD's than Buck's ... but she could tell from the dawning comprehension on Casey's face that the younger woman had. Casey was grinning from ear to ear, as Lacey smacked her older sister in the back of her head, giggling, "Antoine! The really yummy guy who played that really cool Egyptian in The Mummy? Long black hair, about as long as Vin's, with a beard? Super cool accent? Geez, Carly, I can't believe you don't know who I'm talking about!"
Now Adriana knew whom she was talking about, and Lacey continued, "See, there's this one scene where he ... Antoine, I mean ... has all his clothes off. Oh ... thud! He is soooo hot! See, even Aunt Maude thinks so!" This produced an indignant look from Maude, and giggles from the other women, Casey included. Carly was just staring at her younger sister in complete and total disbelief. And Adriana could tell that her friend still didn't know who they were talking about. Oy. She really had to do something about that girl!
"Even I know who she means, Caroline ... then again, I had to sit through two viewings of Deuce Bigalow with your sister," Josie replied, shaking her head. She waggled her brows, suddenly reminding Adriana of her own brother, adding, "Mind you, I'm not complaining about the eye candy!" The table erupted into laughter at that. Carly was turning bright red as she stared at them all.
Charlotte finally took pity on her, saying, "Carly, we're talking about the really cute Egyptian captain in 'Cleopatra,' the one who was so protective of her." Now, finally, recognition brightened Carly's blue eyes, and Adriana hit her head on the picnic table. Mary picked her up again, and Charlotte continued, "Yeah, him ... he also played in The Mummy ... but I never heard the name of his character."
"It was 'Ardeth Bay,' hon," Mary said, "same name Imhotep used in the 1932 version." Adriana looked at her friend in astonishment, and Mary continued, "What? Stephen loved those old horror movies! Although, I think I'd rather watch any of the Mummy movies, old or new, over Deuce Bigalow. Ugh." Mary shuddered, and both Maude and Charlotte nodded their agreement. Maude was still indignant over something Lacey had said.
"Elizabeth, darlin' girl ... just for the record. I may be old enough to be your mother, but that does not mean I am too old to appreciate a handsome young man," Maude said, her Southern accent thickening ever so slightly. She grinned, then, her green eyes alight with mischief as she added, "And believe me, girls ... for forcing me to watch that movie, I got my revenge. I made known my delight in that young man's body!"
"Amen to that," Josie said, tapping her Pepsi can against Maude's bottled water, "You are never too old to appreciate beauty ... least of all a beautiful young man. How was it that you put it, Maude? Sinfully sexy?" Adriana almost spit out her own drink at that comment, her eyes widening at the lecherous tone in Josie's voice. The former sergeant just winked at her, adding, "I tell you, honey, that boy was ... simply delicious."
"Good enough to eat," Charlotte agreed, then raised her hands as all eyes shifted to her. She added, "Hey, I'm a married lady, but that doesn't mean I can't look!" There was another outburst of laughter around the table, and Charlotte continued, "But Maude's right. You gotta do what feels right and comfortable for you ... otherwise, it won't be any fun. I tell you this, because Vin is a man who will care about what's comfortable for you."
That was true enough. Mary added, "And now that we're done discussing Adriana's night, and the attributes of certain sexy young actors, can we move on to another topic? Like, oh, I don't know ... maybe what we'll be doing for the rest of the afternoon? I for one trust Adriana's instincts, with this. All in favor?" Every hand but one went up ... that hand, naturally, belonged to Carly, and Mary added, "Carly ... don't make us go to Rafael."
Carly actually yelped, and Lacey said, "Cool ... it was getting pretty boring, talking about that all the time. No offense, Drina." The archaeologist shook her head ... none was taken. Relieved, Lacey continued, "Now, Drina, Mom says that it's okay with you if Mindy comes home with us ... for real?" The laughter slowly died from the girl's eyes, and Adriana reached over the table to take her hand gently.
"For real. Look ... Lacey, I know she makes you feel better. Just like I know you need to feel better. And, I also know that we might scare her tonight. Take her back to your place. Play with her, cry into her coat ... just as long as you hold her while you're doing it, she doesn't mind. I should know, I've done it before," Adriana replied. Now all the amusement was gone from Lacey's bright eyes, and Adriana continued, "And you know ... if you need me, I'll be there."
"Just not tonight," Charlotte said dryly, earning herself a swat from Casey. Adriana tried to glare at her friend, but it was rather difficult at the moment. She was having a hard enough time sitting upright, even with Mary's stabilizing arm around her waist.
Oh, what a wild day this was turning into ... first Mary got on a roll, and now the Tanner women were picking up the pace. If even one more person made her laugh, she would fall off the bench ... she knew that. And that would be just plain ugly. Buck wasn't the only one in their family who hated ugly. He was just the one who made the most noise about it. Charlotte continued after a moment, "I know I'll probably get hit for asking this, but do y'all think Tansy is okay with Buck?"
"No hits, honey ... you just sound like a mother worried about her little girl. And Tansy is fine ... one thing we can always trust Buck with, and that's a little girl. Right, Drina?" Josie asked and Adriana nodded her agreement, remembering a blood-splattered eight year old girl, huddled in the arms of her older brother after her mother's death. Josie continued, "Now, since everything is settled for tonight ... what should we discuss next?"
By the time four pm rolled around, everyone was exhausted, giddy, and cold. They had done everything, between the two groups ... at least, everything that could be done with two small children and a dog with them. At last, however, Tansy was returned to her mother and Billy to his own. The men didn't envy the women, since they would have to deal with two very excited children on the way home.
From the looks on the faces of the women, they knew it, too, and more than one man found himself on the receiving end of a 'you'll pay for this' look from their lady. There was another five minutes, while the various couples kissed and made promises to see each other later. Then everyone crowded into the two vans for the drive home. Before they were all even in the van, JD and Buck were chattering away about the day. Maude, however, ran over to the men's van very quickly after a consultation with Josie.
Inside the van, Vin frowned thoughtfully as he watched Josiah roll down the window. Maude leaned in, whispering something which made Josiah grin. He nodded and Maude favored the anthropologist with a quick kiss on the cheek before dashing back to the women's van. Ezra said from his seat, "And Mother has the gall to lecture me about appearances bein' everythin,' when she runs around like a giddy schoolgirl."
"That was actually a message from Adriana ... she forgot to ask Vin if he would like to come to dinner tonight at her house. Mindy is staying with us tonight, see if she can make Lacey feel better," Josiah replied. Vin looked out the window, to see his aunt staring at him intently. He bobbed his head once in agreement, and Aunt Jo turned in her seat to give a thumb's sign. Josiah started up the engine as Maude got into the women's van.
The sound of the engine turning over didn't drown out Ezra's, "Mother is doin' a favor for Adriana ... now, what, I must ask, will this cost my dear little sister?" Vin said nothing, noticing the continuing consultation between Maude and his Aunt Jo. They were up to something. He just couldn't figure out what. Ezra continued, "Then again, my mother's been behavin' so strange today ... ridin' in a van, goin' to a medieval festival and trompin' about in the cold ... I just don't know what she's gonna do next."
"I don't imagine it'll cost my little princess anything, since Maude seems to be working with Josie ... and you know Josie. She won't let Maude get away with much of anything," Chris replied from his position beside Josiah. Vin smiled to himself, watching the interaction of the women in the other van. He laughed, seeing his twin duck away from the rolled up papers. Aw hell, Carly, what the hell didja do this time? he wondered.
"Yes, Sergeant Tanner does seem to have that effect on my mother ... I've never fully understood that, either. Mother never even attempts to pull the wool over her eyes ... never attempts to con her," Ezra replied, and Vin glanced at his friend. Ezra was frowning thoughtfully, evidently trying to puzzle out this latest side to his mother. Vin just smiled and turned his attention back to the other women.
Adriana had invited him to dinner. Not the first time it had happened ... he had eaten at her house many a time. But he realized now, it would be a good opportunity for him to give her the water globe, which currently rested between his ankle and the side of the van. He had been thinking about this for most of the day, and had decided that he would court her properly. He just had no intention of trying to wait three months. He'd likely die before then. Or wish he would.
What else could he do? Go through the entertainment section of the papers ... an idea given to him by Josiah, reminding him of how much Adriana loved music. Take her to concerts, and he didn't have to spend a lot of money. Josiah's words, not his own, 'cause his Drina was worth every penny spent. Josiah had agreed, then reminded him that if they decided to get married, they'd need the money then ... a point with which the practical young sharpshooter couldn't argue. Nor did he try.
JD ... his relationship with JD was still unsteady. Vin had caught the corporal staring at him several times during the course of the day, as if JD was trying to say something, and didn't know how. And in the end, he said nothing. Vin overheard Buck telling JD it was for the best, reminding the cartographer that they would all need time. Vin shook his head. Bucklin never failed to surprise him.
Nathan suggested renting romantic comedies, and had several suggestions. Rain was an avid fan of the genre. Or ... how was it that Ezra put it? An aficionado? Somethin' like that. Vin spoke Spanish, not Italian. And not a polite version of Spanish, at that. Chris, damn him, had pulled out a pad of paper and started writing down Nathan's suggestions, winking at Vin as he did. That brother of his was up to something. Vin could tell. And he would figure out what that something was. Later.
Bucklin had spent the last several months getting to know his sister again, and he provided Vin with a few things the sharpshooter didn't know about his lady. She liked perfume ... that Vin knew. What he hadn't know was that the perfume he thought she wore was actually a combination of body wash, shampoo, and perfume. Bucklin was also kind enough to tell Vin her favorite kinds. 'Course, he didn't know that Vin eventually planned to take the next step, but he did know Vin was courtin' his baby sister. It was, as Jack O'Neill would have said, a need to know basis ... and Bucklin didn't need to know that.
Ezra was the last to make a contribution, as he was more interested in making sure Tansy was warm and eating. However, he did remind Vin that while the trappings of a courting were nice ... the most important thing Vin could do was show Adriana with actions, that he loved her. Chris piped up that Vin was doing just that, but it was then that Tansy entered the conversation, saying, "Mommy likes presents, but she likes hugs and kisses, too."
The entire table had fallen silent at that, then Josiah began rumbling with laughter. Once he could calm down, he reached over and ruffled the little girl's hair, telling her, "Out of the mouths of babes. You're absolutely right, Tanner Adriana ... and I believe our young sister is no different." Tansy, of course, was a bit put out that Josiah called her a baby, until Ezra soothed her ruffled feathers by explaining that in this situation, 'babe' was simply another term for 'child.'
The entire conversation gave Vin a lot to think about. When he started this, he had thought courtin' his lady would be difficult. He knew she didn't like cut flowers, and she really wasn't fond of chocolate. He had thought one way his entire life, and didn't have the experience to think outside the box, as the saying went.
But his family had reminded him that the point of courting wasn't courting ... but makin' his lady happy. He couldn't never be Ezra or Buck ... didn't want to be. But he didn't have to be ... because just being Vin was enough to make his lady happy. He vowed not to forget that again, and he knew that if he did, his brothers ... especially Chris ... would remind him. Assuming his aunt and sisters hadn't already. Vin smiled to himself, feeling very happy about tonight. What had gone before, between himself and Drina, that was just ... that was just a prologue. This night would be the beginning.
He didn't know how right he was.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Extra special thanks go to Janice and Cin, for perusing the following sections. Couldn't have done it without your help, ladies ... you're true pards.
She was running ahead of schedule, for once. Josie dropped her off at the house at four thirty, which gave her two hours to shower and change. She had set out most of the things she would need before she left for the Festival that morning, including fresh towels and fresh clothing. Happily, it had taken very little urging to keep Mindy with Lacey. Although, the way Lacey was holding onto the border collie might have had something to do with that.
As Adriana was getting ready to head into the bathroom to take her shower, the phone rang, and she answered after the first ring. A soft Texan voice greeted her, asking, "It's me, Drina. What time do ya want me there?" Adriana grinned to herself. At least he asked what time she wanted him at her house, instead of how ... because she was in just enough of a mood to answer 'naked.' Wouldn't do to tip him off ... oh, no, not at all!
"Mmm, say around six? Six thirty? Mindy is staying with your aunt and Lacey tonight. Did Lacey tell you what happened?" Adriana asked, her voice dropping even though there was no one else in the house with her. It seemed instinctive ... just something you did when discussing bad news or something which had hurt someone important to you. At Vin's assent, she continued with a sigh, "Yeah, come on over at six, six thirty. And before you ask, no ... you don't have to bring anything, just yourself."
There was a soft laugh from the other side of the line, and Vin replied, still amused, "Know me that well, do ya?" It was Adriana's turn to assent, and Vin just laughed again, saying, "Well, reckon it ain't somethin' I gotta worry 'bout ... seein' as how yer m'lady." My lady. That never failed to send a thrill through her when he said that. In another time and place, she would have chafed at 'belonging' to anyone. She belonged to herself, to no one else. No one owned her ... she was through being a possession.
But she wasn't Vin Tanner's possession. She was his woman, his lady. He loved her, would die for her, if he believed it necessary. She didn't ask that he die for her, but remain at her side. Still ... she knew he would do just that, if he believed it necessary. She knew that he would choose her life over his own, and that knowledge humbled her. That was, in part, why she was doing this tonight.
Yes, part of her had no desire to wait for him to seduce her. She would not deny that. After all, she had been waiting for the last several months, while she dealt with her own baggage and while Vin recovered from the wagon train from hell (damn Dickie O'Shea). But there was also a part of her which wanted to be worthy of his love for her. Which wanted to take care of him, and give to him some of what he had done for her. alri He had said in the past that he couldn't remember a time when she hadn't taken care of him, in one way or another. That wasn't exactly what she had in mind, of course. She was distracted from that train of thought when Vin asked softly, "Ya alright, Drina?" She smiled, shaking her head, even though he couldn't see her. She had done it again ... lost track of time and gotten lost in her memories.
"I'm fine, Vin, just thinking about what all we've been through. Would you believe I wouldn't change any of it ... even the bad parts?" Adriana asked softly, leaning back against the counter. That wasn't entirely true, but it was a little less complicated than what she was actually thinking about. She heard Vin laugh softly in response, and Adriana continued, "Yeah, I suppose you can believe that. Listen, not to change the subject or anything, but how does lasagna sound for dinner?" Vin laughed again, and she could just imagine his blue eyes sparkling.
"Ya know anythin' ya cook is just fine with me, Drina. See ya at six thirty ... I gotta git a shower and change. Love ya," Vin said. Adriana said the same, then both hung up at the same time. It was a quirk which always made Mary laugh, though Adriana could never figure out how Mary knew they hung up at the same time. And her friend never told her. Adriana shook her head and started to get back to work, then realized she had another call to make.
From the time Adriana first met Carly, eight years earlier, the blonde girl had reminded her rather powerfully of Buck, in the way she interacted with people. That included her dogged determination to get information, given the right stimuli. With the newest change in the relationship between her twin brother and her longtime friend, Carly evidently had that necessary stimuli. And if Carly was like a dog with a bone, then Bucklin was ten times worse.
Adriana picked up her cell phone and dialed Josie's number. Lacey answered on the first ring, and the archaeologist said, "Lace, it's me ... no, I don't need to talk to your mom. Either of you can help with this. Call our little circle, the war council. That means all of it. Yeah. Especially your sister, and the guys. The corresponding guys. Lacey! Apology accepted."
This was said with a roll of her eyes and an amused smile. Trust Lacey. Adriana continued, "I just thought of something. I need you girls to make sure Vin and I are not interrupted this evening, not for anything or anyone. Okay, yeah, it would be okay to interrupt for that. Yeah, I know ... but I would really, really rather not deal with my brother deciding to show up."
She was actually more concerned with Buck than she was with Chris or any of the others. Well, except for Carly. Not just because of Buck's tendency to check up on his 'baby sister,' but also because she was worried about her brother. She had noticed his unusual behavior during the last few days. He had become unusually quiet, at least for Buck. And Adriana wanted to find out what was going on with her brother ... but she also wanted to enjoy this first night with Vin, without any bloodshed. Well, she told herself, next I'll call Buck and ask him to meet me for lunch tomorrow. Maybe he'll tell me then what's going on.
Once Lacey promised to do whatever she could to help, Adriana hung up and dialed her brother's number next. She had a feeling that even with the thawing of his relationship with JD, Buck would be far more likely to come to her about whatever was bothering him than he would be to go to JD. Buck answered on the second ring, sounding sleepy, and Adriana immediately felt guilty not only for waking him up, but for her desire to keep him from coming over tonight.
She said, "Hey, big bro ... " And smiled as Buck immediately perked up. She could hear it, even though he hadn't said a word. She could hear it, she could feel it. Adriana reflected that she had probably learned that from Vin. That silent communication that existed between him and his own brother. Adriana continued, "Listen, I was thinking ... you wanna meet for lunch tomorrow? I don't know what your schedule is like, but I'm free all this weekend."
"Sounds like a plan, baby girl. 'Sides, I know you have plans for dinner with Vin, and I wouldn't want to interrupt that," Buck said and Adriana could almost see him waggling his brows at her suggestively. She bit back a laugh ... who would have thought Buck would end up reading her mind? He continued, "How does noon, at the bar and grill sound to you?" Of course, he actually meant twelve thirty.
"Twelve it is," Adriana agreed. She didn't mind the extra half hour wait ... she could catch up with Inez while she waited for her brother, since she didn't have much of a chance to talk with the Mexican beauty during Karaoke Night. Buck never intended to be late. It just seemed like half a dozen things cropped up before he left, and he ended up leaving a half hour later than he intended. Adriana paused, then added, "I love you, Bucklin."
She could just imagine her brother's expression at that. The somewhat surprised look as he cocked his head to one side, the surprise giving way to wonderment. Then, "And I love you, angelface. You have fun tonight, but not too much fun. Night, honey." Adriana laughed at that, then hung up the phone. She sat back for a moment, astonished at her brother. But only for a moment. She still had a lot of work to do before Vin got here.
The water globe. As Adriana would have said, if she was here, Lord and Lady, he would forget his head if it wasn't attached! Vin shook the offending part of his body. Alrighty then, he'd have to make sure he got that before he left for Drina's house. For now, he tucked his T-shirt into his jeans, shivering a little as his wet hair lay heavily against the back of his T-shirt. Well, one real quick way to deal with that. He pulled on a sweatshirt next, still a bit chilly from the day.
But it was worth it. Oh, it was worth it. Every chill which had racked his body while they wandered about the Festival, and every red cent he had paid for the globe itself. Vin smiled as he started combing his hair. He hadn't even given the gift to his Drina, but he knew what her reaction would be, he could see her expression in his mind's eye. But he knew that wouldn't take away the way he felt when he gave it to her. There was times when bein' there didn't have no replacement, and this was one of them times.
Vin wondered briefly if he should shave, then shook his head. Naw. He didn't look that scruffy. 'Sides, Drina seemed to like it when he looked a little scruffy. He smiled, remembering her reaction when Jack had joked about him getting his hair cut. That had been back before they admitted how they felt about each other ... maybe he shoulda figured out some of that from her vehement reaction. Well, then, that was settled.
The clock in his room said five thirty ... it would take him about a half hour to get to Drina's. But he knew he would get stopped at least three times between now and the time he actually walked out the door, so he best get a move on. Vin carefully picked up the box containing the water globe, cradling it against his body, and eased out of his room. He found Casey and Miss Nettie waiting for him. The pair stared at him expectantly, and Vin struggled to remember what he was forgetting. He was properly cleaned up, he had put on clean clothes.
At last, Miss Nettie took pity on him and pulled a gift bag from behind her back. Vin liked gift bags ... they were practical and timesaving. ' Sides, he was lousy at wrapping gifts. Something which drove him nuts (short trip, Chris always said), but he found ways around that. He smiled at her and she held the bag steady as he carefully slid the water globe into the gift bag. Vin said softly, leaning over to kiss Miss Nettie's cheek as he collected the bag, "Thanks, Miss Nettie. Hadn't even thought of that."
"You're very welcome, son. Now, don't forget your coat and hat. Better yet, wear that heavy coat, the one with the hood. It still has gloves in the pockets. I ... Casey girl, what on earth is so funny?" Miss Nettie asked with some exasperation. Vin looked at his 'little sister,' who was laughing helplessly. She leaned against the door jam, her shoulders shaking with silent mirth. Vin and Miss Nettie exchanged a look.
At last, however, Casey managed to compose herself and replied, "Aunt Nettie, you were talking to Vin like he was a little kid! It was funny, is all." Vin reached over and lightly ruffled her dark hair, earning him a glare. But Casey couldn't keep the glare for long, and she grinned at him, adding, "Vin's real smart, Aunt Nettie. He ain't gonna do nothing to get sick." Vin glanced back at Miss Nettie, whose facial expressions changed from exasperation to amusement and back again.
"Casey girl, I'm gonna let ya in on a little secret ... no matter how old ya get, no matter how old Vin gets, you both will always be my children ... and I'll always tell ya to put on a warm coat when it's cold, and to make sure your wet hair's covered," Nettie replied, her eyes shining with love and laughter. Vin smiled back and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. He would have hugged her, but he was still holding the water globe.
"Off with you now," Nettie said, her voice strangely thick, "don't you keep your lady waiting." Wait, how did ... oh, that's right. Casey had been in the other van when Maude came over to ask if Vin would want to have dinner at Drina's tonight. And a' course, Casey had told Nettie. That still didn't explain why she was blinkin' back tears, as if Vin was goin' to his prom, instead of just dinner at his lady's house.
For the first time, a teensy bit of suspicion took root in Vin's mind. For the first time, he started suspecting that Nettie was up to something. Or, at the very least, she knew something which Vin didn't. However, the guide knew better than to try to 'get the truth' out of the woman. She was stubborn. Kinda like most a' the other women in his life, come to think of it. She wouldn't tell him, whatever she knew. So, he did the only thing he could do.
He pulled back and smiled at her, saying, "Reckon I best git goin,' if I don't wanna be late." Both aunt and niece nodded, sharing a secret smile which made Vin very, very nervous. He made his way to the closet, removing the heavy coat Nettie had 'suggested.' As he slipped the coat on, he went through his mental checklist. Wallet, car keys ... like he would be taking his bike in this weather? He wanted to be able to move once he got to Drina's ... bein' a popsicle didn't enter into his plans. True enough, the lasagna would warm him up, but that was beside the point.
Satisfied that he had everything he would need, Vin headed out into the cold, the gift bag tucked securely against his body. He was immediately grateful he had taken Nettie's 'suggestion.' Goin' out bareheaded woulda given him an entire head of popsicles. The van was still warm from the ride home earlier, from the Festival, and Vin started it without any real trouble. Vin kept the gift bag in the seat beside him, going so far as to put the seat belt around it.
He acknowledged he was probably being stupid, but he had no intention of arriving at Drina's house with a busted water globe. 'Specially not after what her bastard father done to her. Vin scowled. If that rat bastard ever went near her again, Vin would kill him. Weren't somethin' he done lightly ... but there weren't no way he would ever allow Avery Wilmington to hurt her again. What was more, Vin knew he would have help from Chris and Buck, at the very least.
Perhaps because his mind was on his Lady's father, Vin didn't really think about driving. He kept his eyes on the road, but let his mind wander. Not something he usually allowed himself to do, but the image of a broken water globe had brought back memories of that violation. He got lucky ... no deer dashed out in front of him, there were no other cars on the road, and he ended up making good time.
As he approached the house, he smiled ... looked like she had every light in the house turned on. Was probably hell on her electric bill, but he couldn't deny it looked real pretty.
Yeah. Looked real pretty. She was so excited about Christmas this year. It would be their first Christmas together, and they had been talking about what they would do. Assumin,' of course, that somethin' didn't crop up between now and then. The one thing they had decided was they would actually have two Christmas Days. One would be for them alone, and the other would be for their extended family.
Drina had reminded him this would be the first Christmas since Vin found out that Chris was his brother. Not just because they had chosen each other ... not because they were brothers by mutual adoption, as Drina liked to put it ... but because they had the same father. And if nothing else, Evan Larabee had done that right. He had helped to create Vin's brother and two sisters, some of the best gifts Vin could have ever had.
He drew the van to a stop, putting it in gear, then unbuckled first himself, then the water globe. Vin picked up the bag, peering inside at the gift for his Lady, saying softly, "Now, ya best be keepin' this 'tween the two a' us. Don't feel like dealin' with none a' Bucklin's teasin' about this, ya hear?" Oh, Lord and Lady, now he was talkin' to water globes ... Tanner, git yer scrawny ass inside, 'fore the cold freezes up yer brain!
He collected the gift bag, made sure he had the keys, then locked up the van. As he approached the house, the front door opened, and Vin picked up the pace. Even from here, he could see the way Drina was shiverin.' Damn her, he hated it when she did things like that! He didn't want her catchin' cold on his account! But there she should, bathed in light, with the door standing open, welcoming him.
"Hey," she greeted, backing up a little as he entered the house. He brushed his lips against hers ... a proper kiss could wait until the door was closed. Aw hell! Not entirely sure what to say, as he had never been in this position before, Vin awkwardly handed his lady the gift bag. Drina accepted it, absently closing the door behind him, and sat down in a chair as Vin shucked his boots and coat. He watched Drina silently, worriedly as she peeked into the bag.
"Ohhhh ... " she whispered, very carefully withdrawing the water globe from the gift bag. Vin swallowed hard, as Drina's expression changed from surprised to delighted and then finally to awed. She ran her fingers lightly over the box, before raising stunned and tearful hazel eyes to Vin. Tears. Aw hell! But before Vin could say anything, Adriana very carefully placed the box on the floor beside the chair, then rose to her feet.
She put her hands on either side of his face, whispering, "It's beautiful. Thank you." And then she kissed him. A proper kiss. Not the pathetic excuse for a kiss he had given her just a few minutes earlier. A proper, deep, passionate, send-your-senses reeling kiss. One that meant he had to put both arms around Drina's waist, just so's he could stand up straight. After a moment, she pulled back and smiled at him. And Vin Tanner, guide/tracker/sharpshooter, suddenly felt like there wasn't nothin' he couldn't do ... not when Drina looked at him like that.
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