ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Fate

by HLKaia

Disclaimers:

This is my first posted uber story.  The main characters have a striking resemblance to a certain pair that are near and dear to all of our hearts but the story and situations are completely mine.  No infringement is meant.

Love/Sex:  This is an alternative fiction story.  It depicts a loving relationship between to consenting adult women.  If that’s not your forte I suggest you read something else.

Language:  I’m a potty mouth, I admit it!  And therefore a few of my characters have that tendency. If this disturbs you, read no further!

Violence:  Most assuredly there will be some.  After all, one of the characters is an ex-bounty hunter and I’m sure there will be some related in this story sooner or later.  I’ll try not to be too graphic but you never know what the scene may need.

Acknowledgements:  This is for my loving partner who always said I could do this!  She’s been nagging me for years to put something out there and let others read what I write.  So this is for her.  Also, to my supporting best friend, Ty-guy who kept telling me I could do this and just to get on with it!

Cover by ForevaXena

(Click photo for larger image)

Part 1

A soft rap at the door pulled Louis out of his contemplation of his lover Ben’s latest sculpture.  He looked towards the door and sighed. “Now who could that be?” He strode across the parquet floor towards the oak front door of the loft.

            He grabbed the brass knob and swung the door open, but the sight that greeted him dashed the foul mood and banished the hot retort.  “Lauren, darling!  How good to see you!” he grinned swinging the door wide and beckoning the petite strawberry blonde in.  “What brings you to my doorstep at such an ungawdly hour?”

            “Hi, Louis,” she smiled as she stepped across the threshold.  “Sorry for coming by so early, but I was hoping to catch Ben before I had to dash off to class.” She followed Louis across the loft towards the kitchen.

            “Oh? And why is that, my dear?” Louis asked over his shoulder as he entered the kitchen and walked over to the cappuccino machine.  He flipped on the machine and placed the cup of milk in to steam.  “Is there a problem with your apartment?” He opened a glass-fronted cupboard and placed two cups with saucers on the slate countertop.

            Lauren perched on a stool and watched Louis go through his usual routine.  He did this every time she came to visit.  He’s quite the hostess.  She had to smother a grin at the thought.  “Umm, well… it seems my kitchen sink is backed up again.  I tried Liquid Plumber and all that, but nothing seems to work.”

            Louis quirked an eyebrow at her.  “So, you failed plumber 101 in lesbian training?” he joked crossing his arms across his chest.

            “Umm, guess I missed that one.”  She looked down studying her hands and trying to control the blush she knew must be covering her face.

            Louis watched this with amusement.  He loved to tease the young woman and she was so easy.  He turned back to his latte preparations to give Lauren time to collect herself.

            “Well, I do believe that man of mine is hiding in the office,” he said as he coated the inside of the cups with chocolate.  “He is rather handy, I must admit.  I’m sure he’d be more than happy to take a look at your sink for you.”

            “Thanks, Louis,” she answered with relief.  She knew Louis was just teasing her.  He always did.  Must be the Queen in him.  The man just is not happy unless he makes me blush at least twice a visit.  Wonder what the next one is going to be?

            Louis finished the lattes and with a flamboyant twirl set the cups down before Lauren on the breakfast bar.  “Your latte, my dear,” he grinned and took his own cup for a delicate sip.

            Lauren smiled and took a sip of the latte.  She moaned in delight. “Oooh, Louis!  You could do this professionally!”

            He preened at the compliment.  “Well, I couldn’t be a native of Seattle if I couldn’t make a decent latte now could I?”

            Lauren laughed. “I guess you have a point there.”

            Louis leaned against the bar and studied his young tenant.  She is truly striking, but what is that outfit she’s wearing? Country hick?  Lauren was wearing a light blue t-shirt with a blue & green plaid shirt over it buttoned halfway up, sleeves rolled halfway to show off muscular forearms, and tucked into a pair of faded 501 jeans.  Her hair, well the best way he could describe the fly away short reddish-blonde mop, was Meg Ryan on a bad day.  A very bad day.  No jewelry for this… ensem?  Tsk. Tsk. He glanced down at her feet and had to suppress a gasp of dismay.  Cowboy boots?  The girl is actually wearing cowboy boots?  Oh my god!

              He shuddered involuntarily.

              Lauren watched Louis’s assessment of her outfit with amusement.  It was a constant source of disagreement between them.  He always bemoaned the fact that just because she was a lesbian didn’t mean she had to dress so atrociously.  She argued that it was comfort not style she was going for.

            “Well, Louis, what’s the verdict?” she asked setting her cup down and throwing her arms wide and looking down at her attire.

            “Oh, girl.  This is simply terrible,” he wailed throwing his hands up in dismay.

            Lauren laughed. “Oh, I don’t know, Louis.  I think I look rather cute.”

            “Cute?” he grimaced, “Cute?  Is that really the look you’re going for?”  He shook his head as he came around the bar and grabbed her hand to pull her from the stool.  He placed her in front of him and began to circle her surveying the outfit from all angles.

            “Yeah, cute,” she grinned watching Louis with mischief dancing in her green eyes.

            He tsked and shook his head.  “No, no my dear.  Cute is out.  You need to be hot and sexy to capture the eye of the women around here!” he announced coming to stand before her.  He pointed a finger at her and gently poked her in the chest with each point, “The women around here do not want the innocent farm girl. No!  They want a seductress.  A woman who can light their fire, yes?  A woman who wears leather and makes them swoon with desire by just walking across the room!” 

            Lauren laughed and playfully grabbed his finger.  “Oh Louis, you have got to be kidding me!  Can you really see me in leather?”  She looked down at her lithe 5’4” frame doubtfully.

            Louis appraised the woman before him.  “Hmm, yes,” he said pulling his finger away from her and placing his hands on her hips.  “See?  You have very nice hips and a flat stomach,” he patted her abdomen with his hand.  “And you have great legs.  Hmmph, tho’ you constantly hide them in these awful jeans!” He slapped her thigh to emphasis his point.  His hands trailed up her arms and came to rest on her shoulders. “Nice arms, gorgeous shoulders!  And what do you do?  Hide them, that’s what!  Under flannel of all things!” he shook her gently by the shoulders and stared into her eyes.  “And why is this, hmmm?  You should be wearing mini skirts and something off the shoulder.”

            Lauren blushed at the assessment of her body.  It was very clinical, very gay man to be exact.  “Umm. I’m really not looking to catch someone, Louis.  I have enough on my plate with my school and my job.  The last thing I need is the complication of a relationship.”

            “Relationship?”  Louis scoffed his eyes going wide.  “Who said anything about a relationship?  I am merely stating that you are doing the women of Seattle a great disservice by hiding this gorgeous little body of yours!”  He tossed his hands up and began to pace. 

            Lauren rolled her eyes.  Oh great, he’s pacing.  Here comes the tangent from hell!  I better see if I can head this off.  “Um, Louis?”

            “….you lesbians!  Everything has to be a relationship with you!  Why can’t you just enjoy the eye candy?  Hmm?  Not to mention an occasional roll in the hay!  But, noooo!  Its relationship or nothing!” Louis ranted as he paced and swung his arms up in disgust.

            “Louis?”

            “….just go out and show off the package!  Nothing wrong with a little ego stroking!  And believe me, girl, you’ll get plenty of stroking,” he pointed at her for emphasis.

            She blushed. A hit and score.  That’s two, guess he filled his quotient.  Again.  “Louis!”

            Louis stopped in mid rant and turned to look at her.  “What?”

            “I really need to get to class sometime today.  Do you think you could go see if Ben can come look at my sink?” she pleaded.

            Louis just stared at her.  He had been into a full blown rant and it took him a couple of moments to come back down to earth.  He shook himself and replied in a more normal voice, “Of course, my dear.  I think he’s in the office.  I’ll go check.”

            Lauren let out a breath as she watched Louis stride down the hall towards the office in the back.  That was quite the little show.  Maybe he has a point.  She shook her head and closed her eyes.  No.  I don’t need the complications.  She sighed and sat back down on the stool, leaning her head on her right fist.  It would be nice to have my… ego stroked.  She giggled.  It had been a long time since that had happened.  Sure she’d gone out with her friends to the clubs.  And had even danced but…  she sighed again.  But she had never felt that spark.  She was waiting for that special someone who would make her feel… alive.  She thought she had found that once.  She shook her head.  Best not to dwell on that!  It’s ancient history, Lauren.  Get over it!  She closed her eyes to fight down the surge of tears that always came with the memory.  No, not today.  She swallowed and forced the memory back into its dark hole in her mind.

******

            Ashlin could hear the phone ringing as she attempted to get the door unlocked.  “Damn it!  Come on!” she swore as she struggled to juggle the bag of groceries and get the key to turn in the stubborn lock.  Finally the key turned and she dashed across the living room to grab the phone on the 5^th ring. 

“Yeah?” she asked breathlessly.

            “Ash?  Is that you?” a deep baritone asked.

            Ashlin rolled her eyes as she tucked the phone under her chin and strolled towards the kitchen to put the groceries away.  “Who else would be answering my phone, Benson?”

            A long silent pause.  “Oh, yeah, guess I didn’t think about that,” he replied sheepishly.

            “What do you want, Benson?” she asked getting impatient.  She walked into the kitchen and plunked down the bag.  She opened the fridge and began putting items away.  Now where is that crazy mutt of mine? She wondered gazing around the kitchen.

            “We were wondering when your flight is coming in on Friday.  You haven’t called so I figured I better call and find out.”

            Ashlin paused with the beer halfway to the fridge and swore under her breath.  Damn, I was really hoping he would have forgotten about this by now.  She set the beer on the top shelf.  She eyed it speculatively and then shook her head, No, 9 a.m. is definitely to early to have a beer.  She sighed and closed the door.   

            “Ashlin, you promised,” he whined.

            Ashlin stuck her tongue out at the phone as she took a walked over to the sink and got a glass of water.  The beer still sounds like a better idea, she grumbled to herself as she took a healthy swig. Especially if I have to deal with Benson and his damn ideas.  She sighed in frustration.  She had promised him though.  Damn.  “Umm, I haven’t made arrangements yet.”  She winced knowing the outburst was coming.

            “What?” Benson boomed.  “What do you mean you haven’t made arrangements yet?  You do realize that today is Thursday don’t you?  How the hell do you expect to get a flight out this late?”

            Ashlin held the phone away from her ear and waited for Benson to calm down.  He went on in the same vein for a good 10 minutes.   She set the phone down on the counter and finished her water absently listening to her cousin vent his spleen.  She set the glass in the drainer and pushing the phone farther down the bar, set her arms on the counter and rested her chin in her hands as she glanced around the sunny kitchen.  She had to admit she had done a lovely job on it.  The kitchen faced the back of the house the French doors and floor to ceiling windows allowed the sun to bathe the room.  The doors led to a private deck with a hot tub.  It was very romantic setting with a breath taking view.  Yeah, too bad I don’t have anyone to enjoy it with.  She grumbled to herself.  Her gaze returned to the interior of the room and settled on the solid oak table and its four butter leather captain chairs that sat in front of the doors.  She had had them specially made to accommodate her long frame and was rather pleased with them.  The table sat on a beautiful Persian rug that had been a gift from a grieving family after she had apprehended the shit heel that had tortured and murdered their 16 year old daughter.  Her mood darkened at the thought.

            “Ash?  Ash?  Are you listening to me?” Benson questioned after his tirade had been spent.  “Ashlin!”

            Ashlin was pulled out of her dark thoughts by Benson’s insistent chattering and quickly picked up the phone.  “Yeah, Benson.  I’m still here.”

            “Well?” he asked irritated.

            “Well what?” she sighed as she left the kitchen and headed back into the living room.

            A deep sigh.  “How are you getting here and when do you think you’ll arrive?”

            “I thought I’d drive over tomorrow,” Ashlin answered as she flopped down into her favorite recliner and pulled the lever to recline.  She looked up at the ceiling and watched the ceiling fan swirl the dust motes.

            “You’re going to drive?” he asked horrified.

            She smirked.  “Yes, Benson.  I’m going to drive.  Some people do that.”

            “But, but it’s like 1000 miles!” he exclaimed in disbelief.

            “Not quite,” she smiled, “… but close.” 

            Silence.

            She could just imagine Ben sitting in his leather office chair with his mouth hanging open in shock.  She waited for him to continue and through the phone line she heard the office door open.  “Say hi to Louis for me,” she said absently.

            “Wha?”

            “Honey?  Lauren is here and…” Ashlin heard Louis’s voice and the sound of Ben’s chair spinning around and his startled yelp. 

            Ashlin laughed.  She closed her eyes and could just picture the scene.  Her big muscular cousin squealing like a schoolgirl as his diminutive lover came into the room and stared at him in bewilderment. She wiped the tears from her eyes and sat back to listen smothering the occasional chuckle.         

“Holy shit, Louis!  You scared the hell out me!” Ben stated clutching his chest.

            “I’m sorry, honey, but I just wanted to let you know Lauren is here and is having a problem with her sink,” Louis apologized coming up to Ben and kissing him gently on the cheek.

            “Oh, okay.  Just give me a minute to finish up here,” Ben replied trying to slow his racing heart.

            “Don’t forget to say hi from me,” Ashlin’s voice echoed from the forgotten phone in his hand.

            “Oh yeah,” Ben mumbled and turning back to Louis said, “Ash says hi.”

            Louis’s eyes lit up.  “Oh!  Say hi back!  When is she getting here?  Is she bringing that dog of hers?  Is she going to stay with us or has she made other arrangements?”

            Ben reached up and clapped a large hand over his lover’s mouth. “I’ll ask.  Now go back to Irish and tell her I’ll be out in a minute.”  He waited for Louis to nod his acknowledgement and then removed his hand.  With a smile he turned his lover around and gave him a gentle pat on the butt to get him moving.  “Now scoot.”

            Louis gave him a mock scowl over his shoulder as he walked out of the room, pulling the door closed behind him.

            “Oh Benson,” Ashlin’s voice sang out from the receiver.  “Yoo hoo?”

            Ben placed the phone back to his ear and replied, “How did you know Louis was there?”

            “I heard the door open.”

            Ben stared at the phone.  “You heard the door open?”

            “Mmm-hmmm.”

            “How?  I didn’t even hear the damn door and I’m sitting right here!” he shouted slapping the desk for emphasis.

            Ashlin chuckled.  “I have many skills.”

            “Ha, ha.  Okay whatever.”  Ben muttered.  “Louis says hi, by the way.  He wants to know if you’ll be staying with us and if you are, and I quote, ‘bringing that dog’ with you?”  Ben grinned.  He loved the border collie mix, but he knew his lover would have a fit if she brought him with her.  He could hear Louis now, ‘Just look at all this hair!  I’ll never get this place clean!’

            “Well, I was thinking about it since I know how much Louis loves him, but I guess I could drop him off at The Manor and have my brothers watch him for me instead,” she replied with a smile evident in her tone.            Ben grinned.  “That may be a good idea, cuz.  You have probably just saved my marriage.”

            Ashlin laughed.  “Well, we couldn’t jeopardize the marriage of the only Gray in this generation to settle down!  It would be open war on the home front!”

            Ben joined in the laughter. “I thought Davis was finally serious about one.  What was her name?  Judy?”

            Ashlin rolled her eyes at the thought of her brother, “No, Judy was last month.  I think this month’s Tammy or some such.  I have serious doubts about that boy.  I think mum is destined to be without grandchildren.”

            “Hey, there’s still hope!  There’s you and Graham.”  Ben offered.

            “Oh yeah right.  Graham is more interested in his computer than the opposite sex.  And I’m a little too interested in the same sex!” she chuckled.

            “Hey, just because you’re gay doesn’t mean you can’t have kids, Ash,” he said seriously rocking back in his chair and looking at the last photo taken of the 9 cousins all together.  It was taken at The Manor shortly after Ashlin had come home.  It predated Louis, but not by much.  Parker was the oldest and his brother. He stood in the back of the pack towering over the others at 6’7” with his typical serious look firmly in place. His twin sisters, Bailey and Taylor were next standing arms linked in front of Parker laughing at something that was said by their uncle Harrison.  To their right stood Benson with his arm slung over Ashlin’s shoulder both wearing matching crooked grins.  Sitting on the ground at their feet came Everett, his baby brother and Davis, Ashlin’s younger brother both on the verge of wrestling with one another.  And to Ashlin’s right was the baby of the family, Graham in his wheelchair.  Ashlin’s arm rested possessively across the back of his chair and Graham beamed up at her with open adoration.  Graham was the only cousin who hadn’t inherited the blue-black hair and blue eyes.  He had the look of his father, blonde and hazel eyed. 

            “Benson?”

            “What was that, Ash?”  Ben pulled his mind back to the moment. “Sorry, I just floated off there for a minute.”

            She sighed.  “I said, I really don’t see myself as the mothering kind.  Not to mention that I haven’t exactly found the right woman to be the mother of my children yet!”

            Ben laughed.  “Okay, okay.  I see your point.  So, when do you think you’ll get here?”

            “Probably around 6 or so.  I’ll call Davis and see if he’ll meet me halfway so I don’t have to go all the way down to The Manor.  If he can’t, I’ll go tonight and head out from there early tomorrow morning.” She replied starting to plan out her trip. 

            “Sounds good.  I really think you’re going to enjoy the show, Ash,” he said excitedly.  “You are planning on bidding on something aren’t you?”

            “Of course, Ben,” she said in an exasperated tone.  “Don’t I always?” a pause. “Besides, even if I don’t see anything to my liking I’m still planning on writing you a fat check.”

            “Oh, I’m sure there will be something to your liking.  But I won’t turn down the check since it is for a good cause,” he paused.  He wasn’t sure how to ask the next part.  He mulled it over for a moment and decided blunt was best.  “You are going to bring your guitar right?  I mean we are selling your cds and one of the things up for auction is an autographed set by you.”

            Ashlin sat back in her recliner.  She hated performing in front of people and Ben knew it.  She had agreed to autograph the damn things just to get her cousin off her back but there was no way she was going to be the center of some hoopla.  “Ben…” she warned.

            “No, no, Ash, I’m not asking you to perform.  I swear!”  Ben was quick to reassure her.  “I was hoping to get a private concert though.”

            Ashlin let out a breath in relief.  “Benson, you promised I’d be anonymous at this shindig of yours.  I don’t want a bunch of attention, you hear me?”

            Benson gulped at the tone.  He could just imagine her blue eyes slitting and going cold.  “Yes, I know.  I swear no publicity.”  I better tell Louis!  Gods know what he’s done.  Hopefully he hasn’t already advertised that she’s going to be here.  Might as well order the coffin because she’ll kill me if he has.   “I’ll make sure of it.”

            “You better, Benson.  And you better pray Louis behaves himself too!” she warned with steel in her voice.  “I will not be made into some publicity stunt for his gallery.  I agreed to come because you’re my cousin, but if he pulls some shit like he did last time…”

            “No, no, no!  He won’t!  I swear,” Ben was quick to reassure.  He damn well better not or I may have to kill him myself.

            “Okay, Benson.  I’ll be there around 6 or so on Friday.”

            “Will you be staying with us?”

            Ashlin thought about it for a moment or two.  “I dunno, Benson.  Does it include meals?” she teased.

            “Sure, cuz.  As long as you promise to stay out of the kitchen!”  Ben joked back. “I don’t want any repeats of last time!”

            “Oh come on, Benson!” Ashlin argued, “How was I suppose to know that you couldn’t cook an egg in the microwave?”

            Ben choked back a laugh and rolled his eyes.  “Ash, you can cook an egg in the microwave… you just have to take it out of the shell first!”

            “No one ever told me that!” she pouted.

            “Are you sure we’re related?”  Ben asked with mock seriousness.  “How come you’re the only one in this family who absolutely can not cook.  You must break your dear mama’s heart!”

            “You have no idea, Ben,” Ashlin grinned.  “I think mum gave up on me after the tuna incident.”

            “Ooohh yuck!  I remember that!”  Ben shivered.

            “Yeah, well…  I guess I’ll see you Friday.”

            “Sounds good,” Ben chuckled.  “Don’t forget your guitar.”

            “Yeah, yeah,” Ash said dismissively.  “See you then.”

            “Bye, cuz.  Drive safe.”

            “Will do.  Bye.”

            Ben hung up the phone and just sat staring at it lost in thought.  Ash, my dear, you need someone in your life.  How long are you going to keep yourself isolated up there in nowhere land?  How long are you going to punish yourself for things that are no longer revelant?  You’re not that person anymore, cuz.  You need to move on.  He sighed as pulled himself out of his musings.  He was glad he had gotten her to agree to come for the charity show.  He didn’t think he’d ever get her back after… well at least she was coming.  He pulled himself out of his chair and walked out of the office in search of his lover and Lauren.

            “Hey, Irish, what seems to be the problem?” Ben asked as he strode into the living room. 

            Lauren looked up and smiled as he came into the room.  Ben was… well, huge.  He stood at least 6’5’ and literally filled a doorway with his bulk.  He had long blue-black hair that he wore in a ponytail and a neatly trimmed beard.  His eyes were a deep blue that twinkled with good humor and a ready smile graced his lips.  He had on a maroon short-sleeve silk shirt tucked into tan chinos and he looked fabulous.  As usual.  Louis wouldn’t have it any other way.

            “Hey, Ben!” she greeted him as he leaned down and gave her a peck on the top of her head.  “It’s my kitchen sink again.”

            “Oh?  I thought we got that taken care of last month,” Ben said as he settled himself next to his lover on the leather loveseat across from her.

            “Yeah, so did I.  But its backed up again and nothing I’ve tried has worked,” she explained throwing her hands up. She studied the two lovers now sitting side by side.  Talk about day and night!  Ben was the epitomy of manly.  Tall and muscular with dazzling blue eyes and thick black hair.  He had strong chiseled features that were accented by the neat beard he wore.   On the other hand, Louis was fair to the point of being pale with receding pale blonde hair and a clean-shaven lean face.  He was a slim man, standing about 5’8” to his lover’s 6’5’.  He looked down right petite next to Ben.  His eyes were slate gray and usually had a glint of mischief hiding in their depths.

            “Okay, Irish.  Let’s go take a look,” Ben said and giving Louis a quick kiss on the cheek, he rose from the couch.  “I’ll  be back in a little while to help you move the sculptures downstairs, hon.”

            “Take your time.  I still need to figure out where I’m going to put them,” Louis said making a shooing gesture to the two of them.  “See you later, Lauren.”

            “Bye, Louis.  Thanks for loaning him to me,” she said with a wave and a wink as she stood.

            “Okay! We’re going,” Ben laughed and headed for the door.

            “Thanks, Ben.  I hope I’m not inconveniencing you?” Lauren asked as she followed in Ben’s shadow. “I know you’re real busy getting ready for the show and all.  I don’t want to take you away from that for my crummy sink.”

            “No, Irish.  It’s not a problem.  I mean, you are my tenant and this is what landlord’s are supposed to do.  Or at least that’s what I learned from watching too much tv in my youth,” Ben replied with a grin as he held the front door open for her.

            “Okay, if you say so,” she grinned and led him down the hall to her door.  She pulled out her key and unlocked it.

            As the door swung open, Ben heard the glorious sound of his cousin’s music.  He cocked his head to listen better.  Hmm, yes, it's her Gaelic one, he nodded to himself.  One of my personal favorites.  I wonder where Irish found it?  “Nice choice of music.”

            “Do you like it?  Louis gave it to me last week to listen to,” she gushed happily as she walked into her tiny studio apartment.  “It's very inspiring.”

            That sneak.  “Yes, I do like it very much.  And I'd better, since it's my cousin doing the playing,” he replied stepping into the studio.

            Lauren whirled around and stared at him with her mouth hanging open.  “Your… your cousin?” she squeaked.

            Ben eyed her thoughtfully.  Hmmm, maybe Louis was on to something here.  “Yep, didn’t you read the name on the cover?”

            “Umm, yeah.  It’s Ash Gray.  Kind of a weird name.  I thought it was the name of a band not a person,” she said a blush coloring her cheeks. 

            “Nope.  It’s definitely a person.  In fact, Ash is planning on coming to the show this weekend,” he informed her watching her closely for her reaction.  He was not disappointed.

            “Really?  Do you think I could meet him?  That would be so great!  I mean, his music is magnificent and… what?”  Lauren stopped in mid gush at the look on Ben’s face.

            Him?  She thinks Ash is a guy?  Oh boy! Is she ever in for a surprise!  “Umm, nothing.  Sorry.  I’d be happy to introduce you to… Ash.” He decided it was time to change the subject.  “So, let’s look at that sink shall we?”

            Lauren totally forgot about Ben’s suspicious behavior when he uttered the word ‘introduce’. “Really?  You’ll really introduce me to him?” she asked jumping up and down and clapping her hands.

            Ben laughed at her enthusiasm. “Yes, yes, I promise to introduce you!”  He held up a finger in warning. “But you have to promise to be discrete.  Ash doesn’t want any publicity.  My cousin is coming here as a favor to me not to sell more cds.”

            “I promise, Ben,” she said seriously crossing her heart.  “I won’t breathe a word about it.”

            “Good,” he said with a nod. “Now, let’s look at that sink.”

            “Okay,” she said and turning headed towards the back of the studio where the kitchen was nestled.

            Ben followed her looking about the studio.  He had to admit that Irish had done quite a good job decorating the small space.  To the right of the entryway was the ‘living room’.  Lauren had a love seat and papa san arranged around the coffee table in front of the fireplace that shared the wall with the front door. It was a cheerful space with plants and little knick-knacks carefully arranged.  To the left was her work area.  She had an l-shaped desk with her computer and bookshelves above.  Hmm, what’s this? This is new. He wondered as he stepped over to an easel set up next to the desk with the canvas facing away from him.  I didn’t know she painted… his train of thought totally derailed as he came around the easel to see the painting.  His jaw dropped and he stared.  Oh my GOD!  He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He reached up and rubbed his eyes and looked again. Nope, still there.       

            “I tried all the usual stuff and nothing seems to have made a dent.  I even tried to plunge it, but that just brought the water back up into the other sink so both of them had water standing in them…” she stopped when she sensed that Ben was no longer behind her.  Now where?  She turned and looked for him.  She spotted him standing at her painting.  Oh no!  She felt the panic rise and struggled to keep her legs under her.  She took an unsteady step towards him and then began to run.

            “Ben!  What are you doing?”  She practically screamed coming up behind him.

            Ben jumped straight up in the air and whirled around.  His eyes were as big as saucers as his gaze met terrified green.  “I’m sorry, Irish.  I… I just saw the easel and wondered what was on it…  I didn’t mean anything.”

            Lauren stared at him, green eyes flashing with angst.  “That’s pri…private, Ben,” she cried her shoulders slumping and the tears starting to fall.

            Ben stared at her perplexed.  “Hey, Irish.  Shh, it’s okay. I’m sorry,” he soothed wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into a hug.

            Lauren stiffened and then relaxed into the big man.  She struggled to get her emotions under control.  Ben was her closest friend here.  What did it matter if he saw the painting?  She had planned on showing it to him any way, she just hadn’t gotten up the nerve.  “I’m sorry, Ben.  I didn’t mean to jump all over you,” she apologized giving him a squeeze and stepping back. “I was going to show it to you anyway, when I finished it.”

            Ben looked at the young woman trying to gauge her emotional state.  She wouldn’t meet his eyes and that worried him.  He reached out and gently cupped her chin and lifted her head.  When green met blue he said softly, “You never told me you were an artist too, Irish.” 

            She blinked in surprise.  “I’m… I’m not.  I just do that to relax.  You know, sometimes things just come to me and instead of drawing it with words… well, the canvas is sometimes a better medium,” she answered with a deprecating shrug.

            He stared at her in disbelief.  “Not an artist?”  She nodded. “Have you really looked at that?” he asked pointing to the painting.

            She nodded in confusion.  “Of course I’ve looked at it, Ben.  I painted it.”

            Ben shook his head in disbelief and gripping her shoulders led her over to stand in front of the painting.  He stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Look again, Irish and tell me you’re not an artist.”

            Lauren looked up at him and with a shrug, turned her attention to the painting.  She had to admit it was the best piece she had ever done.  It was a quasi-historical piece.  It was a picture of a battle between the celts and the roman legions.  The sky was red and black from the smoke and fire and you could just make out struggling warriors fighting through the smoke in the background.  In the front was a woman.  A warrior woman dressed in scarred and blood soaked leather armor.  She had a battered round shield with the emblem of eternity painted in red in her left hand held low to her body.  In her right gauntleted fist she held a bloody sword aloft.  At her feet were bodies.  Lots of bodies all dressed in the roman centurion armor.  Lauren’s eyes rose to her warrior woman’s face and felt the shock of electricity that always came when she gazed at the chiseled features.  The warrior had long raven black hair that the wind blew around her face.  Her cheekbones were high and a sensuous half smile graced her full mouth.  But the most mesmerizing thing about her face was her eyes.  They were the color of the sky and piercing.  Lauren swore those eyes looked right into her soul.  She shivered.   

            “What do you see, Lauren?” Ben asked softly not wanting to break her concentration.  He had felt the shudder as Lauren’s eyes settled upon the face of the woman in the painting.  He had felt the same way, because he had seen those eyes before.  Oh yes, he had.  And with that exact look.

            “I see…” she whispered and swallowed nervously.

            “You see…” he urged.

            “I see… vengeance,” she said with a cold finality.

            Ben felt goosebumps rise on his flesh at her tone.  “Vengeance?” he asked softly.

            Lauren shook herself and broke the gaze of the warrior.  “Yeah, I call the painting Vengeance,” she explained stepping away from Ben and then turning to meet his regard.

            “Oh,” he replied nonplussed.  He looked at the painting again and could see where she got the name.  For a minute there though… he could have sworn she meant the woman… but no. “So, you’re not an artist?”

            “Nope,” she shook her head in denial.

            “Uh-huh,” he said not convinced.  “So, who did you use for the model?”  He was really curious.  How she had gotten the likeness… it was uncanny.

            “Model?” she questioned confused by the sudden topic change.  “What do you mean?”

            “For the woman,” he said pointing to the woman in the painting.  She turned and looked at it again.  “Who did you get to pose for you?”

            Lauren laughed.  “There was no model, Ben.  She came out of… well, out of a dream if you must know.”  She shrugged and looked back to meet his dumbfounded gaze.  “Ben?  What’s wrong?”

            “A dream?”  Ben mumbled.  “You saw her in a dream?”

            “Umm, yeah.  Silly huh?” she lowered her head sheepishly and scuffed her foot across the hardwood floor.

            “No, not silly.  Just… surprising,” he reassured her staring at the painting once more.

            “Surprising?” she looked up at him and saw that he was once more staring at her painting.  What has gotten you so spooked, Ben?  You’re acting really strange.

            Ben tore his gaze away from the painting and smiled at Lauren, “Yeah, Irish, surprising!  She’s just so real, ya know?” He shrugged his shoulders and lifted his hands in a helpless gesture, hoping he had alleviated Lauren’s suspicions.  He knew he was acting weird, but the likeness had really thrown him for a loop.

            “I guess I’ll take that as a compliment,” she grinned.

            “You should!” he readily agreed. “So what was the inspiration? The dream?”

            Lauren nodded her head slowly and gazed at the painting without really seeing it.  A faraway look fell across her features.  “Yeah, a dream.  It’s kind of hard to explain.  I had them since I was… oh I dunno… I guess 16 or so… I’m scared and hiding from the Romans and then this woman…”

            Her entire face lit up as she described the dream. Hmm, interesting.  Ben waits for her to continue but sees that she is lost in the image in her mind.  “And then this woman…” he prods gently.

            “Oh!  And then this warrior woman comes up over the hill with a blood curdling yell descends upon them!  It’s amazing, Ben.  She cuts through them like butter and the whole time she’s…. laughing,” she says this last part barely above a whisper.   She shakes herself, pulling herself out of the memory of the dream and gives him an embarrassed shrug.  “That’s her,” she states simply pointing at the painting.  “I had the dream again last week. I guess listening to your cousin’s music brought it back.  I hadn’t had it in quite awhile and I just had this driving force to paint it.  So I did.”

            “Hmmm, wish I had such vivid dreams!  It would make my sculpting a bit easier!” he laughed with a shake of his head.  A thought jumped into his head and before he thought better of it, he blurted it out, “Hey, Irish!  You've got to show this to Louis!  I’m sure he would love to show it in the gallery!  I bet we could even get it into the show for this weekend!”

            Lauren was stunned.  “Show?  My painting?”  She shook her head. “I… I don’t think so, Ben.  I mean the shows for real artists and well it’s kind of private. I mean I’m flattered and all but I’m not a professional like you and…”

            “It’s for charity, Irish,” Ben interrupted caught up in his enthusiasm.  “There are a lot of amateur artists in this show.  And believe me, your piece is the best I’ve seen!”  Ben reassured her.  “Please, Irish?  Let’s get Louis and let him decide.”

            Lauren struggled with the idea.  One part of her wanted to keep this part of her private, but the other part was flattered by the praise.  “You really think Louis will think it’s good enough?”

            Ben nodded, clapping his hands in glee.  “Oh definitely!  It’s fantastic!  Louis is going to cream his shorts!”

            She laughed at the sight of her big friend acting like a five year old at an amusement park.  “Okay, Ben.  If Louis thinks it’s good enough, I guess I’ll let you show it.”  A frown crossed her face.  “But don’t I have to set a minimum bid or some such?  Oh Ben, I have no idea how to do that!”

            “Don’t you worry.  We’ll let Louis do that. I’m sure he’ll set a fair price,” he stated patting her shoulder. I have a feeling this one’s going to go for a lot!  Louis is going to lose his mind!  I better warn him not to say anything about the resemblance though.  That’s my little surprise.  “Why don’t I run and get him and he can take a look while I fix your sink?” he glanced at his watch, “You better scoot or you’ll be late for your 10 o’clock class.”

            Lauren looked at her watch and blanched.  “Oh!  I gotta hurry if I’m going to make it!”  She dashed over to her desk and scooped up her laptop and shoved it into its carry bag along with a couple of books.  “You’ll lock up when you’re done?’

            Ben rolled his eyes. “Of course!”

            “Thanks, Ben,” she grinned.  “I won’t be home until late because I have a study group.  Tell Louis I’ll make you guys dinner sometime this week, okay?”

            “You know I never turn down a meal!”  Ben said rubbing his stomach.

            “See you tomorrow if not sooner,” she called over her shoulder as she headed out the door.

            “Study hard, Irish!” he called to her retreating back.

            The door clicked shut and Ben was left in the studio alone with the haunting sounds of his cousin’s music flowing over him.  His eyes were drawn once more to the painting and he felt the goosebumps rise.  “Shit, Irish. That is truly spooky,” he whispered staring at the painting. He shook himself out of his trance and strode across the studio on a mission.  He was going to go get Louis and bring him back to see the painting if he had to physically drag the man back here.  “Hell, I’ll just throw him over my shoulder if he gives me any lip,” he growled as he headed down the hall.

*******

            Ash hung up the phone and sat back in her chair.  Well, guess I’m going to Seattle.  She grimaced at the thought. She hadn’t been back there in 3 years and the last visit had not been all together pleasant.  She sighed and closed her eyes snuggling down into her chair.  I’ll just go to the art show on Saturday night and then come back Sunday.  A thought came to her and she sat bolt upright.  No!  Benson wouldn’t drag me out of the loft!  She sat back.  Oh yes, he would.  That man loves to dance and for some ungodly reason he’s decided that I’m the perfect two-stepping partner.  Just because I live in Montana!  She smiled at that.  Well, it was true.  She was a kick ass dancer and wasn’t afraid to show off a little.  Of course dancing means clubbing.  And clubbing means women… women looking at me like starving sharks!  Great, just great.  She closed her eyes and threw her arm over them for good measure.  Not that she minded the attention per se.  In fact, usually she enjoyed the open admiration that she got, but lately she had been feeling a bit raw.  I dunno if I could handle that right now. But then I may not get a choice.  Especially if Louis starts in on me.  The image of Louis as a bantam rooster flooded her mind and she laughed out loud.  Okay, enough of this!  I gotta call Davis and then get packed. 

            She sat up and looked around the room.  Now, where is that damn mutt?  She shook her head and reached for the phone just as it rang.  She jumped and then picked it up.

            “Yeah?’

            “Hey, sis, it’s Davis,” the bass voice boomed.

            Ash pulled the receiver away from her ear and looked at it.  “Jesus, Davis    !  You don’t have to bellow like I’m in the back forty!”

            “Sorry,” came the slightly quieter reply.

            “I was just getting ready to call you and ask if you’d take the mutt for the weekend.”  Ash stood up and began to pace as the thought of the trip began to run through her head.  She really was not looking forward to this.  Her stomach was queasy at just the thought.

            “Oh?  Where ya going?”

            “Seattle.”  Her voice was flat with no emotion.  She ran her free hand through her hair in a trademark move of frustration.

            Silence.

            “Seattle?”

            Ash stopped her pacing and stared out the window at the late morning sun.  “Yeah, I promised Benson I’d come to that damn charity art show they’re putting on this weekend.”

            “Oh.”

            “Yeah, oh.  So, will you watch the mutt?”  The sky was an iridescent blue with puffy white clouds billowing above the pine trees and was really quite spectacular.  Too bad she was too distracted to really enjoy nature’s show.  She shook her head and waited for Davis to say something.  “Well?”

            “Oh!  Sorry.  Actually that’s why I was calling.  I've already got him with me.  I came by this morning and picked him up because I told Paula how great he was at playing Frisbee and she wanted to see for herself.”

            The boy is babbling.  “Wait.  Hold on a minute.” She raised a hand in a halting gesture.  “You say you have him with you?”  Well, that explains why I didn’t get knocked over by the holy terror when I was dashing for the phone earlier.

        &n