Paris In The Springtime

Two Years Later...

Rory got off the plane and looked around. She had given Methos the flight information and he had promised to pick her up. She was still surprised that he had recommended her for the position. Granted, it was only temporary but she was in Paris and that was all that mattered.

After picking up her luggage and going through customs, she saw him. As she walked toward him, Rory couldn't help but admire his lean form. "Hello Adam, you had me worried there." She laughed.

Methos returned her smile, "I can't believe you remembered."

Rory knew what he meant, "Of course I remembered. You never know who might be listening or *watching*. Rory gave him a quick kiss on the cheek when Methos hugged her and took her luggage.

"I've found you a little apartment near the museum that I think you will like."

"Oh good, because after that flight all I want to do is take a shower and get something to eat."

Once the luggage was stored in the trunk of the car Methos pulled away from the curb and took off. "So what are you planning to do with your spare time?"

"Oh, you know, the basic tourist stuff. Go see Versailles, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, that kind of thing. I'd also like to just explore and maybe find some spots that aren't on the regular tourist route."

"Hummm, Care for a tour guide? Not too many people I know can give you the actual histories and dirty little secrets." Methos smiled and wiggled his eyebrows.

Rory burst out laughing. "That would be fantastic! Who do you suggest?" Rory looked at him with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

"I have the perfect guide in mind. I'll have him drop by tonight to offer his services by taking you to a decent place to eat. Nothing fancy. Shall I tell him to come around seven?"

"Please do. I look forward to making his acquaintance."

Pulling up outside of a building, Methos lead Rory to a nice little furnished studio apartment. "This is perfect!" Rory exclaimed in delight, as she explored the room. "Thanks, Methos. I really appreciate all you've done for me."

Methos smiled at her enthusiasm, "Think nothing of it. It was my pleasure. If you need anything, let me know. You have my number." With a quick embrace he walked out the door, leaving Rory standing there. Quickly, she turned and unpacked her bags before hopping into the shower.

Twenty minutes later, Rory stepped out of the bathroom feeling clean and relaxed. Looking at the clock, she saw that there was a couple of hours left before her guide came to pick her up. Chuckling, she set the alarm and laid down for a quick nap.

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Methos paused outside the building and looked up at the window he knew was Rory's. Smiling, he climbed into his car. He wasn't looking to fall in love again but Rory was a spirited, fun-loving woman who he could spend time with.  He would just have to make it clear that he wasn't in line for a commitment.

Parking the car, he walked into his apartment, planning the evening ahead of him. He was glad that Duncan had introduced him to Rory. They had spent a few evenings at Joe's, even worked out at the dojo a time or two. He still wasn't sure which he was more surprised about, that she knew about immortals or that she knew about the watchers, yet wasn't one of them.  That had been about two or was it three years ago. It was hard to remember since it he felt like he had known her forever.

After having a long talk with Duncan and Joe, he decided to trust her as far as he could. So far, she hadn't betrayed that trust. Yes, getting to know Rory better was going to be quite interesting.

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The buzzing just wouldn't go away, no matter how often she hit the alarm button. Through the sleepy haze, Rory realized that it wasn't the alarm but the doorbell. Jerking to an upright position, she glanced wildly at the clock and panicked when she saw the time. Rushing to the door, she answered it.

Opening the door, Rory found Methos leaning on the buzzer. "I'm sorry, I only laid down for a moment and didn't hear the alarm. Come on in, it won't be but a minute to dress. Rushing back to the bed she grabbed her clothes and ran into the bathroom, leaving a startled Methos standing in the doorway.

Methos stood staring at the closed bathroom door for a minute before shaking himself and closing the door behind him. Seeing Rory open the door out of breath with her hair in a riot of soft curls down to her waist and her robe open, giving just a peek of her breast and most of her legs had created a stirring in his blood that he hadn't felt in a long time. The flush of her skin, the way she had licked her lips as she opened the door had made him want to sweep her up into his arms and carry her back to the bed she had just left.  He could feel himself growing hard with the thought.

Suddenly the bathroom door opened and Rory came out dressed in faded jeans and a deep jewel toned blue silk shirt. She had run a brush through her hair but left it down. She had also applied just a touch of makeup.  

"Almost ready." Rory said breathlessly.

"No hurry, really, take your time. I should have thought about the jet lag hitting you."

Rory reached into her purse and pulled out a tube of lipstick. Turning to the mirror, she applied it while Methos stared at her mouth. Looking up she saw the desire in his eyes before he looked away.

Turning to face him, Rory cut through the tension that had nothing to do with sex by picking up her purse and walking to the door. "Do you think I'll need a coat or sweater? I really don't know what the weather is like here this time of year."

Methos walked to the front door and waited, "Well, you might want to take a sweater. You never know when you might get a cool breeze off the river."

Slowly, the tension drained away as they talked about things they were both familiar with on the way to the restaurant. The restaurant turned out to be a little cafe on an obscure side street near the river. Rory knew a little French but still had trouble making out the menu. She began to laugh, "I knew I should have taken that refresher course. Good thing my friends at the university gave me that dictionary."

"Oh No!" Methos groaned teasingly, "Another tourist with a book on how to speak French."

In mock horror Rory retorted, "Good Heavens, No! I'd be much to embarrassed to walk around with it. I'll just memorize it in my room. So are you going to help me out with the menu or not?" Rory scooted closer to Methos and looked at the menu, trying to figure it out.

Methos sat there for a minute inhaling her scent before turning his attention back to the menu. After ordering the food, their talk turned to Seacouver and the people they knew there. They talked about Duncan, Richie, and Joe. Throughout the meal they talked and theorized, each taking a different side but it never got heated. As he was paying for the meal, Methos realized just how much in common they had and that he hadn't had this interesting a date in a while. Even with Alexa, whom he loved. He had been more tour guide and teacher then partner and equal.

As they walked out the door, Methos placed his hand at the small of Rory's back and steered her toward the river. Rory was content to go wherever Methos' led. Once they reached the river, they walked along quietly enjoying the night and each others company. After a while Methos broke the silence by pointing out Duncan's barge. "He offered to let me stay there." Rory explained, "But to be honest, I didn't think I wanted to be rocked all the time. Just the idea..." Rory shivered.

"I know what you mean. I really don't see how he stands it. I try to avoid boats as much as possible." Methos replied.

Rory shivered again as a cool breeze blew across the river. Methos watched as her nipples tightened under her shirt. Rory untied her sweater and pulled it on. As she was pulling it down, Methos reached over to pull her hair out. When she looked up, they both froze, staring at each other before Methos finally lowered his head to kiss her.

Rory sighed and leaned into the kiss as she ran her arms inside his coat and around his body, pulling herself closer. Methos groaned, clenched his hands in her hair, holding her to him. The kiss that at first had started out tentative, quickly turned all consuming as their tongues danced, entwining and stroking the other. Rory felt the warmth puddle at the core of her being, and his hardness pressed into her abdomen. Moaning, she lowered her hands to cup his cheeks and draw him even closer if possible. Methos released her hair, smoothing it as he lowered his hands to mimic her move but he still wasn't close enough. Turning them around, he moved them up against the wall, pressing her into it, as he leaned against her. Moving his hands up and under her sweater, Methos cupped her breasts feeling the hard buds as he brushed each tip with his thumb. Rory broke off the kiss with a gasp as she threw her head back and arched into his hands.

Methos looked down into the face filled with passion in front of him.  Removing one hand he slid it from one breast to the juncture of her thighs. He groaned when he felt the fire burning within her. Upon hearing Methos groan and feeling his hand rubbing through her jeans, Rory opened her eyes and met his.

Reaching up, Rory began to unbutton his shirt, her eyes never leaving his.  Once it was undone, she pulled it from his pants and ran her hands over his bare chest. Rory pushed aside the open shirt and kissing her way down, latched onto one of his nipples, rolling the tight bud between her teeth.  Methos closed his eyes and groaned, slowly he raised his head and looked up at a sound above them. Rory looked up also to see a young couple watching them from above. Rory smiled before she looked back at Methos, "Come on."

Rory pulled Methos by the lapels of his coat and walked backwards toward Duncan's barge. Walking up the ramp, Rory stopped when she was of equal height to Methos and kissed him. Deepening the kiss and leaning against him, she moaned, "Do you know how to get in?"

"Don't you have a key?" Methos asked in-between kisses.

"Well, I do but it's back at my place and to be honest, I don't think I can wait that long." Rory rubbed herself against his body. Methos moaned and lowered Rory to the gangplank, heedless of the other couple watching.

Methos pulled off Rory's sweater before bending back down to claim her lips. He began to unbutton her shirt as she went for his belt. Their kisses, no longer gentle but demanding in their hunger. When he had her shirt totally undone, he raised up and looked upon her face, her passionate gaze filled him.

Rory looked at him, looking at her and stopped when she had his belt and jeans undone, waiting for his next move. It seemed that he watched her forever but it was only a couple of minutes. When he raised his eyes to hers, the fire inside her flared to a new high. Methos looked over his shoulder and found the couple still watching them. Pulling Rory's shirt together, he pushed himself up to his feet and reached down for her hand. "Come on. It's time to go inside."

Taking the hand offered her, Rory stood smiling and followed him to the door of the barge, which he quickly picked the lock.

Upon entering, Methos turned and closed the door. Facing Rory, he wrapped his arms around her as he sought her lips hungrily. Feeling herself being lifted, Rory wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her toward the bed. As soon as his legs hit it, Methos lowered them both slowly onto it. Once there, they quickly divested themselves of their clothing.

When they were completely undressed, they stopped and looked over the other. Rory inhaled sharply at the sight before her. Methos was beautiful in his long, lean, lines. His muscles flowed just beneath the surface. Looking back up at his face, she watched his reaction to her body.

Methos sat back to look over Rory's body. Slowly he admired her firm breasts. They weren't very big, just enough to fill his hands. She had a flat stomach and a tiny waist that flared at the hips. He could see the moisture glistening at the juncture of her thighs and felt himself harden even more painfully. He wanted this woman. Looking back up to her face he froze.  Laying before him was not Rory but Alexa. He shut his eyes and slowly opened them to find Rory looking at him with passion and concern warring with one another. And what was that? Love? He closed his eyes. But maybe it wasn't.

Methos felt a hand wrap around his hardness, stroking his length, spreading the moisture gathered at the tip and moaned. Opening his eyes, he leaned down and claimed Rory's lips before moving down to capture one of the tight buds of her breasts between his teeth. Rolling it around he lavished it with his tongue. Rory arched against Methos and twined her legs with his. Methos could feel himself rubbing against her wet heat and couldn't wait any longer.  Slowly he entered her, staring into her eyes as he slid in to the hilt while she wrapped her legs around his waist at the same time. Thrusting deep inside her, Methos felt her tight walls hug him and he groaned. It had been a long time, since right before Alexa had gotten too sick, and he wasn't sure just how long he would last.

Rory moaned when he entered her and wanting all of him, lifted her legs and wrapped then around his waist. When he slowly began to move, she was ready and met his every thrust pushing him to move faster. As their tempo increased, Rory could feel the pressure building quickly inside her.  Methos could feel the need not only in himself but in her as well. Thrusting harder and faster, he felt the beginning spasms of Rory's orgasm and his owned answered. As they climaxed together, they both cried out. Methos collapsed on top of Rory and she held him tight as the trimmers slowed for them both and their breathing slowly returned to normal.

Quietly they continued to lay there, each in their own thoughts. Rory felt that she knew what was going through Methos' mind and thought of all that she could say to refute or ease his mind. Finally, she just quit thinking and enjoyed the feel of him in her arms.

It wasn't long before Methos pushed himself away from Rory and off the bed to begin pacing. Rory watched his face, looking for clues of what he might be thinking about. Methos was too schooled for that so she gave up and rolled to her side so she could enjoy watching his glorious body move.

Finally, he came to a decision. Sitting on the bed he turned to Rory and stopped as he looked at her. He could feel himself starting to respond to the sight of her but he clamped down on it. "Rory," He ran a hand through his hair and she could see that he was still struggling. "Listen, what happened tonight was wonderful."

"But?"

"But it shouldn't have happened. You are a warm, wonderful, attractive woman and any man in his right mind would be crazy not to notice that."

"So what's the problem, Methos?" Rory knew what was coming and it made her mad but she was going to let him dig his own hole.

"Rory, I buried a woman I loved a little over a year ago and the thing is... I still love her. I know you know I'm immortal but just because I am immortal doesn't mean that my heart heals like my body. I'm not looking for love or commitments right now. I hope you understand." Methos could see the anger simmering in her eyes and he thought that he understood it. He next expected to see hurt, so he stood up and walked to a porthole. Placing his hands on either side of it, he gazed out at the river.

Rory was furious! The audacity of the man! Immortal or not, this was the 20th century and women didn't go looking for commitments just because they slept with a guy. "Excuse me!? Did I ever mention love or commitment? No! I didn't. Look Methos, I like you and I'm attracted to you. Always have been and I've enjoyed your friendship, now more then ever but did I *once* mention love or commitment? Personally, I can't see what the problem is. Why can't we just leave things the way they are and take things one day at a time. We both have needs and I have no problem with filling them with a friend."

During her tirade, Rory had gotten off the bed and begun dressing.  Here she paused and looked at Methos' back. "We are friends aren't we?"

When he nodded, she felt a weight lift from her. It meant that she still had a chance. "So Methos, what is it then? Is the problem me or the fact that you just had sex with a friend?" By this time Rory was completely dressed.  Turning back toward Methos it was to find his back still toward her and his silence. "Fine Methos." Rory sighed, "When you make up your mind what the problem is, let me know." Rory was gone out the door without another word.

At the sound of the door shutting, Methods turned toward it. He knew that he had messed things up and Rory was right. Never once had she uttered words of love or asked for anything that he wasn't willing to give. So the problem was with him. Sighing he turned and began dressing, thinking of the evening. Quietly, he left the barge and walked along the river bank. Near dawn he reached his car and drove back to his place for a shower and breakfast. He still had not solved the problems that were whirling in his mind.

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That night, Rory was getting ready for bed when there was a knock on the door. Rory grabbed her robe and put it on as she looked through the peep hole at her visitor. It was Methos. Nervously, she opened the door. "Hello Methos."

The night air was chilly and sliced right through the satin robe and gown she had on, causing her nipples to pucker. Methos groaned as he felt his resolve crumble. Reaching out he grabbed her to him. "I'm sorry, " he whispered just before he claimed her lips.

Rory felt the heat immediately pool deep within her and she kissed him back hungrily. All thoughts fled from her mind. Methos was here and that was all that mattered. He lifted her off the floor and closed the door behind him as he walked inside. Pushing her up against the wall, they fumbled with his coat and shirt. Methos then reached for Rory's robe. As it slipped from her body, she reached for the fastenings of his jeans. Pulling them open, she released his erection into her waiting hands. Lovingly she caressed it causing him to moan into her mouth. Methos slipped his hands up to the straps for her gown and slid them from her shoulders as she moved her hands to push at his jeans.

Rory's gown was caught around her lower arms but her breasts were free and that was what mattered to him. Breaking off the kiss, Methos picked her up again and sucked one tempting bud into his mouth. Rory wrapped her legs around him, for support or natural instinct, neither knew or cared. Methos leaned her into the wall to support her as he pushed his jeans down and brought his hands up to up the cheeks of her bottom, holding her in place as he slid into her wet heat. They both groaned has he slid to the hilt within her.  Methos pounded into her fast and furious, which Rory reciprocated by digging her nails into his shoulders and throwing her head back, crying out her passion. Methos continued to fill her over and over again as they reached the pentacle of their passion and fell over the edge.

As they gasped for air, Methos slowly slid them both to the floor. Leaning against her, Methos knew that there was no way he could leave this woman alone. If she was willing to take what he was willing to give then so be it.  He cared for Rory and would be willing to give her all that he could. They would take it one day at a time.

The rest of the week flew by with Methos practically living at Rory's. The following week was just the opposite. Rory didn't see him at all. Oh, she had heard from him all right. She had heard all of his excuses. Working all night on a project, meetings, watcher business, anything he could get his hands on. Rory tried not to let it bother her. She knew what he was doing. He was running scared. She never pushed, never called. If they were going to happen, he had to come to a decision.

Then just as she was about to give up, she found him sitting on her stoop holding a pink rose. Rising, he handed her the rose which she noticed was tinged with red. Taking it, she held onto his hand, never said a word or asked a question and led him into the building. That week was better. He didn't come around everyday but each time he showed, Rory greeted him warmly with a smile and a passionate kiss. Toward the end of the week, Rory felt a little homesick. Placing some overseas calls, it helped when she talked to her friends.

The rest of the week and the following two were wonderful. Methos was with her every moment that she wasn't working. They just couldn't seem to get enough of each other but they both knew that Rory's job was coming to an end and she would have to go back to the states. The last week was the best and saddest. With only four days left, Rory called Duncan to confirm that everything on that end was set.

Their last night together was quiet. They ate in, then went for a walk along the Seine, stopping at her favorite bridge. Methos shielded her with his body from the cool breeze. Wrapped in his arms, leaning against his body, Rory felt warm and safe. She sighed and Methos hugged her tighter. "What?"

"It's beautiful here. You have shown me the Paris of my dreams and now I must wake up."

Methos kissed the top of her head. "I liked showing you Paris. Maybe one day I'll get the chance to show you some of the other places of your dreams."

"I must thank Adam for introducing me to such a wonderful tour guide."  Turning form the scene before her, she wrapped her arms around him for a kiss. It was a slow and sweet kiss. One that gently stirred the embers of desire. Breaking it off, Methos turned them and they continued their walk, finally ending back up at her place. Opening the door to go inside for the last time, Rory felt tears start at the sight of her luggage sitting there ready to go in the morning. Not wanting Methos to see them, she set about checking the place and making sure that she hadn't forgotten anything.

Methos finally stopped her. Taking her hands, he walked her over to the bed. "You've got an early flight to catch in the morning. It's time for bed."

Rory nodded. She knew that if she actually forgot anything that Methos would send it. Slowly he undressed her, touching and caressing her body gently and lovingly as he went. After he was finished, it was Rory's turn.  She took her time wanting to memorize his every feature.

By the time they were done. Both were greatly aroused but still in no hurry. Methos drew Rory in for a tender kiss before bending to pick her up and placing her on the bed. Laying gently on top of her he caressed her face as he looked deeply into her eyes. Entwining his fingers with hers, he slowly entered her and with exquisite care drove her to the pinnacle of passion before they both fell over the edge. As Methos laid upon her, he felt her tremors and knew them for what they were. All he could do was hold her tightly as she silently cried at what she felt she was loosing.

After Rory had fallen asleep, Methos continued to hold and watch her. He knew that he should let this be the end. They had both had a wonderful two months and now she had to go back but something deep inside him was screaming no. There was something about this woman that wreaked his resolve. Once again he was forgetting all his plans and making new ones.

In the morning, they awoke, loaded the car and headed for the airport. Methos stopped to pick up some breakfast when he finally voiced the plans he had made last night while Rory slept. "I know I haven't said anything before but just so you know, I'm going to be in Seacouver in about three weeks. Would you like to reciprocate the favor and pick me up at the airport? Rory looked startled and then he watched as the sadness that had filled her eyes melted away to be replaced by joy.

"Of course I will! Do you have a place to stay?"

Smiling, Methos replied, "Well, I have this friend that I helped find an apartment for here in Paris, that I'm hoping will put me up."

Rory smiled back, "If not, let me know and I'll see what I can do." Both looked at each other before bursting out with laughter.

At the airport, the good-bye was still a little teary but the joy and anticipation that was lying just beneath the surface wouldn't let it be sad. Three weeks that was it. All Rory had to do was survive three weeks without him.

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One Week Later...

"Damn! Where is she!" Methos hung up the phone. After their first conversation everything had seemed fine. So then why wasn't he able to find her. Methos tried Rory's number once last time. He'd tried to remember some of her friend's numbers but they were either not home or wrong numbers. The first couple of days hadn't bothered him but now...

Hanging up, he dialed one more number. "MacLeod."

Methos sighed with relief, "Mac, Methos. Listen have you seen Rory? I've been trying to call her all week.

"No, I haven't see her since the day she got back. She said she was going to go spend some time with some friends before classes started back up in a few weeks. By the way Methos, have you talked to Joe? I think he was looking for you. Something to do about an immortal named Ajit."

"Damn! Thanks Mac." And the phone went dead.

Duncan looked at the dead receiver and wondered why Methos was so worried about Rory. Had something happened while they were in Paris? Sighing, he turned back to finish making his lunch.

Meanwhile in Paris, Methos was cursing in every language he knew as he called Joe while he hastily packed a bag. "Hey Joe, MacLeod just told me you've been wanting to talk to me. What's this about a Ajit?"

"Hey! Methos! Yea, We've got a new player here in town but very little information about him. Nothing for the past hundred years but when I put his picture into the computer, the name Ajit comes up. He'd be about 3700 years old if it's him. Heck, we wouldn't have even known about him if MacLeod hadn't run into him when we were together."

Methos let out his breath slowly before repling. "I take it that they didn't fight then?"

"No, they just kind of stood there staring over the distance at each other for a few minutes and then he just turned and walked away." Joe said, sounding slightly puzzled. "Mac told me he didn't know who he was so I'm not sure why he didn't even introduce himself."

"When did he show up?" Methos asked, the knot in his stomach tightening more.

Joe thought for a moment, "I'm not really sure. The run in with Mac was three days ago. I haven't been able to locate him since."

"Listen Joe, if you see him again, let me know. I'll have my cell phone on. By the way, have you seen Rory?"

"Yea, I saw her at the beginning of the week, just before she was to go out of town. She said that she'd drop by when she got back." Joe scratched at his beard. "That was supposed to be yesterday. She probably just got a late start back. If I hear from her, I'll tell her you were looking for her."

"Thanks Joe, I got to go." With that Methos hung up the phone and quickly picked it up again to call the airport. He hoped it would take Joe awhile to figure out that he hadn't answered his question about Ajit. He shuddered when he thought about Ajit and what he could and would do to Rory if he knew about them.

Some how Methos managed to get on standby for the next flight to Seacouver.  Normally he would have stayed away until he was sure that there weren't any immortals that might be looking for him were gone but now with Rory in the picture, he couldn't.

Methos managed to get on the flight and once he was seated there was nothing to do but think. Plenty of time in which to make plans and plenty of time in which to throw them away. Finally, he just sat back to think about Rory. She had become important to him, not only as a friend but as a lover. He didn't know if he could handle losing someone else that he cared for so soon. Granted, he'd never said 'I love you' and neither had she.  He still wasn't sure and he knew that he wasn't ready. God! He just wasn't sure anymore. Here he was 5000 years old and still couldn't make up his mind when it came to his heart.

Dozing off he dreamed of Alexa, of their love and what their life could have been like if he had gotten the stone. Walking up to her, he turned her for a kiss only to find that the woman he held was Rory. Jerking awake in time for the landing, Methos felt more confused then ever.

Once through customs, Methos picked up his car and rushed to Rory's.  Picking the lock, he began searching the house, looking for anything that might give him a clue to where she might be. Suddenly, he noticed what looked to be a map peeking out from a stack of papers on her desk. Pulling it out, Methos read the directions and the letter quickly and paled.

Ajit had found him in Paris and had seen him with Rory. Here was a letter supposedly by him asking Rory to meet him for a week retreat in the mountains before classes started and to not tell anyone where she was going so they could be completely alone together. Pocketing the map, he ran out to his car and proceeded to follow it.

Two hours later, he found the secluded entrance and followed the road.  Knowing that he could not totally get the surprise on Ajit, Methos pulled up beside the other cars, one of which was Rory's and cautiously got out. The sound of swords clanging together made him curse and he pulled his sword and gun as he walked silently toward where the fighting was going on. Still within sight of the house but still out of range of the two immortals fighting, his fears were confirmed. There was Ajit and someone that Methos could only guess to be his student.

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