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[Nicolette St. James]

Nicky was very interested in this boil.  It sounded particularly interesting as he spoke of the sausage and crayfish and shrimp.  She had never heard of anything like it and it was already tempting.  A bunch of things she liked separate, so why not throw it in together and see what sort of creation could be made?  It certainly gave her some ideas on new recipes she had been wanting to try, like the baked soup.  That was a new concoction for her, and she wondered how Zippy and Stuart had liked it but he was up and to the rest room.  Nicky had waited for his return and immediately moved closer to him.  Her question about the baked soup lost as they were thrown back into the topic of her owning a bakery or possibly owning a baker, and her finding Zippy a job.

"Well no, I didn't actually go to Etiquette school"  She suddenly laughed.  "I sort of let my friend go in my place.  She wanted to go awful bad, and didn't have the money and I didn't want to go.  So I hit the dusty trail for a year, hiding out between my auntie's house, my grandmother's house and my friends.  I still worked odd and end jobs, but that did me a whole lot of squat.  When my parents found out, I had to pay them back for my friends schooling.  It was very expensive, blew all of my savings, and so when I started to work at the florist I started to build the savings back up, only to have it be blown again on bail."  She rolled her eyes.  Her parents drove her crazy, but they said it would teach her a lesson on respect, and understanding of a penny.  It would make her responsible.  She could see her father now, the way his chin dimpled as he looked at her disgusted and would shake his finger in her face.

Luckily the topic changed to Zippy and jobs and she moved on quickly.  "Well, Zippy needs to come in.  I have ranted and raved about her, now she needs to make an appearance.  Tell her, her butt better be there no later then nine sometime this week and she will have it.  But there are others interested too, so the sooner she strikes the better." 

Nicky looked at her glass and then back to Stuart and shook her head.  "No, I'm doing just fine."  She gave a slight look to him and took another healthy turn of her drink, polishing the rest of it off.  She breathed in deeply after that long drink, but now she was even with him at least.  Nope she wasn't normally an ale girl but she'd do it if she were pushed.  She'd have a drinking game with him if he wanted one, she was rather competitive.

Pushing over her plate she smiled.  "Cod pie.  Its really good.  Take some."  She offered getting herself a forkful and taking a bite while her plate sat between the two of them so he too could have a taste.

[Stuart LaRoche]

Stuart nodded as Nicky said that Zippy needed to come in to the coffee shop. "Alright, I'll light a fire under her. She's been recovering all week but there's no excuse for her not visiting there Monday. Could she even come tomorrow? Would the owners be there then?"

He had to laugh, though, at the thought of Nicky skipping out on etiquette school and letting her friend go in her place. She was crazy. "And your grandmother was in on this? I can't believe your parents allowed you to come here this summer. The two of you together get up to no good."

He reluctantly moved his arm from behind Nicky to get started on his food. She had pushed her plate towards him and he took a forkful of her cod pie. She was right, it was good. It was comprised of big chunks of mild cod covered in seasoned mashed potatoes and baked until the potatoes made a nice brown crust. It was very tasty, indeed, and something he was going to have to remember the next time they came here. He took another forkful and pushed his plate to her. "Have some of mine, too. By the way, Zippy and I really loved the food you brought over on Sunday. We've been feasting like kings all week long. It was nice of you to do that."

In reality, though, Stuart had mixed feelings about Nicky bringing over food for them. She always wanted to fix everything when she heard there was a problem. He understood the feeling, but he wasn't sure if he liked the woman in his life wanting to fix things for him. It gave him the feeling that Nicky didn't need him, but that he was dependent upon her. He knew he had nothing to offer her. He had a steady job but he was a redcap with no extra money. He couldn't have even bought a house if he wanted -- new laws had been enacted to keep immigrants from owning property. She had everything set in her life with the well-off family and the parents who wanted her to go to etiquette school. She had it all together. He would only mess up her life by entering it. She was the kind of girl who should be with a wealthy Merlin's Way man, not some immigrant who had nothing to his name. He said nothing, however, simply digging into his salmon

As he was eating her food he noticed Nicky polish off her drink, and he smiled over at her. "Okay, so now ready to move on to the hard stuff? Whiskey next?"

[Nicolette St. James]

"Oh sure, she could go into the shop tomorrow.  I just thought maybe she'd prefer to have me there.  But if she can go it alone tell her to go.  No problem."  Nicky nodded enthusiastically.  

Laughing again she shook her head.  "No Bama didn't know.  She thought I had just come to visit her, and well my parents told her after the fact.  That was one of the reasons I'm here, to learn from her.  They thought I'd get better training here then at a school that I'd vanish from anyways.  I know better then to mess with Bama.  Though Auntie Mag was awesome, she was the one my parents were mad at.  They refused to talk to her for two months.  Though Aunt Mags said it was the most peaceful two months."  She laughed again.  Nicky looked just like her aunt, and the two had a great relationship.  Of course she was just trouble in her father's eyes.  Perhaps it really was true, their spunkiness skipped generations.  

Nicky reached over to take a forkful of his and nodded in surprise.  Nicky hadn't eaten much Salmon, it was a more expensive fish, but she now knew why, it tasted delicious.  "Oh you are welcome.  I loved it.  You should at least make Zippy cook for you if she isn't going to work.  You will perish on those scraps in the fridge that I had seen."  Her hand lifted, moved through his hair and then back into her lap to continue eating.  Nicky did not look at their relationship as awkward or in any way a problem or burden.  Nicky liked Stuart, and she didn't care who was the bread winner, or if she had the better connections while he had none.  That stuff just didn't matter to her.  She wasn't about being his hero, or shoving it in his face either.  She was with a person she liked.  Who cared if they were on the same playing level?  In fact it was him being so exotic that egged her on at the beginning.  She just liked it, as well as his foreign ways.

Looking to her drink and then him Nicky laughed.  "Are you trying to get me drunk?"  She asked her eyes lighting up playfully.  As the waitress came over she put up a finger.  "I'll take a whiskey."  She said firmly, the woman jotted it down and went on her way, Nicky looked back to him with a teasing smile.  Of course part of her didn't know if that was a bright choice, but too late now.  She was going for it.  Never back down, that was Nicky and she stepped up to the challenge like a champ even if she was already feeling the flush and affect of the black and tan.

[Stuart LaRoche]

"Well, I'll mention it to her when I get home tonight if she's still awake," Stuart said after he'd moved on from Nicky's dish and back to his own. He didn't say anything out loud, but he figured maybe Zippy would rather go for the job on her own and just mention Nicky's name. He imagined Nicky doing her best to present Zippy in a good light by talking non-stop and not letting Zippy get a word in edgewise, but he would let his sister make that decision. Whatever she decided, one thing was not debatable: she was going to go for this job. He didn't want to support her much longer.

They continued to eat their dinner, Stuart sitting in silence as Nicky spoke about her adventures in avoiding etiquette school and bunking with her female relatives. He shook his head and smiled. "You are painting a very bleak picture of your parents, you know," he said, glancing over at her. "Are they really as bad as all that?"

Nicky leaned over to take a forkful of salmon and Stuart watched as her face lit up in surprise. "Don't tell me you've never had salmon before," he said, and then nearly laughed at the thought of Zippy cooking for the two of them. "She's not much of a cook," he said, as Nicky lifted a hand to brush through his hair. He loved these little intimate things she did with him, the way she told him and the rest of the pub that they were together. "She tends to burn everything. Besides, she's been sick, I don't want her sneezing into my food."

The waitress returned to bring Stuart his ale as Nicky asked if he was trying to get her drunk, and he said nothing, simply shooting her a devilish smile as she ordered a whiskey. Oh baby, we're in for a wild night now, he thought yet remained silent as he took a sip of his ale. He looked at her for a second, wondering if she was so buzzed on the black and tan that she didn't care about propriety any more, and then he remembered something. It was something lurking at the back of his mind since they'd started dating, and the thought of Nicky getting drunk and making passes at men brought it to the surface.

Stuart took another sip of his ale and, as casually as he could, asked, "Something I've been meaning to ask you... Is there anything going on between you and Tristan Rune?"

[Nicolette St. James]

"OH yes, if she is still awake.  Don't go being mean now Stuart.  She will need her sleep for the interview."  Nicky did not have a problem with Zippy going on her own, and frankly Stuart was probably right, Nicky would probably speak noonstop about Zippy and never give the poor girl a chance to speak, let alone do anything else in the room. 

Laughing she shook her head again.  "Of course not.  They have their good points.  They are caring and affectionate in their own way.  The love me but just don't understand me.  And so they try to conform me into Logan and them, and I just am not them.  So, I stay away.  They miss me, I get letters from them.  But I know that our love for each other will continue to grow the longer I'm away.  I think I put too much strain and heart ache on them."  She shrugged and went back to eating.

The salmon had been delicious.  "No, it was always so pricey on the menu, I had gotten used to cod and talapia and catfish that I just never thought about it."  She shrugged stealing another bite from him but her fork nearly fell from her hand when Stuart said that Zippy couldn't cook.  "Nothing?  She can't cook anything?  And you want me to go into business with her.  Stuart."  Her voice completely serious.  "How am I to have a partner that is going to burn my buns."  She said in all honesty, thinking of the muffins, the buns, the tarts.  How could she have someone working with her that would make a mess?

The waitress had arrived with Stuart's ale and her new request begin sent away.  She watched the woman, eating her cod pie once more when he suddenly brought up Tristan.  "Me and Tristan?"  Her voice surprised.  "Your boss?"  She continued still looking lost.  "Why would there be anything between him and I?  Other then the party I never see him....ooooh"  She suddenly had it all click together.  "The party."  She began to laugh at the thought.  "Funny story.  I had told him that I'd kiss his head and make him feel better.  And when I did, I fell and kissed him."  She laughed again.  "Trust me, there is nothing between us.  I even forgot about it until just now.  No no, him and I would never work."  She slipped down and took Stuart's hand. 

"I'm happy here thanks."  She said softly, so tempted to kiss him but hesitated.  It was still a bit too soon to do that in public yet.

Her whiskey arrived, and like a champ she took a sip without flinching or making any sort of face.  Of course it burned her throat and left a taste on her tongue.  Her cheeks colored and her nose felt warm, but she knew it was just the affects of an Irish drinking alcohol.

[Stuart LaRoche]

Stuart understood Nicky's need to live away from her parents, although he had never been like that. In spite of his rocky relationship with his father he thought the world of his mother and had always loved being with her. Philippe and Zippy had always been off doing their own thing, but Stuart was her boy, the child with whom she had connected the most, and he with her. He had lived with his parents until he got married, and moved back for the few months between the time his house burned down and when he left for Ireland. He would probably still be living with them if he'd been able to get home; as it was, he'd had to learn to fend for himself here. If Holly hadn't come along and taken him (and Zippy) off the street when they arrived he'd probably be living out of a trash can in MacTavish Alley.

He hadn't realized Nicky would be so shocked that Zippy couldn't cook until she wondered how she could go into business with someone who couldn't cook. Stuart hadn't thought about that, and considered what Nicky was saying as he laughed about Zippy burning her buns. "Well, she really can't cook, but she can bake," he said. "Our grandmother took the time to show her how to make desserts and breads, but beyond that she's not interested in much in the kitchen. I guess she can make a boil or a stew like I can, but she can't make fancy dinners is what I'm saying. Does that make sense?" He smiled, then added, "So don't worry about Zippy burning your buns. If anyone burns your buns it will be me."

Stuart watched Nicky carefully as she gave her explanation about kissing Tristan at the party. He wasn't sure if he bought it one hundred percent, but he wasn't going to make an issue of it right now. He looked down at his plate, keeping his thoughts to himself until her voice changed and she slipped her hand in his. He looked over at her to see the way she was looking at him, and his heart skipped a beat. Their faces were close and he wanted to lean over and kiss her, and at the last second they both looked away. Just as well, the waitress arrived with her whiskey, and Stuart watched her out of the corner of his eye as she took a healthy sip.

"Look at you, socking the booze away," he teased. "If you like we can open a tab at the bar."

[Nicolette St. James]

Nicky was just too much of a free spirit for her grounded and earth bound parents.  There was nothing wrong with either side, it was just that the two polar opposites did not mesh well while living under one roof.  Logan had returned home for a bit trying to save money so he could buy a house large enough to start a family.  That was a key relationship.  Where Logan had returned home for major finance relief, Nicky usually returned home because of the lack of finances.  That was one big difference between the two worlds and though she knew her parents loved her, she also knew that they looked at her as a burden when she couldn't keep a single job for more then a few months. 

Nicky lightened when Stuart explained that Zippy could bake, just not cook.  He had a point, there was a difference.  Cooking held a variety of different things, including grilling, and sauteeing and baking and frying.  While baking was just that and usually consisted of desserts, though sometimes you did that with meat as well, or potatoes.  But she was glad to hear that Zippy knew the basics on desserts and breads, that eased her sudden troubled mind.  "Oh, well good.  It does make sense, and I am glad too.  Was getting a little worried there."  She said but couldn't continue with her seriousness.  She had now realized what she had said and his little comment just made her laugh all the more at how funny it was.  "Oh you"  She said as he teased her and curled her hand into his wanting to be closer to him.

As the light conversation changed yet again to Tristan and the kiss she shook her head.  She wasn't lying to him.  There was nothing going on between them and there never would be anything going on between them.  Tristan, was a sweet guy but he was even more wild then herself.  She always pictured him with some sort of wood nymph.  A beautiful woodland woman that came in with the whisper of the wind, and then left the same way.  She couldn't picture him with any of the Cat's Claw ladies and wouldn't be surprised if he had a lover some place else, some place where women were delicate and yet had that sense of adventure that he had.  That was what she pictured for Tristan, and that was not her.  Which she didn't mind, she didn't honestly want to be with him.  She wanted Stuart.

Sipping at her whiskey some more she returned to eating her dinner.  But stopped when he teased her yet again.  "No, I don't think I'm that bad yet, but you never know next week is another week away, I might become a boozer."  She teased in return.  However, the affects of the alcohol were readable on her light colored skin, especially her cheeks.  Her eyes had taken on a slanted look and were watery form the amount of alcohol.  She wasn't drunk but certainly had a lighter and tipsy feeling, and as the alcohol to food ratio challenged each other with every bite and sip, she felt the affects not vary or change, she certainly wouldn't allow herself to get drunk, she was cutting herself off.

[Stuart LaRoche]

Stuart finished his dinner and was leaning back in his chair and sipping his ale. Now that he was done eating he put his arm around Nicky again, his hand wrapped around her side and under her arm. He didn't want to lean too close to her because she was still eating and it would probably be annoying to have someone hanging on you while you were trying to eat, so he hung back and waited for her to finish. She was beginning to get a little tipsy. Her cheeks were red and her eyes were slightly bleary. He didn't think she was out and out drunk yet, but this should probably be her last whiskey. He took another pull from his ale as he watched her. He had a slight buzz but nothing that made him feel even close to drunk. He probably could have had another two beers without feeling drunk.

He rubbed his thumb on her side as he thought about her with Tristan. Of course he wanted to believe her, but Colin had made it seem like Nicky tackled Tristan at the dance and forced her tongue down his throat. While he couldn't see Nicky doing that sober, drunk Nicky might have done that. She seemed to become even more affectionate after a couple of drinks -- sober, her playful touches and caresses didn't have any weight behind them, but drunk, she knew exactly what she was after. This was just conjecture on his part, based on the way she was acting with a beer and a whiskey in her, but it did make him wonder just how much she was downplaying the kiss with Tristan because she had been so tipsy she didn't realize how much she was coming on to him.

That Nicky became more bold in her advances with some alcohol in her system was fine with Stuart. He liked the way she leaned against him and the way she touched him, and she was growing more bold as the evening went on. Whether that was due to the alcohol or to the fact that she was really into him, he couldn't exactly tell, but he wasn't in the mood to care too much. He was just enjoying what she was doing -- her hand through his hair, the smoldering looks, the way she reached over and touched him, the way she came out and told him that she only wanted him -- all of that was what he had craved and had been missing so much these past several months since Ainne had died. It was what he had been begging for from Hannah and had never received. And here was Nicky -- beautiful, carefree, flowers-in-her-hair Nicky -- giving him what he wanted, and telling him just how much she wanted him.

It was making him go crazy with want for her, making his head swim and his breathing shallow. He couldn't wait to get out of the pub and get her alone, but he simply sat and waited, enjoying the anticipation of being alone with Nicky. He had judged her mood before making his remark about her burnt buns and was sailing with wind, and she seemed to think he was funny. She really was drunk if she thought that was funny. He didn't even know what he had meant by burning her buns, but he couldn't let a remark like that go by without making some sort of comment.

He leaned closer to Nicky as it looked like she was close to finishing her dinner and quickly kissed her head, right behind her ear. "Where do you want to go after this?" he asked in a low voice. "I thought we could either take a walk or just go back home."

[Nicolette St. James]

Everything felt even more alive when one drank.  His arm wrapped around her.  His finger gently rubbing her side.  It all felt just a little more right as her body calmed down and unwound from the drinks.  She enjoyed touching Stuart, in very subtle ways.  It was a way to be close to him without taking that next leap.  It was a way to let him know he was her guy.  And she hoped it was a way for him to see that she was his girl.  And she would not wander off to anyone else.  Had she known about his fear with her and Tristan she would have laughed and kissed him on the spot, not caring who looked or watched.  She did not want him to think she would cheat, that wasn't Nicky's style.  Free spirit, sure, but at the cost of completely hurting someone else, never.

The food tasted even better and as she finished off her own food she continued to drink the whiskey as well.  Finishing them both off at the same time.  She had leaned into Stuart, feeling his lips on her neck, her eyes had closed for a moment.  Listening as he whispered into her ear.  Her option to go back 'home' was a nice one indeed.  But she still was wanting this to move a bit slow.  She just wanted to be sure that she wasn't replacing his hurtful memories, that he was here because he wanted to be here.  The two had priorly fought a bit.  But maybe it was because of the hidden sexual tension that they refused to take a look at, anything was possible.

"Let's go for a walk"  She responded softly.  "I need to walk off some of this meal, I'm stuffed."  Whenever Nicky ate heavy she liked something active to help her digest.  She hated sitting around with a full stomach, it just made her feel even more full. 

The waitress had returned, and seeing that they looked finished, placed the check on the table.  Nicky had once again, gotten up, stretching her arms above her head while she waited for him to pay the check and they be on their way.

[Stuart LaRoche]

He felt like it was just the two of them in their own little world. Dishes clashed around them, rounds were called, the hum of other people's conversation continually buzzed, but as far as Stuart was concerned it was him, Nicky and no one else. She was leaning against him and he could feel her melt into his side as he spoke. Had Stuart known she thought he meant "home" was a euphemism for getting it on, he would have corrected her. He was hoping for more eclairs.

Nicky had wanted to go for a walk and that was fine with him. The fatty fish and potatoes were sitting in his stomach and he needed to walk it off. Stuart tossed back the rest of his ale as the waitress brought the check and Nicky stood to go. "Hold on there, Nick," he said absently as he figured up the tip and took out his wallet. "I need to hit the men's room." He paid the bill, noticing how low on funds he was getting. He should have gotten something cheaper than the salmon.

Stuart gave Nicky's arm a squeeze as he headed off towards the men's room. While he was washing his hands he checked his beard for crumbs and rinsed out his mouth. Cleaning off his glasses, fixing his hair and satisfied that he looked about as presentable as he could, he left and met up with Nicky by the door of the pub.

It was another nice evening, perfect for walking. The sun was just setting as the swifts wheeled around above to pick off mosquitoes. Stuart took Nicky's hand as they exited the pub and started walking in the direction of the port. There was a small park near the open air market and he was headed in that direction. He loved walking with her and holding her hand, although he did want to feel her against him again like she had been at the pub.

"I'm not bothered by you kissing Tristan, by the way," he said after a few minutes of not saying anything. "That happened long before we were together. I was just wondering. His friend Colin told me about it the day after the party."

[Nicolette St. James]

Nicky indeed had more eclairs, and was actually excited to have him test try her newest one, however that had all slipped her mind now that she was in close contact with him.  She had been ready to reach out and take his arm and leave when he had told her to hold on.  He paid for the bill and left to the men's room.  Nicky had taken her own opportunity to enter the ladies room, luckily there had been no line. 

She had only briefly glimpsed at herself in the mirror, fixing her eyes and washed her hands and then was on her way out, meeting Stuart at the door where he carefully lead her outside.  The night felt nice, and the sun had just begun to set.  They had plenty of time before it would actually be dark.  Taking his hand in hers she walked with him towards his destination, and was curious where he was leading her.  As they passed shops that were still open and some that were starting to close, her eyes looked around at the store shop windows and looked in at the interesting little things they had on display. 

Eyes looked to him when he suddenly brought up Tristan yet again.  She looked at him with a confused look.  The two had not talked about that topic for some time,a nd for him to speak about it now, proved that he wasn't over it.  He must have been dwelling on it.  Boldly Nicky pulled him down one of the alley's between the pet store and the toy store.  "You shouldn't be bothered.  I may be a touch type person, but I don't do that sort of thing.  I don't cheat.  This may only technically be date number three but I don't care."  Her hand lifted and rested on his cheek, closing the gap she kissed him, this proving where being close to the same height was a good thing.  "Stop worrying Stuart."  Her fingers feathered through his hair, and then she pulled away, pulling him out of the alley. 

Even in decent areas like this, trouble could be lurking.  Nicky was carefree but not stupid.  She took one last look at him and then slipped her hand around him and walked with him as she held onto him.  She did not find the sudden silence awkward as they were just walking, and admiring the city as they headed towards the park.  She felt comfortable to be with him that it didn't matter if they were chatting or not, it was enough just to hold his hand and walk.

[Stuart LaRoche]

The two strolled past the shops as Nicky looked at the shop displays and in the windows. Stuart glanced at them but wasn't paying any particular attention. He was too busy turning over the thought of Nicky and Tristan in his mind. He honestly wasn't upset about it; as he said it had happened long before the two of them were together. Hell, he had just been with Hannah in the zen garden room right before the kiss in question happened. He was the last person to be jealous over something like that. The thing he was worried about, though, was wondering if Nicky had any remaining feelings for Tristan.

He needn't have worried. Nicky read him like a book and pulled him down an alleyway. At first he was alarmed, wondering what exactly she was doing. She had pulled him back into the shadows and told him, in no uncertain terms, that she wasn't about to go chasing after Tristan while she was with him. He said nothing, merely holding her gaze, and then she touched his face and kissed him. He wanted their kiss to last longer, but she pulled back and ran her hand through his hair as she told him to stop worrying. He understood what she was saying but she was being too simplistic. Stuart would never stop worrying about it; for as long as they were together he would always keep an eye out for other men sniffing around his woman. He knew how men operated. Hell, he was that man. He had been with Hannah while her boyfriend was away. There was no way he was going to let that happen in any relationship of his.

Still, he said nothing as she pulled him from the the alley. He wouldn't bring it up again. To do so would only make her angry. He decided to keep it to himself but to keep watch.

Nicky held onto him as they continued to walk. After a short time they reached the open air market, now closed, and they walked beyond to the little park by the docks at the water's edge. It wasn't much of a park. There were few benches under some trees scattered around. A small open area was off to one side and this was where street performers would come to sing, juggle, or whatever else they did. Low street lights softly lit the area, even though by now the place was mostly deserted. A narrow paved walkway, edged by a railing, curved between the park grass and the water, and it was on this walkway Hannah had smashed the jellies she had bought as she gave full rein to her explosive temper the day that she had seen Stuart and Nicky together at the market. She had been jealous of Nicky, and Stuart thought at the time that she was being ridiculous. Maybe she wasn't. Maybe she was aware of something that Stuart had refused to see.

Stuart led Nicky to the railing, away from the spot where Hannah had exploded on him to avoid those memories. He leaned against the railing, looking at the water below and out over the horizon. The sun had set over the water, the last of its light reaching out to the newly-appearing stars, and Stuart reached over for Nicky, putting his arm around her waist and pulling her close. He kept his hand there on the bend of her waist and leaned his head against hers. He was content to just be here with her, to simply exist, just the two of them.

[Nicolette St. James]

Nicky really did hope that she settled the issue with him.  She did not go after more then one guy at a time.  She also wasn't the sort to cheat.  She didn't care how much of a free spirit she thought she was, she wouldn't hurt someone like that.  And it was good he wasn't going to bring it up again as she would get upset about it.  She had told him enough times that hopefully by now he realized that she meant what she said to him.  Of course she would not realize nor understand why he felt the need to keep watch.  No other men were trying to capture her eye.  No other guys were even sniffing at her.  Only Stuart, and that was just fine with her.

They continued to walk past the shops, the different displays kept her entertained as her eyes went from one to the next.  And as they passed through the open air market she again looked around at the closed displays, the boxes that were left around and the different carts that were now shut down, curious if there was anything inside of them.  They continued on past the area and then got to the small area near the docks.  The small walk way.  She had never heard about the fight between Hannah and Stuart about herself.  She had been too busy getting the jams that Stuart had asked for and continuing on with her shopping while he had left to go attend something.  Nicky really didn't know the other side to Stuart, the side that hid his secret about Hannah.

As they got to the railing, Nicky looked over, staring at the water that crashed up against the docks and forced the boats to rock back and forth in the current and waves.  Sea spray hit them where they stood with every push up the side of the sea wall.  She breathed in the salty air, it was thick and heavy and wet.  Soon Stuart wrapped his arm about her and she hugged him to her, looking out at the horizon, watching the sun drop into the water, going to sleep after such a long warm day of sunshine.  Kissing his bearded jaw and then his neck she rested her head up against his shoulder.

The old pub near the docks was lively this evening.  In fact a bit too lively.  The darkening world was suddenly alit when the doors were flung open and two men brawling were forced out on their butts.  Nicky turned to watch the two as they stood up and brushed themselves off.  Eyes bloodied and looking worse for wear as they drunkenly made their way towards McTavish alley.  Nicky turned back to the horizon, holding to Stuart still, and glad that the two burly men were heading off away from them.

There went that feeling of it being just them, all alone.  Pulling at his hand she pulled him further away from the pub and further down the line, away from everything, away from everyone.  Walking once again, with no real destination in mind but just to walk.  "I don't want trouble tonight"  She whispered to him and continued to walk.

[Stuart LaRoche]

Stuart and Nicky were holding each other in the dying sunlight, watching the ocean move and the sun dip below the horizon. He could have stayed here like this with her all night, especially when she kissed his neck and laid her head on his shoulder. He was about to turn and kiss her when the doors to a nearby pub flew open and two drunken sots came barreling out. Not particularly romantic, Stuart thought as he watched the men move away from them. Nicky took his hand and they walked away together, away from the pub, away from anyone else who might be around.

Stuart had never been on the boardwalk that surrounded the city perimeter, and when they wandered back through the open air market he took a turn that lead them in that direction. It seemed to be a continuation of the walkway near the market, but rather than a paved walkway it had been laid out in boards. The further inland and away from the city center they went the more woodsy it became. Stuart had no idea where it lead to and hoped they weren't heading anywhere dangerous. It didn't seem that way. They occasionally passed others; no one seemed to pay much attention to them. He guessed that if there was danger ahead they wouldn't be seeing others.

He loved the woods and the smell of the trees and the earth. Ireland was so different from North Carolina and he felt like he would never be able to get it out of his blood. The place was lush and damp like a rain forest. He had his arm around Nicky's waist as they walked slowly and companionably, neither one saying very much. He wondered if she was still as tipsy as she was in the pub but wasn't about to come out and ask if she was still drunk. She seemed to be doing alright. She was walking steady and wasn't slurring her words.

"I don't think I've ever been here before," Stuart said, looking up at the trees. "Where does this go to, do you know?"

[Nicolette St. James]

Nicky had learned to walk rather well feeling tipsy.  And it was the reason she had taken to silence and not talking.  She did not want to make a fool of herself.  Indeed she was still tipsy.  Indeed the alcohol was still having its affect on her.  It was also the reason she wanted to keep walking.  If she continued to stay in one spot she'd pounce on Stuart, she was certain.  Those kissable lips, she was ready for more.  But her mind could focus on only one task, and right now that was walking. 

As they stepped on the planks of the boardwalk, they entered something that looked rather swampish.  Lush ferns and greens.  It was part of the moor that was in Cat's Claw, and they were walking over it.  It had a slight acidic smell to it, but nothing too overpowering.  The large trees went up for what seemed like miles and yet were completely bare.  The bald cypress that rooted itself in this mucky water. 

The two passed other couples, strollers, and runners.  All heading either in one direction or another.  And as Stuart asked his question, Nicky stopped a moment to think about it.  She didn't want to stumble and so haulted herself, looking out at the water that held dillyweed and sandollar weed all over it.  She looked out and then shrugged.  "Its the Boardwalk, it goes in a circle around the city.  It is safe, goes through the park and the woods, and the moor, and edges across the forest, but never too deep.  I think if we continue it, we will end up at a park where we can then hail a taxi."  She said looking up to him.  "Shall we continue?"

With that her mind reverted that to the whole, left, right, left, ruling in her mind and started walking once more.  She didn't want to stop too long, those lips looked like they needed to be tasted, and yet she was trying her hardest to refrain.