Date: Fri, 17 Nov 1995 15:29:59 -0600 Reply-To: Julia Kosatka Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: Julia Kosatka Subject: Into the Light, 1/6 (REPOST) ADULT WARNING! THIS STORY IS NC-17 Rated! WARNING! THIS STORY IS NC-17 Rated! This story is a sequel to our X-Files/Highlander/Star Trek: Next Generation story "In the Dark". It begins a couple of weeks after "In the Dark" ends. There is explicit SEX (including bi-sexuality) contained herein, which some may find disturbing, so if you are among those people who find the loving depiction of human sexuality offensive, either do NOT read this story, or get someone who doesn't mind erotica to black out all the juicy parts for you before you read it. If you're underage, get parental permission to read it. Don't flame us if you're silly enough to go ahead and read it after we warned you, and then get offended by it. This story copyright 1995 by the authors. Highlander is a trademark of Rysher Entertainment, characters not used by permission. Star Trek: The Next Generation is a trademark of Paramount, Inc., characters not used by permission. Kellie Matthews-Simmons Julia Kosatka -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 1995 KMS and JEK Into the Light A Sequel to "In the Dark" by Kellie Matthews-Simmons and Julia Kosatka "What's wrong with him?" Methos asked, nodding toward Duncan where he stood looking out at the rain. "I asked him if he was hungry and he just about took my head off," he smiled. "...figuratively, that is." Guinan smiled. "He's just going through parental angst, don't worry. He'll get over it." Methos studied his friend's back, clearly puzzled. "But they're on that camping trip." "Precisely," Guinan said, eyeing her friend with amusement. He was a good-looking man, tall, slim, with fair skin and dark hair. His mouth always seemed curved with some secret enjoyment denied the rest of the world. Her gaze ranged past him to Duncan, and she wondered if Deanna would envy her this place with two such men. Methos looked at her, still puzzled. "I don't understand." "All parents go through this the first few times their kids are gone for any appreciable length of time. It's separation anxiety. You worry about where they are, what they're doing, are they safe, warm, and fed. It's perfectly natural." Methos frowned. "Why would anyone voluntarily subject themselves to that?" She chuckled. "It's not *exactly* voluntary." "For him it is. He *wanted* children." "True. He needs someone to care for. He always has. Its in his nature." "He has you. He has me." "We're not quite the same. You're a friend, I'm a lover." Methos turned away and muttered something under his breath, something she wasn't supposed to hear, but she did. He didn't know about her hearing. "Is that so?" she asked quietly. He turned back, startled, and clearly disconcerted. "You..." "I heard. I didn't know, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to rub it in." "No, I know that." His eyes slid toward the figure silhouetted against the window, then back to her, and a faint tinge of red touched his face. "Does he know?" she asked gently. Methos shook his head vehemently. "No!" "Why?" "He's not-- he wasn't socialized the way I was. I grew up in a culture where it was perfectly normal. He grew up in a culture that *killed* anyone who expressed such thoughts." "Methos my friend, that's foolish and you know it. He's been socialized by scores of different cultures, not just the one he was born into. He's no more the same person he was then than you are the same person *you* were then. You should tell him. I think it's important that he know how you feel." "No!" Methos snapped, a touch of anger in his voice. She spread her hands placatingly. "It's your call. I'm going to go start some dinner. Do whatever you want." He followed her as she walked toward the kitchen. "I'm hungry, let me help." "Sure, what sounds good?" "On a night like this? Stew, I think. And fresh bread." "Sounds perfect. I'll start the bread, you start chopping vegetables." He nodded and headed for the refrigerator. She got out a bowl and the flour. "Toss me the jar of yeast, would you?" He nodded, and complied. "I don't know why he doesn't put in a replicator," he grumbled. "Yes you do. He doesn't believe in them." "He owns half the god-damned company that *created* them!" "So he's a contradictory sort. You knew that too." "True," Methos grinned. "He tells me you knew Joe Dawson." She put down the measuring cup she'd just filled with warm water, and stood for a moment staring blankly at the countertop. Finally she sighed. "Yes, I did." He studied her for a moment, then nodded. "I see. I didn't realize." "It was a long time ago. It doesn't matter now." "It does. He was a good man. I'm glad to know you cared for him." She looked up, suddenly curious. "Were you and he...?" "Friends," Methos said firmly. "Just friends. I've had a lot of them. Some I'd like to be more to, but that can't always be, and I know that." "That's true," Guinan echoed, thinking of a certain starship captain. "All too true." They worked in silence for a few minutes, then Methos looked up. "Does it bother you?" Guinan looked at him blankly. "Does *what* bother me?" "What I-- the way I feel." She chuckled. "What, that you have great taste? Nope, not at all. Really, Methos, you should know better than that." He looked relieved. "Well, I wasn't sure what *your* socialization was like. You're not from Earth, I've no idea what your people believe in." "We believe in love, in whatever form it takes." "That's reassuring," he smiled. "May I say that I'm not the only one with good taste, Duncan clearly has it as well." She didn't pretend not to realize he was praising her. "Thank you. Coming from you, that's quite a compliment." "Well, I'm not immune to the charms of a good woman. I'm a strong believer in equality." There were many meanings tangled in his words. She sorted them out, and lifted an eyebrow. "I *am* complimented, Methos. Thank you." He nodded and turned back to peeling carrots. She noted that the yeast had proofed, and began to mix the liquid and dry ingredients together. Memories of a long-ago conversation between herself, Joe, and Duncan occupied her as she worked. Memories, and regrets. She studied the long, lean figure at the sink, and wondered what Duncan would say to what she was thinking. As if on cue, she heard Duncan coming down the hall toward the kitchen. He stood in the doorway, watching them. "Methos?" The other man looked up, a little warily. "Yes?" "Sorry I snapped at you. You didn't deserve it. I don't know why I did." Methos smiled forgivingly. "Guinan explained it to me. You're worrying about the children." "Is it that obvious?" Duncan asked sheepishly. Guinan nodded, and saw Methos do the same. Duncan shook his head. "Sorry. I had no idea. Intellectually I know they're fine, but when it started to rain, well, I..." "We understand, Duncan. It's all right." He gestured toward the cluttered counter top. "What are you making? Can I help?" "Certainly," Methos handed him the bag of potatoes and a knife. "Wash, and cut." Duncan chuckled, and headed for the sink. "What am I cutting them for?" "Stew." "Great idea. You know, with the wet and chill tonight, it would be nice to have a fire in the library and eat there, wouldn't it? Eat, and play Go or Klingon Chess around the hearth?" "It does sound lovely," Guinan said, turning the dough out onto the floured countertop to knead. "But you can't get out of your share of the cooking by going out to light it. Take care of it after you're done with those." Duncan pretended offense. "As if I'd shirk!" Guinan snorted derisively and Methos just smiled. Duncan dumped the potatoes into the sink and started scrubbing them. "I can cook, you know." "I should hope so." Methos said, snagging a large pot from the hanging rack above the center island. He nudged Duncan aside so he could get water from the tap, and when he'd finished they moved back into their places like two dancers in an intricate ballet. Guinan watched their easy interaction, and a delicate shiver traced its way down her spine. She smiled, and turned her attention back to her kneading. *** Guinan watched Methos and Duncan as they lounged in front of the hearth, both intent on the game board between them. The small glass pieces glowed like gems in the firelight. The room was warm and she was deliciously content after dinner, and several glasses of one of Duncan's imported wines. The rich red had been rather intense, and at the moment she was, as the saying went, `feeling no pain.' She didn't indulge in the real thing often, but this had been too good to pass up. Something in it also affected her in a way she hadn't anticipated. Her body felt sensitized, warm, pliant. She watched the two men, absorbed in their game, and found herself wondering if they were distractable. What would Duncan do? What would *Methos* do, presented with the opportunity he'd waited for nearly as long as Guinan had. However, how to go about it? Well, first she needed to be more in proximity. She stood up and walked over to where they sat. "Can I get you two anything?" Duncan looked up. "Such as?" She grinned. Perfect opening. "Coffee, tea, or me?" Duncan chuckled and reached up, grabbing her hand. "You." He tugged and she sat down between them as he leaned over and kissed her. "Um... I think I'll take a walk..." Methos began. She reached back and found Methos' hand. He tried to pull away at first, but she refused to let go and drew him toward her. She could feel his misgivings, feel the tension in his body where it touched hers. Duncan started to lift his head, and she curled a hand around his neck, holding him in place as she deepened the kiss. She could sense that he was a little surprised, and a little intrigued. She released Duncan, and took a deep breath, then turned her face toward Methos, touching his lips gently with hers. He turned away, not meeting her gaze. "I won't be a pity fuck, Guinan," he said flatly. "No, you won't," she agreed. Duncan opened his mouth to speak and she shook her head minutely. He hesitated for a moment, the shrugged, as if to say it was her game and he'd let her play it out. She reached out and turned Methos' face back toward her. "Once before I let an opportunity pass untaken, and regretted it for centuries. I won't let that happen again. I want you... *both* of you. Will you share yourselves with me?" She looked from one man to the other, her gaze steady and serious. Duncan looked from her to Methos, and back. Methos refused to look at Duncan though she knew he wanted to. Small muscles worked along his jaw, as he clenched his teeth. "I told you I couldn't..." he began, then broke off abruptly, shaking his head, a flush darkening his face. "I'll go, if you want to be alone." Duncan said quietly. Guinan turned to him, saw the shadows in his eyes, and quickly shook her head. "No, you don't understand. It's not one or the other of you right now. It's *both* of you. If there's one thing I've learned, its that we all have an infinite capacity for love. I want to express that here, with you both; and I hope that the two of you have enough love for me, and for each other, to allow that." She saw them mulling that over. She held her breath, waiting for a reaction. She was starting to get dizzy when Duncan moved, reaching over to put his hand over hers, and by default, Methos' as well. "I wouldn't deny you this, love." He looked from her to Methos, who shook his head, turning away. "I'm sorry, I can't. Not like this." "Not like what?" Duncan asked, perplexed. "I know you and Amanda and Michelle..." Before he could finish that interesting revelation, Methos interrupted. "It's not that. I can't lie about this. Duncan if I do this, it's as much because I want to make love to *you* as I do to Guinan. Can you accept *that*?" Duncan looked completely stunned. "Me?" he asked after a moment. Methos nodded, his eyes glued to the game board, his mien that of a condemned man awaiting execution... or reprieve. Because he was looking down he missed what Guinan saw. A variety of expressions chased themselves across Duncan's face. Surprise, dismay, amusement, interest. Finally he took a deep breath. "I had no idea." Methos nodded, still staring at the game. "I know." "Why?" Methos laughed ruefully. "Good question. I guess I was worried that it might affect our friendship." That clearly took Duncan aback. "Methos! For God's sake! Have I ever given you reason to believe I was that kind of person?" Methos looked up finally. "I... no. But it seemed logical, knowing where and when you were born, how you were raised." Duncan sighed. "No wonder you couldn't hack it on Vulcan, with that sort of logic." Methos bridled, then realized he was being teased and smiled tentatively. "You're not upset?" Duncan shook his head. "I'm flattered, and surprised, and a little... embarrassed." Guinan lifted a nonexistent eyebrow. "Embarrassed?" Duncan nodded, and his answer was directed more toward Methos than to her. "I wish I'd known you felt this way a long time ago." Methos' eyes narrowed. "What?" "I've.. felt things, sometimes. In some ways you're right about early upbringing. It's harder to overcome than one realizes. I just wasn't ready then for what I was feeling. Besides, you've always been with women! You even took on Amanda and Michelle, so how was I supposed to know?" Guinan looked at Methos with interest. "Amanda *and* Michelle?" Methos smiled playfully. "I told you I believe in equality." Duncan snorted and reached for the wine bottle to refill his glass. He refilled Methos' as well, and looked at Guinan with eyebrows raised. She shook her head. "I think I've had enough. I want to be able to *remember* this." Duncan's gaze grew intent, and she sensed the sudden impact her words brought. The situation had just gone from hypothetical to real in his mind, and it showed in his expression. He slowly put down the wine bottle, stared at his glass, then lifted it and tossed down the contents in a single gulp. He set the glass down with deliberation, and looked up at them ruefully. "I have to admit, it feels a bit, ah-- strange to be doing something for the first time at my age." Guinan looked at Methos, and read his amusement, found herself grinning as the older immortal spoke. "Don't tell me you've never shared a woman before." Duncan looked at him mockingly. "I've shared women before, yes," his expression changed, growing serious. "But I've never shared... me." Methos gazed at him, that slightly annoying, secretive smile curving his mouth. "A virgin? How fascinating." Duncan laughed, shaking his head. "Oh, God, I should never have told you." Methos chuckled. "I think I would probably have figured it out." Duncan looked embarrassed, and he reached for his glass, then stopped as he remembered it was empty. Methos picked up his own glass, and moved closer, his back to the fire as he took a sip, turned the glass to present the same spot he'd just drunk from to Duncan. His gaze was level and his expression serious as he waited. Duncan hesitated a moment, then accepted the glass and sipped. Guinan shivered. "I'll do nothing you don't want me to. Would I have offered to let you take my head so you could fight Kalas if I ever meant you harm?" Duncan looked a bit rattled at that. Guinan reached out and took Methos' hand, and Duncan's, and placed them palm-to-palm, then drew back to move the game board out of the way. **** Duncan stared at his friend's hand, realizing for the first time just how many layers there were to his relationship with Methos. He found himself tracing his thumb across the calluses on his palm. A swordsman's calluses. "You've been fighting again," he said, surprised. Methos nodded. "I can't hide, I can't be unprepared, I can't let the evil ones have their way without trying to help those they hurt. You taught me that." He lifted their hands, and placed a kiss in Duncan's palm. "Thank you." Duncan felt an odd mixture of discomfort and arousal at the touch of the other man's lips on his skin. He didn't tug his hand away, but was relieved when Guinan came back into the firelight and sat down where the game board had been. She placed one hand on Duncan's thigh, stroking with an innocent intimacy. Her other hand slid behind Methos' neck to thread her fingers through his hair. Duncan knew that were Methos of her race, that would be an unmistakable sexual signal. He slid an arm around her waist and placed a kiss behind her ear. She sighed, her hand tightening on his thigh, and then she leaned forward and kissed Methos, very thoroughly. The sound of their kiss was powerfully erotic, the soft, moist sounds of lips and tongues meshing. Methos hand spanned her back, moved upward to her neck, tilting her head. Duncan heard the change in Guinan's breathing as Methos' hand moved on her most sensitive area, and he smiled, knowing that he knew something the other man didn't. After a moment Guinan drew back from Methos, and turned without a pause to Duncan. He took her mouth with his, tasting her, realizing he was also tasting Methos. He felt a touch at the back of his head, felt hands moving, then his hair fell free of the clasp that held it. Methos' fingers combed through the strands, fanning them from the crimp the clasp had left. He couldn't believe how erotic such a simple touch could be. He felt the warmth of Guinan against his chest, felt the warmth of Methos against his shoulder and head as the other man held both him and Guinan in his arms. On his thigh, Guinan's hand stole higher, moving to cup his burgeoning erection through the fabric of his slacks. He groaned into her mouth, pushing into her touch. A hand moved down his back, stroking, moving lower, over the curve of hip and then toward the back. He suddenly realized whose hand it was and stiffened, breaking the kiss. Guinan made a soft sound of disappointment. "Duncan?" she asked. He shook his head. "Sorry, it just startled me." Methos' hand lifted instantly. "Is this too fast?" he asked quietly. Duncan thought about it for a moment, and slowly shook his head. "I don't know. I don't think so. But it will take me a little while to get... used to it." "It's not like we need to rush," Guinan said. "We have all the time in the world." She reached up and unfastened one of the shoulder clasps on her chiton, and shrugged the garment off. That done, she stretched out on her belly, her skin gleaming smooth and sable in the firelight. The deep maroon carpet gave an odd redness to the shadows of her curves. Red, like blood. It dawned on him that blood was life. Blood accompanied birth as well as death. Blood made a woman fertile. He pushed that thought aside. Why torment himself? Duncan moved to sit beside her. Methos grabbed a throw-pillow off the couch and offered it to Guinan. She accepted it and tucked it comfortably under her shoulder and head. Duncan stroked a hand down her back and she arched, making a soft purring sound. Methos shifted a bit uncomfortably, and Guinan lifted her head. "All right you two, no fair." "What?" Duncan asked, puzzled. "You get to look at me, but all I get to look at is *clothes*." Methos grinned, and started on the fastening of his shirt. Clearly he was not uncomfortable with this. Duncan had taken his clothes off in front of Methos many times before, but this time was... different. =========================================================================