fic: Tower of Strength [PG-15] p 6/14 Highlander
Title: Tower of Strength
Author: A Lanart
Characters: Richie Ryan & Siannon O'Niall (OFC)
Rating: PG-15 (UK). (Probably an R in the US)
Warnings: Swearing, Angst and possibly disturbing subject matter.
Spoilers: Highlander seasons 1-3
Disclaimer: Davis/Panzer productions own the Highlander universe
Concepts and characters used without permission.
Original characters and ideas are Mine, so is the story.
No profit is being made off this by anyone, especially me!
Title courtesy of the Mission, from the song of the same name,
Summary: Richie's back in Seacouver after the events in 'Testimony', where he meets an *old* friend.
Part 6
Siannon stopped outside the apartment door, lost in the memories of the countless times that something as simple as searching for the keys had romantic overtones, memories of Laurie's teasing, laughing comments as Siannon riffled through her bag and the not so teasing kisses that had followed the opening of the door. Never again. She shivered. Instantly she was aware of Richie's strong, supporting arm.
"Do you really think this is a good idea?" She turned to face that piercing blue gaze with a haunted expression.
"I'm not sure. My mind is screaming at me to get all this sorted out as quickly as possible so I can mourn Laurie in my own time and my own way without the technicalities of everyday life interfering. I may have done this before but it never gets easier, no matter how many times I go through it. I tell myself that loving a mortal is never worth the pain of losing them and I prove myself wrong time and time again. Even so, Laurie was special. I've never loved anyone like that before. Ah well. Let's get this over with." She turned the key in the lock and pushed open the door.
The apartment was spartan and pleasantly untidy. There was not much in the way of personal items to make it a home rather than a place to stay, but then Siannon and Laurie had not intended to be in Seacouver that long. Richie watched Siannon moving round the apartment, packing things up, tidying things away. He felt vaguely uncomfortable, like he was intruding on what should be extremely private moments. He also found it more than a little gruesome, after all Laurie was still, at least officially, alive. When Siannon quizzed him on the reason for his silence he said as much, before realising it probably was not the most tactful thing to say. She sat back on her heels and looked up at him from her position on the floor, regarding him with sad, green eyes.
"Laurie's gone, Richie. That..that.. *body* in the bed at the hospital isn't him, no matter how long they keep it breathing with machines. He loved life, but he sure as hell wouldn't cling to it just for the sake of it, he knew there would come a time when he had to leave me, and so did I. We just thought we'd have longer together before that happened. I don't know how I'm going to get through the next few weeks once it sinks in, which is why I'm doing this now. In a few days I know I won't be capable of doing anything. This is sort of the calm before the storm." She eased up off the floor and sat next to Richie on the couch. "Are you willing to cope with a half mad immortal in your life?"
"You're my *friend*, Siannon, whether you're half mad or not. Though I can't see you being half mad. At the moment, you seem so..."
"Controlled?"
"Yeah."
"It won't last."
"So? When I said I'd be there for you, I meant every bloody word. Now, do you want any help with this?"
After a couple of hours the place looked almost sterile. Bags were packed and beside the door, Siannon's guitar and bodhran were in their cases, waiting.
"I'll be okay, Richie, honestly. I'm just going to drop the stuff I don't want to keep somewhere were I know it'll be appreciated. I'll bring the car round to yours when I've finished. Just be in, okay?" Richie smiled and squeezed her arm.
"I won't go anywhere. The dojo's closed until further notice, so there's nowhere I need to be. Be careful." He hefted his helmet in one hand, walking backwards out of the door. "Don't forget, now. You're staying with me for as long as you need. I'll see you later." He turned, and strode off down the hallway, his hair glinting more red than usual in the dusty sunlight. Red hair maybe, but not as red or as fiery as... Siannon quashed the thought. She had things to do.
She glanced around the empty apartment; there were some good memories here, but those she would carry round with her for the rest of her life, one advantage of a trained, immortal memory. She picked up the first of the bags and made her way out. Once everything was stashed in the car she took both sets of keys back to the office. Surprisingly enough there was someone in.
"Max?" A grizzled head popped up from behind a filing cabinet.
"Yeah, who is it?"
"Siannon. I'm moving out. The rent's paid up 'til the end of the month. I've got the keys here." She put them down on the desk while Max scrambled up, dusting his hands off on his jeans.
"I thought you and Laurie were staying for another two weeks."
"Change of plan. Please don't ask why, Max." He regarded her through his wire framed spectacles, apparently not liking what he saw.
"Okay, I won't ask. You don't look so good, girl."
"Yeah, I know. Look Max, if there're any problems with the apartment you can contact me on this number." She scribbled Richie's phone number on a pad. "I'm staying with a friend."
"The young man with the bike?"
"That's him."
"He's worried about you, you know. I could see it."
"I know. Sometimes you see just too much." She stuck out her hand, to shake
Max's. He took it somewhat gingerly. "Look after yourself Max, I'm really glad I met you."
"Same here, Siannon. Well, I suppose this is goodbye then."
"Yes."
"Take care."
"You too." She broke their handshake and left the office without a backward glance. Max shook his head and looked thoughtfully at the black, scruffy looking dog at his feet.
"That is not a happy woman, Cassie, not at all." Cassie just wagged her tail and slobbered on his foot, while gazing up at him with adoring, liquid eyes. "Stupid mutt." He said, fondly.