Savin' Me -- Alternative Ending
This isn’t how Music Man expected things would turn out. That Katherine would run away from him and he would be chasing after her. He had his personal interests to protect, but those were only secondary to providing some type of closure for Kat and making sure she was going to be ok. In the time span of a few short months everything she had ever hoped for had been taken away. She was living on the edge and this latest blow could be the one that pushes her over it.
Music Man was divided about whether he should allow Kat to tire herself out, or he should end this as quickly as possible. After giving it some brief thought he decided on the second option the longer this continued the greater likelihood that someone would take notice and potentially interfere.
Music Man was only a few steps away from being close enough to stop Kat in her tracks when she looked over her shoulders. The way she stared at him was enough to make him back off as she seamlessly executed a 180 degree turn and stopped. With no more reason to run Music Man came to a halt a comfortable distance from Kat not too close to be threatening and not so far that he would have to yell to make himself heard.
For a minute they just stared at each other Music Man clenching and unclenching his hands unsure what to say while Kat only pensively stared back.
“Well…aren’t you going to say something? You said you wanted to talk.” Kat drawled sarcastically.
There were so many things he wanted to say to her, but he could tell that she didn’t want to listen and why should she after what he has done? Why should anyone stop to listen to his sob story after what he did? “FINE! Be that way!” She said before turning her back to him and began walking away.
Impulsively Music Man sprang forward to stop Kat and managed to land a hand on one of her shoulders. Kat’s reaction was just as swift as she turned to meet his challenge. “HANDS OFF!” She said pushing Music Man’s hand off of her while retreating from him. “Stay away from me! I’m warning you!”
“Kat, can’t we talk about this?” Music Man pleaded.
“NO!” She said shaking her head. “You’re DEAD! You’re DEAD to me!” Kat shrieked as angry tears came to her eyes.
“No, Kat I’m very much alive.” Music Man said as he slowly approached. “I’ve been here the whole time…hiding in plain sight.” Before Kat had a chance to become self-conscious of just how close he was Music Man drew her body to his as his thick muscular arms lightly wrapped around her trying to provide some small measure of warmth and comfort.
“I couldn’t……didn’t believe you were gone,” she murmured into Music Man’s chest. “Why didn’t you tell me…?” Music Man had planned on telling her sometime later that evening, but obviously things didn’t work out like he anticipated. If she was referring to why he didn’t tell her shortly after he faked his “death” truthfully he hadn’t really thought about it. The thought had only crossed his mind once and he had immediately dismissed it thinking that Kat was better off knowing he was dead than a coward and a failure.
“I wasn’t sure that I should tell you… When we started talking tonight I knew I had to. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner-that you had to find out by yourself.” He said as he continued to hold her, his voice heavy with regret. “Do you mind if I walk you home?” He softly asked.
”So you’ll know where I live!?” She said pushing herself off of Music Man.
"Ok, bad idea--we can go some place else--"
“I'm not going anywhere with you. What is there to talk about?” Kat sneered as she folded her arms across her chest. “Wasn’t that the point of faking your death--you would never have to explain yourself!?”
“Kat...please…you’re not ok with this. You’re hurt. I’ve hurt you. I’m sooo sorry.”
“Well saying ‘sorry’ doesn’t fix things.” Music Man stood as a defeated and broken man. If saying sorry. If trying to explain things from his perspective was of little to no solace what more could he say or do to make things right? However he got pigeon holed into being Metro Man he alone chose his exit strategy. It was his decision. He had no one other than himself to blame for this.
After a prolonged silence Kat spoke again in a decided irritated tone. “Fine… If I listen to whatever it is you have to say you will leave me alone. I will go my way, you can go your own way and that will be the end of this! Huh…” she breathed in exasperation trying to regain her self control. “Why did you do it?”
“I’ll tell you, but I’d rather discuss this someplace private,” Music Man replied.
“NO, you tell me right here, right now or I’m walking!” Kat countered. Music Man looked everywhere except at Kat as he mulled over his choices. He didn’t see a viable way out of this other than to spill his guts here and now. He may have faked his death, but that didn't mean he didn't still have moral standards. He was unprepared and unwilling to add the title of murderer to his resume. The mere thought, even in passing shocked him. But perhaps if he killed Kat with his kindness she would come around to see things from his side and he would be spared from a very public crucifixion.
“I couldn’t-I couldn’t do it anymore,” he said helplessly as he began his confession. “Everyday of my life ever since I can remember I have had to be what the city wanted me to be. There was so much more I wanted to do with my life than being the city’s errand boy solving every problem big and small. I know I should have handled things differently. I guess I thought if I didn’t do it then and there, there might never be another opportunity that I would never actually do it. I couldn’t just quit. The city officials would never accept it. The public wouldn’t understand. I would never be able to live this down. No one would hire me or take me serious as a musician or anything else.”
“Is that it?” Her tart remark made Music Man lift his face to stare right at Kat. First, she tells him that she wants to know right here and now why he faked his death in plain sight and earshot of any passersby and now replies, ‘is that it?’
“Kat…try to understand--”
“Oh I understand…more than you know. And you thought that made it ok to do what you did, to make everyone think that you’re dead!?”
“No... I didn’t make this decision lightly. I’ve been fighting this for a long time. Even now I am still paying the price-I’m still being punished. I can’t live like everyone else. I’m afraid to let anyone get close to me for fear they will find out.”
“Well there is a simple solution to that. Tell everyone you’re not dead.”
"It's not that simple..." Music Man started to say as he fumbled for words to object.
“Well why isn't it that simple!?" Kat callously remarked which had the effect of shutting him up. The former hero was completely speechless so much so that he couldn't mount a verbal defense as Kat seemed to be contemplating her next move and by the intensity of her eyes she would be going for the throat. "You know what!? I just don’t care…about you or your secret. You are being punished and it fits. You should be punished. And for all I care…......forget it,” she said dismissively throwing her hands in the air. “I’m done. I’m done-that’s it. I’m done. Goodbye Wayne, Music Man, whatever name you’re going by these days. Have a nice life.”
Music Man felt as small and insignificant as a microscopic single celled amoeba. And right now the fact that he tried was of no consolation. Either he succeeded or he failed and he had failed. There was no prize for second place, for Kat walking out on him and leaving him alone to contemplate whether she would tell--not that stickers for effort, gold stars for excellence, medals, trophies and other gifts he received for simply doing his job held much meaning for him these days. Those days were long gone.
Music Man didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t bring himself to avert his eyes from Kat who was marching out of his life as suddenly and unexpectedly as he had encroached on hers.
Kat made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with him and she had wounded him deeply enough to send him home to retire for the night, but something inside of him refused to leave her alone, to let things end this way. Using his heightened sense of sight and hearing he knew she still wasn’t ok. Try as she might to stifle it, it was unmistakable that Kat was sobbing. One of her hands was wicking away a steady flow of tears that refused to stop. Her steps had slowed, were less steady and her body seemed to tremble as she walked.
If she decided to turn around and yell at him because he was a concerned citizen who wanted to make sure she got home safe than so be it. He would deal with the consequences then.
Music Man followed from a distance while ever vigilantly watching Kat’s every move. He didn’t know how long and how far he followed her, but what he clearly remembered is a fog had started to creep over the city obscuring his line of sight and then there was a crosswalk signal. "Why won't it stop?" he heard her mutter as Kat blindly walked into the intersection against the light with her head in her hands.
“Katherine! Don’t do it!” He called, but his voice was too far away for her to notice. He ran and scanned the immediate surroundings checking for a car that might hit her. In what felt like slow motion Music Man could make out the headlights of a speeding car as Kat slightly turned in the direction of the light and her feet froze to the pavement paralyzed with fear. Not a second too late Music Man reached Kat pulling her back and away from the speeding car by her jacket. Finding her legs again Kat half stumbled, half turned into Music Man who braced her body against his.
Disaster averted Kat questioningly stared up at her rescuer.
“Music Man?” Kat voiced aloud in confusion, which was quickly replaced by anger. “You followed me--didn't you!? Let me go!” She yelled in protest as one of her hands pushed against his chest. Music Man only shook his head as he held her tighter. He wasn't letting her go this time.
“Shush…" He hushed in soothing reassurance. "I got you. You’re safe. You’re ok. We’re ok,” he said tenderly as Kat went quiet and leaned into him. “Didn’t you see it? Didn’t you look?” He calmly asked trying to keep his voice from coming across as self-righteous.
“Does it matter?” Kat said apathetically without looking at him and turning her head to one side as fresh tears stained the front of Music Man’s shirt. Those three words were enough to send a chill down Music Man's spine giving him goosebumps and making the hairs on his forearms stand up on end.
He could tell Kat was tired from the sound of her voice--the absent look in her eyes and the way she was barely breathing. But he also sensed this tiredness went far deeper than mere physical exhaustion. Kat was tired of fighting...tired of struggling and having nothing to show for it, but most of all she was tired of living.
Whatever the reason: if she was too distressed and distracted to notice the signal was red--that she had walked into the crosswalk, if she did it to spite him or at this point she viewed her continued existence as inconsequential... She needed him and he needed to know she was going to make it. That she wasn’t going to perish because of what he had inflicted on her.
“Kat… You need help. You’re coming with me--quietly. And I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer. You walked right in front of a moving vehicle. You could have been hurt.”
“Ok…” she whispered in surrender.
“You scared me. You can say what you want, but I don’t think you would be this upset if you didn’t care. I’m not leaving you alone tonight. I know I screwed up-big time, but I still care about you.”
“Why do you care?” She asked after processing the last statement for a minute and even more tears poured from her eyes.
Music Man didn’t know what to say. Her question beckoned for an honest answer. But at this point he was afraid to say anything at all figuring she would find a way to throw it back in his face. Further complicating things he didn’t know the exact words to express the way he felt about her. All he knew is that he didn't want to see her get hurt.
The first time he met Kat he was merely doing his job although his actions that day went above and beyond the call of duty and some outside observers might say that his actions crossed a line between professional and unprofessional.
Listening to Kat talk about her life earlier that evening did more than re-ignited those protective instincts, it made them stronger. More than that he wanted to help her and make all the pain go away.
For now Music Man merely held her hoping his actions would speak louder than words. When he found the right words to answer her question he would tell her then.
8888
Music Man and Kat walked through the streets of Metro City until they reached their final destination: Music Man’s upscale apartment building and shortly thereafter his apartment.
To cut the tension and awkwardness Music Man boiled some water for tea.
“Thank you…” Kat said accepting the hot cup of tea offered to her by Music Man, “this is more than what I deserve after what I said to you.”
“There is nothing to forgive,” he said taking a seat opposite Kat at the dining room table. “You were angry and have every right to be. I would probably feel the same in a similar situation.” To this Kat nodded in agreement.
“What really happened at the observatory that day?” She asked boring into Music Man’s eyes hopefully.
“I thought you didn’t want to talk about it…” Music Man said after taking a sip from his own cup of tea.
“Maybe I…changed my mind. It's not like there is much else to talk about...” Music Man gave the suggestion some thought before responding.
“Alright, but this is one interview exclusive that I don’t want broadcast, or repeated.”
“I wouldn’t do that to you. I promise.”
“To give you a heads up you’re probably not going to like a lot of what I have to say.”
“I’ll try not to overreact.” Music Man nodded and began to speak while Kat listened patiently only asking questions as needed.
Kat and Music Man stayed up late into the night talking about the events leading up to, during and after the fateful day at the observatory. When that topic had been thoroughly exhausted the tables turned and Music Man asked Kat about her life: past and present. What he learned was even more unnerving than what he heard back at the bar and restaurant. Just when he thought things couldn't be anymore grim Kat heaped another tragic, unfortunate event even more troublesome than the last. Out of financial desperation Kat was donating her blood plasma for extra money, though she had only done it once--so she said. Tonight Kat had found out that her Mother had passed away and her Father back in September around the time she started college vanished leaving behind a note saying he was going to kill himself. If there was a spot of good news it was that Kat wasn't actively suicidal. Depressed, yes, but who wouldn't be in her situation?
It became clear to Music Man that Kat needed much more than closure, a safe place to stay the night with a guardian to watch over her after walking out in the middle of the street and coming very close to getting hit by a car.
The only person remaining in Kat’s immediate family was her older brother who sounded like a flake. As for her extended family Kat didn’t know that she could expect much support financial or otherwise from them.
After finding out all this could he really let her go to fend for herself and hope for the best? On the other hand she wasn’t his responsibility. Isn't this how he got here in the first place? He made everyone's problems his personal responsibility? Still…although obviously not enforceable didn’t he as Metro Man on more than one occasion state that every citizen has a duty to do the right thing and look out for each other--or something like that?
Not wanting to go to bed feeling so melancholy Music Man suggested they watch a movie, but afterwards they both had to go to bed and get some sleep. He picked out a comedy which ran for an hour and a half. To Music Man’s relief Kat was nearly asleep by the time the credits started to roll.
“It’s bed time. Let me grab you a pillow and a blanket.”
“Why are you doing all this for me?” She asked when Music Man returned and she started to lie down and make herself comfortable.
“Go to sleep and get some rest. We can talk more in the morning.” Kat didn't complain when he dodged the question and only gave a small nod before closing her eyes.
As Music Man started to head toward his bedroom he couldn’t help staring over his shoulder toward the couch. Maybe I’ll just watch her until I know she’s asleep. He thought as he walked back toward the main living room area and grabbed two chairs, one to sit in and the other to act like a foot rest.
…
When Music Man awoke the next day he was still in his chair overlooking the white couch and the TV. Without hesitation he strode over to check on his overnight house guest. To his dismay she wasn’t there. His panic was only slightly mitigated when he noticed her shoes and jacket on the floor by the couch. She couldn’t have gone far… Search the apartment!
The door to the bathroom was cracked open, but none of the lights were on and he didn’t hear the water running. He opened the door to the spare bedroom which mostly functioned as an on-site overflow storage room.
"Nothing here." That left only one other room to check, his bedroom. “I don’t remember leaving the door closed,” he remarked to himself. Unsure what to expect he firmly gripped the knob and slowly turned it. It was quite the pleasant surprise seeing Kat still fast asleep with the sheets and comforter wrapped around her.
It was…cute. From ear to ear Music Man smiled a genuine smile for some reason this made him feel happy. His mind was now made up. He couldn’t in good conscious let her leave without offering a helping hand.
Music Man didn’t want to wake her, but he didn’t want her to sleep in all day. In passing he had caught sight of what time it was and it was going on to be a quarter past nine o’ clock. He seated himself on the end of the bed and lightly shook at her upper arm. “Good morning.” Music Man said in greeting as Kat roused from her slumber.
“Morning already…?” She asked as she sat up in bed and stretched. Thankfully Kat was still dressed in her street clothes minus her jacket and shoes.
“Someone has been sleeping in my bed…” Music Man said teasingly with a grin.
“Sorry papa bear, but your bed is the only one here. When I got up to use the bathroom and noticed that this one wasn’t occupied I couldn’t help myself. That and I couldn't get back to sleep--might have had something do with the fact you were guarding me in your sleep.”
“Sorry...can you blame a guy for being worried?" He said evasively shifting his eyes before flashing a half smile. "I’m glad you’re still here otherwise I would be worried sick about you. You don’t plan on walking in front of any more cars do you?” Music Man asked his face and tone turning serious.
“No. But, speaking of walking you should probably go walk back to pick up your guitar--you forgot it. I wanted to mention something earlier, but I never got around to bringing it up.”
“That’s right! I knew I forgot something… Hmmm…that can wait till later. After I kick you out of my room to change my clothes and we both have breakfast. Kat…” Music Man began after a pause and he lazily put a long arm around her shoulders.
“Hmm…” Kat hummed in inquiry.
“You asked me, why I care about you. Why I’ve gone out of my way to do this for you. The truth is: I love you like a Father loves a Daughter-I know that now,” he said softly and sincerely.
“You do…?” Kat asked in disbelief. Music Man nodded. “I don’t know what to say……I’m…flattered you think of me like that,” she said lowering her gaze.
“Kat, my eyes are up here,” he said as he put a hand under her chin. “I do love you-and I mean every word. And you deserve so much more,” he said withdrawing his hand. “There is something I want to ask you. How would you feel about moving in with me? We can work out the details as we go along, but I would be willing to give you a place to stay and help you go back to college.” Kat didn’t give an immediate response as her brows furrowed in thought.
“What’s the catch?”
“There is no catch. No strings, no conditions, beyond being a courteous guest in my home. Though if you’re going to accept my hospitality it would be nice if you could keep my secret. It would be generally rude and bad form for you to accept what I am offering you AND rat me out. I would prefer to decide on my terms if, when and under what conditions I go public about this."
“I think your bullet point about not revealing your secret identity counts as a condition," she dryly replied as Music Man's gaze became noticeably more tense, "to... state the obvious," Kat hesitantly amended while rolling her eyes, "not that I plan on giving it away. I don’t see the point--what it would accomplish." Satisfied with Kat's response Music Man relaxed again.
"I can't help you if I'm put on trial and given a prison sentence," he gravely stated. At the remark Kat's eyes popped open wider than normal, but she quickly shook off the impact of Music Man's words with a nod. "Needless to say if you do decide to stay here you won’t be sleeping in my bed.”
"I don’t think that will be a problem,” she said with a smirk. “This bed is way too big for me,” Kat said her voice trailing off as her eyes settled on the sheets and comforter in front of her. Without comment Music Man slid his second hand under Kat’s chin until their eyes found each other’s again. “I don’t know what to say…”
“Say what’s in you...” he said, hoping that she would say 'yes.' When no answer was forthcoming he thought that maybe he was applying too much pressure with the forced eye contact and decided to withdraw his hand from under her chin.
“What you’ve said…is probably…the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me." Kat said after an extended lull in the conversation. "But I can’t ask this of you-I can’t accept,” Kat managed to say as a stray tear ran down her face and she couldn’t stand to look at him for one second longer. With great care Music Man brushed the tear away with his thumb and of her own accord Kat turned her full attention back toward him.
“Maybe this is too much, too soon…and you need to think about it. But you’re worth it. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. You’ve been through enough as it is. We all need help sometimes-it’s not a weakness to admit it and accept the help that is offered. Please...let me help you.” To his heartfelt plea Kat continued to stare at him uncertainly as if sizing him up and looking for some sign that proved his intentions were pure. “If you decide you’d rather not live with me. I would still be willing to help you however I can. If it makes you feel better to think of it this way you can consider this a trial run period and if you’re not satisfied no harm, no foul you get your money back guaranteed.” Music Man said half seriously, half jokingly to poke fun at the situation.
However brilliant or lame the attempt at a joke, it garnered a smile from Kat all the same.
"I think I...like that." What happened next caught Music Man off guard as Kat’s body collided with his torso nearly causing him to fall off the bed and send both of them tumbling to the floor.
“Wh-whoa…easy…it'll be ok.......I won't let you fall...” Music Man said as he reciprocated the sudden display of affection by allowing both his arms to drape around her and lightly pat her back.
It was a big decision to make in such a short amount of time for both of them, but Music Man was determined that no matter what he would be there for Kat. For better or worse, through the good the bad and the ugly. Come: boyfriends, $50,000 a year college tuition, summer vacations spent idly lounging in the living room, driving lessons, fights over control of the TV, distance and conflicting schedules--he would be there.
And perhaps somewhere along this journey Wayne would find redemption.
Author's Notes:
1) Music Man saying, "someone has been sleeping in my bed," and Kat calling Music Man "papa bear" is a reference to Goldylocks and the three bears.
Music Man was divided about whether he should allow Kat to tire herself out, or he should end this as quickly as possible. After giving it some brief thought he decided on the second option the longer this continued the greater likelihood that someone would take notice and potentially interfere.
Music Man was only a few steps away from being close enough to stop Kat in her tracks when she looked over her shoulders. The way she stared at him was enough to make him back off as she seamlessly executed a 180 degree turn and stopped. With no more reason to run Music Man came to a halt a comfortable distance from Kat not too close to be threatening and not so far that he would have to yell to make himself heard.
For a minute they just stared at each other Music Man clenching and unclenching his hands unsure what to say while Kat only pensively stared back.
“Well…aren’t you going to say something? You said you wanted to talk.” Kat drawled sarcastically.
There were so many things he wanted to say to her, but he could tell that she didn’t want to listen and why should she after what he has done? Why should anyone stop to listen to his sob story after what he did? “FINE! Be that way!” She said before turning her back to him and began walking away.
Impulsively Music Man sprang forward to stop Kat and managed to land a hand on one of her shoulders. Kat’s reaction was just as swift as she turned to meet his challenge. “HANDS OFF!” She said pushing Music Man’s hand off of her while retreating from him. “Stay away from me! I’m warning you!”
“Kat, can’t we talk about this?” Music Man pleaded.
“NO!” She said shaking her head. “You’re DEAD! You’re DEAD to me!” Kat shrieked as angry tears came to her eyes.
“No, Kat I’m very much alive.” Music Man said as he slowly approached. “I’ve been here the whole time…hiding in plain sight.” Before Kat had a chance to become self-conscious of just how close he was Music Man drew her body to his as his thick muscular arms lightly wrapped around her trying to provide some small measure of warmth and comfort.
“I couldn’t……didn’t believe you were gone,” she murmured into Music Man’s chest. “Why didn’t you tell me…?” Music Man had planned on telling her sometime later that evening, but obviously things didn’t work out like he anticipated. If she was referring to why he didn’t tell her shortly after he faked his “death” truthfully he hadn’t really thought about it. The thought had only crossed his mind once and he had immediately dismissed it thinking that Kat was better off knowing he was dead than a coward and a failure.
“I wasn’t sure that I should tell you… When we started talking tonight I knew I had to. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner-that you had to find out by yourself.” He said as he continued to hold her, his voice heavy with regret. “Do you mind if I walk you home?” He softly asked.
”So you’ll know where I live!?” She said pushing herself off of Music Man.
"Ok, bad idea--we can go some place else--"
“I'm not going anywhere with you. What is there to talk about?” Kat sneered as she folded her arms across her chest. “Wasn’t that the point of faking your death--you would never have to explain yourself!?”
“Kat...please…you’re not ok with this. You’re hurt. I’ve hurt you. I’m sooo sorry.”
“Well saying ‘sorry’ doesn’t fix things.” Music Man stood as a defeated and broken man. If saying sorry. If trying to explain things from his perspective was of little to no solace what more could he say or do to make things right? However he got pigeon holed into being Metro Man he alone chose his exit strategy. It was his decision. He had no one other than himself to blame for this.
After a prolonged silence Kat spoke again in a decided irritated tone. “Fine… If I listen to whatever it is you have to say you will leave me alone. I will go my way, you can go your own way and that will be the end of this! Huh…” she breathed in exasperation trying to regain her self control. “Why did you do it?”
“I’ll tell you, but I’d rather discuss this someplace private,” Music Man replied.
“NO, you tell me right here, right now or I’m walking!” Kat countered. Music Man looked everywhere except at Kat as he mulled over his choices. He didn’t see a viable way out of this other than to spill his guts here and now. He may have faked his death, but that didn't mean he didn't still have moral standards. He was unprepared and unwilling to add the title of murderer to his resume. The mere thought, even in passing shocked him. But perhaps if he killed Kat with his kindness she would come around to see things from his side and he would be spared from a very public crucifixion.
“I couldn’t-I couldn’t do it anymore,” he said helplessly as he began his confession. “Everyday of my life ever since I can remember I have had to be what the city wanted me to be. There was so much more I wanted to do with my life than being the city’s errand boy solving every problem big and small. I know I should have handled things differently. I guess I thought if I didn’t do it then and there, there might never be another opportunity that I would never actually do it. I couldn’t just quit. The city officials would never accept it. The public wouldn’t understand. I would never be able to live this down. No one would hire me or take me serious as a musician or anything else.”
“Is that it?” Her tart remark made Music Man lift his face to stare right at Kat. First, she tells him that she wants to know right here and now why he faked his death in plain sight and earshot of any passersby and now replies, ‘is that it?’
“Kat…try to understand--”
“Oh I understand…more than you know. And you thought that made it ok to do what you did, to make everyone think that you’re dead!?”
“No... I didn’t make this decision lightly. I’ve been fighting this for a long time. Even now I am still paying the price-I’m still being punished. I can’t live like everyone else. I’m afraid to let anyone get close to me for fear they will find out.”
“Well there is a simple solution to that. Tell everyone you’re not dead.”
"It's not that simple..." Music Man started to say as he fumbled for words to object.
“Well why isn't it that simple!?" Kat callously remarked which had the effect of shutting him up. The former hero was completely speechless so much so that he couldn't mount a verbal defense as Kat seemed to be contemplating her next move and by the intensity of her eyes she would be going for the throat. "You know what!? I just don’t care…about you or your secret. You are being punished and it fits. You should be punished. And for all I care…......forget it,” she said dismissively throwing her hands in the air. “I’m done. I’m done-that’s it. I’m done. Goodbye Wayne, Music Man, whatever name you’re going by these days. Have a nice life.”
Music Man felt as small and insignificant as a microscopic single celled amoeba. And right now the fact that he tried was of no consolation. Either he succeeded or he failed and he had failed. There was no prize for second place, for Kat walking out on him and leaving him alone to contemplate whether she would tell--not that stickers for effort, gold stars for excellence, medals, trophies and other gifts he received for simply doing his job held much meaning for him these days. Those days were long gone.
Music Man didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t bring himself to avert his eyes from Kat who was marching out of his life as suddenly and unexpectedly as he had encroached on hers.
Kat made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with him and she had wounded him deeply enough to send him home to retire for the night, but something inside of him refused to leave her alone, to let things end this way. Using his heightened sense of sight and hearing he knew she still wasn’t ok. Try as she might to stifle it, it was unmistakable that Kat was sobbing. One of her hands was wicking away a steady flow of tears that refused to stop. Her steps had slowed, were less steady and her body seemed to tremble as she walked.
If she decided to turn around and yell at him because he was a concerned citizen who wanted to make sure she got home safe than so be it. He would deal with the consequences then.
Music Man followed from a distance while ever vigilantly watching Kat’s every move. He didn’t know how long and how far he followed her, but what he clearly remembered is a fog had started to creep over the city obscuring his line of sight and then there was a crosswalk signal. "Why won't it stop?" he heard her mutter as Kat blindly walked into the intersection against the light with her head in her hands.
“Katherine! Don’t do it!” He called, but his voice was too far away for her to notice. He ran and scanned the immediate surroundings checking for a car that might hit her. In what felt like slow motion Music Man could make out the headlights of a speeding car as Kat slightly turned in the direction of the light and her feet froze to the pavement paralyzed with fear. Not a second too late Music Man reached Kat pulling her back and away from the speeding car by her jacket. Finding her legs again Kat half stumbled, half turned into Music Man who braced her body against his.
Disaster averted Kat questioningly stared up at her rescuer.
“Music Man?” Kat voiced aloud in confusion, which was quickly replaced by anger. “You followed me--didn't you!? Let me go!” She yelled in protest as one of her hands pushed against his chest. Music Man only shook his head as he held her tighter. He wasn't letting her go this time.
“Shush…" He hushed in soothing reassurance. "I got you. You’re safe. You’re ok. We’re ok,” he said tenderly as Kat went quiet and leaned into him. “Didn’t you see it? Didn’t you look?” He calmly asked trying to keep his voice from coming across as self-righteous.
“Does it matter?” Kat said apathetically without looking at him and turning her head to one side as fresh tears stained the front of Music Man’s shirt. Those three words were enough to send a chill down Music Man's spine giving him goosebumps and making the hairs on his forearms stand up on end.
He could tell Kat was tired from the sound of her voice--the absent look in her eyes and the way she was barely breathing. But he also sensed this tiredness went far deeper than mere physical exhaustion. Kat was tired of fighting...tired of struggling and having nothing to show for it, but most of all she was tired of living.
Whatever the reason: if she was too distressed and distracted to notice the signal was red--that she had walked into the crosswalk, if she did it to spite him or at this point she viewed her continued existence as inconsequential... She needed him and he needed to know she was going to make it. That she wasn’t going to perish because of what he had inflicted on her.
“Kat… You need help. You’re coming with me--quietly. And I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer. You walked right in front of a moving vehicle. You could have been hurt.”
“Ok…” she whispered in surrender.
“You scared me. You can say what you want, but I don’t think you would be this upset if you didn’t care. I’m not leaving you alone tonight. I know I screwed up-big time, but I still care about you.”
“Why do you care?” She asked after processing the last statement for a minute and even more tears poured from her eyes.
Music Man didn’t know what to say. Her question beckoned for an honest answer. But at this point he was afraid to say anything at all figuring she would find a way to throw it back in his face. Further complicating things he didn’t know the exact words to express the way he felt about her. All he knew is that he didn't want to see her get hurt.
The first time he met Kat he was merely doing his job although his actions that day went above and beyond the call of duty and some outside observers might say that his actions crossed a line between professional and unprofessional.
Listening to Kat talk about her life earlier that evening did more than re-ignited those protective instincts, it made them stronger. More than that he wanted to help her and make all the pain go away.
For now Music Man merely held her hoping his actions would speak louder than words. When he found the right words to answer her question he would tell her then.
8888
Music Man and Kat walked through the streets of Metro City until they reached their final destination: Music Man’s upscale apartment building and shortly thereafter his apartment.
To cut the tension and awkwardness Music Man boiled some water for tea.
“Thank you…” Kat said accepting the hot cup of tea offered to her by Music Man, “this is more than what I deserve after what I said to you.”
“There is nothing to forgive,” he said taking a seat opposite Kat at the dining room table. “You were angry and have every right to be. I would probably feel the same in a similar situation.” To this Kat nodded in agreement.
“What really happened at the observatory that day?” She asked boring into Music Man’s eyes hopefully.
“I thought you didn’t want to talk about it…” Music Man said after taking a sip from his own cup of tea.
“Maybe I…changed my mind. It's not like there is much else to talk about...” Music Man gave the suggestion some thought before responding.
“Alright, but this is one interview exclusive that I don’t want broadcast, or repeated.”
“I wouldn’t do that to you. I promise.”
“To give you a heads up you’re probably not going to like a lot of what I have to say.”
“I’ll try not to overreact.” Music Man nodded and began to speak while Kat listened patiently only asking questions as needed.
Kat and Music Man stayed up late into the night talking about the events leading up to, during and after the fateful day at the observatory. When that topic had been thoroughly exhausted the tables turned and Music Man asked Kat about her life: past and present. What he learned was even more unnerving than what he heard back at the bar and restaurant. Just when he thought things couldn't be anymore grim Kat heaped another tragic, unfortunate event even more troublesome than the last. Out of financial desperation Kat was donating her blood plasma for extra money, though she had only done it once--so she said. Tonight Kat had found out that her Mother had passed away and her Father back in September around the time she started college vanished leaving behind a note saying he was going to kill himself. If there was a spot of good news it was that Kat wasn't actively suicidal. Depressed, yes, but who wouldn't be in her situation?
It became clear to Music Man that Kat needed much more than closure, a safe place to stay the night with a guardian to watch over her after walking out in the middle of the street and coming very close to getting hit by a car.
The only person remaining in Kat’s immediate family was her older brother who sounded like a flake. As for her extended family Kat didn’t know that she could expect much support financial or otherwise from them.
After finding out all this could he really let her go to fend for herself and hope for the best? On the other hand she wasn’t his responsibility. Isn't this how he got here in the first place? He made everyone's problems his personal responsibility? Still…although obviously not enforceable didn’t he as Metro Man on more than one occasion state that every citizen has a duty to do the right thing and look out for each other--or something like that?
Not wanting to go to bed feeling so melancholy Music Man suggested they watch a movie, but afterwards they both had to go to bed and get some sleep. He picked out a comedy which ran for an hour and a half. To Music Man’s relief Kat was nearly asleep by the time the credits started to roll.
“It’s bed time. Let me grab you a pillow and a blanket.”
“Why are you doing all this for me?” She asked when Music Man returned and she started to lie down and make herself comfortable.
“Go to sleep and get some rest. We can talk more in the morning.” Kat didn't complain when he dodged the question and only gave a small nod before closing her eyes.
As Music Man started to head toward his bedroom he couldn’t help staring over his shoulder toward the couch. Maybe I’ll just watch her until I know she’s asleep. He thought as he walked back toward the main living room area and grabbed two chairs, one to sit in and the other to act like a foot rest.
…
When Music Man awoke the next day he was still in his chair overlooking the white couch and the TV. Without hesitation he strode over to check on his overnight house guest. To his dismay she wasn’t there. His panic was only slightly mitigated when he noticed her shoes and jacket on the floor by the couch. She couldn’t have gone far… Search the apartment!
The door to the bathroom was cracked open, but none of the lights were on and he didn’t hear the water running. He opened the door to the spare bedroom which mostly functioned as an on-site overflow storage room.
"Nothing here." That left only one other room to check, his bedroom. “I don’t remember leaving the door closed,” he remarked to himself. Unsure what to expect he firmly gripped the knob and slowly turned it. It was quite the pleasant surprise seeing Kat still fast asleep with the sheets and comforter wrapped around her.
It was…cute. From ear to ear Music Man smiled a genuine smile for some reason this made him feel happy. His mind was now made up. He couldn’t in good conscious let her leave without offering a helping hand.
Music Man didn’t want to wake her, but he didn’t want her to sleep in all day. In passing he had caught sight of what time it was and it was going on to be a quarter past nine o’ clock. He seated himself on the end of the bed and lightly shook at her upper arm. “Good morning.” Music Man said in greeting as Kat roused from her slumber.
“Morning already…?” She asked as she sat up in bed and stretched. Thankfully Kat was still dressed in her street clothes minus her jacket and shoes.
“Someone has been sleeping in my bed…” Music Man said teasingly with a grin.
“Sorry papa bear, but your bed is the only one here. When I got up to use the bathroom and noticed that this one wasn’t occupied I couldn’t help myself. That and I couldn't get back to sleep--might have had something do with the fact you were guarding me in your sleep.”
“Sorry...can you blame a guy for being worried?" He said evasively shifting his eyes before flashing a half smile. "I’m glad you’re still here otherwise I would be worried sick about you. You don’t plan on walking in front of any more cars do you?” Music Man asked his face and tone turning serious.
“No. But, speaking of walking you should probably go walk back to pick up your guitar--you forgot it. I wanted to mention something earlier, but I never got around to bringing it up.”
“That’s right! I knew I forgot something… Hmmm…that can wait till later. After I kick you out of my room to change my clothes and we both have breakfast. Kat…” Music Man began after a pause and he lazily put a long arm around her shoulders.
“Hmm…” Kat hummed in inquiry.
“You asked me, why I care about you. Why I’ve gone out of my way to do this for you. The truth is: I love you like a Father loves a Daughter-I know that now,” he said softly and sincerely.
“You do…?” Kat asked in disbelief. Music Man nodded. “I don’t know what to say……I’m…flattered you think of me like that,” she said lowering her gaze.
“Kat, my eyes are up here,” he said as he put a hand under her chin. “I do love you-and I mean every word. And you deserve so much more,” he said withdrawing his hand. “There is something I want to ask you. How would you feel about moving in with me? We can work out the details as we go along, but I would be willing to give you a place to stay and help you go back to college.” Kat didn’t give an immediate response as her brows furrowed in thought.
“What’s the catch?”
“There is no catch. No strings, no conditions, beyond being a courteous guest in my home. Though if you’re going to accept my hospitality it would be nice if you could keep my secret. It would be generally rude and bad form for you to accept what I am offering you AND rat me out. I would prefer to decide on my terms if, when and under what conditions I go public about this."
“I think your bullet point about not revealing your secret identity counts as a condition," she dryly replied as Music Man's gaze became noticeably more tense, "to... state the obvious," Kat hesitantly amended while rolling her eyes, "not that I plan on giving it away. I don’t see the point--what it would accomplish." Satisfied with Kat's response Music Man relaxed again.
"I can't help you if I'm put on trial and given a prison sentence," he gravely stated. At the remark Kat's eyes popped open wider than normal, but she quickly shook off the impact of Music Man's words with a nod. "Needless to say if you do decide to stay here you won’t be sleeping in my bed.”
"I don’t think that will be a problem,” she said with a smirk. “This bed is way too big for me,” Kat said her voice trailing off as her eyes settled on the sheets and comforter in front of her. Without comment Music Man slid his second hand under Kat’s chin until their eyes found each other’s again. “I don’t know what to say…”
“Say what’s in you...” he said, hoping that she would say 'yes.' When no answer was forthcoming he thought that maybe he was applying too much pressure with the forced eye contact and decided to withdraw his hand from under her chin.
“What you’ve said…is probably…the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me." Kat said after an extended lull in the conversation. "But I can’t ask this of you-I can’t accept,” Kat managed to say as a stray tear ran down her face and she couldn’t stand to look at him for one second longer. With great care Music Man brushed the tear away with his thumb and of her own accord Kat turned her full attention back toward him.
“Maybe this is too much, too soon…and you need to think about it. But you’re worth it. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. You’ve been through enough as it is. We all need help sometimes-it’s not a weakness to admit it and accept the help that is offered. Please...let me help you.” To his heartfelt plea Kat continued to stare at him uncertainly as if sizing him up and looking for some sign that proved his intentions were pure. “If you decide you’d rather not live with me. I would still be willing to help you however I can. If it makes you feel better to think of it this way you can consider this a trial run period and if you’re not satisfied no harm, no foul you get your money back guaranteed.” Music Man said half seriously, half jokingly to poke fun at the situation.
However brilliant or lame the attempt at a joke, it garnered a smile from Kat all the same.
"I think I...like that." What happened next caught Music Man off guard as Kat’s body collided with his torso nearly causing him to fall off the bed and send both of them tumbling to the floor.
“Wh-whoa…easy…it'll be ok.......I won't let you fall...” Music Man said as he reciprocated the sudden display of affection by allowing both his arms to drape around her and lightly pat her back.
It was a big decision to make in such a short amount of time for both of them, but Music Man was determined that no matter what he would be there for Kat. For better or worse, through the good the bad and the ugly. Come: boyfriends, $50,000 a year college tuition, summer vacations spent idly lounging in the living room, driving lessons, fights over control of the TV, distance and conflicting schedules--he would be there.
And perhaps somewhere along this journey Wayne would find redemption.
Author's Notes:
1) Music Man saying, "someone has been sleeping in my bed," and Kat calling Music Man "papa bear" is a reference to Goldylocks and the three bears.