ithildin: (Taste - Wine & Cheese)
ithildin ([personal profile] ithildin) wrote2008-03-23 01:10 pm

'He's A Pirate' (01/01)

I decided that writing a little ficlet might give me the musepiration to get cracking on 'Fondly' -- it's a theory at least! So I decided to write a wee sort of sequel to my Highlander/Pirates of the Caribbean story, One Day. Don't worry, this one won't make you reach for a tissue :)

Rating: PG
Warnings/Notes: Something of a sequel to 'One Day', but not not a crossover.
Character(s): Methos, Duncan, OFC
Summary: Duncan begins a new venture with a little help (a very little help) from a friend.

An 'Echoes the Sea' series summary can be found here.


He’s A Pirate

San Luis Obispo, California, 2008

“I give you five, no make that two, years before you’re bored silly and chuck it all for the big city,” Methos said, leaning against the granite countertop, a glass of red wine in one hand.

Duncan MacLeod just shook his head, pouring more wine into Methos’ glass before refilling his own. “You’d be wrong. Look, Methos, I wanted a change, new vistas, and this suits me fine.”


Methos looked around the tasting room of Mac’s new winery and sighed. “Fine, but if you wanted to play vintner, couldn’t you have picked a winery in France or maybe Argentina? I’ve always liked Argentina.”

“I like it here.” Duncan was practically beaming as he patted the gleaming countertop.

“You could have at least gone to Napa. That’s close to a major city with nightlife, microbreweries, and great restaurants. But you had to pick San Luis Obispo of all places!”

“The wine from this region is better than Napa, and the fact it’s not near a major metropolitan city is a plus in my book! Central California is beautiful; it’s warm, the beaches are great, and it has lots of charm. You’re just a snob, Methos,” Duncan declared.

“Moi?” Methos mouthed dramatically placing his hands against his chest.

He just snorted, taking a cloth from his pocket to polish the counter.

“How many times are you going to do that?” Methos demanded. “That has to be the tenth time in the last hour.“

“I want to make a good impression. The woman who owns the winery next to mine is coming over to welcome me to the neighborhood. I’m making lunch.”

“Ah.”

“Ah? What is that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, just that it explains all the fussing. A woman, a pretty one, considering all the effort.”

Duncan sputtered, “That has nothing to do with it!”

“Uh huh.” Methos sounded unconvinced. “Are you going to tell me she isn’t pretty?”

Duncan didn’t quite meet the other man’s eyes. “I haven’t actually met her.”

“But…?” Methos prodded.

“Fine! She photographs really well! Happy?”

“Ah ha! I knew it!” he crowed.

“You don’t have to stay, you know,” Duncan informed his friend with a huff.

“Oh, perish the thought! I’m very eager to meet your photogenic neighbor.” Methos snickered as Duncan shot him a dirty look.

The intercom buzzed. “That’ll be her.” Picking up the handset, Duncan listened for a moment before replying, “Sure, come on down. I’ll open the gate.” He pressed a button next to the intercom. “See you in a few minutes.” Putting the handset in its cradle, he turned back to Methos. “Behave!”

“You know me, Mac. I’m always a gentleman,” Methos said, his eyes twinkling.

Methos actually helped Duncan set out the lunch he’d prepared; getting his hand smacked when he tried to eat one of the shrimp stuffed mushrooms. But both men’s good humour vanished as the wave of another immortal presence swept across them.

Turning to Duncan, he shook his head in disgust. “What is it with you? Can you go nowhere without a strange Immortal showing up?”

“You would know,” Duncan replied wryly, “being one yourself.”

Methos glared. “Maybe you two could start an Immortal Wine of the Month Club,” he said testily.

Anything Duncan might have said in response was cut off by the large ironbound oak door opening, letting a wash of noonday sun into the dim interior of the tasting room. The woman who entered did so warily, removing her sunglasses as she shut the door behind her.

Duncan stepped forward, extending his hand. “This is unexpected,” he said, smiling reassuringly.

Taking his hand, she shook it firmly. “You have no idea,” she replied, but she wasn’t looking at Duncan. Her attention was fixed on Methos.

Noticing, Duncan quickly added, “This is a good friend of mine, Matthew Adamson. Matthew, this is---“

Methos cut him off. “Yes, I know.” He walked forward, taking her hand to kiss it in a courtly fashion. “It’s been a long time, Charlotte. “ He didn’t release her hand, and she didn’t seem to mind.

Reaching up, she brushed her lips across his. “Too long.”

Surprised, and not a little bit disappointed – Charlotte Sparrow was a very pretty woman -- Duncan didn’t really know what else to say other than, “So you know him then?”

Charlotte glanced over at Duncan with a smile that was full of secrets. “I do indeed, Mr. MacLeod.” She looked up into Methos’ eyes. “He’s a pirate.”

The warmth of Methos’ laughter filled the room

The End?

[identity profile] carbonelle.livejournal.com 2008-03-23 09:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Duncan forget to mention that SLO has a really nice airport--much more convenient than anything in Paris or San Francisco!
ext_9031: (Methos - Laugh)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-23 09:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Hee!

[identity profile] steelvictory.livejournal.com 2008-03-23 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Very cute!
ext_9031: (Methos - Forest)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-23 10:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks!

I'm thinking California is looking a lot nicer to Methos now!

[identity profile] panthology.livejournal.com 2008-03-23 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, now we know where the rum's gone! ;D

Very cute!
ext_9031: (Vintage - Stays)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-23 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Luckily, there's alway more!
juniperphoenix: Fire in the shape of a bird (Duncan)

[personal profile] juniperphoenix 2008-03-23 11:05 pm (UTC)(link)
“Fine! She photographs really well! Happy?”

*snerk* Oh, Duncan. *pets him*

This was really fun.
ext_9031: (Media - Keira: Ocean Profile)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-23 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Hee! Poor Duncan, I can see him pouting still [g]

Thank you!

[identity profile] sophiedb.livejournal.com 2008-03-23 11:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Trust Ye Olde Beer Fiend to focus on the lack of breweries *snort*
ext_9031: (Methos - Easily Amused)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-23 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
The man has his priorities!

[identity profile] pat-t.livejournal.com 2008-03-23 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Awwww, well there goes Duncan's plans. Love the interaction between the guys. Nice that Methos knows the other immortal for once. Oh, and that she isn't after his head.
ext_9031: (Methos - Bloody Sword)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, I think it's only fair that Methos gets to know the 'strange Immortal' for once [g]

Charlotte's late husband and Methos were good friends, so she's happy to see him :)

I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I'm incredibly flattered that you read it! Thank you [HUGS]

[identity profile] methosdeb.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 12:39 am (UTC)(link)
loved it ,I could see Methos as a pirate with no problem .
ext_9031: (Methos - Laugh)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
Me too! [g]

[identity profile] mischief5.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 12:39 am (UTC)(link)
Wonderful voices for both Methos and Duncan! And it's high time Duncan owned a winery. Now he can be Joe's supplier. *grin* What a fun story!
ext_9031: (Methos - Look)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 12:46 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you :) I was rather fond of 'immortal wine of the month club' [g]

Glad you liked it! [smooches]

[identity profile] jerel.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
Cute! :) You've got both of their voices really well, and their interaction is perfect.
ext_9031: (Methos - Rear View)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 12:53 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you! That's so good to hear!
shadadukal: (Ben Browder)

[personal profile] shadadukal 2008-03-24 08:41 am (UTC)(link)
Very well written. And the voices are great. As others have mentioned, it's a nice change that Methos knows a friendly immortal for once, instead of Duncan.
However, because of Methos's dislike of water, I can't really imagine him as a sea pirate. So I'm sorta taking the term in a more generic manner and as a term of endearment. It suits this way as well, I think.

I think you should write a sequel to that little ficlet. :D

Thanks for sharing!
ext_9031: (PotC - Jack: Horizon)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 03:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Glad you enjoyed it :) At some point, I hope to do a sequel to the sequel, with flashbacks to how Methos and Jack met, and how Jack and Charlotte met (all I know is that he took her ship), and all that stuff! In my other series, Jack is an immortal, but this one, he was mortal.

[identity profile] catyuy.livejournal.com 2008-07-14 07:23 pm (UTC)(link)
I just am really bored and looking back over old entries as I am sick today.
Any development on these ideas.
And which is the story where Jack is an immortal?
ext_9031: (Taste - Tea)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-07-14 07:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Sorry you're sick. Nope, right now, I'm stuck in the present because Tony never shuts up :)

That story is here: http://ithildyn.livejournal.com/37792.html

[identity profile] anya2112.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 12:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Very nice! The voices are well done indeed! Love that Methos twinkle!

Yah, Methos gets the girl for once!!
ext_9031: (Media - Keira: Ocean Profile)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 03:36 pm (UTC)(link)
I try to write Duncan more than I used to. I know certain people on my f'list are big fans of his, so I do my best to not ignore him [g]

I'm glad you liked it!

[identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 02:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Completely in love with the idea of Methos as Pirate - you have to write that story and how he met jack.

Really enjoyed it!
ext_9031: (Methos - Myth)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 03:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, I know [g] It's on the every lengthening list of things that need writing!

Glad you liked it!

[identity profile] dejla.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 07:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Hee! Poor Duncan!
ext_9031: (Default)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 08:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Po, po Duncan!

[identity profile] blade-and-roses.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 08:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Hee! Actually, despite his lack of fondness for that water, I can see Methos as a pirate quite well. I loved the earlier story, so nice that they finally met again!

And why do I suspect that since 1) Duncan has a winery and 2) Methos probably owns at least 3 breweries that 3) Joe will be stocking a fine quality of alcohol obtained at a friend-of-the-maker discount?
ext_9031: (Media - Keira: Ocean Profile)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 08:35 pm (UTC)(link)
I think Joe probably owns a nice club in downtown SLO, probably along the river.

Yeah, I can see him as a pirate too. Just because he hated the water, wouldn't mean he wouldn't go to sea if he needed to [g] and as much as he traveled, you couldn't really avoid long sea voyages. I'm thinking he hung a shingle in Tortuga -- after all, pirates and whores need doctors too.

Thanks for reading!

[identity profile] blade-and-roses.livejournal.com 2008-03-25 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Actually, I'd written a humorous one-off where he was a pirate (for Talk Like a Pirate Day). Purely for mercenary reasons, of course. Even docs need to pay the bills!

ext_9031: (Methos - Forest)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-25 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
My housemate/sometime cowriter wrote a story where Jack and Methos meet, and it became the basis for me adding an Immortal Jack to my Bloodties series. He's only appeared in one story so far, but one of these days...!

[identity profile] ladyfiresprite.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
This makes me giggle! I love it. :)
ext_9031: (Art - Forest Quill)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm glad! Thank you :)

[identity profile] flynn-boyant.livejournal.com 2008-03-27 12:27 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, this is sheer brilliance.

I adored the "He's a pirate" at the end! :)
ext_9031: (Methos - Easily Amused)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-27 12:31 am (UTC)(link)
Wow! Aren't you good for my ego? [g]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[identity profile] madripoor-rose.livejournal.com 2008-04-30 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
Aw, very nice.

Surprised, and not a little bit disappointed – Charlotte Sparrow was a very pretty woman -- Duncan didn’t really know what else to say other than, “So you know him then?”

And I had to laugh a little at this. Duncan's used to getting the girl, ain't he? Also liked the setting, winery, very interesting.
ext_9031: (Methos - Myth)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-04-30 05:14 am (UTC)(link)
Hee! I thought it was time Methos 'got the girl' so to speak [g]

Thanks so much for reading!! It's much appreciated!

[identity profile] anya2112.livejournal.com 2008-05-31 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
My TWO favorite lines:

1) " You know me, Mac. I'm always a gentleman," Methos said, his eyes twinkling.

2) " Maybe you two could start an Immortal Wine of the Month Club," he said testily.

*snark*

Bloody brilliant!!
ext_9031: (Methos - Last Beer)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-05-31 03:31 am (UTC)(link)
YAY! I LOVE the Immortal Wine of the Month Club line, and you're the only person to mention it [g] You're special :)
ext_15374: (painty methos)

[identity profile] idontlikegravy.livejournal.com 2008-07-08 11:25 pm (UTC)(link)
*hee*

oh snark city! This was fabulous, and abounded with great lines, you made me LOL (genuinely) XD

Now, if you could just see your way to writing a meeting between Tony and Amanda this series would be perfect.... *bats eyelashes*
ext_9031: (Art - Pink Pool)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-07-09 01:52 am (UTC)(link)
Glad you enjoyed it :) I think Amanda and Charlotte know each other, so it could happen.

LOL

[identity profile] ronneem.livejournal.com 2008-10-17 02:49 am (UTC)(link)
Oh that's perfectly funny! Love it.
ext_9031: (Methos - Easily Amused)

Re: LOL

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-10-17 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
This one was definitely happier!

Thank you for reading :)

[identity profile] tpena19.livejournal.com 2008-11-13 06:21 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, that was fun! great first meeting, love that Methos knows the pretty lady (and she's not out to kill him dead), poor Mac is all disappointed now "so you know him then?" LOL

I can so see Methos as a pirate, or just hanging out with them, he has those piratey tendencies, plus maybe that's why he doesn't like water so much anymore? He saw way too much of it in the before times...just a thought.
ext_9031: (Default)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2008-12-23 08:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Sorry I never saw this comment way back when :)

The way I figure it was that Methos as a doctor treated pirates, and due to circumstances would sail with Jack. Methos did travel around a lot, and while he may have hated the water, it was the only game in town in those days :)

[identity profile] sophiebriand.livejournal.com 2009-10-14 01:20 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, good God. I HATE OFCs. And here you've made me adore one: your immortal Charlotte.

Jesus Christ, you should publish. !!!!
ext_9031: (My Fic Icons - Charlotte E.P.S Portrait)

[identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com 2009-10-14 06:56 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, I know, I'm an OFC addict, I admit it [g] And most people do hate them, but you need to follow your heart and write what gives you joy, or why bother. That's my philosophy anyway :) So that's my long winded way of saying that it's a a real compliment that you enjoyed the story and Charlotte. It gives me a lovely feeling of accomplishment, so thank you very much. I appreciate it.