The BLTS Archive - Paris in the Rain by Sasscat Bu-to-y(fitchett@netaccess.co.nz) --- zoinky wrote: > I propose the "Soothin Summer Shower Challenge". Take two characters, > any characters, any series, and have them get caught in a summer > shower. > > Extra points if they are angry at the start of the shower and not at > the end. > Extra style points for good descriptions of wet clothes. > Extra points if anyone can remember which play the phrase "soothin > summer shower" comes from and can incorporate that into the story. (My > guess would be Tennessee Williams, but I'm not sure.) Oh no... not another challenge... can't resist... --- Disclaimer: Paramount owns 'em, I just write the stories. Oh, and aaannnngst waaaarnings... :) (c) Sasscat Bu-to-y 1999 --- "You said she *knew*!" Kathryn yelled over her shoulder, storming across the paddock. "You said it was over years ago! You said--" She whirled angrily as the man chasing her caught her arms. "You said there wouldn't be any complications!" "And there *aren't* any," he insisted, brushing a stray wisp of hair from her face. Kathryn shook his hand away angrily. "A son? That's not a complication? Goddammit, Owen, you have no intention of leaving that woman, do you?" Owen looked away and Kathryn pulled free in disgust. She should have known, right from the start - the great Admiral Paris interested in a gawky, inexperienced ensign? Silver-tongued bastard. And stupid, stupid Kathryn for believing he might have risked the controversy of leaving his wife for someone under his command. He caught her arms again before she'd gotten far, the jolt shaking tears from her eyes. "What do you want?" she demanded, hating herself for the weakness. His eyes were deceptively concerned. "It's scheduled to rain today. At least let me run you home." "I don't want any help from you," she snapped. "I can walk to the public transport." "It's three kilometres." "I've walked further." "Don't be stubborn, Kathryn," he said, a little heatedly. "You're acting like a little girl." "At least I'm not an old man," she shot back viciously, turning away again. He spun her round, holding her arms tightly. "I never lied to you," he insisted, voice low. "I will leave her. It's just going to take a little time, but I've been telling you that all along." That was true, she had to admit. But... a son? Why had he never told her? Afraid of scaring her off, probably. She recalled the strange, haunted look that came into his eyes sometimes when they were together, as if he were afraid it couldn't last. Kathryn sighed and leaned her head against his chest as the rain began to fall. --- Kathryn tensed, pulling away from the man who held her. "Pregnant?" "Three weeks," he confirmed. "The Doc says--" His voice cracked slightly. She turned, walking slowly away from him to stare at the alien landscape. A terrible sense of deja vu was spreading through her. "That will make it difficult to leave her, don't you think?" He didn't answer. She bowed her head, feeling the hot wind of this planet whip through her clothes. She should have known. Known better than to get involved with Tom, after what had happened with his father. Known better than to trust anyone with those innocent blue eyes that melted her heart. Known better than to think either of them really loved her. "You'd better get back to B'Elanna," she said hollowly. "I'm sure she'll need you very much now." "Kathryn--" "Go." Not angry, like last time. Just... drained. Accepting the inevitable, and still cursing herself for the weakness as tears squeezed from her eyes. A hesitant hand on her shoulder that she quickly shook away. "Kathryn, I swear I'll leave her. It's just going to... take a little time." She should have known better. This time, she did. "No, Tom. No promises, no regrets. You have to be with B'Elanna." He was silent for a long time, then she felt him turn and walk away. She heard the tap of his commbadge, the sparkle of the transporter beam shunting molecules away. This time, when the rain fell, she faced it alone. --- The End