i should've seen something

[[ notes left with bar ]]

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:47:46 GMT

whitetextiswhite

Demeter --

Bill and I are leaving for South Carolina, but we'll both be stopping in the bar at every opportunity. I've made arrangements to make sure Boo will be watched over and taken care of when we're not here full-time, and if you ever want to check upstairs to see if she's here, Bar can lend you a key to visit.

With love,
Kate

[ an orchid accompanies the note ]

- - - - -

Doc --

I hope you're feeling much better than you were when we last saw each other. I just wanted to let you know that Bill and I are heading back to Wheelsy, but we'll both be dropping in for visits whenever we can.

No more getting hurt, okay? Call it a favor to me and Bill.

- Kate

P.S. I forgot to ask if you ever got a chance to read 'On the Road,' but in case you did and enjoyed Kerouac, here's another writer you might like.

[ a copy of Ginsberg's Howl and Other Poems accompanies the note ]

- - - - -

Kate --

Bill and I are heading back to Wheelsy, so I won't be here full-time to nag you.

Of course, that won't stop me from trying. We'll both drop in as often as we can.

Love,
K.

P.S. I'd tell you not to work too hard, but I know you will anyway.

[ ~~yet another~~ a box of bath goodies wrapped in bright paper and tied with ribbon accompanies the note ]

- - - - -

Katherine --

Those cookies were supposed to be for you, not us! But thank you -- they were wonderful.

There's no need to apologize, Bill and I are just thankful Doc's back and both of you are safe.

We're going back to Wheelsy, but we'll both drop in the bar as we can. I've made arrangements to make sure Boo will be watched over and taken care of when we're not here full-time, and if you want to check in on her upstairs, Bar could lend you a key for a visit.

Take care,
Kate

[ a tin of oatmeal cranberry almond cookies accompanies the note ]

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 06:25:46 GMT

whitetextiswhite

After leaving a few notes and gifts with Bar, Kate returns upstairs.

She still has one more to deliver.

[[ holiday gifts left with bar ]]

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 05:45:43 GMT

whitetextiswhite

Kate and Bill leave cards for AndrAIa, Bart Allen, Coreen Fennel, Dani Phantom, Dr. Lisa Cuddy, Dr. Simon Tam, Enzo, Felix of Vale, Matrix, Nathan Petrelli, Rabastan LeStrange, The Question, and Val Von Doom:

Thank you for everything you've done this year. We wouldn't have gotten Boo back without your help.

Happy holidays,
Kate Warner and Bill Pardy

When the recipients check the tab board, they'll see a generous credit next to their names.

For Enzo, once Bar informs Kate that he'll likely never notice the credit to his older sister's tab, Kate instead leaves a Complete Traveler's Guide to Monstropolis, detailing the history and culture of Boo's world, the types of monsters who live there, the progression from scream-power to laugh-power, and tourist attractions. Bar also provides a booklet of limited-issue Boo stamps.

- - - - -

Kate and Bill leave a wicker gift basket filled with Swiss chocolates, French and Italian wines, jars of jam, petit fours, and assorted packets of seeds for Demeter.

The accompanying card reads, Shopping for a goddess is harder than we thought. We can never repay you for everything you've done for us, but we hope you enjoy.

Happy holidays,
Kate and Bill

- - - - -

Doc Scurlock receives an iPod pre-loaded with Billy Idol, Elton John, Billy Joel, Carole King and Jackson Browne.

The accompanying card reads, I was paying attention on the way to the airport.

Merry Christmas, Doc.

- Kate

- - - - -

Kate Barlow receives a wicker gift basket filled with scone and muffin mixes, assorted jams and jellies, tea, and cookie mix in a jar.

The accompanying card reads, I haven't forgotten how much fun we had with Boo in the kitchen last year -- if we find the time, we should get together again.

Merry Christmas,
Kate W.

- - - - -

Kate Beckett receives the most luxurious spa robe in the history of Saks and a box of bath goodies.

The accompanying card reads, To match the tub.

Merry Christmas, Kate.

- K.

- - - - -

Paul Avery receives a Nintendo Entertainment System with Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt.

The accompanying card reads, Just because we haven't seen much of each other doesn't mean you don't get a Christmas gift. Besides, you're the only reporter I like.

- Kate

[[ note left for doc scurlock and kate barlow ]]

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:07:23 GMT

whitetextiswhite

Doc and Katherine --

I don't know if you two have found your way back to the bar since we left -- I don't even know if either of you will get this note, but I wanted to leave it, just in case one or both of you stop in.

I hope you're both well and that you're enjoying your time in Colorado. It's beautiful in my time, and I'm betting it's even more gorgeous in yours. Bill said there was some trouble that morning in the stables with Ramon, but Security was handling it. I haven't seen Ramon, but I'm making sure he doesn't connect Boo to any of us.

Bill, Boo and I are still at Demeter's for now, and we'll be checking in as we can.

Take care,
Kate

P.S. A friend told me there's a strange virus going around the bar. She said it's like a flu, but it comes with memories that belong to other people. It might be something to keep an eye out for so neither of you get sick, and it could be affecting the people around you here.

[[ note left for demeter ]]

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:00:25 GMT

whitetextiswhite

Demeter --

It's been a little while since Bill and I have seen you, and I wanted to leave a note here in case you stopped in before you came by the house. We hope you're doing well and your travels are bringing you peace.

I know I've said this before, but I can't begin to thank you enough for everything you've done for Bill and Boo and me, sharing your home and your heart. I'm afraid we'll never be able to repay your generosity and the kindness you've shown.

I also wanted to check with you to see if you'd mind one extra visitor while we're in Provence. Kate Beckett is a good friend of mine and Bill's -- you may have met her when she helped us get Boo back from Cruella's world. She's a detective from New York, and could use a few days of vacation. If it's all right with you, I'll ready one of the spare bedrooms, and Bill or I will bring her to the house the next time one of us sees her in the bar.

Thanks again, and please take care. I hope to see you soon.

With love,
Kate

P.S. I don't know if it's possible for goddesses to get sick the way humans do, but Kate told me there's a strange virus going around the bar. She said it's like a flu, but it comes with memories that belong to other people. It might be something to watch out for, or if you're immune, it could be affecting the behavior of those around you.

[[ france ]]

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:38:45 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ "about last night ... " ]

Kate wakes early -- too early, judging by the near-darkness of the bedroom.

After a few minutes, when it's annoyingly apparent she won't be drifting back to sleep, she presses a soft kiss to Bill's cheek and murmurs near his ear when he stirs.

Easing out of bed, she pulls on a pair of sweats and tugs on a couple of layers; she wants to keep warm during her jog.

After checking to make sure Boo's still sleeping soundly across the hall, she slips downstairs to make fresh coffee for Beckett and Bill before her morning run.

[[ france ]]

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:16:07 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ every alcohol-soaked night has a morning after ]

Kate flicks off the lamp and slips into bed next to Bill, her eyes slowly adjusting to the faint light from the crescent moon filtering through the window.

She can't keep still-frames of the night before from flashing through her mind -- of Bill, of Beckett, of herself, together in a tangle of sweat-slick skin and limbs and lips and tongues and teeth; she's been seeing snapshots all day, a mental slideshow she can't turn off.

Despite how well the morning after went, Kate knows she and Bill need to talk.

But, rolling onto her side to face him, she can't bring herself to say we need to talk.

(For one, it's cliché.)

(For another, she can't.)

[[ france ]]

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:53:28 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ these high stakes have a high alcohol content ]

She's lost count of how much wine they've put away among the three of them, and how many hands of Texas hold 'em have slipped through their fingers and wallets and wardrobes by the time they call it a night.

Kate's laughing as they stagger-stumble upstairs in a tangle of arms and torsos and underwear; at this point, she's fairly certain Bill and Beckett are mostly carrying her between them. They clear the stairs and her ankle rolls -- how, she's not quite sure -- but she's taking Beckett and Bill with her with a warm tumble, the ceiling's spinning and she can't stop laughing.

"God, guys, I'm sorry -- sorry -- "

Her fingers brush Bill's stomach and her free hand grazes Beckett's ribs as she twists to peer at them.

"Everybody okay?"

[[ france ]]

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:23:16 GMT

whitetextiswhite

With Boo spending the night with a playmate nearby and Demeter away, the remaining grown-ups have the evening and the house to themselves.

Which means, after a long, unhurried dinner and plenty of conversation, Kate, Beckett and Bill find themselves working their way through more than a couple of bottles of wine from Demeter's impressive cellar, and Bill's shuffling a deck of playing cards.

The stakes have yet to be determined.

[[ note left for doc scurlock ]]

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:01:32 GMT

whitetextiswhite

Doc --

I just heard back from Demeter, and Bill and I are taking Boo and meeting her downstairs early in the morning. If you or Katherine would like to come by tonight, we'll probably be up pretty late packing. Otherwise, I hope we'll see you both tomorrow.

Take care,
Kate

[[ france ]]

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:16:54 GMT

whitetextiswhite

She wakes slowly, in a warm tangle of limbs and sheets, her face buried in the hollow of Bill's neck and shoulder.

The room is half-lit in early-morning gray, and she stifles a yawn.

Shifting, her leg moves higher on his thigh and she breathes deep, blinking the blurriness from her vision.

Bill stirs next to her, his arm tightening around her to draw her closer. Her lips press against his neck and she smiles against his skin.

"Morning," she says, her voice soft and hoarse.

[[ milliways ]]

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:33:52 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ "i hope we'll see you both tomorrow" ]

God, it's early.

With Boo in her arms and a tote bag loaded with necessary toys and art supplies over one shoulder, Kate reaches the bottom of the stairs and turns to see how Bill's faring with the two suitcases he's hauling.

"This is going to be fun, Gracie-Boo," she murmurs into Boo's hair, and she doesn't know who she's trying to assure more -- Boo or herself. "Provence is beautiful."

When Bill joins them, she gives him a small, sleepy smile; neither of them got much rest the night before thanks to last-minute packing.

"Okay, you two."

Demeter's waiting.

[[ note left for demeter ]]

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:01:32 GMT

whitetextiswhite

Demeter --

I hope this note finds you well, and that you were able to spend time with your daughter.

Bill and I have talked about your generous offer, and we would love to take you up on a visit to your world. We're both spending most of our time with Boo, so you can find us there or leave a note with Bar the next time you're here.

Thank you again for your incredible generosity.

-- Kate Warner

[[ note left for kate barlow ]]

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:44:27 GMT

whitetextiswhite

Katherine —

I'm sorry.

I should have listened to your warnings, or I should have tried to talk to Ramon by myself. I thought it was possible to have a rational conversation with him. It didn't start out so bad, but he and Bill got so angry so quickly, they wouldn't see reason.

It's my fault Bill got hurt, because I put him next to Ramon. I should have never agreed to that. I should have talked to Ramon alone again, because maybe none of this would have happened.

I don't know what to do here, and I'm scared of what's going to happen to Bill and to you. Demeter has offered a trip to her world to keep Bill and Boo safe, and I'm going to ask Bill if he'll consider it. When Ramon changes back, I don't want Bill anywhere near him.

That goes for you, too — I don't know what will fix this, but I don't want to see you hurt any more than you have been already. If you want to leave the bar for a while but don't want to go home, either, have you thought about going to another world, too? You could come to Demeter's place in France with us. I know she wants to see you protected as much as we do.

I can't tell you how sorry I am for this. I wanted to help, but all I've done is made things worse for everyone.

Please be careful, and if you need anything, I'm upstairs with Boo.

— Kate

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:54:05 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ "i think i should talk to demeter." ]

Kate eases open Boo's bedroom door, and she isn't completely surprised to see that Bill has fallen asleep with Boo curled on his chest, her head tucked under his chin. They're both snoring softly, a copy of Where the Wild Things Are rising and falling on Bill's stomach with each slow, even breath.

Smiling to herself, Kate pads across the room on silent feet and lifts the book from Bill's torso. Once it's back on the shelf, she carefully covers Bill and Boo with a spare blanket.

She doesn't want to wake either of them -- Boo played hard earlier, and Bill hasn't been sleeping well for days; the purple smudges under his eyes hurt to see.

She's closing the bedroom door behind her with a barely audible click when a soft knock sounds.

Her heart rate doubles as crosses the suite, but tension drains from her shoulders when she sees who's on the other side of the door.

"Demeter," she says quietly, stepping back and opening the door wider. "Come in."

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:40:07 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ that house of cards is gonna fall ]

With Boo tucked in bed for the night, Kate's curled on the couch with a paperback she's hardly reading while Bill works on a jigsaw puzzle at the kitchen table. On the TV screen, the PONG! console plays a silent game against itself.

As she turns another page, Kate absently brings a hand to her face; the swelling's much better than yesterday, but the bruise is ugly, an eggplant splotch marring her cheek just below her eye.

It's quiet in the suite; the knock surprises them both. Kate stiffens and her eyes flick to Bill, and she's trying to reassure herself that it's a friend on the other side of the door, or someone coming by to check on Boo, but her triphammering heart belies the notion.

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:09:49 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ "you should have stayed out of this" // "somethin's come up that i gotta take care of" ]

The shower didn't help.

She doesn't know how long she's been sitting on the edge of the tub while her aching cheek throbs.

She pulls her green terrycloth towel tighter around herself.

She needs to stand up, get dressed, she needs to wake Bill --

(she's sorry, she's so sorry)

Fresh tears well up and she squeezes shut her eyes.

[[ milliways ]]

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:18:44 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ "i can't see you get hurt again because your heart's bigger than your brain" ]

"Goin' s'where?"

Her stomach twists as she smooths Bill's rumpled hair from his forehead in the gray pre-dawn light.

"Just for a run. Go back to sleep."

He gives her a sleepy half-nod.

"Mmmkay. Careful, s'bunnies."

She nearly chokes on guilt as her lips brush his cheek.

"I will. Back in a little while."

She slips out of the suite and heads down the hall to Bill's empty room.

- - - - -

She finds the gun on the top shelf in his closet.

Jaw tight, she lifts the weapon with steady hands and checks the magazine, then tucks the gun into the waistband of her black running pants at the small of her back.

With its cold weight at the base of her spine, she's hyper-aware of every step, every flex of each muscle and every breath she takes as she locks Bill's door and heads downstairs.

She doesn't know if she'll find Ramon, but she has to try.

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:26:41 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ "three days." ]

Kate's asleep on her side in Boo's too-small bed, neck bent at an awkward angle. One arm is draped around Boo's snoring form, and the fingers of her free hand are still loosely curled around a dog-eared paperback on the pink comforter. An impressive assortment of Boo's books litter the floor, and a small stack is perched precariously between the edge of the mattress and Kate's heel.

She hasn't been sleeping long, her breathing still shallow and features not as relaxed as they could be.

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:24:03 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ an officer and a gentleman ]

Mr. Spiny is missing.

Kate's searched everywhere -- beneath her bed, in Boo's room, even the freezer, just in case -- and he's is nowhere to be found.

On a quick recon mission, she zips down the hall to see if he's in Bill's room, and --

Oh my god.

[[ notes left with the bar regarding boo ]]

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 04:54:46 GMT

whitetextiswhite

AndrAIa --

Thank you for all of your help. I can't imagine what it was like, waiting in the bar for us to return with Boo. I'm grateful to you and your husband.

Boo has seen a doctor, and she's going to be fine. Bill and I are keeping a close watch on her, and we're upstairs in Room 2002 if you and Matrix would like to stop by and see her.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Bart --

Thank you so much for helping get Boo back. We wouldn't have found that address in Cruella's apartment nearly as fast without you.

Boo has seen a doctor, and she's going to be fine. Bill and I are keeping a close eye on her, and we're upstairs in Room 2002 if you want to come by and visit.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Coreen --

Thank you for your help in the bar with Cruella.

Now that Boo is back, she has seen a doctor, and she's going to be fine. She's staying with Bill and me in Room 2002 if you'd like to stop by and visit.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Dani --

Thanks so much for all of your help. Without your abilities, finding Boo would have been much harder and taken a lot longer. I can't express how grateful I am for your bravery and all that you did in London.

Boo has seen a doctor, and she's going to be fine. Bill and I are keeping a close eye on her upstairs, and we're in Room 2002 if you'd like to come by and see her.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Demeter --

I can't tell you how grateful I am for everything you did while I was gone to Cruella's world. You kept Cruella in the bar, and you were the voice of reason I knew you'd be.

Boo has seen a doctor, and she's going to be fine. She's staying upstairs with Bill and me in Room 2002 if you'd like to stop by for a visit.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Dr. Cuddy --

Thank you for all of your help with Boo. You were right -- rest is what she needed more than anything. She's feeling better already, and she's staying with Bill and me in Room 2002 if you'd like to come by and see her at any time.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Dr. Tam --

Thank you for your help when we brought Boo to the infirmary. It was a terrible night for her, and I'm sorry she reacted so strongly to you. She's feeling better already, though.

She's staying with Bill and me in Room 2002 if you'd like to stop by and check in on her at any time. She's such a loving little girl, I know she'd warm up to you in minutes now that she's getting the rest and care she needs.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Enzo --

Thank you for all your help with Cruella.

Boo is safe and she's seen a doctor, and she's going to be fine. Bill and I are keeping a close watch on her upstairs in Room 2002 if you'd like to come by and see her.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Felix --

Thank you so much for all that you did to help get Boo back. Your powers were an incredible help.

She's been looked over by a doctor, and she's going to be fine -- we have the healing spell you cast to thank for that. She's staying with Bill and me in Room 2002 if you'd like to stop by and see her.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Kate --

I can't begin to thank you enough for all that you've done for Bill and for me.

Boo's doctor said she's going to be fine, and she's already showing signs of improvement. She's staying with us in my room if you want to stop by when you get a chance.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Matrix --

You and your wife have been wonderful through this entire ordeal. Thank you both so much for all your help, and I hope your head is feeling better.

Dr. Cuddy checked over Boo in the infirmary, and she's going to be fine. She's staying upstairs with Bill and me in Room 2002 if you and AndrAIa would like to visit her.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Nathan --

How do I begin thanking you for saving my life? I hope your shoulder is healing as fast and as painlessly as possible.

I don't have words for how grateful I am for everything you've done to help bring Boo back safely. She's going to be fine, like Dr. Cuddy said, and she's in Room 2002 with Bill and me if you'd like to come by and visit.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Rabastan --

Thank you so much for all of your help.

Boo has seen a doctor, and she's going to be fine. Bill and I are keeping a close watch on her, and we're in Room 2002 if you'd like to stop by for a visit and see her.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

For The Question --

Thank you so much for all your help. We couldn't have gotten Boo back without you.

She's seen a doctor, and she's going to be fine. Bill and I are keeping a close eye on her, and we're in Room 2002 if you'd like to come by and see her.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

Val --

Thank you for everything you did to help get Boo back. Without your powers, we would've had a lot more trouble getting in and out of Cruella's world.

Boo has seen a doctor, and she's going to be fine. Bill and I are keeping a close eye on her, and we're in Room 2002 if you'd like to stop by and see her.

Thanks again,
Kate Warner

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 13:30:41 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ after this and this ]

Kate blinks awake, her sleep-fogged brain registering the fact that there's only one person in bed with her instead of two.

She vaguely remembers Bill's lips near her ear -- "I'm just goin' downstairs for some coffee, you want me t'bring y'anything?" -- and her own near-incoherent nnnm'kay.

Stifling a yawn, she sits up, careful not to disturb Boo still sleeping beside her. She adjusts the sheet and comforter around Boo before easing out of bed and padding into the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face.

She feels closer to awake as she quietly brews a pot of coffee in the kitchen, then curls up on the couch to write out a few notes to leave with Bar.

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 06:39:06 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ "she doesn't seem to be a fan of doctor's offices as it is" ]

With Boo cradled in her arms, Kate leans against the wall just outside her room while Bill unlocks the door.

The stress of the past few hours -- capturing Cruella, searching the empty apartment, rescuing Boo -- are catching up to her as her body reminds her of the spill she took in Cruella's kitchen.

"Home safe, half-pint," she says into Boo's hair. "We'll get you a nice bath and some clean pajamas."

[[ london, cruella de vil's penthouse ]]

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:16:41 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ "opening the door will not get your child back, darlings" ]

Boo's not here.

They're combing the filthy penthouse -- checking closets, cupboards, the bathtub, even behind the dust-caked velvet curtains -- and she's not here.

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:11:42 GMT

whitetextiswhite

[ "boo's not at home like we thought" ]

She loses count of the cups of coffee she downs.

Her head hurts and her eyes feel like they've been scrubbed with sandpaper, but she doesn't want to leave the bar proper.

But when Bill finally convinces her to take a break -- she'd fallen asleep with one cheek on a legal pad -- she almost doesn't think she'll make it up the stairs.

She leans into him, grateful for his arm around her, and when they reach her door, she fumbles twice before it's unlocked.

i should've seen *something*

[[ notes left with bar ]]

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

[[ holiday gifts left with bar ]]

[[ note left for doc scurlock and kate barlow ]]

[[ note left for demeter ]]

[[ france ]]

[[ france ]]

[[ france ]]

[[ france ]]

[[ note left for doc scurlock ]]

[[ france ]]

[[ milliways ]]

[[ note left for demeter ]]

[[ note left for kate barlow ]]

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

[[ milliways ]]

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

[[ notes left with the bar regarding boo ]]

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

[[ london, cruella de vil's penthouse ]]

[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

i should've seen something